Rate top lender Dan Gjeldum and I break down why the lender you choose matters more than ever in Chicago—especially with condos, competitive situations, and today’s rate environment. If you want to avoid financing disasters, strengthen your offer, and actually win the home you love, this is the episode you need to watch.Mortgage and Lending Information:• The truth about “online lenders” and why impressive websites and teaser rates don’t always translate into smooth closings• Why using an out-of-state or online-only lender can be risky when you’re buying a Chicago condo (HOAs, budgets, reviews, and local underwriting quirks are a different world here)• How a well-known, locally active lender can help your offer stand out—even against higher or all-cash offers• The difference between pre-qualification, pre-approval, and fully underwritten approvals (and why listing agents treat them very differently)• Smart strategies for competitive offers: stronger down payments, “cash subject to financing,” and how your lender can actively sell you to the listing agentLending Programs Today:• Newer and lesser-known loan options for today’s buyers:– Bank statement loans for self-employed buyers– Asset-based and retirement-income strategies– ARM products (7- and 10-year ARMs) and when they actually make sense Buyer and Seller Challenges:• What today’s first-time buyers are asking about most—affordability, rates, grants (and what’s disappeared), and how to think about refinancing in the next few years• How non-citizens, visa holders, and minority buyers are being impacted by lending changes and fear in the marketplace• The classic question: “Should I rent or buy right now?”—and how to weigh lifestyle, flexibility, and long-term wealth-building• The biggest mistakes Chicago buyers make: going it alone without a team, choosing the wrong attorney, overspending and becoming house poor, and not thinking about how their needs will change in 3–7 yearsAt the end of the day, Chicago is the “smallest big city” in the country—relationships and reputation matter. The lender you choose, the agent you work with, and the attorney on your team can literally be the difference between winning a great home… or watching it go to someone else.Whether you’re buying your first condo in Lakeview, moving up to a single-family home in Logan Square, or debating if now is the right time to jump from renting to owning, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how financing really works in Chicago—and how to avoid costly mistakes.CONNECT WITH AMANDA:📧 Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com☎️ 773.537.1300🟦 Thinking about buying or selling a home in Chicago?Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a move-up seller, or an investor trying to navigate today’s lending landscape, subscribe for real-world insight on:• Chicago real estate market trends• Condo vs single-family financing in the city• How to make your offer stand out (even without being all cash)• Structuring your loan so it fits both your lifestyle and long-term wealth plan🏡 Meet Amanda McMillan – Your Chicago Real Estate StrategistAmanda is the #1 producing agent in the @properties Christie's Bucktown office and a data-driven advocate for Chicago buyers and sellers. She pairs deep market knowledge with trusted lender and attorney partners to help clients compete with confidence in one of the most nuanced urban markets in the country.CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES:✔ Top 1% of Chicago REALTORS® for closed volume & transactions (2006–2023)✔ $50M+ in Chicago home sales annually✔ 200+ 5-star reviews on Zillow, Google, Yelp & moreLooking beyond Chicago? As part of the Christie's International Real Estate network, Amanda helps clients buy, sell, and invest across the country and around the globe—whether it’s a luxury home in the city, a starter condo on the North Side, or a second home in another market.

Chicago home prices are up nearly 7% so far this year, YET, national headlines paint a picture of housing chaos. Chicago continues to stand out as one of the most stable, resilient real estate markets in the U.S. Forget the doom sayers and CRASH predictions of other pundits - they’ve been saying that for years and don’t tell the hyperlocal story about our great city Chicago.

From inventory challenges to interest rates, pricing trends to buyer and seller behavior—my mortgage expert Dan Gjeldum and I break down exactly what’s happening in Chicago real estate right now, and why our city has been insulated from much of the turbulence seen in other metro areas.

If you’re a Chicago homeowner or future homebuyer, this episode will give you clarity, data, and strategies you won’t hear on the nightly news.

📊 Here’s what we cover in this episode:

* Why Chicago home prices are up ~7% YTD despite national uncertainty

* How limited inventory continues to drive competition (yes, multiple offers are still happening!)

* The impact of interest rates on Chicago home buyers and why waiting may cost you more

* Why Chicago avoided the extreme housing swings seen in markets like Florida, Texas, and Arizona

* Buyer behavior shifts: the surge in demand for turnkey homes and avoidance of costly renovations

* Seller strategies: timing, staging, and small improvements that maximize your Chicago home value

* The critical role of new construction—and why slow development is clogging our market

* Seasonality in the Chicago housing market and why the second half of the year often looks different than the spring rush

Whether you’re considering buying your first Chicago condo, moving up to a single-family home, or selling in today’s market, this episode is packed with insights that will help you make smarter decisions.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA: Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com ☎️ 773.537.1300 🟦 Thinking about buying or selling a home in Chicago? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer in Chicago, a seasoned homeowner, or a real estate investor looking for the next opportunity, subscribe to our channel for expert insights on Chicago real estate market trends, home values, financing strategies, and tips to navigate the Chicago homebuying and homeselling process like a pro.🏡 Meet Amanda McMillan – the #1 producing Chicago real estate agent at @properties Bucktown. A true market strategist, Amanda leverages deep data analysis on Chicago real estate trends, local buyer demand, and national financial shifts to help clients make smarter home-buying and selling decisions.CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES:✔ $50M+ in Chicago home sales annually✔ Ranked in the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for closed volume & transactions✔ 200+ 5-star reviews on Zillow, Google, and YelpLooking beyond Chicago? As a global real estate expert affiliated with Christie's International Real Estate, Amanda helps clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury homes in Chicago, a starter condo in Lincoln Park, or an investment property in Bucktown, Amanda's expertise ensures a seamless experience.🔔 Subscribe now for the best Chicago home buying and selling advice from a top-producing Chicago real estate expert!

Thinking about leaving the city for more space, top-tier schools, or a simpler lifestyle?

In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with one of my favorite collaborators—and Western Suburbs expert—Brian Bomba, to break down everything you need to know if you’re considering a move west of the city.

We dig into:

📉 Inventory trends—what’s actually happening in the Western Suburbs this year

🏡 Where to find the best bang for your buck (Hint: North Downers Grove and Elmhurst are on our radar!)

🚆 Commuting perks, school districts, and lifestyle wins that make suburbs like Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and Western Springs so desirable

🧱 Why new construction is almost nonexistent—and how that affects every buyer

💡 The real reason so many buyers are still writing aggressive offers despite higher interest rates

🍷 Plus: our personal picks for local eats, outdoor activities, and why summer in the ‘burbs might just rival Chicago city living.

Whether you're eyeing the suburbs for more space, better schools, or just a change of pace, this episode is full of actionable insight. And if you're trying to choose between the city and the suburbs, we’ve got stories, strategy, and some solid laughs to help guide your decision.

CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER:

Amanda McMillan,

Chicago Home Partner

Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com

☎️ 773.537.1300

🟦 About Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, homeowner, or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel for a front-row seat to current Chicago market trends, local influences on home values, financing tips, and strategies for making SMART real estate moves.

As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is a true Chicago real estate maestro. A data enthusiast, Amanda dives deep into local, national, and financial markets to serve as both an educator and ally to Chicago's home buyers and sellers.

CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: -

$50M+ in closed volume annually -

Consistently ranked among the Top 1% of Chicago Realtors for volume & transactions -

200+ 5 star reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp

Beyond Chicagoland, Amanda's connection with Christie's International Real Estate enables her to assist clients worldwide. Whether you're seeking luxury services, buying or selling for the first time, or investing, Amanda's expertise and support are unparalleled.

#ChicagoRealEstate #chicagorealestate #SuburbanLiving #HinsdaleRealEstate #HinsdaleHomes #amandamcmillan