Chicago Real Estate Insider with Amanda McMillan

Hosted by Amanda McMillan

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Jun 2026

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The Chicago Home Partner Podcast is your resource for all things real estate in Chicago. We're focused on providing data-inspired advice and education for today’s Chicago home buyer, seller or investor. ABOUT CHICAGO HOME PARTNER A division of @properties Christie's International Real Estate, Chicago Home Partner was founded in 2002 by Amanda McMillan. Our boutique team of top producers continually rank in the top 1% (top 50) for sales in Chicago and a stellar online reputation. We cut through the spin and headlines to provide data-based insight on today's Chicago housing market.

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October 8, 2026Episode 3938 min

Renovations vs. Value: What actually increases your home price

Why do home renovation budgets blow up—and which improvements are actually worth the investment? Chicago architect Jeff Eichhorn joins Amanda McMillan to discuss renovation costs, resale value, and smarter planning.From “while we’re at it” upgrades to surprises hiding inside older homes, a renovation can quickly become a bigger project than you intended. Before you start, it helps to understand what you’re spending, why you’re spending it, and how long you plan to enjoy the results.In this episode of the Chicago Home Partner podcast, Amanda and Jeff bring together the real estate and architectural perspectives on remodeling an existing home. Jeff is a licensed architect specializing in renovations of Chicago homes—and someone Amanda has known and trusted for more than 20 years.We explore:• Why renovation budgets grow and how to manage scope creep• Renovation costs versus resale value• When renovating makes sense—and when moving may be the better option• Planning decisions before construction begins• Chicago basement remodeling, ceiling heights, and water concerns• Updating bungalows and greystones while preserving their character• Making your home live bigger without adding square footage• AI design inspiration, changing trends, and timeless choicesWhether you’re considering a kitchen remodel, finishing a basement, or rethinking an older home’s layout, this conversation will help you ask better questions before committing to the project.Chicago real estate is local. Understanding your home, your neighborhood, and your long-term plans matters when deciding whether to renovate, buy, or sell.If you want to talk through your own buying or selling strategy in Chicago, reach out anytime.🟥 SUBSCRIBE:https://bit.ly/3RVAjSyCONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER:Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner📧 Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com☎️ 773.537.1300🟦 ABOUTBuying your first Chicago home, planning your next move, or exploring a real estate investment? Chicago Home Partner offers practical insight into Chicago real estate, neighborhood life, financing, home values, and homeownership.Hosted by Amanda McMillan of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, the channel brings together local knowledge, market research, and conversations with trusted professionals to help you make informed real estate decisions.Subscribe for more conversations about Chicago homes, the people who shape them, and how to make your home work better for your life.#HomeRenovation #RenovationBudget #HomeRemodeling #ChicagoRealEstate #AmandaMcMillan

June 5, 2026Episode 140 min

Chicago's Spring Market Update 2026

Is the 2026 Chicago real estate market really slowing down — or are the headlines missing the bigger story?In this episode we break down what is actually happening in the Chicago housing market right now, especially across the North Side neighborhoods we work in every day — including Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Old Town, Gold Coast, River North, Rogers Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, Humboldt Park, and the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods.The short version? Inventory is still extremely low, prices are still moving up, and buyers are facing one of the most competitive Chicago home buying markets we’ve seen in years. But that does not mean every seller can name any price and expect the market to forgive mistakes.In this conversation, we cover:- Why Chicago real estate headlines can be misleading- Why fewer closed sales does not always mean lower buyer demand- How low inventory is affecting Chicago home buyers- Why list price and sold price are not the same thing- What buyers need to understand before writing offers in a multiple-offer market- Why buyer fatigue is real — and how to avoid making a bad decision out of pressure- What Chicago home sellers are getting wrong in this market- Why the highest offer is not always the best offer- How pricing, presentation, staging, financing, inspection terms, and agent experience all impact whether a deal actually gets to the finish line- What we expect for the rest of the 2026 Chicago real estate marketIf you are buying a home in Chicago, selling a home in Chicago, moving to Chicago, relocating to Chicago, or trying to understand whether now is the right time to make a move, this episode will help you understand what the market feels like beyond the headlines.Chicago real estate is local. The national news does not always reflect what is happening block by block in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Old Town, River North, Gold Coast, West Town, Logan Square, North Center, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square, Portage Park, Jefferson Park, and beyond.If you want to talk through your own buying or selling strategy in Chicago, reach out anytime.🟥 SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/3RVAjSyCONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER:Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner📧 Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com☎️ 773.537.1300🟦 About Are you a first-time Chicago homebuyer, home owner or real estate investor? Subscribe to our channel to gain insight into current Chicago market trends, local topics impacting home values, financing and the ability to make SMART real estate decisions.As the #1 producing agent in the @properties Bucktown, Amanda is truly an expert in Chicago real estate. A data junkie, Amanda studies local, national and financial markets to position herself as both an educator and ally to Chicago’s home buyers and home 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 YelpIn addition to Chicagoland, Amanda’s affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate allows her to provide assistance across the globe. Whether luxury services, first time buyers/sellers, or investors, Amanda’s experience and guidance is unmatched.🔍 KeywordsChicago real estate, Chicago real estate market, Chicago housing market 2026, Chicago home buying, Chicago home selling, buying a home in Chicago, selling a home in Chicago, low inventory housing market, multiple offer real estate market, Chicago Realtor, North Side Chicago real estate, Lincoln Park real estate, Lakeview real estate, Bucktown real estate, Wicker Park real estate, Chicago condos, Chicago single family homes, real estate market update, buyer fatigue, seller strategy📌 Hashtags#ChicagoRealEstate #ChicagoHousingMarket #ChicagoRealtor #HomeBuying #HomeSelling

March 19, 2026Episode 3630 min

Never Be The Smartest Person In The Room - Entrepreneur Success Chicago

What's the secret to successful entrepreneurs?In Episode 2 of the SheCago Podcast, Amanda McMillan sits down with Amelia Forczak, a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, entrepreneur, mom, and founder of Pithy Wordsmithery.Amelia built a thriving business in an industry many people don’t even know exists. What started as a side project writing a book for her CEO eventually turned into a 14-year career helping entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders turn their ideas into bestselling books.But this conversation goes far beyond writing.Amanda and Amelia dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a business without a roadmap, and the constant balancing act of being a driven professional while raising a family. From scaling a company to learning to let go of control, the lessons in this episode apply to anyone building something meaningful.They also explore how authorship can become a powerful tool for personal branding, leadership, and influence — and why writing a book may be more achievable than most people think.You’ll also hear about Amelia’s vision for the future of publishing, including how AI is reshaping the writing process and her new initiatives to help more entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.Whether you're a business owner, creative thinker, or simply someone with a story to tell, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insight.Key Takeaways from Episode 2:• Why hiring people smarter than you is one of the most important lessons in entrepreneurship• The truth about “balance” and why it rarely looks the way we expect• How becoming a parent can reshape ambition, success, and priorities• What ghostwriters actually do — and how books are created behind the scenes• How AI may change the future of writing and publishing• Why your story may already be halfway written About SheCagoSheCago is a podcast spotlighting the stories of inspiring Chicago women who are building businesses, breaking ceilings, and redefining success — all while navigating the realities of family, ambition, and modern life.Hosted by Chicago real estate advisor Amanda McMillan, each episode dives into honest conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the journeys that shape extraordinary women.Connect with Amanda McMillan📍 Chicago Home Partner – @properties Christie’s International Real Estate🌐 https://www.ChicagoHomePartner.com📧 Amanda@atproperties.com👉 Subscribe to the channel so you never miss an episode:https://bit.ly/3RVAjSy

March 12, 2026Episode 3428 min

When Failure Isn’t an Option: A Chicago Woman’s Story of Grit & Survival

Chicago women in business face challenges few people talk about. In this episode, I sit down with Kim Blackburn, owner of Red June Cafe, to talk about grit, survival, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and why failure was never an option.From growing up on a farm and learning hard work early, to becoming a single mom, building a successful small business, surviving cancer, and navigating over 15 years as a woman business owner in the city—this is an honest conversation about what it really takes.In this first episode of SheCago Stories, we discuss:The realities of running a small business in Chicago* Why “work-life balance” often feels impossible for working women* How adversity can either break you—or force you to level up* The pressure women feel to succeed without showing struggle* The power of community, resilience, and self-trust* What Kim wishes she knew earlier about money, confidence, and riskThis episode is for the Chicago working woman who is building a career, raising a family, running a business, or simply trying to hold it all together—while wondering if she’s doing enough.If you’ve ever felt like quitting wasn’t an option—but exhaustion was real—this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone.🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode for a raw, meaningful discussion about women in business, entrepreneurship, motherhood, failure, and survival in Chicago.

February 23, 2026Episode 3422 min

Mortgage Rates Just Dropped. Should You Buy or Wait?

What’s actually happening with Chicago mortgages right now — and how should Chicago buyers think about financing in 2026?Today I sit down with my trusted lending partner, Dan Gjeldum, to break down what’s really happening in the Chicago real estate market this spring — from mortgage rates under 6% to appraisal waivers, ARM products, refinancing strategy, and how to compete in multiple-offer situations.If you’re a Chicago homebuyer, especially a first-time homebuyer, this conversation is essential. We’re cutting through the noise and giving you real-world strategy for navigating Chicago real estate in a competitive, low-inventory environment. What We Cover in This Chicago Mortgage & Market Update ✔️ Where Mortgage Rates Stand in 2026 ✔️ Should Chicago Buyers Keep Waiting? ✔️ Cash Offers Subject to Financing ✔️ Appraisal Gaps & Appraisal Waivers ✔️ Are ARM Loans Making a Comeback? ✔️ Refinancing Strategy for Chicago Homeowners ✔️ New Fed Chair & Market Impact Meet Amanda McMillan – Your Chicago Real Estate Strategist Amanda is the #1 producing agent in the @properties Christie’s International Real Estate Bucktown office and a data-driven advocate for Chicago buyers and sellers. She combines hyper-local market expertise with strategic lending partnerships to help clients compete confidently in one of the most nuanced urban markets in the country. CHICAGO REAL ESTATE ACCOLADES: ✔ Top 1% of Chicago REALTORS® for closed volume & transactions (2006–2025) ✔ $50M+ in annual Chicago home sales ✔ 200+ 5-star reviews across Zillow, Google, Yelp & more Looking beyond Chicago? As part of the Christie’s International Real Estate network, Amanda helps clients buy, sell, and invest nationally and globally. 🔔 Subscribe for straight-talk advice on Chicago real estate, Chicago mortgages, and smart homebuying strategy.

January 1, 2026Episode 3249 min

2026 Chicago Market Report: Prices UP, Rates DOWN, Inventory ZERO!

What really happened in the Chicago real estate market in 2025 — and what does it mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners heading into 2026?In this annual Chicago Home Partner Market Report, we break down the data, revisit last year’s predictions, and give you a clear, honest look at where the Chicago housing market stands today. From rising home prices and shrinking inventory to interest rates, buyer demand, and consumer confidence, this is the most comprehensive Chicago real estate update of the year. 📊 What We Cover in This 2025 Chicago Real Estate Report✔️ Chicago Home Prices– Overall median home prices rose ~6.5% in 2025– Single-family home prices jumped nearly 13%– Why location, property type, and scarcity continue to drive appreciation✔️ Housing Inventory in Chicago– Total inventory declined 13% year-over-year– Single-family home inventory dropped more than 20%– Condo inventory also tightened, adding pressure across all price points✔️ Interest Rates & Mortgage Trends– Average mortgage rates fell from 6.72% (2024) to ~6.3% (2025)– Why rates didn’t drop further — and why waiting can actually cost buyers more– What to expect for rates in 2026✔️ Home Sales & Buyer Demand– Home sales increased slightly despite fewer homes available– What strong buyer demand signals about market strength– Why Chicago continues to outperform many national markets✔️ Days on Market & Competition– Homes are selling faster, with average days on market declining– Why competitive markets don’t always mean “instant” sales– How pricing strategy matters more than ever✔️ Consumer Confidence & the Bigger Picture– Why consumer confidence declined sharply in 2025– How inflation, cost of living, and uncertainty affect housing decisions– What buyers and sellers should focus on despite the noise🧭 Looking Ahead: Chicago Real Estate Forecast for 2026We also share forward-looking insights on:Where Chicago home prices are headedWhether inventory is likely to improve (or not)How interest rates could move throughout 2026What today’s buyers and sellers should be preparing for now📍 About This ReportThis data focuses on Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods, from the river north to Rogers Park and west to areas like the West Loop, Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Jefferson Park, and beyond. It includes all residential property types — single-family homes, condos, and townhomes — with important distinctions explained throughout.

November 18, 2025Episode 3141 min

How Your Mortgage Lender Can Ruin Your Home Purchase

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.

September 23, 2025Episode 3041 min

The Chicago Market is NOT Crashing! (Here's Why)

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!

August 1, 202549 min

The Best Chicago Suburb to Live in is...

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

June 2, 2025Episode 2950 min

The Best Northern Chicago Suburbs to Move To (2025)

Thinking about leaving the city for the Chicago suburbs? Wondering what suburban life really looks like compared to your current neighborhood in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, or Logan Square? In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with my longtime friend and North Shore expert Connie Dornan to break it all down in a point/counterpoint conversation between two seasoned real estate advisors—me (city-focused) and Connie (suburbs-focused). We compare what Chicago residents are experiencing right now with what’s happening in the suburbs—from inventory trends to home prices, buyer behavior, and lifestyle differences. Hear how mortgage rates are impacting buyer psychology, to what types of properties are in highest demand in areas like Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, and more. Whether you've made up your mind to move or are just weighing your options - this conversation is packed with insider insight you won't find on Zillow. As two experienced brokers who started in real estate during times of crisis, Connie and I share the data-driven strategies and real-life stories that are helping our clients succeed in today’s competitive housing market.✨ Whether you're dreaming of a bigger backyard, looking for top-rated schools, or just trying to understand what life in the suburbs is really like, this episode is a must-watch.🔔 Subscribe for more expert real estate advice, neighborhood deep-dives, and honest takes on Chicago’s evolving market.📍 Serving buyers and sellers in Chicago, Wilmette, Glenview, Winnetka, Northbrook, Lake Forest, and beyond.CONNECT WITH CHICAGO HOME PARTNER: Amanda McMillan, Chicago Home Partner Amanda@ChicagoHomePartner.com ☎️ 773.537.1300