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More than 7,000 houses were sold in Chicago in February 2021 alone. That marks a 14.7 percent increase over last year, according to a monthly report from the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs. This booming market opens up the perfect opportunity for buyers and sellers alike to take advantage of the unique skill sets offered by real estate agents.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to sell your house for top dollar, or you’re a first-time buyer searching for your dream home, connecting with a real estate agent is the first step of your journey. The This Old House Reviews Team has done the research on Realtors in the Chicago metro area to help you narrow your search.
* — Unless otherwise noted, all statistics presented in this article are according to the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs.
Benefits of Having a Top Real Estate Agent in Chicago, IL
With the competitive market in Chicago, selling or buying a house on your own can be difficult. Good real estate agents keep your needs in mind and work to deliver on your wishlist. They’re flexible and can act as the adviser, assistant, sales person, marketer, and negotiator throughout the process, making one of life’s most important processes less stressful.
Even if you’re leaning toward buying or selling on your own, we recommend contacting a few agents to help you decide the best option for you and your situation.
Best Buyer’s Agents
With the median home price steadily increasing in Chicago, it’s important to work with a real estate agent that can not only find you the home of your dreams, but can also negotiate the price to fit your budget. The best buying agents are certified Accredited Buyer’s Representatives (ABR) and know how to translate your interests into their search. They have the capacity to jump on prospective houses quickly. This is especially useful in Chicago’s hot real estate market, where the average house is on the market just 42 days, down from 90 days last year, according to the University of Illinois’s REAL study.
The best buyer’s agents in Chicago are:
- Molly Mann, Keller Williams
- Rishawn Boone, Century 21 Affiliated
- Brian Pistorius, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Best Seller’s Agents
Seller Representative Specialists (SRS) are trained to find and market to prospective buyers. Even though houses in the area are selling quicker than in previous years, an agent is sometimes necessary for finding the right buyers. The best seller’s agents use their connections and unique real estate marketing tactics to get you the best price for your home within days of listing.
The best seller’s agents in Chicago are:
- Lori Mattice, RE/MAX Showcase
- Jim Streff, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
- Mike Kajani, Keller Williams
Comparing the Top Chicago Real Estate Agents
Consider key factors for each top-rated real estate agent, such as the reputation of the associated brokerage or agency, years of experience, number of recent sales, price range of homes, and recognition. We’ve listed out the top real estate agents in Chicago that particularly impressed us on these metrics and data points.
Comparison
| Agent | Agency | Years of Experience | Sales in the Last 12 Months* | Price Range Last 24 Months** | Unique Details and Recognition | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lori Mattice | RE/MAX Showcase | 15 | 186 | $19,900-$760,000 | RE/MAX Diamond Award, Top 10 | lorimattice.com |
| Molly Mann | Keller Williams | 7 | 61 | $112,000-$530,000 | Works as a group with four other agents | mollymannhomes.com |
| Jim Streff | Berkshire Hathaway Home Services | 9 | 34 | $115,000-$1.18M | Chairman’s Circle Gold Award | jimstreff.com |
| Rishawn Boone | Century 21 Affiliated | 5 | 30 | $134,000-$510,000 | State of Illinois Top Agent Award | rishawnboone.com |
| Mike Kajani | Keller Williams | 19 | 10 | $80,000-$510,000 | Certified e-PRO® and SRS | houzboss.com |
| Brian Pistorius | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | 18 | 6 | $154,500-$1.8M | BHHS President’s Circle Award | brianpistorius.bhhschicago.com |
| Agent | Agency | Years of Experience | Sales in the Last 12 Months* | Price Range Last 24 Months** | Unique Details and Recognition | Website |
*Figures pulled from Zillow.com as of March 24, 2021.
**Figures pulled from Realtor.com as of March 24, 2021.
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to initiate your home buying or selling by connecting with a professional agent, as a real estate agent can save you both time and money in the long run. We recommend connecting with a few agents to get a feel for each of their personalities and unique methods and choosing the one you connect with most.
Chicago Real Estate: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a real estate agent?
Start by reviewing their performance in key areas such as recent sales or years of experience to help choose a few who make sense for your housing search. Then contact them. Each will have unique methods and personalities that may make them stand out to you more after your initial conversation.
What is the average number of days a home is on the market in Chicago?
Houses in Chicago are on the market for an average of 42 days before closing. This number is down from 90 days in February 2020.
How much do Chicago houses cost?
As of February 2021, the median price for a Chicago house is $270,000, which is up from $240,000 the previous year.
How many homes are for sale in Chicago?
In February 2021, there were 7,052 homes sold in the Chicago metropolitan area. This is up 14.7 percent from the previous year, showing a significant growth in the market.
Is Chicago real estate a good investment?
The Chicago real estate market is strong right now, and the city is an attractive place for investors looking to flip a property or rent it out to residents. If you’re considering purchasing an investment property, we suggest getting in touch with an agent to discuss the best opportunities in the area.
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