I've been living in the Kankakee, IL area ever since my family moved here from a small town in central Illinois in 1970. At the time I was furious with my parents since having to leave all my grade school friends at the age of 13 was super traumatic. I went through my junior high and high school years without any deep friendships. My best friends are from various jobs I've had over the years. Recently, we celebrated our 50th high school class reunion and I actually attended the reunion from the school I graduated from, as well as the reunion of the school I would have graduated from with many of the friends I still stay in contact with. But, without our family moving in 1970, I would have never met my wife, had a family with amazing kids and grandkids and lived a really fulfilling ... 10/28/2025

📸 Hey Melanie Rybarski & Laura Sandoval! What a perfect way to kick off Throwback Thursday — with a brand new homeowner! 🎉🏡 Congratulations, Sara, on your very first home!Wishing you nothing but the best and an abundance of happiness in this exciting new chapter. ❤️Thank you for the opportunity to assist you with your home financing. We look forward to working with you again and hope you’ll continue to count on us as your trusted mortgage advisors.💬 If you ever have questions about your mortgage or financial services of any kind, please don’t hesitate to call. And if we can’t help directly, our outstanding team of financial leaders can!🙏 A big thank you once again to Tina for your trust and support — it truly means the world to us.✨ You could be next!#JustCallWilliam 📲 630-881-8655 10/16/2025

🐪 Hey Melanie Rybarski & Laura Sandoval ! What a perfect way to kick off Hump Day — with a brand new homeowner! 🎉🏡 Congratulations, Debbie, on your very first home!Wishing you nothing but the best and an abundance of happiness in this next chapter. ❤️Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to assist you with your home financing. We look forward to working with you again and hope you’ll continue to count on us as your trusted mortgage advisors.💬 If you ever have questions about your mortgage or any financial services, don’t hesitate to reach out. And if we can’t help directly, our outstanding team of financial leaders can!🙏 A big thank you once again to Jenna Covey, Broker-REALTOR, Lori Bonarek Realty for your trust and support — it truly means the world to us.✨ You could be next!#Just... 10/15/2025

What Sold in Your North Shore Village  July/August 2025?  WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes or condos sold in July/August 2025All homes for sale:  26Current month's supply of inventory:  1.52025 median price: $1,865,000See Winnetka homes for saleSee Winnetka condos for sale WILMETTEClick here to see all Wilmette homes or condos sold in July/August 2025All homes for sale:  44Current months supply of inventory:  1.1Past 12 months median price: $1,300,000See Wilmette homes for saleSee Wilmette condos for sale KENILWORTHKenilworth homes sold in July/August 2025All homes for sale: 14Current month's supply of inventory:  2.5Past 12 months median price: $1,850,000See Kenilworth homes for saleGLENCOE Click here to see all Glencoe homes and condos sold in July/August 2025All homes for... 09/11/2025

Hubbard Woods Real Estate Sales  July/August 2025  2 NEW HUBBARD WOODS HOMES FOR SALE IN July/August 1295 Sunview: $1,349,000 1370 Sunview: $2,195,000 1 NEW PRIVATE HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGSIn July/August 940 Forest Glen West: $1,300,000  5 CLOSED HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGS IN July/August 1442 Asbury List price: $935,000 Sold price: $935,000 Days on market: 34 1487 Tower List price: $829,000 Sold price: $1,075,000 Days on market: 4 812 Rosewood List price: $1,245,000 Sold price: $1,190,000 Days on market: 97 1098 Fisher List price: $2,995,000 Sold price: $2,550,000 Days on market: 81 1575 Hickory List price: $3,195,000 Sold price: $3,175,000 Days on market: 5   CURRENT HUBBARD WOODS REAL ESTATE SNAPSHOTHomes for sale: 7 (from $1050,000 to $4,250,000)Homes under contract: 4Median home price for... 09/11/2025

In some ways, what home isn't expensive nowadays? I sold my beautiful 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in 2019 - and now I see many lesser homes sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars more! Alas.But there's always the stratosphere of home buying that keeps us entertained. This year, seven homes sold over $5,000,000 in Winnetka, Northfield, and Glencoe, and seven homes over $2,500,000 in Glenview and Northbrook. WINNETKA - GLENCOE - NORTHFIELD 225 Old Farm, Northfield List price: $4,750,000 Sold price: $5,000,000 Days on market: 14   675 Blackthorn, Winnetka List price: $4,999,999 Sold price: $5,157,000 Days on market: 1 671 Lincoln, Winnetka (Home Alone House) List price: 5,250,000 Sold price: $5,500,000 Days on market: 7   585 Longwood, Glencoe List price: $8,775,000 Sold price: $7,100,000 ... 07/17/2025

The Chicago area is at a critical inflection point. With rising economic development, a recovering downtown core, and a strong suburban industrial base, the region’s future depends on one thing above all: housing. Simply put, we need more of it—and we need it now.A robust and sustainable workforce cannot exist without a supply of housing that meets the needs of young professionals, working families, and essential service workers. And while Chicago’s skyline may appear to have plenty of space, much of that square footage is locked away in outdated or underutilized office buildings. That’s where smart solutions come in—solutions like converting office buildings into residential units, and tapping the expertise of local developers, planners, and commercial real estate agents to make it hap... 07/16/2025

What Sold in Your North Shore Village  May/June 2025?  WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes or condos sold in May/June2025All homes for sale:  26Current month's supply of inventory:  1.52025 median price: $1,725,000See Winnetka homes for saleSee Winnetka condos for saleSee Winnetka townhouses for sale WILMETTEClick here to see all Wilmette homes or condos sold in May/June2025All homes for sale:  44Current months supply of inventory:  1.1Past 12 months median price: $1,275,000See Wilmette homes for saleSee Wilmette condos for saleSee Wilmette townhouses for sale KENILWORTHKenilworth homes sold in May/June 2025All homes for sale: 14Current month's supply of inventory:  2.5Past 12 months median price: $1,775,000See Kenilworth homes for saleGLENCOE Click here to see all Glencoe home... 07/14/2025

Hubbard Woods Real Estate Sales  May/June 2025  6 NEW HUBBARD WOODS HOMES FOR SALE IN May/June 1487 Tower: $829,000 (under contract) 1442 Asbury: $935,000 (under contract) 1492 Asbury: $1,150,000 1288 Sunview: $1,195,000 1423 Asbury: $2,499,000 1098 Fisher: $2,799,000  NO NEW PRIVATE HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGSIn May/June 16 CLOSED HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGS IN May/June 154 Glenwood List price: $899,000 Sold price: $899,000 Days on market: $5 791 Walden List price: 1,075,000 Sold price: $1,200,000 Days on market: 3 1413 Tower List price: $1,199,000 Sold price: $1,381,000 1338 Sunview List price: 1,599,000 Sold price: $1,600,000 Days on market: 4 938 Old Green Bay List price: 1,639,000 Sold price: $1,650,000 Days on market: 7 1149 Scott List price: 1,650,000 Sold price: $1,685,000 Days on market:... 07/08/2025

Considering a move to Plainfield, Illinois? As a local realtor, I’ve helped countless home buyers and sellers navigate the housing market here—and one of the most common questions I hear is: What is the cost of living in Plainfield? Whether you’re relocating for work, looking for a quiet suburb near Chicago, or preparing to sell your home, understanding the Plainfield cost of living is essential.Overview: Why Plainfield?Located about 35 miles southwest of Chicago, Plainfield blends small-town charm with big-city accessibility. Known for its highly rated schools, scenic parks, and family-friendly communities, the area continues to grow as one of the most desirable suburbs in Will County.But how does the cost of living compare to other Chicagoland communities? Let’s break it down.Housing ... 06/27/2025

Aurora, IL home inventory almost reached 100 available listings on Monday, June 16, 2025.  Following is the breakdown by category: New - 23Reactivated - 4Price Change - 7Active - 66Lowest Priced - $214,900 - 2 BR 1 BA - full basement - 976 sq. ft. on .0848 acres.Highest Priced - $990,000 - 5 BR, 1 BR basment - 3.1 BA 3 Car Garage - 2 story home with  English basement aprx. 3,605 main and 1,461 basement - 4,708 sq. ft. total on .35 acres.Aurora, IL is considered one of the more affordable big  cities in IL with an exciting art scene, new restaurants and renovated older buildings as well as new construction in their downtown area.Of course, I am a  bit bias since its my hometown!  Ready  to check out Aurora as your next home?  Give me a call/text or email and let's start  your home search!  06/16/2025

I live in Evanston, which is the first suburb north of Chicago, IL, in an area known in our region as 'Greater Chicagoland'.  The entire area that surrounds Chicago (also known as the 'collar counties' that surround Chicago's "Cook County").I don't know of any other community that speaks of itself in such terms.  We don't talk about New Yorkland, or San Franciscoland.  Houstonland, People who live in distant communities such as Naperville, which is over 30 miles from Chicago proper, calls itself a part of Chicagoland.  When traveling out of state, and people ask where we're from, we don't automatically say we're from Skokie, or Cicero... we say Chicago... with a modicum of pride.According to TimeOut magazine, Chicago was voted as one of the top best cities in the world (#11).  I know, I... 06/03/2025

Naperville, Illinois, is more than just a great place to live—it's a vibrant community full of unique attractions, recreational activities, and cultural experiences. Whether you're a potential home buyer exploring the area or a seller looking to highlight your neighborhood’s perks, understanding what makes Naperville special can truly enhance your connection to this thriving city.If you're wondering about things to do in Naperville, here’s a professional local realtor’s guide to the top six activities that residents and visitors alike enjoy.1. Explore the Naperville RiverwalkThe Naperville Riverwalk is often called the “crown jewel” of the city. This scenic walking path along the DuPage River offers picturesque views, charming bridges, fountains, and gardens. It’s a perfect place for a ... 05/23/2025

What Sold in Your North Shore Village in March and April 2025? During the last two months, inventory has increased in all North Shore communities except Glencoe, where it stayed the same. This is normal since the spring market was gearing up at that time. As usual for this market, most homes sell fast for top dollar. However, of the total for sale in each village, approximately half have been on the market for over 30 days. And that's a big change.WINNETKAClick here to see all Winnetka homes or condos sold in March/April 2025All homes for sale:  36Current month's supply of inventory:  1.72025 median price: $1,795,000See Winnetka homes for saleSee Winnetka condos for saleSee Winnetka townhouses for sale WILMETTEClick here to see all Wilmette homes or condos sold in March/April 2025All ho... 05/16/2025

Hubbard Woods Real Estate Sales  March/April 2025  9 NEW HUBBARD WOODS HOMES FOR SALE IN March/April   1413 Tower: $1,199,000 (under contract) 815 Rosewood: $1,499,000(under contract)   251 Scott: $1,599,000 (under contract) 1149 Scott: $1,650,000 (under contract) 1170 Oakley: $2,195,000 (under contract)   1065 Fisher: $2,450,000 1250 Westmoor: $2,900,000 1575 Hickory: $3,195,000 (under contract) 977 Sheridan: $4,500,000  4 NEW PRIVATE HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGSIN March/April 154 Glenwood: $899,000 812 Rosewood: $1,200,000 1098 Fisher: $2,995,000 675 Blackthorn: $4,999,000  5 CLOSED HUBBARD WOODS LISTINGS IN March/April 1066 Tower List price: $959,000 Sold price: $975,000 Days on market: 12 312 Rosewood List price: $1,496,000 Sold price: $1,725,000 Days on market: 5 1344 Edgewood List price... 05/16/2025

It's truly been an interesting week in the world, and definitely in Chicago.  We learned with a puff of smoke that the world had a new Pope, and not only that, but for the very first time he is from the United States.He is not, as is being widely reported, the first American, as Francis was from Argentina (which is also American... south American to be precise).  I know, I know... we from the U.S. like to call our selves Americans, but we aren't the only inhabitants of America.But those of us in the greater Chicagoland area learned that Pope Leo XIV is also from our area.  He's not technically from Chicago, he's from a nearby suburb (Naperville), but as many in our area who are from nearby, we claim Chicago as our hometown.And better yet, we learned that The Pope, when he was young, ac... 05/09/2025

Nothing  is certain in life and selling your home is no different.  It seems like there  are more and more Real  Estate  Agents in every single market.  With so many agents to choose from, what is today's home seller to do? Do you go with the latest  TikTok Agent who makes you laugh?  Do you go with that Agent  that looks like they just stepped out of the set of "Selling LA"?  Perhaps the easy going agent that  works for the top Real Estate Brokerage in town?  The self-proclaimed #1 agent?  Your  neighbor's daughter/son who just got their license??Experience vs Popularity? Those are tough decisions to make when you are  trusting one of the largest assets that  you may own.  What if you can have an agent  that may not be claiming the "No. 1" spot in your town but has experience over the ... 05/04/2025

Closing Costs in Naperville, IL: What Buyers and Sellers Need to KnowWhen buying or selling a home in Naperville, Illinois, understanding the closing costs is essential for a smooth transaction. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced seller, knowing what to expect financially can help you prepare for the final stages of the home purchase or sale. In this guide, we'll break down what closing costs typically include, who is responsible for paying them, and how to estimate the amount you’ll need for a successful real estate transaction in Naperville.What Are Closing Costs?Closing costs are the fees and expenses associated with the completion of a real estate transaction. These costs are in addition to the price of the property and are due at the closing table, which is the... 04/30/2025

This is a rant of sorts - I have been getting postcards in the mail for several years from  local investors (3) who  buy homes "Cash" from homeowners in "all" situations.  Being that  I am a senior citizen and that I also appear on my mother's property - I find this irritating.   It also irritates  me  that the picture the most current investor used  is not even mine - its my neighbor's unit who happens to live in the adjoining duplex.  At least get it right!  I have called previously when I kept getting cards for my mother's property in IL's 2nd  largest city.  A nice brick ranch on a prominent street.  It's  not fancy - but for an investor I can see the allure.   Now I don't know  if they target protected classes  exclusively or just senior citizens in certain "farming" areas. Either ... 04/28/2025

With the weather in the 80's - the spring market is literally heating up in the western suburbs of Chicago.  Oswego, IL is a quaint small town with aproximately of 38,640.  With several new  construction home projects throughout the village finding and existing home to buy could be a challenge.As of today, 4/24/25 - there are only 30 existing homes out  of 65 that were listed.  The other 35  are to-be-built, new  construction homes.The existing homes rane  from 3 Bedroom, 1 bath home listed at $299,900 to the highest priced home listed at $1.6M for an estate 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths on 14.41 acres.  This all brick 2 story home at 5,000 sq.  ft.   With a 30x40 pole barn there  is plenty of room to store your collections.Located on the Fox River and only 12 minutest from downtown Aurora, you... 04/24/2025