Top 5 Best Restaurants in Chicago's South Loop

It’s Friday night and you are ready to cap off the long week at one of the South Loop’s finest restaurants. But where should you go? I’m here to help you sort out the spots with the best food and drinks to make your Friday that much easier.

Fire House Restaurant

The Firehouse Restaurant is one if not the nicest restaurant in the South Loop. It has an incredible bar and has all the top food choices you’d want out of a steakhouse.. Their service is also what you’d expect and it’s excellent. Both their bar and dining room cater to everyday dining or special events. This is a great date night choice or great if you want a very nice dinner or cocktails in the South Loop.

Armand’s Victory Tap

Armand’s came to the South Loop about 5 years ago and filled a great location in the neighborhood. Their chef is from the famous Rosebud Restaurant and their menu is fantastic. They have amazing Italian food, a fantastic bar and great service. Their staff knows most of the neighborhood regulars as this is a great spot for dinner any night of the week. They also have great takeout. Their proportions are large and their sauce is amazing. You can’t go wrong with Victory Tap!

Umai Sushi

Umai Sushi came to the South Loop after my old favorite sushi spot was already established (South Coast). It took us a while to try Umai but once we gave it a try it quickly became our new favorite sushi spot. This place always has great service and is busy. Their sushi has always been fresh and they are great if you have an allergy ( I know). I’m a big fan because of the quality of food, service and atmosphere of this South Loop spot.

La Cantina

La Cantina is the hidden gem of the South Loop food scene. They have very authentic Mexican food and their prices are hard to beat. Whether that is fajitas or enchiladas they are amazing. They also have incredible margaritas and they even can their own drinks to go. La Cantina’s food quality and quantity is hard to beat so swing by or order take out. You will love it!

Yolk

I’m a big fan of breakfast food and Yolk is the go to spot in the South Loop. They don’t do anything fancy but what you get there is consistently good, fast breakfast. The staff are all very friendly and their space is larger than it seems so even if the line is out the door it moves quickly. If you are going there try to use Yelp to get on their waitlist before you head out just in case it’s super busy.

I hope this list of the best South Loop Restaurants was helpful to you. If you are looking to buy or sell South Loop real estate I’d love to help. Just hit the link below to schedule a call.

Oak Park Property for Sale | 644 Washington Blvd Unit A | 2 Bed | 1.1 Bath | $300,000

Listing Description

Don't miss this stunning updated townhouse in the village of Oak Park just a quick commute to the city. Renovated in 2017, this like-new home is full of character and completely move-in ready. Modern yet timeless, the high-end fixtures and designer flooring pair effortlessly to create the perfect space. An open entertainment area, oversized gourmet kitchen and bonus breakfast bar seating make this home as practical as it is cool. You'll love the private patio with space to entertain or relax with a cup of coffee. Beautifully designed and centrally located, this one won't last long. Schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

644 Washington Boulevard

Oak Park, IL 60302

 

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Albany Park Property for Sale | 4944 N Drake Ave | Renovated 2 Flat | $675,000

About the Property

A stunning investment or income property opportunity, this two-flat duplex sits on a quiet, tree-lined street in Albany Park and is right where you want to be. The main level offers two bedrooms, one bath plus an additional 3 bedrooms and bath in the lower level, and the upstairs unit has three bedrooms and one bath, all tastefully updated and beautifully finished. Soaring ceilings in each highlight oak hardwood flooring and open concept floorplans fitted with recessed lighting. Everything has been recently updated, including the bathrooms and kitchens that boast beautiful stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops. Renovated backyard/patio with custom built in grill, perfect for entertaining. A spectacular opportunity you don't want to miss!

Schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

4944 N Drake Ave

Chicago, IL 60625

 

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2021 Chicago Real Estate Market Predictions

In this video I join a panelist of Chicago Real Estate Brokers and we give our predictions for the 2021 Chicago real estate market and discuss the current market conditions.

Bridgeport Property for Sale | 3615 S Morgan | 3 Bed | 2.2 Bath | $460,000

Listing Description

A beautiful townhome in a great location, this 3-bedroom, 2.2-bathroom, plus office home in Bridgeport is right where you want to be with easy access to local transit, dining, and amenities, including a one-minute walk to Donovan Park. Just built in 2017, this like-new home offers a modern open floorplan and updated fixtures to make this space both beautiful and practical. Sleek designer flooring and warm natural light highlight the beautiful entertainment space just waiting to host your next gathering. The thoughtfully designed kitchen is perfect for the home chef with luxe granite countertops, plenty of custom cabinetry, and updated stainless-steel appliances and hood. A bonus island provides even more prep space, as well as breakfast bar seating for two, while the large pantry gives extra storage and includes a washer and dryer.

Oversized sliding doors lead directly to your private outdoor balcony, complete with a natural gas line for grilling and space for al fresco dining. You can also enjoy great city views and ballpark fireworks directly from your own expanded full rooftop deck. Back inside, the bedrooms are bright and airy with bathrooms that have been beautifully finished, including a large master suite with walk-in closet and sparkling ensuite bathroom. The first floor is just right for a home office or workout room. A modern layout, upgraded finishes, and plenty of features that include an attached two-car garage make this a must-see home you don’t want to miss – call today for a private showing!

Schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

3615 S Morgan St

Chicago, IL 60609

 

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Skokie Property for Sale |9345 Kolmar Avenue Skokie, IL 60076 | 4 Bed | 3 Bath | $349,000

Listing Description

Don't miss this bright and spacious single-family 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home! Boasting a great location, you will love living across the street from a large park with baseball, basketball and tennis courts! Enjoy years of maintenance free living in this charming home that has been meticulously updated from the inside out with newly-installed hardwood floors throughout, a brand-new roof, water heater and furnace! The updates continue in the serene backyard with a new privacy fence and gazebo to give you the perfect outdoor oasis. With a great location and tons of updates, this one won't last long!

Schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

9345 Kolmar Avenue

Skokie, IL 60076

 

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University Village Property for Sale | 1524 S Sangamon | 2 Bed | 1 Bath | $222,900

Listing Description

Sleek, modern and in the perfect location, you don’t want to let this chic condo pass you by. Located in highly-desirable University Village, you’ll love easy access to nearby dining, shops and nightlife, and just a quick commute downtown. An open concept entertainment space welcomes you into the home, highlighted by hardwood floors and tons of natural light. The modern kitchen is fully equipped and even offers bonus breakfast bar seating at the oversized island. Large sliding doors lead to your private patio with space for a grill and al fresco dining. This must-see condo won’t last long – call today for a private showing!

Schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

1524 S Sangamon

St, Chicago, IL 60608

 

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South Loop Property for Sale | 1819 S Michigan #603 | 2 Bed | 1 Bath | $300,000

Listing Description

Chic and stylish, this bright and open apartment sits in the heart of the South Loop on Michigan Ave. and is right where you want to be near all the best shops, dining and amenities. Inside, modern finishes pair with industrial touches in the gorgeous open entertainment space full of natural light. Designer flooring and high-end fixtures fill the space, including the large kitchen that offers tons of storage, stainless-steel appliances, and an oversized island with breakfast bar seating. A private terrace gives even more space to entertain. The bedrooms are bright and roomy and share a beautifully-finished full bathroom. Don’t let this one pass you by!

Schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

1819 S Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60616

 

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South Loop Property Now Available | 1516 S Wabash Ave #707 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | $244,900

Listing Description

Parking included in this modern industrial apartment in the perfect location.

Facing north with gorgeous city views, this conveniently located one bedroom in the South Loop is right where you want to be.

The chic industrial finishes are highlighted by plenty of natural light and hardwood floors throughout.

A modern kitchen boasts stainless-steel appliances and spacious island for bonus breakfast bar seating and overlooks the roomy living area with gas fireplace.

Offering includes in-unit laundry, a deeded indoor parking space and private balcony, this home won’t last long.

This building is FHA approved.

Call today for your private showing!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

1516 S Wabash Ave #707

Chicago,IL 60605

 

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What To Look For When Picking A Broker

In todays market you probably know a handful of real estate agents. But how do you choose the right one for you?  

Below are some criteria that I believe make a difference when choosing a real estate broker. 

Choosing the right broker matters! Watch this video to find out more about what to look for when choosing a broker for your property.

INTEGRITY 

Your broker should be working for you. This means that sometimes they should advise you to walk away from a purchase. When working with clients we always put together an analysis of the property we are writing an offer for.

During this process we know very closely how much the home is worth and our walk away number. We also analyze the market to see how much inventory is available and the competitive landscape. This additional data helps us put together a game plan on our offer that puts us in the best position to purchase the property below market value. 

UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE TRANSACTION

Some brokers only understand the purchase or sale portion of the transaction. Prior to becoming a real estate broker I spent time in the banking industry and the insurance industry so I understand the lending process and how to navigate the insurance markets. This has given me a more holistic understanding of the real estate process and has allowed me to advise my clients throughout the entire home buying / selling process. 

TOP NEGOTIATOR 

The minute you hear the words "split the difference" you are leaving money on the table. We pride ourselves on negotiating like it's our money so if we can get any additional dollars during the negotiation WE WILL!

When someone asks to split the difference there is most likely additional dollars to win in the negotiation. Don't get caught in this trap and hire a broker that will negotiate like it is their money. 

If you are looking to make a move in the next year, I'd love to set up a time to talk. You can respond to this email or click the link below to set up a time to talk. Have a great day and I look forward to talking with you soon!

How Long Does It Take To Buy a Property?

The buying process varies greatly from client to client but I've developed a

Roadmap of a Transaction to give clients a better idea of the timeline for each step. 

Step 1: Engage a Broker

Always the first step as far as getting started in your home buying process is finding a broker. As a personal tip from me, you want to pick someone that you trust and that is experienced with your wants and needs.

“It takes 45-75 or more days to buy a property”

-Real Estate Agent Tom Campone

Step 2: Pre-Approval (3-5 Days)

More specifically, the first step in the home buying process is working with a lender to get a pre-approval. To get pre-approved you will provide all your financial statements to a lender. Once reviewed they will give you a pre-approval letter with the amount of the loan you qualify for. The pre-approval process is important because we will need to include this letter with the offer. 

Step 3: View Properties (1-21 Days)

This is the fun part of the process. We get to start shopping! Before we go shopping we will use an online search as a first showing. You will probably review 100-200 properties depending on how well you've defined your criteria. Out of that group of properties our goal is to narrow that down to 6-10 properties. Once we have the list narrowed down to 6-10 we will schedule a day to go out and see all of the units. If we see all the units back to back it will give you a great comparison of the inventory available throughout your budget. Inevitably there is 1 or 2 units that stand out from this group. 

Step 3: Write an Offer (1 Day)

Once we've found the property for you it's time to write an offer. Before we write the offer I will put together a detailed analysis of the property and I will give you my opinion of the price. The analysis will also include the market information of how much inventory is on the market and absorption rate. This will give us a wholistic view of the market and we can start to strategize on how to get you the best price for the unit. 

Step 4: Negotiate (1-2 Days)

This is where the rubber hits the road. If we've done our job analyzing the property we can feel confident in our offer and our negotiating position. I negotiate like it's my money so if I can get you another $500 or $1,000 in the transaction I will tell you and we will go after it for you. 

Inspection (3-5 Days)

Once we have agreed on the terms of the transaction we will hire an inspector. The inspectors job is to find problems so don't be surprised when they do. Once the inspection is complete they will send you a detailed report with their findings. It's important that you attend the inspection as the inspection items can seem a little scary unless you are there to ask questions and talk with the inspector. I recently had an inspection where there were some electrical issues. If the client was not there to hear that it is an hour fix with an electrician it could have become a larger issue. 

Step 5: Attorney Review (3-15 Days)

After the inspection has been completed we will regroup with your attorney to discuss closing cost credits or repairs for anything that was found during the inspection. For anything of substance (electrical items, etc) I suggest getting a credit and having the repairs completed yourself. For minor items, you can request that the owner complete the repairs. 

Step 6: Underwriting of Loan (14-35 Days)

Once we pass attorney review you will post the remainder of earnest money and wrap up the last items for the lender. At this point you are committed to the purchase of this property. 

Clear to Close

About a week prior to closing you will receive the clear to close from your lender. This means your loan has been officially approved. Remember not to open any new credit lines or make any large purchases until 3 days after closing as this could affect your debt to income ratio and could cause to you no longer be approved. Mortgage companies check all of these ratios the day before a closing to make sure everything is the same as underwriting. 

How To Get The Most Money for Your Home

Wondering if you should conduct upgrades to your home prior to listing it? Debating on what upgrades should be made?

If you ask someone selling a car what they do before they sell it most will tell you they have it detailed. This is no different when trying to sell a house.

BUT where do you spend your money to maximize your investment?

Jack Kalinski from Kali Group shares a few minutes with me discussing how to prepare your home to sell for top dollar.

Preparing your property for sale will help you get the best price for your home. It will also help you decrease the time it takes to sell your home! Therefore, preparing your home prior to selling…

• Saves you time

• Money

• And comes with less stress!

South Loop Property for Sale | 1529 South State Street #12EG | 3 Bed | 2 Bath | $450,000

Listing Description

Offering incredible skyline views in two directions and a premium location (a short walk to Mariano's and to many parks and restaurants) in a doorman building, this spacious home offers plenty of room and is right where you want to be.

The wide-open living and dining spaces are full of natural light and beautiful wood flooring throughout with an effortless flow directly into the kitchen.

A private den with an enormous walk-in closet makes this ideal for working from home and provides copious storage space in the unit.

PLUS, two separate balconies bring even more opportunities for friends and family to gather.

Two Parking Spaces available for an additional $25k per space.

What Locals Say

• Late-night leisure

• Networking opportunities

• Trendy eats

• Very walkable

With easy access to Lake Shore Drive, I-55, and I-90/94, this is ideally located for commuters as well. This home is sure to go quickly – schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Location:

1529 South State Street Unit 12EG

Chicago,IL 60605

 

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Hyde Park Property for Sale | 5340 S Hyde Park Blvd Unit 3A | 4 Bed | 2 Bath | $285,000

Don’t miss this gorgeous vintage property in the highly-desirable Hyde Park neighborhood. Offering the perfect location, this condo is just where you want to be, close to bus stations, Metra stops and all the shops and restaurants of 53rd St. Spacious and full of character, this bright space offers fresh paint, hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace and new windows. A roomy eat-in kitchen with brand-new dishwasher and plenty of counter space is perfect for the home cook. A rare-find in Hyde Park, this condo also offers its own separate laundry room. Bursting with charm and in an unbeatable location, this home is sure to go quickly – schedule your private showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

 

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South Loop Property for Sale | 1717 S Prairie Ave #809 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | $236,500

Located in the heart of the Prairie District in the South Loop, this bright and open apartment is right where you want to be. Offering a 24-hour doorman, fully-equipped gym and available party room, every amenity you could want is close by. The totally open-concept entertainment space is flooded with spectacular southern views and natural light that highlights the gorgeous hardwood floors. A roomy kitchen with bonus breakfast bar seating overlooks the cozy entertainment space and charming balcony through sliding doors. A comfy bedroom, walk-in closet and large bathroom with separate walk-in shower and soaker tub give plenty of space to spread out and relax. In this location, this home won’t last long – schedule your showing today!

Interested? Get More Info Below.

 

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Roscoe Village Property for Sale | 1912 W Belmont Ave #2 | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | $450,000

Interested? Get More Info Below.

You don't want to miss this updated 2-bedroom in the heart of Roscoe Village. With just two other units in the building, you'll enjoy peaceful quiet in this gorgeous home. An open concept entertainment space brings together the kitchen, dining area, and family room - perfect for hosting family and friends. The refreshed kitchen boasts Sub Zero and Viking appliances (including a wine fridge!), and the spacious master bedroom is full of sunshine with a sliding door leading to a considerably sized deck. A totally renovated master bath is the perfect place to relax with jacuzzi tub and a luxurious stand-up shower with body sprays and steam shower. This must-see home is sure to go quickly - schedule your private showing today!

 

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How to Sell Your Home

Selling your home can be a stressful process but it doesn't need to be. Check out the video above to find out what you can expect while you are selling your home.

Chicago Property for Sale (Old Town) | 207 W St Paul Ave #3W | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | $465,000

Located in tree-lined Lincoln Park, this quiet top floor corner unit is in the perfect location near theatres, museums, night life and more. With beautiful finishes and plenty of character, you are sure to love the hardwood floors, natural light and gorgeous trim. New paint, refreshed bathrooms, a beautiful fireplace and large French doors offer plenty of charm and make you feel right at home. The completely updated kitchen brings plenty of cabinet space, modern high-end appliances as well as bonus breakfast bar seating. Relax the day away and enjoy a cup of coffee on your spacious private balcony. You don’t want to let this one pass you by – schedule your private showing today!

 

Interested? Get More Info Below.

Chicago Property for Sale (Lincoln Park) | 2754 N Hampden Ct | 2 Bed | 2 Bath | $325,000

This luxury building in Lincoln Park is full of amenities with a 24-hour door staff, gym, party room and spacious rooftop pool. An open-concept floor plan offers plenty of room to entertain with easy sightlines and gorgeous skyline views. The large kitchen boasts plenty of cabinet space, high-end appliances including a built-in wine cooler and a spacious breakfast bar for bonus seating. Beautiful hardwood floors and plenty of natural light tie the whole space together. Two large bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, are the perfect place to relax after a long day. With modern finishes and a premium location, don’t miss your chance at this must-see home!

 

Interested? Get More Info Below.