The universe really delivered on this one! With hybrid work schedules, Hannah and Brian desired a condo that would allow them to each have their own WFH setups. As an avid gardener, Hannah also prioritized outdoor space and natural light. Well let's just say, they ended up with not 2, but 3 bedrooms and 1,600 sq. ft. of deck space all in the heart of Bucktown.
With indie music artwork across her walls and gorgeous tattoos along her arms, Erika knows how to make a statement. As a professional marketing maven at Goose Island Beer Company, she has a deep connection to a vibrant community of brewers, musicians, and artists. Basically: she's kind of a rockstar.
With indie music artwork across her walls and gorgeous tattoos along her arms, Erika knows how to make a statement. As a professional marketing maven at Goose Island Beer Company, she has a deep connection to a vibrant community of brewers, musicians, and artists. Basically: she’s kind of a rockstar.
After renting for ten years, Erika felt ready to buy her own home. The checklist was pretty straightforward: two bedrooms, good light and a little outdoor space for her plant babies.
Still, we knew it would be important for her to keep doing all the things she loves — like traveling the world, exploring Chicago’s restaurants and hitting up local shops for her stylish wardrobe, to name a few. That meant striking a balance and staying within budget.
With her ready-to-go attitude, we knew we could nail it. Erika was prepared to make a major, long-term investment in herself and her future, and nothing was going to hold her back (not even an incredibly competitive buyer’s market).
Finding the perfect spot for Erika was kind of like shopping for vintage records. That is, it was going to be a challenging search and we had to stay open to discovering the unexpected. At the same time, we knew it would be 100% worth it to uncover that one rare, hidden treasure.
We did hit a few unexpected walls. There were two offers that didn’t work out - one seller who changed their mind (bet ya didn't know that could happen!) and a failed condo review. But as cliché as the saying is, everything happened for a reason.
Finally, after all our searching and a couple of detours, we found it: a bright and beautiful spot in Avondale. It’s really the perfect middle ground. There’s enough space to grow, a great neighborhood to settle into and a price point that supports her lifestyle.
Buying your first place is never easy. Erika went above and beyond, pushing herself to grow every step of the way. She was patient, took control of her financial future and invested in herself (in more ways than one). I’m so proud of her!
Now she has a place she loves and is building her life on her own terms. We hope you’re as inspired by Erika as we are. She’s living proof that you can buy a home and stay true to your rockstar self — whether you’re sliding into a show at The Empty Bottle, or just strolling along the cozy streets of Avondale.
The universe really delivered on this one!
With hybrid work schedules, Hannah and Brian desired a condo that would allow them to each have their own WFH setups. As an avid gardener, Hannah also prioritized outdoor space and natural light.
Well let's just say, they ended up with not 2, but 3 bedrooms and 1,600 sq. ft. of deck space!!! All in the heart of Bucktown - making Brian's bike commute a breeze.
To make things even sweeter, the sellers personally handed over the keys after 20+ years of ownership and shared all of their favorite memories and inside tips about the property. The best part? The previous owners said they've grown everything from okra to watermelons, making this the perfect urban oasis for Hannah to use her green thumb.
Cheers to Hannah and Brian as they leave behind their old apartment (pictured) and start this new chapter as homeowners!
At the Home Collective, we truly believe we are stronger together. Our team’s collective passion, shared values, and over 2 decades of experience in real estate are at the heart of everything we do. Our professionalism, expertise, integrity, and sharp attention to detail are just a few qualities that have placed us in the top 1.5% of teams nationwide (WSJ) and recognized as Notable Realtors by Crain’s Business.
From homebuyers or sellers to the areas most visionary builders, covering the city of Chicago to the suburbs, our client base is as diverse as the properties we represent. With extensive experience in the condo, single-family home, investment, and new construction markets, we are well-equipped to help you reach your goals.