CHICAGO LUXURY APARTMENTS

As a top-producing broker, I have access to nearly everything in the downtown Chicago market. This also includes access to buildings that only work with select brokers.

I’ve spent my 15-year career helping clients live in managed luxury apartment buildings, these are often the newer construction high rises – modern amenities, views, and 24-hour door staff. And in central neighborhoods like, River North, West Loop, Fulton Market, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Lakeshore East, The Loop, and Old Town.

Here are listings from my brokerage’s website to see the apartments that I specialize in: See Available Apartments

1. Hunting for an apartment shouldn’t be your full time job, but it is mine! Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and information is always changing, that includes updated availability and pricing every day, even by the hour. A Chicago apartment broker acts as a Consultant to provide expert advice and concierge-level service for you.
   

2. Like having a private guide when you travel, I will coordinate all the logistics – schedule tours that are perfectly timed, pick you up in the morning and drive to each of our apartment showings. Along the way expect helpful, candid feedback and fun facts about each of the buildings, history, architecture, and neighborhoods we see. We'll have a tailored itinerary that can be changed on the fly if needed too.
   

3. Working with a broker will not only save you time in your busy life, but ensures you will get the best possible pricing and promotions, and see the most desirable layouts before they rent. I will advise when to tour to take advantage of potential leasing incentives and lower pricing (this can even mean the day of the week that you tour).
   

4. Working with a Chicago apartment broker is no cost to you as a renter!

95% of the clients I’ve helped find an apartment decide after one day of tours together! All of our great communication and planning before we see places makes the decision much easier and means there’s no surprises (unless I throw in a wildcard option that wasn’t on your list but I know you’ll love).

I dedicate a full day to every one of my clients, often starting tours around 10am. We'll be able to see multiple layouts and amenities at each building all at once. I call the day of tours “Christmas morning”, because that’s exactly how it should feel when you are getting a new apartment!

Absolutely not, I will never pressure my clients into making a decision. With that said, inventory moves quickly in Chicago and managed apartment buildings do offer promotions that are time contingent. Concessions like waived admin fees, signing bonuses, and free months rent are often incentivized for applications received within 24-48 hours of the first tour.

That is why our stellar communication to align before the day of tours is so valuable to put all the chess pieces in place. You will feel educated and confident in your top options so that you’re not rushed or left wondering what else is out there.

"He encouraged us to make a decision after resting on it. There was no pressure from him; just reassurance, information, and validation." - Benjamin K.

This is more common than you may think! Almost a quarter of my business is virtual sight unseen tours, and ever since COVID it is standard for luxury properties to have a extensive collection of virtual walkthroughs and professional videos.

Along with the collateral provided by each building, I will also take additional documentation on your behalf. This means the exact POV you are looking for, like opening cabinets and closets, or finding the outlets you need for your office set up. I can FaceTime while there or follow up with a detailed summary, or both.

A standard lease term in Chicago is 12-18 months. This is typical for an unfurnished apartment, while furnished availability is often month-to-month and premium rents. Lease terms change throughout the year, so if you sign a lease in the winter you may be offered a better rate on a longer lease to have it expire in the peak summer months.

TLDR: When you need an apartment!

If you don't have a fixed move date, then imagine pricing being reflective of the temperature outside – the colder it is, the lower the rents, and warmer means higher rents. This can fluctuate as much as 10% throughout the year.

Chicago will typically see the best pricing in the months of September-February, and at its lowest during the holidays. This is because there are less renters moving, but also means less inventory and options to choose from.

Most of the leasing activity in Chicago happens during the months of March-August, with the peak being Memorial Day to Labor Day. And while pricing is higher, there's a lot more inventory to choose from.

You’ve heard the stories – a new listing comes on the market, a friend reaches out and the listing agent says there’s already 30 inquiries so they’re going to have an open house and accept the best offer. This happens over and over until finally settling, overpaying, or a lucky break. 

This is the reality when you tour private landlord listings in Chicago. But managed buildings (my specialty!) are different. Every building has multiple layouts to choose from, the tour is personalized to you, and the application process is first-come first apply. Once you submit an application, the unit is off the market and yours to keep through the lease signing. Inventory can move quickly, but there will never be a bidding war or competing offer to raise the price on an apartment.