Welcome
Grow Your Wealth, Become a Homeowner
Chicago Real Estate, Simplified — For Buyers, Sellers & Investors
Discover Your Perfect Property with Marjorie Allabastro
Marjorie is a Chicago REALTOR at Baird & Warner. She specializes in residential real estate in Lincoln Square, Irving Park, North Center, Avondale & Logan Square. With 25+ years of experience and over 150+ transactions closed, Marjorie is known for her transparent communication & data driven approach with her clients.
Buying a Home in Chicago
Buying a home in Chicago means navigating a competitive market, complex contract timelines, and neighborhood-by-neighborhood price variation. The Marjorie Allabastro Group guides buyers through every stage from pre-approval to keys in hand.
We specialize in helping buyers:
- Compete confidently in multiple-offer situations
- Understand Chicago's attorney/inspection (A/I) period and what protections it provides
- Evaluate neighborhoods including Lincoln Square, Irving Park, North Center, Avondale and Logan Square
- Navigate condo and single-family purchase contracts
- Negotiate inspection repairs and closing credits
- Our buyer clients close with a clear understanding of every step. No surprises.
Selling Your Chicago Home
Selling a home in Chicago requires pricing strategy, professional marketing, and skilled negotiation. The Marjorie Allabastro Group manages every detail — from pre-listing preparation to the closing table.
Our selling process includes:
- Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to price your home competitively
- Professional photography and listing presentation
- Exposure on the MLS and major real estate platforms
- Offer review and negotiation strategy
- Coordination with your attorney through the A/I period and beyond
Chicago Real Estate Investment
Chicago offers compelling real estate investment opportunities — from multi-unit properties in up-and-coming neighborhoods to income-producing condos in established areas. Marjorie Allabastro works with first-time investors and experienced portfolio owners alike.
Investment services include:
- Identifying cash-flow-positive properties across Chicago
- Analyzing rental income potential, cap rates, and long-term appreciation
- Navigating 2-flat, 3-flat, and larger multi-unit acquisitions
- 1031 exchange guidance in coordination with your CPA/attorney, if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at Marjorie@MarjorieAllabastro.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Buying a home in Chicago typically involves: (1) mortgage pre-approval, (2) home search and offer submission, (3) an attorney/inspection (A/I) period of typically 5 business days, (4) earnest money deposit, (5) mortgage contingency period, and (6) closing. Illinois is an attorney state, meaning a real estate attorney reviews and negotiates the contract on your behalf. The Marjorie Allabastro Group coordinates with your attorney throughout the process.
Most Chicago home purchases close within 30–45 days from accepted offer. The timeline depends on your mortgage type, the property, and negotiated contingency periods. Cash buyers can often close in 14–21 days.
The A/I period is a contract contingency unique to Illinois. After an offer is accepted, buyers typically have 5 business days (negotiated) during which their attorney can modify contract terms, request repairs, or cancel the contract. Sellers can also reject modifications. This period protects both parties and is a standard part of Chicago real estate transactions.
The process starts with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the right list price. From there, Marjorie manages professional photography, MLS listing, showings, offer negotiation, attorney/inspection period, and coordinates through closing. Marjorie Allabastro Group handles all of this end-to-end.
A CMA is a data-driven report comparing your home to recently sold, pending, and active listings in your neighborhood. It's used to determine a competitive and realistic list price. Marjorie provides free CMAs for Chicago homeowners considering selling.
Chicago offers some of the most affordable entry points of any major U.S. city, with strong rental demand in neighborhoods like Lincoln Square, Albany Park and Logan Square. Multi-unit properties (2-flats, 3-flats) are common investment vehicles that allow owners to live in one unit while renting others. Marjorie Allabastro Group works with investors at all experience levels.
You can reach Marjorie at marjorie@marjorieallabastro.com or by calling/texting 773-301-2993. You can also submit an inquiry at marjorieallabastro.com/contact-us.
Chicago Market Insights, Straight to Your Inbox
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