Ryan Hardy - Chicago Realtor - Ryan Hardy

What Are the Tax Repercussions of Selling a Home in Chicago

Navigating the Tax Repercussions of Selling Your Home

This topic is a little dry, but it's important! As a real estate broker with over 15 years of experience specializing in Chicago's prime luxury neighborhoods; including Bucktown, the Gold Coast, Lakeshore East, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North, Streeterville, South Loop, The Loop, West Loop, and Wicker Park; I advise clients daily on the financial intricacies of property transactions.

Whether you are selling a high-rise penthouse overlooking Lake Michigan, a historic single-family home in Lincoln Park, or a 2–4 unit multi-family building in West Loop, understanding the tax repercussions of your sale is critical to protecting your net proceeds

Selling real estate in Chicago…

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Are Redfin and Zillow Home Price Estimates Accurate? A Chicago Luxury Realtor’s Take

Are Redfin and Zillow Home Price Estimates Accurate?

As a real estate broker with over 15 years of experience navigating Chicago’s always changing housing market, I run into this question daily. Whether I’m sitting down with sellers in the Gold Coast, meeting buyers in the West Loop, or consulting with luxury investors looking at high-rise penthouses in Lakeshore East, automated valuation models (AVMs) like the Zillow Zestimate and the Redfin Estimate almost always enter the conversation.

It’s completely understandable why. These digital tools offer instant gratification—with a single click, you get a slick number representing what your property might be worth. But as someone who has earned the "Top Producer Award" from both the Chicago…

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Realtors Near Me: A Guide to Landing Top-Tier Representation

A Guide to Landing Top-Tier Representation

Buying or selling a home is easily one of the most significant financial transactions of your life. Whether you are looking to purchase a sleek, high-rise condo in Streeterville, sell a historic single-family home in Lincoln Park, or invest in a multi-family building in Logan Square, the professional guiding you makes all the difference.

But when you open a browser and type realtors near me into the search bar, you are met with thousands of results. How do you cut through the noise and find the absolute best professional for your specific real estate goals?

Finding a top-tier agent takes more than clicking on the first name that pops up online. Here is a step-by-step roadmap to finding the best realtors…

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Why Is Chicago’s Luxury Real Estate Market Outperforming the National Average?

"Why is Chicago's luxury market holding so strong while national headlines talk about a cooling real estate market?"

In my opinion,  the answer lies in a combination of fundamental value, constrained inventory, and a level of market stability that few other major metropolitan areas can match. While the east and west coast markets frequently swing between extreme boom-and-bust cycles, Chicago has quietly carved out a reputation as a highly resilient, opportunity-driven alternative.

I've been selling high-end "luxury real estate" for almost 15 years in neighborhoods like the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park/Lakeview, West Loop, Bucktown, River North, and Streeterville. I see it firsthand,  the city’s high-end market is currently very strong and…

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How to Market a $3 Million+ Home in Chicago: Should You List Privately or Publicly?

Should You List Privately or Publicly?

When it comes to selling a luxury home in Chicago, the marketing strategy matters just as much as the property itself. A $5 million home is not marketed the same way as a $500,000 condo. The buyer pool is smaller, expectations are higher, and every decision—from pricing to photography to exposure—can significantly impact the final sale price.

One of the most common questions I receive from luxury homeowners is:

"Should I sell my home privately or list it publicly on the MLS?"

The answer depends on your goals, your timeline, and the property itself. In some situations, a private listing strategy can be highly effective. In others, it can leave money on the table.

Having sold luxury homes throughout…

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Should Seller's Agree to Pay the Buyer's Agent Commission?

Here's why I think you should.

The real estate landscape has shifted recently, particularly regarding how broker commissions are structured and communicated. As a seller in today's market, you might be asking yourself a critical question: "Should I still agree to pay the buyer’s agent commission?"

My direct, professional advice to my clients across Chicago is: Yes, you absolutely should. While the rules of the game have evolved, the underlying psychology of a successful real estate transaction has not.

Here is a look at what has changed, and why offering a competitive buyer’s agent commission is ultimately an insurance policy for your own bottom line.

The New Rules: A Quick, Concise Breakdown

Following the landmark National…

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Is Now a Good Time to Sell a Luxury Home in Chicago?

“Is now a good time to sell?”

It's one of the most frequent questions I’m asked by homeowners. In today’s market, the answer depends less on broad national headlines and more on the specifics—your neighborhood, your price point, your property type, and how strategically the home is positioned.

After more than 15 years selling luxury real estate throughout Chicago—including the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, West Loop, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Streeterville, Lakeshore East, River North, Old Town, Lakeview, South Loop, and Downtown/The Loop—I can confidently say that Chicago’s luxury market remains strong and opportunity-driven for well prepared sellers.

The market today rewards quality, presentation, and pricing discipline. Buyers are selective,…

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Which Chicago Neighborhoods Offer the Best Investment?

Investing in Chicago Real Estate 

In a city as architecturally diverse as Chicago, "investment" can take many forms. For some of my clients, it means rapid capital appreciation in an emerging corridor; for others, it is the long-term stability or high rental demand.

With over 15 years of experience specializing in the Chicago luxury market and hundreds of happy clients, I’ve developed a keen eye for the micro-trends that drive property values. My approach is rooted in providing high-net-worth individuals and investors with the strategic data they need to build lasting equity, a commitment that has earned me consistent "Top Producer" recognition from the Chicago Association of Realtors and my brokerage, Jameson Sotheby’s International…

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Is Chicago a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market?

One of the most common questions I get from clients — whether they’re buyers, sellers, or investors:

“Is this a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?”

In a large city with a diverse real estate market like Chicago, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. After 15 years as one of the best Chicago real estate agents, I can confidently say that today’s market depends heavily on property type, price point, and neighborhood.

Understanding Today’s Market Across Chicago’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods.

If you’re looking specifically at downtown Chicago and surrounding luxury neighborhoods like Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, West Loop, River North, Streeterville, Lakeshore East, and beyond, the market is best described as balanced — with pockets…

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Relocating to Chicago | How the Right Guidance Makes All the Difference

A Luxury Approach to Your Move.

How the Right Guidance Makes All the Difference

Relocating to a new city is both exciting and complex. Whether you’re moving for a career opportunity, a lifestyle change, or an investment opportunity, navigating an unfamiliar real estate market can feel overwhelming. Chicago is an incredible city made up of unique neighborhoods, architectural styles, and housing options. Finding the right fit requires more than just browsing listings online.

As a Chicago realtor specializing in high-end real estate for the past 15 years, relocation has become one of the many areas where I provide significant value for my clients. I work with buyers, sellers, investors, executives, and high-net-worth individuals who are moving…

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