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, I 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, I 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.
She was more than up to the challenge. Right away, Erika made it her mission to learn all the ins and outs of the process — even though it was totally new to her. I admire the way she jumped in, educating herself on every part. I was happy to be her guide as she navigated real estate’s many twisting alleys.
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.
Plus, buying toward the end of the year (when things are slower) put us at an advantage and we locked in a fantastic deal. Now, less than a year later, the property is already worth more than she paid.
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. I hope you’re as inspired by Erika as I am. 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.
Story told by Erika’s CHC agent Kelly Parker
Did you know?
Single women are now the country’s second-largest group of homebuyers. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, they’re buying up property at twice the rate of single men. That’s due in part to millennial women, who are now buying their first homes.
