FINDING HOME IN CHICAGOLAND
isn’t luck. it’s strategy.

Oak Park • River Forest • Elmwood Park • Chicago • western suburbs

I help people find home in Chicagoland

Real estate is about numbers. But it is also about belonging.

I do not just help people buy and sell houses. I help them find home.

Whether you are relocating to Chicagoland, downsizing in Oak Park, selling in the western suburbs, or buying your first home in Chicago, you deserve clear strategy and steady guidance.

Licensed since 2007, I have helped buyers and sellers navigate competitive markets with smart pricing, strong negotiation, and thoughtful preparation.

Selling your home in Oak Park or the Chicago suburbs

Getting top dollar is not about luck. It is about preparation and positioning.

Before your home hits the market, we will talk through:

  • As-is value vs. improvement strategy
  • Accurate pricing based on hyper-local data
  • Professional marketing that creates demand
  • Negotiation strategy that protects your bottom line

When you get paid, I get paid. No upfront fees. Just thoughtful preparation and strong representation.

Learn more about selling your home   |   What is my home worth?

Buying a home in Chicagoland

Whether you are searching in Oak Park, Chicago, or the western suburbs, I will help you:

  • Understand neighborhood differences beyond listing photos
  • Navigate taxes, commute realities, and market timing
  • Compete strategically in multiple-offer situations
  • Access off-market opportunities through the Private Listing Network and Top Agent Network

Buying a home is not just about inventory. It is about fit.

What is your Oak Park or Chicago home worth?

Curious what your home could sell for in today's market?

Get a data-backed estimate and a real strategy conversation, not just an automated number.

Find your home's value

Why work with Laurie Christofano with RE/MAX?

  • Deep local knowledge of Oak Park and the near-west suburbs
  • Clear, honest communication without jargon
  • Licensed since 2007 with experience across multiple market cycles
  • Strong negotiation in competitive markets
  • Inclusive representation for first-time buyers, downsizers, relocators, and LGBTQ+ families

I live here. I raise my family here. I care deeply about the communities I serve.

Meet Laurie

Ready to make your next move?

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Chicago or the western suburbs, let us talk through what your next chapter looks like.

Call or text: 630-248-1976
Email: laurie@OPRFhomesforsale.com

Let us find the right fit, not just the right house.

Read next

Chicagoland Realtor helping you find home - a quick read on why community matters just as much as the house.

FAQs

As a top-performing Realtor with RE/MAX in Oak Park, Chicago, and its western suburbs, I offer a full range of real estate services, including buying, selling, and relocation assistance. I specialize in helping families find their dream homes, first-time buyers navigate the market, and sellers get the best value for their properties. Whether you are looking for homes in Oak Park, River Forest, or other nearby communities, I am here to guide you every step of the way.

Pricing your home correctly is crucial to a successful sale. I use a combination of comparative market analysis, local market trends, and an in-depth understanding of the Oak Park and Chicago housing markets to set a competitive and fair price for your home. I also factor in your home's unique features, its as-is value versus its fixed-up value, and current buyer demand.

Before your home hits the market, I work closely with you to ensure it is in top shape. This includes advising on necessary repairs or updates, staging for maximum appeal, and professional photography to showcase your home in the best light. I also create a strategic marketing plan to generate buzz and interest from qualified buyers, so we are fully prepared from day one.

I use a multi-channel marketing approach that includes online listings, social media promotion, email campaigns, and targeted ads. My marketing strategies are designed to reach both local and out-of-town buyers, highlighting the best aspects of your home and the surrounding community. I also leverage my network and local connections to spread the word about your listing.

As someone who has lived in the Chicago area my entire life and has been in real estate since 2007, I understand the challenges first-time buyers face. I offer personalized guidance through every step of the process, from securing financing to finding the right neighborhood and making a competitive offer. My goal is to make your first home-buying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What sets me apart is my deep knowledge of the Chicagoland area, especially Oak Park and the western suburbs, and my commitment to my clients. I am not just selling houses. I am helping people find their place in a community. I am also tech-savvy, using modern tools to give my clients an edge in the market, and I am committed to inclusive representation.

Getting started is easy. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, I offer a free consultation to discuss your needs and how I can help. You can reach me at 630-248-1976 or laurie@OPRFhomesforsale.com to schedule a meeting. From there, we will create a tailored plan to achieve your real estate goals.

I serve a wide range of communities in the Chicagoland area, with a focus on Oak Park, River Forest, Berwyn, and the surrounding western suburbs. I also have extensive experience with the city of Chicago, particularly neighborhoods that offer a suburban feel with easy access to urban amenities. My goal is to help you find the right home in a community that fits your lifestyle.

Absolutely. I specialize in helping clients who are looking to downsize, whether that means moving to a smaller home, a condo, or a different type of property that better suits their current needs. I understand the unique challenges downsizers face, such as maintaining key features like garage space or minimizing stairs while finding a home that still feels like the right fit.

Yes. I regularly share market updates and insights to keep clients informed about trends in Oak Park, River Forest, and the western suburbs. Whether you are curious about median sales prices, market time, or inventory levels, I can provide current data and explain what it means for your buying or selling strategy.

The amount you will make selling your house depends on several factors, including your home's location, condition, and the current market. I will help you evaluate your home's potential by analyzing local sales and factoring in its unique features. Reach out for a personalized home value estimate and selling strategy.

Yes, you can sell your home as-is. While making updates can increase the sale price, some buyers are willing to purchase homes in their current condition. I will help you decide whether selling as-is or making a few key improvements is more likely to get you the best return.

Finding homes for sale near you is easy with my customized home search tools. You can search by neighborhood, price, and home type. I will also help you narrow down your options and schedule showings to find the right fit in your desired location.

Latest homes for sale in Oak Park and surrounding suburbs

839 Madison Street Unit #502, Oak Park

$684,895

2 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12774345 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to Oak Park Commons! Become an owner in the first cohousing community in Illinois. Owners will enjoy the best of both worlds: ownership of individual condo units and shared common spaces that foster social interaction among residents. This light-filled 2 bedroom PLUS DEN/2 bath unit has a modern floor plan designed for today's living. The open concept living room and kitchen have gleaming hardwood floors and open to a private balcony. The kitchen boasts 42" cabinets, quartz countertops, island with breakfast bar, designer fixtures and lighting, and stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom with custom shower, custom mirrors with designer lighting, and quartz countertops. Enjoy quiet and comfortable living with a truss joist silent floor system, advanced sound attenuation between units and floors, high efficiency low e windows and balcony doors, and high efficiency split system a/c with heat pump. This unit is equipped with a home network connection for home entertainment and CAT 5 Rg interface. All of this plus in-unit laundry. Common rooms on the fifth floor include a large room designed for dining, celebrations and social events. The common great room includes a kitchen with two stoves, several sinks, a pantry and multi-level counter space for ease of access. There is a fireplace alcove and large windowed doors that open to the terrace and adjoining roof garden. Other common rooms include the quiet room with workspace and common Wi-Fi, meeting rooms that can facilitate small group gatherings, an exercise room, and a guest suite to provide overflow space for visitors. All of this in a sustainable building with National Green Building Standard "Silver" certification with an advanced high-efficiency hot water system and electric car charging stations in the covered garage. State-of-the-art intercom and security systems. In addition, this building is fully accessible. Conveniently located near parks, schools, and Downtown Oak Park. A great location for commuters! Just two stops to downtown's Ogilvie Transportation Center via Metra UP West line. Enjoy easy access to the CTA Blue and Green Lines and Madison Street buses; biking is a breeze with many tree-lined side streets and the Madison Street bike lane that runs right past the building.

839 Madison Street Unit #502, Oak Park

839 Madison Street Unit #302, Oak Park

$617,895

2 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12775671 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to Oak Park Commons! Become an owner in the first cohousing community in Illinois. Owners will enjoy the best of both worlds: ownership of individual condo units and shared common spaces that foster social interaction among residents. This light-filled 2 bedroom plus den/2 bath unit has a modern floor plan designed for today's living. The open concept living room and kitchen have gleaming hardwood floors and open to a private balcony. The kitchen boasts 42" cabinets, quartz countertops, island with breakfast bar, designer fixtures and lighting, and stainless steel appliances. The bedrooms are separated by living space for added privacy and they each have a walk-in closet. The en suite bathroom has a custom shower, custom mirrors with designer lighting, and quartz countertops. Enjoy quiet and comfortable living with a truss joist silent floor system, advanced sound attenuation between units and floors, high efficiency low e windows and balcony doors, and ultra-high efficiency HVAC system. This unit is equipped with a home network connection for home entertainment and CAT 5 Rg interface. All of this plus in-unit laundry and one assigned garage spot. Common rooms on the fifth floor include a large room designed for dining, celebrations and social events. The common great room includes a kitchen with two stoves, several sinks, a pantry and multi-level counter space for ease of access. There is a fireplace alcove and large windowed doors that open to the terrace and adjoining roof garden. Other common rooms include the library with workspace and common Wi-Fi, meeting rooms that can facilitate small group gatherings, an exercise room, and a guest unit to provide overflow space for visitors. All of this in a sustainable building with National Green Building Standard "Silver" certification with an advanced high-efficiency hot water system and electric car charging stations in the covered garage. State-of-the-art intercom and security systems. In addition, this building is fully accessible. Conveniently located near parks, schools, and Downtown Oak Park. A great location for commuters! Just two stops to downtown's Ogilvie Transportation Center via Metra UP West line. Enjoy easy access to the CTA Blue and Green Lines and Madison Street buses; biking is a breeze with many tree-lined side streets and the Madison Street bike lane that runs right past the Commons. (NOTE: Listing photos are of similar unit and may be virtually staged.)

839 Madison Street Unit #302, Oak Park

839 Madison Street Unit #202, Oak Park

$595,595

2 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12775768 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to Oak Park Commons! Become an owner in the first cohousing community in Illinois. Owners will enjoy the best of both worlds: ownership of individual condo units and shared common spaces that foster social interaction among residents. This light-filled 2 bedroom PLUS DEN/2 bath unit has a modern floor plan designed for today's living. The open concept living room and kitchen have gleaming hardwood floors and open to a private balcony. The kitchen boasts 42" cabinets, quartz countertops, island with breakfast bar, designer fixtures and lighting, and stainless steel appliances. The bedrooms are separated by living space for added privacy and they each have a walk-in closet. The en suite bathroom has a custom shower, custom mirrors with designer lighting, and quartz countertops. Enjoy quiet and comfortable living with a truss joist silent floor system, advanced sound attenuation between units and floors, high efficiency low e windows and balcony doors, and high efficiency split system a/c with heat pump. This unit is equipped with a home network connection for home entertainment and CAT 5 Rg interface. All of this plus in-unit laundry. Common rooms on the fifth floor include a large room designed for dining, celebrations and social events. The common great room includes a kitchen with two stoves, several sinks, a pantry and multi-level counter space for ease of access. There is a fireplace alcove and large windowed doors that open to the terrace and adjoining roof garden. Other common rooms include the quiet room with workspace and common Wi-Fi, meeting rooms that can facilitate small group gatherings, an exercise room, and a guest unit to provide overflow space for visitors. All of this in a sustainable building with National Green Building Standard "Silver" certification with an advanced high-efficiency hot water system and electric car charging stations in the covered garage. State-of-the-art intercom and security systems. In addition, this building is fully accessible. Conveniently located near parks, schools, and Downtown Oak Park. A great location for commuters! Just two stops to downtown's Ogilvie Transportation Center via Metra UP West line. Enjoy easy access to the CTA Blue and Green Lines and Madison Street buses; biking is a breeze with many tree-lined side streets and the Madison Street bike line that runs right past the Commons. NOTE: listing photos are from Unit 502 which has the same layout and finishes.

839 Madison Street Unit #202, Oak Park

839 Madison Street Unit #301, Oak Park

$731,700

3 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12775731 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to Oak Park Commons! Become an owner in the first cohousing community in Illinois. Owners will enjoy the best of both worlds: ownership of individual condo units and shared common spaces that foster social interaction among residents. This light-filled 3 bedroom/2 bath unit has a modern floor plan designed for today's living. The open concept living room and kitchen have gleaming hardwood floors and open to a private balcony. The kitchen boasts 42" cabinets, quartz countertops, island with breakfast bar, designer fixtures and lighting, and stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and a balcony! The en suite bathroom has a custom shower, custom mirrors with designer lighting, and quartz countertops. Enjoy quiet and comfortable living with a truss joist silent floor system, advanced sound attenuation between units and floors, high efficiency low e windows and balcony doors, and high efficiency split system a/c with heat pump. This unit is equipped with a home network connection for home entertainment and CAT 5 Rg interface. All of this plus in-unit laundry. Common rooms on the fifth floor include a large room designed for dining, celebrations, and social events. The common great room includes a kitchen with two stoves, several sinks, a pantry and multi-level counter space for ease of access. There is a fireplace alcove and large windowed doors that open to the terrace and adjoining roof garden. Other common rooms include the quiet room with workspace and common Wi-Fi, meeting rooms that can facilitate small group gatherings, an exercise room, and a guest suite to provide overflow space for visitors. All of this in a sustainable building with National Green Building Standard "Silver" certification with an advanced high-efficiency hot water system and electric car charging stations in the covered garage. State-of-the-art intercom and security systems. In addition, this building is fully accessible. Conveniently located near parks, schools, and Downtown Oak Park. A great location for commuters! Just two stops to downtown's Ogilvie Transportation Center via Metra UP West line. Enjoy easy access to the CTA Blue and Green Lines and Madison Street buses; biking is a breeze with many tree-lined side streets and the Madison Street bike line that runs right past the Commons. NOTE: interior unit photos are from other units to provide a sense of the fixtures and finishes.

839 Madison Street Unit #301, Oak Park

839 Madison Street Unit #201, Oak Park

$705,500

3 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12775753 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to Oak Park Commons! Become an owner in the first cohousing community in Illinois. Owners enjoy the best of both worlds: ownership of individual condo units and shared common spaces that foster social interaction among residents. This light-filled 3 bedroom/2 bath unit has a modern floor plan designed for today's living. The open concept living room and kitchen have gleaming hardwood floors and open to a private balcony. The kitchen boasts 42" cabinets, quartz countertops, island with breakfast bar, designer fixtures and lighting, and stainless steel appliances. The primary bedroom has a walk-in closet and a balcony! The en suite bathroom has a custom shower, custom mirrors with designer lighting, and quartz countertops. Enjoy quiet and comfortable living with a truss joist silent floor system, advanced sound attenuation between units and floors, high efficiency low e windows and balcony doors, and high efficiency split system a/c with heat pump. This unit is equipped with a home network connection for home entertainment and CAT 5 Rg interface. All of this plus in-unit laundry. Common rooms on the fifth floor include a large room designed for dining, celebrations, and social events. The common great room includes a kitchen with two stoves, several sinks, a pantry and multi-level counter space for ease of access. There is a fireplace alcove and large windowed doors that open to the terrace and adjoining roof garden. Other common rooms include the quiet room with workspace and common Wi-Fi, meeting rooms that can facilitate small group gatherings, an exercise room, and a guest suite to provide overflow space for visitors. All of this in a sustainable building with National Green Building Standard "Silver" certification with an advanced high-efficiency hot water system and electric car charging stations in the covered garage. State-of-the-art intercom and security systems. In addition, this building is fully accessible. Conveniently located near parks, schools, and Downtown Oak Park. A great location for commuters! Just two stops to downtown's Ogilvie Transportation Center via Metra UP West line. Enjoy easy access to the CTA Blue and Green Lines and Madison Street buses; biking is a breeze with many tree-lined side streets and the Madison Street bike line that runs right past the Commons. NOTE: interior unit photos are from other units to provide a sense of the fixtures and finishes and may be virtually staged.

839 Madison Street Unit #201, Oak Park

1923 N 74Th Avenue, Elmwood Park

$399,000

3 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12773134 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home, where comfort and character come together beautifully. Offering over 1,400 square feet of living space, this two-story home immediately feels warm and inviting. The living room features a cozy, wood-burning fireplace, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen features a breakfast bar along with a wonderful line of sight into the living room-making it easy to stay connected with family and guests while cooking or relaxing. The main level also offers a bedroom, full bathroom, and convenient laundry. Upstairs, the spacious 28' x 17' primary bedroom is a true retreat, with knotty pine walls that give the room an almost cabin-esque feel-perfect for unwinding at the end of the day. A skylight brings additional natural light into the home. Recent improvements make the outdoor spaces especially enjoyable, including new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the living and dining rooms, completed October 2024; a screened patio, completed October 2024; and a fenced-in backyard with gate, also completed October 2024. The screened patio and private fenced yard create inviting spaces for morning coffee, outdoor dining, entertaining, or simply enjoying a little time outside. A detached 2-car garage provides convenient parking and storage. This is a home with a distinctive personality-comfortable, welcoming, and full of the cozy touches that make a house feel like home.

1923 N 74Th Avenue, Elmwood Park

1016 Madison Street, Oak Park

$689,900

3 Beds ⋅

5 Baths ⋅

12775638 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Gorgeous, Highly-Upgraded 4-Level END UNIT Townhome w/Attached 2 Car Garage. Flexible Spaces Allow UP TO 4 BIG BEDROOMS, Including 3 ENSUITES -- PLUS 2 HALF-BATHS! Big 1ST LEVEL Room Off Foyer is Private & Could Be Either a Fantastic Home Office or 4th BR with its Own Powder Rm. 2ND LEVEL: Maple Cabinet Kitchen w/Center Island/Bkfst Bar w/B/I Wine Fridge, Quartz Counters, Beveled Glass Tile B/S, & Navy Samsung Appls; Flows Into Dining Rm & Then Into Living Rm w/Gas Stone Surround Fplc & 2 Sets of Wide Windows, Incldg an East-Facing Bay. 3RD LEVEL: TWO BRs w/Updated Ensuite Baths & Big Closets, Plus Convenient Laundry. 4TH LEVEL: Huge BR/Family Rm/Media Rm w/Full Bath Opens to Wonderful PRIVATE DECK w/Skyline Views. Oak flooring & Newer Neutral Carpet T/O. Fire Sprinkler System. Zoned Heating & Cooling. Bose Sound System. One of Historic Downtown Oak Park's Most Vibrant & Walkable Locations! It's All Just Outside Your Door: Boutique Shopping, Coffee Shops, World-Class Dining, Schools, Parks, Entertainment & 3 Train Lines. UPGRADES INCLUDE Front Door & Storm/Screen Door; Main Level Refinished Hardwood Floors; "Zebra" Blinds & Light-Filtering Drapes; Many Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans; 2nd & 3rd Floor Vanities, Faucets, Showerheads; Kitchen Appls., Quartz Countertops, Glass Tile B/S; Island Wine Fridge, Undermount Sink & Pull-Out Faucet; Washer & Dryer; Neutral Carpet 3rd & 4th Levels; Sliders to Deck, & in 2026, Furnace & A/C for 3rd & 4th Levels.

1016 Madison Street, Oak Park

1118 Ferdinand Avenue, Forest Park

$350,000

3 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12767932 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

This bungalow lives large! Lovingly cared for and enjoyed by its current owners for nearly 10 years, this bright 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers a wonderful opportunity to get into (or stay in) the Forest Park community. Situated on a quiet, tree-lined street, the home welcomes you with a roomy enclosed front porch, perfect for morning coffee, relaxing or welcoming guests. The living room offers two sitting areas with a decorative fireplace dividing the space, and flows naturally into the dining room and kitchen. A spacious rear addition, currently used as the primary bedroom, offers flexibility for additional living space, a home office or whatever best fits your needs. A nicely remodeled first-floor bathroom adds to the appeal. The finished basement provides even more living space, including a family room, second full bathroom, fourth bedroom, and separate storage and work rooms. Many updated windows throughout the home, along with a fenced backyard, make this an easy home to settle into and enjoy. The location puts so much of Forest Park right at your fingertips. Walk to nearby parks and the pool, tennis and pickleball courts, softball fields and dog park. The Blue Line 'L' is also within walking distance, while I-290 is just a few blocks away. Add in Forest Park's highly regarded park district, library, active community and calendar of events, and you'll see why this is such a great place to call home.

1118 Ferdinand Avenue, Forest Park

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The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than our company are marked with the MRED Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (the MRED logo) and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. Some properties which appear for sale on this website may subsequently have sold and may no longer be available. The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, including but not limited to square footages and lot sizes, is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be personally verified through personal inspection by and/or with the appropriate professionals. The information being provided is for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

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