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

Oak ParkRiver ForestElmwood ParkChicago • 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

$565,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

12675441 MLS

NEW Status

Welcome to 602 Highland. Set on an oversized lot, this classic 3BR, 2BA American Four-Square is light and bright and walking distance to all that Oak Park's Arts District has to offer. The first floor features a gracious living room, decorative fireplace and beautiful hardwood floors. The kitchen has been opened to the dining room and offers abundant cabinetry and counter space, including a large peninsula with seating for three. A sliding glass door in the dining room overlooks the deck and backyard. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms, a tandem, and full bath. Downstairs, the basement expands the living space with a family room, bonus room, and second full bath. Outside, the fully fenced backyard has plenty of green space and parking for up to three cars. Noteworthy improvements: New roof ('26); refinished hardwood floors ('25-'26); new vanity, floor tile and fixtures in basement bathroom ('26); new carpet in basement ('26); furnace ('24); AC ('20); water heater ('17); 200-amp electric panel, Anderson replacement windows and blown-in insulation in LR/DR. All this, in a super walkable location - steps to Longfellow Elementary and Park and Oak Park's Community Rec Center (CRC). A short walk to Brooks Middle School, Maze Library and all the shops and restaurants in the Arts District. Convenient to CTA's Blue and Green lines and I-290 as well. With solid bones and an unbeatable location, 602 Highland presents a wonderful opportunity to add your own personal touches and create a space that's uniquely yours. Make an appointment today!

602 Highland Avenue, Oak Park

$325,000

2 Beds

1 Baths

12722856 MLS

NEW Status

Set on a quiet block in North Riverside just steps from Komarek School, this classic brick 2-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home offers all main-level living with a full basement below. Natural light fills the main floor, where hardwood floors run through the living room and both bedrooms. It's the kind of light you notice the moment you walk in. The eat-in kitchen features granite counters, wood cabinetry, and room for a table. Central air conditioning, gas heat, a humidifier, and ceiling fans keep the home comfortable year-round. Downstairs, the partially finished basement adds flexible space for a family room, home office, or workout area, plus a laundry area with a gas dryer hookup. The brick exterior sits over a concrete foundation, with an asphalt shingle roof approximately 10 years old and a sump pump for added peace of mind. Anyone who has toured 1950s brick construction knows how solid these homes feel. The same owner has cared for this home for the last 22 years, and it is now offered as-is. Attached one-car garage. Komarek School District 94 (K-8) and Riverside Brookfield Township High School District 208 serve the neighborhood. You're minutes from ALDI, Target, and the shops at North Riverside Park Mall, with the picnic groves and bike trails of the Twenty-Sixth Street Woods forest preserve close by and quick access to I-290 for commuters. Come take a look and imagine the possibilities.

9017 W 23Rd Place, North Riverside

$650,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

12725916 MLS

NEW Status

What a transformation! Since 2008, the current owners of 1011 Thomas have thoughtfully and painstakingly remodeled and expanded this impressive 5 BR, 3.5 BA Craftsman bungalow while still retaining its original craftsmanship. Situated on a 50-foot wide lot, this move-in ready home features beautiful, high-end finishes with an attention to detail that's hard to find in today's market. Step inside and you'll immediately appreciate the rich millwork and character that defines the main level. The first-floor features original woodwork, a full-length, built-in mirror, coffered dining room ceiling and art glass windows. The designer kitchen is a showstopper boasting quartersawn white oak custom cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and professional-grade appliances including a Viking in-set refrigerator and 36-inch gas stove. A butler's pantry with granite counters provides storage for small appliances and works well as a coffee bar. A peninsula with seating for three is ideal for informal meals or finishing homework. The kitchen is open to a family room, providing the open concept space that works so well for everyday living and entertaining family and friends. Two first-floor bedrooms (one currently used as an office) and a renovated full bath featuring a custom cherry vanity, Carrara marble countertop, nickel fixtures and classic hex-tile floor round out the main level. The second floor, previously an unfinished attic with the exception of one room, was transformed and expanded with two dormers. Now you'll find three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a separate laundry room. The primary suite features bamboo floors, double closets and a luxurious primary bath. Designed with both comfort and style in mind, the spa-like primary bath showcases a large walk-in shower with built-in bench and rainfall showerhead, an oversized soaking tub, custom floating vanity and heated floors. Downstairs, the unfinished basement with half bath offers abundant storage and could be finished off for even more living space. Noteworthy improvements: Pella windows on second floor and kitchen; zoned central AC and heat; water service line to the street; 200-amp service panel; Hardie Board siding on dormers; garage roof '20; 75-gallon water heater '19; Feldco front storm door '26. The home's exterior was thoughtfully refreshed this summer. Stucco work (including complete re-coat) was done by Forest Park Stucco and the trim was painted in classic Arts & Craft colors. In the backyard, you'll find a two-car garage, a patio for dining alfresco, perennials and plenty of green space for playtime. All this, ideally located near the Forest Park pool, pickle ball courts, soccer fields, Roos Rec Center, the blue Line, and I-290. Convenient to all the shops and restaurants in downtown FP and located on a friendly block known for its block parties and progressive dinners. Homes with this level of design and craftsmanship rarely hit the market. Schedule your private showing today!

1011 Thomas Avenue, Forest Park

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