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

9043 Bartlett Avenue, Brookfield

$699,000

5 Beds ⋅

3 Baths ⋅

12774140 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to this one-of-a-kind home in this sought-after pocket of Brookfield! Lovingly remodeled room by room, this move-in ready home offers 5 bedrooms plus an office, 3 remodeled full baths, and just over 3,000 sq ft of total living space. The entire first floor was gutted and renovated into a bright open concept, with a spacious living room, dining room, and a stunning kitchen featuring granite countertops, all Thermador stainless steel appliances including a 36-inch range and convection microwave, a large eating area, and a built-in mudroom. A first-floor bedroom and full bath make an ideal in-law suite or space for multigenerational living. Original hardwood floors, recently refinished, bring warmth throughout the main level. Upstairs you'll find four large bedrooms, each with wall-to-wall closets, a versatile office/loft perfect for working from home, a second family room, or exercise space, a full bath, and the convenience of second-floor laundry with a brand-new Electrolux washer and dryer. And the closet space throughout this home is truly something to see! The fully finished basement with separate entrance, adds over 1,200 sq ft of living space with a family room area, kitchenette, full bath, utility room, and storage. Outside, the generous fenced yard offers plenty of room to entertain, and the detached 2.5-car garage with side drive adds even more convenience. Major improvements include all new copper plumbing, all new electrical, a brand-new main water line, dual-zone heating and cooling with two furnaces and A/C units, basement waterproofing and drain tile, exterior doors, water heater, fencing, and gutters. All window treatments stay! All this in an established neighborhood facing Brookfield Woods and near Salt Creek Trail. Candy Cane Park is just one block away with a playground, and tennis and basketball courts. Metra and the Brookfield Zoo are less than 1.5 miles away, with easy access to downtown LaGrange. Brook Park Elementary is a short distance, with S.E. Gross Middle and Riverside Brookfield High School. A rare opportunity to enjoy this much indoor and outdoor space. Come see it today and make it your home!

9043 Bartlett Avenue, Brookfield

6858 Riverside Drive, Berwyn

$535,000

5 Beds ⋅

3 Baths ⋅

12778363 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

A rare opportunity to own a home on historic Riverside Drive! Welcome to this stately 5-bedroom + office, 3-bath brick bungalow, offering a perfect harmony of timeless vintage character, sprawling living space, and extensive modern upgrades. Situated on an oversized 48' x 125' lot, this classic Berwyn home showcases pristine original woodwork and hardwood flooring with thoughtful updates. The light-filled main level features spacious living and dining rooms designed for effortless entertaining, three comfortable bedrooms, and a beautifully updated kitchen complete with rich wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, island, refinished hardwood flooring, new appliances and fixtures, and a separate breakfast room. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms, one office space, skylights, and flexible space provide plenty of room for guests, work-from-home needs, or everyday living. Big-ticket peace of mind is already built in: recent improvements feature major mechanical upgrades, including a brand-new warranted furnace, boiler and central A/C, alongside updated electrical, plumbing, modern lighting, new light fixtures and fans, flooring, and bathroom updates throughout. The spacious full basement adds substantial versatility with new drywall, newly exposed windows for extra sunshine, a refreshed ceiling, full bathroom, and a newly updated laundry area with new washer, dryer, and utility sink. A dedicated tool room plus three additional storage areas provide abundant storage, while the rest of the basement offers plenty of flexible space to customize to your needs. Step outside to your private outdoor oasis featuring an expansive fully fenced yard enhanced by new native pollinator landscaping, dedicated garden space, a wide driveway freshly upgraded with brick pavers, and a detached 2-car, brick garage. Unbeatably located near parks, top schools, the historic and transit-oriented downtown Berwyn Depot District, local dining, and shopping - including historic North Riverside Park Mall, with quick access to CTA bus and train lines, Metra, Pace bus lines, and both I-55 and I-290 for a seamless commute to Chicago. With 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, an oversized lot, abundant parking, and extensive top-to-bottom upgrades, this exceptional home is truly move-in ready!

6858 Riverside Drive, Berwyn

923 Dunlop Avenue, Forest Park

$300,000

2 Beds ⋅

1 Baths ⋅

12778479 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Sweet move-in ready bungalow on a quiet street with room to grow! This 2-bedroom /1 bath bungalow is a fantastic alternative to condo living or perfect for someone who is downsizing and wants living space on one floor. Enter the bright enclosed front porch perfect for extra indoor/outdoor living space and/or a lovely entry mud room. Inside find original woodwork throughout and hardwood floors under the new carpet (2023). The living room features beautiful art glass windows and leads to a generous dining room. The kitchen has many new updates: hexagonal ceramic tile floor, copper water lines to new baseboard heat, dishwasher (all 2025), and a large walk-in pantry. The bath also boasts a new ceramic floor, clawfoot tub, and toilet (2025). The enclosed back porch is great versatile space for breakfast room, office, mudroom, exercise, or storage. Basement is large and clean with high ceilings, freshly painted (2025) and ready to be made into a great recreational room-and/or add a bath and bedroom for a guest suite. Both gas and electrical options are available for a dryer, and a washer hookup is located behind the sink. The walk-up attic is unfinished and awaits your ideas for increasing value and space to this home as well. Great upgrades include a radon mitigation system (2023), exterior sump pump with drain (2023), water heater (2025), Entire first floor painted (2023). The large backyard is fully fenced in with a deck, brick patio, rock garden/ fire pit area, raised garden beds (2026) and plenty of space for play. 2 car garage plus newer parking pad (2023). Roof(2018). Village inspection done and all items completed.

923 Dunlop 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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