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

1439 Franklin Avenue, River Forest

$850,000

4 Beds ⋅

4 Baths ⋅

12778628 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to this charming and well-maintained solid brick home in desirable River Forest, lovingly cared for by its long-time owner and now ready for its next chapter. Rich with character and timeless appeal, this inviting residence presents an exceptional opportunity to personalize and enhance a home in a wonderful community. Thoughtfully maintained over the years, the home offers a comfortable layout and a solid foundation for creating a residence that reflects your own style and vision. From the moment you enter into the inviting foyer, you'll feel right at home. The living room welcomes you with natural light pouring through oversized windows and a warm fireplace as its centerpiece. Attached den makes a perfect office or playroom. Entertaining comes easy here: the formal dining room links to the kitchen with plenty of counter space, custom cabinetry, and newer stainless steel appliances. The bright and airy primary suite features full bath and large closet with built in storage. Three additional large bedrooms with ample closet space and a full hall bath complete the second level. The finished basement expands the home's versatility with entertaining area, office nook, half bath, second fireplace, and a large dedicated storage area. Beautifully maintained private yard with mature trees and a concrete patio for entertaining. The heated 2.5-car garage with its own thermostat is a standout feature, offering exceptional utility, storage potential, and workspace flexibility. Situated in a sought-after River Forest setting, this home is surrounded by quiet, tree-lined streets, classic architecture, and an inviting neighborhood atmosphere. Enjoy the convenience of being just blocks from Constitution Park and Willard Elementary School, with easy access to River Forest School District 90, Oak Park and River Forest High School, and the cultural and educational amenities of Dominican University. The location offers an ideal balance of community and convenience, with parks, dining, shopping, and commuter transportation all close by. Easy access to downtown Chicago further enhances the appeal of this established suburban neighborhood. With its charming surroundings, convenient location, and wonderful neighborhood setting, this is an opportunity to experience all that makes River Forest such a desirable place to call home.

1439 Franklin Avenue, River Forest

331 S Ridgeland Avenue Unit #C, Oak Park

$359,000

2 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12780896 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Rentals allowed! Rare opportunity to own one of only four of Oak Park's historic Mason Lofts! Converted in 2003, this church, built in 1905, was reimagined into loft-style condos and is a contributing building in the Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This two story, 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo blends church architecture with modern updates. Features include vaulted ceilings, freshly refinished hardwood floors, a gas fireplace with original arched windows, and 2 sets of French doors each opening to a Juliet balcony. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and an island that opens to the living area. Upstairs offers two spacious bedrooms, a full updated and shared ensuite bathroom with double sinks, a separate shower and soaking tub, and 2 walk-in closets. The 3rd floor has access to a small rooftop deck. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit full-size washer and dryer with pop-up laundry counter, attached heated garage parking with 2 heated tandem car spaces, a storage closet and bike room. New roof installed in 2020. Enjoy the best of Oak Park right outside your door. Public transit and top-rated schools are all within walking distance, along with the local Farmer's Market and a lively mix of shops and restaurants. Historic charm meets everyday convenience in this one-of-a-kind home! Move-in ready and easy to show!

331 S Ridgeland Avenue Unit #C, Oak Park

612 Hannah Avenue, Forest Park

$764,000

4 Beds ⋅

3 Baths ⋅

12775935 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

This is the one you have been looking for! Timeless character meets thoughtful modern living. This beautifully renovated brick home preserves the architectural details that make an older home so special, including original refinished hardwood floors, leaded glass windows, and generously proportioned rooms, while delivering the comfort and confidence of a fully updated interior. New plumbing, extensive new electrical with 200-amp service, and new HVAC mean the important work has already been done. A large enclosed front porch sets a gracious tone on arrival. Inside, the sun-filled main level flows easily through spacious living and dining areas to a stunning, fully updated kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, quartz countertops and backsplash, KitchenAid appliances, and a Sharp microwave drawer. The main-level primary suite offers a wall-to-wall built-in closet and direct access to a beautifully finished full bath. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms and another full bath provide comfortable, flexible space. The newly finished lower level adds a fifth bedroom, a third full bath, a laundry room, and an inviting entertaining area, giving the home a full bathroom on every level. Outdoor living is equally appealing, with a large rear deck spanning nearly the full width of the home, a fenced yard, a two-car garage, and an additional parking pad. Set on a lovely tree-lined street, this home is just two blocks from Madison Street's acclaimed restaurants and a few blocks from the Harlem Blue Line and the I-290 Harlem exit, making for easy access to downtown Chicago and beyond. A rare opportunity to own a 1912 classic with the finishes and systems today's buyers want.

612 Hannah Avenue, Forest Park

530 Edgewood Place, River Forest

$2,400,000

6 Beds ⋅

5 Baths ⋅

12748074 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Welcome to the Chauncey Williams House built in 1895. This is the first Frank Lloyd Wright house to show the Oriental influence with the stone boulders around the arched front entrance and foundation. The quatrefoil front window is also unique to Wright's design of this spectacular home. Wright designed the steeply pitched roof with a wide overhang and dormer windows and a massive chimney. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural history set on a picturesque 125' x 200' lot. The spacious entryway invites you into this lovely home with original details and hardwood flooring throughout. The expansive living room showcases the original beamed ceiling and large fireplace. Built-in cabinets line the arched hallway leading to the Octagonal library with a Roman brick fireplace and additional bookcases. The grand dining room has the original chandelier and a fireplace. It will be perfect for your family and friends to gather together for years to come. The butler's pantry leads to the large kitchen. There is a large family room that spans the rear of the home overlooking the gorgeous private backyard with two separate patio areas. The front staircase leads to the original stained glass window on the ceiling of the second floor. There are four large bedrooms on the second floor. The primary suite has a large full bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. There is an updated hall bathroom also on the second floor. The staircase on the west side of the home leads to the third floor with two bedrooms, full bath, large, walk-in cedar closet plus storage galore. The basement has a finished recreation room, wine cellar, 1/2 bath, laundry room, utility room and additional storage areas. 530 Edgewood Place is in a prime location close to schools, Keystone Park, the Metra station and all that River Forest offers.

530 Edgewood Place, River Forest

1903 Harvey Avenue, Berwyn

$449,500

5 Beds ⋅

2 Baths ⋅

12751207 MLS ⋅

NEW Status

Whether you're looking to build your investment portfolio or live in one unit while generating income from the other, this solid brick Berwyn two-flat offers an outstanding opportunity! With approximately 2,312 square feet of living space, this classic multi-unit property combines character, flexibility, and several significant recent improvements, including a new roof, many new windows, and tuckpointing-all completed in 2026. Hardwood floors run throughout much of the building, and separate utilities add convenience for both owners and tenants. The spacious second-floor unit features three bedrooms and one full bath, while the first-floor unit offers two bedrooms and one full bath. A full unfinished basement provides laundry facilities and generous storage spaces along with potential for additional use or future value-add opportunities. Enjoy a great neighborhood location within walking distance of Hett Park and the North Berwyn Park District spray pool, with convenient access to schools, shopping, dining, and transportation. Berwyn is known for its classic architecture, strong sense of community, and easy access to Chicago. With major exterior improvements already completed, separate utilities, a desirable location, and additional potential, this is an opportunity investors and owner-occupants won't want to overlook. Garage is being conveyed AS-IS, buyer will be responsible for Berwyn compliance items.

1903 Harvey Avenue, Berwyn

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