How to House-Hunt Like a Pro (According to Netflix Characters) Because your homebuying style might just match your streaming habits. Let’s be honest—house-hunting is more than numbers and square meters. It’s emotional, exciting, sometimes overwhelming… and oddly similar to your favorite Netflix characters’ decision-making styles. Whether you’re drawn to glam luxury like Selling Sunset’s Read more
As younger generations build wealth, a clear trend is emerging: real estate remains a top choice for long-term investment and financial growth. But how they view real estate—and how it fits into their broader investment strategy—differs significantly from previous generations. According to the 2024 Study of Wealthy Americans by Bank of America, younger high-net-worth individuals Read more
How Deepfakes and AI Scams Are Infiltrating Real Estate Picture this: you're days away from closing on your dream home. You get an email from your agent—maybe even a video message—reminding you to wire the final funds. The voice sounds familiar, the face looks right, and the urgency feels real. But it's not me. It's Read more
(and Where to Find One in Chicago) There’s just something about strolling through a farmers market on a sunny Saturday morning. Coffee in hand, a bunch of fresh-cut flowers under your arm, and the smell of peaches, pastries, and basil floating through the air. Maybe there’s a local musician strumming, kids laughing, and neighbors catching Read more
In real estate, timing isn’t just important—it’s everything. And when it comes to selling your home, the first week on the market plays a pivotal role in determining how successful (and smooth) the process will be. Here’s why that initial window is so powerful—and how to make it work in your favor: 1. First Read more
As property taxes continue to rise across Chicago and Cook County, it’s important that homeowners make sure they’re not leaving money on the table. At IKGroup, our goal goes beyond helping you buy or sell—we’re here to help you maximize the value of your homeownership every step of the way. Whether you're a senior, veteran, Read more
How This Mega-Development Will Transform Chicago Real Estate Chicago’s skyline is always evolving, and one of the city’s most ambitious projects is set to reshape the Near West Side. The 1901 Project, a massive mixed-use development near the United Center, promises to bring new housing, entertainment venues, parks, and more to the area. For buyers, Read more
Meet the IKGroup at Jameson Sotheby’s In real estate, experience matters—but so does vision. That’s why we’re excited to share that two of Chicago’s top brokers, Ivona Kutermankiewicz and Karen Ranquist, have officially joined forces to create IKGroup. And we’re making this move under the prestigious umbrella of Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. So what does this mean? More expertise, more Read more
Your Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s Hottest Food Event If you love good food, great deals, and supporting local businesses, then get ready—West Town Restaurant Week 2025 is almost here! From March 21 to March 29, this beloved neighborhood event will spotlight the best flavors in one of Chicago’s most exciting dining districts. From upscale fine dining to cozy neighborhood gems, Read more
The Chicago real estate market is already heating up, and we’re just getting started in 2025. The spring market? It doesn’t begin in March—it’s already here in January. Low inventory, strong demand, and rising competition are driving multiple-offer situations across the city. Buyers waiting for rates to drop may be disappointed, as a strong economy is keeping rates steady. Meanwhile, Read more