Zach Gallan- Chicago Real Estate Agent

Zach Gallan- Chicago Real Estate Agent Zach Gallan is a Real Estate agent that focuses in La Grange Park, the southwest suburbs & Chicago.

Afew weeks ago, I was heading up to Kohler for what was supposed to be a solo golf trip. A couple days of lessons, worki...
09/02/2026

Afew weeks ago, I was heading up to Kohler for what was supposed to be a solo golf trip. A couple days of lessons, working on my game and trying to get a little better.

But I decided to turn it into a family trip and bring Chrissy and Olivia along.

Very glad I did.

I still got my golf in and spent some time working on my game, but we also hit the beach, explored Kohler, and Olivia even got a little putting lesson of her own.

It was a good reminder that there’s always something to work on—whether it’s your golf swing, your business, or anything else. But sometimes the best decision is just bringing the people you love along for the ride.

Quick trips like this always seem to turn into some of the best memories.

And based on Olivia’s putting stance, I may not be the best golfer in the family for long. 😂⛳️

One thing I wish more sellers would do before putting money into their house: call me first.Not because every decision n...
08/31/2026

One thing I wish more sellers would do before putting money into their house: call me first.

Not because every decision needs a Realtor involved, but because I’ve seen people spend $10K+ fixing something that a buyer probably would’ve changed anyway…then leave a $1,500 issue untouched that buyers notice immediately.

There’s a big difference between improving a house for yourself and improving it specifically to sell.

Sometimes new carpet makes sense. Sometimes ripping it out and letting the buyer choose the flooring makes more sense.

Same with countertops, bathrooms, landscaping, paint, etc.

Before you start writing checks, it’s worth walking through the house with someone who sees what buyers are actually reacting to every week.

I’d rather tell a seller to keep $10K in their pocket than recommend a project just because it makes the house look a little nicer.

Something I see all the time with buyers — they skip a house because the listing photos are terrible.Then we end up seei...
08/24/2026

Something I see all the time with buyers — they skip a house because the listing photos are terrible.

Then we end up seeing it anyway and the reaction is basically, “Wait…this is actually pretty nice.”

Bad paint, dated furniture, weird photos, clutter…none of that necessarily makes it a bad house. And sometimes it actually creates an opportunity because half the buyers already passed on it online.

Obviously I’m not telling someone to overlook a bad location, bad layout or a house with major issues.

But there’s definitely a difference between a bad house and a good house that was marketed badly.

Sometimes those are my favorite ones to find for buyers.

4th year sponsoring a hole for the LaGrange Park PD golf fund raiser.100% of proceeds from this event benefit the Illino...
08/20/2026

4th year sponsoring a hole for the LaGrange Park PD golf fund raiser.

100% of proceeds from this event benefit the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

When Chrissy and I bought our 1948 house, we knew it needed a LOT of work.True story — when we bought it, she gave birth...
08/14/2026

When Chrissy and I bought our 1948 house, we knew it needed a LOT of work.

True story — when we bought it, she gave birth maybe a week before and couldn’t come. So we bought it without her ever stepping foot inside.

The first time she actually saw it was at the inspection.

She cried. 😂

I assured her I had the vision.

Fast forward a few years, between rehabbing the house ourselves and then unfortunately dealing with a house fire and having to rebuild a huge portion of it again, I’ve learned way more about construction, renovations, finishes and costs than I ever expected to.

It’s actually become something I really enjoy, and it’s helped me a ton in real estate. I can walk through a house with a client, see past what’s there, understand what can realistically be changed, and have a much better idea of what things should actually cost.

This bathroom was one of the last spaces we hadn’t touched.

Safe to say Chrissy trusts the vision a little more these days. 😂

The latest Chicago-area housing numbers tell an interesting story.While many buyers are focused on mortgage rates, inven...
08/04/2026

The latest Chicago-area housing numbers tell an interesting story.

While many buyers are focused on mortgage rates, inventory remains the bigger factor.

📉 Homes for sale across the Chicago metro are still well below last year’s levels, while home values continue to show strength. The result? Well-priced, move-in-ready homes are still attracting strong interest.

What I’m seeing firsthand:
• Buyers are becoming more selective—but they’re still acting quickly when the right home hits the market.
• Sellers who prepare and price their home correctly continue to have a significant advantage.
• Waiting for rates alone may not improve affordability if prices continue to rise and inventory stays tight.

Every neighborhood has its own story. The strategy for selling or buying in West Loop isn’t the same as Logan Square, Lakeview, River North, or the South Loop.

The local market—not the headlines—is what ultimately determines value.

As always, if you or someone you know is thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Chicago real estate, I’d be happy to help.

Everyone has that one bite they keep thinking about. 🍴For me, in the western suburbs, it’s the 36-hour sous vide short r...
07/30/2026

Everyone has that one bite they keep thinking about. 🍴

For me, in the western suburbs, it’s the 36-hour sous vide short rib at K**a Bistro in La Grange.

It’s slow-cooked for 36 hours, finished with a rich tamarind glaze, and served over creamy white pepper mashed potatoes with house-made pickles. Every bite just melts in your mouth.

My favorite bite in the city? The seafood tower at Maple & Ash.

Now I need your recommendations…

What’s the one dish everyone has to try in the western suburbs?

Drop the restaurant and the dish in the comments. I’m always looking for my next favorite spot. 👇

A home’s value isn’t determined by Zillow. It’s determined by what a qualified buyer is willing to pay today.One of the ...
07/16/2026

A home’s value isn’t determined by Zillow. It’s determined by what a qualified buyer is willing to pay today.

One of the most common things I hear from sellers is:

“Well, Zillow said it’s worth $_____.”

I get it. It’s one of the easiest places to check.

But it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

A home’s value comes from understanding what’s happening right now:

* What similar homes are actually going under contract?
* How much competition is on the market?
* What finish level are buyers expecting at this price point?
* Which updates are adding value—and which ones aren’t?
* How are buyers negotiating in this specific neighborhood?

Those answers change dramatically from one market to another.

A pricing strategy for a downtown Chicago condo is very different than one for a single-family home in Downers Grove. Buyer expectations, inventory levels, finish quality, and even showing activity can vary significantly.

That’s where local expertise makes a difference.

Pricing isn’t about squeezing every last dollar out of a list price. It’s about positioning a home to attract the largest pool of qualified buyers.

In a market with limited inventory, the right pricing strategy can create urgency, increase showing activity, and, in the right situation, generate multiple offers that ultimately produce the strongest price and terms.

The internet can generate an estimate.

A knowledgeable agent develops a strategy.

That’s the difference.

If you’re wondering what your home is worth—and more importantly, how I’d position it to maximize exposure and put you in the strongest negotiating position—I’d be happy to give you an honest opinion.

Over the past few week, we’ve been busy helping clients across La Grange, Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, Villa Park, Wo...
07/14/2026

Over the past few week, we’ve been busy helping clients across La Grange, Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, Villa Park, Wood Dale, New Lenox, Naperville, Chicago and a few more in between —and that’s what makes this market so interesting.

Every community is different. Every price point behaves differently. A first-time buyer in New Lenox isn’t looking for the same things as someone buying a condo downtown or moving into a luxury home in Clarendon Hills.

That’s where experience matters.

One of the biggest advantages of working with our team is that we aren’t limited to one neighborhood or one price range. We’re constantly in different markets, talking to buyers, negotiating deals, previewing homes, and studying what’s happening across Chicagoland.

That gives our clients something that’s hard to find: real perspective.

We’re not just watching the market—we’re in it every day.

Whether it’s a starter home, an investment property, a luxury listing, or a downtown condo, the fundamentals are the same: understand the local market, price strategically, negotiate with confidence, and put your clients first.

The headlines might make it seem like the market has slowed, but from where we’re standing, the phones are ringing, new listings are hitting the market, buyers are still making moves, and opportunities are everywhere.

The key is having an agent who understands your market—not just the market.

VillaPark

It’s kind of wild how things come full circle.I grew up in Downers Grove, and after spending years building my real esta...
06/26/2026

It’s kind of wild how things come full circle.

I grew up in Downers Grove, and after spending years building my real estate business throughout Chicagoland, I’ve found myself right back where it all started. Right now I have multiple homes under contract in Downers Grove, another exciting listing coming soon, and I’ve been spending more and more time back in the community that shaped me.

It’s been fun reconnecting with familiar streets, local businesses, and so many people who still call Downers Grove home. I’m grateful for everyone who’s trusted me to help them buy and sell here.

And tonight? I’ll be at Rotary GroveFest downtown. If you’re heading out, say hello—I always enjoy catching up with familiar faces (and meeting some new ones too).

Address

1643 N Milwaukee Avenue, 1st & 2nd Floors
Chicago, IL
60647

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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