Larissa Brodsky

05/15/2026

05/06/2026

High HOA fees aren’t automatically the problem.
What buyers really notice is whether the building feels worth the monthly cost.
In today’s Chicago condo market, buyers are quietly comparing:
• amenities
• reserves
• common areas
• building updates
• lifestyle convenience
• overall presentation
A well-managed luxury building with strong amenities can absolutely justify higher HOA fees.
But when a building feels dated or underinvested, buyers start questioning the value — even before they walk into the unit.
Especially in competitive downtown Chicago high-rises.
Buyers don’t compare your condo to the past.
They compare it to everything else available today.
— Larissa Brodsky
Chicago Condo & High-Rise Specialist
CityOfChicagoCondos.com

05/05/2026

Thinking about waiting for rates to drop before buying? Here's what the math actually says.
Let's say you're looking at a $500,000 home today.
If you wait 12 months and home prices rise just 4% — a conservative estimate in most markets — that same home now costs $520,000.
That's $20,000 added to your purchase price. And unlike your interest rate, your purchase price isn't refinanceable. You can't "refi" your way out of overpaying for the home itself.
Meanwhile, the buyers who purchased this year locked in their price. If rates drop, they refinance and get the lower payment too. They get both.
The strategy of "wait for rates, then buy" assumes prices hold still while you wait. They rarely do.
If you're weighing the timing of your move, I'd love to run the real numbers for your situation — no pressure, just clarity. Drop a comment or send me a message.

05/01/2026

📍 2 E Erie #2802, River North

We just closed — congratulations to all parties on this new chapter.

This condo didn’t sell by chance.

It went under contract in just 22 days because the strategy aligned with today’s market:

• Pricing based on real buyer behavior
• Positioning that stood out in the building
• Preparation that reduced negotiation risk

In today’s market, many condos sit — not because of price alone, but because they’re not positioned correctly from day one.

That’s where strategy matters.

If you’re considering selling, I’d be happy to share what your property could realistically achieve today.

🔗 CityOfChicagoCondos.com

04/29/2026

📊 Chicago Luxury Market 2026: What Buyers Really Want

Today’s luxury buyers are not just financially strong—they’re highly selective.

What we’re seeing in Chicago:

✔ ~30% of luxury purchases are cash
✔ Many buyers are coming from prior equity or investments
✔ They are patient—but decisive when the right home appears

But here’s the real shift:

They’re not buying size.
They’re buying lifestyle.

Buyers today prioritize:
— Natural light and unobstructed views
— Smart, functional layouts
— Flexibility (home office, adaptable space)
— Wellness features (gym, spa, outdoor access)

In neighborhoods like Lakeshore East, this becomes even more important—
where park, lake, and city lifestyle intersect.

👉 What this means for sellers:

Buyers will wait for the right home.
But they won’t compromise.

If your property is positioned correctly—it will stand out.
If not, they move on quickly.

📩 If you’re considering selling, I’m happy to share how your home fits into today’s market.

Larissa Brodsky
Compass Real Estate
CityOfChicagoCondos.com

04/28/2026

A quiet but important shift in real estate just happened.

New HUD guidance now makes it clear:
Agents can discuss crime data and school information—as long as it’s presented in a factual, neutral, and consistent way.

Why this matters:

For buyers → more transparency, better context, smarter decisions
For sellers → understanding how buyers evaluate not just price, but lifestyle, location, and long-term fit

In today’s market, homes don’t sell based on price alone.
They sell based on how they are positioned—and how clearly the value is communicated.

This change supports something I’ve always believed:

👉 The goal isn’t to tell you where to live
👉 The goal is to give you clarity so you can decide

If you’re thinking about selling, this is where strategy matters most—especially in condo buildings where context drives value.

—

Source: Chicago Business (April 2026)
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/real-estate/residential/ccb-hud-fair-housing-crime-schools-20260427

—

Larissa Brodsky
Real Estate Advisor | Compass
CityOfChicagoCondos.com

Curious what your condo would sell for in today’s market? Message me “VALUE” and I’ll send you a data-backed estimate + strategy.

04/24/2026

Chicago Luxury News:
$11.5M St. Regis Penthouse Hits the Market

A new benchmark may be forming at St. Regis Chicago—right in the heart of Lakeshore East.

According to The Real Deal, a fully furnished penthouse at
363 East Wacker Drive
has entered the market at $11.5M—and it’s not just the price drawing attention.

This residence is being offered completely turnkey—
from custom build-out to curated interiors.

It reflects a different kind of luxury positioning.

Why this matters—especially in Lakeshore East:

— The top tier of the condo market is being tested
— Fully designed, turnkey residences are gaining traction
— Buyers here are prioritizing ease, views, and immediate lifestyle
— Design and brand are driving value—not just square footage

In Lakeshore East—where lakefront living, park space, and architecture come together—
we’re seeing a clear shift:

Luxury is no longer just about owning the space.
It’s about stepping into a complete, curated experience.

And that raises an important question for sellers:

If buyers can move into perfection…
how does your property compete?

If you’re considering selling—especially in Lakeshore East—
positioning matters more than ever.