John Lyons Real Estate at Baird & Warner

11/16/2025

Why is the attorney review so important when buying a condo in Chicago?

Because you're not just buying a unit — you're buying a piece of the entire building.

That means you need full transparency on what you're walking into.
That’s exactly what the attorney review period gives you.

During this window, you’ll receive the full package:
✅ Financials
✅ Rules & Regulations
✅ Bylaws
✅ Declaration
✅ 22.1 Disclosure
✅ Meeting Minutes

The 22.1 disclosure breaks down reserves, owner occupancy, lawsuits, special assessments, and any major projects.
The meeting minutes? They give you a glimpse into what’s coming next — future repairs, policy changes, or red flags.

Attorney review isn’t just a formality — it’s a critical safeguard to protect you before you sign on the dotted line.

If you're buying in a condo-heavy market like Chicago, this step isn’t optional. It's essential.

—
John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436

11/14/2025

Just when I thought I couldn’t push my business any further…

I officially became one of the world’s first A.I. Certified 3.0 Agents, and it is already transforming the way I serve my clients.

This is not about trends or shortcuts.
It is about leveling up my skills to deliver sharper strategy, faster ex*****on, and smarter results.

Here is what A.I. is helping me do at a whole new level:

⚡️ Build high-impact marketing in minutes
⚡️ Target and attract the right buyers with precision
⚡️ Give my clients personalized insights and data-driven guidance that wins in this market
⚡️ Streamline the entire experience so every step feels smooth and intentional

I will be honest, I was skeptical at first.
But after diving deep into the training, I learned how to use A.I. ethically, responsibly, and with real expertise.

A.I. is not replacing the human side of real estate.
It is amplifying it.

My experience, strategy, and honesty, now powered by the smartest tools available.

I am fired up for this next chapter, and I cannot wait to bring this elevated level of service to every buyer and seller I work with.

Onward.

Let John Lyons guide you through buying, selling or renting a home in Chicago, Illinois. View active listings, research past transactions, and schedule showings.

11/14/2025

Chicago move-up buyers are shifting gears—and they’re zeroing in on a few key neighborhoods.

Logan Square, Wicker Park, and Bucktown are leading the pack. These areas offer larger condos, townhomes, and historic rehabs with real upside potential.

Then there’s West Town and the Fulton Market District—killer walkability, new construction, loft-style units… basically everything a move-up buyer is looking for.

And don’t sleep on Humboldt Park. It’s bringing serious value with fresh energy and development that’s hard to ignore.

If you’re moving up, these are the neighborhoods worth watching.

– John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436

11/11/2025

In Chicago, closing costs typically run around 2–3% of the purchase price. That’s on top of your down payment.

That number covers attorney fees, title insurance, transfer taxes, appraisals, HOA fees — and a bunch of other line items no one tells you about upfront.

This is why I always tell my buyers: work closely with your loan officer. Get a detailed Loan Estimate early. No surprises. No panic right before closing.

Clarity now saves chaos later.

John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436

11/10/2025

Just inherited a house in Chicago? Selling inherited property isn’t that simple. I’ll walk you through the essential steps of the probate process, from court approval to securing the property and working with the right agent.

11/08/2025

In a competitive market like Lincoln Park, buyers need every edge they can get.

Step one: make sure you're fully pre-approved — or better yet, fully underwritten. If you’re buying with cash, have your proof of funds ready to go.

Next, write a clean offer. That means fewer contingencies, no fluff, and no confusion. If you're comfortable, consider making the offer “as-is” — still do the inspection, but waive the right to request repairs.

You can also add an appraisal gap clause. That means if the home appraises below the offer price, you agree to bring the difference in cash. Sellers love the security that brings.

And here's something that actually works — write a love letter to the seller. Tell them why you love the home. Why it matters to you. I’ve sold property myself, and I’ve seen these letters tip the scale when offers are neck and neck.

The buyers who take these steps? They win.

–
John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436

11/07/2025

Buying a historic Chicago home?

Get ready for the inspection report — because it’s going to be thorough. And probably long.

These homes have stood the test of time, but that also means they come with layers of history behind the walls. You’ll want a detail-oriented inspector who knows how to evaluate older homes. We're talking: checking for galvanized pipes, updated electrical (breaker box or fuse box?), assessing the foundation, and making sure the brickwork has been tuckpointed.

All of this isn’t just busywork — it’s what helps you understand what it’ll take to maintain the home long-term and what kind of budget you’re really walking into.

Unless the place has already been gutted and modernized, expect a report that may shock you. But if you plan for the upgrades, stay realistic about the maintenance, and check every detail…

You’ll end up with a home that’s as unique as the city itself.

—

John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436

11/04/2025

Why pricing just under key thresholds can get you more offers (and more money).

Let’s say you’re listing at $500,000.
You’re now showing up in two buyer pools:
➡️ People searching up to $500K
➡️ People starting their search at $500K and up

That’s double the exposure compared to pricing at, say, $510K.
This isn’t just theory—buyers filter in ranges like $400–$500K, $500–$600K, etc.
If you’re outside the filter, they’re not seeing your home.

Now let’s talk psychology.
A home listed at $999,000 doesn’t compete the same way mentally as one listed at $1.05M.
It feels like a better deal—even if the difference is small.
And more eyeballs mean more clicks. More clicks mean more showings.
More showings? More offers.

More offers = more money.

Pricing strategy matters—and knowing how to play it right can seriously impact your bottom line.

––
John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436

11/01/2025

Why does professional staging pay off more in Chicago than in most markets?

Simple—this is a condo-heavy city.

You’re not just selling square footage. You’re selling style, function, and the feeling of “I could live here.”

Staging helps your unit stand out in a sea of similar listings. These pros bring in furniture and decor that match every style and layout—making it easy for buyers to visualize themselves living there. That emotional connection? It’s everything.

Add in high-end photography and now you've got a listing that gets clicks, shows, and ultimately—stronger offers.

More attention. More interest. More money.

That’s your ROI.

Bottom line—I always recommend staging in Chicago. It’s not a cost. It’s a strategy.

—
John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436

10/30/2025

Should you list your Chicago home this fall or wait until spring?

Here’s the truth: there’s no universal right answer. But there is a smart strategy.

If you list in the fall, you’ll face less competition. Fewer similar homes on the market means your property stands out. And fall buyers? They’re serious. Most are looking to close before the holidays, which often means a shorter time on market.

Spring brings more buyers, sure—but also more competition. Everyone’s listing at the same time, which means your home could get lost in the noise.

The key?
List when your home is market ready—on your timeline. Not the market’s. Because even in a hot spring market, if your property isn’t dialed in, you won’t get the return you’re expecting.

Market ready beats market timing—every time.

—
John Lyons, Licensed Real Estate Broker
IL License #475.156436