Irina Allison, Broker-Owner of APEX Real Estate Brokerage

06/27/2026

From First-Time Homeowners... to Their Dream Home. 💜

Two years ago, Jeffrey and Christina called me about a rental.

Instead, I asked them one simple question: "Have you thought about buying instead?"

Forty days later, they became homeowners. 🏡 It became one of my biggest success stories of 2024: "From Renters to Homeowners in 40 Days."

Fast forward just two years...

We just sold their very first home in Joliet—and not just sold it... we sold it in style! 💥 We received 6 offers and sold it as-is for $10,000 over the asking price, giving them enough equity for the down payment on their next home, with additional money left over after just two years of homeownership.

Jeffrey and Christina wanted to be closer to their work in Northlake, so they told me they were looking at homes in Genoa and Hampshire. My first question was, "Wait... is that even in Illinois?" 🤣 I mapped it out... two hours each way. I thought to myself, "I can do that." How far would you go for clients who are fun, kind, appreciative, and simply amazing? Then the moon, right? 🌌

Once their home was under contract, we spent the day touring homes and found the perfect one—a gorgeous, brand-new custom-built ranch with peaceful, serene views.

The builder initially refused to contribute anything toward closing costs. After some tough negotiating, I was able to secure $12,000 in closing cost credits on their brand-new construction home.

We coordinated the sale of their Joliet home and the purchase of their new home to close on the very same day. Even better, I timed the sale of their first home to close one day after their two-year ownership anniversary, allowing them to qualify for the capital gains tax exclusion.

Jeffrey and Christina, congratulations on your beautiful new custom-built ranch in Genoa! Thank you for trusting me over the past two years. Watching your journey from first-time homeowners to your dream home has truly been an honor.

And thank you for writing me what I think is my favorite review of 2026. 💜 Cheers to your next chapter!

Irina Allison, Broker -Owner

Sell your home for TOP DOLLAR with Irina & her team! 🏡 Buying your first home? Let’s make that dream a reality. Ready to invest? Build a profitable rental portfolio with Irina’s guidance. Serving 11 IL counties with 20 years’ experience. 🏡

06/27/2026

Most brokers stick to comparables and CMAs, but truly understanding what the appraiser looks at makes a huge difference. When I saw how fireplaces, basements, and small details influence the value, my insight deepened. It’s like getting a crash course in valuation in just one day.
This shadowing experience unlocked a whole new level of accuracy in my evaluations, and I swear by it.
Visit https://pulse.ly/xcdtwpyhur to learn more!

06/24/2026

The real estate market is always changing, and if you aren't evolving with it, you're getting left behind!

My Best Advice?
Commit to daily growth: Don't just do the bare minimum for your required CE credits.

Stay ahead of the market: Progress as the world progresses.

06/23/2026

Ever seen a listing photo so bad it’s hilarious? 😂
Drop a 🔥 if you’ve come across a home pic that made you cringe
We’re talking upside-down rooms, garbage shots, and even flip phone photos from last century. 📴 And honestly, some of those images kill the vibe of a $500K listing.
A quick fix? A staging consultation and professional photos. Trust me, a little effort goes a long way—let’s avoid all those funny but bad images.
Why settle for amateur when your listing can shine? 🌟 Consider this your reminder to level up your visuals!
What’s the craziest photo fail you’ve seen? Comment below—let’s laugh (and maybe learn) together
Visit https://pulse.ly/bvwknuhktt or call 815-609-1000 today to learn more!

06/16/2026

If you're selling your home in Illinois, you deserve more than a sign in the yard and a prayer. I'm Irina Allison, Broker-Owner of APEX Real Estate Brokerage — and for over 20 years I've been doing one thing better than anyone else in Will County: getting my sellers the highest possible price, every single time. No junior agents. No hand-offs. Just 20+ years of elite negotiation, working directly for you.
Ready to find out what your home is actually worth? Give me a call today! (708) 408-4934

05/19/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED a LOVELY one-bedroom condo in Winston Hills of Woodridge, Illinois! Property features: one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen, a formal dining room, a large living room with sliding glass doors to the professionally landscaped private patio 🌿. It also includes two parking spots 🚗🚗. The common area in the building has a laundry room on the second floor as well as storage unit.

HOMEOWNERS and INVESTORS are welcome. There are no rental caps, and the rental potential is $1,650 to $1,750 a month 💰. Property allows up to two PETS, a maximum of 20 pounds each 🐾. Cats and dogs are welcome.

STELLAR LOCATION right off I-355, multiple grocery stores, parks, restaurants within a 5-mile radius

📞 Call Irina Allison for details!
IManaging Broker/Owner
APEX Real Estate Brokerage
815-609-1000
[email protected]

https://apexrealestatebrokerage.com/

# PetFriendly CondoForSale WithIrina

05/12/2026

🎈 GIVEAWAY 🎈

Guess the age of this STUNNINGLY REMODELED Folk Victorian farmhouse and WIN a $25 gift card 🎁 to my favorite ice cream place - .Gelato.pastry an adorable Gelato Coffee Shop 🍨☕️

You HAVE to try this place 😄 My favorite flavors are Stracciatella and Coconut Fudge!

Here’s the challenge: scan the QR code. Look through the images of this lovely home. Guess the age and post your comment on this post. Posts/guesses must be submitted by 2PM on Saturday, 5/16/2026. The winner will be announced Saturday at 3:00 PM, right after the open house! 🎉

Come view this stunning home at 1307 Illinois Avenue, Ottawa, at the OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, May 16th, from 12:00–2:00 PM! 🏡✨

Whoever guesses the CLOSEST to the actual age of the home wins @$25 wins the giftcard! 🎁

I am giving you ONE hint in this description 😉
Drop your guess in the comments below ⬇️

Giveaway Gelato SweetBeanGelato OttawaIllinois FolkVictorian RemodeledHome DreamHome HouseGoals HistoricCharm APEXRealEstateBrokerage SolveWithIrina

04/27/2026

🏡✨ Welcome to 1305 Fitzer Drive, Joliet, Illinois! ✨🏡

Step into this stylishly updated two-story home in Theodore’s Crossing of West Joliet—where curb appeal meets comfort and function 🌿🌸 A beautifully landscaped yard, fully fenced backyard, stamped concrete patio, and a fragrant lilac tree create the perfect first impression.

Inside, you’re greeted by a spacious foyer with a private den/office—ideal for working from home 💻—and a sophisticated kitchen featuring custom cabinetry, granite countertops, a large center island, chic backsplash, pantry, breakfast counter, recessed lighting, and stainless steel appliances 🍽️🔥 The kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright dining area with bay-style sliding glass doors—perfect for entertaining or everyday living.

The living room offers warmth and charm with a wood-burning fireplace (gas starter) 🔥, while stunning whitewashed oak hardwood floors run throughout the main level for a clean, upscale feel. A first-floor laundry room with updated appliances adds everyday convenience 🧺

SHALL WE GO UPSTAIRS? ⬆️
A spacious landing leads to four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms 🛏️ The primary suite features a large bedroom, private bath, and TWO walk-in closets—hers and hers, perhaps? 😉

The basement is a standout 💥—perfect for related living or guests—with a huge family room, a separate room with egress (potential 5th bedroom), full bathroom, and an expansive entertainment area with a bold red bar 🍷🎉

🛠️ NEWS & UPDATES: Kitchen (2023), garbage disposal (2023), furnace & central air (2021), sump pump (2020), garage door opener & spring (2023)

📍 GREAT LOCATION: Situated off Route 59 in Theodore’s Crossing, with access to Troy School District, shopping, grocery stores, Louis Joliet Mall 🛍️, and quick access to I-55 & I-80 🚗

This one checks all the boxes—style, space, and location. Don’t miss it! 🔑

📲 PM or call me for details
Irina Allison, Broker/Owner
APEX Real Estate Brokerage
815-609-1000

MoveInReady APEXRealEstateBrokerage SoldWithIrina HomeSweetHome IllinoisRealEstate

04/26/2026

Not sure if you know this about me, but I love photographing nature and my surroundings. I use those images, print them on aluminum or regular canvases, and incorporate them into my staging. Here’s a recent sunset shot from Ottawa.