BLOG
The Advantages Of Buying A Co-op in Chicago
When most people think about buying a home in Chicago, it’s common to think about single-family bungalows and condos. But there’s another option known as the co-operative apartment, or co-op for short. If you don’t know the difference between a regular condo and a co-op, it’s worth understanding because there are many important differences. We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and after helping over a thousand families find their perfect Chicago homes over the last decade, we’ve noticed a growing interest in co-ops. They offer some advantages that many buyers overlook,…
Chicago Festivals 2025 – Spring And Summer Guide
Hey there, Chicago lovers! We don’t know about you, but after just enduring another legendary Chicago winter, we think everyone deserves to celebrate the sunshine with food, music, art, and culture! May is finally here, and that means it’s time for our beautiful city to transform into festival central. We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and although we’ve been selling real estate for over a decade, we know that a neighborhood’s festival scene is just as important as its property values. The festivals you’ll attend this summer might just lead you…
Chicago Real Estate Market Snapshot April 2025
Sometimes it can feel like making sense of Chicago’s real estate market is like trying to predict the spring weather. One headline says the market is cooling, while another one says prices are on the rise. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to figure out if now is actually a good time to make a move. We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and we’re here to tell you that the market isn’t just one single story. It’s multiple stories happening at the same time across all 77 unique neighborhoods in Chicago. So let’s…
Chicago Spring & Summer Farmers Market Guide 2025
Chicago Spring & Summer Farmers Market Guide 2025 Hey there, Chicago food lovers and neighborhood explorers! We know you’ve been bundled up all winter dreaming of fresh produce and community gatherings, and the farmers market season is finally here. Nothing is more magical than strolling through a Chicago farmers market on a sunny morning, taking in the colors of fresh produce, smelling the aroma of fresh baked goods, and having friendly conversations with vendors and shoppers in the outdoor air. Farmers markets are more than just a place to grab…