Justin Lucas Group Named 2024 Top Producing Team by the Chicago Association of Realtors
We are beyond thrilled to announce that the Justin Lucas Group has been recognized as the Top Producing Team for 2024 by the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR)! This prestigious honor is a testament to our team's dedication, market expertise, and unwavering commitment to our clients.
A Milestone Achievement
Each year, the Chicago Association of Realtors recognizes top-performing real estate professionals based on their sales volume, impact, and excellence in service. Being named the Top Producing Team is a reflection of not only the transactions we’ve closed but also the relationships we’ve built and the trust our clients place in us.
What This Means for Our Clients
This award isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the experience we create for our clients. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing in real estate, our team brings a strategic, client-first approach that ensures exceptional results. Our success is a direct result of the partnerships we’ve formed, the referrals we’ve earned, and the community we serve.
A Look Back at 2024
This past year has been one of growth and success:
$30M+ in sales volume closed
Expanded our presence in both Chicago and Southwest Michigan
Helped clients navigate a competitive market with record-breaking sales and expertly negotiated deals
Strengthened our team approach, allowing us to provide unparalleled service
Looking Ahead to 2025
While we’re proud of this achievement, we’re even more excited for what’s ahead! Our goal is to continue raising the bar, offering innovative marketing strategies, personalized service, and expert market insights to help our clients make the best real estate decisions.
A Huge Thank You!
This award would not have been possible without the incredible support of our clients, colleagues, and industry partners. We are deeply grateful for every buyer, seller, and investor who has trusted us with one of life’s biggest decisions.
Thinking about making a move? Work with the best—contact the Justin Lucas Group today and experience the difference of working with a Top Producing Team!
5 Essential Qualities to Look for in an Experienced Real Estate Agent
When it comes to buying or selling real estate, having the right agent by your side can make all the difference. An experienced real estate agent can navigate the complexities of the market, provide invaluable guidance, and help you achieve your goals efficiently. But what are the essential qualities that set an experienced agent apart? In this article, we'll explore five qualities to look for when choosing a real estate agent.
1. Expert Market Knowledge: One of the key qualities of an experienced real estate agent is their in-depth market knowledge. They should have a deep understanding of the local real estate trends, neighborhoods, and pricing dynamics. By staying up to date with market changes, an experienced agent can provide accurate and reliable information, helping you make informed decisions about buying or selling a property.
2. Strong Negotiation Skills: Negotiation is a critical aspect of any real estate transaction. An experienced agent knows how to advocate for your best interests and negotiate effectively on your behalf. They possess excellent communication skills and can navigate the complexities of the negotiation process to secure the best possible deal for you. Look for an agent who has a proven track record of successful negotiations.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities: Real estate transactions can sometimes encounter unexpected challenges. That's where an experienced agent's problem-solving abilities come into play. They have the expertise to identify potential issues (many times before they arise) and find creative solutions to overcome them. Whether it's dealing with financing hurdles, inspection complications, or legal complexities, an experienced agent will guide you through the process and help you navigate any obstacles that arise.
4. Exceptional Client Focus: An experienced real estate agent understands that their success is built on satisfied clients. They prioritize your needs and preferences, actively listen to your requirements, and tailor their approach accordingly. Whether you're a buyer or seller, they should be responsive, transparent, and dedicated to providing personalized service throughout the entire real estate journey. Look for an agent who demonstrates a genuine commitment to your satisfaction.
5. Extensive Professional Network: An experienced agent has built a strong network of professionals in the real estate industry. This network may include mortgage brokers, home inspectors, contractors, attorneys and more. By leveraging these connections, they can recommend reliable and reputable professionals to assist you during the transaction process. This network also provides them with valuable resources and insights that can benefit you as their client.
Choosing the right real estate agent is a crucial step in your property buying or selling journey. By seeking an experienced agent who possesses expert market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, problem-solving abilities, exceptional client focus, and an extensive professional network, you're setting yourself up for a successful and seamless transaction. Remember, an experienced agent will not only guide you through the process but also provide valuable advice and support along the way. Invest the time in finding the right agent, and you'll be well on your way to achieving your real estate goals.
Justin Lucas | Broker
@properties | C: 312-989-0512
1875 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
2 N. Whittaker St. New Buffalo, MI 49117
https://zenlist.com/a/justin.lucas
Navigating the Spring Real Estate Market: Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers
Spring is a popular time for buying and selling real estate. The weather is warmer, tax refunds are coming in, and the end of the school year is near. With all of these factors in play, the spring real estate market can be a great time for both buyers and sellers to make a move. However, there are also some unique challenges that come with the spring market. In this blog post, the Justin Lucas Group will offer tips and advice for navigating the spring real estate market as a homebuyer or seller.
Why Spring is a Popular Time to Buy and Sell Real Estate
First, let's talk about why spring is such a busy time for real estate. As we mentioned, the weather is one factor. People are more likely to be out and about when the sun is shining – here in Chicago, it’s hit or miss with the weather this time of year. Additionally, tax refunds are a common reason why people choose to buy or sell a home in the spring. Many homebuyers use their refunds to help with their down payment, while sellers can use the extra cash to make improvements or pay off debt. Finally, the end of the school year is a major factor. Families with children often prefer to move during the summer months so they can get settled in their new home before the new school year begins.
Tips for Homebuyers in the Spring Market
If you're a homebuyer, there are a few things you can do to make the most of the spring market. First and foremost, get pre-approved for a mortgage! This will give you a better idea of how much house you can afford, and it will make you a more attractive buyer to sellers. Additionally, be prepared to act quickly. The spring market can be competitive, so you'll want to be ready to make an offer as soon as you find a home you love. Finally, be open to exploring different neighborhoods and types of properties. The spring market can be a great time to find a home in an up-and-coming area that you might not have considered otherwise.
Tips for Sellers in the Spring Market
If you're a seller, there are also some things you can do to make your home stand out in the spring market. First, prepare your home for sale. This may mean decluttering, making repairs, and staging your home to showcase its best features. Next, price your home correctly. The Justin Lucas Group can help you determine a fair price based on local market trends and the condition of your home. Finally, our team of professional Realtors can help you market your home effectively and navigate the selling process.
Potential Challenges of the Spring Market
While the spring real estate market can be a great time to buy or sell a home, there are also some potential challenges to keep in mind. One major challenge is increased competition. With more buyers in the market, it can be harder to find the right home. Additionally, home prices may be higher in the spring market due to increased demand. The process of buying or selling a home can take longer in the spring market due to higher volumes of transactions, but many buyers are tightening the closing timeline to make their offer seem more attractive to sellers.
In conclusion, the spring real estate market can be a great time to buy or sell a home. However, it's important to be prepared for the unique challenges that come with the season. Whether you're a homebuyer or seller, take the time to do your research, work with an experienced professional (Hi, it’s me), and be patient throughout the process. By following these tips, you can navigate the spring real estate market with confidence and find the perfect home for your needs.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home this spring, we're here to help. Contact us today!
Justin Lucas | Broker
@properties
1875 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
2 N. Whittaker St. New Buffalo, MI 49117
C: 312-989-0512
Chicago Association of Realtors Sales Award 2021 Top Producer
One of the best participation awards I’ve ever received! 2021 was a great year for real estate and was my best year as a Realtor. I’m honored that the Chicago Association of Realtors has recognized and acknowledged my hard work and my teams’ hard work. Most importantly, I’m grateful for my clients – for trusting me to help them navigate one of the most stressful decisions and processes they face. We’re excited to grow and continue to help people throughout Chicago…and now expanding into Southwest, MI (known as Harbor Country).
Please reach out with any real estate related questions – we love what we do and we’d be honored to help you in your real estate journey.
Justin Lucas | Broker
@properties
1875 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
C: 312-989-0512
Our team is growing
I’m thrilled to announce that the Justin Lucas Group is expanding! World, please meet Eric Taylor - the rockstar / realtor.
Mr. Taylor studied music and continues to play and teach guitar and piano. He’s always enjoyed educating his students and looks forward to transitioning that mentorship approach to his clients looking to buy and sell real estate. “Teaching someone a new skill and watching them grow is one of the most exciting things to witness” says Eric. “Now I’m excited to help my clients learn everything they need to know in their buying and selling process.”
Originally from Libertyville, now living in the Ukrainian Village, he understands the differences between the many Chicago neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs.
Please join me in welcoming Eric to our team and be sure to reach out to us for all of your real estate needs.
David Diaz (left), Justin Lucas (middle), Eric Taylor (right)
Andersonville Smart Home For Sale
We've discussed how smart home technology can improve our lifestyle by creating a more efficient environment. Here's a video (just released today) from Justin Lucas Realty showcasing how easy it is to incorporate tech into our lives and create an automated / connected home.
Please watch until the end. I promise you've never seen an ending like this to help sell a home.
For more information or to schedule a private showing, please reach out to me directly.
From all of us at Justin Lucas Realty & @properties, thanks for watching!
Smart & Automated Homes
Tech-savvy couple wire their house with smart home technology. Currently for sale in Andersonville, Chicago for $1,100,000
As home automation increases in popularity, one home in Chicago stands above the rest in this category.
Smart home technology and home automation may be somewhat intimidating to some home buyers, but simple and easy to use technologies (such as our smart phones) can help transform our homes into more efficient and “Green” properties.
One couple in Andersonville was not intimidated when they took on the transformation and converted their house into a Smart Home.
What does it mean to have a “Smart Home?” A smart home is a home equipped with internet-connected lighting, heating, and electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by phone, voice, or computer. Now what does that look like in practice and how does it help me? Good question.
The owners of this Andersonville Smart Home located at 1614 W. Winona St., Chicago, IL 60640 wanted to create a more efficient lifestyle and they wanted the ability to automate many of the activities most home owners currently endure.
For example, many of us currently have an Amazon Echo or Google Home, and while these devices are great at giving us the headline news or telling us the weather forecast, they are also capable of converting our properties into smart homes. With the addition of Lutron dimmable light switches and Belkin WeMo electrical switches, this home now has the technology to turn on, turn off, or dim the lights throughout the house. By simply saying: “Alexa, dim the kitchen lights to 20%” one can change the ambiance without touching a thing.
The owners of this property took it a step further and installed the ecobee smart WiFi thermostats, which are also connected to their Amazon Echo. This enables them to control the temperature in the house with simple voice commands.
Additionally, they’ve included the Chamberlain myQ garage door opener, which allows you to open and close the garage door from your phone. If you’ve ever driven away from your home in the morning before finishing that cup of coffee and thought for a second “Did I close the garage door?” this solves that problem and helps answer that question – even if you’ve already reached the office! This property is also wired with state of the art security systems from Xfinity and connected cameras from Blink for added privacy and peace of mind.
The owners have also integrated many of the technologies together to make the home truly smart. When the security system is armed, for example, the lights shut off and the thermostat is set to away mode to save energy.
The Andersonville Smart Home is for sale and listed by Justin Lucas with @properties at $1,100,000. Mr. Lucas can be reached at 312-989-0512 or JustinLucas@atproperties.com for showings and smart home consultations.