The HARSH Reality of Chicago Condo Hunting 

I feel you. The property taxes throughout the city have jumped. There's a lot of working class families that can't afford the homes they've lived in for 15+ years. There's been some reports on this in the news, especially in Pilsen. Some places you can see the tax history and it jumped more than double over the last 6ish years. I have lived in the city my whole life and now that I make a decent amount of money, I can't afford anything remotely nice. Everything that is in my budget requires like another $60k+ in repairs and upgrades. I'm also someone who would rather spend money on food and travel, so I don't see the point of getting a condo/house that eats up 50%+ of my paycheck just for the mortgage. I decided to just live with my family and help them pay off their mortgage (first gen). I remember seeing a decent place in Lakeview that I could afford, basically right in front of the lake. Nothing fancy, definitely something I can upgrade over time....then the HOA fee was $1400 alone. Insane.

It's like this everywhere--not just Chicago.

I’m sorry you didn’t get the loft you loved. Not sure if it will make you feel better but on weekends that location gets extremely congested with cars going in and out of the Trader Joe’s parking garages. It’s a beautiful building but there are others. There are nice loft buildings near Racine and Dickens, Wrightwood and Racine, Wrightwood and Southport, and Fullerton and Surrey Court. Also there are 2 loft buildings on Racine between Webster and Belsen that are nice.

My wife was house hunting in Chicago in the last week or so. We wanted that loft with the funky stairs you featured previously so much- it was her favorite. That tiny place you showed in this video with a spiral staircase was also a fave. As out-of-state buyers unfamiliar with the city, house hunting was so daunting. Hope to close on a property different than what we started looking for in the next month. The competitive aspect of searching was something else! Best of luck on finding your next home.

I’m sorry you didn’t get that place. So glad you’re not giving up just yet. The one that you said had really high taxes, those hardwood floors were gorgeous! I liked the neighborhood of the last one. Great video Caira! Good luck on your hunt! 🍀🙏🏻🥰❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Awww I'm so sorry...I know you wanted that!! You'll find something that's Wow!!

That second loft was absolutely gorgeous, but Im guessing that River North zip-code really hiked those property taxes. Have you tried River West? I know theres a lot of nice stuff over there. With that being said, do they have open houses like this for one bedroom apartment like for those graduating from college?

Its ok! You'll find the one for you :)

I know how hard it can be, although I've usually had the luxury of being pretty flexible. For me, cost and neigborhood safety always took precedence over size, looks, and storage. Sometimes, the right one just falls out of the sky. A few years ago, my small home found a buyer in eight days but I had only a month to get out. In a panic, I viewed 16 different condos on the following Saturday with my agent - and I had to pick one THAT DAY. I got one that turned out to be much better than I would have settled for. You will find something you'll love... or learn to love. Maybe it will be in an unexpected place - like the burbs?

6:40 Steak tartare, yum!

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What budget are you working with?

I love your videos, but the music is always waaaaay louder than your voice, which makes it hard to watch. It would be perfect if the level of the music wasn't louder than when you're talking. Your content is always great though!

Good for you eating a tartare meal. That's great to see from a girl. Looked proper and very healthy. You really cover the Chicago life the best and most intensely. I could be coming there soon and will keep you posted.

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No more condos time to own a house