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Darby Zwagerman Real Estate - atproperties

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Chicago broker for 25+ years. 95% of my clients come back or send someone they love.

From first home to forever home — and everything in between. Christie's International Real Estate.

11/05/2026

Thinking about buying or selling in Chicago? Start here. 👋

Sometimes the first step is as simple as asking a question about timing, wanting to know what your home could sell for, or figuring out which neighborhoods actually fit what you’re looking for (from Logan Square to Lincoln Park to West Loop and beyond).

That’s why I like to make it really clear how you can work with me and what reaching out actually looks like.

Whether you’re ready to make a move now or you’re still figuring out what your next step should be, I’m happy to meet you where you are and help you sort through the options.

I’m Darby, a real estate agent in Chicago, IL, and if you’ve been wondering whether it’s too early to reach out, it probably isn’t.

Send me a message anytime at Darby Zwagerman and tell me what you’re thinking about.

11/05/2026

What the Silver Tsunami Means if You’re Planning To Sell

The term “silver tsunami” makes it sound like a wave of houses is about to hit the market all at once. The research says otherwise.

According to Realtor.com, about 13.9 million homes owned by older Americans are expected to change hands by 2036. That's a big number. But it's spread across a decade, at roughly 1.3 to 1.5 million homes a year.

The pace is important. After the 2008 housing crash, builders spent years not building enough homes to keep up with demand, and the country still hasn't caught up. As longtime homeowners sell over time, their houses will help ease a shortage that's already there.

For buyers, that can mean more options. For sellers, it means there's no reason to put your plans on hold because of a trend that’s expected to play out over the next 10 years.

What matters more is what's happening in your area right now: how many homes are for sale nearby, what similar houses are selling for, and what buyers want.

Planning a move in the next year or so? Let's talk about what the local numbers mean for your house.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

11/02/2026

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Think you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be surprised by how wrong that number is.

And if you've been putting off buying because of your credit, this could change everything.

According to a recent Veterans United survey, 57% of prospective buyers think they need a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for a mortgage. And 34% believe they need 700 or higher.

But here's what many people don't realize.

The traditional benchmark for many conventional loans has been 620. And with recent changes to mortgage credit scoring, even that isn't a hard-and-fast requirement for every loan.

Plus, lenders are beginning to adopt newer credit scoring models that could help millions more Americans get evaluated for a mortgage.

So, the number you see on your credit monitoring app may not tell the whole story about your ability to buy a home.

Does that mean everyone can qualify? Of course not. But it does mean you shouldn't count yourself out before talking to a professional.

Curious where you actually stand? Send me a message, and let's connect you with a lender who can help you find out.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

10/29/2026

Don't Let the Fear of a Buyer Backing Out Scare You Away from Selling

What if you finally get an offer on your house... and then the buyer backs out?
It's every seller's nightmare. And with headlines about canceled contracts on the rise, it's a concern worth talking about.

But here's what those headlines aren't telling you: 85–90% of home sales still make it to closing.

And there's more good news. You can actually take steps to protect your sale before your house even hits the market.

According to a Redfin survey, 70% of agents say inspection or repair issues are a reason buyers back out. That's the biggest reason reported, by far.

So, what's one smart move you can make?

Consider getting a pre-listing inspection. It could help you spot potential problems early, decide what to fix, and avoid surprises that might send a buyer running.

And that's just one piece of the puzzle. The right preparation, pricing, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.

Selling your house doesn't have to feel like a gamble. A little preparation can give you a much stronger start.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let's talk about how to set your sale up for success.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

10/28/2026

Where am I?

Home. 🏡 And if you live in River North, you probably understand why.

It’s sunset on the river, weekends spent gallery-hopping along Superior Street, dinner at Erie Cafe’s patio along the North Branch, and knowing all the little things about this neighborhood that you won’t find in a Google search.

From converted timber lofts to high-rises with river views, with galleries, restaurants, the lake and the Loop all within walking distance, there are plenty of reasons people love living here. But after a while, it’s not just where you live. It’s home.

What would you add to the list? 👇

10/26/2026

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.

Darby Zwagerman | ☎️ 773-294-9147 | Broker at | Christie's International Real Estate

10/25/2026

Such a fun afternoon at the Manhattan Vintage show here in Chicago. There’s something for everyone. Today’s the last day grab your tickets online.

10/22/2026

What’s the one thing I’d never compromise on in a Chicago home? Light.

Last week’s neighborhood post got a lot of you talking, so here’s part two. After 25 years and a design degree, I can tell you that almost everything in a home can be changed. Kitchens get gutted, walls come down, closets get stolen from bedrooms. But you can’t move a window to the south side of the building or ask the neighbor to take two stories off their new construction.

And here, it’s not a small thing. When it’s dark by 4:30in December, the light you do get shapes how winter feels in your home.

On every tour, I’m checking exposure, what’s next door, and what could get built next door. If you’re house hunting this fall, save this and bring that list to your next showing.

Send this to the friend who keeps falling for listing photos. 😉

Address

900 N. Michigan Avenue , Ste. 800
Chicago, IL
60611

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 7pm
Tuesday	9am - 7pm
Wednesday	9am - 7pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 7pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Website

https://darbyzwagerman.com/

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