Shows
The Chicago Home Partner Real Estate Podcast with Amanda McMillanThe Best Northern Chicago Suburbs to Move To (2025)Thinking about leaving the city for the Chicago suburbs? Wondering what suburban life really looks like compared to your current neighborhood in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown, or Logan Square? In this episode of Chicago Home Partner, I sit down with my longtime friend and North Shore expert Connie Dornan to break it all down in a point/counterpoint conversation between two seasoned real estate advisors—me (city-focused) and Connie (suburbs-focused).We compare what Chicago residents are experiencing right now with what’s happening in the suburbs—from inventory trends to home prices, buyer behavior, and lifestyle differences. Hear h...2025-06-0250 minThe Chicago Home Partner Real Estate Podcast with Amanda McMillanE18: Moving to Chicago's North Shore and the New Construction Challenges in 2024March brings exciting discussions to our Chicago real estate podcast with two exceptional guests. We delve into pressing issues confronting homebuyers and sellers in today's market.
Connie Dornan, top North Shore agent by volume in 2023, shares invaluable insights for those considering a move to Chicago's northern suburbs. We cover the market's current state and the most popular suburbs for city residents relocating to the suburbs.
Zev Salomon, the visionary behind some of Chicago's most innovative developments, sheds light on the challenges builders face today, the scarcity of entry-level condos, and his predictions for Chicago's immediate...2024-03-0743 min
Brokering LifestyleEmpowering Lives: Achieving My Best Life with Paul Konrad of WGN TVJoin us on this inspiring episode of 'Brokering Lifestyle,' where we sit down with the esteemed Paul Konrad, a prominent figure from WGN TV known for his exceptional broadcasting career. In this episode, Paul sheds light on his remarkable journey beyond broadcasting, delving into his passionate work in supporting individuals with autism and cognitive disabilities.Discover the story behind Bloomhaven, an innovative living community in Aurora, co-developed by Paul Konrad and his brother Jason, along with other business leaders. Bloomhaven, part of the Weston Bridges project, is a groundbreaking initiative providing independent living for high-functioning adults...2024-01-0847 min
Brokering LifestyleSimplified Luxury Living with Pennyworth ProjectsThank you for joining me on another episode of Brokering Lifestyle. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Julia Hudson from Pennyworth Projects, an enterprise that's redefining the essence of high-caliber personal and business support. Pennyworth Projects isn’t just about filling a position; it's about crafting a harmonious partnership that elevates the very fabric of professional and personal realms.Julia, with her seasoned expertise, understands that the cornerstone of efficacy is not merely found in a well-curated resume but in the subtle alchemy of compatibility and shared vision. Pennyworth's bespoke approach to placement services is akin to...2023-11-2826 minBrokering LifestyleNorth Shore to Manhattan: A Tale of Two Luxury MarketsWelcome to "Brokering Lifestyle," the podcast where luxury real estate meets insightful conversation. In this episode titled "From North Shore to Manhattan: A Tale of Two Luxury Markets," your host Connie Dornan, the top-ranked Realtor in Glenview and Northbrook, IL, delves into a captivating discussion with Scott Harris of Brown, Harris and Stevens. Join us as we explore the unique dynamics of two prominent luxury real estate markets and the exciting design trends shaping them.With a distinguished track record in the North Shore luxury market, Connie Dornan brings her expertise to the table, while Scott Harris...2023-10-1043 minBrokering LifestyleMarket Update with the Dornan Group!Tune in to an insightful podcast episode featuring Connie Dornan and her expert team members, Kostas Giannikoulis and Lyndsay Kane. Delve into a comprehensive discussion about the latest trends in the housing market and gain valuable insights into their professional predictions for the market's future direction. Don't miss this engaging conversation that offers a deep dive into the world of real estate and market dynamics.For a more comprehensive discussion about your own neighborhood just give us a call!Connie Dornan Group847.208.1397conniedornan.comThanks for listening! Follow...2023-08-0818 min
The Chicago Home Partner Real Estate Podcast with Amanda McMillanChicago Market Update, Biggest Real Estate Regrets, Suburban Market Insight, Old vs. New Homes, Tips for buying vacation rentals and more.In this episode of the Chicago Real Estate Podcast, we welcome Connie Dornan, top producing agent from Chicago’s North Shore to share some insight with those of you considering a suburban move. Connie has been our go-to referral source for any of our clients moving out of the city and she shares differences and insight for those looking to make the move North!
Together we will address the following questions submitted by our viewers:
What’s happening in the market today?
Older versus newer homes - what to look for?
Your summer home maintenance checklist.
Lands...2023-07-2859 minBrokering LifestyleShining Perspectives: The Solar Panel PodcastMeet Paul Doughty, a seasoned Solar Consultant affiliated with Certasun, a prominent solar energy provider based in Buffalo Grove. With an unwavering passion for solar panels, Paul has been a vital part of Certasun's team since 2019. However, his connection to solar energy runs even deeper, as he became a solar owner himself in 2013.Paul's roots in solar energy can be traced back to his parents, who installed solar panels on their permanent residence in 1989. Inspired by their pioneering spirit, Paul carries on the legacy by actively promoting solar solutions and advocating for their adoption.Join...2023-06-2735 minBrokering LifestyleBootie Brown: Crafting a Creative Lifestyle Through MusicBootie Brown is my special guest! You may know him from his hit single with the Gorillaz called New Gold. He also has a streamline service PharcydeTV and a band with the same name Pharcyde since the 1990s. This remarkable and talented artist also has a boutique in Eagle Rock, CA near Pasadena, called "Store 242" and there you will find custom and curated vintage clothing along with home accessories and artwork. He is quite the industrious man! His latest single is Suddenly with Amy Correa Bell and it is causing some major sound waves! You can...2023-06-0739 minBrokering LifestyleA Simple Guide to MediationsWendy Zun and Jamie Zelvin are two powerful attorneys and the best of the best!Wendy graduated from Northwestern University and DePaul University College of Law. She was a Cook County Public defender for 31 years! Jamie Zelvin went to Northwestern University & Loyola University College of Law and was general counsel for RBC Mortgage and most recently VP & general counsel for LOGS Network.Together these two women have partnered to create a new firm specializing in mediations. You can contact Wendy and Jamie at http://wzunlaw.com/ or you can call them at 224-523...2023-05-0234 minBrokering LifestyleChicago Furniture Bank brings Comfort, Dignity & Stability to our communities.Paul deBoer of Chicago Furniture Bank is my special guest and he is the Executive Director of Chicago Furniture Bank and its sister company Honest Junk . Their mission is to provide dignity, stability, and comfort to Chicagoans that face poverty by allowing clients to handpick an entire home's worth of furniture. For more information on Chicago Furniture Bank please visit their website: https://www.chicagofurniturebank.org/ORContact their sister company at https://www.honestjunkcompany.org/ and start spring cleaning your home whilst helping someone else with theirs.2023-04-1813 minBrokering LifestyleEnhance your lifestyle with a Pre Fab Pad!Peter Seltenright of PreFabPads who is the manufacturer of MyCabin products is my special guest and he is the COO & Co-founder of PreFabPads. My Cabin is a Latvian company that has recently opened factory operations here in Illinois and they manufacture modular “tiny” homes inspired by Scandinavian designs. Their homes are affordable, very modern & chic with a rustic flair and bring the dream of owning a 2nd home to reality without breaking the bank for most.For more information, visit Peter's website at https://www.prefabpads.co/Thanks for listening! Follow me on Insta...2023-03-2816 min
Brokering LifestyleFind Love Again with Author Allison JayneIn this week's episode, Allison Jayne, author of Find Love Again, Learn To Date Like A Goddess we explore Allison's successful EFT techniques on the home finding process. It is truly intriguing how her tried and proven techniques can really help unclog those blocks in our minds that prevent us from making decisions that can give one empowerment.Visit Allison's website and mention that you heard this podcast and receive a free copy of her book! https://www.learntodatelikeagoddess.com/Allison Jayne is a seasoned psychotherapist and EFT practitioner. Being a divorcee h...2023-03-0722 minBrokering LifestyleHow to BBQ like a Pro with Dan Marguerite of Backyard BBQOn this week's episode of Brokering Lifestyle, Dan Marguerite of the Backyard BBQ Store in Wilmette, IL joins me to discuss all things BBQ! Gain some helpful tips and insights on the best types of grills, charcoals and other tidbits to help you create a true pro BBQ experience.For more information on the Backyard BBQ Store, visit Dan's website: https://backyardbbqstore.com/or you can visit his store at 535 Green Bay Rd in Wilmette.You can listen to this week's episode on Spotify, Apple Music, Buzzsprout, Amazon Music, Podcast Addict, Podcast Index. You...2023-02-2113 minBrokering LifestyleHome Design Trends with Ariella HorowitzAriella Horowitz is the founder and principal designer of AH Design Group and she joins us this week to discuss interior design trends, her latest project in Glencoe, IL and her overall strategy and thoughtfulness that goes behind each of her creations.For more information on Ariella and AH Design Group, please visit their website at: https://www.ahdesigngrp.com/You can listen to this week's episode on Spotify, Apple Music, Buzzsprout, Amazon Music, Podcast Addict, Podcast Index. You can also find it by searching for Brokering Lifestyle on your favorite listening site. Buzzsprout: h...2023-02-0718 minBrokering LifestyleYoga & Your HomeOn this week's episode of Brokering Lifestyle, I am joined by Kira Maar of Yoga 6 in Glenview, Illinois. Kira shares tips on how to incorporate yoga into your home and lifestyle! For more information on Yoga 6, check out their website: https://www.yogasix.com/location/glenview or give Kira a call at (847) 503-9595Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter. 2023-01-2410 minBrokering LifestyleTips For Selling A Home With ChildrenOn this week's episode of Brokering Lifestyle, I am speaking with Jennifer Freeman and Marissa Kates, both moms of three young children and who have gone through the process of selling and buying a home simultaneously. Selling a home can be a stressful process but add the children into the mix and that can be quite overwhelming. However, these amazing moms share tips from their own experiences that made the process smooth and less challenging for the whole family.Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter. 2023-01-1013 min
Brokering LifestyleEntertaining with Music, Featuring: Peven EverettOn this week’s episode of Brokering Lifestyle, I had the privilege of speaking with one of Chicago’s most talented musicians and artists, Mr Peven Everett on what kind of music to play when entertaining guests at home. The food, the mood and even the colors and decor of a home can influence the type of music that is most appropriate to create the perfect ambient setting for guests and especially for the host!Mr Peven Everett has written and produced many of his own albums and has played with greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma...2022-12-2922 minBrokering LifestyleHow to Organize with the Duchess of DeclutterOn today's episode, I am speaking with Brooke Milton of the firm The Duchess of Declutter. Brooke has been organizing homes in the North Shore for well over a decade. Not only can she organize your home, but she can also help you organize your lifestyle, staging, interior design & provide moving assistance.Brooke shares with me her insights on home organization. For more information about The Duchess of Declutter, please visit: https://theduchessofdeclutter.com/ or call Brooke at (312) 330-2400Thanks for listening! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter. 2022-12-0214 min
Brokering LifestyleMeet Connie Dornan on Brokering LifestyleI’ve been a broker for nearly two decades and have always identified myself as a licensed real estate Broker. That’s true but that is not the whole picture of what I love to do. I’m really selling a “Lifestyle”. A home is not just where one lives with a roof over their head. It’s the Lifestyle one creates for themselves. A place where they are part of a greater community, raise their children, the types of schools they want to belong to, places of worship, retail conveniences, walkability and most of all - how does the...2022-12-0203 min