Old Town Buyer: Meet Lauren
Why did you choose this neighborhood?
Old Town wasn't even originally on my radar when looking to purchase a home. After living in Lakeview and Lincoln Park for 4+ years, I thought I knew exactly where I wanted to continue to stay. However, I'm so glad Meg helped me to keep an open mind and explore options throughout the process. Now, I can't imagine living in a different neighborhood. It's been an ideal location for everything I enjoy; close to downtown where I work, bustling restaurants and bars, walking distance to the lake, while still having the charm and character of the neighborhoods on the northside that I love.
What are you most excited about in your new home?
Logistically? Having my own washer/dryer! Finally not taking my laundry to a communal building washer and down 10 flights of stairs is something I'm grateful for every day! I'm also most excited about my outdoor space. I love having a rooftop to enjoy with friends and neighbors or to take a virtual yoga class with skyline views, while also having a private patio off of my apartment to spend afternoons reading or grilling.
How did you decide on this place?
I decided on this place for a variety of reasons, but put simply -- it just fit. The layout is what I was looking for and the amenities met my needs. When I set out on my house search, one of the most important factors for me living in a city was to find a spot that was convenient, but not on a busy, main street. This location is just off bustling Wells St., so while it offers the convenience of city life, I'm still able to find an escape down a quiet street with a quaint courtyard.
Favorite room in the house?
The kitchen. I love to cook, and am a big fan of celebrity (e.g. Chrissy Tiegen, Antoni Porowski) and blogger (e.g. Half-Baked Harvest, Damn Delicious) cookbooks. While I'm certainly no expert, I finally have the counterspace and cooking space to make all my 'Chopped' dreams come true.
What is your new favorite neighborhood spot?
Oooh this is tough. Declan's is a fun spot to watch college football and they have a great patio for Wells St. people watching. Happy Camper and Foxtrot are also a few favorites. Is it lame to say Plum Market (a nearby grocery store)? They're a Michigan-based company, so I love that I can stop by to pick-up my favorite Zingerman's treats that remind me of my home in Ann Arbor, MI.
Do you plan to do any other updates on your place?
Nothing major planned! I installed a screen door on my patio, which has been a game changer -- like, having a giant window for the summer and fall breeze. For me, I wasn't looking for a project and I wanted a home that wasn't going to require a ton of updates, which was more move-in ready.
What was a must-have in your home?
An open concept and lots of windows. The layout I have is perfect for me -- it's great to host family and friends, so no one's ever missing out on the action from the kitchen to the living room. My first apartment in Chicago, the only window in my bedroom looked out into a window well...meaning...almost no natural light. It was important for me to have big windows that let in the sunshine. This is a huge mood booster, particularly now that we're all spending so much time inside at home!
What was the best part about working with Meg?
Where do I even start? From the beginning, Meg eased my concerns (read: fears) about the process of buying my first home. She made the process easy and was there all along the way to answer questions, provide great counsel, while also making me feel empowered to make decisions. I'm so grateful for what she provided every day -- because I live in it! She helped me find my perfect home. Meg's even been there for me after the buying process, from fantastic networking events, recommendations for vendors or tradesmen, you name it!
Favorite memory in your new home?
Honestly I have so many. One of my favorite memories was during a surprise family visit for the Big Ten basketball tournament last spring. My family came in town from Michigan and Seattle to attend the games at the United Center. At the end of the weekend, we all decided we'd had enough of the crowds and ended up watching games as a family from my living room. It was the best feeling to have a home where my family felt comfortable and wanted to spend time together. There's no greater feeling than to have all my favorite people in my favorite place.
