One of Chicago’s largest brokerages is looking to expedite the online search process for prospective home buyers. The firm, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff, recently upgraded its MLS-database site SmashProperties.com with a neighborhood search feature.

  • The most searched neighborhoods in Chicago are River North, West Loop, Old Town, Gold Coast and Lincoln Park.
  • More prospective buyers in Chicago are asking about new construction.
  • Potential homeowners in Chicago typically have a specific neighborhood they want to buy in.

One of Chicago’s largest brokerages is looking to expedite the online search process for prospective homebuyers.

The firm, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff, recently upgraded its MLS-database site SmashProperties.com with a neighborhood search feature.

Simplifying an overwhelming search

According to RJ Yozwiak, the brokerage’s co-founder, the firm found that many potential buyers search for homes using key phrases. These phrases are most commonly the name of a neighborhood coupled with the type of property (condo, single family, townhouse) they seek.

However, because Chicago is divided into roughly 45 different neighborhoods, clients are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of properties when looking for a home.

smashproperties

In response, the brokerage upgraded its site to allow visitors to search by typing in a specific neighborhood. If an individual types in “River North” an overview of the area’s culture pops up along with neighborhood-specific real estate statistics and a listing of all available condos and single-family homes within that submarket.

“It’s a very powerful tool,” Yozwiak said, adding it also enables individuals to quickly view what they can purchase for a desired price point within a specific neighborhood.

The site upgrade is not just geared toward prospective buyers, as the neighborhood search function is intended to drive more eyes to a seller’s home.

According to Yozwiak, the most searched neighborhoods in Chicago are River North, West Loop, Old Town, Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, with two bedrooms being in highest demand.

One trend he’s noticing during the past six months within these submarkets is more buyers asking about new construction, likely condos.

“It seems to be the emerging term people are asking for,” he said.

The brokerage should be well aware of the demand for newly-built homes throughout the Chicago metro as the firm is comprised of 1,500 real estate professionals and staff spread among 23 offices. The focus of the firm is $400,000 to $1.5 million homes.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×