Showcase Chicago Podcast

What if the “perfect home” was hiding a sinking foundation behind a fake wall? In this episode of Showcase Chicago, Michael Reyes sits down with Justin Castronova of First Choice Inspectors, who has completed over 10,000 inspections across Chicagoland. From discovering shocking issues like hidden walls to spotting the telltale signs of a bad flip, Justin shares what sellers and buyers need to know before making one of the biggest investments of their lives. You’ll hear why no home is truly “perfect,” the truth about as-is deals, and how the right inspector can save you from costly mistakes. Whether you’re buying your first home, preparing to sell, or just curious about what really goes on behind the walls, this conversation will leave you informed and ready to take the next step with confidence. www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: (312) 880 - 9409 Instagram @showcasechicago https://firstchoiceinspectors.com/ Justin Castronova 773-429-9711 Justin@firstchoiceinspectors.com

Step back in time to uncover the stories behind Chicago’s iconic pre-war apartments and what they reveal about connection, craftsmanship, and lifestyle. Join host Michael Reyes and guest Michael Erwin as they delve into the 1928 Portfolio of Fine Apartment Homes by Baird & Warner—a treasure trove of architectural gems. Learn how historic layouts prioritized human connection with private retreats and grand entertaining spaces, and discover why sellers and buyers alike are drawn to these timeless properties. Whether you're considering selling a historic home, restoring its charm, or embracing modern functionality in an older space, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice for navigating the Chicagoland real estate market. From design trends and material quality to the unique warmth of these homes, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about preserving history while embracing the future. www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455 Instagram @showcasechicago

Reaching homeownership was no simple feat for Audriana; it was built on patience, timing, and a dedicated agent. In this episode, she and Michael unpack her four-year journey, illustrating how a trusted real estate professional makes a difference for sellers and buyers at every turn. They discuss how knowing when to hold back on a deal is essential, why patience led her to the right home, and what both sides of the market can face. If you’re preparing to sell or exploring buying options, this story provides valuable lessons on how timing and a solid partnership can make all the difference. www.Showcase-Chicago.com Host: Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455 Instagram @showcasechicago

Join host Michael Reyes of A.R.E. Partners as he recaps the dynamic real estate landscape of 2023 and explores what's on the horizon for 2024. With guest Lane Chesebro from Coldwell Banker Realty, they discuss transaction trends, challenges with interest rates, and the market outlook, including insights from Dr. Lawrence Yun of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. Michael shares his journey from Broker to Managing Broker and addresses a significant lawsuit impacting the industry, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and transparent client communication. Tune in for expert analysis and practical advice on navigating the evolving real estate market. www.Showcase-Chicago.com Host: Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455 Instagram @showcasechicago Guest: Lane Chesebro w/ Coldwell Banker Realty Instagram @lanechesebro.realestate

Host Michael Reyes with A.R.E. Partners teams up with George Laguardia from A and N Mortgage to unveil the game-changing Home Run Program. Discover how this program allows you to secure 2-4 unit properties with just a 5% down payment and offers competitive interest rates. Learn about occupancy requirements, credit score thresholds, and the power of rental income. If you're in the Chicagoland area, this opportunity is not to be missed. Join us as we explore the Home Run Program's potential in this exciting episode! www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455 George LaGuardia - A and N Mortgage Services, Inc. NMLS #: 1316429 C: 312.972.2296 george@anmtg.com www.ANmtg.com

In the latest episode of the Showcase Chicago Podcast, your host Michael Reyes, a seasoned Chicagoland Realtor with ARE Partner Inc, sits down with special guest Danny Salgado – an accomplished independent Real Estate Investor and a highly valued past and current client. Our conversation will focus on Danny's journey as ignited by the guidance of his father. We'll explore buy-and-hold versus fix-and-flip strategies, perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Sealing a game-changing real estate deal under the Florida sun and learn how he turned a possible challenging tenant situation into a thriving flight attendant crash pad. We'll discuss luck versus strategy, budgeting for flips, and the art of finding reliable contractors. Plus, discover the personal touch that keeps clients like Danny coming back. Get ready for insights, inspiration, and a genuine look into the world of real estate investing. www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455

Join realtor Michael Reyes and Antje Gehrken, President of A.R.E. Partners Inc, as they discuss the Q2 Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana real estate market. Discover opportunities for buyers and sellers despite the slowdown, the importance of market knowledge, and how personal factors influence home buying decisions. Gain valuable insights to succeed in today's real estate landscape. www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455

Join real estate agent Michael Reyes as he shares his personal journey of shedding 170 pounds through gastric bypass surgery. In this episode, accompanied by renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Rami Lutfi, they explore the emotional and physical aspects of weight loss surgery. Discover how Michael's decision to prioritize his health transformed not only his body but also elevated his real estate business. Tune in to Showcase Chicago Podcast for an uplifting conversation about transformation, resilience, and achieving success against all odds, and the power of reclaiming one's true self. www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455 Additional links: https://www.drlutfi.com/ https://www.chicagosurgery.org/ https://www.instagram.com/lutfiforward https://www.instagram.com/chicagosurgery

A first-time homebuyer, initially thought she found the perfect condo in Oak Park, but soon realized after moving in that it wasn't the right fit for her lifestyle. Despite the potential financial risks, she decided to prioritize her happiness and relocate back to River North. Michael Reyes, her realtor, supported this decision and worked diligently to ensure a successful sale. LISTEN NOW on your favorite podcast app! www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455

Ten-year client talks about moving from renting in 2013 to purchasing a condo in 2017, then buying a single-family home in 2022 and retaining her condo as an investment. There's a lot to learn from her story, including dealing with two mortgage lenders who didn't have her best interests at heart, buying while interest rates were high, breaking up with another Realtor, taking on renovation projects, the importance of having the right team and so much more! This episode is a true testament to Michael Reyes' commitment to YOU as your Realtor for life! LISTEN NOW on your favorite podcast app! www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455

Are you thinking about buying or selling in the Chicago real estate market? If so, you're likely wondering what the first quarter of 2023 had in store. Michael Reyes from A.R.E. Partners, Rachel Ruffin from Executive Realty Group LLC, and Linda Scott from Wintrust Mortgage have the answers. In this episode, they discuss the current state of the market, interest rates, and the best negotiating strategies to use in today's market. www.Showcase-Chicago.com ----more----Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455 ----more---- Guest links: https://rachelruffinsolutions.com/ https://www.wintrustmortgage.com/find-originator/mortgage/linda-scott.html

Are you dreaming of becoming a homeowner? If so, you're not alone. But achieving this goal can be difficult, especially in today's competitive real estate market. Fortunately, Leo was able to make his dream a reality with the help of Realtor Michael Reyes and by negotiating a $5,000 credit and receiving a $6,000 grant. In this episode, we discuss how Leo was able to save $11,000 and achieve his homeownership goals. We'll also look at how to negotiate the best real estate deal and the importance of mentorship in the process. Listen now to learn more about Leo's inspiring story and how you can follow in his footsteps! www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455

In this episode of the Showcase Chicago Podcast, we hear the inspiring story of Chris and Vaeshan who, after a year of searching with another Realtor, were able to find their dream house with the help of Michael Reyes. Despite a $15,000 inspection issue, Michael was able to help them negotiate a successful offer within just 30 days. We explore how they overcame the challenge and hear their advice for other prospective home buyers. Tune in to learn from the Pitts family's experience and gain insight into the home-buying process. Connect here: www.Showcase-Chicago.com Michael Reyes w/ A.R.E. Partners Michael@showcase-chicago.com Call/Text: 312.972.3455