@properties Christie’s International Real Estate has always been on the cutting edge of the brokerage industry, and winning “Brokerage of the Year” at this summer’s Inman Innovator Awards only affirms the company’s status as a trailblazer more than 20 years since its founding. Innovation has taken many forms during @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s journey to becoming the #1 real estate brokerage in Chicago and a top 10 firm in the country. Following are ten innovations that @properties’ co-founders and co-CEOs Mike Golden and Thad Wong consider the most important in the company’s history:

1. What’s in a Name

According to Wong, the name “@properties” was meant to position the firm as a forward-thinking company founded on the cusp of the internet age. The name came to Wong as he rode a department store escalator past a Christmas tree adorned with ornaments bearing the “@” symbol.

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To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, @Loves Local is partnering with La Borra Café’s Oak Park location, serving up your choice of a free 16oz beverage or pastry. Join us at this neighborhood favorite on Thursday, September 15 from 9-11 a.m. at 1100 Lake Street as we begin the month-long cultural celebration!

Established in Mexico in 2012, La Borra Café has since grown to include over 70 stores in its native country. But even better, their extensive menu of Mexican-sourced artisanal coffee blends can be enjoyed at six Chicagoland locations. They are also well-known for their authentic sweet pastries and savory tortas.

We talked to franchise owner Dine Unlu to hear more about the La Borra Café story:

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate: How was La Borra Café created?

La Borra Café: Our CEO, Leon Reffreger was working on his thesis for his master’s degree and ended up creating an international coffee shop business. He named the shops after a book titled “La Borra del Café,” and the rest is history.

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite treat at your La Borra location?

La Borra Café: I really enjoy our new chicken quesadilla, it’s so good and filling! According to Unlu, La Borra Café is committed to providing the best food and drink experience around – and it is even available for pick up by ordering online or via their app.

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate: What is your favorite part of owning La Borra Café?

La Borra Café: Meeting new people! Getting their day started and inspiring them through our customer service and specialized menu is important.

La Borra Café made its Oak Park debut in July 2021. Each location is specifically designed to reflect the surrounding neighborhood while functioning as a social gathering place or remote workspace. The company currently has locations in Berwyn, Naperville, Chicago, and Texas and plans to open more spots in California.

Visit La Borra Café on Thursday, September 15 from 9-11 a.m. to get a free 16oz beverage or pastry of your choice on the @tab (paid for by @properties Christie’s International Real Estate and ProperRate). 1100 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301

Best sure to follow @atproperties and @laborracafe.usa on Instagram and use our hashtag #AtLovesLocal when you visit.

*Limit one beverage or pastry of your choice per person.

The days may be getting shorter, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there aren’t plenty of activities to fill your fall calendar. Between brews and boos, you’ll have no trouble staying busy whether you’re on the North Shore or heading to the city. Here are some events to check out this fall.

Chicago Beer Fest

Craft brews have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and Chicago has embraced the trend with a variety of festivals. One of the largest is the Chicago Beer Festival, which will be held inside the Field Museum on October 8^th from 7 to 11 p.m. Not only will the event feature over 65 breweries showcasing fall seasonal beers, but some of the museum’s exhibits will be open for viewing as you enjoy your favorite ale.

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We hope you’ll join us for an especially meaningful event as @ Loves Local comes to Highland Park to support the community and local business. On July 20^th between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., stop by Michael’s and enjoy a free hot dog along with the community spirit Highland Park is known for.

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate and Proper Rate are proud to be a part of such a strong and welcoming community, and we will continue to share our love and support with those that call Highland Park home.

Keep reading for @ Loves Local event details and to see what Michael’s general manager Adam Porte had to say about the restaurant’s backstory:

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The official start of summer is right around the corner, and there’s no time to waste as you make certain your calendar is chock full of adventure through the end of September. In the interest of keeping planning to a minimum, we compiled a Bucket List of activities throughout Southwest Michigan, Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and Southeast Wisconsin that will have you creating memories all summer long.

Field of Dreams

There is just under 100 miles between Milwaukee and Chicago, yet there are three Major League Baseball stadiums where America’s favorite pastime can be enjoyed throughout the summer. Catch the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field or head to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. If you prefer Chicago’s South Side, grab a hot dog and beer at Guaranteed Rate Field, where the White Sox play.

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With interest rates rising amid high inflation, it can be a challenging time to save for a down payment and break into the housing market. However, there are a variety of things both large and small that can immediately shave costs and grow your nest egg – perhaps even faster than you anticipated. Here are a few tips:  

Household Audit  

Begin by auditing all your expenses each month and know exactly where your money is going. This may sound obvious, but forgotten expenditures add up and can often be scaled back. This is where you’ll notice subscriptions and streaming services you may not use, or insurance policies that you are potentially overpaying on. Take the time to cancel items or renegotiate how much you’re paying for certain things, and you’ll soon tally up savings.  

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Exciting news coming out of Park Ridge! @properties has acquired the former Century 21 Elm real estate office, a fixture in the community for the past 43 years. The office will now operate under the @properties brand while retaining its location at 741 Devon Ave.

Established by Stino and Vince M. Milito in 1978, Century 21 Elm became the #1 real estate office in Park Ridge within two years of its founding. Today, it has 72 agents, all of whom are expected to make the move to @properties. The office will continue to be managed by Vince Milito’s son, Vince S. Milito. Continue reading

Fall is in full swing, and we’re ready to make the most of the season’s offerings. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy autumn throughout Chicagoland.

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Thanks to all that supported @ Loves Local in June! Are you ready to experience more local favorites in July? If so, we have a delicious roster set up for you and even an @ Loves Local first! Trust us when we say you won’t want to miss these. Continue reading

July 4^th weekend is upon us, bringing with it cookouts, fireworks, and outfits of red, white, and blue. Chicagoland is home to its fair share of festivities, and there are many others within driving distance in the communities of Southwest Michigan, Northwest Indiana, and Southeast Wisconsin. The following are some of our favorites:

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