Born and raised in Oak Park, Chris Garvey knows the area well and is one of the areas top selling realtors. He is also a "Top Rated Real Estate Award Winner" and a Five Star Premier Agent on Trulia and Zillow. Like my father, I believe raising a family here in Oak Park and River Forest has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my (and my children's) life. I love showing people houses and sharing my experiences growing up and raising my family in Oak Park and River Forest. The village has always been changing and it is more exciting now than ever! Oak Park/River Forest is all about the schools, parks, great nightlife, weekend activities, and its famously short commute time to downtown Chicago. My children are the fourth generation in my family to come from Oak Park/River Forest. I have lived in eight different homes in Oak Park and my wife and I have rehabbed five homes in Oak Park and one in River Forest. This experience not only gives me some great insight about the area, it also enhances the experiences of my clients that are buying a home. When I take a client to see a home, it is a little like an episode of “The Property Brothers” or “Flip This House”, where my clients enjoy talking about how they would remake baths, kitchens and whatever else they can dream of. The great success I have with my clients stems from a few things in my background. First and foremost I would say that growing up in this beautiful, multicultural community has truly helped me become a better person and communicator. The second most important factor is in my experience of rehabbing homes. I offer great insight as to what can be done, how much it is likely to cost, and whether or not the improvements will be a good investment for my client. One final thing that my clients tell me they love about their experiences with me is that I do more than just show a home. I actually teach them about the home, the neighborhood, and the buying process. Among the many things I’ve done in life, one of them was teaching high school science at Elmwood Park High School and Oak Park and River Forest High School. A little bit of the teacher in me comes through whenever I show a home. My approach to home buyers is one of friendly conversation about the area and its homes with a long-term perspective towards finding them the right investment in their future. Take your time getting to know the neighborhoods, home styles, and what makes Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park and other areas a great place to live.