There are so many reasons we love living in downtown Chicago - and like all Windy City residents, we have a lot to be thankful for. And not just in the real estate realm (although we are thrilled about the many opportunities in the Chicago market). Here are the top eight reasons we love living in downtown Chicago.

1. The Skyline and the City Lights. Yes, we're cheating a bit by naming two things with one item, but they really go hand in hand. Chicago at night is absolutely magical, especially during the holidays when city is lit up with decorations (literally).

2. Chicago's Dining Scene. Not only do we have some of the best restaurants in the world, we are also home to some of the world's finest grocery stores and we have a wide variety of

We might be a little bit biased, but we think that Chicago is one of the best sports cities in the world. With two world class baseball teams as well as football, basketball, hockey, and soccer teams that regularly make the playoffs, we're incredibly lucky when it comes to professional sports. In fact, we're only of only ten major U.S. cities that have five major professional sports teams - the Bears, the Cubs, the White Sox, the Bulls, and the Blackhawks. Plus we have two up and coming soccer teams, the Chicago Fire and the Chicago Red Stars!

What's more, if you're a dedicated amateur or just love watching your fellow locals compete, there's everything from softball and volleyball leagues in the summer to hockey leagues in the winter, along

When you're looking for a new piece of Chicago real estate, there are many things to consider as you search - and even more questions to answer before you buy! And while certain aspects of the search and the subsequent purchase are identical no matter what type of property you are looking for, there are many nuances to consider that vary depending on whether you're searching for a long-term home, a short-term place to live, or an investment property.

A Question of Space. This might be the most important aspect of your new property to consider if you're planning on calling it home for a number of years. How much space do you really need to be comfortable - and how much space is truly ideal? This depends not only on your own preferences, but on the

Rendering of 363 East Wacker Drive #2907 (Vista)

While living in the suburbs or the outskirts of Chicago may be much more relaxing than the hustle and bustle of the city, nothing is the same as enjoying the energy of downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods - particularly if you have your own pied-à-terre or second home to enjoy it all without having to travel home to the suburbs or further.

Whether you work in Loop or nearby, or simply want a home base in the heart of the Windy City, finding a cozy pied-à-terre with amazing views of the skyline, Chicago River, and Lake Michigan can be easier said than done. Naturally, you desire all the comforts of home, but you also want the convenience of a compact condo that's near everything from the

Imagine having all the space of a single family home in the suburbs, but the city at your front door? The Park at Lakeshore East and the Maggie Daley Park would be your front and backyards, and you'll be only steps from all the entertainment, dining, and culture that downtown Chicago has to offer.

The opportunity to buy and live in a sunlit corner townhome in Lakeshore East is a once in a lifetime chance. With three bedrooms, four and a half baths, a private two car garage, two balconies, and three levels of gracious living space (plus a rooftop deck with 360 degree views), this is one of the true gems on the Chicago real estate market right now.

The address is 401 East Benton Place #401, and we'd be happy to give you a tour.

Just look

Having an extra bedroom or an extra room in general can be wonderful - and it is definitely a way to add value to your Chicago real estate purchase if you're in the market. That said, if you're planning on living in the condo or home, or you currently have a spare bedroom that's not in use, you may want to consider making the most of that space by converting it into something that you love. Here are some ideas from our agents on how to make the most of that extra room in your Chicago home...

Office: Perhaps the most obvious way to use an extra room, but a home office is indeed a wonderful way to define work time from leisure time, especially if you work from home on a regular basis. Rooms with plenty of natural light, space for a large desk and a

We love Chicago - the architecture, the parks, the many amazing restaurants, the art and culture scene, and of course, the real estate. But the one thing we love the most? The many opportunities the city offers to give back. From volunteering to tutor school children, working in a soup kitchen, or simply taking an afternoon to help socialize the kittens and puppies at one of our animal shelters, Chicagoans have plenty of chances to spend time contributing to the community.

Want to help out? Volunteer Match lists over one thousand opportunities in Chicago, so there's bound to be something you're interested in. Or get little more local with ChicagoCares (you don't have the time but still want to help out, there's a donate option on the ChicagoCares

The bathroom might be the most overlooked room in your house, design-wise. We all need them, but most of us tend to stick to the basics and keep things simple. Plus, the design decisions you make in the bathroom tend to be more permanent (it's a lot harder to change up tile than it is repaint a wall, for instance). However, having a beautifully done bathroom can brighten your day - it can even become your own at-home spa experience of sorts.

Which is why we always suggest that you work with an experienced professional when designing the bathrooms in your new home! They can distill your ideas into something that truly fits your personality but also has resale value if you decide to move (or just change it up) in the future. Plus they can help you

Your home is your sanctuary - and your bedroom might be the most important aspect of that! Designing your ideal bedroom that reflects your taste, personality, and individual style that's also relaxing as well as functional is easier said than done, which is why we often recommend that our clients work with our experienced design professionals in order to make their dream bedrooms come to life. After all, it's important to have a comfortable and calming bedroom to retire to every night and start your day in every morning; in fact, your master bedroom should probably be the first room in your new home that you decorate!

What's more, your bedroom is often the most personal area of your home. Guests don't tend to hang out in the bedroom in most cases,

The living room is most likely where you spend most of your waking time when you're at home, so why not make it perfect?

There are two key factors to consider when you're creating the living room of your dreams - style and comfort.

Style is pretty obvious. You want something that fits in with your overall aesthetic as well as the architecture of your home; things should be somewhat harmonious without sacrificing your favorite pieces and colors. What's more, you probably have a few favorite items that you want to show off, such as artwork you've collected or statement pieces of furniture that you love.

Comfort is also key. For instance, a great couch or easy chair with a good view of your TV/entertainment center (as well as views of the city