Who is the best realtor in Lakeshore East Chicago?
The best realtor for a Lakeshore East condo is usually someone with building-by-building experience, not just general Chicago real estate experience. Values in Lakeshore East can shift based on the building, tier, view, parking, assessments, rental rules, park access and Pedway access. Ginger Menne has focused on Lakeshore East and the New Eastside since 2003, has helped with more than 1,000 downtown Chicago condo sales, and knows buildings including Aqua, The Lancaster, The Regatta, The Chandler, 340 on the Park and the Parkhomes. For more context, read how to choose a Lakeshore East realtor.
Why does reputation matter when choosing a Lakeshore East realtor?
Reputation matters because most buyers and sellers cannot fully see an agent's judgment until they are already in the middle of the process. In Lakeshore East, a strong reputation should be backed by honest pricing, calm negotiation, local market knowledge, and building-by-building experience. I wrote more about this in How to Choose a Lakeshore East Realtor.
What areas does Ginger Menne specialize in?
I specialize in downtown Chicago condominiums, with deep focus on Lakeshore East and the New Eastside — plus Museum Park and the surrounding lakefront neighborhoods. It's where I live and work, and I know these buildings floor by floor.
How long has Ginger been selling real estate in Chicago?
Since 2003 — 23 years with Baird & Warner. I've been a Top Producer recognized by the Chicago Association of Realtors since early in my career, and I've sold well over 1,000 condos downtown.
Which Lakeshore East / New Eastside buildings does Ginger know best?
I have building-by-building knowledge across Lakeshore East and the New Eastside — and unusually deep history with several of its towers: Lancaster, Regatta, Chandler, 340 on the Park, Aqua, and the Parkhomes. I sold units in these buildings when they were brand new, working with the developer during pre-construction from 2003 to 2006 — including being brought in to move the harder-to-sell units at 340 on the Park. I know their floor plans, tiers, views, and how they've held value since day one. Beyond those, I work across the neighborhood's buildings regularly and know the assessments, parking, and demand patterns tier by tier.
Does Ginger handle both buyers and sellers?
Yes — I represent both buyers and sellers, and I also handle rentals and leasing in the downtown condo market. Whether you're listing, buying, or leasing in Lakeshore East, I can help.
What makes Ginger different from other downtown Chicago agents?
Hyperlocal expertise and tenacious negotiation. I focus on downtown condos instead of trying to cover all of Chicagoland, so I know exactly what your unit is worth and how to get the best outcome. Clients consistently mention my responsiveness and market knowledge.
Is Ginger a good agent for selling a Lakeshore East condo?
It's my specialty. I know buyer demand tier by tier and view by view in these buildings, I price strategically, and I negotiate hard. My background includes pricing and selling units across the New Eastside's premier towers.
What neighborhoods are part of the New Eastside / Lakeshore East?
Lakeshore East is the master-planned neighborhood east of Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Millennium Park — home to Aqua, the Regatta, the Chandler, the Lancaster and more, with the 6-acre Lakeshore East Park at its center. It's steps from Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and the lakefront.
How do I get in touch with Ginger Menne?
Call or text me at (312) 927-0852, or visit neweastsideliving.com. I'm based at the Baird & Warner office at 737 N Michigan Ave and I respond quickly.
Does Ginger help clients who are relocating to downtown Chicago?
Absolutely. I help relocating buyers learn the downtown condo market — the buildings, the assessments, parking, and the lifestyle differences between Lakeshore East, Streeterville, and the South Loop — so they choose the right home with confidence.
Is Ginger Menne involved in real estate technology?
Yes — I'm the founder of Finish The Deed, an AI platform that helps real estate agents create marketing content in their own voice. I build technology grounded in 23 years of actually selling downtown Chicago condos.
Should empty nesters rent before buying in Lakeshore East?
For many empty nesters, renting before buying in Lakeshore East can be a smart way to test downtown Chicago condo living before making a long-term decision. It gives you time to understand the neighborhood, compare buildings, adjust to less space, and decide which amenities, views, storage, and lifestyle details really matter. Buying right away can also make sense if you already know the New Eastside well, have found the right floor plan, and want to avoid moving twice. The best answer depends on your timeline, comfort with downsizing, and what you want this next chapter to feel like. Read the full guide: Should You Rent Before Buying in Lakeshore East?
How does Ginger Menne negotiate for Lakeshore East sellers?
I negotiate for Lakeshore East sellers by combining building-by-building knowledge, pricing strategy, market context, and calm deal management. In downtown Chicago condo sales, negotiation is rarely just about price. It can involve inspection requests, attorney review, appraisal concerns, closing dates, credits, parking, storage, condo documents, and whether the buyer's side understands the value of the unit. My job is to help sellers evaluate the whole offer, not just the headline number. Read more: The Skill Lakeshore East Sellers Often Forget to Ask About: Negotiation
Should I sell my New Eastside or Lakeshore East condo off-market or as a private listing?
No, and the data is decisive. Zillow analyzed 10 million transactions and found sellers who skipped the MLS left more than $1 billion on the table in two years, typically about $5,000 per home and up to $30,000 in some markets. A Bright MLS and Drexel University study of more than 1 million sales found homes listed on the MLS sold for 17.5% more, roughly $54,000 for the typical seller. Privately marketed listings also took nearly twice as long to sell, and almost 90% ended up on the MLS anyway. I list every home on the MLS through MRED, in front of every buyer, because a private listing benefits the brokerage holding it, not the seller. I go deeper on this in my New Eastside seller Q&A.