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 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.