Diana Soldo Massaro

Thinking of selling your house? Spring might be the perfect time.

Here's why so many sellers choose to list during this pretty season:

- Spring brings warmer weather, putting people in the mood to browse for new homes.
- Blooming flowers, fresh landscaping, and sunshine make your property even more photogenic (think curb appeal!).
- Sunny days mean fewer weather-related delays during the moving process.
- With longer days, there's more flexibility to schedule showings that work for you and potential buyers.
- Historically, spring tends to see a rise in buyer activity, potentially leading to a quicker sale and a better offer.

Ready to sell your home this spring? Let's chat!

📲 773-965-7465 - Diana Soldo Massaro
📧 [email protected]

Happy Opening Day to the Chicago Cubs!

We love cheering for Chicago sports teams and this is a throwback to a (warmer!) day when my husband and I took the boys to a Family Day at Wrigley Field.

Gallagher Way Chicago has also been a really fun addition to the North side, bringing so many great new places to grab a bite to eat before or after a game.

A few of our favorite new additions to the neighborhood:

- Lucky Dörr is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on game days.
- Alma at Hotel Zachary will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.! They're hosting a special home opener tailgate featuring their Cubbie Crush cocktail, balloons, a popcorn machine & more.
- Swift Tavern lets kids eat free daily from 4:30p to 6:30p
- Brickhouse Tavern Chi is the perfect place to watch the game and grab a drink.
- Mordecai Cocktail Bar & Restaurant has great barbecue and craft cocktails. opening at 11 a.m. & is the spot if you're looking for a delicious craft cocktail while you watch the game.
- Small Cheval is super kiddo-friendly and has a great burger.

Where do you love to go before or after a Cubs game?

From my family to yours, Happy Easter!

It's time to welcome the fresh energy of spring into your home!

Here's what to do if you want to update your space for the new season.

Embrace natural vibes:
- Use earthy color palettes in paint and textiles
- Drape your furniture in organic materials like bamboo
- Bring the outdoors in by adding plants to your space

Lean into sustainable living:
- Make energy-efficient updates
- Upcycled and vintage treasures can start conversations
- Find multifunctional pieces that provide storage solutions

Make bold statements:
- Look for curved lines and soft edges in furniture and architectural details
- Invest in statement lighting
- Layer textures and mix prints for a look that is unique

Bonus Tip: Don't forget the finishing touches! Fresh floral arrangements and candles can instantly elevate any space and complete your spring refresh.

It's completely normal to be nervous!

Buying and selling a home at the same time can seem so overwhelming, but I'm here to make the process as seamless as possible.

Whether that means putting dates of every milestone into a shared calendar, having a heart-to-heart and honestly answering “what would you do if you were in my shoes” questions, or even fostering your beloved fig tree because it wouldn’t survive a cross-country winter move, I do it all!

It was my pleasure to help this wonderful family strategically plan the sale of their condo, while house hunting for their long-term single-family home in West Ridge!

I’m taking new clients, and YOU CAN BE NEXT! Call me today and let's get started!

📲 773-965-7465 - Diana Soldo Massaro
📧 [email protected]

Today I'm answering the question that all of my clients are asking!

How is the NAR settlement going to impact home buyers and home sellers?

The truth is, we don't know yet.

In case you missed the news, last week the National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed to settle multiple lawsuits brought on behalf of home sellers about real estate commission.

The situation is still evolving, but there has been a bit of a media frenzy in the industry. So for now, I want to share with you what I do know, and I promise there will be more info to come.

What I can say for certain is that real estate agents are not going anywhere! Sure, the industry is always changing, but I've never felt more confident in my ability to guide clients with my heart-centered, data-driven approach to real estate.

Did you know that there are more than 60 steps to the home buying process alone? In a competitive market, I know how to help your offer stand out. Far beyond the simple search for a house, I help my clients find homes that reflect what’s most important to them.

And for clients selling their homes, I use my big-picture understanding of the market to help you make informed decisions about strategic pricing, opportune listing time, and navigating the overall process.

I've been selling real estate for 16+ years and I barely consider it a job - I could talk about it all day. If you ever have questions - I'm an open book!

📲 773-965-7465 - Diana Soldo Massaro
📧 [email protected]

Don't listen to that voice inside your head that says, "I can't..."

Not when it comes to your goals, and not when it comes to buying your next home!

While the market may be competitive, here are a few facts...

1️⃣ Rates won't stay high forever. Experts predict a gradual decrease over the next year. We might not be seeing 3% again anytime soon, but relief is on the way.

2️⃣ Inventory is increasing. More homes are hitting the market each month. National Association of Realtors forecasts that home sales will increase by 13% from 2023 to 2024.

3️⃣ Creative solutions exist. As your agent, I can help you navigate down payment assistance, flexible loans, and even help you find properties before they hit the market.

If the market seems overwhelming, reach out! Let's grab a coffee and chat - no strings attached - about your home goals.

I might be a boy mom (and I have two brothers!) but that doesn't mean I don't love to get dressed up. And brunch is as great an excuse as any!

Now that it's OFFICIALLY spring I'm sharing a few of the brightest and most fun spots around Chicago for brunch with a group or girlfriends, or even a day date.

-3 Arts Cafe at Restoration Hardware (pictured!) - One of the most beautiful places to dine in the city. A cafe right in the middle of the flagship Restoration Hardware store in the Gold Coast, they have great sandwiches, scrambles, and a cheese and prosciutto board -- you simply can't go wrong!

-Summer House Santa Monica - It's always summer at Summer House Restaurants in Lincoln Park. Their California-inspired menu will make you wish you were at the beach, and you won't want to leave without stocking up on delicious baked goods from their lobby cafe.

-M. Henry - Globally inspired, new American style cooking, always made with the best locally sourced and organic ingredients. M Henry Cafe has a daily breakfast Tuesday-Sunday and a Sunday brunch menu that changes seasonally. So good!

Where do you love to go for brunch? Tag them in the comments so I can add them to my list!

I'm not Irish, but I can get into the spirit. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I know what you’re thinking…Interest rates are high, and inventory is low. "Diana, how could you possibly think this is a good time to start investing in real estate?"

Remember this: in 1971, the interest rate for a mortgage was 7.33%. If you waited for interest rates to go down, you'd have put your plans on hold until 1993. You would have sat on the sidelines for 22 years while the value of real estate quadrupled!

I know the market is overwhelming right now, but there is nothing but opportunity for buyers and sellers. If you're considering investing in real estate, swipe for a few of my tips to help you get started, and reach out with questions anytime!

Join me for a day in the life: real estate edition!

My day usually starts with !COFFEE!, checking emails, reviewing new properties that hit the market, networking with fellow realtors, and reading up on the news.

Then, it's a whirlwind and I'm on the go with property showings, consultations with new and past clients, walk-throughs with appraisers, inspectors & stagers, and of course working from my car in between appointments negotiating deals, researching, and processing paperwork. Checking in again on any newly listed properties (inventory is low!)

Finally, I wrap up the day by following up with clients on current transactions, discussing changing needs, and firming up my schedule for the next day!
..and of course, checking in on newly listed properties a few more times before lights out!

In my life, no two days are ever the same, but connecting with the people I'm helping buy or sell real estate is what keeps me motivated and loving what I do!

Let's hear yours! What's the most surprising thing you do in a typical day?

The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. I'm grateful to be a part of a family of incredibly strong women and to be raising my boys in a society that honors and appreciates them. Happy International Women's Day!

Spa day is always a good idea!

I recently had the privilege of attending a Top Producer awards retreat with my amazing company at the Kohler Waters Spa in Wisconsin. Whether you're celebrating or decompressing, I can't recommend it enough!

Kohler Waters Spa has locations in Kohler, WI, Green Bay, WI, Lincoln Park, Burr Ridge, and, wait for it...Scotland!

In Lincoln Park, the spa offers 21 treatment rooms, a thermal suite, a sauna, and a cool plunge pool with lounge seating, an outdoor terrace, and state-of-the-art amenities, along with 50 innovative water services, therapeutic massages, facial and body treatments, and more.

The spa in Kohler at The American Club resort is well worth the two-hour road trip, too!

Have you been to any of the Kohler spas? Which one is your favorite? Photo: Kohler Waters Spa

Is it still winter? Or is it going to be 75 degrees? We see it all in March in Chicago!

Snow, rain, or shine though, I'm ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and all that the city has to offer this month.

Swipe for your one-stop guide to what's happening in Chicago in March.

I'm going to say something you won't often hear agents say: it might not be time to buy or sell!

I'm a firm believer that you can't try to time the market perfectly -- the right time to buy or sell is when your home is no longer serving you or your needs have changed.

Save this post to help you decide whether or not it might be time to make a move.

If you're thinking about a fresh start, I'm here to guide you through the process, every step of the way.

Are you feeling as lucky as I am?

Spring is almost here, we're about to get an extra hour of daylight, and I have your March home checklist hot off the press🍀

- Wash windows and mend or replace screens.
- Buy fresh flowers to celebrate the first day of spring.
- Swap your winter doormat for a spring one.
- Set your clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
- Call your CPA to begin tax prep.
- Check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Declutter apps on your phone.
- Try your hand at Irish Soda Bread.
- Celebrate March Madness.
- Invest in a new pair of rain boots.

Save this post 🔖 and tell me if you plan to try any of these!

Hey there, friends!

I'm Diana Soldo Massaro, and for the past 15 years, I've been living the dream, offering heart-centered, data-driven guidance to my clients through a tricky, ever-changing real estate market.

And I love what I do!

But...you don't know everything about me yet! 😉

Here are a few fun facts:

My favorite hobby is photography.
When I'm not helping clients score sweet deals, you can find me playing tennis or hanging out with my husband, kids, and dog at the dog beach.
My guilty pleasure is dark chocolate and red wine. Don't judge!
Fun fact: I once traveled with a rock band on a tour to Asia to film a documentary.
I'm a total karaoke ju**ie (99 Luftballoons in German!).
My happy place is swimming and snorkeling in the ocean.
My biggest claim to fame is working at the Jerry Springer Show as an Associate Producer.
My favorite thing about Chicago is the food culture and eating out at restaurants.... and the lake is at the top of the list too! ️

Now it's your turn! Tell me something surprising about yourself in the comments below. I love getting to know the amazing people I meet!

I found this amazing couple an off-market home in Andersonville and I couldn't be happier for them! It was the magic of networking that helped me discover this gem in the heart of the neighborhood, that was the PERFECT match for them. One of the ways we sealed the deal in this competitive market was to include a personal letter with the offer that, ultimately, helped us win the hearts of the sellers – they didn’t even think about putting their property on the live market!

The moral of the story? Don't let low inventory scare you into thinking you won't find the perfect home. I'm here to guide you through and help you get creative to find your dream home.

Thank you, Cathleen and Jim, for your kind words!

Margaritas in the middle of February? If it's National Margarita Day, then why not?

It might be chilly outside, but in Chicago, we'll take any excuse to raise a glass (or two)!

For flavored margaritas served frozen or on the rocks, check out Lonesome Rose - Andersonville (which only recently opened in Andersonville, its second location). They have the BEST Spicy Margarita made with habañero tincture. They also have delicious non-alcoholic alternatives like the N/A Ginger Daiquiri.

If you're looking for a classic marg, Cescas Margarita Bar & Grill has amazing Classic Margaritas - be sure to get a grande on the rocks! And in the summer, ask to sit on their huge, festive back patio.

Tag someone in the comments who you'd like to go get a margarita with!

Photo: Lonesome Rose - Andersonville

Five things you can always count on me to help you do if you're selling your home.

Questions? Don't hesitate to reach out 👇🏼

📲 773-965-7465 - Diana Soldo Massaro
📧 [email protected]

Grateful and honored to be recognized by Chicago Association of REALTORS as a 2023 Top Producer. Thank you to each and every one of my clients for your trust and support. Congratulations to all of my wonderful colleagues, and here's to a great 2024!

No news is good news, right? According to CoreLogic's Chief Economist, Dr. Selma Hepp, interest rates are holding steady and expected to dip sometime this summer.

That doesn't mean that you should wait for rates to drop -- if your home is no longer serving you, reach out anytime and I would love to help you consider your options.

All you need is love (and real estate) ❤️ Happy Valentine's Day!

Scullery kitchens are making a huge comeback in 2024.

A scullery kitchen is essentially a smaller secondary kitchen that can help handle entertaining needs and overflow from the primary kitchen space.

Once considered an outdated design element, scullery kitchen installations are on the rise again and I absolutely love it!