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The Midwest real estate market this May is defined by its resilience, with many "value-hub" cities like Milwaukee outperforming national trends, While inventory remains tight, a gradual easing of mortgage rates into the low 6% range is beginning to unlock more listings.

I can now assist you with sales, purchases, or rentals in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.

Looking for housing elsewhere in the U.S. or beyond? Contact us to learn more about Engel & Völkers' global network of Advisors.  

 

 

LOCAL EVENTS

Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market

7:30am - 1pm

Saturdays, 2026

Evanston Made: First Saturday Art Events

10am - 6pm

May 2, 2026

Central Street: Spring's Alive Festival

 9am - 5pm

 May 2, 2026

Writers Fest 2026 (Northwestern)

May 11-13, 2026

The Transhistorical Pastoral Symposium

May 15, 2026

"Enough Is Enough" (Live Play)

7pm - 8:30pm

May 29, 2026

 

Spring Ice Show: "Ice, Camera, Action"

 May 1-3, 2026

Spring on the Farm

10am - 1pm

May 16, 2026

GHA Annual Plant Sale

May 15-17, 2026

Family Movie Night: SpongeBob

6:30pm - 8pm

May 8, 2026

Reptile Rodeo

10:30am - 11:30am

May 16, 2026

Sunday Music Series: Ridgeville Band

2pm - 3pm

May 31, 2026

Flea Market Frenzy

9am - 4pm

May 2, 2026

Spring Fling Gift Market

9am - 4pm

May 2, 2026

Skokie Festival of Cultures

11am - 6pm

May 16-17, 2026

Family Campout at Emily Oaks

6:30pm (Fri) - 10am (Sat)

May 15-16, 2026

Skokie Farmers’ Market Opening

7:30am - 12:30pm

May 31, 2026

 

Residency & Visa Options Through Property Investment

For many Americans considering buying real estate abroad, ownership is only part of the equation. The bigger question often becomes: Can I actually live there? The answer depends on each country’s residency and visa policies—and increasingly, property investment can play a key role.

Some countries offer what are commonly known as “golden visa” programs. These programs grant residency rights to foreign nationals who make qualifying investments, often in real estate. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Greece have historically attracted American buyers through these programs, though requirements and benefits continue to evolve. In many cases, a minimum property investment—ranging from roughly $250,000 to $500,000 or more—can unlock residency privileges.

Residency through investment does not always mean immediate citizenship. Instead, it typically allows you to live in the country for a defined period, often with renewal options. Some programs require minimal physical presence, making them attractive for buyers who want flexibility. Others require you to spend a certain number of days each year in the country to maintain status.

It’s also important to distinguish between residency and tax residency. Simply owning a home abroad does not automatically make you a tax resident, but spending significant time in a country might. This is a critical distinction for U.S. buyers, who remain subject to U.S. tax obligations regardless of where they live. Consulting with a cross-border tax professional is essential before making any decisions tied to residency.

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B O O K E R  B U I L D S

We're sold our two Evanston flips! Working on two projects simultaneously — including our largest ever, a townhouse that required a full gut rehab — was quite the experience. But the team came through it with flying colors, and as always learned important lessons. Read more at Booker Builds.

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L I S T I N G S

 

Offered at $489,000

600 Kingsbury, Unit 906
Chicago, IL 60654

An exceptional investment opportunity in the heart of River North, Spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath home. Rental rate of $4150/month, leased through June 30, 2027.

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Offered at $99,900

23901 W Grass Lake Road
Antioch, IL

Land, no flood, zoned for residential building.

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Offered at $280,000

N3653 Grudgewille Road
White Lake, WI 54491

 40 acres of land ready to build

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The Booker Group can handle all of your real estate needs.

Erin Booker
847-418-7318
erin.booker@evrealestate.com

Did you miss last month's newsletter?

Booker Group March Newsletter
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Booker Group

 

Engel & Völkers - Chicago North Shore

 

566 Chestnut Street 2nd Floor I Winnetka I IL 60093

224-420-0040 - Ellis

847.418.7318 - Erin

erin.booker@evrealestate.com I erinbooker.evrealestate.com

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