AT HOME WITH

Jason & Laura

Logan Square, Chicago | Represented by Courtney Funkhouser

Jason & Laura sold their beloved workers cottage (completely renovated top to bottom!) & traded it for this storied 1800s two-flat. Since then, they’ve refinished the hardwood floors, renovated the kitchen, installed new lighting, & transformed the attic space into a dreamy Airbnb.

Jason & Laura are dear friends from church, so when they first reached out to chat about moving, I was excited for them but a little anxious they might leave Chicago. Thankfully, they wanted to stay in the city and just needed more space as their kids were getting older. The Helvestons have 4 (yes, 4!) sweet children, and they somehow make city-living look doable, easy, and fun.

We first met to discuss the prospect of moving in the summer of 2020. There wasn’t a major time crunch, so I set up their search, and we patiently waited for inventory to hit the market.

Over the next year, we looked at properties all over Logan Square, ranging from single-family homes to multi-units. They first sent me “The One” (although we didn’t know it yet!) in August 2021. They liked it, but we couldn’t justify the list price, so we tabled it. We continued to tour other homes, but after seeing a price drop, we re-visited for a second showing.

The home needed some renovations, so the price needed to factor in those costs. Thankfully, Laura is a skilled general contractor with the vision for making older homes beautiful and the knowledge of what it will take to get there. After some serious thinking, we looked at comps again and decided to submit an offer for what we thought was fair. After some negotiating, we secured the home for under list price (the beauty of the summer real estate market!).

Jason & Laura also needed to sell their beloved worker’s cottage (completely renovated from top to bottom over the years!), and we were able to time their sale perfectly with their purchase. They closed in November 2021, just in time for the holidays.

They have been busy beautifying this home ever since! They’ve refinished the hardwood floors, renovated the kitchen, installed new lighting, and transformed the attic space into a dreamy Airbnb (keep scrolling for pictures!). I am so grateful to be along for the ride with these friends.

A Few Quick Questions for Jason & Laura

How many homes did you look at before finding yours? 5 or 6

How did you know this was The One? We didn’t have a strong sense that this house was “the one” initially. However, settling into the space, meeting our neighbors and creating a dedicated Airbnb unit has provided the sense of belonging and peace we crave in a home.

What is the very best feature in your home? We love the outdoor spaces that this home provides! Our front porch and extra wide yard are some of our favorite spaces to gather with friends.

Which room do you spend the most time in? We converted the second level kitchen into a swanky office space and love spending time there while our kiddos chill in the family room and craft spaces one room over!

Go-to restaurant in your neighborhood? Paulie Gee’s, El Cubanito, Pan Artesanal & Giant all have our hearts and appetites!

Share your fave memory in your home! Hosting our dear friends’ wedding as well as Jason’s 40th backyard birthday bash with many our favorite people will always be fondly remembered, but my favorite memories of all are the everyday moments we share with our neighbors, friends and family…like the early morning hustle to our neighborhood school & evening chats on the front porch with neighbors.