About Chandra
Chicago Is My Home.
Let Me Make It Yours.
For over three decades, I've helped thousands of families, investors, and veterans navigate the Chicago real estate market — not just as a broker, but as a trusted advisor who understands that every transaction represents someone's future.
With a career that spans both sides of the closing table — from managing one of the nation's largest mortgage brokerages to representing buyers and sellers across 30+ Chicago neighborhoods — I bring a depth of expertise that few agents can match.
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My Approach
What sets me apart isn't just experience — it's how deeply I care about getting it right for you.
Passion for Chicago
I live and breathe this city. Every neighborhood has a story, and I know them all.
Client-First Approach
Your goals drive every decision. I listen first, then deliver results that exceed expectations.
Financing Expertise
Former mortgage brokerage executive. I understand lending inside and out — from VA loans to 1031 exchanges.
Proven Track Record
30+ years in real estate and lending, over $1B in sales volume, and thousands of happy homeowners.
My Story
Real estate has never been just a career for me — it's a calling. I understood early on that a home is more than square footage and finishes. It's the morning light in the kitchen where your family gathers. It's the block where your neighbors become friends. It's the foundation on which lives and legacies are built.
That understanding is what drew me into the industry over 30 years ago, and it's what still drives me today.
From the Lending Side to Your Side
Before I became a full-time broker, I spent years managing one of the country's largest mortgage brokerages. That experience gave me something most real estate agents simply don't possess: an insider's mastery of the lending process. I understand underwriting guidelines, loan program nuances, and qualification criteria at a level that allows me to anticipate obstacles before they materialize — and solve them before they threaten your deal.
This dual expertise — real estate and mortgage lending — is my unfair advantage, and it becomes yours the moment we work together. I don't just recommend lenders; I evaluate their terms, challenge their rates, and ensure my clients receive the most competitive financing available. When other deals fall apart at the eleventh hour, mine close.
A Skilled Negotiator in a Competitive Market
Chicago's real estate market is dynamic, fast-moving, and unforgiving to the unprepared. That's why I approach every negotiation with meticulous preparation, strategic precision, and the quiet confidence that comes from having closed thousands of transactions. Whether I'm securing a below-ask price for a buyer or orchestrating a bidding war for a seller, my clients consistently walk away with results that exceed their expectations.
Built on Relationships, Not Transactions
I believe the best business relationships are the ones that outlast the closing. My practice is built on trust, discretion, and transparent communication — not sales tactics. I actively listen to what my clients need, create a personalized strategy for each situation, and provide honest guidance even when it's not what someone wants to hear. Because my reputation matters more to me than any single commission.
Many of my clients have become lifelong friends. Their referrals are the highest compliment I receive, and they represent the vast majority of my business. That's not an accident — it's the result of treating every person, every home, and every dollar with the respect they deserve.
Why Here & Now Chicago
I created Here & Now Chicagobecause I wanted to share the city I love with the people I serve. This isn't just a real estate website — it's a window into the neighborhoods, restaurants, schools, parks, and hidden gems that make Chicago one of the greatest cities in the world. Because when you truly understand a city, you don't just buy a property — you find a home.
Whether you're a first-time buyer taking the biggest step of your life, a veteran who deserves a smooth path to homeownership, an investor seeking your next opportunity, or a seller ready to maximize your return — I bring the same intensity, expertise, and genuine care to your journey.
In a market full of agents, there's only one Chandra Shealey. Let's find your Chicago.
Areas of Specialization
Focused expertise where it matters most.
Sellers
Strategic pricing, world-class marketing, and relentless negotiation to maximize your return. Every listing gets the full-service treatment — professional photography, staging consultation, targeted digital campaigns, and access to a buyer network cultivated over three decades.
Investors
Whether you're acquiring your first rental property or managing a multi-unit portfolio, I bring an investor's mindset to every deal. My mortgage industry background means I can evaluate cap rates, cash-on-cash returns, and financing structures with the same fluency as any financial advisor.
Veterans
Serving those who served is a privilege I take personally. I guide veterans through every nuance of the VA loan process — from certificate of eligibility to closing — ensuring they receive every benefit they've earned. No one who wore the uniform should struggle to find their way home.
1031 Exchange Clients
Tax-deferred exchanges demand precision, timing, and deep market knowledge. I work closely with qualified intermediaries and tax advisors to identify replacement properties, meet strict IRS deadlines, and structure exchanges that preserve and grow your wealth.
What Clients Are Saying
Real stories from real people who found their perfect Chicago home.
“Chandra is everything that you could want in an agent and then finds a way to do better. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the real estate market, having connections with developers, agents, photographers, stagers, and a long list of buyers and sellers. She is an agent who is looking for the right deal for you, not just any deal for the commission.”
Jarvis A.
Buyer & Seller · Chicago
Ready to Find Your Chicago?
Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or just exploring — I'd love to show you what this city has in store.
Let's Talk