Author Archives: markdollardrealty

About markdollardrealty

Mark has built a reputation as a responsive and dedicated broker who uses his market expertise and extensive background in finance to identify and close on prime opportunities for his clients. As a multi-year top-producing agent at a boutique real estate firm, he brings an unparalleled level of experience, skills, and customer service to real estate transactions. Whether working with a first-time condo buyer or selling a multi-million dollar investment property, Mark strives to understand each client's unique needs and leads them confidently through all aspects of what is often a complex process. Constantly looking at the long-term benefits, Mark educates his clients with their future in mind, and remains a trusted advisor long after any single transaction has closed.

Roadie Q (Local): Lillie’s Q

Posted on February 15, 2013 by markdollardrealty

I recently had a chance to get lunch at Lillie’s Q in Wicker Park as part of my ongoing BBQ vision quest.  I have a tough time characterizing this place.  Honestly, I would have to describe it as “BBQ for … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbecue, Beer, Chicago, Dining, Uncategorized, Wicker Park | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Roadie Q (Local): Smoke Daddy

Posted on January 31, 2013 by markdollardrealty

Another stop on my BBQ vision quest, but this one is much closer to home: Smoke Daddy.  They’ve been around in Chicago for a while, and everyone in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area knows about ’em.  It’s my local BBQ joint. … Continue reading →

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An Un-burritoble Loss: La Pasadita (East Side)

Posted on January 24, 2013 by markdollardrealty

I’ve written a lot about my neighborhood and the institutions that serve it.  I work with all sorts of neighborhood denizens in my activities in real estate and as a local musician.  I have never, ever received a response about … Continue reading →

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Bug-Eyed in Chicago: Star Lounge

Posted on January 10, 2013 by markdollardrealty

This post is long overdue.  I’ve been drinking coffee at Star Lounge for a long time now, and I’m just getting around to writing about it.  Some background on Star Lounge is in order.  First off, they sell Dark Matter … Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee, Espresso, Uncategorized, West Town | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Roadie ‘Que #1: Woodyard BBQ

Posted on January 3, 2013 by markdollardrealty

Currently, I live/work/play in Chicago, but I am originally from Kansas City.  Most people have a good idea about what Chicago is: large city, burgeoning culinary/drinking scene, history as a political machine, sports-crazed, etc.  Kansas City, on the other hand, … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbecue, Chicago, Dining | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Boring But Important: Why Home Buyers Must Consider Property Taxes in Chicago

Posted on October 19, 2012 by markdollardrealty

First off, I’m going to apologize for this sounding kind of like economics homework, but it’s super important.  My goal as a Realtor is to help my clients be savvy buyers, and savvy buyers need to understand these types of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

BCS Conferences and Economic Systems: The Surprisingly Close Parallels

Posted on September 13, 2012 by markdollardrealty

This is kind of a strange idea, but somehow the more I thought about it, the more the pieces fit together.  There is a story about NCAA Football and economic/government systems and history that parallels incredibly well.  I’m going to … Continue reading →

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Put on Your Lao Cap: Lao Hunan

Posted on May 17, 2012 by markdollardrealty

For those of you who didn’t know, Mao was from Hunan and Lao Hunan connects to that history in some not-at-all subtle ways.  First, (and I’m not sure if this is a bad translation, similar to the Simpson’s episode with … Continue reading →

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Dumplings and Spicy Highlights: Lao Shanghai

Posted on May 4, 2012 by markdollardrealty

A pretty common conversation with someone who is kind of into food and wants to have their first meal in Chinatown goes like this: First timer: Where should I go in Chinatown? Friend (who’s been to Chinatown a couple times): … Continue reading →

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In Da’ (Prime) House

Posted on April 24, 2012 by markdollardrealty

Rest assured, that’s a Bears “Da’” not a random way to start a beer commercial. One of the most common Chicago debates is about steakhouses.  It seems that almost everyone you ask will have a different favorite in the city, … Continue reading →

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