Ben Kastein

Help-U-Sell
Naperville

I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with and alongside of Michael Falagario, a developer that continues to expand his business and relations throughout the Chicagoland area and other states. Currently he can be heard on WLS Radio every Saturday on the show “Making Money in Real Estate with Joe Aldeguer.” Michael has beautiful custom homes available in Hinsdale, Bartlett, Chicago, and is working alongside international developer, Joe Aldeguer, on projects that span from Chicago to Puerto Vallarta. Michael’s “Commitment to Pride” slogan encompasses the quality he puts into his projects and that is why I feel he is at the top of the game for current hot developers in Chicago.

Gaby Jury
ERA Jensen & Feinstein Realtors
Hinsdale

The most influential developer in my opinion would be Cambridge Homes (DRH/Cambridge). While they have many communities in the area, the Cambridge Lakes community with 10 different neighborhoods is most amazing. The teamwork between the community and developers team headed by Jerry Conrad enabled a municipality with very little infrastructure to gain sewer, water and new schools. As more and more homes are built, the commercial enterprises will soon follow to generate tax revenue to town and school district. Clearly this community is homebuyer friendly. While sales are lagging in many new home communities, Cambridge Lakes has been consistently strong.

Thad Wong
Co-founder @properties

Because of his innovative design, Bill Smith of Smithfield Properties is one of Chicago’s most influential and prominent residential developers. He has always been ahead of the curve in anticipating what sophisticated buyers are looking for stylistically. And his relationships with Chicago’s top architects, including Lucien LaGrange and Larry Booth, allow him to implement those ideas flawlessly. As a result, the demand to live in a Smithfield property, whether in the Gold Coast, River North or the Loop, is always tremendous.

Yehuda Cohen
Director
CENTURY 21 Sussex & Reilly
Lincoln Square

Joseph Freed and Associates is making a huge impact on Chicago that will be felt for many years. They took over the Block 37 development and are creating a new “center” of the city. It’s also very exciting to see their retail efforts at the Sullivan center on State Street. Block 37 has been a void for so long, it’s incredible to watch it rise!