My Blog

My Blog

Ginger Creek Subdivision a signature part of Oak Brook’s legacy

Ginger Creek: One of Oak Brook’s first subdivisions Nestled in the heart of Oak Brook, Illinois, Ginger Creek stands out as one of the community’s most historic, elegant, and thoughtfully planned residential neighborhoods. Known for its spacious custom homes, peaceful atmosphere, and deep local history, Ginger Creek remains one of the most desirable places to […]
My Blog

A History of the York Woods Subdivision

A History of the York Woods Subdivision in Oak Brook, Illinois Nestled in the heart of Oak Brook, Illinois, the York Woods subdivision stands today as one of the community’s most established and historically rooted residential neighborhoods. Its story reflects the broader growth and development of Oak Brook during the mid‑20th century—a time when the […]
My Blog

Oak Brook Fall 2025 Single Family Home Market: Local Insights

The single-family home market in Oak Brook is showing some signs of seasonal cooling—but not without opportunity. With its blend of luxury subdivisions and strategic location, Oak Brook remains a top choice for discerning buyers. Here’s a look at how the market is shaping up this fall, with a spotlight on York Woods, Ginger Creek, […]
My Blog

Coming Soon ~ Prairie Style Crown Jewel of York Woods

I am beyond thrilled to share this amazing property currently listed in the Private Listing Network. 19 Bradford Lane is an award-winning residence where impeccable craftsmanship meets architectural artistry. This home was completely rebuilt and redesigned in 1997. This Prairie Style masterpiece showcases an unwavering commitment to detail, quality, and design integrity rarely achievable today. […]

My Blog Ginger Creek Subdivision a signature part of Oak Brook’s legacy Ginger Creek: One of Oak Brook’s first subdivisions Nestled in the heart of Oak Brook, Illinois, Ginger Creek stands out as one of the community’s most historic, elegant, and thoughtfully planned residential neighborhoods. Known for its spacious custom homes, peaceful atmosphere, and deep local history, Ginger Creek remains one of the most desirable places to […]

My Blog A History of the York Woods Subdivision A History of the York Woods Subdivision in Oak Brook, Illinois Nestled in the heart of Oak Brook, Illinois, the York Woods subdivision stands today as one of the community’s most established and historically rooted residential neighborhoods. Its story reflects the broader growth and development of Oak Brook during the mid‑20th century—a time when the […]

My Blog Oak Brook Fall 2025 Single Family Home Market: Local Insights The single-family home market in Oak Brook is showing some signs of seasonal cooling—but not without opportunity. With its blend of luxury subdivisions and strategic location, Oak Brook remains a top choice for discerning buyers. Here’s a look at how the market is shaping up this fall, with a spotlight on York Woods, Ginger Creek, […]

My Blog Coming Soon ~ Prairie Style Crown Jewel of York Woods I am beyond thrilled to share this amazing property currently listed in the Private Listing Network. 19 Bradford Lane is an award-winning residence where impeccable craftsmanship meets architectural artistry. This home was completely rebuilt and redesigned in 1997. This Prairie Style masterpiece showcases an unwavering commitment to detail, quality, and design integrity rarely achievable today. […]

My Blog Labor Day Nature Photo Contest! Looking for something to do this weekend? The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is holding a nature photo contest through Labor Day. Click on the link below or scan the QR code to get to the event page! hashtag#homesbykarenbaker hashtag#oakbrook hashtag#Fullersburgwoods hashtag#photocontest hashtag#labordayfun hashtag#dupagecountyforestpreserve https://lnkd.in/gCePX9hg

My Blog York Woods … Where Countryside Splendor is the setting for your home In 1963, my parents purchased a lot on Chatham Lane in York Woods for a price that is less than a high-end refrigerator! My parents also kept and saved all of the Village of Oak Brook documentation and York Woods and Village of Oak Brook marketing materials from their purchase. The image above is from […]

My Blog New Private Listing Coming Soon in Hinsdale I am thrilled to be bringing this bespoke, custom-built, multi-award-winning modern English cottage designed by the esteemed Fergon Architects to the market. Impressive luxury features and finishes such as first-floor 10-foot ceilings, gorgeous 9″ wide plank reclaimed hardwood floors, many exposed beams, elegant and striking interior stonework, and more. Seamless open first floor layout speaks […]

My Blog Karen Baker International President’s Circle Award Winner Being awarded the Coldwell Banker President’s Club Award has been an incredibly rewarding milestone in my career. This achievement is a reflection of the dedication, hard work, and passion I bring to my real estate career every day. It feels gratifying to be recognized among top-tier professionals and to have my efforts acknowledged on such […]

My Blog Happy 2025 ~ New Year ~ New Possibilities! Thank you to my family, friends and amazing clients for a fantastic 2024. Wishing everyone an even better 2025 filled with good health and prosperity.

My Blog An Oak Brook Classic in the York Woods Subdivision This quality custom-built, all-brick, original owner residence is a true Oak Brook classic. Located in an ultra prime location within York Woods, this Paul Dressler & Associates home has a universally appealing floor plan/layout, offering generous room sizes and is situated on a gorgeous half acre lot. Four bedrooms on the second floor, three of […]

My Blog Mid-Century Modern Gem to be Experienced. 328 Walnut Lane in the Timber Trails subdivision in Oak Brook is a rare find. This home is not only to be lived in, but also to be experienced. The serene pond side location sets an amazing scene for this quality-built home. Many striking and dramatic architectural design elements enhance this residence. Soaring, beamed ceilings, […]

My Blog A Crown Jewel in Oak Brook- Recently Sold Back in 2012, I had the pleasure of listing 15 Brighton Lane in the York Woods subdivision of Oak Brook, and I am thrilled to have had the pleasure of representing the Sellers in this recent sale of their home. This remarkable home exudes quality and grace and leaves an indelible impression. The quick sale, […]

My Blog Renovated Oak Brook Home in the Ginger Creek Subdivision with Golf Course Views This remarkable and classic meets contemporary meets mid-century modern vibe residence underwent a breathtaking transformation in 2019, resulting in a home of exceptional beauty and sophistication. Situated in the serene surroundings of Ginger Creek in Oak Brook, with stunning views overlooking the Butterfield Country Club Golf Course, this stylish home is designed […]

My Blog Biophilic Design – Bringing Outdoors In and Focusing on Human Interaction Biophilic Design – Bringing the Outdoors In Earlier this year, I read an article about BIOPHLIC Design, a real estate and architectural trend that has been making a comeback. Biophilic design was pioneered by Edward O. Wilson back in the 1980s when he focused on humans’ need to connect with nature. Biophlic design is a […]

My Blog Summer Activities in Oak Brook Here is what’s happening in the Oak Brook area this summer! OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT SUMMER ACTIVITIES Oak Brook Park District Summer Concert Series kicks off Thursday, June 29 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. These FREE concerts will run every Thursday Free admission to the public! Check out the Oak Brook […]

Luxury market The Report – Luxury Market Insights for 2023 As a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist, I have outstanding resources and tools to share with my luxury market clients such as industry expert opinions and reports about trends, data, and insights into the luxury market sector. Check out the full 2023 Report at the link below. Did you know in the Luxury Real Estate […]

My Blog Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent for You Choosing the Right Agent. Knowledge is Power. As I reflect on my 22 years as a full-time Realtor, I have experienced some significant real estate market ebbs and flows. There have been the hypermarkets, the correcting markets, the slow markets, and the ultra-competitive markets. Shortly after I became a licensed agent in 2001, homeownership […]

My Blog Selling in Today’s Market – Spring 2023 Walking through the doors with solutions with selling in today’s market. As a seasoned listing agent, I have not experienced such low inventory levels in the past 20-plus years of selling real estate. While the current market is more of a sellers’ market, this does not mean that today’s sellers can lower their standards […]

My Blog Pre-Closing and Reviewing Documents Getting To The Closing Table As I look forward to an early May closing in just a couple of weeks for lovely first-time home buyer clients, here’s a review of the final steps and […]

My Blog 2023 Spring Market – Multiple Offers Still Being Received Multiple Offers Still Being Seen in the Spring Market With the Spring 2023 market in full swing, some local micro markets are consistently seeing multiple offer scenarios. I recently represented buyers in one such market with historically tight inventory and am happy to report that my clients’ offer was accepted! Many of today’s active […]