
Chris garvey
Title: Proud founder of Garvey Residential Team and GrtHomes.com. Proud manager of EXP Realty LLc at 1010 Lake St. in downtown Oak Park, IL.
I was born and raised in Oak Park and along with my wife Nancy, raised our three children in River Forest and then again in Oak Park. What an amazing exprience it has been!



We bought our first home in 1986. It was a beautiful Victorian on Ridgeland that we fixed up. We went on to do that with four other homes in Oak Park and one in River Forest. At the time I would never have guessed that fixing up 100-year-old homes would lead to the fantastic HGTV lifestyle that I live now as a realtor.
During my journey through life here, I have seen the amazing evolution of a quaint small town feel village progress into these beautiful, vibrant and full of life villages that still feel small town, but have a harmony within todays slightly hectic world that seems to be working pretty well.
Oak Park and River Forest have been a dream come true as Nancy and I grew up to know the community. We watched our three boys experience these beautifully diverse and multicultural schools and then go on to be wonderfully successful in life.
Nancy and I met at Marquette University where she was studying to be a nurse, while I was studying business. We went on to get married and started looking for our first home. While I was pretty sure we were destined to stay in Oak Park, Nancy grew up in Wheeling Illinois and wanted to live close to her family, so I was keeping an open mind as to where we would eventually be raising our children.
It was around this time that my father offered me a little advice. He said to me “Chris, there is no better place to raise your children or just live your life than right here in Oak Park and River Forest.” Now I am not saying that he may not have had ulterior motives, but when he said it I sensed that he really meant it. He told me that his father had said that to him. I knew my Grandpa and his word still means more to me now then ever. My children are the fourth-generation of Garvey’s to live here.
My father said to us, “Whether you are raising a family or just living your life, your ability to grow in this world, your social interaction with the community, the relationships that you will form at the bandstand’s and in the parks – or a local sporting events, will not only be your greatest times in life, they will become your steppingstones in life.”
Now, as I grow older, I see how this fabric of life – this mixing of people throughout the village, its businesses, parks and many activities – and I see the success of my children and their friends and their friend’s families and I have come to understand what my father meant by these steppingstones in life. I am truly just beginning to learn of the great value this community brings to those who embrace it.
I will leave you with one last quote from my father’s father (the first Garvey to move to Oak Park). He said to my dad that “if you place yourself in the place of most potential, and you are open-minded enough to recognize an opportunity when you see it, success will always come to you.“ Ever since I have lived here, I’ve always found this to be true.
Post Script:
When you are ready, I invite you to tour homes for sale with me while you experience your own HGTV style of exploring homes. How can you make a decision on a home to buy, if you have not seen enough homes to know what a good value is?
Find out everything you need to know about our neighborhoods and buying these beautiful, but often times 100+ year old homes and condos.












Client Testimonials


Chris worked with us for well over a year in our single family home search in the Oak Park area,... read moreChris worked with us for well over a year in our single family home search in the Oak Park area, and additionally, sold our Chicago condo. We appreciated his no pressure, low stress approach to the house hunting phase as we explored neighborhoods in Oak Park, but when we decided it was "time", he was all-in with us. His knowledge of the area was extremely helpful to us, and appreciated his timely response to questions and advice about the local market. From beginning to end, it was a sincere pleasure working with him. read less
kristin s. 9/06/2016

I was a first time home buyer and had no idea how to go about the process . I had... read moreI was a first time home buyer and had no idea how to go about the process . I had a previous agent that I felt was pressuring me above my budget as well taking me to listings that I didn’t want to see. Chris was referenced to me so I gave him a shot . One of the best decisions I made . He assisted me in finding a home that I love and can make my own ! I felt very comfortable with him . Chris was very knowledgeable about not only the property, but the area as well as what may need to be fixed. I’m very thankful to have had Chris as my realtor ! I will definitely be referencing him to anyone who is looking! read less
TeresaDiCapua 11/15/2018

As a first time homebuyer, I really needed someone to patiently walk me through the process. Chris is so knowledgeable,... read moreAs a first time homebuyer, I really needed someone to patiently walk me through the process. Chris is so knowledgeable, was always available, and explained things to me in a way that made me feel capable and respected. From beginning to end, he was great at showing me options I liked, negotiating a contract, and answering any questions that came up. I am so grateful for all of his help and advice while purchasing my first home! I highly recommend his services. read less
laurenpulkstenis 10/31/2018

Chris is really good, he spends time to explain our questions and is very informative. He is very detail oriented... read moreChris is really good, he spends time to explain our questions and is very informative. He is very detail oriented and showed us how to look for water damage and other issues with a house. read less
sbabutk 2/16/2015

When looking for a home, Chris and Caroline provided such a wonderful experience. They are super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.... read moreWhen looking for a home, Chris and Caroline provided such a wonderful experience. They are super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Chris especially was always available and flexible with last minute home viewings. Not to mention he is extremely honest and I always felt like I could trust him. He helped me find my dream condo! Thank you both! read less
Noelle H. 3/19/2020

As first time home buyers my husband and I didn't know anything about real estate (or even mortgages for that... read moreAs first time home buyers my husband and I didn't know anything about real estate (or even mortgages for that matter), but wow did Chris make the entire home buying process so painless and even fun! He really listened to what my husband and I were interested in, never rushed us, and was so on top of everything all the time it was just...the best experience! He found us our perfect home and I am so thankful we were able to get it - thank you Chris!! read less
zuser20170606180530896 10/16/2018

Chris has been a blessing to us! He is beyond amazing! His experience on the filed makes your house-hunting process... read moreChris has been a blessing to us! He is beyond amazing! His experience on the filed makes your house-hunting process fun and enjoyable. He is honest, always available and very charismatic. I recommend him 100%! read less
nathaliemantilla0 6/07/2019

By chance, I was connected with Chris after an inquiry via Zillow, and what a fortunate thing that was. ... read moreBy chance, I was connected with Chris after an inquiry via Zillow, and what a fortunate thing that was. I was new to the Oak Park area, and Chris was hands down the most knowledgeable agent I'd spoken with in my house hunt to that point. The home finding / buying process with Chris was fantastic. He was always available for viewings and he quickly got to know my situation and what I was looking for. He would then tailor his recommendations based in that. Once we found the right place, he did an amazing job on the offer and negotiation, ensuring we got the best deal on our condo.I can't recommend Chris highly enough! read less
Brett P. 3/19/2019

Chris was great for my husband and I as we bought our first house from afar. We needed to move... read moreChris was great for my husband and I as we bought our first house from afar. We needed to move to Oak Park from another state (during the Covid pandemic) and he helped us by giving recommendations, doing FaceTime videos to look at homes, and knowing just about everything about Oak Park. He was also a great resource on getting someone to help sell our condo in Iowa and has a list of contractors and such to help make our home perfect! Chris was amazing! read less
loukurdi 7/29/2020

Chris has been an extraordinary resource and advocate for us during our house hunting, purchasing, and closing experience! He is... read moreChris has been an extraordinary resource and advocate for us during our house hunting, purchasing, and closing experience! He is knowledgeable, personable, and immensely talented in this field. We could not have navigated buying our first home while rangling two young kids without him. I cannot say enough great things about him! I give him the highest recommendation and endorsement to anyone in the market for a home or investment property! read less
lewisbase7 8/03/2018

Chris was absolutely fantastic! He was so knowledgeable of the area, and knew exactly what we were looking for. He... read moreChris was absolutely fantastic! He was so knowledgeable of the area, and knew exactly what we were looking for. He really helped guide our decision making and was so patient as we saw over 30+ houses with our two young children in tow. We trusted him implicitly and would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell a house! After dealing with a number of realtors over the years, Chris was absolutely the best and we will definitely work with him again if the need presents itself. read less
karencorcoran001 6/06/2019

bought our first condo with chris and he helped us so much through the process, never rushed us, gave great... read morebought our first condo with chris and he helped us so much through the process, never rushed us, gave great tips and was very knowledgable about the neighborhoods. He did a great job negotiating as well and we were very happy to work with him. read less
mattiehawkinson3 12/21/2020

We really enjoyed working with Chris. Chris grew up in the area and has an amazing knowledge of the buildings... read moreWe really enjoyed working with Chris. Chris grew up in the area and has an amazing knowledge of the buildings and history. He was super responsive, day or night, to any and all of our questions. Chris was always willing to give us suggestions, but when we made a decision he was 100% supportive even if it wasn't his suggestion, and bent over backwards to make it work. He really made sure the whole process went smoothly, from our first searches to closing day. My wife and I would highly recommend Chris! read less
kirk j. 6/15/2018

Chris Garvey is an amazing realtor. He is knowledgeable, kind, thorough, patient and easy to work with. He provides great... read moreChris Garvey is an amazing realtor. He is knowledgeable, kind, thorough, patient and easy to work with. He provides great insight on properties and makes the home buying experience enjoyable! I am grateful to have been able to work with him and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a realtor! read less
Kinga B. 4/18/2022

I had a great experience with Chris Garvey as a buyer in Oak Park. He was not interested in simply... read moreI had a great experience with Chris Garvey as a buyer in Oak Park. He was not interested in simply making a sale, and really appeared to love showing different places and pointing out the good and the bad. The entire experience, from house hunting through closing, was great. He was always on top of communication, and we were never in the dark about anything. More, everything he told us to expect was accurate. My wife and I highly recommend to anyone searching for a new home and real estate agent. read less
Andrew Z. 3/19/2019

Chris was very helpful guiding us through our first home purchase. He was always available for questions and was extremely... read moreChris was very helpful guiding us through our first home purchase. He was always available for questions and was extremely easy to work with. I highly recommend him. read less
thikibear 8/27/2018

Chris Garvey Continues To Be The First Choice Of My Family To Make Informed Decisions About The Realty World. We... read moreChris Garvey Continues To Be The First Choice Of My Family To Make Informed Decisions About The Realty World. We Have All Of Our Questions Answered In A Timely Manner. Absolutely No Hesitation, I Would Have To Recommend Chris And His Team! read less
Valencia T. 3/19/2019

Chris is absolutely the best! We bought and sold a house using his team, after a year passed he was... read moreChris is absolutely the best! We bought and sold a house using his team, after a year passed he was still there for me helping me to solve random things and supporting in other requests! His service goes away beyond the post sale... read less
Carlos D. 2/26/2019
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