
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




Nancy G. read less




My name is Nair and I wanted to talk about my experience as a first time home buyer.... read moreHello.
My name is Nair and I wanted to talk about my experience as a first time home buyer. I didn't' have a lot money to spend and I wanted to be sure to get the best value for my money. As I began this process I was seeking a realtor, and thanks to my lord led me to such a nice realtor. His name is Chris Garvey. This gentleman was extremely professional, kind, friendly and helpful at all times. He was very patient. He showed us as many properties we wanted to see. He gave us valuable advice. It was a really great experience to go to this difficult and sometimes frustrating process with a person like him. He was always very accommodating and made the process go smoothly.
If you looking for a Home in the areas of Oak Park/ River Forest, ask for Mr.. Chris Garvey. read less












We can definitely recommend Chris to anyone looking for a smooth and turnkey selling and buying process. read less


Chris is extremely down to earth and genuinely cares about his clients. Whether you are buying or selling your home, we cannot recommend him highly enough. read less


When I started my search, it was immediately clear how knowledgeable Chris is. He was able to answer all of my questions about a variety of neighborhoods in the city and suburbs, often giving great examples from memory of specific blocks and properties that might be a good fit. When touring properties, Chris was patient and helpful -- he even suggested that we take a second look at several properties, which ultimately helped me decide what I wanted. Chris also has a good deal of contractor type knowledge and was able to give insight on what repairs/costs I might need to consider as we toured various properties. Chris is a very good negotiator and will help you get the best deal; for both of my purchases, Chris was able to negotiate even lower than what I thought our best case scenario was.
Whatever your goal is, Chris will go the extra mile to help you make it happen. I just closed a property in Oak Park that I plan to rent out. Because I live in California and have a busy travel schedule it was going to be difficult for me to coordinate the necessary repairs and secure a tenant in a timely manner. Chris offered to find a tenant for me, AND coordinate the flooring & painting upgrades that were needed before the tenant moved in. For two weeks after the sale had closed, Chris was coordinating these upgrades on my behalf! You will not find another agent who is as capable, or cares more about his clients. If you’re reading this consider yourself lucky -- you’ve just come across the best agent in the business: Chris Garvey! read less


Again a great resource to have when making one of the largest purchases in one's life. Thanks for all of your help. read less







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