First, let us say what a pleasure it was to work with Jim. As first time home-buyers, Jim was very patient with us and explained each step along the way. During our initial meeting, Jim was very honest about short sales and foreclosures, as well as regular sales, in order to give us accurate expectations moving forward. Looking back, this was one of the most helpful meetings with Jim. Second, while we knew what we were looking for (number of bedrooms, garage, etc.), Jim was astute in providing insight into observations we would have definitely missed (e.g., where the building was located, how it was built, etc.). One quality that we think distinguishes Jim is his honesty. For example, we looked at a place that was listed as two bedrooms, but upon walking through, Jim noted that the ‘second’ bedroom was actually a den according to building code – a point we would have not even know about. As a result, we realized that the place could have been listed for $25,000 more than its actual value. As a previous construction project manager, Jim’s knowledge and insight into building code and construction provides him a perspective that very few other realtors may have. Lastly, in the midst of our new condo purchase, we are thankful to call Jim a friend and look forward to working with him again in the future. Thanks, Jim for all your help!

Jim was referred to us when we had very little time to devote to finding a home. We were in the middle of a stressful transition and were not able to spend days scouring the market looking for great deals. Luckily, Jim’s persistence and vast knowledge of the housing market filled in where we were lacking. As a first-time home buyer, I knew very little about the minutiae of the market, something that had been preyed upon by other realtors. While previous realtors had made unrealistic promises and did not take into account our unique needs, Jim remained honest and open during the whole process. He was very clear when a potential home would not fit our needs or would be hard to resell in the future. We never felt as though he was simply trying to close a deal. Furthermore, Jim was always extremely accessible and willing to help in whatever part of the process we may need. We really could not have done it without him. His background in construction also made him a valuable asset during open houses and walkthroughs, as he was able to point out potential pitfalls in any home. I recommend Jim to everyone I know who may be looking to purchase property. He made such a convoluted, confusing process manageable and fun. I am extremely happy with my current property and will be consulting Jim for any further purchases I will make.

As a first-time buyer, I was suffering from full-blown anxiety and stress at the thought of embarking on the daunting home-buying journey. I really didn’t know what to expect, as I’ve heard enough horror stories to put Stephen King to shame. Fortunately a coworker sensed my distress and highly recommended her realtor, Jim Ongena. She and her friends have used his services and shared nothing but high praises. So, being a believer in firsthand experiences, I decided to reach out to him. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made since switching to Coke Zero. Honestly, my entire experience and mood went from “freaking out” to “chilling by the pool”. It helps that Jim is a “people” person. He is very easy to interact with, is very thoughtful, energetic, and a pleasure to work with. From the start he sits down with you to provide a high-level education of the entire process, from financing options to point of resale. He was determined to find out what I really wanted in a home and what I could afford before advancing to the next step. I had no direction or starting point when I began but with his help was able to pinpoint the locations and type of home that best suited me. Once I became comfortable with what I was looking for it was time to look at places. This is where Jim really shined and his honesty was much appreciated. As someone who spent a good portion of his career on the construction side, he knew what to look for and the right questions to ask when inspecting a place based on the age, building materials, and physical warning signs that the common man would normally overlook. Without him I definitely might’ve settled on one of at least three condos that had flaws that would put a dent in my wallet, from water damage in walls (weather), water damage/bubbling in floors (water leak), and decaying rooftops that would need to be replaced sooner than later. He also focuses on the investment side of owning a home. The goal is to buy a place you love that you’ll be able to resell down the road as well while taking as small a hit as possible. So we also focused on aspects of a home that are considered “valuable” to a buyer (floor layout, proximity to transit, “got to have a coat room”, etc.). Jim really looks out for you, so he won’t shy away from dropping reality on you even if you love a place that isn’t up to par. This is why I knew that when I bought a place that had his stamp of approval, I would NOT regret it. And I was right. I highly recommend him to others looking for a realtor, as he makes himself available to you at all times and provides guidance through the whole process from start to closing. If I decide to sell or buy another place, he will be the first person I contact! Nice work, Jim!

My wife and I cannot rate Jim more highly. We have been in the process of selling our condo and finding our forever home. Jim is knowledgeable about all aspects, happy to spend time on the phone to answer even the most basic questions with us as well as dealing with our ever changing goal posts, and that’s during a global pandemic! While we were viewing houses Jim went above and beyond to help advise on making a good choice, most notably using his previous experience to advise against purchasing some homes due to issues only he had noticed during our tours. This feedback was invaluable to us. When it came to selling our existing place he dealt with ever changing stay at home rules and ended up getting us more money than we thought we would get for our place. We have zero hesitation in recommending Jim to anyone. If we ever move again (and we don’t plan to!) then we will be contacting him straight away and we shall be recommending him to family and friends. Thank you Jim for all your hard work.

I worked with Jim in buying my second condo. I couldn’t have picked anyone better! I’ve dealt with other agents, and Jim is by far the most knowledgeable and offers more insight and an honest view, so I was able to make an informed decision. He will definitely have your best interest at heart. He’s everything you would want in an agent…always reachable, points out the good and bad. It’s like hanging out with your friend who knows everything and gives awesome advice. He’s spot on with what homes are really worth. No regrets with my home purchase and no unexpected negative surprises. My last condo had poor construction and Jim’s background in construction assured me I wasn’t buying an expensive piece of crap. Having Jim on your side is like having not only an agent but a home inspector and contractor and negotiator and lawyer all in one. Buying a home can sometimes be stressful but Jim made it an exciting and fun experience. One extra star for his awesome taste in music and blunt humor. I wish I had used him for selling and buying all my condos in the past, but I definitely will for the future! Jim rocks and has made this weird vampire goth girl a very happy homeowner

Jim was invaluable on our journey purchasing our first home. He is very knowledgeable about the Chicago-land area and his background in construction and engineering allowed him to point out things we wouldn’t have noticed or thought about. Jim is extremely honest and steered us away from properties we would have liked had he not pointed out how troublesome or risky they could possibly be. We had a rocky closing due to circumstances unrelated to Jim, but it actually closed on time thanks to Jim stepping in and providing guidance. When he told us the home we settled on was a smart choice we knew we made the right decision and his advice proved to be correct as the unit below also went under contract the first weekend it was listed. He knows his profession inside and out and went above and beyond the typical duties of a realtor. Trust me when I say he’s definitely someone you want on your side in the process! I will be recommending him to all of my friends in the future, couldn’t have asked for someone better to guide us through finding our home.

Jim acted as my agent for the sale of a condominium unit. At our initial meeting he was 100% prepared with print outs of comparables so we could establish a value of the unit. Within days the unit was professionally photographed and listed. Within three days, we had multiple offers and a contract for sale was signed at nearly the full asking price. His follow up through the closing was first class. He took care of all of the details and the closing went through without a hitch. I couldn’t have been happier with Jim’s work and I highly recommend him.

Luck was on my side that day when I was just browsing for a place about 2yrs ago on the @ property website.. I was fortunate and luckily assigned to Jim.. I first noticed something peculiarly different when I received his professional and cordial email. It wasn’t your typical BS agent sales pitch or some automated email.. So I wrote him back to engage a conversation to qualify him.. I informally tested and challenged how much he knew about financing, real estate process, and his emotional intelligence. I was NOT a first time home buyer so I have had experience with other agents. It can be difficult looking for that perfect real estate person. I wanted the complete package- highly professional, honest, intelligent, understanding and articulate but at the same time someone who was going to provide a lot of attention. I have high expectations and I only want the best when making a significant purchase. Jim has the emotionally intelligence, confidence and the honestly I wanted. He was always sincere and honest in the building, location, and price. I appreciated that he kept my expectations real and not over promising. I am thankful that I didn’t make a purchase I regretted. I absolutely love my new place and without Jim’s guidance and truthfulness it wouldn’t be possible. I was absolutely fortunate to find the best the Real Estate Consultant here in Chicago.. And the reason I call him a consultant vs. agent is because he provided his expertise in construction and counseled me through the process I am surprised he hasn’t sent his billing hours for the amount of counseling he provided. When I decide to sell and purchase another home in Chicago, Jim will be the first person I ask without a doubt… I approve and recommend him to anyone who is looking for a home in Chicago

Simply put, Jim is the best at what he does. I was a first time home buyer, with very specific needs in a dicey post recession real estate market. I worked with Jim for approximately one year before I finally closed on a condo in River North a few months ago. We went through multiple contracts, with three different potential purchases, and through it all, Jim went above and beyond to ensure that the entire process was as smooth and consistent as possible. He is a subject matter expert when it comes to the Chicago real estate market and has the depth and understanding of the entire purchasing process which I truly appreciated. He was calm, even tempered and maintained a sense of humor even through the most stressful of situations, and was always available to address any questions or concerns that I had. He short listed and previewed every condo prior to me seeing it, and ensured that it accounted for all the specificities I requested. All of those qualities, along with his effective negotiation skills makes him an incredibly capable broker and illustrates his creativity and problem solving skills to ensure that he successfully brings a deal to a close, much to the benefit of his clients. He gets my highest possible recommendation and it would be a pleasure to be a reference.

If there was ever a superhero of a real estate broker it would be Jim Ongena. He is literally the agent who can do everything. From his background in construction, to translating legal matters into common langue and everything in between his experience within the real estate sphere is spot on. Getting the deal to the closing table was another huge obstacle for our in town single family home in Lincoln Park and without Jim it would have never happened. His ability to maintain patience and tack not only for us, his clients, but taking on objection resolution for the buyer went well outside of the scope of work we hired him for. Jim ability to sell our property was unparalleled. From advertising to showings he was ALWAYS on top of every detail and constantly making adjustments to keep our property at the top of the list. I can honestly say that he is the best real estate broker we have worked with over the past 25 years. We do not feel there is any way we would have sold our property without his incredible effort and I absolutely recommend him to everyone. Thank you Jim, you are truly a breath of fresh air and we could not have done this without you.

Dear Jim, Thank you for all your efforts to help us sell the apartment. It is a weight off our shoulders especially to watch over the property from Switzerland and during Chicago winters. We appreciate your efforts, well beyond the agents responsibilities to clear our the apartment and correct the problems requested by the inspector. If there is a real estate related need we will definitely contact you and look forward to a having a lunch or a beer when passing thro’ Chicago. Also, your lawyer recommendation and you together makes a good combination for a smooth and flawless transaction.

Jim helped me buy my first home and then sell it 5 years later, both experiences were outstanding. Jim knows the market, knows building quality and value, and works long term to find the right home. My initial search took over a year and Jim was with me all the way. Turning around 5 years later my sale needed to happen ASAP and Jim worked to make sure it went quickly and smoothly. You’re in good hands with Jim.

Jim is the reason I found a home that I love, which I was even able to purchase below market value! During our first meeting he took the time to explain the entire home buying process to me and translate what I wanted in a home into tangible qualities to seek out. He consistently listened to every concern and knew what I wanted even better than I did. Jim’s background in construction is a particularly valuable asset as he was able to point out the homes that had quality construction and note what I should be willing to invest in, and what I could change. Lastly, his negotiation skills are unparalleled, we secured my new home for a great price and it has already increased significantly in value since my initial offer.

Jim is the best. He knows his stuff when it comes to homes all over Chicagoland and is a pleasure to work with. He was patient with us as we took our time in figuring out where and how we wanted to live, even though we changed gears a few times. Not only that, but Jim was fantastic in helping us weed out the homes that weren’t as good as they seemed – there was one we loved, until Jim pointed out several structural issues, so we knew to steer clear. I would wholeheartedly recommend Jim to any of my friends.

Jim Ongena was an overall pleasure to work with. While extremely knowledgeable about both the market and the entire sales process, Jim was never the pushy broker. My wife and I first listed our condo for sale with Jim about a year ago and took it off shortly after we received our first offer for personal reasons. Then, with a relocation pending we listed our condo for rent, which also ended up falling through for personal reasons (Jim brought us a full price 1-year lease too). Given these circumstances most realtors would have been extremely frustrated with us when we pulled our condo off the market for the second time, but Jim was both patient and understanding. Recently, we re-listed our condo for sale and went through the entire process with Jim. Everything worked out better than we had hoped and Jim did a fantastic job. Most importantly, we ended up selling our condo for over asking price in large part due to Jim’s diligent work ethic and professionalism.

As a first time home buyer, the entire home buying process can be intimidating and overwhelming. Jim’s patience, understanding and knowledge of the market served to temper any sort of doubts we were having. In addition, we quickly noticed Jim’s ability to assess a home from an objective viewpoint because of his vast knowledge of construction. Unsure of what we might want, he was able to quickly understand our needs, which resulted in us finding our perfect home in only 2 weekends….a process we expected to take much, much longer. Most importantly, buying a home can, without a doubt, be stressful at times. Jim always remained calm, positive and had a much appreciated sense of humor through it all. It is clear that Jim has put a tremendous amount of work into developing as a professional. He was always calm under pressure, frighteningly punctual, resourceful, knowledgeable, diplomatic. All of which results in the reassurance that he can be trusted absolutely. We will endeavor to convince 100% of everyone we know in Chicago to work with Jim on their future real estate transactions.

This was my wife and I’s first home buying experience and Jim was extremely helpful throughout the entire process. He was always friendly and quick to respond to any of our questions and concerns. His background in construction was also a great boon as I didn’t know what in particular to look for during the process. Even during the quarantine situation Jim accompanied us to the closing even though he couldn’t be in the room with us; him being in the basement gave my wife and I comfort during the pandemic. I can’t give enough praises to how wonderful Jim is as a realtor, I would highly recommended him to anyone.

Jim was an outstanding agent. He was extremely knowledgeable and did a great job of pointing out pros and cons of each place we toured with him. I think his background in construction is a real plus and differentiator – he had insights into how renovations had been done, what it would take to undertake various remodeling projects, etc., and what work would need to be done on a house that I don’t think other agents could offer.

One of the things we appreciated most about Jim was his background experience as a project manager in construction. This instilled confidence that Jim had an edge over other agents who did not have this type of background experience and would be a valuable tool in our search. I am glad to say I was never let down by Jim ability to point out issues that would be either problematic and something that would be an easy repair. Additionally, Jim seems to be very knowledgeable about the Chicago market which was very helpful throughout the process. I would also like to comment on Jim rapid communication. He was always available to answer questions when we had them. I would recommend Jim services to anyone interested in buying a home. Thanks, Jim!

Jim was phenomenal! Ten days from pictures to contract…negotiations without a hitch for full asking price. We could not be happier with Jim and Ongena Group! THANK YOU!!

Jim is a rarity in his field: he listens instead of aggressively selling something clients might not even care for, he encourages you to speak your mind, he does not waste your time beating around the bushes while in field visiting properties and methodically helps you narrow down to the property features that meet your budget as well as ideal requirements. I spent 3 times less time buying a property with Jim than I spent renting with another agent before and to me that was the ultimate test of efficiency in guiding my wife and I through the myriad possibilities that would have met our budget, yet not our key requirements. Moreover, he helped me making sense of the entire process and which is more, guided my wife and I in running a meaningful negotiation process which came to fruition in 72 hours, with the expected results – we got a new home that makes us happy.

I cannot say enough about how helpful Jim was during the search and purchase of our first property. Not only did Jim navigate us through a tricky transaction, but he was always very responsive to our questions and concerns. Our transaction was on the cusp of a short sale and on top of that we had to deal with a difficult, unresponsive seller. He patiently explained the process, and was very open about the different scenarios we could encounter when dealing with a tricky property and transaction. As we approached our closing date (and had to be out of our current place), Jim made all the calls and sent all the emails needed to get the sellers side together so we could close on time. Even when we are having trouble securing our mortgage, Jim was able to put us in touch with a lender that secured our approval. We would definitely recommend Jim to friends and family.

I am a second time client on Jim, and would recommend him to anyone. When searching for my downtown condo I was very hesitant being new to the area (full time residence in Michigan) and needed someone who had knowledge and expertise on downtown living refinements (neighborhoods, type of buildings construction, pros/cons of amenities) and Jim delivered! He was extremely helpful in the entire process and several years after I bought my condo, his advice proved to be dead on and I could not have been in better hands than Jim. He has a dynamic combination of professionalism, from his unwavering client focus and attention to his communication. I always felt “in the loop” and informed. It was so refreshing to know that I did not have to worry or be concerned about the details, big or small. I know at times I must have driven him nuts with all my questions, but he never made me feel like I did. His patience and dedication to me was amazing and expect to have fun & laugh along the way, too!!

Jim was our rock through this whole venture. My husband and I were first time home buyers. Jim helped us with every step of the process from budget advice, location scouting, touring, inspection, etc. Jim is super approachable and responsive. We could text him a property that we were interested in at 8 pm – and we’d be scheduled to see it the next day. Because of his background in construction, he was able to help us critically evaluate properties. We felt like we got great advice from him. There was never any pressure to put offers in for places that weren’t the right fits for us. Super happy with the place we ultimately purchased.

Jim’s professionalism and real estate knowledge is world class. He was able to help us navigate the many pitfalls of buying a new home and provide value outside of a typical agent. 10/10 would use Jim to buy/sell our next home.

When we made the decision to sell our condo in this difficult market we knew to meet several realtors. We grew mildly discouraged as no one seemed to be a fit. That is until we met Jim Ongena. Jim is a very personable individual; a straight-shooter who understands the system. He has a construction management background which allows him to understand the other side of real estate as well. We were immediately pleased with Jim’s work.. poised and professional but with a great sense of humor when we needed it (after all, real estate is stressful). As expected, the selling market was tough.. but not only was Jim able to sell our Streeterville condo, he found the top floor residence of our dreams in Bucktown. Throughout the entire process he was expertly knowledgeable and level headed (even at times when we were not). Jim is one hundred percent recommended by us and will be our go-to guy in the future. Jim, thanks again.

I can’t thank you enough for all you did to help us find a condo for our daughter who was relocating to Chicago. After spending a few hours with us, you knew exactly what to show us. As soon as we saw this apartment, we all fell in love with it! As a real estate professional, I believe this ability to listen to your client and introduce them to a property they might not have even considered is what makes a great broker. And you certainly have that skill. Additionally, you made the entire process from first phone call to closing absolutely seamless. We can’t thank you enough for helping us find the perfect home for our daughter, and it would be our pleasure to provide a reference should you ever need it.

I cannot speak highly enough of Jim! As first-time home buyers, we were very new to the whole process, and Jim helped us understand every step along the way. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable of the Chicago market with years of experience, he also comes from a construction background and has a great talent for being able to help you find exactly what you are looking for! He is dedicated to finding a home for you and cares about the future of your family there. It’s very easy to get frustrated or discouraged throughout the whole home-buying process, but with Jim, the whole process went very smoothly and he also put us in touch with great contacts to help with our mortgage! Looking forward to working with Jim again some day when we are in the market again! Thanks again for all of your help, Jim! We couldn’t have found our home without you!

Jim was extremely patient during the entire process, and especially when dealing with multiple offer situations. He kept us focused and provided the much needed clarity to our thinking. Jim’s knowledge about the industry is simply impeccable, and he was the best expert we could have on our side dealing with rising home prices and crazy competition. Jim was the voice of reason and helped us focus of the home features which weren’t even on our list – and now we gladly realize how much we needed those features. He also has excellent way of working smoothly with a wide variety of folks – lawyers, lenders, sellers agents and even banks. Jim also provided some very critical inputs to us based on his extensive background in construction, which I am sure no other agent would have bothered to tell us. We wish him all the very best and many thanks !!!!

(Condo / River North). I initially contacted Jim to educate me on the buying process for my first home, unaware if this was even in my realm of possibilities. Jim took the time to meet, learn about me and my situation, my wants and needs and was extremely thorough in educating me on the process. I was under the impression I would be overwhelmed and intimidated with the process; however, Jim was the perfect expert to have on my team. He was always prompt responding to my many questions, which were occasionally at all hours. Jim’s abilities never ceased to impress- from his construction background insight on how to maximize space in a stylish manner, insights as to which features I should invest in, to his relentless negotiation skills. Honest, intelligent, professional, determined- Jim is one of the few who would go above and beyond for his clients.

Jim guided me through the process of buying my first home from the very beginning through the very end. Our search took almost 15 months and throughout that entire time Jim was helpful, quick to respond to e-mails and phone calls, and ready to share his knowledge and experience to ensure that my first home was a quality home. This is not a guy who is looking for a quick buck; Jim is in it for the long haul and cuts no corners. I trust Jim for an honest opinion and reliable consult. This is a guy who knows the ins and outs of finding and buying homes in Chicago and I would recommend his expertise to anyone in the market.

Jim was great. He provided the home buying experience that you would expect from a top notch broker. I was actually working with another broker prior to working with Jim, the other broker was not making the cut and after meeting with Jim, it was clear that he was what I was expecting a broker to be. He is professional, smart, and creative. He is also very straight forward, honest and knowledgeable about the real estate market. I genuinely felt he had my concerns at the center of everything we worked on. I can’t say enough about how great it was to work with him. I highly recommend Jim as your broker.

I cannot say enough great things about Jim. As a first-time home buyer relocating from the east coast, I had many questions and concerns. Jim was always available to answer my calls and emails and provide me with the information I needed. Jim is calm, professional, and easy to talk to. He has such a positive attitude and is so attentive to the needs and concerns of his clients. His knowledge of the real estate market is impressive. I couldn’t be happier with my results and feel so fortunate that I found Jim. I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking to buy or sell property. Jim is the best!

Jim came highly recommended from a friend of mine and I couldn’t have been happier with the results. This was my first time buying a home, so Jim was exceptionally good at explaining all of the various processes and procedures to me in a manner that just made sense. My situation had alot of time constraints, and Jim was able to deliver! Even with all of the bumps in the road during the home buying process, Jim is extremely calm and level headed. He was the first person I would call when I was panicking and he was always able to make sense of every situation. He is confident, positive and professional throughout the entire process. Jim knows the Chicago market VERY well, and used his expertise to make sure we were getting the best deal and that all of our needs were met. He is always easy to get a hold of, and devotes a ridiculous amount of time to his work and his clients. I would recommend Jim to all my friends and family looking to buy or sell. I am not looking to move any time soon, but when I do, Jim will be the guy I call!

I have never dealt with a real estate person before but know some…and they’re kinda scary. When I went to look for a place to live, I met the first guy, who was rude, over confident and we didn’t click. Therefore, I fired him as soon as I met Jim. Jim was a guy who could talk business and hang out with. Jim has the right balance of seriousness, professional aggression in negotiations and fun! I had a great time working with him and plan on remaining friends with him, I would recommend Jim to everybody!! Just a really great guy who works hard!

Jim’s experience in construction and real estate, as well as his network, makes him an amazing resource and someone I would recommend. Navigating the real estate market near the end of the season always adds risks. We had to sell a condo and find the perfect home (for us) as we tackled new responsibilities of a first-time pregnancy. Jim always listened to our feedback, but never hid from us anything he found as a positive or negative every step of the way. Whether we were walking through a listing, constructing bids, acquiring vendors, or closing on the properties, we were never left to fend for ourselves, but we always had the final say. Now we’re in a wonderful home in time for holiday cheer and nesting craziness!

Deciding to work with Jim was based on him outlining the process of purchasing a home and everything it entails. It was important to me to know that I had someone acting as the quarterback for me with all of the moving parts that go with looking for real estate, the lending process, and closing. Jim was able to provide all the information and help I needed during this. While looking for real estate Jim was extremely knowledgeable when it came to location, pricing, and construction. This is where I found the value of having Jim as someone to work with while finding my first home. In the end finding my home was a very enjoyable process as it should be!

Working with Jim was an absolute pleasure in finding our first home. From his patience (with very picky first time home buyers), knowledge of the neighborhoods, and his ability to walk us through buying during the pandemic, he was the absolute best. We were recommended Jim by our friends and we are so glad we choose him. Jim is an honest, down to earth, straight shooting, experienced professional. If your looking for someone to help you buy or sell your next house, look no further.

Jim has been a fantastic partner to us through the home buying and selling process. In addition to his great insight into the real estate market, his expertise in home financing, architecture, and construction proved to be invaluable. Can’t imagine working with anyone else. We highly recommend working with Jim!

Jim Ongena put my mind at ease during the difficult process of trying to complete a real estate transaction from out of state. Ongena Group is TRULY a full-service crew. In addition to the research and support that JIm’s team offered, he was able to anticipate and articulate developing issues so that we could get ahead of them. I trace the success of my sale back to the day that I picked up the phone and called Jim.

We would highly recommend the services of Jim Ongena. We first met Jim 2 years ago when he helped us with a rental property. Jim really came through for us then (and even rescued us when we were hopelessly lost trying to find the apartment!). When we decided it was time to make a purchase, Jim took us on many, many home tours. He was able to answer all of our questions about neighborhoods, real estate values and even potential construction issues and possible solutions. We feel that real estate purchases in Chicago require expertise, and would be comfortable referring anyone to Jim Ongena.

I absolutely recommend Jim. As foreigners who have just arrived to Chicago, buying a home was a great challenge for us. But Jim made things pretty easy. With lots of patience he gave us a quick idea of the market, neighborhoods and financing options. His experience, financial know-how and construction background were of great value for us. During the appointments Jim gave us professional and honest feedback, always considering our taste and needs but also the future return of the investment. If we sell our property in the future, Jim will be our selling agent! He can only be highly recommended.

As a first time home buyer, Jim was invaluable to my overall experience. He walked me through the entire process and patiently answered all my questions. He gave me all the information I needed in order to make the right decisions and end up with a place that I love. He was with me during the home inspection, financing, negotiations, and closing to ensure all external parties provided high quality and comprehensive services in order to get me what I wanted. I won’t go with anyone but Jim for any future home buying/selling needs!

Jim was the reason I was able to purchase my first home in Chicago. When I met Jim I was somewhat clueless about the process of buying a home, and looking for a broker who would focus and guide me through the rather intimidating process. From the initial meeting to the closing, Jim exuded knowledge and professionalism and I knew I wanted to work with him. He is meticulous, smart, patient and honest, and I never doubted that my interests came first. Jim can really do it all as a broker and has a great team of lawyers and mortgage brokers who only add to the pleasure of working with him. I now look forward to purchasing my future homes because I know that Jim will go above and beyond as my broker. If you’re looking to purchase a home in Chicago, you should contact Jim and know you have the best!

It was an absolute pleasure working with Jim. His knowledge of the entire real estate process from construction, to purchase, to selling; to the trends in the market; to how to market the property — his ideas of how to maximize space gave my condo a whole new look and feel. His flexibility, support and focus on what was best for me took away a lot of the stress and worry of an otherwise harried experience. I would recommend him to friends and family.

Jim was an incredibly helpful and knowledgeable agent. This was our first home purchase and we had lots of questions. Jim was available night and day to assist and help sway any fears. There is a lot that goes into buying (see below) but Jim never made us feel like we were in the process alone. We started with an initial meeting to understand our wants, needs, desires. We then started to tour homes. There was never a problem getting Jim’s time to see anything. Nor did we ever feel pressured. Jim ultimately helped us secure a great house. Once we had the right property, there is still a lot of process involved. Jim was again very attentive and ready to answer any questions I had (and I had a lot of them). I highly recommend Jim.

I can’t say enough about Jim’s professionalism, knowledge, flexibility and support throughout the process of buying my first home. Jim went above and beyond to ensure I found the right home for me, from fully understanding my criteria before we began the search, to scheduling showings based on my tight deadline, to explaining every step involved in the process, to being there for closing, and beyond. As a first time home buyer, I was unfamiliar with what was involved in the purchasing process. I felt comfortable knowing Jim was looking out for my best interests at all times, and was willing to assist in every step to the absolute best of his ability. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking to purchase a home, whether for the first time or tenth.

In March, 2013, we decided to investigate the purchase of a condo in the city of Chicago. Being suburbanites who never lived in the city or in a condo, we asked our attorney for suggestions. He said he had had worked with a realtor named Jim Ongena. From our first phone contact through our closing, Jim handled all details with professionalism and knowledge. He took us to a variety of properties during our search, always punctual, prepared, and knowledgeable about both the neighborhood and individual properties. We always felt that he was looking out for our interests and wanted us to be happy with the property that we purchased. I would recommend Jim Ongena to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and professional realtor, who puts his clients first.

From the first day I met Jim, he listened and understood exactly what I wanted, worked hard to get me into see places quickly, and was always available when needed. His knowledge about both the market and construction was very valuable. He was amazing at guiding me and negotiating me into my dream condo. I will be recommending Jim to everyone!!!

I couldn’t ask for a better realtor/advocate than Jim! And that’s exactly what he was too, an advocate. He fought tooth and nail for me and always had my best interests in mind. His knowledge of the market is unmatched and that’s very apparent when we met listing realtors along the way. When I first met Jim, he said ‘I’ll be the realtor you sell and buy with for as long as you’re in Chicago’ and to be honest, I thought ‘wow this guy is bold!’ Within 5 minutes, I knew he had absolutely earned that confidence. Jim will be my forever realtor and I am incredibly grateful for all he has done for me!

Jim was wonderful to work with at every step of the way. He listened to us, got to know us, understood what was important, and worked with us to find properties that met all of our criteria. More important, Jim was extremely patient when our priorities and criteria shifted and changed. Throughout the process, Jim absorbed the information and guided us through the challenges of finding the property that would best meet our needs, while helping us understand the give-and-take of purchasing property in downtown Chicago. Jim helped us look past certain limitations and take in the “big picture”. We had a very positive experience, and we’d love to work with Jim again. Thank you so much!

My wife and I first heard about Jim through friends who have used him in their buying and selling of real estate. They raved about how wonderful an experience it was for them, and when it came time for us to buy a new house we gave him a call. Jim did an excellent job helping us find a new house and sell our old one as well. His insightful feedback and knowledge was incredibly valuable during our decision-making process. Jim is a true pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a quality realtor that knows the Chicago market.

Jim is a pleasure to work with, both professionally and personally. He keeps himself informed about the area (in this case, within 3 miles of the Loop) and h obtains additional information as requested. His experience showed in his immediate knowledge about a number of the buildings we were considering. My wife and I had him represent us on the purchase of a condominium, and he was very helpful in identifying advantages and possible disadvantages of many units and buildings.. He was also helpful in negotiating in a multiple offer situation, and his experience allowed us to enter into a contract on a property at a price we wanted.

Jim did a fantastic job in both the sale of our existing home and the purchase of our new home. We were dealing with a crazy market and he came up with a new strategy that helped us land on exactly what we were looking for. Jim was extremely responsive and didn’t mind talking us off the ledge of stressful situations and decisions. When Jim was busy another member of his team would take over for showings, viewings, etc. I would highly recommend Jim and his team for either a home sale or purchase.

Mr. Ongena is a knowledgeable broker who guided us through every step on this transaction. We met Jim when we were looking to purchase the unit five years ago, so we knew of his ability to market our unit when it was time to sell. There was never a doubt that we would turn to him again. He is a broker of high integrity, which sometimes is hard to come by in this profession. He was available to answer any questions we had and kept us updated on all developments. We are grateful for his guidance and professionalism.

Jim always goes above and beyond what is expected. He is extremely knowledgeable about real estate, construction, prices, and quality. Jim is very responsive and always made himself available to do showings. We were lucky to have him!

Jim was outstanding throughout the entire home-buying process. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and always took the time to answer our questions and explain every step. We never felt pressured, and he genuinely had our best interests in mind. His professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and manageable. Thanks to Jim’s expertise and hard work, we found the right home with confidence. I highly recommend Jim to anyone looking for a trustworthy, honest, and committed realtor. We couldn’t be happier with our experience!

We found Jim by accident; and, I am so glad we did! Both selling and buying turned out to be a challenge, to say the least; but, Jim counseled us through the emotional roller coaster with his knowledge and expertise. He was always willing to go the extra mile — even helping me pick out tile for our new condo when my husband was out of town. I would highly recommend Jim to anyone buying or selling their home. His knowledge, patience, and savvy determination is second to none.

Jim was an incredibly patient, determined, and helpful real estate agent who made our condo search an exciting adventure. He consistently and proactively checked up on us, scheduled tours on our behalf, and helped us to remain calm when the market was not in our favor. He is a genuinely nice and concerned realtor who wants his clients to get the home they want and he will work fervently to make sure it happens. We would gladly recommend Jim to anyone who is thinking of buying or selling a home in Chicago.

Working with Jim was an absolute pleasure. His years of experience made my search so much less stressful and time consuming than I thought it would be. When I was working with him, I didn’t feel like a number, like I was just another client. I always felt that I was his only client. He was so helpful and responsive that I felt like I was getting truly personalized attention. Next time I am looking for a new home, I am going straight to Jim!

We have bought and sold a variety of homes in both the UK and the US over the past 30 years. We can confidently say that until Jim we never had a realtor that earned our complete trust. Jim constantly gave us insights and advice in a difficult market that put our interests first. He was creative, responsive and always really smart. When we did find the right place, he stayed right with us to get the deal done and cleverly overcome the inevitable last minute obstacles.

Jim’s knowledge of home construction is such an asset as are his experience in the Chicago market and his integrity.

My wife and I instantly liked Jim after being referred to him by a friend. He walked us through several homes before we settled on a good property that we love. He brings skills to the negotiating table that not many folks have and we appreciated his attention to detail. Since the sale, he continues to part of our lives. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him in the future.

We could not have asked for a better agent. Jim was so patient with us throughout the entire process and extremely knowledgeable. We always felt good in his hands knowing that he would help us to find the right property. In the end, Jim was the perfect person to help us get the house we wanted and close the deal. I would highly recommend Jim to anyone looking to buy a house.

My wife and I cannot speak highly enough of our experience working with Jim. He was an invaluable resource in the sale of our condo and the purchase of our new townhome. Jim’s knowledge of the market, professionalism, experience, and commitment to his clients are second to none. He is a great person and an even better broker. We definitely plan on using/recommending his services in the future.

We worked with Jim to sell our home and the process couldn’t have been better. He made us feel at ease and dug right into what we could do to make our house look show ready. We have small kiddos and he worked around our family schedule when fitting in showings. He is very knowledgeable about real estate in the Chicago area!

As a first time seller, I really appreciated Jim’s patience, knowledge, and advice. He had fabulous suggestions for making our property ready to sell. He made himself personally and fully available to us for questions that came up along the way. Jim always has a positive attitude and was a pleasure to work with to sell our condo.

Jim is a highly knowledgeable agent who worked to get us the best deal. He helped us understand every step of the process and made sure that our purchase went 100% smoothly. His communication is consistent and proactive, and we always felt like we could find the answer to any question with him. I would recommend Jim to anyone I know!

It is refreshing to work with a realtor who’s primary goal is client satisfaction and not self interest. Jim helped us through the selling process, providing industry data and advice but leaving the decisions to us to make. In the end Jim’s advice and hard work resulted in a very successful outcome.

Jim is an excellent real estate broker. It was my first time buying a house and he was extremely patient as I visited a number of places. When I found the place I wanted, he was able to guide me to make a fair offer that was accepted. I highly recommend Jim to anyone in the market.

Jim was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process of us buying a house, not to mention patient. He provided lots of useful information to us, even outside of his direct area of expertise which helped us navigate the intricate and nerve-racking process of looking for, choosing and buying our first house here is the US.

Jim was great–fantastic even! Always available, and so knowledgeable about both neighborhoods and potential home issues. He quickly was able to understand our needs and what we wanted in a home, and delivered on a very quick turnaround. We’ll definitely contact him if we ever decide to sell our place or buy again!

Jim truly went above and beyond to help me get my sale done. Every step of the way he came up with better ideas and helped me find people to fix things that needed repair in order to get the place sold. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. He really gets the job done

Jim was very professional, and above all honest. Being somewhat new to the Chicago area, he was able to help guide explain to us the pros/cons of the Chicago neighborhoods we were considering. This was very helpful in making our decision. Very fast communication, this guy works 24/7.

Jim Ongena passion, planning and dedication were invaluable as we sought to sell our condo. Always reachable, always ready to help, and always willing to go the extra mile, these are attributes everyone should look for when seeking out a realtor, and that’s what they’ll get when working with Jim

Jim has been very helpful and always provided honest and thoughtful opinions. He was particularly helpful in educating us on the lesser known features of various neighborhoods we were looking at, and explaining how the market perceived certain home features.

Jim took the stress out of selling my home. Every interaction my wife and I had with him was professional and enjoyable. I recommend using Jim to navigate selling or purchasing a home.

Jim was extremely helpful in coordinating both a home purchase and home sale for us. He was prompt, professional, and knowledgeable throughout the process, and we absolutely would work with him again in the future.

Jim did a great job preparing my listing to make sure it appeared top-notch as it was listed. This resulted in a quick offer that resulted in a successful negotiation process and sale.

You have to stop by and see the place soon! I am loving it. How about that for your “love where you live” Ongena Group? Jim’s hard work and dedication to find me a place, was exceptional.

It was great working with Jim – he always handled any issues very promptly, was very friendly, and it was a great experience from beginning to end. Thanks!

Jim was great- always at the end of the phone when I had a question and made the actual closing go much smoother!

Jim was great to work with. He is knowledgeable and professional and was committed all the way through closing.

Jim Ongena is knowledgeable and charismatic. His advice and guidance throughout the searching process, negotiation and closing were always helpful.

Jim is very professional and very easy to work with. Would recommend his services.