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Jennifer Ames

Jennifer Ames
Real Estate Agent (Broker)
Chicago IL

Broker (IL: 475150488)

32 years experience

REALTOR® 6 Active Listings Serves Cook County, IL
View on Realtor.com

Contact Information

Brokerage
Engel & Voelkers Chicago

Office Website
Office Address
2401 N Clark St
Chicago, IL  60614
(Cook County)
Office Phone
773-797-9500
Office Fax
Mobile
312-440-7525
Email
jenn*********@************.com
Show Email for $5

Service Areas

Glencoe: IL Winnetka: IL Northfield: IL Chicago: IL

About Jennifer Ames

With a steadfast commitment to client satisfaction, this real estate professional has cultivated a career defined by excellence in service and results. A graduate of an Ivy League institution and a former investment banker, they initially hesitated to enter the real estate field, which was then characterized by a high number of part-time agents and low barriers to entry. Encouraged by their mother, they made the transition to residential sales, vowing to uphold the highest standards and elevate industry practices. By their third year, they achieved the distinction of being ranked third among agents in Chicago and have consistently placed among the top ten agents or teams in the city for over two decades, amassing an impressive $1.8 billion in career sales. Their expertise has also led to appearances on HGTV and WLS radio, as well as speaking engagements at industry conferences nationwide, covering topics such as marketing, branding, and work-life balance.

In 2008, they established Ames Group Chicago, a boutique team dedicated to delivering unparalleled support, marketing, and insights within the real estate sector. This mission expanded in 2019 when they and their husband introduced Engel & Völkers, a premier global boutique, to the Chicago market. The entire brokerage is committed to providing exceptional service to clients, regardless of the property's price point.

Known for their straightforward approach, this agent prioritizes understanding each client's unique goals and devising tailored strategies to achieve them. For sellers, they offer practical, cost-effective guidance to prepare homes for sale, oversee professional photography, identify target audiences, and provide well-researched pricing advice. They actively manage marketing efforts and negotiate offers, supported by a dedicated Contract Manager to ensure a seamless closing process. For buyers, they listen intently to refine their search, efficiently managing the process while respecting clients' time. Once the ideal home is identified, they work diligently to secure the best possible terms. Their commitment to clients often extends well beyond the closing table, fostering lasting relationships.

A multi-generational Chicagoan with roots dating back to the 1800s, this professional has been influenced by a family legacy of civic entrepreneurship and real estate. Their parents and grandparents instilled a strong sense of leadership and community service, prompting them to take on roles such as President of the Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute, Board Member of the Lincoln Park Zoo, and founder of the Auxiliary Board of SOS Children’s Village. Their philanthropic focus has shifted towards supporting organizations that empower underserved youth to excel academically and professionally.

Among their personal achievements are climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, participating in a Dancing with the Stars competition to benefit Giordano Dance Chicago, and raising three remarkable middle school boys.

Residing in the Southport Corridor of Chicago with their family and dog, Jeppy, they enjoy exploring new restaurants, fly fishing, skiing, and traveling. Looking ahead, they aspire to pursue a writing career in retirement.

Cook County, IL Real Estate Market Analysis (Single Family Homes)

$459,965
Avg. Listing Price
From Jennifer's portfolio
3.4 / 2.4
Avg. Beds/Baths
Typical property size
1,950 sf
Avg. Square Footage
Interior living space
7804
Active Listings
Current inventory

Cook County, Illinois represents one of the most dynamic and complex real estate markets in the Midwest, anchored by Chicago's towering skyline and extending through diverse suburban communities that each tell their own economic story. With 33,218 actively licensed real estate agents operating throughout the county, this market demonstrates both the incredible opportunity and intense competition that defines second-city real estate dynamics.

What makes Cook County particularly fascinating is how dramatically property values and market conditions can shift within just a few miles. From the luxury high-rises of downtown Chicago's Gold Coast to the emerging neighborhoods of Pilsen and Logan Square, agents navigate everything from million-dollar penthouses to first-time homebuyer opportunities in communities like Des Plaines and Schaumburg. The sheer density of professional representation—with all 33,218 agents maintaining current email contact information—reflects a market where digital communication and rapid response times often determine success.

Major Cook County, Illinois Real Estate Markets

Chicago's downtown core and near-north neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview continue to drive luxury sales, while suburban markets in Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Evanston attract families seeking top-rated schools and larger properties. The western suburbs, including Oak Park and Forest Park, have experienced surprising growth as buyers seek historic charm with convenient city access, often finding better value than comparable properties closer to the lakefront.

Meanwhile, emerging areas like Bridgeport and McKinley Park are seeing increased investor activity and young professional migration, creating micro-markets where agents specializing in renovation properties and new construction developments can build substantial businesses. The county's proximity to O'Hare Airport has also strengthened markets in Rosemont and Park Ridge, where corporate relocations drive consistent demand.

Market Dynamics and Geographic Complexity

Cook County's real estate landscape operates on multiple economic levels simultaneously, with luxury lakefront properties appreciating at different rates than suburban family homes or urban investment properties. Seasonal patterns here are more pronounced than in many markets, with winter months creating opportunities for serious buyers while spring and summer bring competitive bidding situations, particularly in desirable school districts like those found in Wilmette and Winnetka.

The market's complexity extends to financing and development regulations that vary significantly between Chicago proper and suburban municipalities. Agents must navigate everything from historic district restrictions in Oak Park to new construction incentives in developing areas, making local expertise invaluable for both buyers and sellers trying to understand their options across different communities.

Why Businesses Need Cook County, Illinois Agent Contact Data

Mortgage lenders, title companies, and real estate service providers require direct access to Cook County's extensive agent network because referral relationships and local partnerships drive business volume in this competitive market. With 33,218 agents actively working deals, companies that can efficiently reach the right professionals with relevant services—from staging companies to inspection services—gain significant advantages in building market share.

Insurance providers, financial advisors, and home improvement contractors particularly benefit from targeted outreach to agents specializing in specific property types or geographic areas within the county. The ability to communicate directly via email with agents handling luxury properties differs vastly from those focusing on first-time buyers, making precise contact data essential for effective business development and partnership building.

Current Property Listings

As of 2/17/2026, Jennifer Ames has 6 properties for sale in Chicago and surrounding areas.

$5,995,000

Listed 2026-01-29

1524 N Astor St
Chicago, IL  60610

Beds: 3.0
Baths: 4.5
Sq Ft: 6,500
Single Family Map
View Full Details

$3,149,000

Listed 2026-01-12

21 N May St Apt 802
Chicago, IL  60607

Beds: 4.0
Baths: 4.5
Sq Ft: 3,660
Condos Map
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$1,575,000

Listed 2026-02-08

1260 N Astor St Unit 7
Chicago, IL  60610

Beds: 5.0
Baths: 5.0
Sq Ft: 4,500
Single Family Map
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$1,750,000

Listed 2025-09-02

141 Loretto Ct
Wheaton, IL  60189

Beds: 7.0
Baths: 6.5
Sq Ft:
Lot: 20,909 sf
Single Family Map
View Full Details

$3,595,000

Listed 2025-11-07

1320 N State Pkwy Unit 14-15
Chicago, IL  60610

Beds: 5.0
Baths: 5.5
Sq Ft: 7,750
Townhomes Map
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$1,299,000

Listed 2025-06-20

1260 N Astor St Unit 3
Chicago, IL  60610

Beds: 4.0
Baths: 5.0
Sq Ft: 4,500
Single Family Map
View Full Details

Current Property Rentals

Jennifer Ames currently has no rental properties available in Chicago and surrounding areas. Check back later.