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aura Maychruk, a well-known figure in the Oak Park Arts District, has had a diverse career as the former owner of the Buzz Café and a real estate agent in River Forest and Oak Park. This spring, she took on a new role - listing her own River Forest home for sale to pursue an opportunity in Oak Park.

    Maychruk's experience as a Realtor has given her insight into the current market, which has seen unprecedented growth since January 2025. Her listings have garnered multiple offers and high prices, with one client even describing it as "nuts." However, Maychruk wasn't initially looking to sell her home; she was drawn in by a fixer-upper on Columbian Avenue that had been listed just a month prior.

    The house, which needed a new kitchen and bathrooms, caught her eye after three clients expressed disinterest. She and her husband decided to take a look and eventually put in a bid, becoming the new owners of the 1927-era home. The Maychruks have lived in their River Forest home for about 20 years, raising four children and earning two historic preservation awards for their renovation work.

    As an experienced real estate agent, Maychruk had to take on a different perspective when marketing her own home. She worked with a stager who advised her to remove yellow-painted items and repaint the walls a neutral white color. The stager also rearranged furniture and streamlined the space, helping Maychruk see her home in a new light.

    Maychruk handled all showings herself, sharing her extensive knowledge of the property with potential buyers. Her six-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home was listed for $1,349,000 and quickly went under contract. While her children have mixed emotions about leaving their childhood home, Maychruk is excited to bring the new house back to its former glory and potentially win more historic preservation awards.