Olesya Tolstoy, Designated Managing Broker, Tolstoy Realty Inc

Olesya Tolstoy, Designated Managing Broker, Tolstoy Realty Inc Real Estate Agent

05/22/2026

The loss of Zillow's Chicago-area listings makes a behind-the-scenes real estate fight public. And it could hinder consumers in their search to buy a home.

For Sale Prospect Heights ILPrice $980,000Welcome to 406 Woodview Dr., a well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3.1-bath home locate...
05/14/2026

For Sale Prospect Heights IL
Price $980,000

Welcome to 406 Woodview Dr., a well-maintained 4-bedroom, 3.1-bath home located on a quiet street in desirable Prospect Heights. Situated on a professionally landscaped half-acre lot, this spacious residence offers over 2,900 square feet of above-grade living space, plus a finished basement. The main level features an open layout ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The main level features Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring, recessed lighting throughout the home, generous living and family room areas, and a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, additional storage closets, and abundant storage throughout the home. A main-floor office provides flexible space and may be suitable for a guest room or potential 5th bedroom. Large windows fill the home with natural light and offer scenic backyard views. Upstairs, the primary suite includes a spa-inspired bath with a whirlpool bath tub and a spacious walk-in closet. The finished basement adds valuable recreation and flexible living space, along with additional storage areas. Outdoors, enjoy a large patio overlooking the expansive backyard with mature landscaping, shrubs, and evergreen trees. An added feature is the underground downspout drainage system, helping minimize standing water and puddles around the property during rain or snow melt. The property features a private well with newer pump and piping, providing a private water source for landscaping and household needs. Recent updates also include a newer roof and gutters, whole-house water filtration system, furnace and AC (2021), water heater (2024), and a radon mitigation system. Conveniently located near expressways, shopping, dining, and airports, this move-in-ready home offers space, comfort, and privacy in a sought-after Prospect Heights location.

For Questions or showings contact
Designated Managing Broker | TOLSTOY REALTY
📞 (847) 346-2281

For Rent $2050Vernon Hills IL Beautiful 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath rental townhome in Vernon Hills. This bright two-story home ...
04/15/2026

For Rent $2050
Vernon Hills IL
Beautiful 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath rental townhome in Vernon Hills. This bright two-story home offers a spacious living area, dining area, and a functional layout for everyday living. Freshly painted and move-in ready, the home features a new dishwasher, first-floor laundry, ample closet space, and direct access to an attached one-car garage. The upper level includes two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and additional storage. Non-smoking unit. Pets welcome. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, parks, the library, Metra, schools, and major highways. Available now.

For Questions or showings contact

Designated Managing Broker | TOLSTOY REALTY
📞 (847) 346-2281

Palatine FOR RENT Price $2400No pets End-unit, well-maintained 2-story townhouse in desirable Whispering Oaks. Freshly p...
03/26/2026

Palatine FOR RENT
Price $2400
No pets
End-unit, well-maintained 2-story townhouse in desirable Whispering Oaks. Freshly painted with new laminate floors throughout the home. The kitchen offers plenty of cabinet space and a separate eating area. Full-size washer and dryer conveniently located on the second floor. Major updates include a new water heater and HVAC system replaced 2 years ago. Great location with convenient access to highways, restaurants, and shopping. Non-smoking unit. All applicants must have a credit score of 650 or higher. Tenant pays all utilities, including water and scavenger.

For Questions or showings contact

Designated Managing Broker | TOLSTOY REALTY
📞 (847) 346-2281

Vernon Hills IL Rent $21002nd-floor 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo for rent in Century Park. This unit features a spacious li...
02/27/2026

Vernon Hills IL Rent $2100
2nd-floor 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo for rent in Century Park. This unit features a spacious living room with a formal dining area and sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony. The layout provides comfortable everyday living and functional space. Both bedrooms offer generous closet space. The primary bedroom includes a private half bath. Additional highlights include in-unit laundry, extra storage located on the first floor, and plenty of unassigned parking. Conveniently located near Bear Lake, shopping, expressways, parks, and schools. Tenant pays electric only. Non-smoking unit. Minimum credit score of 650 required. No pets.

For Questions or showings contact

Designated Managing Broker | TOLSTOY REALTY
📞 (847) 346-2281

The IKEA Effect in Real EstateThere is a reason we value things more when we help create them.Psychologists call it the ...
02/18/2026

The IKEA Effect in Real Estate
There is a reason we value things more when we help create them.

Psychologists call it the IKEA Effect — a cognitive bias where people assign higher value to products they partially build or contribute to. The effort itself increases attachment. Participation creates pride. Investment deepens ownership.

It is not about professional skill.
It is about involvement.

In real estate, this effect appears during renovations.
Most homeowners are not installing cabinets or laying tile themselves. But they are:

Choosing every finish
Approving layouts
Managing contractors
Investing significant money
Living through the disruption

That combination of time, stress, decision-making, and financial commitment creates emotional equity.

Some renovations are highly successful and increase market value.
Others are personal preferences that may not produce the same return. Yet in both cases, the home feels more valuable to the owner.
The IKEA Effect explains why.
The more we invest — emotionally or financially — the more we believe something is worth.

The market, however, evaluates differently. It responds to comparable sales, buyer demand, and functionality. It does not price attachment. Understanding this distinction is powerful.

Renovate for lifestyle and enjoyment.
Price with strategy and data.

Because while personal investment increases perceived value, successful resale depends on how buyers see it

FOR RENT IN FOX LAKEPrice $1050This fantastic second-floor studio condo is nestled in a secure, 24/7 gated Vacation Vil...
02/07/2026

FOR RENT IN FOX LAKE
Price $1050

This fantastic second-floor studio condo is nestled in a secure, 24/7 gated Vacation Village, perfect for year-round living. Residents of Vacation Village have access to optional boat slip, launch, and storage services (for a extra cost) to enjoy the Chain-O'Lakes. Additionally, the community amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis and volleyball courts, a walking trail, private beach access, and a clubhouse complete with a pool table, ping pong, free Wi-Fi, a large-screen TV, and social activities. A coin-operated laundry facility is conveniently attached to the clubhouse, letting you relax while your laundry is taken care of. All tenants are required to have rental insurance. This is a non-smoking unit with a minimum lease term of one year. A minimum credit score of 650 is required. Pets are welcome, subject to a pet deposit.

For Questions or showings contact

Designated Managing Broker | TOLSTOY REALTY
📞 (847) 346-2281

This rare 3rd-floor, high-ceiling 2BD/1.5BA condo in Century Park, Vernon Hills, now offered at NEW PRICE $217,000.Rece...
01/28/2026

This rare 3rd-floor, high-ceiling 2BD/1.5BA condo in Century Park, Vernon Hills, now offered at NEW PRICE $217,000.

Recent updates include:
• 2023: Fresh paint, updated lighting, new flooring (carpet/laminate/vinyl), new sinks and toilets, closet shelving, and A/C in the primary bedroom
• 2024: New range, dishwasher, microwave, washer, and dryer
• 2025: Living room A/C and a fully remodeled main bathroom featuring tiled walls, a deep soaking tub, and a new showerhead

Ideally located near Big Bear Lake, parks, walking paths, open green spaces, shopping, dining, and community events.
HOA covers water, heat, gas, trash, and snow removal. Ample parking plus first-floor storage included.

For questions or to schedule a showing, contact

Designated Managing Broker | TOLSTOY REALTY
📞 847-346-2281

Just listed! Rare 3rd-floor, high-ceiling 2BD/1.5BA condo in Century Park, Vernon Hills.Updates include: 2023 fresh pain...
12/08/2025

Just listed! Rare 3rd-floor, high-ceiling 2BD/1.5BA condo in Century Park, Vernon Hills.
Updates include: 2023 fresh paint, lighting, new flooring (carpet/laminate/vinyl), new sinks + toilets, closet shelving, and A/C in primary. 2024 new range, dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer. 2025 living room A/C + fully remodeled main bath with tiled walls, deep soaking tub & new showerhead.
Near Big Bear Lake, parks, paths, open spaces, shopping, dining & community events. HOA covers water, heat, gas, trash & snow removal. Ample parking + 1st-floor storage. For Questions or showings contact

Designated Managing Broker | TOLSTOY REALTY
📞 847-346-2281

in This lovely, move-in ready split-level home in Buffalo Grove is looking for its new owners! Step inside and you'll...
10/28/2025

in

This lovely, move-in ready split-level home in Buffalo Grove is looking for its new owners! Step inside and you'll be welcomed by a bright, open living and dining area with large windows and beautiful hardwood floors that fill the space with natural light. The kitchen features rich wood cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a cozy breakfast nook. Upstairs, you'll find three comfortable bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level offers a spacious family room, a second full bath with a soaking tub and a separate shower, and a large laundry room. Enjoy outdoor living in the private, fenced backyard featuring a brick-paver patio and an outdoor kitchen. Located near top-rated schools, parks, shopping, restaurants, and transportation, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and style. Call for showings (847) 346-2281

Address

Wheeling, IL

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Olesya Tolstoy, Designated Managing Broker, Tolstoy Realty Inc posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category