Local talent Freddy Allen is probably best known ( especially in LGBT circles ) as one half of the music/comedy duo Amy & Freddy, which involves longtime friend Amy Armstrong. However, Allen is now also an agent with Conlon Real Estate, and talked about his ever-so-busy life ( and real-estate issues ) with Windy City Times.
Windy City Times: You're primarily known as a musician. How did you get started in the real-estate business?
Freddy Allen: It's something that I've always been fascinated with and, this summer, I said, "You're not getting any younger or any smarter," and I decided to do it.
I just love people, and they're so kind to me. I think that buying or selling a home is one of the greatest journeys for a person or couple. My partner and I bought our place a couple of years ago and it was a hell of a journey; it's one of the biggest investments you're ever going to make. It's exciting and very rewardingand if I can help someone do that, it makes my day.
WCT: I was watching this TV show the other day and this [ family ] had bought a 15,000-square-foot home, complete with a private beauty salon. What's the craziest request you've had?
Freddy Allen: It's amazing, the places that are available. Some of these people want their own bowling alley, movie theater or beauty salon.
I've been lucky. I haven't gotten anything crazyyet. I'm sure it'll happen. [ Laughs ]
WCT: How do you balance touring with real estate?
Freddy Allen: It can get pretty hairy. This week alone has been insane; I got this listing a couple weeks ago, and they're being so kind. I had to get everything ready before I got hit by the fire. It's a juggling act, but I'm really motivated by it. I love being busy.
I'm a Libra, too; I don't know if that means anything, but I have to have a balance. I've loved music all my life, but I think it's just fun to have different elements in my life.
WCT: So you would say you're a musician first.
Freddy Allen: I am absolutely a musician first. I've been one all my life, and my great-grandparents were professional musicians; I learned from them when I was about 3 or 4 years old, and I've studied music. Music is customer service; you have to love music, and I like making people smile. I can do the same thing with real estate.
[ Regarding ] the kind of company I wanted to be with, I did a lot of researchand I found that company [ Conlon ] that I really believe in and that I really like. It's a smaller agency ( about 80-90 agents ) , and it's considered a boutique agency. Everyone there is just superbeautiful inside and out.
WCT: I wanted to talk about the whole foreclosure situation. According to an USA Today article, Chicago and Seattle have seen sharp increases in foreclosure warnings. What's your take on what's happening?
Freddy Allen: I'm not an economics guru or a financial god but, in my opinion, it affects in several ways. Certain areas, like Rogers Park, are getting hit big-time.
If you're looking to buy something right now and you have a nice amount of cash and good credit, you're going to be in the pretty seat. You'd be surprised with some of these properties. You'll get a lot of bang for your buck; it's a buyer's market. For sellers, it's not so nice for them, unfortunately, and many homeowners are becoming landlords so they don't go into foreclosure. We're doing a lot of rentals right now.
WCT: When do you think the market will turn around?
Freddy Allen: Oh, GodI have no idea. [ Both laugh. ] I hope it's soon. What's funny is that many of my colleagues have been in the business for years and years, and they just throw up their hands; there's no rhyme and reason to how this is working.
WCT: Are you pretty much a North Side agent?
Freddy Allen: I really want to focus on the area between Lakeview and Andersonville, because that's where I've been for the last 16 years. I know this area really, really well and there are some terrific properties.
WCT: So is Amy going to get into the real-estate business, too?
Freddy Allen: Oh, Lord, no. [ Both laugh. ] I'm going to help her find her place, although she doesn't know it yet.
WCT: I think she'd be a pretty interesting agent.
Freddy Allen: You're right. Not only is she a talented person, but she's such a good soul. She loves people as well, and she's a good businessperson.
WCT: How does your partner deal with your busy schedule?
Freddy Allen: That's one of those bowling pins in the juggling act. [ Laughs ] I have a terrific husband; we've been together about five and a half years. We had a commitment ceremony about three and a half years ago in Key West. He's just an amazing man, and thank God he's been patient with me. And he has two beautiful children, 11 and 7 years ago. You couldn't have told me six years ago that I was going to be a mom and a wifebut I wouldn't trade it for the world.
For more about Conlon, see www.conlonrealestate.com . For more about Amy & Freddy, see www.amyfreddy.com .
t's one of those bowling pins in the juggling act. [ Laughs ] I have a terrific husband; we've been together about five and a half years. We had a commitment ceremony about three and a half years ago in Key West. He's just an amazing man, and thank God he's been patient with me. And he has two beautiful children, 11 and 7 years ago. You couldn't have told me six years ago that I was going to be a mom and a wifebut I wouldn't trade it for the world.
For more about Conlon, see www.conlonrealestate.com . For more about Amy & Freddy, see www.amyfreddy.com .