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CLOSE MORE DEALS. PERIOD. CLOSE MORE DEALS. PERIOD. Rate.com Rate.com NMLS ID #2611 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • IL - Residential Mortgage Licensee - IDFPR, 122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, 312-793-3000, 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 #MB.0005932 NMLS ID #2611 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • IL - Residential Mortgage Licensee - IDFPR, 122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, 312-793-3000, 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 #MB.0005932 CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM • JULY 17, 2017 • CHICAGOAGENT | 5 2017 VOLUME 14 • ISSUE 15 • 7.17.17 | CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM

REGINA A.S. BROADNAX & JOE CIRRINCIONE JPMorgan Chase Bank ...... 117

On this year’s cover of our Who’s Who issue: Gail Spreen of Related Realty, Maxwell JENNIFER BROWN +Koziol of JP Morgan Chase Bank and Jill Clark of Baird & Warner. Fifth Third Bank ...... 159 TRICIA BROUWERS Wintrust Mortgage...... 163

JEFF BUSHAW Main Street Real Estate Group ...... 165

EMMA BUTLER LeaderOne Financial ...... 62

JOE CALTABIANO Guaranteed Rate ...... 23

MARJ CARPENTER RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest ...... 41

BOB CARR Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp...... 99

GREG CIRONE Interdome Realty ...... 90

MACK ALSAIDI KARTH BARR SUSANNA CHERUBIN DELISI & DANIEL OTTO Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ...... 114 First Centennial Mortgage ...... 184 CONLON/Christie’s International Realty ...... 46

JENNIFER AMES KATIE BARRETO ALICE CHIN Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ...... 94 RE/MAX Signature Homes ...... 185 Keller Williams Realty Inﬁnity ...... 25

TONY AMETI SANDESH BILGI DANIEL CHOOKASZIAN Neighborhood Loans ...... 157 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate ...... 132 PERL Mortgage ...... 154

TIFFANY ANDREAE DREW BOLAND PETER CHRYSANTHOU Wintrust Mortgage...... 18 Guaranteed Rate ...... 198 Prime Real Estate Group...... 129

ELIZABETH AMIDON THE BOSS TEAM JILL CLARK Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 119 Dream Town Realty ...... 64 Baird & Warner...... 207

KELLY ANGELOPOULOS SHIMMY BRAUN BEN COHEN Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 91 Guaranteed Rate ...... 168 Guaranteed Rate ...... 51

PAUL BARKER TIM BRIGHAM & TARIQ “TK” KHWAJA ART COLLAZZO Baird & Warner...... 153 Waterstone Mortgage...... 37 Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 158

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ERICA CONATY GOLDMAN NICOLE FLORES THEO JORDAN & KATIE CASSMAN Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 131 Baird & Warner...... 140 @properties ...... 88

MO DADKHAH JUDY GIBBONS THE CHASE GROUP Main Street Real Estate Group ...... 104 Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 52 Kevin Christopher, Maxwell Koziol, Dawn Stewart, Jeff Knoebel...... 38 CASEY DECLERK CHAD GILBERT @properties ...... 57 RE/MAX Suburban...... 193 BILL KATSOOLIAS Wintrust Mortgage...... 59 JANELLE DENNIS MELISSA GOVEDARICA @properties ...... 133 Sergio and Banks Real Estate ...... 66 BILL KEKATOS Fifth Third Mortgage ...... 32 DEBRA DOBBS JEFF GREGORY @properties ...... 103 Realty Executives Success/MRED ...... 77 KEVIN KELLY Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 45 GINGER DOWNS THE GRID GROUP The Chicago Association of Realtors...... 109 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage ...... 196 KIM KERBIS @properties ...... 180 OWEN DUFFY NICOLE HAJDU Fulton Grace Realty ...... 56 Dream Town Realty ...... 20 DAN KIERES d’aprile properties ...... 74 LAWRENCE DUNNING LYN HARVIE Baird & Warner...... 83 ANNA KLARCK Main Street Real Estate Group ...... 144 AK Homes ...... 69 CHRISTOPHER HOCHSTEDT AMY DUONG KIM EXIT Real Estate Partners ...... 162 MICHAEL KLEIN Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 98 Wintrust Mortgage...... 108 SHERRI HOKE NASEEM EL-BARBARAWI Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 182 STEVEN KOLENO Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 189 Worth Clark Realty ...... 60 ANNA HULS JAMES ERWIN @properties ...... 152 KRAIN REAL ESTATE Erwin Law ...... 175 Travis Koran, John Federici, Jared Enright, ILLINOIS REALTORS John Brown, Peter Breitlander ...... 142 MATTHEW EWALD Matt Difanis, Doug Carpenter, Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp...... 202 Mike Drews, Dan Wagner ...... 100 HEATHER LANGE @properties ...... 138 CHRISTINA EWING GARY JACKLIN PERL Mortgage ...... 170 RE/MAX Action...... 171 JANE LEE RE/MAX Top Performers ...... 120 MIKE FAUTH REBECCA JENSEN Citibank ...... 181 MRED...... 116 SARAH LEONARD RE/MAX Suburban...... 146 ALEX FILIN BRIAN R. JESSEN PERL Mortgage ...... 187 Guaranteed Rate ...... 151 JULIE FLEETWOOD & LISA MICELI EMILY JOHNSON TO READ THIS ISSUE ONLINE, GO TO: Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty ...... 122 Taylor Johnson ...... 97 chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-2017

8 | CHICAGOAGENT • JULY 17, 2017 • CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM FROM THE

CHICAGO AGENT MAGAZINE Editor 2000 N. Racine, Chicago, IL, 60614 P: 773.296.6001 | F: 773.296.6103 CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM Chicago Agent magazine is published by Agent Publishing, LLC

Cream of the crop STAFF

alk about a formidable lineup. Since 2008, our Who’s Who issue has PUBLISHERS featured agents, brokers, lenders and many others from both the city Anne Hartnett • Marci Sepulveda and suburbs who have ﬁrmly established themselves as leaders in their MANAGING EDITOR T Blake Boldt ﬁelds. We shine a spotlight on their work and show how they represent the real estate industry in Chicagoland and point the way toward its future. These SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER talented and hard-working individuals are set to loom large in the industry for years to come. Kit McFarland All of the subjects in Who’s Who have amassed a portfolio with impressive sales and transactions. These titans of real estate contribute to their industry by participating in councils, institutes and EDITORS Joe Ward, Rincey Abraham leadership conventions to gain new skills and lend ideas and insights to their fellow professionals. They serve as ambassadors for their communities as well, priding themselves on being involved GRAPHIC DESIGNER in a variety of charities and philanthropic causes that matter to them and their loved ones. It’s Kate Kuszynski wonderful to see how they find meaning and purpose in donating their time, energy and expertise ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHERS to enhance the lives of others. So read on to find out Who’s Who and learn more about the best of Steven Logan Chicagoland real estate! DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL FEATURES Kim Jarosz Have questions or comments about Who’s Who 2017? Email me at [email protected]. DESIGN INTERNS Natalie Braun, Cara Shapkauski, Yazmin Solis

EDITORIAL INTERNS Claire Fountas, Chelsea Niaz

PHOTOGRAPHY Blake Boldt COVER & MY STYLE Dan Machnik

EVENTS Ryan Jackson, Lori Matuszak, Jodi Schallman Blake Boldt is in charge of managing the editorial staff, overseeing all elements of print and digital publishing, and developing the brand’s overall content strategy. He relocated to Chicago after spending 10 years in Nashville, where he served as a writer and editor for a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation and technology. He also covered the music business, proﬁling popular entertainers such as Celine Dion and Tony Bennett. He received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University. Send questions or comments to [email protected]. SUBMISSIONS [email protected] [email protected] FROM OUR READERS [email protected] DISTRIBUTION Michael Strumberger Real Estate shared our article, “You can rent out most homes in Chicago for a proﬁt, [email protected] study says,” and added

“Property investment is still alive and well.” CHICAGO AGENT Magazine is distributed to agents in over 500 offices throughout Chicagoland. Reproducing or copying this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of an authorized representative of AGENT PUBLISHING LLC. To obtain information regarding reprints, please contact CHICAGO AGENT Magazine at 773.296.6001 or [email protected]. Lori Lyman of Baird & Warner retweeted our article, “Home price index soars in May,” and added CHICAGO AGENT Magazine is published 26 times per year by AGENT PUBLISHING LLC. Any and all opinions and positions stated in this publication are those of the respective authors and not, by the fact of publication, necessarily those of AGENT PUBLISHING LLC or its advertisers. Publication of the advertisements contained herein is not to be deemed an endorsement of any product or service advertised unless otherwise expressly stated. All listings and advertisements herein are subject to prior sale or any other type of change or modification without prior notice. “It’s a good time for real estate sellers. If you’re thinking of moving, you may get more money than Neither AGENT PUBLISHING LLC nor the advertisers are responsible or liable for any claims, losses or damages of any kind arising from misinformation, omission, typographical error, misprint, wording, text, graphic, misrepresentation of any you think for your home.” advertisement, the condition of any of the articles sold through this publication, or the performance of any services advertised in this publication. All advertisers agree to indemnify, defend and hold AGENT PUBLISHING LLC harmless from and against any and all claims, suits, causes of action, demands, losses, liabilities, damages, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys, experts, court reporters and court costs, and other litigation and dispute resolution costs) made directly or indirectly against or incurred by AGENT PUBLISHING LLC and/or any one of its David Greenberg of HouseLens retweeted our article, “Now you can buy a homebuilding franchise, too,” and directors, officers, agents, members, managers, representatives and/or employees, including, without limitation, arising from the sole negligence and/or fault of AGENT PUBLISHING LLC. added All advertisements and/or submissions made to CHICAGO AGENT Magazine become wholly the property of CHICAGO AGENT Magazine. AGENT PUBLISHING LLC reserves the right to edit and/or refuse to publish and/or reprint any advertisement and/ or photo for promotional or other commercial use that it finds unsuitable in its sole and absolute discretion. Copyright © 2017 AGENT PUBLISHING LLC. All rights reserved. “Quick, helpful primer from @ChicagoAgentMag — interesting development in the industry!” Neither CHICAGO AGENT Magazine nor AGENT PUBLISHING LLC are registered real estate brokers and should not be considered to be assisting in the buying or selling of real estate of any kind. All real estate advertised and/or listed in this publication is subject to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Federal Fair Housing Act), as amended, which makes it illegal “[t]o make, print, or publish, or cause to be made, printed, or published any notice, statement, or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling unit that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

16 | CHICAGOAGENT • JULY 17, 2017 • CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM ONLINE Exclusives

2017

Sources: 1NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), 2Dodge Research and Analytics (McGraw Hill), 3IAR, 4NAR, 5Census Bureau, 6Freddie Mac, 7NAR, 8BLS

Want to see this year’s Who’s Who proﬁles online? Check out chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-2017 for all REAL ESTRANGE the stories and photos! A ROUNDUP OF THE STRANGEST REAL ESTATE STORIES

Crazy cat-themed house Feline lovers are in luck, as a Concho, Arizona, home totally decked out in anything and everything cat-related just went on the market. “If you love cats, this home is for you! If not, bring your sandblaster!” the listing says. And it’s no exaggeration: the whole second ﬂoor is covered with photos of cats, and the 2,500-square-foot space even includes a pillar covered with stuffed cats and a multiple-story cat castle. The seller calls the $240,000 home a “once-in-a-lifetime ﬁnd” and says you “must see to believe it does exist.” SPENDING ON CHICAGO CONSTRUCTION U.S. HOMES ARE THE LEAST DECREASED IN MAY AFFORDABLE SINCE 2008 Working lighthouse inside There was a decrease of 14 percent for nonresidential The U.S. affordability index dropped to 100 in the a house construction starts between this year and last. second quarter of 2017, which is the least affordable While a lighthouse might not Chicago’s total in nonresidential construction starts level since the third quarter of 2008, according to a new be the primary navigation equaled $375,777,000 in May, while last year’s was report from ATTOM Data Solutions. tool for sailors today, it can $437,840,000. help guide you to a midnight snack in this home in Palms, South Carolina. The 5,928-square-foot residence boasts Go to ChicagoAgentMagazine.com to get the full stories, the latest market data, and more. a working lighthouse in the middle of the kitchen, and it’s currently on the market for $2,925,000. The lower portion of the lighthouse primarily serves as a pantry, CONNECT WITH US ONLINE! but the top includes an HVAC light to keep the structure >> WWW.CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM shining bright. The home also boasts other unique features such as an elevator, spa and an unmistakable @CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE /CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE /CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE nautical theme throughout.

/AGENTPUBLISHING /CAMAGAZINE @CHICAGOAGENTMAG For more about these and other Real Estrange stories, go to ChicagoAgentMagazine.com/Real-Estrange

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IN OUR TENTH ANNUAL WHO’S WHO ISSUE

we celebrate the agents, brokers, affiliates, developers and lenders who best represent Chicagoland real estate in 2017. We feature some of the most successful and prominent figures in the industry, as well as those who are relatively new to the industry, and who are eager to make a lasting impression in the years ahead. No matter whether they’re first-timers or industry icons, their credentials are impressive.

This diverse and accomplished group of people is a tremendous mix of talent and dedication. No two stories are alike. But despite their different areas of expertise — city or suburbs, buyers or sellers, condos or single-family, etc. — they still have a great deal in common.

This year’s Who’s Who subjects have laid a foundation for their careers based on integrity, tenacity and professionalism, all essential qualities in today’s competitive market. Rather than coasting on their laurels, they continue to explore new opportunities and set goals that will motivate them to push forward. We encourage you to learn more about what makes them great — their advice, their insights and their experiences.

You can also read and share these proﬁles on Chicago Agent’s website at chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-2017.

Photos by Dan Machnick Special thanks to 1001 South State, Marquee at Block 37, Moment, NEXT Apartments and Niche 905 for letting us take photos for this year’s Who’s Who issue in their beautiful spaces.

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JIM MILLER Executive Vice President Managing Broker, Lincoln Park Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty

Jim Miller takes a hands-on approach to his job as executive vice president and managing broker at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Lincoln Park. Channeling his passion for helping agents, he leads his team working within the greater Chicago area surrounding their home base, including Old Town, River North, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park. Before entering the real estate industry 16 years ago, Miller was a call center director for a decade, managing hundreds of employees at centers around the country. That managerial experience came in handy when, in 2013, Miller transitioned from being a top-producing broker himself to a role recruiting, training and developing luxury brokers for Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. “As a managing broker, it is quite important that one has been a successful broker, built a business and knows the intimate highs and lows of real estate brokerage,” he says. “It helps you gain the respect of your agents and makes it easier to assist them with issues and grow their business.” Under his direction, Miller’s ofﬁce has increased sales by 50 percent since 2013. “Many of our agents have doubled their production since joining Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty by using the SIR brand and the business processes that we teach and coach,” he explains, citing the company’s “Take Flight” training program as just one of the ways the ﬁrm helps agents stay motivated and grow their own business. Miller is a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. When he’s not working, he can be found reading, traveling and enjoying a nice meal with a glass of wine.

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TIFFANY ANDREAE Senior Mortgage Planner Wintrust Mortgage

Tiffany Andreae credits her successful mortgage career to her thoroughness and personal support of clients. Throughout her 25 years in the industry, Andreae, who works as a senior mortgage planner at Wintrust Mortgage, has received many awards, but it is her pride in helping that keeps her going strong. “Each client has a unique set of circumstances,” she says. “It is my role to thoroughly answer questions and review options. My clients appreciate my responsiveness and how deeply I care for their personal situation.” Over her career, Andreae’s market has expanded to cover all of Chicagoland’s northwest suburbs and a contingent in southern Wisconsin. She prides herself on the depth of her mortgage financing knowledge and her skill at including financial planners and certified public accountants in the dialogue. “It’s different components of the same picture,” she explains. “By incorporating the financial planner and CPA, we can create the best home purchase plan.” It’s these skills and dedication that land her the many referrals from past clients, friends and neighbors. “I am always most honored when friends and neighbors select my services,” she says. “Knowing they trust my knowledge and professionalism shows great respect and I am grateful for that.” When she isn’t busy financing mortgages, Andreae is dedicated to her family and volunteer projects within her community. “I am a proud hockey mom of two and have been known to conduct business at hockey rinks across the Midwest,” she says. In addition to hockey and spending time with her family, Andreae is involved with the nonprofit Samaritan Counseling Center and the Barrington Junior Women’s Club and various PTO activities for Barrington District 220. Andreae’s real estate work is a passion and a calling. “Mortgage lending may seem like a straightforward and simple process, but each client is like a puzzle,” she says. “Some are a clear and concise assembly, but others take patience and considerable analysis to determine how the pieces will best fit. It’s critical to have extensive knowledge of available programs and underwriting guidelines to determine how they best mesh with a client’s needs.”

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MATT SILVER President, Chicago Association of Realtors Partner and Senior Broker, Urban Real Estate

As the 2017 President of the Chicago Association of Realtors, Matt Silver brings his brand of professional ethics, expertise and relationship building to every part of the job. “Being elected president has allowed me the opportunity to speak for our members who haven’t been as outspoken or represented in the past,” he says. “I’ve tried to empower and impassion our members, and create opportunities for them to be heard. I’ve tried to be accessible and give them an outlet for their voice.” He proudly describes himself as a “quiet leader,” giving all members the opportunity to engage. Silver is conscious of his actions and efforts, and does his best to ensure that the leadership is diverse. “I’ve tried to raise the bar on our professionalism, and ensure our members have the tools they need to have stronger businesses and live happy, productive, more financially stable lives.” As a successful agent with Urban Real Estate, Silver handles the metropolitan Chicago market and the North Shore, from first-time homebuyers and renters to high-profile VIPs including athletes, celebrities and CEOs. Silver believes everyone deserves equally stellar representation. He has been named a Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) Top Producer every year since 1999, won a CAR President’s Award in 2016 and was recognized as having Urban Real Estate’s highest sales volume from 2014 to 2016. Balancing both positions keeps Silver busy, but his reputation for treating everyone with time and care is well deserved. “I don’t feel like I’ve ever worked a day in my life. I’m surrounded by incredible, bright minds that push me to be better every day. I want to leave a legacy that I was strong, confident, respectful and helped many achieve their dreams and goals.” When Silver isn’t guiding his members towards success, he enjoys spending time with his son and staying active through hiking and hockey. He also dedicates much of his spare time to working with All Chicago, a social services organization that works to provide financial, housing and educational assistance to the less fortunate in an effort to combat homelessness.

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NICOLE HAJDU Broker and Director of New Broker Training Dream Town Realty

Nicole Hajdu may have been in the real estate industry for 10 years, but she still has the determination and hustle of someone just starting in the business. It takes true growth, resilience, instinct and tenacity to make it in this business, and Hajdu has them in spades. “I’m always seeking opportunities to move forward and grow my business,” she says. As a real estate broker and the director of new broker training at Dream Town Realty, Hajdu works with sellers, investors and buyers within Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, in addition to recruiting and training new hires. Inﬂuenced by her entrepreneurial parents and her father’s ability to further support his family through real estate investment, Hajdu got her license in the early 2000s after shifting from a job as an account executive in corporate advertising and TV production to one at a startup residential remodeling company. “It was the perfect mix of expertise,” she says. “It was the perfect opportunity to set myself apart from the competition and make a difference for my clients and [have] the opportunity to make that same difference for my family that my father made for his.” Since then, Hajdu’s earned a reputation as a top producer in Chicago, earning recognition from her employers in 2011, 2013 and 2014 for her sales numbers, as well as the 2016 Top Producer award from the Chicago Association of Realtors. Hajdu attributes her success to her extensive knowledge, the level of personalized prep work she does for everyone she works with, and her attentiveness to her clients’ needs. During the past year, Hajdu doubled her business, and now says 90 percent of the people she works with are referrals and repeat clients. “This shows the importance of setting yourself apart and being seen as the go-to for real estate,” she says. Hajdu is a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, the Illinois Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, and has several designations including ABR, CNE, BPO, SFR, GRI and ePro. When she’s not working, she loves reading, horseback riding, seeking adventure and traveling with her family.

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NICK LIBERT Owner and CEO EXIT Strategy Realty

Nick Libert is always looking out for what’s next. He stays up-to-date with technologies like 3D virtual tours, virtual reality staging and paperless online transaction management. He’s expanding his company’s sales territory into the burgeoning investment opportunities of northwest Indiana and vacation retreats of southwest Michigan. Libert’s forward-thinking approach has earned him recognition as a CS Men’s Book “Real Estate Visionary” for 2017 and EXIT Realty International Broker of the Year for the North Division in 2016. Libert is the owner of EXIT Strategy Realty’s largest franchise in the Midwest. His firm serves a diverse clientele, from buyers of luxury condos in downtown Chicago to investment properties and single-family homes in the suburbs. Since opening with only eight agents in 2009, the firm has grown into a regional powerhouse with more than 165 agents specializing in residential, commercial and investment properties. Libert’s franchise was recently named in Inc. magazine’s list of 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in America. He has also consistently earned a spot as one of the Chicago Association of Realtors’ Top Producers since 2012, as well as receiving Chicago magazine’s “Five Star Real Estate Agents” award six times. This year, his agents are close to hitting a milestone: earning nearly $1 million in residual bonuses paid out from Exit Realty International. Though Libert has been in the industry for many years, he continues to push himself to learn and improve. Recently, he earned certifications in both international property (CIPS) and luxury home marketing (CLHMS). He also began working with a coach. “You’re never at a level where you don’t need coaching and accountability,” he says. He also began an investor’s club at the office in order to keep fresh. He and his colleagues are rehabbing a bungalow and turning it into a beautiful modern home while keeping its historic charm. “This allows our agents to get a first-hand view of the process and participate in the profit potential,” he says. When he’s not serving on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Realtors, Libert volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and Equality Illinois, an organization that advances equal treatment and social justice for the LGBTQ community.

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JOE CALTABIANO Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending Guaranteed Rate

Industry leader Joe Caltabiano is known for being one of the smartest people in the business. He’s originated over $2 billion in loans in his 16-year career, working with more than 5,000 clients in that time span. Caltabiano’s business extends across the entire nation, though he does have a particular focus right here in Illinois. In fact, he’s earned bragging rights as the No. 1 loan officer by units for the entire state last year. Caltabiano stands out for his vast wealth of knowledge as well as his impressive negotiation skills, both of which contributed to what he considers ones of his major successes of 2016: getting a Ritz Carlton project approved. Though he’s an expert on luxury sales and jumbo loans, Caltabiano still works with a wide range of clients including first-time buyers and Veterans Affairs buyers, and he treats each customer with the same amount of professionalism, regardless of their budget. “Sometimes, people want to purchase a home but do not qualify for a mortgage, so I sit down with them, review what they need to do over the next six to 12 months — such as repairing credit and earning a bit more documented income — and then they come back to me in a position to qualify,” he explains. “I believe in finding the right solution for each person.” Caltabiano is also heavily involved in philanthropic work. He’s a founding member of the Guaranteed Rate Foundation and is heavily involved with the Gateway for Cancer Research as a member of their board of directors. Caltabiano says that his own experiences as a cancer survivor, as well as the inspiration he draws from his wife and two children, motivate his philanthropic work. In his free time, Caltabiano enjoys boating on Lake Michigan and snow skiing. He’s also the co-founder of Cresco Labs, and is the largest grower of medical cannabis in the state of Illinois.

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SHERRI HOKE Broker Jameson Sotheby’s International Real Estate

Sherri Hoke is making big waves in Chicago real estate. Hoke works with all types of clients throughout the city. From investors to luxury buyers to individuals and families setting out to buy their first home, what’s most important to her is finding the right property for her clients’ needs. “My goal is to be a total real estate resource for multiple generations of the families I serve,” she tells us. Hoke adds that she considers every referral her most important achievement. “It shows that my clients feel confident referring me to their friends and family.” After a career in the entertainment industry in New York and Los Angeles, Hoke and her family moved back to their hometown to be closer to family. Having a few rehabs and successful investment properties under her belt, and finding she had a knack for identifying strong potential in real estate, she knew pursuing a career in real estate would be the best fit. Hoke even follows the real estate market in Los Angeles and New York, explaining that those cities often serve as a bellwether for what’s to come to Chicago. “I am constantly reading, exploring and learning about the industry, market developments, neighborhoods and even the food scene, which is often a driving force of what will be the hottest-selling neighborhoods of tomorrow,” she says. “I try to be a complete resource to clients, directing them to design and construction resources, school resources, nanny resources and so on.” She began her career at Baird & Warner’s Gold Coast office where she earned Rookie of the Year and credits her mentors’ guidance with her early success. She has earnest top producer recognition for the last five years and hopes to continue the trajectory. Hoke says that her young daughters are the inspiration behind all that she does, and that she constantly strives to set an example for them in all aspects of her life. “They see that with consistency and expertise, I can help guide people through difficult decisions. And most importantly, they have learned about work ethic, earning success, and that it is essential to constantly learn and evolve.”

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DANNY LEWIS Broker EXIT Strategy Realty

Danny Lewis got his start in real estate working with first-time homebuyers. Six years later, Lewis is working as a listing agent, serving investors, relocations and luxury clients. In 2016, he closed $19.4 million in sales. His targeted goal of 2016 was to become the No. 1 agent at his firm, EXIT Strategy Realty, and in addition to achieving that goal, he also ranked as his company’s top agent for the entire Midwest region. Lewis began his career in advertising and later moved to public relations; both were learning experiences that he says helped him segue into the real estate profession. “Advertising taught me how to brand myself and how to attract attention,” he says. “Public relations taught me how to position myself in the public eye and also how to be organized and self-sufficient.” Lewis has been a trailblazer since he embarked on a career in the real estate industry. He was named Rookie of the Year at his first real estate job, was featured in a Chicago Association of Realtors magazine article as a “blazing newcomer” and he has been named the top real estate agent in the entire state of Illinois for EXIT Strategy Realty for the past three years. In the Chicagoland market, he works with clients from many neighborhoods, from Lincoln Park to Andersonville and South Loop to Edgewater. Lewis credits most of his success to his dedication. “I think about real estate day and night. When I wake up and when I go to sleep,” he says. “Making sure that my clients get the best deal possible and are happy and satisfied is my number one priority.” When he’s not busy closing deals, Lewis is playing golf, watching the Chicago Bulls as a season ticket holder or traveling the world. This past year he visited Argentina and Brazil, and he says he returned with renewed focus and determination.

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KARTH BARR District Manager First Centennial Mortgage

For Karth Barr, Midwest district manager at First Centennial Mortgage, the ability to educate and guide his clients has been instrumental in his success. “I actively educate all of my borrowers on the subjects of debt, credit and most importantly the management of liabilities,” he said. Barr stresses the importance of understanding how much the liabilities side matters in the “Net Worth = Assets – Liabilities” equation, and he teaches his borrowers the ins and outs of liability management. It’s this unique financial approach to mortgage banking, plus the talented team he works with, that Barr says have helped him stand out in the industry. Barr studied economics and speech communications at University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. Since entering the mortgage industry more than 20 years ago, Barr has originated and closed more than $500 million in mortgages. “The real estate industry has truly become my passion and life’s work,” he said. Barr’s wide range of specialties include working with first-time homebuyers, working on veterans’ loans or investor loans, developing tax planning and cash flow strategies, providing life change and divorce planning management and educating clients on credit and borrowing. Barr said his biggest accomplishment this past year has been building his successful team. “My business philosophy has always been that we do more when surrounded by the right people. As a manager, I have seen my sales team produce and grow beyond their own expectations,” he said. “Year after year, my production as well as my team’s production has grown as a direct result of our support system at First Centennial Mortgage and what I can provide.” As well as being involved in real estate, Barr is very active within his local community, the veteran community and is part of the West Suburban Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. He says his wife is his rock and she along with their two sons are his biggest pride and joy. “We can’t be more proud of our children’s outstanding accomplishments! Every day they never cease to amaze us!” he says.

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KATIE BARRETO Broker RE/MAX Signature Homes

“Real estate was always a passion of mine,” Katie Barreto says, “and I knew eventually I would fulfill that dream.” Before finally making the move into the industry, Barreto worked for nine years at Career Education Corporation, where she learned how to manage sales and business plans. She was promoted several times including her most recent role as national director of sales, in which she managed over 100 employees. “When I first started in real estate, I was still working for my previous company,” she explains. “I continued to work part-time as a broker for the first two years until I had built my client portfolio and could make a smooth transition into a full- time career.” Barreto is making a name for herself in the Chicagoland market as a broker with RE/MAX Signature Homes. As a broker who relies solely on referrals, she works with clients ranging from residential homebuyers to commercial clients and investors. RE/MAX has named her to the 100 Percent Club for the past two years, an honor given to agents whose paid commissions in a given year totaled $100,000 to $249,999. No matter what the opportunity, Barreto dedicates herself to catering to her clients. For example, a client she worked with for several years spoke Spanish as his first language, and in order to improve her client’s experience, Barreto took a series of classes so that she could achieve fluency. “Being able to speak to my client in Spanish was a great accomplishment,” she says. Barreto is also proud of achieving her goal of averaging a market listing time of 20 days. “For only being in real estate full-time for three years, I have had quite a bit of success by helping people through one of their most important decisions of their lifetime,” she says. “Nothing can top that satisfaction and success.”

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IZABELA SLOMA Senior VP of Sales Sloma Real Estate, Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty

Izabela Sloma approaches every transaction like a passion project. As the founder of Sloma Real Estate Group and the senior VP of sales at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago, she brings more than a decade’s worth of experience, knowledge and appreciation for what she does to the job. “I love the idea of finding them their dream home and exceeding their expectations. The client’s happiness is my main priority,” she says. Working with luxury and first-time homebuyers, as well as repeat clients and new construction builders and rehabbers, Sloma’s flexibility and ability to handle any sale makes her an asset in the industry and her focus on customer service is unparalleled. “If you have strong negotiation skills, you can assist your clients in getting the best deal possible when buying or selling a home,” she says. “You know right away how far you can take a negotiation once you have the experience, and that determines how you ultimately approach the situation and close the deal.” Sloma has been recognized as a Top Producer by the Chicago Association of Realtors every year since 2010, making it into the top 1 percent of agents, and she is a certified Negotiation Expert. Still, she prefers to measure her success and growth by her clients’ satisfaction rather than traditional accolades. “All of my clients and sales have been one large accomplishment, no sale has been more important than the next,” she says. Sloma is a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors and in her free time volunteers with the Chicago Children’s Choir and the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

188 | CHICAGOAGENT • JULY 17, 2017 • CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM AS SEEN IN THE JULY 17, 2017 ISSUE OF CHICAGO AGENT MAGAZINE CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM

ALEX FILIN VP of Residential Lending PERL Mortgage

In 2015, Alex Filin made a leap of faith, leaving a successful and award-winning career with New York Life to join PERL Mortgage as a Mortgage Banker. Now, just two years after getting his start in the real estate industry, Filin is already making a big impact at PERL, being ranked in their Top 25 of Mortgage Loan Officers for 2017 up to this point. This achievement was made possible in large part due to Filin’s impressive March, in which he was able to help 11 different families achieve their dreams of home ownership — an incredible feat, and one that Filin counts as one of his greatest professional accomplishments. Why leave a successful career to try out real estate? Filin says that he was motivated by the possibility of helping people achieve their dream of home ownership. He specializes in helping first-time buyers, especially individuals or families moving from condos to single- family homes as well as growing families looking to move from the city to the suburbs. First-time buyers present unique challenges, of course, but for Filin the rewards far outweigh them, and continually motivate and inspire him. Because first-time buyers tend to have a lot of questions and anxieties about buying a home, Filin considers himself an educator, someone whose job it is to guide people through the ins-and-outs of what, for many people, can be a nerve-wracking process. “I focus on education, being honest and straightforward, and not being ‘salesy,’” Filin tells us. This direct, honest approach is what Filin considers the key to his success thus far. Born in Riga, Latvia, part of the former USSR, Filin and his family moved to Skokie when he was six, and he remains fluent in Russian. Today, Filin is happily married to his beautiful wife Jennifer and he and his wife just had their first child, Piper Grace, on May 23! A former All- State high school athlete in multiple sports and college football player for Illinois State University, Filin also enjoys staying active by playing basketball and golf.

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DEENA ZIMMERMAN Vice President SVN Chicago Commercial

Deena Zimmerman may be vice president of SVN Chicago Commercial, but she prides herself on her close and authentic relationship with her clients. “I am honest and consider our relationship to be a team effort,” she says. “I am in the trenches with all of my clients and stand beside them in battle if necessary.” And her efforts have certainly paid off. Her company gave her the 2016 Centurion Club award for her success and she was recently named the 2017 Commercial Liaison for the National Association of Realtors. In 2012, she received the National Association of Realtors’ Outstanding Achievement in Commercial Real Estate award. Considering her commercial real estate achievements, it should come as no surprise that Zimmerman specializes in retail tenant representation. Her clients range from local and regional retailers throughout Chicagoland to national businesses and franchises. “I have a niche with franchises and assisting and guiding them in their expansion plans,” she explains, “both in Chicagoland and nationwide.” She says her biggest sales accomplishment last year was assisting a California-based investor in purchasing a number of dollar store investments. “I was so happy and proud to turn my years of expertise in retail leasing and site selection into such a valuable resource for my client,” she says. “Since then, we have expanded his nationwide footprint and we are working on some very cool projects in other markets.” Zimmerman is invested in inspiring women to get involved with commercial real estate. She’s a member of several professional organizations including Women in Retail Leasing, the Chicago Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, among others. Zimmerman also makes time for philanthropy. She supports Pancan, an organization dedicated to researching pancreatic cancer, and Concordia Place, a nonproﬁt serving children, teens and seniors. She has a passion for giving back to her community, she says, and enjoys mentoring people new to the ﬁeld. She doesn’t plan on slowing down on her networking, either. “The extensive relationships I have built and the network of people I can reach out to have been extremely instrumental in my success,” she says.

190 | CHICAGOAGENT • JULY 17, 2017 • CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM AS SEEN IN THE JULY 17, 2017 ISSUE OF CHICAGO AGENT MAGAZINE CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM

NASEEM EL-BARBARAWI Broker Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty

There is a wall full of letters in Naseem El-Barbarawi’s office handwritten by clients thanking him for his hard work and dedication. With 15 years in the industry, the broker’s wall at his Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty office has become quite full. “I love it when I receive an unexpected handwritten note from a client expressing how happy they were with their real estate experience with me,” he says. “I have personal notes saved since I first stepped into the real estate world. It reminds me why I love my career.” El-Barbarawi’s client base includes sellers, buyers, investors and relocation clients. He focuses on selling single-family homes, condos and multi-unit investment properties. “Clients choose me to sell their property because of my experience as a listing agent and expertise on current market conditions. I study the market constantly and help my clients understand it and advise them according to their specific needs. Handling tough negotiations is one critical skill clients come to rely on when working with El-Barbarawi. “I advise clients on how to prepare the property for the market by suggesting what needs to be done to get the property sold,” he says. “I coordinate everything needed to get a home ready in short deadline situations to make it as easy and painless as possible for them.” Each year, El-Barbarawi has dramatically increased his business, which he credits to the dedication of serving his clients with the highest level of service. Professional organizations, including the Chicago Association of Realtors, recognize his success as well, ranking him as a top producer throughout his career. Last year, NRT, the nation’s largest residential brokerage, listed El-Barbarawi in the top 1,000 of 47,000 agents nationwide within the company. He has received the President’s Circle and Diamond Society honorary awards. But no accolade can compare to the feeling he gets from successfully helping clients achieve their goals. “By the time a transaction is complete, my clients and I have a trust with each other that nothing else compares to,” he says. “There is a great connection and relationship made knowing they will be a client and friend for life.”

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PATRICK RYAN Senior Vice President and Managing Broker Related Realty

Patrick Ryan, senior vice president and managing broker at Related Realty, knows how important a home sale or purchase can be for a person. “This isn’t just a transaction to them – it is a chapter of their life,” he said. “At Related Realty we focus on our client’s success, which helps achieve exceptional results. We take each transaction seriously, ensuring the highest level of client satisfaction.” With Related Realty, Patrick focuses on each broker’s individual business goals, upholding standards of professionalism and improving their community through social good. In 2016, Related Realty partnered with Adwerx and Giveback Homes to launch an “Agents for Change” ad campaign, which focuses on raising awareness and building homes for families in need in Chicago. All Related Realty brokers were given a membership to Giveback Homes and a complimentary Adwerx campaign at no cost, and Adwerx donated a portion of the ad buy back to Giveback Homes. “We are the first and only brokerage in the country that is doing this. It is a win for all involved that we are very proud of,” Patrick said. Brokers are seeing the benefit of this additional exposure. Their volume increased 98% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to 2016. Related Realty is the residential brokerage division of Related Midwest in Chicago, and an affiliate and key component of Related Companies, the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States. “Our organization has a 40-year history of success in real estate and we work daily to improve in all areas that we work in. Our brokers continue to get better each day by having exposure to all of Related Midwest’s developments, partnerships and ongoing initiatives,” Patrick said. Current developments include One Bennett Park in Streeterville, Landmark West Loop, as well as a significant pipeline including 400 N. Lake Shore Drive, the site of the former Chicago Spire project, and a 62- acre master-planned community in the South Loop. In addition to numerous real estate organizations, Patrick is involved in Giveback Homes, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, and SOS Children’s Villages.

192 | CHICAGOAGENT • JULY 17, 2017 • CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM MATTHEW EWALD Vice President of Residential Lending Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp.

Now in his 14th year in the mortgage industry, Vice President of Residential Lending Matthew Ewald of Draper and Kramer Mortgage Corp. is a top-producing and highly referred mortgage originator. Ewald is ranked among Mortgage Executive magazine’s Top 1 Percent of Mortgage Originators in America, and 2016 was his best year yet in terms of both volume and number of loans originated. Working almost entirely on a referral basis, Ewald often serves borrowers throughout their lives as homeowners. “The first time I interact with clients is usually when they are first- time homebuyers,” he said. “Then, as they go through life, I handle their move-up purchases or help them branch out into owning multiple properties.” Though primarily serving clients in his home market of Chicagoland, he also works with borrowers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida and Colorado. Several of Ewald’s qualities endear him to his clients. “Strong communication and well-managed expectations are two big parts of making sure things go as smoothly as possible,” he says. “If all parties know what is needed, then it’s never a surprise when things arise.” Ewald is committed to informing and guiding his clients throughout the mortgage process. This means providing expert advice, thorough explanations and consistent follow-ups to ensure terms come back as expected or better and loans close on time. Ewald has several important priorities and accomplishments outside his professional life. He and a large group of family and friends participate in the American Brain Tumor Association’s annual 5K walk in Chicago, raising thousands of dollars toward better diagnosis and treatment of the disease. (Ewald’s father- in-law was diagnosed with the disease in 2015 and passed away after an 18-month battle.) Ewald has also been a member of Eastern Illinois University’s Alumni Association Board for almost 10 years. Lastly but most importantly, he cherishes the opportunity to watch his children continue to grow up while maintaining the flexibility to attend most of their events.

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J MAGGIO Realtor CONLON/Christie’s International Real Estate

As a futures trader at Chicago’s Mercantile Exchange, J Maggio developed a skillful understanding of risk management, market timing and asset pricing. He also cultivated the frank, mannered communication style that his clients have come to trust — and recommend to their friends. Over the past seven years, Maggio’s honesty and white-glove work ethic have built him a business based almost completely on referrals. It’s no surprise, then, that Maggio has excelled since entering the field in 2010. He’s been recognized as one of the Chicago Association of Realtors’ Top Producers for four consecutive years since 2012. “A lot of agents don’t get back to their clients right away,” Maggio says, “but I pride myself in responding quickly, especially in such a fast-paced market.” Maggio works with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, sellers and families transitioning from Chicago to the suburbs or vice versa. He knows that, for all clients, few commitments are as challenging or important as buying property. That’s why he entered real estate. “I wanted the opportunity to work face-to-face with people, to help them with an emotional and financial transaction as large as purchasing a home,” he says. One of Maggio’s biggest accomplishments of the past year was setting record sales in different buildings and successfully contesting multiple related appraisal issues. “I had a sale in Fulton Market with multiple offers in less than two days. The initial appraisal fell short by $75,000,” he says, “but I convinced the buyers to switch lenders, be reappraised for the contract price and close in 30 days.” Personally, Maggio is proud of his growing family. He and his wife welcomed newborn twins, Duke and Rocco, during last spring’s busy season. In his free time, Maggio enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and paddle tennis, and eating pizza.

206 | CHICAGOAGENT • JULY 17, 2017 • CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM AS SEEN IN THE JULY 17, 2017 ISSUE OF CHICAGO AGENT MAGAZINE CHICAGOAGENTMAGAZINE.COM

STEPHANIE LOVERDE Vice President, Sales Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty

When Stephanie LoVerde was in school working toward a masters in counseling, real estate caught her eye. At the time, she was a part-time administrative assistant for a real estate firm, and before that, she worked in the meeting and event planning industry. “I made the move to real estate because I was attracted to a ‘helping’ profession,” LoVerde said. In only four years of working as a broker, she moved from being Chicago’s 2013 Rookie of the Year to the top 1 percent in Chicago, with over $19 million in sales and 54 transactions in 2016. She has also been named a Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer three years in a row. LoVerde recently announced her new affiliation with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. She will continue to specialize in Chicago’s North Side markets and looks forward to expanding her breadth as she aligns with the Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty brand. LoVerde always has her clients’ best interests at heart. “My clients say I am accessible and a good listener, and I find happiness knowing they trust me,” she says. She has built a growing business based strictly on referrals. She does not pay for online leads and believes relationships and transparency are at the core of a sustainable business. Also, important to her business is treating people kindly, from clients to other brokers, while trying to have some fun along the way! “I serve sellers, buyers and investors, but I really love helping sellers,” LoVerde says. “I take my sellers through a comprehensive timeline, which includes detailed show-ready/ staging action items to produce flawless photos. The pricing strategy and approach, listing launch, marketing strategy, showings and open house format are all strategic and purposeful.” She believes her rigid meeting and planning background coupled with her counseling studies and genuine love for people create the recipe for her success.

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JOSH WEINBERG Co-Founder TOMMY CHOI Co-Founder Weinberg Choi Residential Keller Williams Chicago-Lincoln Park

Josh Weinberg and Tommy Choi have come a long way since first meeting at Bradley University in 2000. They co-founded Weinberg Choi in 2007 before launching the Keller Williams Chicago–Lincoln Park Market Center in 2016, and now they are accomplishing their shared mission of “helping clients lay down roots to build legacies.” “We believe that we’re changing the way real estate is being done in Chicago, and that will impact our community from an economic and a cultural standpoint,” Weinberg says. The team liaises with sellers and buyers all over Chicago. Weinberg and Choi take a “divide and conquer” approach to business, coordinating with their staff so that their clients are helped by a stage-specific expert at each point of the process. “What sets us apart is our team’s dedication to our clients,” they say. “Our clients don’t get just us — they get six teammates supporting their perfect real estate experience.” For three years in a row, Weinberg Choi Residential has been recognized with a sales award from the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) for being a Top 1 Percent Producer. Success has come to Weinberg Choi because they do business by the Golden Rule. “We honor and are grateful for everyone we meet,” Choi says. Together with the rest of their office, they volunteer at multiple charities as part of the 365 Days of Giving initiative. In 2016, they worked with 12 different organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House near Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Habitat for Humanity. Both men attribute much of their success to their wives and children. “Fatherhood has taught us a magnified layer of patience, empathy, love, leadership and dedication,” they say.

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JILL CLARK Broker Baird & Warner

One of broker Jill Clark’s favorite quotes is one by Audrey Hepburn about inner beauty: “The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.” Clark, real estate broker for Baird & Warner, finds the beauty in each home and showcases its unique qualities to buyers. An industry veteran who previously was Estee Lauder’s vice president of sales, Clark has an eye for fine details, style and design. “My background with fashion and beauty blends well with my success in real estate,” she said. Clark’s brand, Jill Clark Homes, works with fine homes and luxury properties. She just launched her new website with her theme, ONE. In order to be irreplaceable, ONE must always be different. Exquisite luxury sofas are partnered with Sophisticated Fashion Models and textures with topic headliners: Professional, Luxe, Results, Competitor, Victory. Her clients often note her effective marketing and detail- oriented approach. She is great at picking up the phone and selling their homes before they even hit the market. “I make sure their home is positioned to sell and get them more for their bottom line, more than any other competitor can,” she says. I am extremely tenacious.” In 2016, she had the highest sales volume, highest residential sales, and highest condo sale for a Naperville agent in Will County. At Baird & Warner, Jill Clark is the No. 1 highest Average Sale in Naperville for 2016. Clark’s accolades also include earning the Five Star Professional award for Top West Suburban Agent, ranking among the top 1 percent of Baird & Warner Realtors, and induction into Baird & Warner’s Founder’s Club. Clark said her biggest accomplishments this past year were launching her new website, using her social media savvy and growing her team. “I continue to find great, talented members to add to my already talented team of experts who help me build my business,” she said. In Clark’s free time, she is involved in volunteering, sports and various organizations. She is a member of the Luxury Home Marketing Guild and is a former board member of the White Eagle Golf Club.

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