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Agent Snapshot: Kevin Roy, HomeSmart Connect Real Estate

What was your first job in the real estate industry? At age 13 I began helping my mother, who was a real estate attorney in River Forest, preparing closing documents. My mother taught me very well.

Growing up, what did you want to be? I call it my fourth-grade epiphany: I announced to everyone at the age of 9, “When I grow up, I’m going to become a newscaster!” My big dream came true, and then some.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I enjoy a good meal, a glass of wine, conversation, playing with my dog, taking a few deep breaths and exhaling. I try to give myself a break and remember, “This too shall pass.”

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love where I live: Forest Park! The town’s motto is: “Small town charm, big city access.” My place is just a 10-minute walk from the green and blue lines, and one block north of the hip Madison Shopping District.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I worked for WLS-TV/ABC7Chicago as a news anchor and reporter for 12 years and won six Emmys. Tracking down the top story and going “Live at 5” all over Chicagoland left me with sources no one else can match. There’s always someone I can count on whenever those inevitable hurdles pop up before closing day.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? This is like asking me if I have a favorite child; I love architecture. I can narrow it down to two: The John Hancock Center (or whatever they’re calling it now) and Unity Temple, my church since 7th grade and Frank Lloyd Wright’s church, too. He designed it in 1909 and it was the first building made with poured concrete. The art glass, square-shaped sanctuary and recent renovation make it a world-class treasure and a definite must-see.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? The most important work of my life was sharing the story of losing my mother, Diane Marcus Roy, to suicide in a two-part series that aired on WLS-TV/ABC7Chicago. After it aired I heard from people who told me, “What you did, Kevin, saved my life. I can’t thank you enough.”

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Sometimes, I have to remind myself that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” I can’t get it everything done in one day and Chicago’s traffic doesn’t make it any easier. I’ve been called a perfectionist and it’s probably true.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Everywhere I go, I give people my spiel, my business card and ask them to call me when the time arises — because it eventually it will. We all need a place to call home.

What is your favorite restaurant? I love the local chain, Mia Francesca’s. They have exceptional service and the food — oh, the food! Don’t get me started.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Palm Springs, California. But Paris and Amsterdam are right up there, too.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Homesnap

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