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Cathy Ivcich, Realtor

Rubloff Residential Properties

North Side of Chicago

What was your first job in the realty industry?
I got talked into becoming an agent in 1996 and was hired by Darlene Little. I still align myself with her today at Rubloff.

Who inspires you?
My mom, actually. She’s a little Irish leprechaun who grew up extremely poor during the Depression, but managed to raise eight kids with my dad, and treated us like adults the minute we turned 18. She is a talented artist, a kind person, a loyal friend and at age 87 can still stay up late drinking and smoking and laughing away. I want what she’s having for life.

What is your favorite free-time activity?
I like to cook. For me, it’s completely relaxing and even meditative. Plus, there’s a delicious reward at the end. Add a few fun friends, some good wine and it’s hard not to have a good time. I also couldn’t seem to stay off my bike during the beautiful summer.

How did you learn the business?
From two incredible women who knew it well and made it fun: Mary Drake Baker and Barb Davee.

What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed?
I had an agoraphobic, clinically depressed client who had to sell and move out of his condo or face foreclosure/eviction. Every morning I woke up thinking about what I would say to this gentleman to take him one step further in the process. We had a very tight time frame, but somehow it all worked out. I think I operated under the one-step-at-a-time rule, which always serves me well.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Getting away, both mentally and physically, to my sandy little beach shack in Michigan for longer than a 24-hour period.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
I never turn down an invitation to a party.

What was the last good book you read?
“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See

What kind of car do you drive?
I’ll drive my Lexus RX300 SUV until she dies on the streets of Chicago.

BlackBerry, Palm or paper?
Spiral notebook. It’s so old school, but it gives you a historical perspective of your year.

What is your personal motto?
It sounds silly, but it’s true: don’t worry, be happy!

What is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Go work for a top producer for six to 12 months and earn while you learn.

 

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