WEICHERT, REALTORS FIRST CHICAGO
What was your first job in the realty industry?
Working for my parents’ construction company. From an early age, I was helping my parents design marketing plans to sell their developments and was assisting them on job sites.
Who inspires you?
My mother, she has been very successful with her career and I have always admired her ability to juggle her career and her family. In the 90s, she was one of the top builders in the state of Michigan. While she put everything into her work, she somehow always managed to have dinner on the table every night.
What is your favorite free-time activity?
I love to cook. I am constantly cooking new recipes and making my husband the guinea pig. He appreciates it when I cook something that turns out well, but also chokes down whatever comes out of the oven on my not-so-successful attempts. What I am most proud of is my homemade pasta sauce, which I routinely give to both my new and old clients.
What was your most difficult sale, and how did you succeed?
I worked as an REO agent on a foreclosure and found that it was a very long and difficult process. The closing process took over a month because of the paperwork and the unconventional loan. There seemed to be a lack of communication since there was no face-to-face time with the seller.
What was your worst job, and what did you learn from it? When I was in college I worked for a podiatrist office. It was ironic that I worked there, because I was always squeamish about feet. I learned from this job that you have to be passionate about what you do or you will never be truly happy.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
My husband works at a large company downtown, so going to his events for work and meeting his co-workers has brought me a lot of business. I also love walking my Husky, Bono, and we usually meet someone while we�re out.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Since starting in real estate I have met and exceeded most goals I have set for myself. In 2008, I was the third top producer for all of Northern Illinois.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Il Mulino in Gold Coast
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
550 St. Clair
What kind of car do you drive? Range Rover BlackBerry, Palm or paper? BlackBerry
What is your favorite city after Chicago? Paia, Maui
What is your personal motto?
The best things in life are not things.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Don’t give up, especially during these hard times.