Meritage Realty Group LLC
Arlington Heights – Northwest Suburbs
meritagerealtygroup.com
What was your first job in the realty industry? Selling my own development company’s properties
Where did you grow up? I was born on the South Side (Oak Lawn), but I spent most of my growing years in Arlington Heights.
In what ways is your company green friendly? Our signage is made from reclaimed windows, doors, railings etc., with the balance of materials being recycled or recyclable. Also, we have a low paper consumption and use as many recyclable materials as possible. We link to a number of green sites for client education and contacts, we post green articles and tips for the home, we get involved in revitalization projects and humanitarian efforts throughout the city, we host town gatherings at a local establishment and bring in speakers to discuss topics such as energy audits, solar panels and radon. Lastly, we make donations at every closing in our client’s name to a green organization or toward a humanitarian effort.
What is the most interesting green feature you’ve ever seen or heard about on a home? Green roofs are, in my opinion, the coolest. Every home should have one.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I try to get out for a run
If you weren’t a Realtor, what would you be? I have been building homes and doing major rehab work for approximately 18 years, so I am interested in building the first green certified home in my area.
What is your favorite place to “hang out?” I love to hang out with my wife and “people watch” at an outdoor table at Tavern on Rush.
What is your favorite green building? The Chicago Center for Green Technology
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? We are very well connected in our community and get involved in many events such as Chicago Cares. Meritage Realty is about giving back and people find us because they want to help, too.
Why did you choose to become an EcoBroker? I believe that in today’s real estate climate, knowledge is key. Being able to help clients interested in the environment make a wise purchase or informing them what steps they could take in a home they are interested in purchasing to make it more environmentally friendly is a great advantage. And on the sales side, giving clients knowledge on how to put some green technology/features into their home that might better their chances on a sale is an advantage that the home for sale next door may not have.
What is your favorite restaurant? In all fairness, I probably do not have a particular favorite. However, I will go out of my way to find an awesome sushi joint.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? Architecturally speaking, probably The Sofitel, but Wrigley Field is my favorite building in general.
What kind of car do you drive? Jeep Commander / Mercedes- When it comes time that it is imperative to change vehicles or add an additional one due to more drivers, a hybrid will be in the picture. It is a tough situation to be in at the moment with our existing cars. It can be argued that replacing a standard vehicle with an environmentally friendly one may not the best answer due to the carbon footprint of manufacturing it. Many say the better solution is to drive what you have into the ground. The verdict is still out in my house.
BlackBerry, iPhone or Paper? BlackBerry Bold
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be knowledgeable, informative, patient, diligent, communicate, love life, have fun!