What was your first job in the realty industry? As a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker in Elmhurst
Where did you grow up? A better question is where I didn’t grow up. When I was a kid, we moved a lot. I’ve lived in Rogers Park, Uptown, Lakeview, Portage Park, Wilmette, Glenview, Niles and Lake Bluff. For the last 12 years, I have called Addison home.
What is your favorite free-time activity? Spending time with friends, family and my pets, who are both friends and family
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Cook or meditate
If you weren’t a Realtor, what would you be? A restaurant owner
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Mother Theresa, she was so selfless and kind. She dedicated her life to serving others, a real inspiration.
What is your favorite place to “hang out?” In my kitchen
What do you love most about the industry? Having been in customer service for my entire career prior to real estate, I am passionate about providing an extremely high level of service. Fortunately for me, the real estate industry gives me ample opportunity to use my “whatever it takes” attitude on a daily basis.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? My partner and I formed this business with the belief that we could improve upon the traditional brokerages by hiring our agents as employees, giving them clients and helping the agent focus on the transaction; not on prospecting. We also offer buyer rebates because we are in the business to make a difference, not a killing. Our service philosophy also helps.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Not having control over the outcome
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I network everywhere! For business, mostly at the chamber of commerce, local events and at various real estate conferences. My clients come to me.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Quitting my job and starting a real estate brokerage
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “The Four Agreements” – what an essential read
What is your favorite restaurant? Overall, it would have to be the Clubhouse in Oakbrook, the Lobster Bisque is yummy.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Water Tower, the old one
What kind of car do you drive? Chrysler Sebring
BlackBerry, iPhone or Paper? Android
What is your favorite city after Chicago? Puerto Vallarta, in some ways the two cities are very similar: great architecture, friendly people and outstanding food!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? “Just ask”
Sari, Can you please call me at 312-543-0364? Thank you so much
WOW. Sari was an all star realtor. I was a first time home buyer with extensive questions, specific needs, and under a strict time crunch. Sari was there for me even when the realtors usually took a “back seat” (attorney negotiations etc.). She was answered my questions at any time of the day whether it was 10pm or 7 am- What realtor is answering their phone at 10:00 pm? Sari is! Whether my questions were financing (which she never said “go talk to your mortgage broker”- she would say “hm, I’m not sure let me contact your mortgage broker and see what they say for your case”), neighborhood , resale , how to get my taxes lowered, mold, inspection, negotiating, paint colors, even down to what kind of dog food she uses, Sari was ALWAYS there with an honest answer. She never acted as if she wanted to make a deal- rather, she was trying to find a home that would work for me. She showed me homes that were worth while, in my ball park, and gave advice on what kind of home made sense for what I was looking for. She also went to bat for me on my now home- we had a tough seller yet Sari was there with a smile on her face and turned a grumpy seller into a sweet seller who was happy to negotiate! oh yeahh…. she also PAID US TO USE HER by giving us a rebate check!!!