Family Partnership
It’s all in the family for Joanne McCafferty, broker and owner of Brush Hills Realtors in Hinsdale. “We’re not a team, we’re partners,” she said.

She and her daughter-in-law Geri have been partners for more than six years. While Joanne manages the brokerage, she and Geri both sell and cover each other when necessary.

“We both basically have the capabilities to do the same thing. If one is busy, the other one can help, or vice versa,” explained Joanne, who has been in the industry for 35 years. “When going out on listing presentations, 90 percent of the time, we go together. Geri usually pulls the comps and before we go out we sit and discuss the pros and cons of the house, like its location, condition, etc.”

When it comes to tackling everyday tasks, the McCaffertys created a plan at the start. “Depending on who is working with the buyer, we schedule our own appointments, and if a contract results, we usually handle it individually,” Joanne said. “We talk, email and text constantly.”

When preparing any type of marketing project, typically one will write it up and the other will critique it, or vice versa. Joanne said most of the time they both go through the house room by room and make suggestions on improvements.

As for splitting commissions, this is a 50/50 partnership. The McCaffertys said they split commissions no matter which one handles a particular deal. They also split all expenses at the end of the year.

Geri came on board just as the market started its downturn, which is why Joanne said it’s difficult to determine just how much the partnership has earned each woman. “The first year we were together, we sold and listed more properties but the volume wasn’t as high because the prices were plummeting. Therefore, the homes were selling a lot cheaper, plus the very expensive listings weren’t selling,” explained Joanne. “We have accomplished more as a team as far as communication with buyers and sellers is concerned, and it always leaves one or the other of us to follow up leads.”

Like McLaughlin/McInerney and Proctor with her sales team, the McCaffertys said they have a lot of respect for each other. That mutual admiration, and having fun with each other, makes their partnership a success on their terms. “At the end of the day, we know we can count on each other, and we enjoy working together even after so many years,” Joanne said.

Tere Proctor
President
ARC Residential
773.248.2550
tere.proctor@lp2550.com

Carolyn McLaughlin
Agent
Prudential Rubloff, Lake Forest
847.460.5455
cmclaughlin@Rubloff.com

Kelly McInerney
Agent
Prudential Rubloff, Lake Forest
847.826.6800
kkmcinerney@rubloff.com

Joanne McCafferty
Broker/Owner
Brush Hill Realtors, Hinsdale
630.920.0666
joannemc@comcast.net

Geri McCafferty
Agent
Brush Hill Realtors, Hinsdale
630.920.0666
mccaffg@aol.com