Michele Pappas is a sales consultant for D.R. Horton in Pingree Grove

What was your first job in the realty industry? My first job in the real estate industry was as a leasing consultant for a large apartment community in Palatine. As a result of that job, I developed a passion for sales. I knew that one day I wanted to work in new construction for a large homebuilder.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in the small community of Edgebrook on the Northwest Side of Chicago. I attended St. Mary of the Woods Elementary School, Resurrection High School and Loyola University.

What is your favorite free-time activity? My favorite free-time activity is spending time with my sons. They have grown up so fast, and although our time together is limited, I cherish every opportunity to spend time together. I have been so blessed with such amazing sons. They are truly the greatest joy in my life.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I love to work out and weight train at the gym. When time permits, a massage is also a great way for me to de-stress.

Growing up, what did you want to be? Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse. I changed career paths early on, and I’m very happy that I did. I truly love new home sales. There is nothing more rewarding then seeing your clients enjoying their new home and helping them through the process.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I think I would choose Tony Robbins. He is an amazing motivational speaker, and I would love to listen to his advice. I feel I am a highly motivated individual; however, I continue to strive to educate myself on a daily basis and to become the best that I can be, in life as well as in my career.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? I love live music and dancing, so anywhere that has a great band is where I love to hang out.

What do you love most about the industry? What I love most about the industry would have to be the wonderful people I have the great pleasure of meeting each and every day. Not only do I have terrific clients, but many also become lifelong friends. This industry is never boring; each day is consistently changing, bringing new challenges as well as many rewards.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I have great respect for all of the agents in this industry. What may distinguish me from the others would be my positive attitude, which I maintain on a daily basis and project to my clients, even on the most challenging of days. When a client walks through my door, no matter what, they are my priority. I want their experience to be memorable and their first impression of me to be positive. I strive to develop a relationship built on trust, and I want them to know I genuinely care. My goal is to discover what is most important to them. I also try to listen more than I speak.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most difficult aspect of new home sales would have to be the situations that can transpire that are out of my control that directly impact my client’s transaction. I strive to provide a smooth, stress-free experience from contract to close and, at times, that can be challenging due to numerous factors that can arise throughout the process.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Working in new construction definitely has its benefits, and typically, my clients come to me. However, I am constantly working to generate my own traffic and grow my client base. I continue to develop relationships with local agents, who in turn, bring clients to me, and I will refer many of mine to them. Since a large percentage of my clients come to my office with a home to sell, having great relationships with these agents is a large part of my business.