Maria Pia Ruiz is a broker associate with Baird & Warner in the Northwest Suburbs
What was your first job in the realty industry? New construction, with Concord Homes
Where did you grow up? San Jose and Costa Rica
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Read, listen to music, and enjoy some good red wine
Growing up, what did you want to be? An attorney or an industrial engineer – I could not make up my mind. I had a cousin that was a successful attorney in San Francisco, and my dad was an engineer. I wanted to be in both fields and did not know which to choose, but I ended up in real estate.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? OPRAH! I would love to know how she was able to build an empire.
Where is your favorite place to hang out? My home is my “sanctuary” when I am not showing homes or meeting listing appointments.
What do you love most about the industry? Getting to know all the different client profiles, and helping families find that one-of-a-kind home.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I am personable, sincere, and persistent. I am available 24 hours a day, and try to go the extra mile for my clients without loosing myself to my work.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Discussing price reductions with my sellers – especially when they are close to being underwater – is never an easy task.
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I have an enormous group of neighbors and past clients. I keep in touch through social media and common events.
What has been your greatest accomplishment? I was rookie of the year in 2003 with Concord Homes. That was my first accomplishment in the industry. In 2015, I was the No. 1 agent in volume and units in Sales in Baird & Warner’s Randall Road office.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? My all-time favorite is “Cinema Paradiso” – I can watch it over and over again.
What is your favorite restaurant? “Piazzabella” in Roscoe Village will always be my favorite.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Drake Hotel
What kind of car do you drive? A white Lexus RX
Smartphone or paper? Smartphone. However, I keep a small paper agenda for my everyday appointments.
What is your favorite city after Chicago? South Miami. I loved to walk to and from Sunset Mall when I lived there. I love the restaurants and suburban feeling of the area, as well as the architecture of the homes.
What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Be personable, try to help as many people as you can, be sincere and keep your cool even when you know sometimes your cliens are wrong.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Docusign, hands down. It makes everyone’s life easier!