What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?

I worked for the Cook County tax assessor’s office, and I became a certified Illinois assessing officer where I obtained my CIAO designation in the state of Illinois, holding under my belt everything there is to know about property taxes and more.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the northwest suburbs, in Inverness.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a luxury real estate professional. I built my background and skills in property taxes, the legal field and finally the professional services field, making me a well-rounded professional before pursuing my dreams.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?

I love to walk in the local forest preserves on my time off. It is so calming and relaxing to look at nature. Sometimes I get the best ideas to market my homes during these walks. I call them power walks.

If you could meet any well-known figure, who would it be and why?

I would love to meet Elena Cardone. Her positive business messages and female strengths in business really make her stand out in my mind. She is someone I feel can relate to, being a hustler with a strong work ethic and also very strong in the mind.

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?

Chicago has the best food! I love to try new restaurants and hidden gems through the city and suburbs. My favorite town to dine in is Saint Charles. My newest favorite restaurant is called The Graceful Ordinary. You could find me there often dining on date nights with my husband.

What do you love most about the industry?

I love helping people navigate the toughest of markets to achieve the highest and best possible end results.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?

As someone who worked in the public sector, and for a professional services firm, I bring a level of professionalism and a great personality to deal with all different kinds of people. Buying and selling a home is a very emotional experience, and I have the backbone to withstand even the toughest transactions.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

The most difficult aspect is not having the crystal ball to navigate tough markets. But It comes with the territory. Having years of experience under my belt is what has helped me to learn the ever changing real estate Market.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?

I spare no expense when marketing my listings. They get magazine-grade photography and drone video shots. All of my listings receive their own YouTube channel and website as well. This helps with internet exposure. I have received awards in utilizing the internet and social media exposure to blast my listings on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment was my sale at 44 Haversham Lane in North Barrington. Sold for over $300k over asking price and during a pandemic, It is still the highest sale price per square foot to date in the lavish Wynstone community. It is still talked about amongst residents today.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?

I am obsessed with my new book called “Motivate Her” by Celeste Bellwood. I am always looking for new ways to innovate and strengthen my skill set. This book is so empowering to women Entrepreneurs. I highly recommend it!

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?

My favorite meal is definitely from Chicago Prime Steakhouse in Schaumburg. I get the petite filet and the creamed spinach and finish it off with their fabulous “Purse dessert.” I often dine here, and the quality in food and service is spectacular. I am a member of their Millionaires Club.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?

I absolutely love taking a boat out on the lake and viewing the gorgeous Chicago skyline. My favorite building though is the St Regis. It was designed by a woman, is the third-tallest tower in Chicago and it stands out as being the sharpest one to me.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

The weirdest thing that has ever happened to me was when I scheduled a tour of a home, and the basement door was locked. It was a little scary and needless to say my clients didn’t choose that home. It was a little spooky!

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

Something a little unique people might learn about me is that my grandfather Rocco “Lewa” Yacilla was elected into the National Italian American sports hall of fame here in Chicago and is on record for pitching the only no hitter in Chicago sports history for 16-inch softball. When the hall of fame was open on Taylor street in Chicago, his jersey was on display next to Joe DiMaggio.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?

I absolutely love traveling to Naples Florida. It has all the things I look for in a vacation destination. In Naples, you could find five-star restaurants and steakhouses for a fancy dinner or the coolest beach/marina style places to relax and unwind with a cold cocktail. I love the downtown boutique shops and the atmosphere and people watching at the waterside shops. I travel often and it’s a big reason why I got my Florida real estate license and became a member of the Naples Area Board of Realtors.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?

Love to learn, and never stop learning!

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?

My favorite app to use is Homesnap pro. I received the most prominent agent award in 2021 from Homesnap and the top 5% award in 2022.