What was your most interesting job before going into real estate? I didn’t really have an interesting job, but I went to school to be a legal assistant and worked in a law for for a few years in Canada and once I moved to the states, I was working in pharmacovigilance.
Where did you grow up? Canada – EH! A town in Northern Ontario
Growing up, what did you want to be? So many things! A vet, dolphin trainer, lawyer… I am sure there are more but those were my top ones.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Have a glass of wine and hang with my daughter, husband, our rescue dogs and watch a movie.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Oh geesh… there are so many. President Kennedy is one. I always have wondered what the world would be like if he has been able to finish his presidency.
What is Chicago’s best-kept secret? The corner coffee shops in Chicago, but since all of my clients are in the suburbs, I’d say the whole town of Wauconda! It’s really growing into MUST-CHECK-OUT place in Lake County!
What do you love most about the industry? Helping people, I like to think my clients become friends during the process.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? For me, it’s about relationships not the transaction. Buying and selling homes can be personal for a lot of people, and my job is to walk them through that process and make it as easy as it can be.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Waiting! I’m on pins and needles waiting to hear if an offer or a counter has been accepted, just like my clients are.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads? Be genuine and the business will follow!
What has been your greatest accomplishment? Showing my daughter that with hard work and determination, she can do anything! Real estate seems easy (especially if you believe all the HGTV shows) but its a tough business. I have been blessed through the years to have past clients call me when needing real estate advice or services, hard work pays off!
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately? Not much to be honest — it’s been a busy year in real estate.
What’s your favorite meal in Chicago? Anything that’s seafood!
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? I am a sucker for the 1920s-era homes.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job? Haven’t really come across anything weird that’s happened to me, but I have seen some really cool homes in the Barrington area that haven’t been updated since the ’50s. It’s great to see some of the old architecture details in these homes.
What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you? I am from Canada… I am told I have no accent.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why? DISNEY at Christmas, there’s nothing like it!
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Don’t be a secret agent, and be authentic.
What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? Homesnap, Zenlist
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media? Jennifer Garner — she’s funny to watch in the kitchen. My daughter and I are obsessed with the ladies of The Home Edit right now.