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

Where did you grow up?
San Ramon, Costa Rica; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
A doctor. How plans change!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Exercise, biking through the forest preserve, having a glass of wine at night on the balcony, overlooking the city.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
Barack H. Obama; because, honestly, he is so COOL. Convince me otherwise …

What is Chicago’s best-kept secret?
Chicago does not get enough credit for being a world-class culinary experience.

What do you love most about the industry?
Being able to connect families to their perfect, forever home! The accomplishment of closing and seeing them hold those keys for the first time is amazing. Also, being able to achieve balance is tantamount. This career allows for a very organic, fluid schedule for myself.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I have a very approachable, honest, laid-back appeal to my clients. I answer every call, text, email at any time of day. I’ll travel the world for my clients.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Seeing the disappointment in my client’s faces if their offer isn’t accepted during multiple offers. It breaks my heart to know they have to keep looking. But we do!

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Always ask for referrals! It’s absolutely free and knowing that your clients trust you enough to send their loved ones your way is the best!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Buying my first investment property! I’m lucky that I am able to see the available profitability in multi-units. I’ve been blessed to see so many people reach their dreams while investing and to able to do the same is wonderful.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Documentaries on Netflix.

What’s your favorite meal in Chicago?
Medium-rare steak and white truffle risotto from RPM Steak

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago?
The Trump Tower, it truly is a stunning building situated right in the middle of the world’s most beautiful city!

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
During one winter, while showing a first-time client a home, I followed her down a flight of stairs. I slipped and skied down the steps with my client in my lap. Not unexpectedly, I lost the client after that!

What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?
That I’ve been in the real estate field for over ten years. People cannot believe that I’m any older than 22.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
I love traveling back home to Costa Rica; most of my family is still there and I will never feel as loved and welcome as I do when I visit them.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Be yourself; there’s no better branding than YOU.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app?
The Redfin app; the interface is simple and user friendly.

Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
The Laricy social account on Instagram. Matt Laricy is EPIC!!!