Sheena Baker

Broker
RE/MAX Action

She may have earned her Realtor license a decade ago, but Sheena Baker’s experience buying and selling property dates back to years before she decided to enter the industry. A homeowner since age 19, the homebuying experience inspired her to help everyone she knew purchase a place to call their own. Baker became a property investor and bought multiple homes to build her financial portfolio. Her decision to pursue real estate full time three years ago has further generated success for Baker, who now holds membership in the RE/MAX 100% Club thanks to annual commissions totaling more than $100,000.

Baker’s expertise is in residential real estate. “My approach is complete transparency,” she explains. “I’m extremely patient, and I can generally anticipate what kinds of questions will arise, so I create a road map for my clients that makes every step clear from start to finish, so they feel comfortable with what we’re doing and why.” Baker credits her former profession in human resources for her ability to work collaboratively with people. “I’m told I’m very open and honest with a ‘girl next door’ demeanor, and my clients know my first priority is their happiness.”

One way Baker helps her clients achieve their goals is making certain they understand the financial advantage of buying versus renting. Take, for example, the military couple who planned to rent during their three-to-five-year stay in Illinois. Baker helped them receive $9,000 back at closing, and now they own a home that will significantly increase in value with modest upgrades. Their return on investment will allow them to purchase their next residence. “Seeing a client a year later with thousands in equity or someone who decides to leverage that equity to upgrade to a larger home – that’s what motivates me, because I know I’m helping people realize their dreams.”

The past vice president of membership for the Women’s Council of Realtors West Suburban Chapter and the organization’s 2016 president-elect, Baker believes in volunteering as a way to give back to the industry and share knowledge with colleagues. She is a proud Tesla owner, a member of the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce, and a Girl Scouts volunteer, which she says allows her to be a big sister to young girls. Her family is a source of constant encouragement, and are her biggest cheerleaders. Baker strives to pay that forward by championing her clients’ dreams of buying and selling homes to fulfill their real estate aspirations. “I’m ready, willing, and more than able to do whatever it takes to close the deal,” she says, “so they can rest assured they will have a smile on their face at the closing table.” 

Thanks to Heidi Seagren for letting us use her beautiful listing for our photo shoots.