RE/MAX Superior Properties
Huntley
What was your first job in the realty industry? My husband and I took the pre-licensing class together and then I started my real estate career with GMAC. My first transaction was a relocation from New York. I showed 105 homes!
How long have you had the GREEN Designation? Since Nov. 6, 2009
Is there an instance where the designation helped you land a client? No, but it has helped me when I work with clients who are trying to make green changes/improvements. It has also allowed me to work with a builder who wants to include green improvements in a new development, and we are able to make smarter green choices.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Cary, and still live in McHenry County. I can’t think of a better place to raise your family.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I volunteer for a lot of different groups. I love working with children and with any group that supports children. I also do a lot of fundraising to help local schools and charities. There is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from helping those in need.
If you weren’t a Realtor, what would you be? A grade school teacher or a teacher that works with special needs children
What is your favorite place to “hang out?” Our backyard with family, friends and Jimmy Buffet music
Where do you go to network and meet new clients? Chamber mixers, my kids’ extracurricular activities, the grocery store and anywhere people are
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? The one thing in life that has changed how I feel about everything is “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. It made me realize what matters in life and now I base my reactions to situations on his message.
What is the coolest green feature you’ve ever encountered? The collection and reuse of graywater. Graywater can replace fresh water in many instances, saving money and increasing the effective water supply in regions where irrigation is needed. Residential water use is almost evenly split between indoor and outdoor. All except toilet water could be recycled outdoors, achieving the same result with significantly less water diverted from nature.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Aqua Building. The balconies resemble waves and it was the first building in Chicago to have public charging stations for electric cars.
What is the easiest thing you recommend for your buyers to do to “go green”? It’s easier than many people think and there are so many things that a buyer can do such as recycling, changing light bulbs to CFLs, collecting the cold water as your shower heats up and using it for watering plants, creating a compost bin, capturing rainwater to water plants outside, sign up for green power from their utility company, replacing just one appliance with an energy-efficient model; the list is endless.
BlackBerry, iPhone or Paper? BlackBerry, it allows me 24/7 contact with my clients
What is your favorite city after Chicago? Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., it’s the first place my husband and I vacationed
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Answer your phone, communicate, respect fellow agents, don’t give up