Chase

A recipient of the 2016 and 2017 National Achiever–5 Keys of Success award from Chase Bank, senior home lending advisor Steve Kantorov earned those accolades by consistently doing the right thing by customers, exceeding their expectations and building lasting relationships with them. “There are many components to receiving this award, and it was very important to make sure I was maintaining exceptional results in all aspects of my role,” he says. Kantorov works with clients in Chicago’s North and Northwest suburbs, including first-time homebuyers, move-up clients, luxury homebuyers and individuals on work visas.

Participating in ongoing sales training through Chase and making himself available to clients 24/7 — which he is quick to point out is made possible by the support of his wife and son — has aided in his success. “Together we make the dream work,” he says. Kantorov’s ability to make people laugh endears him to clients. “Buying a home can seem like a stressful moment,” he says. “It’s important to me to start and end with a smile.”

The strong relationships Kantorov has built with local real estate agents and prominent figures in the communities he serves have benefited his clients and allowed him to be up-to-date on trends in the marketplace, he says. “I make it a point to stay in communication with my clients from their first step into my branch. All useful and important updates are provided immediately, and I am involved in all aspects of the transaction. My clients are my biggest asset and I make them my top priority.” He views himself not as a salesperson but rather as “a consumer advocate.”

Kantorov volunteers his time unloading trucks, assisting customers and working the check-out counter at Habitat for Humanity ReStore Lake County in Gurnee, a non-profit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and used home goods and building materials to the public at a discount. All proceeds go toward building new homes for people in need and bettering local communities.
Enamored with hot rods and classic cars, Kantorov enjoys weekends with his family checking out car shows. On summer days, they like to ride some of their own “motor toys” together.