After college graduation, Jim Streff didn’t waste any time. He began his real estate career immediately. Now, eight years later, he is working more with first-time sellers who previously worked with him as first-time buyers. He has also managed to expand his investment outreach with clients who are developers, as well as those looking to start or grow a portfolio, while still holding the trust of longtime clients.
Adding a team member who is trustworthy, knowledgeable and great with people has helped Streff not only increase his volume and reach this year but also expand his marketing efforts and grow his network. “We pride ourselves on responsiveness and client referrals,” says Streff, a broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group. “As you grow, you find the need for more help to handle the business, so as not to risk losing clients, because it becomes easier for certain things to fall through the cracks.”
A recipient of the 2018 Chairman’s Circle Gold Award from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group, Streff is also a 2018 Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer. “Always be available,” he says. “As much as it can be a double-edged sword, I think it is necessary in this line of work.”
Heavily involved in the broker community, Streff is on the board of the Young Professionals Network of the North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors, which has helped him grow his referral business both locally and nationwide.
Living in an old home has proved to be instrumental to Streff as he helps clients decide what is a major issue versus what they can live with and fix in time or as needed.
To give back, he supports the Orphans of the Storm animal shelter and Habitat for Humanity.
Summer in Chicago has always been one of Streff’s favorite times of the year. Whether he’s going out on a boat or to the beach, he finds it relaxing. “When the weather breaks, you can enjoy everything the city has to offer,” he says. “From festivals to taking our dog to the dog park or beach, it seems like the whole city is a happier place after May arrives.”
