Sitting behind a desk as an investment banker made Andrew Perkins realize he craved working in person, one-on-one with clients. “Working in investment banking helped me understand the quantitative factors behind selling or buying property,” says Perkins, a real estate broker with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty. “It also helped me understand the influence the stock market has over people’s investments. The fluctuations can severely hinder or help a buyer.”

Perkins represents flippers, developers, empty nesters, families and first-time buyers in Chicago and the suburbs to the immediate north and west. A majority of his clients come from referrals or repeat business and are typically buyers seeking single-family homes, duplexes, condominiums or land.

With the current market conditions, his experience — which spans two decades — is a real commodity. “I am brutally honest with my clients about pricing,” says Perkins. “I would never let them pay too much for property or sell for too little. That comes from years of experience and understanding how to interpret the market signs that are all around.”

Perkins has a gift for making reasonable interpretations of the market. “I recently sold a condo with no comps for 18% more than the owner thought I could, based on the limited information in that particular market space,” he says. “I have done this with other properties that don’t fit into a
particular box.”

While Perkins’ style is a combination of fun and hardworking, he remains process-driven to help clients reach their goals. He starts by finding out exactly what they are looking for, then shows them properties, knowing each time it will be a learning experience, and helps them understand what they really want.

“I understand the importance of building a relationship with my clients,” he says. “This is not simply a business transaction. It’s very personal and, most of the time, a long-term investment.”

When he’s not working, Perkins enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.