Driven by his passion for helping people achieve their dream of homeownership, Cory Tanzer has spent six years working in real estate and is ready for any and all challenges the future brings. Tanzer is the broker-owner at Option Realty Group, where he leads a team of agents, as well as manages his own roster of customers. He works with a variety of clients, often first-time buyers, on primarily condominiums and town houses. Tanzer specializes in the University Village and South Loop markets, where he has lived for several years, as well as the West Loop.

Tanzer was first introduced to real estate by his parents, who were entrepreneurs in the industry. He left a career in retail management in order to pursue real estate full time and never looked back. He owes much to his parents for guiding him through this transition. Tanzer’s father recently passed away from cancer, and Tanzer recognizes his father’s invaluable support and effort shaping him into the person he is today: someone who has been able to find satisfaction and prosperity in his career.

Tanzer attributes much of his success to his ability to build relationships. “I am known for being the unofficial mayor of University Village. Many of my neighbors there are clients who I have had the opportunity to work with, and I’ve met many others during my off-hours when I give back and organize community events,” he says. Tanzer views clients as an extension of his family and often builds long-lasting connections with them.

Just as Tanzer approaches his customers with honest opinions, insightful strategies and unwavering support, so too does he shepherd and strengthen his team. “Everyone here supports each other like a family and helps each other out when needed,” he says. Together, the team has continued to grow and expand under Tanzer’s guidance. Recently, they hit $70 million in sales, establishing Option Realty Group as a “small but mighty independent brokerage.”