Given the intimate dealings of real estate transactions, it is not uncommon for a friendship to form between brokers and their clients, and that’s just what happened with Robin Phelps Hanson and Amber Kardosh. “Robin was our agent back in 2008, and we became fast friends,” Kardosh says. “In 2014, she approached me about becoming a broker. I never really thought about being in real estate until then, but I am so glad she asked. I’ve now been in the industry for five years, and I’ve never looked back.”

Phelps Hanson, who has been an agent for 18 years, previously worked for an IT startup company. “I learned a lot of general project management skills that have carried over into my real estate career,” Phelps Hanson says. Also, she’s been featured as an agent on HGTV’s “House Hunters” twice. “Real estate TV is awesome. After seeing me on those shows, both former and new clients reached out to me to work on transactions with them.”

Kardosh, who was in corporate sales prior to joining her friend and partner as a broker, continues to use the skills she learned in her previous role to drive her success in real estate. “I dealt with contract negotiations, and that has helped me immensely in real estate. I also love meeting people and building relationships, which is key in this business,” Kardosh says. She has been recognized as a top producer by the Chicago Association of Realtors for two years in a row.

The Phelps Hanson Kardosh Group brings a lot of energy to their clients, which is one of the keys to their success. “Our clients pick up on our enthusiasm and honesty,” Phelps Hanson says. “We believe this is the best path to a successful closing for both sides of a deal.”