A tragedy that shook the world inspired Scot Green to switch careers.

The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, changed Green’s job as he knew it. After selling software and systems to the hospitality industry, he found himself motivated to become a real estate broker. Since he had become fascinated with the local real estate market after purchasing his first home in Chicago, it was an easy transition. “I fine-tuned my professionalism, responsiveness and effective communication skills with clients during my prior career,” says Green, a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago. “It has helped me tremendously working in real estate.”

For 17 years, Green has assisted buyers and sellers, from first-timers to luxury clients, both downtown and on the North Side of the city — areas he has lived and worked in himself. With experience comes knowledge, and he takes great pleasure in sharing all he knows with clients.

“A listing of mine that closed in March at $470,000 was for a seller who originally purchased the home with me as his buyer’s agent in late 2016 for $366,000,” says Green, adding that he informed the client of upgrades that were needed to increase the home’s value. “He took my advice and achieved approximately 33% in gains in 3 1/2 years,” Green recalls. He estimates that the market times for his listings are significantly shorter than average.

The secret to Green’s success is listening to all the parties involved in a transaction and responding quickly to inquiries. “You learn from listening, and knowledge is power,” he says. “It’s very important in any sales role.” In testimonials, clients consistently praise him for returning calls promptly and putting deals together in a short amount of time.

In 2016, Green represented his office as ambassador for the BHHS Chicago Cares Foundation and remains active in the organization today. The foundation supports Habitat for Humanity and Sunshine Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children with cancer.