At the start of the pandemic, Realtor Alex Wolking had several unique, high-end listings that required highly innovative strategies to move. Wolking, a licensed managing broker with Keller Williams ONEChicago, put together a “stimulus package” for one property that included a closing-cost credit to buyers, buyer-broker bonus, seller financing package and more. Wolking also put up an Astor Street mansion for auction, offered another mansion for rent as a “summer escape from the city” and did a reverse offer on yet another mansion — the seller wrote and presented an offer to a buyer who had looked at the home several times. “All of these strategies worked,” says Wolking. “I loved being faced with a challenge that forced me to think creatively.”
Wolking is a 2021 National Association of REALTORS 30 Under 30 honoree, featured in REALTOR magazine. “While I was grateful to receive the honor, what blew me away was the number of silent supporters who came out of the woodwork, either to show their support, congratulate me or refer clients to me.” He has also been named a Chicago Association of REALTORS Top Producer for the past two years.
Known for his patience and resilience, Wolking is often the second or third agent on the job but always the last. “We just sold Brian Urlacher’s personal home in Mettawa, which took three years to sell,” he says. “We stick it out, think strategically and always try new ways of marketing old listings.” Wolking’s team includes an operations manager to coordinate transactions and prepare listings for market and a junior associate to assist renters, show buyers around and attend inspections. Overall, having a team frees up his time to bring in business, negotiate deals and execute business strategy.
A second-generation REALTOR, Wolking got his start selling real estate in the Quad Cities area of Illinois and Iowa. He moved back to Chicago in 2016. He spends his spare time volunteering as a docent for street tours, is an avid theatergoer and is a board member for several non-profit organizations.
