For Nancy Prelaske, working in real estate truly runs in her blood. She comes from an ambitious family of real estate agents that traces back to the 1800s. Today, she utilizes that same entrepreneurial spirit to make her clients’ dreams come true.

Prelaske is a real estate agent for Compass working primarily in Lincoln Park and the surrounding area, but also in the nearby suburbs. She is experienced in all facets of real estate from brokerage and auctions to condo conversions and new-home construction. Before entering the real estate industry, Prelaske had built a successful career as an account executive for a national marketing company. “One of my marketing clients was a sales manager for a major homebuilder,” she says. “He was the one to plant the seed, as he thought I could use my marketing abilities to be a successful agent.” When she took a transfer opportunity from Houston to Chicago, her new friends who worked in the industry encouraged her to obtain her license, as well.

Through training as a hospice volunteer, Prelaske has become particularly adept at active listening. She especially enjoys helping transferees navigate a new city, and her clients often refer to her as incredibly thoughtful and attentive. “Hearing what a person means versus what they are saying is invaluable when working with both buyers and sellers,” she says. “It makes for easier communication.”

Throughout her 30 years of experience, Prelaske has earned her fair share of accolades. The Chicago Association of Realtors recognized her as a top producer four times from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, Prelaske helped establish the SouthWest Suburban Home Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council in 1995. From there, she went on to mentor and train other sales agents, and the association presented her with its Executive Award for outstanding sales achievement for three consecutive years.