A 25-year career in one field is more than a career — it’s a lifestyle. Such is the case for Shirley Walker, a Realtor and broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices who originally became interested in real estate as an investor. She and her husband purchased their first three-flat investment property in Hyde Park, while she worked as an administrator at a Chicago hospital. Walker took a year off from the medical field to restore the three-flat and to work part-time in real estate. She enjoyed the experience in real estate so much that she transitioned to full-time and never looked back.

Walker’s clients benefit from her hands-on approach, her attention to details and her focus on getting the job done. Once the sale is complete, Walker’s job is not. “I always follow up even after a sale to ensure my client is satisfied with the results,” she notes.

Passionate about customer service, Walker, who also has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in hospital administration, believes it’s important to do all she can to follow through and get the job done. “Professionalism and service is important in all businesses, and selling real estate is no different,” she stresses.

When working with clients, Walker makes it her first step to prepare them for success, regardless of whether they’re buying or selling. “I help sellers get their property ready to list by offering suggestions on how to prepare the home, as well as help buyers understand what they need to do to purchase a property,” she shares.

In 2020, Walker received the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 2020 Leading Edge Society award. Traveling, listening to music, dancing, reading, walking and swimming are a few of the ways Walker unwinds when she’s not working with clients.