A rock star turned Realtor, Antje Gehrken, designated managing broker at A.R.E Partners, is constantly on the lookout for new ways to challenge and improve the real estate industry. Boasting 20 years of experience and specialization in residential and commercial properties, she aims to help people find their first and forever home.

“After I got my real estate license, people would ask about the difference between being a rock star and being a Realtor,” she says. “There is no difference. It doesn’t matter if you are standing on a stage in front of thousands of people or winning the contract on a multiple-offer scenario in a seller’s market. It’s not the venue but the passion behind what you do.”

Born to an immigrant family, Gehrken learned about the value of property ownership at a young age. She now seeks to help others in the greater Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana achieve the American dream of home and property ownership.

Driven by a passionate desire to advance the mission of the Chicago Association of Realtors, she seeks to foster connections with as many people as possible, whether they be Realtors or clients. She is a member of Women’s Council of Realtors, the Asian American Real Estate Association, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Dearborn Realtist Board and the LGBTQ Real Estate Alliance. Motivated by her positive experience with the Chicago Association of Realtors, Gehrken works intentionally with its leaders and staff to continue to make the organization more inclusive.

“I want to be part of an organization that is committed to see Realtors succeed through education, development, programming, networking, advocacy and involvement,” she says, “an organization that is made up of people that bring others in, who are inclusive, and make you feel like you belong in the room, and in the lives of Realtors in Chicago, the state and the nation.”