When asked why she chose real estate as a career, Clara Wetterquist says it’s because both her grandparents were real estate agents. “I helped them stage homes, attended showings and went with them to their office,” she says. As a child, Wetterquist thought it would be “such a cool job” to go around and look at houses all day. “Now I know there is a lot more that goes into it, but I still absolutely love it,” she says. “Sharing this with my grandparents, even though they are not here anymore, means the absolute world to me.”

A broker associate with Baird & Warner, Wetterquist represents many first-time homebuyers in the southern suburbs, including Tinley Park, Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, Orland Park and Homer Glen. Recognized as Rookie of the Year in her office, she credits her previous hospitality career with providing her the relationship skills necessary to be successful in real estate. “I learned how to read people in order to understand what they want and how to work towards a common goal,” she says. “People really respect someone who listens and understands how they feel.”

Known as being patient and understanding, Wetterquist believes in treating clients the way she would want to be treated when buying a home. “I respond to everyone in a quick manner as I know communication is crucial,” she says. “I also work around my clients’ schedules by making myself available whenever they need me.” When meeting with a new client, she reviews the entire process and discuss their needs and communication preferences to understand each other and remain on the same page.

Urging her clients to never settle, Wetterquist believes in making them truly happy. “I work my hardest to get the absolute best deal for my client,” she says. “The best part of my job is seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when we finally find them their dream home.”