Five years ago, longtime Chicago resident Jenny Carlino DeGroot made a decision to leave her desk job for a rewarding career in real estate. Hailing from a family of real estate professionals, she instinctively knew the change would be a perfect fit. Fast-forward to today and, as Carlino DeGroot tells it, “I couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling career.” With an educational business style and significant personal experience as the owner of a newly constructed home, she helps residential real estate clients on Chicago’s North Side navigate the complexities of the industry.
A social media maverick, Carlino DeGroot shifted focus to Instagram as a business tool during the pandemic. Her feed transformed into an educational platform, with Carlino DeGroot regularly sourcing questions from her followers and posting videos to inform buyers and sellers alike. She maintains a strong presence on Instagram, and her quality content has led to business growth. She now engages her audience by discussing money-saving and home-design tips, among others, and she shares her in-depth knowledge of local Chicago sites. Carlino DeGroot’s ability to pivot and expand her network through new channels contributed to her surpassing $12 million in sales over the past year. She also made the Road to Rolex club with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate during that time.
The majority of Carlino DeGroot’s clients are referrals, with quite a few also coming in through social media. Every client, from the first-time homebuyer to those seasoned in industry basics, can expect a tailored experience. Part of her unique approach is what Carlino DeGroot likes to call an “exploratory day” for first-time homebuyers, which she describes as “a zero-pressure day that gets them into private showings with me and helps them learn what questions to ask and what different building types and neighborhoods have to offer.”
Carlino DeGroot enjoys traveling with her husband and — when not hosting get-togethers for friends and family — partaking in Chicago’s dining scene. She also looks forward to long walks with her dog, spending time in Florida with her family and decorating her home.
