A little encouragement goes a long way. When a friend of Joe Kotoch, a former NBA agent, encouraged him to parlay his passion for negotiating contracts into a real estate career, he took the leap. For eight years, he’s advised clients throughout Chicago about residential and investment properties. The skills he honed as an attorney give him a competitive edge.

One of the key mentors in Kotoch’s career is Andy Shiparski, his managing broker. Based on the professional accolades he’s won, he learned very well. The Chicago Association of Realtors recognized Kotoch’s expertise with their Presidential Sales Award- Silver Volume (2021), and Chicago Agent also named him Top Producer (2021). However, he’s most proud of being inducted into the Compass Legends Society, an honor reserved for top U.S. agents. 

As Kotoch’s business has grown, he’s found leveraging Compass technology to be helpful. His team regularly produces newsletters and email campaigns, in addition to utilizing social media. “This is a relationship business,” he says. “Although I do enjoy the process of obtaining new listings with creative marketing and research, the most consistent source of new business comes from word of mouth and the relationships I’ve established over the years.”

Clients often praise Kotoch and his team for their professional demeanor and attention to detail. “Considering the legal background I bring to the table, I take my professional responsibility and loyalty to each client very seriously,” he says. “I will aggressively advocate for them, even if that sometimes means walking away from a deal that I don’t see is in their best interest. Perhaps it’s the sports background, but I like to win. My clients know that I will fight for them to make or save the most money.”

A proud father of two and an avid sports follower, Kotoch can also be found walking his two Portuguese water dogs around his neighborhood.