With a background in marketing and design, Katie Davis Himmel connects with people one-on-one in designing the life they desire. A Realtor at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, Himmel sees how many aspects of design and real estate correlate. “Coming from a visual and service design background allows me to really work with clients in making their space function for their unique needs” she explains. “I’m a visual artist who also loves budgeting, finance and data and will fight tooth and nail for my clients wishes during negotiations.”
Grossing $5 million in sales during her first year in business, Himmel describes her skill as specializing in design, negotiation, client experience and empathetic hand-holding. “Sometimes what clients say they want and what they get excited about are disconnecting,” she admits. “Being able to connect that and translate a bit between their head and heart is what excites me.” Known as a Realtor who is grounded and friendly, she first walks buyers through her custom “Buying in Chicagoland” guide, which is a visual roadmap explaining each step of the process.
A resident of the Wicker Park/Bucktown area for 14 years, Himmel recently moved up Milwaukee Avenue to purchase her own first home in Old Irving Park. She works in those communities and believes her key to success is having excellent communication skills. “I believe that by being transparent with everyone makes everything easier and more efficient,” she insists. “I am able to understand what my clients really want in order to fight for them and help them succeed.”
An advocate for fair housing, Himmel is a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors and Landmark Illinois Skyline Council. She continuously gives back to her community by donating a portion of each paycheck to local nonprofits, including Chicago Women in Trades. In her spare time, she continues to express herself artistically through painting, cooking, graphic design and printmaking. “I love a good DIY home project,” Himmel shares. “It gets some creative energy out while adding sweat equity to my home.”
