Throughout Chicagoland, Katie Payne Wahrhaftig can be found handling bidding wars, conducting consultations and staging homes. For six years, she’s assisted first-time homebuyers, long-time homeowners, downsizers and relocation clients. Her specialties are single-family properties, condos and town homes.

In 2021, Wahrhaftig exceeded $12 million in sales. D’aprile properties has awarded her their Platinum and Black Key awards. She was also named their top producer. As a member of Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, she was recognized with their Production Award for being among the top 2 percent in residential sales volume.

Honesty and transparency are Wahrhaftig’s foundation for preparing her clients, who come mostly from her network and network referrals. She utilizes a three-step process to do so. Step one is understanding her clients’ wants and needs. Step two includes touring homes, for buyers, or going through clients’ homes and offering advice and a listing price, for sellers. Step three is the accepted contract.

Wahrhaftig is known for her upbeat personality. “When situations arise, I’ve learned that I always have two choices: Let it eat me up and consume me in a negative way, or find the positive, focus on it, and let it expand. I choose the latter,” she says. That optimistic attitude is especially important in the real estate industry. “A transaction does not go through without hiccups,” she says. “I keep everyone on track and remind them of our goals. We will get there. And we do.” Her determination also sets her apart. “I don’t rest until we get to the closing table,” she says.           

As a proud mother of three, Wahrhaftig’s goal is to treat clients like family. “I’m approachable,” she says. “I know how hard it is to navigate buying or selling, and I want to talk to you about it. Lay it on me. This part of your life is incredibly important and often very stressful. I want you to know I’m here to help in every way possible.”