When you buy a lemon, make lemonade. Then become a real estate broker.
That’s what Maria Devins did after she and her husband purchased their first home. “We kind of got a lemon,” she recalls. “We didn’t feel protected by our agent. I decided I never wanted anyone to feel like we did.” For 15 years, she’s been serving and protecting clients of all types in Chicago and its suburbs. Her specialties are single-family residences, condos, town homes and land. In addition to being both a listing and buyer’s agent, she’s a specialist in global relocation and negotiations.
During her career, Devins has received numerous professional awards, including Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who in 2020 and 2021, Top 10 Office Producer (2012-2021), Chairman’s Club (2014, 2018, 2019), President’s Club (2015, 2017, 2020, 2021), Vice President’s Club (2016), Top 1% Mortgage & Title since 2013, and Chicago Magazine’s Five-Star Professional Award since 2011. Clients, peers and industry experts also awarded her for excellence among the top 2 percent of agents. In addition, she’s a member of the North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors.
Devins customizes a marketing plan for every client. Her business approach is direct and truthful, with humor thrown in for good measure. “Clients know they can count on me, no matter what,” she says. “They know I’m loyal to a fault and fiercely protective. Honor, loyalty and trust are everything.” Her total devotion to her clients is what sets her apart, and she feels they deserve no less. “My clients are very dear to me, and I never let them forget that,” she says. Her business is nearly all referrals for that reason.
The lesson in customer service that Devins learned from her father, an insurance agent, has never been forgotten. “Treat them like you’re breaking bread at the dinner table, and you’ll never go wrong,” he advised her. “I’ve done this from day one.”
