With a knack for helping clients reframe their mindset and see opportunities where they may not have been before, Sara Wilburn has been a broker for nearly a decade and prides herself on going above and beyond for her clients.

An alum of the University of Kansas with a degree in art history, Wilburn moved back to Chicago in 2011 after graduating and currently lives in River North. “I always loved the downtown area, and I had friends living in many Chicago neighborhoods,” she shares. “I love exploring different neighborhoods and getting a feel for the different vibes they offer.”

Wilburn grew up around real estate, recalling that she and her family would go to open houses for fun and take neighborhood walks to see who was selling or putting up new construction. “We’re very nosy like that, unfortunately for our neighbors,” she jokes. “But as a successful Realtor, curiosity is a necessary attribute because you need to learn your clients’ motives, and they’re hardly ever obvious.” After leaving her job in graphic design at a private food-label company, she began as a full-time agent, showing up at the office every day and ready to learn.

Wilburn’s clients say they’re excited to continue to work with her and trust her to refer their friends. She says her proudest accomplishment of the past year was not once but twice being told by listing agents that her responsiveness and presentation heavily swayed the seller’s decisions to accept her clients’ offers. In addition, she’s been recognized by @properties Christie’s International Real Estate with the Outstanding Achievement Award in 2020 and 2021.

A philanthropist and founding member of Young Professional Streeterville, Wilburn is heavily involved in charity work. Recently, she and her fellow volunteers worked to put together kindness bags for the homeless, all with essentials donated by YPS members and board members.