Raised on the North Shore, Carey Walling worked as an elementary and special education teacher before making the jump to real estate. Walling became captivated by the industry after obtaining her license in 2016 and selling her home in three days. She then found her new home, professionally speaking, with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate and has never looked back.

Walling credits much of her success as a broker to the communication skills she honed as a teacher — skills that have provided the foundation for the successful referral-based business she has today. “Forming relationships, communicating with clients, brokers and vendors, and navigating uncharted paths were all foundational skills I developed throughout my teaching career and have transformed to help benefit myself and my clients,” she states.

Specializing in all types of residential property throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods and the North Shore suburbs, and having lived in different parts of the city over the past 21 years, Walling brings a wealth of experience to the table that allows her to serve her clients well. Noting that she is a persistent negotiator who is knowledgeable and responsive, Walling’s clients appreciate that she is passionate about her job and strives to exceed expectations. She creates buy-in by managing expectations from the beginning of every client interaction. Her balance of process-driven focus and lightheartedness is why her clients return time and time again. Her ability to listen, empathize and understand a client’s goals paves the road to success.

Says Walling, “I love to celebrate people’s achievements and listen to their stories,” adding that “helping people and children has always been in my nature.” She is deeply invested in philanthropy work, actively donating time to Bernie’s Book Bank as well as supporting the Chicago Bulldog Rescue Association through fostering and financial contributions.