Clare Spartz developed an interest in home decor when, babysitting as a teenager, she would imagine how to rearrange and style the furniture to best suit the layout of the house. She’d come by rearranging furniture honestly as she and her brothers and sisters would often wake up to find their mother had rearranged furniture while they slept. “It was just something one did” she mused. “Optimizing storage, creating better conversation spaces, improving flow…” Her mother created the spark. Walking into homes would never be the same. “Funny how I didn’t think much about it at the time but was gaining more and more confidence with each home,” she says. “I wouldn’t become a Realtor for another 20-plus years, but my roots in homes, design, style, layouts and organizing ran deep.”

Raised in Oak Park and now living in the city, Spartz is a Realtor and home stager for @properties in Lincoln Park. “I definitely don’t just cover a couple of neighborhoods when I’ve established a business for almost 20 years,” she explains. She stays prepared by constantly researching areas for her clients to offer more options in different neighborhoods. “For example, buyers may start shopping in Lincoln Park, switch to Lincoln Square, and soon they are shopping in La Grange, Western Springs and Elmhurst. We must be ahead of them to offer the best service.”

“Each person we come in contact with through work is a gift, a blessing. Clients become friends and our lives are enriched having known them.” Spartz celebrates the opportunity to work with, stage and sell for her clients but struggles with celebrating the actual closing. “I like to celebrate the continuing story we have together. The connection we’ve made and how our lives are enriched and a little brighter. It’s so much more than just a transaction.”

So, naturally she’ll wear the sparkles.