John and Nicole Oertel have one driving principle: “We love where we live and want everyone we help to feel the same.” That has guided the team as they have made their mark in the industry over the past 24 years. As the founders of the Oertel Group and happy residents of Lake Forest, they have established themselves as top producers in the Chicago and North Shore markets.
Recognizing the opportunities in distressed sales during the recession of 2007 to 2009, they successfully navigated the challenging market and established a strong presence throughout Chicagoland. In 2011, their expertise and dedication paid off when they founded the Oertel Group. They won their association’s 2011 Rookie of the Year Award for most sold units and volume. “After 2014 when the market swung back to a more ‘normal’ market,” explains Nicole, “we pivoted and set out to become a top team within the luxury market.”
In the past year, one of their most significant accomplishments was the sale of a seven-acre historical property in Lake Forest. “We dug deep into our creativity and gave that home and our sellers everything we knew it deserved and got the job done,” says John. The Oertels provide hands-on guidance enhanced by their personal experience in renovating and flipping homes. They employ creative marketing and promotions, including open-house food trucks and customer appreciation parties.
One aspect that distinguishes the couple is their innovative use of technology in running their business. In 2015, Nicole recognized the power of social media, particularly Instagram, as a platform to build the Oertel Group brand. “Our Instagram account started getting recognized for its social media efforts and has since played a large roll in how we do business,” shares Nicole.
Beyond their professional endeavors, John and Nicole serve on the board of Friends of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation, organizing events and providing grants to families in need. They also share a daughter, Lincoln, “our pride and joy,” gushes Nicole. “We even involve Lincoln in our listing videos sometimes; she loves it!”
