2022 was another challenging real estate market, but with 16 years of experience, Maria Devins made it her best year yet.
After 27 years as a makeup artist for film and TV, juggling being a stay-at-home mother, Devins kicked off her real estate career in 2007. She is now with Baird & Warner as a listing broker, buyer’s agent, negotiation specialist and relocation specialist.
“I started during the crash market, which was an intense education of learning the ins and outs of a highly volatile industry, not to mention working through the pandemic and the recent seller’s market,” she explains. “It’s about keeping ahead of it all and learning to guide clients swiftly, safely and carefully.”
While she is active on social media and posts important real estate tips, information, Q&As and live videos for her clients and followers, Devins believes in the art of old-fashioned networking and referrals. “As a little girl, I watched my dad go door to door selling insurance, earning the trust and respect of people,” she remembers. “Dad always said, ‘Treat clients like you’re breaking bread at the dinner table, and you’ll never go wrong.’ I’ve done that from day one.”
Baird & Warner named Devins a top 10 producer in numerous exclusive clubs from 2012-22. She was listed as the Daily Herald’s favorite broker in 2020 and Chicago Agent Who’s Who in Real Estate from 2020-22. Recently, she was featured on the HGTV series House Hunters in two episodes and is soon to film her third episode.
A lover of animals and children, she supports Realtors Against Homelessness (RAH) and Jellystone Rescue Rangers.
Devins enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, traveling and visiting the beach. This past year, she planned her 40th high school reunion as well as her eldest son’s wedding, from beading her daughter-in-law’s gown and veil to designing and making all the decor. “It was truly magical and a labor of true love,” she adds. “My son and his beautiful bride loved everything and that makes it priceless. My family is everything to me.”
