When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and restaurants were forced to shut down, Angel Bolivar chose to leave the restaurant industry for a career in real estate.

“I saw it as a chance to channel my passion for service into a new avenue, one where I could help friends and families achieve their homeownership and investment goals,” says Bolivar, a broker with COMPASS. “It was a natural transition for me, combining my love for helping others with my desire to make a positive impact in people’s lives.”

Bolivar assists buyers, sellers and investors in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, with a focus on the Franklin Park/Melrose Park area, where he grew up. “Real estate transactions can be complex and unpredictable,” he says. “Being able to think on my feet and find creative solutions to challenges has been invaluable for keeping deals on track and letting clients know they’re in capable hands.”

Responsive, dedicated and knowledgeable, Bolivar takes a personalized approach with each client, pays attention to detail and listens closely to needs and concerns. From the initial meeting to closing, he supports, informs and guides the person. Knowing they have a trusted advocate on their side, someone genuinely invested in their success and well-being, gives Bolivar’s clients peace of mind.

“In the past year, I’ve had the honor of helping more than 30 families find their dream homes,” he says. “Each and every one of those families came to me through referrals from satisfied clients. For me, the true measure of success in real estate isn’t just the number of transactions, but the trust and confidence my clients have in me to recommend my services to their friends and family.”

In the midst of a busy schedule, prioritizing self-care and time with loved ones has not been easy, but it has helped Bolivar feel more energized and fulfilled in both his personal and professional lives.