Before becoming a real estate broker, Erica Harris practiced law for more than a decade. She was also an executive vice president of sales for a technology startup. However, when she started on a development offer for her own property, it sparked a passion that prompted her to change careers. Ultimately, she believes, this career switch was because real estate is based on human connection and provides the opportunity to work in a field that is so deeply meaningful — one’s home and sanctuary.

When working with clients, Harris, a numbers person and solid negotiator, finds her process is uniquely her. “It’s a mix of being professional, open, educational and knowledge-based, as I love to educate my clients on the market and help them understand the local comps,” says Harris, a broker with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty who won all her multiple-offer bids this year in a low-supply market and who helped clients navigate a changing market. “But my personality always comes out, despite being very focused on the end result for my clients. I love getting to know my clients and developing friendships with them along the way.”

Above all, Harris is an ally to her clients — and they feel that. “I legitimately care,” she says. “I am very hands-on and roll my sleeves up. I work to show with my actions that I will add value, knowledge and service. I treat each client like they are family and care very much about not only finding them a home, but making the commitment that I will be there for them every step of the way. I focus on listening to their needs and what’s important to them, while giving them a high level of service.” She enjoys building relationships and has now garnered many referrals from past clients, too.

Harris is a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors, the Real Estate Investment Association and the Chicago Bar Association. When not working with clients, she can be found running on the lakefront path and learning golf as a family sport.