Kelli Fogarty and Dean Fugate think that pursuing the American dream of homeownership is often an intimidating and confusing process for the average person. So, with their guidance, they make sure that it isn’t.

“We realize that 90% of the job requires being a skilled attorney and the other 10%, helping clients through the process with the least possible stress,” say Fogarty and Fugate, attorneys-at-law. “This means sometimes also being part psychiatrist and part approachable advisor.”

After 24 years in the industry, they still are excited to fill this role. Their firm, Fogarty & Fugate LLC, focuses exclusively on real estate transaction law. “We try to make lasting bonds with clients, brokers and other attorneys in hopes of improving the overall market and service we provide,” they say. “Plus, liking each other a lot makes us fun to work with as a team.”

Always available, quick to respond and extremely detailed when providing information and explanations, they also use technology to keep clients up-to-date. Once they complete a task, their “Next Step Email System” provides clients details on what to expect and how to approach the next step. The system prevents buyers and sellers from getting lost in the details and answers questions before they even have them.

Even if one partner isn’t available, clients know they will receive the same attention and detailed response from the other partner. Approachable but tough when warranted, they have command of the law and contractual language.

Instrumental in founding the Chicagoland Association of Real Estate Attorneys, Fogarty serves as the group’s president and Fugate is on the board. Fogarty is also on the board of the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association and @Gives Back. The couple regularly supports Cook County Children’s Advocacy Center, Habitat for Humanity and other causes. A family of music lovers, they often travel to concerts with their son Gray.