Navigating the competitive world of real estate and mortgage lending is no small feat, but Richard Honquest has turned it into an art form. With 15 years in the lending industry and a background as a Realtor, Honquest has a unique perspective that sets him apart in the bustling market of Chicago and beyond.

Honquest’s passion for real estate was ignited while working for a real estate investor during his college years. This early experience during the 2006-2010 housing crisis honed his skills in short sales, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. Today, as the vice president of mortgage lending at Preferred Rate, Honquest leads a dynamic team. His specialty lies in positioning clients for success in a market characterized by tight inventory and multiple offers on nearly every home. One of his standout skills is credit improvement. “I have become an expert at helping my clients get over 780 to secure the best rate,” he notes.

Honquest’s deep connection to the areas he serves is evident in his extensive market knowledge. Having lived in Chicago for 15 years, with stints in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, and being raised in Geneva, Illinois, his familiarity with the area is personal. Summers are spent with his family in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where his first job on the gas pier at age 13 taught him the value of customer service and hard work.

Opening an office in Lake Geneva is his proudest accomplishment in the past year. “That market sees a lot of luxury, mansions and high prices. So we opened an office to serve the community — the teachers, hospital workers and public servants,” he explains.

Honquest’s accolades in the mortgage industry are impressive. Since starting in lending in 2019, he has landed in the top 1% in the country in volume every year. His client base primarily comes from referrals — Realtor referrals, past clients and his own extensive network. His motto “Your fortune is in the follow-up” rings true in every aspect of his business.