Holding the No. 1 agent spot at Baird & Warner’s Oak Park-River Forest office for six years has been a joy as well as a wonderful challenge for Swati Saxena. A former electrical engineer, Saxena jumped into real estate 13 years ago to apply her energy, enthusiasm and extroversion to helping clients realize their real estate goals.

Saxena advocates for clients by listening carefully to their needs, breaking down and communicating complex situations in easy-to-understand ways, masterfully negotiating deals and working tirelessly for her clients to succeed. Her dedication has helped her maintain standing as a top Realtor in Chicagoland.

“As an extrovert, I always enjoy meeting and interacting with others,” she notes. “And in residential real estate, there are people behind every transaction: buyers, sellers, attorneys, lenders, appraisers, inspectors and more. It’s one thing to communicate effectively and another to truly enjoy the process. The fact that I love what I do helps keep my passion and dedication strong and makes my work enjoyable. And then I take that joy and pass it on to everyone involved in the transaction.”

Building personal relationships with clients is one of the best parts of her work, she says. Saxena’s ability to foster and develop meaningful relationships with clients in the near west suburban communities she serves has helped her build a business based on referrals. “To know that a client was so happy with my services that they are recommending me to all of their friends and family is incredibly heartwarming,” she says.

Saxena is locally known for her dedication to vegan living, equity issues and generous involvement with nonprofits like Hephzibah, Animal Care League, Housing Forward, Sarah’s Inn and more. She’s equally well known for her fabulous parties and enviable shoe collection. Saxena lives in Oak Park with her spouse and their rescue dogs, Kona and Chester.