Post-pandemic, Tori Gonzalez left behind a 12-year career in dentistry to become a real estate agent in the northwest suburbs. Motivated by a desire to spend more quality time with her family, the work quickly became her passion.

“I care about each of my clients, beyond helping them buy a home,” says Gonzalez, an agent with Suburban Life Realty. A recent proud moment for Gonzalez was securing a home for buyers under asking price, with seller credits.

Gonzalez works at a pace that’s suitable to each client’s needs and adapts quickly to change. If a client wants to submit an offer six minutes after touring a property, she’ll make the calls and get them connected immediately. If they need to video chat a tour because they cannot be there, she’ll make it work.

She pays attention to detail and is quick to make buyers aware of potential problems. “New parents don’t always think ahead to when their toddler is old enough to jump off a ledge,” she says. “I point that out so they can decide if it’s worth fixing or forgetting.”

She cherishes casual conversations with clients and enjoys a little laughter before serious talk about numbers begins. “I want my clients to feel like they’re visiting with a friend that happens to be helping them secure the home they love,” she says. “Mutual trust and respect is key to making suggestions. I listen. I really hear them and care about the wants/needs they have.”

Gonzalez is part of a team and says it’s a huge help to discuss scenarios with other agents who do things differently than she does.

“I want to be a safe place for my clients to share all their concerns,” she says. “I am their biggest advocate. So, if they are comfortable with me, it makes it easier for me to know what they want and fight for that.”