Allison Lieske knows Walworth County well, from the shops, restaurants and lakes to the roads that lead to them. Lieske, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Starck Homes, loves showing clients all the region has to offer. “I want them to love this area as much as I do,” says Lieske, who has 20 years of experience selling homes. “I want everyone to feel the magic here. There’s no faking that part!”

Before the home search begins, she accompanies buyers to a showing or two to learn about all the features they desire in a home. “I listen to what they want, but also keep them open to different possibilities,” she says.

Lieske does everything she can to make the process easy, including connecting buyers and sellers with lenders, attorneys, home inspectors and other service providers necessary to close deals. With a majority of clients living part-time in the area, she won’t hesitate to set up remote closings or meet contractors at properties when clients can’t be there.

“I love to get to know people,” she says. “Most of my clients become my friends. I go to bat for them and they know it.”

Lieske grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, and moved to Walworth in 1997 to raise a family. Prior to real estate, she was a hairdresser. But after 30 years, she wanted a change. “Our area is so unique,” she says. “I wanted to take it a step further and help people discover the beauty of it.”

Lieske is the recipient of a 2021 Spirit Award from Keefe Real Estate for her local charity work. After spending the last couple of years renovating the rundown family farm she inherited, she and her family, including her partner, Gregg, and puppies Bean and Poppi, are finally able to enjoy it.