Real estate did not even appear on Joanne DeSanctis Kirk’s radar until a decade ago, after buying, selling and developing properties with her husband. “My husband kept telling me that I could do it better, and those words stuck with me,” she remembers. After working in law firm recruiting and talent development, and also being a stay-at-home mother, Kirk received her real estate license and never looked back.

A residential consultant with Baird & Warner, DeSanctis Kirk has been in the industry for 10 years. She understands the market and has an in-depth knowledge of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Her design and project management skills, along with her experience with renovations and construction, make her a natural fit for clients looking for an investment property. “What really drives me is my commitment to people, rather than just the transactions,” she says. “I’ve had the honor of becoming the trusted Realtor for entire families and groups of friends, which usually turn into referrals.”

DeSanctis Kirk was named a top producer by her former company, Dream Town Real Estate, in 2023 and 2024, and also by the Chicago Association of Realtors in 2021. She donates a percentage of her commission to charity, currently supporting the nonprofit Care For Real in the Edgewater neighborhood. Active in the community, she has held board positions at nonprofits such as Humble Design Chicago, Friends of Prentice, the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Junior League of Chicago and the National Association for Law Placement. She’s especially proud of mentoring and training young women in her life.

“My approach is simple: Real estate should be an authentic concierge experience,” DeSanctis Kirk says. “Helping people navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives is both a privilege and a passion. The truth is I love what I do, so it never really feels like work.”