A Chicago native, Rita Masini has lived on the North Shore her entire adult life and knows the city like the back of her hand. Principal of the Rita Masini Group with Compass, she credits her success as one of the top agents in the market to her ability to meet her clients where they’re at in their real estate journey. “It’s important to hear what your clients are saying to you,” she says. “Ask the right questions and let them know that you hear them. It’s a critical skill.”

Covering the entire Chicago Metro area, Masini partners with 80% of her clients through referrals or repeat business. “I primarily represent clients who are buying or selling single-family homes, townhomes or condos,” she explains, “but I also feel very confident representing investors, because my husband and I currently are real estate investors ourselves.”

Masini has consistently been an award-winning, multi-million-dollar producer; is accredited by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, with which she holds the GUILD designation; and is a member of the Top Agent Network, which is exclusive to the verified top 10% of agents in any market. “I’ve learned so much from my colleagues,” she says. “I love to share what works for me with anyone who needs it. Collaboration is key in this always-changing industry.”

Three times a week, Masini steps onto the mat at her Shotokan Karate dojo. As a fourth-degree black belt, she gives back to her club as an assistant instructor, tournament referee and belt advancement examiner. “Karate is like boiling water,” she says, quoting Ginshin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. “If you do not heat it consistently, it will cool.” That same intensity and steady rhythm of showing up and staying sharp defines how she approaches her real estate career and life in general.