2023 was a pivotal year for Rose M. Dante. She took a thoughtful and strategic approach to her business. She reconnected with her network through personal outreach and handwritten notes, and hosted memorable events for her sphere. The result? 2024 became the most successful and meaningful year of her 15-year real estate career.

“I shot straight to the top and made it to Founder’s Club and among the top 1% of the company,” says Dante, a broker with Baird & Warner. She never says “no” to clients, not even renters, because they become buyers and an excellent source for referrals in her territory of Chicago, the surrounding suburbs and Southwest Michigan.

Dante earned a real estate license in 2009, during the crash. “I used to work for a large construction company that was going under with the crash as well,” she says. “Someone suggested I get my license. I came in at the right time and had to focus and work really hard to build my business. I didn’t know what the ‘easier’ market prior to that was like, so I just worked.”

Dante took every lead, made every phone call and met every client that she possibly could. “That work ethic got me where I am today, through the pandemic and all of the changes from the NAR settlement,” she says. “You can’t go wrong with a strong work ethic. This business will give you what you give it.”

She overcame her initial shyness to become visible on social media, producing content that is fun and informative. She also hired a social media professional to assist with those efforts, giving her back the time she needs to do what’s best for her business: meet with clients.

Dante is excited to announce that the episode of “House Hunters” she filmed with two buyer clients will air this summer.