Navigating a massive life transition is something Maira Viana understands personally. Twelve years ago, she left her established career in Brazil to relocate to the Chicago area. Learning the local neighborhoods, school systems and community dynamics from scratch transformed her professional perspective. Today, she channels that firsthand relocation experience into her work as a broker associate with Baird & Warner Highland Park.
Viana specializes in helping international families and expatriates relocate to the greater Chicago area — clients who are often purchasing property in the United States for the first time. Her market knowledge stretches from Frankfort to Rockford, including the North Shore and northwest suburban communities.
Viana’s professional path before real estate centered on sales and product training in the luxury and pharmaceutical sectors. That background taught her how to listen closely, ask the right questions and educate her clients. Because she speaks Portuguese and understands Spanish, she can easily bridge communication gaps for international families navigating the American housing market.
Clients frequently describe Viana as patient, knowledgeable and exceptionally supportive throughout the moving process. A core rule of her business is to avoid assuming a buyer automatically understands how a transaction works, even if they have previously owned property.
Viana’s educational approach has produced impressive results. The vast majority of her clients over the last three years have come from referrals within the international expatriate community. Additionally, Baird & Warner recognized her with its Director’s Club award in 2025.
Away from work, Viana is happiest with family — including traveling, reading, going for walks and making an annual trip back to Brazil. She recently learned that her son tells his classmates his mom is a Realtor who is “not afraid of anything.” She works hard to ensure he’s always right.
