RAFAEL ALVARADO, SHIELD REAL ESTATE
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
We have the opportunity to make a difference for the customers we serve. We help create generational wealth as educational and advocacy resources for the communities we serve.
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
Forewarn. This program allows me to reaffirm the people that I am speaking to are who they say they are. It’s a time saver.
GASPAR FLORES, JR., SU FAMILIA REAL ESTATE, INC.
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
The advocacy that the association does to benefit our REALTOR® community and industry. This is what protects our industry.
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
MLS and SentriLock.
MABÉL GUZMÁN, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
What advice would you give your fellow REALTORS® for success this year?
Stick to the fundamentals. It’s tough out there, so stay connected to past clients and other sources of referrals. Plus, now is the time to implement new strategies and network with others for solutions to tough business cycles.
What does your perfect day in Chicago look like?
Walking my neighborhood and stopping in the shops as I go along.
MOSES HALL, MOHALL COMMERCIAL AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
In the year ahead, what are you most excited to work on with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®?
Our shared commitment to reshaping the urban landscape of Chicago is a venture that ignites a passionate fire within me. As the chair of the CommercialForum Committee I want to make sure our commercial member voices are heard within the association.
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
I would choose the extensive networking opportunities as a personal favorite. The association provides a vibrant platform for connecting with fellow professionals, thought leaders and visionaries in the real estate industry. These interactions are invaluable, serving as catalysts for innovation and collaborative ventures.
LYLE HARLOW, KALE REALTY
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
Being part of an organization and a group of people who serve the public at the highest possible standards.
What advice would you give your fellow REALTORS® for success this year?
Work your sphere of influence – basics never go out of style in our business! And expand your knowledge base – learn about ChatGPT and AI!
LINDA HATTAR, ACO COMMERCIAL
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
My favorite member benefit is the discounts at the different vendors! I appreciate a good deal.
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
Trust.
DRUSSY HERNANDEZ, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
In the year ahead, what are you most excited to work on with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®?
The market readjusted this year, but the year ahead should be a market that will bring back buyers with more available inventory. I am excited about how we will be able to improve our clients’ lives through our dedication and commitment to their success.
What advice would you give your fellow REALTORS® for success this year?
Be patient! Continue to work your database, take advantage of educational opportunities so that you are the expert in any situation and network whenever possible.
MARKI LEMONS RYHAL, EXIT STRATEGY REALTY
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
We are protecting the buying and selling public.
What does your perfect day in Chicago look like?
Warm weather, lighting up the grill and having our friends over for a day of good eating, laughter and jokes.
LUTALO McGEE, ANI REAL ESTATE
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
I have always loved the numerous forms and contracts we provide. As an owner of a small business, these are invaluable for me.
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
Google Calendar.
MICHELLE MILLS CLEMENT, CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
Photofy. It makes social media easy! And our team creates amazing graphics!
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
My iPhone calendar #teamiphone.
MEGAN OSWALD, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
Stats! The weekly and monthly reports that we have access to on the Chicago Association of REALTORS® website are great to share with our clients!
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
The conscious effort that we are making to serve and give back to our communities in a way that creates change and opportunities.
AYOUB RABAH, COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
What advice would you give your fellow REALTORS® for success this year?
Continuously invest in yourself and focus on articulating your value proposition.
What does your perfect day in Chicago look like?
A sunny summer day driving down Lake Shore Drive.
DEANOUS REID, F.J. WILLIAMS REALTY
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
I like the REALTOR® toolkits, because they help me with marketing ideas.
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
It makes me proud to be a REALTOR® when I help someone get into a home when it did not seem like it would be possible.
RACHEL SCHEID, @PROPERTIES | CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
What does your perfect day in Chicago look like?
I am a sucker for a great fall Chicago day! Mid-50’s, sun shining, wind blowing, leaves falling…you can’t beat that in Chicago!
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
My car. It’s transportation and an office all in one!
ERIK SCHWAB, CORCORAN URBAN REAL ESTATE
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
Seeing all the work the association does on the public advocacy side to protect private property rights and our industry as a whole.
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
A stress ball that’s shaped like a grenade that I got from another broker.
LINDA SCOTT, WINTRUST MORTGAGE
In the year ahead, what are you most excited to work on with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®?
I am excited to contribute a voice to help shape the future of housing in Chicago.
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
I am a proud affiliate member. Chicago is a diverse market with many housing needs. I love being able to provide the best financing options whether purchasing a primary residence, second home or investment property.
VICKY SILVANO, REAL BROKER LLC
In the year ahead, what are you most excited to work on with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®?
It’s exciting to work on membership benefits. During this challenging year ahead, it will help our members if we cater to their needs and sustain their professional development to increase their business.
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
Social media.
STACI SLATTERY, NORTH CLYBOURN GROUP, INC.
In the year ahead, what are you most excited to work on with the Chicago Association of REALTORS®?
I am focused on and excited about the Public Policy Committee; specifically, how to elevate member engagement on critical issues that affect our profession. I hope to be able to bring greater awareness to our membership so we can truly represent the voices of our community.
What advice would you give your fellow REALTORS® for success this year?
This year will not be without its challenges with record low inventory and spiking mortgage interest rates; my recommendation is to stay focused by communicating with your clients, mining your database and finding ways to continually be of service.
ERIKA VILLEGAS, RE/MAX IN THE VILLAGE
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
I love that we have our own real estate school that offers everything from continuing education to designations, so take advantage and take a class!
What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®?
We are so much more than the word REALTOR®; we are ambassadors for our city and all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago!
Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
The Staples copier discount. I still get a lot of information via PDFs that have a lot of pages and are better read printed out. This member perk allows me to do that at a discount.
What is one tool you cannot live without in your professional life?
The Microsoft Office 365 Suite
Amy Wu, Keller Williams Success Realty
What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why?
It is so hard to pick one favorite association member perk. I find the online resources, such as the local market reports and statistics, to be especially helpful when I communicate with clients.
What advice would you give your fellow REALTORS® for success this year?
Have a “can-do” mindset. Be prepared in your business. Polish your objection handling skills. Nurture your database. Lean into Chicago Association of REALTORS® for resources, tools and support.
