You’ve had a longstanding career in this industry. How have you gotten to where you are today?
Real estate has been in my blood since childhood, watching my parents invest in properties on Chicago’s North Side. Their work sparked my passion for architecture and the impact a home sale has on a family’s life. That passion led me to launch my career at Habitat, where I grew the sales division from 15 to 120 agents before selling the company to Baird & Warner in 2007. Since then, I’ve built a first-class reputation with over $1.3 billion in lifetime sales, earning recognition as a Chicago Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame inductee and a three-time “Real Estate Professional of the Year.” Serving as association’s third-ever woman president was an honor, and I remain dedicated to being the best in the business.
What do you believe has been the biggest factor in your success in the real estate industry?
I get the job done—no matter the market. “I can’t” isn’t in my vocabulary. I can, and I will. No obstacle keeps me from delivering on my promises to my clients. My actions back up my intentions, which is why I consistently achieve higher sale-to-list prices and faster market times. With unwavering reliability and deep industry experience, I’m committed to selling every home as quickly and profitably as possible.
What are five key tips for success you’d share with your fellow Chicago realtors®?
Be relentless in follow-through, build and nurture relationships, master the art of negotiation, stay ahead of the market and never stop improving.
How has the association helped to shape your career?
The Chicago Association of REALTORS® has played a huge role in shaping my career. Through the association, I’ve gained access to top-tier education, industry insights and a network of incredible professionals who push me to be better every day. Their advocacy efforts have helped protect and strengthen the real estate market in Chicago, allowing me to serve my clients with confidence. From market updates to legislative wins, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® ensures that we, as brokers, have the tools, knowledge and support to succeed in an ever-changing industry. I’m proud to be part of an organization that truly looks out for us and our clients!
As a longtime volunteer and Past President, you’ve poured so much time and leadership into our association. Can you share why you’ve been so dedicated to this association?
I’ve been so dedicated to this association because I truly believe in its mission and the impact it has on our industry and our city. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® has not only shaped my career but has also given me a community of lifelong friends—people I trust, respect and have grown alongside over the years. As a lifelong Chicagoan, I care deeply about this city and its future, and the association plays a huge role in advocating for policies that keep our real estate market strong and our neighborhoods thriving. Giving back to this association has always felt natural because it’s given me so much in return.
Why do you think it’s important to be involved in our advocacy efforts and RPAC?
Thanks to our voices being heard, we made some big moves:
ADUs Are Legal: RPAC and the Chicago Association of REALTORS® fought to legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in pilot zones throughout Chicago. Now, homeowners can add extra living spaces—like in-law apartments or coach houses—creating more housing options and making the city more affordable. Chicago wouldn’t be the same without multi-units! The association continues to advocate for a city-wide ADU program.
Property Tax Wins: RPAC helped push for property tax reforms that make the system fairer and lighten the load for homeowners and real estate professionals. This past year, we defeated a proposed $300 million property tax increase, along with a hefty increase in the transfer tax.
Flood Insurance Protection: Believe it or not, some parts of Chicago are in flood zones! RPAC stepped up to fight for the renewal and improvement of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), making sure homeowners can get the coverage they need without breaking the bank. As this program expires in September of 2025, the National Association of REALTORS® is making every effort to secure a long-term reauthorization of the program.
This is why RPAC matters—real wins, real impact and real protection for Chicago homeowners and real estate!
In your own words, what is RPAC and what does it do for the industry?
RPAC is a fund that helps support political candidates and policies that look out for homeowners, property rights and the real estate industry. It pushes for laws that benefit both agents and their clients, like fair housing, tax breaks for homeowners and fewer unnecessary rules that slow things down. By investing in RPAC, real estate professionals make sure their voices are heard when important decisions are being made that affect our business.
Why do you think your peers should invest in RPAC?
Supporting RPAC means looking out for the future of our industry. Real estate is impacted by government decisions every day, like tax laws, zoning and regulations that affect how we do business. RPAC makes sure our voices are heard and fights for the things that matter to us, like keeping commissions fair, making homeownership more accessible and pushing back against unnecessary red tape. Investing in RPAC isn’t just about protecting our careers—it’s about keeping the market strong for our clients and communities.