Experience makes all the difference.

Q & A with Cara

When did you get into the Real Estate business and why? How do your years in the business give you an edge over your competitors?

After graduating from college with degrees in public relations and French in 1992 (Illinois State University and University of South Carolina), I knew I wanted a career in Real Estate. I earned my Real Estate license the same year and have been driven to serve my clients in the Chicago area ever since. Most Brokers choose Real Estate as a second career and I am happy to say that Real Estate is my first and only love in the professional world. I grew up in historically and architecturally significant Chicago suburb of Riverside which sparked a strong passion for the importance of Real Estate.

What makes you different from your competitors?

My competitors are often part of a brokerage team—which are becoming more and more popular in today's market. My service could not be more different. I am very hands on and believe that if a client hires me, they should deal with me exclusively. For example, I don't believe in lockboxes—I believe in showing up and personally working with my clients and their potential buyers. I feel that it's important to be there in person to help a potential buyer understand a property or location. I make myself available to my clients at all times. It's a way of working that's unfortunately becoming more rare in our industry. I have the infrastructure of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices behind me as well as a hand selected group of collaborators (attorneys, stagers, designers, photographers, and handymen, for example). That ensure the clients' experience is seamless and lacks for nothing. I'm able to offer the best of both worlds to my clients: bespoke service with the strength and confidence of a national brand.

Out of 15,000 brokers why would I hire you?

Above all else, you want your broker to be your advocate, and I’m definitely that and more. I will always put my client's interest before my own and delight in obtaining the highest values possible for my sellers and the best possible deals for my buyers. Over 27 years in the business, I have learned to be concise when valuing properties and setting my clients' expectations accordingly. For sellers, which always puts us in the position of power regardless of which side of the negotiation we are on, whether buying or selling. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty and wear many hats throughout the process. I can honestly say that there is not a real estate challenge or scenario that I haven’t experienced and solved. Whatever your circumstances, I am confident that I know the path to the best possible income. There are many situations that arise between preparing to list, listing and from contract to closing. In fact, your broker's job kicks into high gear when the contract is signed. I consider myself business partners with my clients all the way to closing. Buying or selling a property is truly more than a transaction to me. I walk into my clients’ lives during a time that’s full of many emotions: hopes, worries, excitement…sometimes there’s been a loss in a family, or a family is expanding. These are big life moments, so, I’m there for you during this time and beyond. I care about how you’re doing, long after you’ve settled into your new home or sold a property.

What types of locations, properties and price points are you comfortable with?

I've helped clients buy and sell across all property types; from primary residences to investment properties and land for developers and builders. I've worked with a range of price points all within the broader Chicagoland area. At the end of the day, for me, it's more about meeting my client's needs no matter what property, location or price. I believe everyone deserves the same excellent 5-star service regardless of their property’s value. I am just as proud of a one-bedroom listing as an historic multi-million dollar mansion.

How is your business by the numbers?

• Top 1% of Chicago Association of Realtors consistently (this includes city and suburbs)

• Platinum member of BHHS, highest ranking possible

• Nominated in 2018 to Crain's Chicago "most influential brokers"

• Top 4 individual brokers 2020 in all of the BHHS Chicago network

• I typically handle 30-50 transactions annually

• Average of 98% list to sale ratio in 2020

How does your business sustain itself year after year?

My business is almost 100% referral. When a client is happy with my service, they are always thrilled and excited to spread the word. Because real estate is so much a part of who I am, referrals are the greatest compliment I can receive. I always say there is no crying in real estate, until I read a happy client review... I always cry!

Seeing so many homes year after year, it must be difficult for you to decide where to plant roots. Where do you live?

Currently I live in Old Irving Park with my husband (Josh) , children (Nathan, Samantha) and menagerie of beloved pets. (Leroy, Linus, Fergus). When we became a family in 2015, we needed space, a large yard, and easy access to both the suburbs and downtown. Old Irving Park is situated right near 90/94, the Blue Line and Metra so it was an ideal investment and an easy commute to everywhere I need to be. The yard was a blank canvas that we transformed into a peaceful city oasis for all to enjoy.

When do you plan to retire?

I am asked this all the time and the answer is "never.”