North Shore Realtors | Chicago North Shore Moms

North Shore Realtors

Carolyn Cerf with @properties

Born and raised on the North Shore, I’m a true expert in this real estate market as well as mom life here. I pride myself on my network, connecting buyers and sellers up and down the North Shore. I’m a shrewd negotiator, and I put my clients’ interest first. I’m with you every step of the way, ready to make the process as stress-free as possible. Nobody matches my level of customer service, and nobody knows the North Shore better. I’m proud of the many clients who have trusted me with the sale or purchase of their family’s home.

I serve on several local nonprofit Boards and serve as  Executive Director for the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, which have provided me with a vast network as well as expertise in many North Shore communities.
 
Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

I’m a born and raised Highland Parker. This town have everything, including four beaches, a beautiful stretch of Sheridan Road, award winning schools, and a community of intelligent, strong, diverse residents. #HighlandParkStrong

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

I have two daughters, both of whom will blame us later for giving them super long hard-to-spell names. Haha!

What do you love most about this industry?

I love my clients! They never cease to amaze me, and I love working with them.

Lori Nieman Real Estate with @properties

Lori Nieman has been a long-time resident of the North Shore, having lived in both Winnetka and East Wilmette.  Her family spent many years living in Lincoln Park, before moving to the North Shore so she understands first-hand the transition- and how overwhelming it can be! As a consistently top-producing realtor, Lori can help with scoring a home even before it hits the market with advanced viewings and is an invaluable resource for contractors, neighborhood happenings, insight into the North Shore market itself and so much more! Lori is also licensed in the Naples FL area and has been assisting many North Shore residents with relocations and vacation homes.

Lori, where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

I live in Winnetka with my husband and boy/girl twins who will be graduating this year. We have lived in Wilmette as well and love the synergy among the North Shore communities, both professionally and socially!  They are really all connected, whether it’s the park districts or restaurants, and there’s always something new to explore!

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

I have a mean whistle and can out whistle the best of them!

My family lived in Abu Dhabi and Dubai for several years, working on a commercial real estate development for the royal family.  Our twins were much younger at the time and were quite proficient in Arabic since it was required at the American School. Sadly, I only know about 10 words!

What do you love most about this industry? 

Real estate has always been a part of my life. Nothing compares to seeing your clients happy in their new homes or finding that special one for them before it even hits the market.  Most of my clients have become long-term friends and I am extremely grateful for that.

Laura Fitzpatrick, @properties Winnetka

Meet Laura Fitzpatrick, the North Shore’s top real estate agent. Laura has been serving the North Shore since 2008, where she was raised in Wilmette and now resides in Kenilworth. Her expertise in the area promises to find you the perfect home and community you have been searching for. Laura’s strong connections within the real estate community creates opportunities to find homes before they hit the market, and she ensures a seamless transaction. Laura is consistently recognized as a top agent, including being distinguished by Chicago Magazine as one of the top 100 real estate brokers and ranking #1 individual agent in Wilmette, top 5 individual agent in New Trier, and #19 individual agent in Illinois.

Laura, where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

Kenilworth — I truly love all of the North Shore, but the community in Kenilworth can’t be beat.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

Fun fact, I was born in Ireland and moved as a little girl where my parents chose Wilmette to live after recommendations of their friends to be in New Trier school district.

What do you love most about this industry?

I love helping people find a home where they’re going to write their next chapter with their family — especially when they are moving from the city.

Contact Missy and Meredith:
thekeytohomes.com
[email protected]
847-813-7700
Instagram: @jerfitapiersonteam

Missy and Meredith with Jerfita Pierson Team – Compass

Missy and Meredith are your Chicago to the North Shore connection. Together they have over 20 years of experience and nearly one billion in sales. By joining forces and expanding their reach, they make moving easy!
We bring a fresh new approach to Real Estate. Expect unmatched staging, cutting edge marketing and innovative design.

When we look for your dream home, we have access to many homes not yet on the market. We dig through our private network as well as reaching out to our agent network.

Whether you are buying or selling we have your back!

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

Both Meredith and Missy live in Glenview. We love our community! Missy and Meredith are both Mothers of two boys and love raising them here. We love the schools, park district amenities, Glen Town Center, proximity to the entire North Shore and downtown Chicago, and the amazing network of people we meet daily.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

Meredith just had her second baby and relocated her family from Lincoln Park to Glenview. Missy for years has offered a scholarship to local GBS graduates.

What do you love most about this industry?

Successfully getting our clients to the closing table with a big smile on their face!

Billie Diamond with @properties Glencoe

I am a real estate broker with @properties in the Glencoe office. For the past 19 years, I have used my expertise and passion for real estate throughout Chicago and the North Shore with the purpose of turning what can be a stressful and confusing process into a pleasant and hopefully fun experience. I do this with both a positive and enthusiastic attitude, and an expertise in the market and roster of go-to specialists for all the little (and big) things that come up.

Anyone can find a home through the Internet – that part’s easy. But in this current market, where inventory is incredibly low, and buyers and sellers are finding their footing in a post pandemic market, you really need to work with a seasoned expert to help navigate the process. I also work to create success for my clients by helping them with the often underestimated aspects of real estate like – getting it at the right price by successfully negotiating, making the right improvements to maximize your value – and then having a wide variety of top-notch vendors (inspectors, lenders, lawyers, a painter, a hardwood floor guy, contractors, etc.) that can make the transaction run smoothly. Your home is so personal, and such a major transaction – so my clients are partnering with me to help them maximize their value and minimize their stress and effort.

I strive to provide the highest level of service, putting my clients at ease, and helping them avoid hidden costs that can quickly turn what looks like a great deal into a bad one.

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

I live in Glencoe and I love the strong sense of community and small town feel. I enjoy bumping into people I know when I run errands and pop into stores. It feels very safe for my kids to independently cruise around town and the schools are simply wonderful.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

I was the first girl born on my dad’s side of the family in 97 years. I have two older brothers and they still named me Billie!

What do you love most about this industry?

At the end of the day it’s a relationships business. I thrive on the trust and success I create for my clients and pride myself on making what can be a stressful process seamless and fun.

Carly Jones with Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore 

My friends and clients would tell you that I don’t do anything halfway. I pride myself on being one of the most organized and diligent people they know, and it permeates every aspect of my life – as a parent, an active member of the community, and as a real estate professional. The truth is that I was born an overachiever and take enormous pleasure in going the proverbial “extra mile” to care for the people I love.

After graduating from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) with a double major in English and Political Science, I obtained both a JD And a Master’s in Healthcare Law, and then worked in law as a litigator. While I enjoyed many aspects of practicing law including the intellectual challenge and fast pace, I missed the opportunity to authentically connect with people.

As an attorney, I mastered the art of managing risk, timing, pace, advantage, leverage, and value to achieve a desired outcome. The same principles apply when working with clients who want to buy or sell a home. As a residential broker, I am uniquely positioned to advocate on behalf of my clients, ensuring they get the level of service, expertise, and results they deserve. And with the power of the Engel & Völkers brand behind me, my clients benefit from a tight-knit global network and elegant marketing that reaches audiences well beyond Chicagoland and Southwest Michigan.

I enjoy working in the city, North Shore, and Southwest Michigan markets. With my two daughters and a gaggle of pets, my husband and I love our suburban life. We walk or ride bikes everywhere – to downtown Highland Park, to Ravinia and, on our weekly (when kids activities don’t get in the way) date night, to Abigail’s American Bistro. We also love escaping to our vacation home in Union Pier.

 

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

I live in Highland Park in the Braeside neighborhood. I grew up here and am now raising my girls here. Highland Park is so special because it is a small town feel with a vibrant culture and so many different activities and events. We love walking to dinner, sitting on our front porch listening to Ravinia or going over with a blanket, food and wine. We also love riding bikes uptown for lunch, heading to the beach or taking a run to the Botanic Gardens.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

I love to play tennis and got back into match play in the last year. I’m a huge reader and track how many pages I’ve read. I started when I was in middle school in a lined notebook I still use.

In 1-2 sentences, what do you love most about this industry?

One of the most important things is making the real estate process as personal as possible. That means listening to my clients’ specific needs, wants and dreams. I take the time to get to know my clients and the lifestyle they are looking for and work to get them as many of their wants as possible.

Coco Harris, Coco & April Group with Compass Wilmette

Coco Harris is a dynamic real estate agent with a proven track record of success. Coco combines creativity and an unwavering drive to exceed client expectations to achieve remarkable results in the ever-evolving real estate market. When partnering with Coco your real estate goals become her #1 priority. Whether working with first time or experienced buyers and sellers, she will adapt to each client’s needs. Coco offers an unparalleled level of service with deep market knowledge, staging assistance, one-of-a-kind marketing, process expertise and strong negotiation skills. Buying and selling a home shouldn’t be an intimidating experience ~ Coco will work hard to make it a fun one too!

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

Wilmette… I have lived in Wilmette for over 20 years and the list is long when it comes to what I love best about our town, but to name a few: Gillson Beach, our downtown, the beauty of the Bahai Temple and the people that create the welcoming community that we get to call home!

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

My favorite ways to unwind are: I love dining out and trying new restaurants, I walk every week – regardless of weather – with one of my best friends along Sheridan Road, I love my weekly yoga class at Yogaview (I have been going since they opened their doors IDK how many years ago as Generations Yoga), I’m a voracious reader (I read 50 books in 2023!), I love to travel, but my favorite place in the world is Chautauqua Lake, NY where we have a lake home.

In 1-2 sentences, what do you love most about this industry?

The relationships I have developed with the people I work with from my clients to industry peers to vendors. It takes a team of people to help a buyer or seller successfully navigate the transaction and it’s always such a privilege to be a part of the process. When helping a client it becomes a very intimate experience and during that moment in time my clients will confidentially share with me their thoughts, goals, worries, emotions and excitement. I carry those interactions very close to my heart and it becomes my guide as I help them through the process.

Connie Dornan Real Estate Broker

Connie Dornan epitomizes hard work, integrity and personalized service in every aspect of her real estate transactions. A native of the Northside, now living in Glenview for over 20 years, she has found good use for her accounting background in corporate real estate, in her well-established residential North Shore real estate career.

With over $800 million in career sales, Connie is consistently ranked among the top 1% of REALTORS on the North Shore, in Cook County, in the State of Illinois & in the Nation! Connie’s success stems from her ability to embrace ever-changing technology and strive for excellence in marketing, presentation, and negotiation for her clients. Old-fashioned rigor can be equally important. As she says: “Attention to detail gets a deal done”. The trust and understanding required to guide people through the momentous task of buying or selling a home often takes time to nurture. Connie welcomes homeowners to use her as a trusted real estate resource long before buying or selling a home, so that they can fully understand the options available to them and market conditions that are prevailing.

Algorithms and big data play an increasing role in this industry, and to stay ahead, Connie offers the deeply personalized approach that she has developed through her years of being a top performer. Her career has been built on her reputation and referrals. “My greatest satisfaction is always another happy client.

Connie, where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

Glenview. Every town is unique in the North Shore and absolutely brilliant. With that, it is a. matter what is most important for an individual homeowner and their specific needs in a town. For me, Glenview provided me with the type of home we wanted in the specific location we wanted and the school programs that we were looking for specifically for our special needs son and our other son who is neurotypical. Glenview provided the balance that we were looking for including proximity to family.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

I love chocolate and going to concerts!

In 1-2 sentences, what do you love most about this industry?

Meeting new people and being a part of the process in one of the most expensive financial decisions that they will make. It is a huge responsibility and I enjoy every bit of it.

Mary Higley Jameson Sothebys International Realty

A lifelong native to Chicago and the North Shore suburbs, Mary started her career in real estate after graduating from the University of Kansas with a BA in communications and psychology. After school, she moved back home and hit the ground running; Mary had her first closing on her 23rd birthday and never looked back. In her first year of real estate, Mary received the ‘Rising Star Award’ and was named “Rookie of the Year” by her company which was published in Chicago Agent Magazine.

Mary is a part of The Home Discovery Team, Ranked the #1 team at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty consistently topping $100 million in annual sales. Mary specializes in residential sales in Chicagoland and the North Shore Suburbs working with a myriad of clients including first time buyers, seasoned homeowners, and investors.

Mary grew up in Glenview and attended OLPH for grade school and went on to Glenbrook South High School. After bouncing around the city for years, Mary and her husband Mark moved back to the North Shore to grow their family. Having lived in the city and making the move to the suburbs, Mary uses her personal experience to guide clients to what is the best lifestyle and investment choice for them. With her business primarily based on referrals, Mary has been guiding clients for over a decade with her integrity, positive energy, and determination. Mary provides full end to end support for her clients throughout every stage of the deal and beyond.

 

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

Glenview! I was raised here and now moved back to raise my own family- nothing better!

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

My husband also grew up in Glenview. We attended the same grade school and high school but didn’t meet until we were adults!

In 1-2 sentences, what do you love most about this industry?

Helping people find their home is so much more than just a piece of real estate!

Ali Wenzke – Real Estate Broker – Compass Winnetka

Ali Wenzke specializes in relocation, first-time home buyers, and luxury real estate on Chicago’s North Shore. As the best-selling author of “The Art of Happy Moving: How to Declutter, Pack, and Start Over While Maintaining Your Sanity and Finding Happiness“, Ali understands exactly what her clients are going through. 

After moving ten times in eleven years around the country, Ali, her husband, and their three kids moved to Wilmette, IL in 2011. Ali cannot imagine a better place to call home. Ali is the Wilmette Welcome Ambassador through the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and she loves to highlight local businesses in her weekly Welcome to Wilmette video series.

Ali is a graduate of Harvard College and Stanford Law School. Her moving and real estate advice has been featured on Live with Kelly & Ryan, The Washington Post, Forbes, NPR, U.S. News & World Report, Today.com, Real Simple, Fast Company, and Parents magazine.

Ali, where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

I live in Wilmette and I love the people. It’s an incredible community where everyone really cares about each other and the town. We support our local businesses because they are amazing businesses and they are our friends and our neighbors. I also love going to the beach and walking along Lake Michigan.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

I have lived in Wilmette since 2011, but before then I moved 10 times in 11 years around the country. I’ve lived in 7 different states (FL, MA, MD, OH, CA, IL and TN). I know what it’s like to be new, which is why I love my role as the Wilmette Welcome Ambassador for the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce.

How do you help families find homes that meet their specific needs, such as proximity to schools, parks, and other family amenities?

I listen to my clients and I know my community, so I can help families find the perfect home for them.

Stephanie and Erin Team at @properties Highland Park

We’re different than other Realtors out there. We aren’t simply salespeople – we pride ourselves on being our clients’ advocates, guides and educators throughout the entire home purchase/sale process. Both of us have backgrounds in sales and marketing which gave us skills that are incredibly helpful in the world of residential real estate. As Highland Park natives, we are well-versed in the myriad communities that make up the North Shore. Because of this, we can help our buyers find the right town and neighborhood for their needs, and can leverage our knowledge of the communities when marketing a selling a home. We hustle and come up with creative solutions to get deals done for our clients. Our ultimate goal to to ensure that our clients are making the best, most well-informed decisions possible so that at the end of the day, they’re thrilled with their real estate experience. We can’t wait to talk real estate with you!

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

Stephanie is in Highland Park and loves the community’s amazing events, like the Ravinia Farmer’s Market and the Post Clinton Art Fest, and being able to go to the lake daily to enjoy the views. Erin resides in Deerfield and loves its “small town feel” and its quaint downtown area.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

We have so many weird similarities! We both went to the same middle and high schools (though not at the same time), have two dogs with whom we are obsessed, are both Dunkin’ coffee devotees, we both did the same Momentum trip to Israel but at different times, and we each have one younger brother who has three children and lives on the east coast. We figured our partnership was b’sheret!

What do you love most about this industry?

The relationships we build. Whether it’s with clients or other realtors, hands down the best part is cultivating these relationships. Also, our job allows us to tap into creativity and different skill sets, which keeps every day and every deal fresh and exciting.

What are your favorite family friendly shops, restaurants and activities on the North Shore?

In Deerfield Erin loves Liquid Fusion for boba tea, Taco Vida, playing pickleball at Shepard School, fresh bagels at Upper Crust, and the wonderful park district classrooms and activities. 
 
In Highland Park, Stephanie loves Sunset Park, Walker Brothers Pancake House, The Wayfarer Theater, Rosewood Beach, NY Slices, Love’s, the Highland Park Library, and That Little French Guy. 

Laura brings a unique blend of hyper-local knowledge, marketing expertise and community engagement to the Evanston real estate scene. Having lived in Evanston for most of her life and now raising her children in Evanston, Laura has deep roots in the community and is a resource for people looking to move to Evanston and the North Shore.

As part of The Brown Team, Laura benefits from a rich legacy of real estate expertise working side-by-side with her mother, Sandra Brown and brother, Geoff Brown. The team’s multi-generational approach ensures a wealth of knowledge and a personalized touch for every client.

Through her work at Downtown Evanston, Laura is actively involved in various local initiatives and is dedicated to making Evanston a better place to live. Whether she’s supporting local charities, participating in community events, or collaborating with local businesses, Laura’s enthusiasm for community building shines through.

What are your favorite family friendly shops, restaurants and activities on the North Shore?

There are so many but here are a few: Nice Lena, Bookends & Beginnings, stumble & relish, Skylight Vintage, Etc., Backlot Coffee, Temperance, The Fat Shallot, Edzo’s Burger Shop, Union/Union Squared, and most recently Sky Zone, which just opened in Evanston. 

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

I moved back to Evanston in 2015 when my husband, Davis started working at Space, and we now live here with our two children, Eloise and Rylan, and puppy, Honey. In addition to loving Evanston for its location along Lake Michigan, I appreciate the mix of suburban and city living complete with a wealth of local businesses, green spaces and good times! And, of course I am a fan of Space and Out of Space, the outdoor music fest previously hosted at Canal Shores and new this year, Evanston Folk Fest at the lakefront. 

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

I grew up playing soccer and still play today in a women’s league – it’s a blast to be back on the field and a great way to connect with women who also love the game!

Real estate and construction are in my blood! My mom, Sandra and brother Geoff are the founding members of The Brown Team and my sister-in-law, Tanya does staging and interior design for our listings. My father, Charlie and eldest brother Jacob are contractors, often providing clients with construction advice. My younger sister, Marisa moved to Germany so hasn’t yet joined the family business. 

How do you help families find homes that meet their specific needs, such as proximity to schools, parks, and other family amenities?

I love getting to know my clients and helping them figure out what homes and neighborhoods would best fit their family based on their needs and preferences. It is such a great feeling when you help an individual, couple or family start the beginning of their next chapter! 
 

Since 1991, Baird & Warner Highland Park has fulfilled the real estate needs of the community and is home to some of the best and top-producing agents on the North Shore. Our broker associates are highly-trained, hyperlocal experts who care deeply about the communities where they live and work. We serve the North Shore market and beyond. Through the Baird & Warner Good Will Works program, we regularly support local organizations in an effort to improve our community. Our office frequently works with Kids Rank, a nonprofit program for military children and Feed My Starving Children.

Where do you personally live and what do you love about your town?

Our office is in Highland Park. We love the small town feel, seeing friends (old and new), whether shopping at the grocery store, walking down the street or enjoying the newest restaurant. The local business owners truly make you feel special, always greet you with a smile and instantly make you feel at home. We especially love the lake front and the marvelous beaches in the community, not to mention the Ravinia Festival!

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

Our office loves to participate in community events. Our agents are an enthusiastic part of the marketplace all over the north shore and beyond!

In 1-2 sentences, what do you love most about this industry?

There is nothing better than helping someone find the right home and secure the purchase. We also love assisting sellers in marketing their homes and helping them to get the best price with the least amount of stress on the seller.

Melissa Reza, Sales Support Manager
[email protected]
https://www.bairdwarner.com/glenbrookoffice
847-724-1855
Instagram: bwglenbrook

 

Baird & Warner Glenbrook Office

Baird & Warner Glenbrook, located on the border of Glenview and Northbrook, is proud to serve the real estate needs of Glenview, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glencoe, Golf, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Long Grove, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Northfield, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Riverwoods, Skokie, Niles, Park Ridge, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, Wilmette, Winnetka and surrounding communities. We’re known for our market expertise and well-trained brokers and take a client-centric approach to each transaction. Additionally, we have multilingual broker associates fluent in more than 20 languages including Korean, Polish, Russian, Assyrian, Hindi, Thai and Vietnamese. Through Baird & Warner’s Good Will Works program, we strive to give back to our local community and regularly support charitable organizations including The Harbour, an organization that offers immediate, stable and safe housing to homeless young people and young mothers with children, Youth Services of Glenview and Northbrook and Habitat for Humanity.

Where do your agents live?

Our Agents Live all over the North Shore And Surrounding Communities.

What are 1-2 fun facts about to know about you?

Baird & Warner was founded in 1855 and the Baird Family still owns and operates it.

 

The Neighborhood and Realtor Guide contains sponsored listings. That said, the spirit of providing stellar and tried and true content, the businesses listed were chosen by personal experiences.  We love where we live and will continue adding more great businesses as we experience more of the North Shore!

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