Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new CNSM Meet a Mom spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law. We are excited to introduce you to Dublin-born, Wilmette-raised and, now, a Kenilworth mom of two grownish kids, Laura Fitzpatrick with @properties, Winnetka.
Laura has a lot to be proud of. Aside from raising two wonderful young women, her accomplishments in real estate over the last 15 years is second to none. Get to know Laura, how she copes with tough days, favorite North Shore must-dine restaurants, what she’s currently watching and why her qualifications and accolades make Laura a broker of choice. Welcome, Laura!
Hi Laura! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
I was born in Dublin, Ireland. In 5th grade, my family moved to Wilmette. I have lived in Kenilworth since 2010.
Tell us about your daughters. Feel free to brag here.
I am Mom to two daughters; one is studying finance at DePaul University in Lincoln Park and one is heading to New Trier as a Freshman in the Fall.
What are one or two fun facts to know about you?
It may or may not be a surprise that one of my biggest passions is renovating houses when I’m not selling houses to other people. I am starting my third big project this Summer. The worse the condition, the more it appeals to me because I love starting from a blank slate.
What are your favorite North Shore local places to spend with the family?
You can usually find me at Sophia Steak in Wilmette, Minos in Winnetka or The Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest for brunch. I recently discover The Lawn at The Wilmette Golf Club which has a great patio for dining alfresco.
What gets you through a tough day?
My loyal French Bulldog, Lilly always helps me get through a tough day. She is sweet and cuddly and loves attention!
What are you currently… reading? watching? listening to?
I’m late to the game but streaming ‘Succession’ on TV and reading a book that I received for my birthday, ‘12 hour walk’ by Colin O’Brady.
Please introduce your real estate business. How long have you been a realtor?
I have been a real estate broker for 15 years. I joined @properties as one of the first agents in the North Shore office in 2009. I primarily focus on New Trier District (Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe & Northfield). I’m an individual agent with strong support staff which allows me to be the point person for my clients real estate needs. When you hire me, you get me.
Describe something you’re most proud of as it relates to your business?
This profession keeps me on my toes but I love it. I’m proud of several aspects of this business: In 2021, my real estate business tripled with over $60M in closed sales; my brokerage acquired Christie’s International Real Estate and I was proud to be welcomed into a small group of luxury agents, called Masters Circle; and in 2022, I was invited to Aspen, CO to meet with other agents in Masters Circle.
The real estate market has seen some crazy swings lately. What is the current market like right now, spring of 2023?
The market right now is still very competitive. I am seeing multiple offers on my listings and helping my buyers navigate on how to structure a winning bid. It’s important to have a great strategy from the beginning, whether buying or selling. Things move fast and there isn’t much time to get things in order after the fact.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about working with you, Laura?
It’s important to work with a local broker in the areas you are looking. I have a strong network of fellow brokers that keep me informed of homes before they come on the market which gives my buyer clients a head start. I am connected and have great rapport with the agents in my area. It can be hard for agents from other areas to create confidence when they are not known. I dont sell in the city and I see clients with city brokers have trouble knowing a fair value or how to structure a winning bid.
How do our readers learn more about working with you or reaching out to you?
Please check me out at www.newtrierrealestate.com, 312.217.6483 or follow me on IG @laurafitzpatrickrealestate.
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
