Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.
Carolyn Cerf knows how to hustle and she’s in it to win it – for you, that is! In this uber competitive real estate market that’s just about dried up, people are still buying and selling. The former executive director of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, hyper-local civic activist, mom of two little cuties and #momboss realtor has a breadth of knowledge about the local real estate market, connections to great realtors outside of the North Shore, and the stick-to-itiveness to negotiate on your behalf. Not to mention she’s just an overall great woman. Get to know Carolyn in this week’s Meet a Mom edition!
Photo credit: Ewa Pasek Photography
Hi Carolyn! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
I’m a native Highland Parker, born and raised on the North Shore. It really gives me like-the-back-of-my-hand knowledge of this real estate market. I live in the Ravinia area – it’s a pretty unique and amazing place to live. Walkable to so much culture and entertainment as well as Rosewood Beach. You can’t find that everywhere! And now, having children, it’s even more valuable to me for its walkable, historic, highly-rated elementary schools and parks!
And your kids?
I am the luckiest mom in the world. I have two little girls, both brimming with character and potential. Elizabeth is 3, and Alexandria is 1. Of course, Elizabeth would say “I’m not a little girl, I’m a big girl!”
What are your favorite North Shore local places to spend with the family?
Highwood is my go-to destination for everything from date night drinks to kids play spaces to summer festivals. It’s the unspoken cultural center of the upper North Shore. I’m also a great “concierge” when it comes to Highwood. I served as the Executive Director of the Highwood Chamber of Commerce for about 4 years. Ask me anything about it!
What gets you through a tough day (ie. coffee, tea, book, kindle, mediation, yoga, working out)?
I daydream about my bed! Ha! Kid-related sleep deprivation is no joke. A good bedtime routine is essential to a good day.
What are you currently… reading? watching? listening to?
All this great streaming content these days and I’m mostly re-watching old shows. Love love love the West Wing. If you’ve never seen it, and if the current political climate scares you, watch Martin Sheen as POTUS. I wish I could vote for him! Oh, and I’m waiting (impatiently) for Yellowstone to come back on.
What is your go-to mom hack for parents with kids the same age as yours?
Lay out their clothes ahead of time! While you’re cleaning up their room (let’s be honest, they don’t do it enough), pluck some clothes out of the closet for tomorrow and set yourself up for success getting them out the door in the morning.
Go to the craft store! Stock up on age-appropriate art projects for a few bucks. You’ll fill the rainy days without bouncing off the walls, and you’ll end up with handmade treasures to cherish forever. We made tee shirts with puffy paints recently!
It’s time to get down to business. You’re a broker with @properties in Highland Park. What makes you unique?
My real estate business is built on three things. First, I deliver a concierge level of service. I will do anything to take my clients’ real estate goals from dream to reality. Second, I know what I’m doing and I’m a true market expert. I’m a total nerd when it comes to market statistics (so you don’t have to be) and I’m a great negotiator. And third, my extensive network of potential buyers and sellers, who are contacts I’ve developed over a lifetime on the North Shore. This gives my clients an edge in addition to access to the MLS and Private Listing Network.
PS: Yes, I have Zenlist! Don’t know what Zenlist is? We need to talk.
Describe something you’re most proud of as it relates to your real estate?
That’s easy … My 5-star review status on Zillow. You don’t have to take my word for it. My clients will tell you. And nothing means more to me than my clients’ positive review and recommendation to friends and family!
Are you involved with other ventures or volunteer organizations?
I created something I call my Women’s NOTworking Group. Wait, what’s NOTworking? Ok, ok, ok it’s still networking. But It’s not just for business. The group is curated by me, and whether you are looking for a pickleball partner, a playdate, or a business connection, it’s for you. Contact me if you’d like to join a monthly meetup!
I’d also like to tell the world about the Saint James Church Baby Pantry in Highwood! Moms, let’s help other moms. They accept diapers and pull-ups of all sizes, baby gear, baby food, and other essentials. Let me know if you’d like more info!
Lastly, I’ve been supporting local communities here my whole life. As a Realtor, I’ve been super supportive of the local business community by sponsoring community events like Ravinia Food Truck Thursdays, Highwood Bloody Mary Fest, Highwood Girls Night Out, the Ravinia Candy Stroll, and the Ravinia Farmer’s Market. Just to name a few!
What towns or cities do you specialize in for real estate?
My area of expertise runs from Kenilworth up the shore to Lake Bluff, and as far west as Libertyville, Long Grove, and even Mundelein. I also have access to @properties | Christie’s International Real Estate’s national and global network of agents who can help if you’re moving out of the area. It really takes the guesswork out of finding a qualified trustworthy Realtor, wherever you’re moving.
The real estate market has seen some crazy swings lately. What does the 2024 market forecast look like?
Oh my… Well, the new normal is anything but normal. We’re down to almost NO inventory (i.e., homes for sale) so it’s still a strong seller’s market. Meanwhile, the North Shore continues to attract buyers for so many great reasons. The sellers’ advantage is expected to continue as falling interest rates only encourage more buyers to enter the already-competitive marketplace of relatively few homes. But buyers, don’t give up. It’s just time to Realtor-up.
What advice do you have for anyone trying to sell in this market?
Sellers will maximize their home’s sale price if they do what it takes to prep their home for sale, and use an aggressive agent with pricing expertise. It’s important that your agent stands firm to get the best contract terms for you, from purchase price to closing date to financing or inspection contingencies. Timing is key too. While the seller’s market may last a bit longer, there’s no guarantee. Now is as good a time as any.
How about for those who are looking to buy?
Buyers will need a shrewd negotiator who is willing to stand up for their client, write competitive offers, and see the process through to closing day. Buyers, make sure your Realtor is showing you homes from the Private Listing Network. They might even need to be comfortable with approaching FSBOs and off-market owners. Get your mortgage pre-approval (or proof-of-funds for cash buyers) lined up in advance! Call me for a short list of trustworthy mortgage brokers. They are not all created equal.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about your business?
I offer a fellow parent rebate on closing costs! I’m happy to rebate the buyer’s agent service fee or the seller’s agent flat fee whenever you list or buy with me. Same goes for first responders and teachers. I can also often help lower mortgage-related closing costs through my mortgage partners. Let’s talk!
Carolyn, how do our readers learn more about working with you?
Read my client reviews and search listings at www.CarolynCerf.com. I use #JustCallCarolyn or just find my pages on Instagram or Facebook. And I just got the TikTok handle RealtorMom. Stay tuned for video content there!
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].
