What area(s) do you service?
Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs.
How did you get into real estate and what do you love about it?
I got very interested in real estate and housing after purchasing my first home at the age of 25. I was working in event marketing at the time, and needed a change and a friend suggested real estate. I found a career - more of a lifestyle, really - where I could take all of my skill sets and my love for being around people and the rest, as they say, is history!
What made you want to live in your current area?
I came to the Chicago area in 1996 for college and pretty much never left. Our city is really easy to live in - affordable, good transportation, easy to get around and some wonderful beaches (I have to be by water!). We live in Edgewater, on the city's far north side and I have a love affair with my neighborhood. Not only do we have the best neighbors (just come to our block party to see for yourself!), but we have so many wonderful small, local mom-and-pop style restaurants. We don't have a dining "scene" per se, but our restaurants rival anything you could get downtown and you'll always find a table, which is comforting. The best part is living 5 blocks from the beach. In the summer, it's so convenient to pop over for an hour or two and it's part of your day but not always the entire day! Andersonville's Clark street shopping district is also a short walk away and it's always bustling.
What makes living in your area so special?
World class city that's also very convenient to get to all of the other world class cities you want to visit. We do food, nightlife and summer very well!
A workday spent running around the neighborhood: what's your first stop and last stop?
On any given day I'm always in a variety of zip codes & neighborhoods. First stop is always coffee - I love Collective in Andersonville, or Printer's Row in Lincoln Park. It's right by my office and is probably the closest thing to my neighborhood coffee shop since I am there so often....You must try the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte!
Best restaurant/bar? Favorite spot for coffee?
Favorite Restaurants: Monteverde in West Loop; Pizzeria Aroma in Edgewater; Funkenhousen in West Town; Mas Alla Del Sol (Mexican) in Edgewater; Bien MiSabe (Venezuelan) in Ravenswood. We have a long list of favorites but these are some of the most treasured. Favorite coffee is Collectivo (several locations), Printer's Row and Metropolis. But I also really love my Dunkin' Mocha Lattes!
A day in the life: how are you spending a day off in your neighborhood/area?
Winter: My husband and I will spend it indoors relaxing or heading to SW Michigan for some quiet time in the woods - and when we do venture out, it's always for a meal. In Spring/Summer/Fall we love walking around the neighborhood and just getting outside. The Beach, bike riding along the lakefront path, and again - dining out. We have so many great restaurants that a meal is usually in our future.
What's your favorite hidden gem?
Waterfront Cafe in Edgewater - small restaurant on the lake that is hidden. Great place to eat outdoors in the summer!
What is your favorite piece of your area's culture?
We have so many great museums, theaters and events - how can you pick just one??
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I went to school for broadcast journalism before shifting gears, so I can handle my own on camera or on stage. I'm also a huge theater fan and serve on the host committee for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' annual fundraiser, Broadway Backwards.
