I firmly believe that all buyers and sellers choose their agents based upon who they know, like and trust. But let's be clear, not all real estate agents who you know, like and trust are competent and can help you achieve your real estate goals.
So let me tell you a little bit about myself, and hopefully in the process, we can begin to create a relationship where you will know, like and trust me enough to become your real estate consultant for life.
Midwest Born. Midwest Bred.
Pretty much my whole life was spent in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I lived a pretty generic, middle-class life with my mom, dad, and brother. My dad would have been considered to be one of the original old-school Chicago journalists. He worked for the Chicago Daily News, the Sun-Times, and the Chicago Tribune. Dinners at our house were consistent and filled with deep conversations about politics and current events. Reading the newspaper every day was a habit I started young and continues until this very day.
Growing up, soccer was my passion, even though my early days on the field were far from glamorous. I was, without a doubt, the least skilled player, back in the days when boys and girls played together. The teasing from teammates, the visible frustration of my coaches, and even my parents' resigned support didn't deter me.
My love for the game kept me going. Then, one unexpected goal changed everything. It wasn't just a goal; it was a revelation of my potential. That single moment made me realize that if I just believed in myself, worked hard, and never gave up, I could achieve whatever I dreamed.
That one goal showed me the power of perseverance, but really it showed me the power of... me.
College & Beyond
So I've always been a Midwest person, through and through. I went to Southern Illinois University, and dove into photography as my major. But post-college, I quickly figured out that taking pics for newspapers wasn't going to keep the lights on. So, I switched gears and decided I'd be a graphic designer... Just like that. And then, in typical Kati fashion, in my late 20s, I opened my own firm. It actually took off, and I was nailing it as a young entrepreneur.
But then 9/11 hit, and suddenly, getting work was like trying to draw water from a stone. I was married and had two little girls at home, and keeping the business running just wasn't possible anymore. It was tough, really tough, but I had to make the tough call to shut it down. Looking back, all the highs and lows with that business really laid the groundwork for my venture into real estate.
Going through my 30s was like running a marathon. I had three little girls in three years and I was a stay-at-home mom. I volunteered for everything. I served on the village board, and I tried to be the perfect mom. But it was really hard. That was when I went through a painful divorce. Turning 40 and facing the fact that I needed to jump back into the working world was totally daunting and scary.
And this is where my real estate story began.
Learning Something New Everyday
In the past decade, I have helped thousands of buyers and sellers through smooth real estate transactions. Along the way, I built a successful real estate team and created systems and processes that set us apart from other agents. After assisting thousands of customers in maximizing their profits when selling their homes, I have streamlined the process to be as smooth and stress-free as possible.
But some of my greatest lessons have come from the rejections I've had. Working with so many clients means hearing "no" literally thousands of times. And because of those rejections, I have learned how to pick myself up and just do it all over again. And that is a trait I never could have learned without falling on my face so many times!
As I built my business, I also rebuilt my life. I remarried and welcomed two more daughters into our family... five girls in high school together was no small undertaking! My amazing husband Michael, a successful real estate and corporate attorney, has been my silent business partner on this journey - challenging me, encouraging me, and helping me see things from new perspectives.
Without his support, I could not have grown my company to where it is today. He inspires me daily both professionally and personally. I feel incredibly grateful to have found a true partner in both life and business.
Every evening, Mike cooked dinner for our family and prioritized that time together around the table. We often sat for hours talking about our days, laughing, and strengthening our family bond in a way I didn't think possible. Mike has built the foundation of our family through nightly shared meals and memories made over his amazing food.
Providing frustration-free service to our clients has been one of my most important goals as we've grown our business. That's why I firmly believe in a team approach, rather than relying on one single agent to handle everything. I lead and guide my team to success by setting the standards for supporting our clients.
The "old school" real estate model of one agent handling it all often disappoints clients. With so many moving parts, it's impossible for a solo agent to stay on top of every detail - things inevitably fall through the cracks. Our model is different. We start with a consultative call to understand needs and create a long-term plan, rather than jumping into showings. Then, we match each client with team members who can provide specialized services tailored to them.
Your Success is Our Success
My team members are masters in their respective roles, allowing us to deliver attentive, coordinated care across the entire client journey. Our process proves that a supported team can provide service beyond anything clients have likely experienced before.
Ultimately, the success I've achieved with my team could never have happened without all of the remarkable people around me and the support they have provided over the years. While I am the leader of this team, it is the hard work, expertise, and commitment to excellence of each team member that enables us to consistently surpass client expectations. My team makes me look good every day, and I am deeply grateful for them. It is only through teamwork and collaboration that we can truly deliver the best possible service.
I may guide the ship, but it is my incredible crew that makes this team work.
