Busby Group Named Among the Top 1.5% of Real Estate Professionals Nationwide by RealTrends Verified
Busby Group Earns RealTrends Verified Recognition for 2026
Busby Group is honored to once again be recognized by RealTrends Verified, earning a place among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide based on 2025 sales performance.
This annual ranking recognizes the highest-performing agents and teams across the United States based on independently verified sales volume and transaction sides.
You can view our RealTrends Verified profile here:
https://www.realtrends.com/team-profile/busby-group-illinois-compass/
Busby Group RealTrends Verified Rankings
According to RealTrends Verified, Busby Group achieved:
$86.94 Million in Sales Volume
106 Transaction Sides
National Ranking #376 by Volume
National Ranking #654 by Sides
Illinois Ranking #15 by Volume
Illinois Ranking #30 by Sides
Average Sales Price: $820,200
These results earned Busby Group recognition as both a:
RealTrends Verified Top Team by Volume
RealTrends Verified Top Team by Sides
What Does the RealTrends Verified Top 1.5% Ranking Mean?
RealTrends Verified is widely considered one of the most respected performance benchmarks in the real estate industry.
Each year, RealTrends verifies sales production data to identify the highest-performing real estate professionals and teams across the country. Inclusion in the rankings means a team is among the top 1.5% of agents and teams nationwide based on measurable results.
For consumers, this provides an objective way to evaluate experience, consistency, and market performance when selecting a real estate advisor.
A Top 1% Real Estate Team in Chicago, Chicagoland, and Nationwide
While the RealTrends ranking recognizes the top 1.5% of professionals nationwide, Busby Group's performance consistently places us among the top 1% of real estate teams in Chicago, throughout Chicagoland, and nationally.
Over the years, we have built our business around a simple philosophy: combine expert market knowledge, strategic guidance, and concierge-level service to help clients make confident real estate decisions.
Today, that approach has resulted in:
More than $1 billion in career sales
Nearly 90% referral-based business
Recognition among the top-performing teams locally and nationally
Trusted relationships with buyers, sellers, investors, developers, attorneys, financial advisors, healthcare professionals, and corporate leaders
What This Recognition Means for Our Clients
Awards and rankings are meaningful, but what matters most is the impact they have on the people we serve.
In 2025 alone, Busby Group helped more than 100 buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families successfully navigate the Chicago real estate market.
Whether helping a homeowner maximize value, coordinating a complex sell-to-buy move, securing an off-market opportunity, or managing a luxury relocation, our goal remains the same: deliver exceptional results while making the process as seamless as possible.
Why Clients Choose Busby Group
Concierge-Level Service
Our dedicated in-house concierge team helps coordinate every aspect of the process, from vendors and repairs to movers, organizers, attorneys, contractors, and trusted local resources.
Sell-to-Buy Expertise
Many homeowners need to sell before purchasing their next property. We specialize in helping clients align both sides of the transaction to maximize flexibility, certainty, and financial outcomes.
Access to Off-Market Opportunities
A significant number of transactions occur through private networks before reaching the public market. Our relationships throughout Chicago and across the country help create unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Hyper-Local Market Expertise
From Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, River North, West Loop, Bucktown, and Logan Square to the North Shore, Western Suburbs, and Southwest Suburbs, our team provides neighborhood-specific expertise backed by decades of experience.
Thank You to Our Clients, Team, and Partners
This recognition would not be possible without the trust of our clients, the support of our referral partners, and the commitment of our incredible team.
We are especially grateful to the clients who continue to introduce us to their friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors. The fact that nearly 90% of our business comes from referrals is one of the accomplishments we are most proud of.
We are also thankful for our partnership with Compass and the resources, technology, and collaborative network that help us deliver exceptional service across Chicago and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As we continue through 2026, our focus remains unchanged.
We will continue to provide:
Strategic real estate guidance
Data-driven market expertise
Concierge-level support
Strong negotiation and advocacy
Exceptional client experiences
Whether you're buying, selling, investing, relocating, or simply exploring your options, we're always happy to serve as a resource.
About Busby Group
Busby Group is a top 1% real estate team serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. With more than $1 billion in career sales, nationally recognized performance, and a dedicated in-house concierge department, we help clients navigate every stage of the real estate process with confidence, clarity, and results.
Built on Trust and Shared Values
PROVEN PARTNERSHIPS
Jennifer Guimond-Quigley, Attorney At Law
Some professional relationships grow from shared values long before business is ever involved.
Our relationship with Jennifer Guimond-Quigley began more than a decade ago through the Neighborhood Parents Network, where Jennifer served as president. Through our mutual involvement in supporting Chicago families and communities, a trusted professional relationship naturally developed over the years.
Since then, we have collaborated closely on a variety of client matters, particularly those involving estate-related transitions and the sale of homes following the loss of a loved one.
Jennifer has become a valued resource for many of our clients, while she has trusted Busby Group to support families navigating highly emotional transitions that require patience, discretion, and thoughtful communication.
Our shared approach centers around professionalism, responsiveness, organization, and genuine care for the people involved.
“Julie and her team have been amazing to work with. Our initial introduction was through Neighborhood Parents Network, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides resources to parents, which is something Julie and I have both been passionate about. We have successfully collaborated on real estate matters with Julie and her team over the years and notably, I have been comfortable sending clients to The Busby Group who are selling property after the death of a loved one, which is an exceptionally delicate and emotional time and requires special care. They handle all of it with skill and ease. I am thrilled to have them in my corner as a trusted resource and will continue to rely on them when the need arises.”
- Jennifer
Built on Trust and Shared Values
Transitions involving estate planning, probate, or inherited property often require coordination between multiple trusted professionals.
We are grateful for partnerships with attorneys like Jennifer who share our belief that clients deserve not only expertise, but also compassion, communication, and thoughtful guidance during important life moments.
Lock-and-Leave Living in Chicago
Two Luxury Residences Designed for Convenience, Security, and Effortless City Living
For many buyers today, especially those balancing multiple homes, frequent travel, or seasonal living between Chicago and warmer climates like Florida or Arizona, convenience matters just as much as the home itself.
That is why “lock-and-leave” living continues to be one of the most desirable lifestyle trends in Chicago luxury real estate.
The ideal lock-and-leave home offers more than beautiful finishes. Buyers are often looking for:
Full-service buildings with door staff and secure access
Minimal maintenance and simplified ownership
Strong amenity offerings
Walkability to dining, parks, culture, and the lakefront
Easy connectivity for those splitting time between cities
We are also seeing increased demand from seasonal residents and “snowbirds” who want to enjoy Chicago during its best months while maintaining the flexibility to spend winters in destinations like Naples, Scottsdale, Palm Beach, or Arizona.
Two current Busby Group listings embody this lifestyle particularly well.
211 N Harbor Dr #1801
Elevated Living at Cirrus in Lakeshore East
Set within the highly sought-after Cirrus building in Lakeshore East, this residence offers a refined and highly service-oriented living experience.
The home itself features sweeping views of Lake Michigan, Lakeshore East Park, and the skyline, paired with thoughtful upgrades including custom closets, designer lighting, and custom window treatments.
But what truly makes this property ideal for lock-and-leave living is the building itself.
Residents enjoy:
24-hour door staff and secure entry
Professional on-site management
Indoor and outdoor pools
Extensive fitness and wellness amenities
Co-working spaces and entertaining lounges
Golf and sports simulators
Easy access to the lakefront, Riverwalk, dining, and downtown
This type of full-service environment allows owners to enjoy the city when they are here while maintaining peace of mind when away.
View property here:
211 N Harbor Dr #1801
1250 S Michigan Ave #2802
Full-Service South Loop Living with Skyline and Lake Views
Located in the heart of the South Loop, Michigan Avenue Tower I offers another excellent example of lock-and-leave luxury.
This high-floor residence combines expansive views with the convenience of full-service condo living in one of Chicago’s most connected neighborhoods.
Buyers are drawn to this location because of its:
Close proximity to Grant Park and the lakefront
Walkability to museums, restaurants, and downtown offices
Strong building amenities and security
Easy access to city conveniences without the maintenance of a larger home
The building features:
24-hour door staff
Fitness center
Outdoor pool and sundeck
Secure entry and professional management
For buyers spending part of the year elsewhere, this creates an ideal setup that blends flexibility, security, and convenience with an elevated city lifestyle.
View property here:
1250 S Michigan Ave #2802
Why Lock-and-Leave Living Continues to Grow
We continue to see strong demand for homes that support flexibility and ease of ownership.
Many buyers today are:
Splitting time between Chicago and warmer climates
Purchasing second or third residences
Downsizing from larger suburban homes
Looking for a lower-maintenance lifestyle
Wanting full-service amenities and security
Chicago’s luxury condo market offers a unique opportunity to combine:
Full-service living
Prime urban access
Lakefront lifestyle
Relative value compared to coastal cities
For many buyers, it creates the perfect balance between convenience, lifestyle, and long-term flexibility.
Busby Group Perspective
As more buyers prioritize flexibility and lifestyle-driven living, full-service luxury buildings with strong amenities, security, and connectivity continue to stand out.
With over $1B in career sales and extensive experience helping clients navigate second homes, relocations, and seasonal living, we help buyers identify not just the right property, but the right lifestyle fit as well.
Shared Clients and Strategy
PROVEN PARTNERSHIPS
Natalie Hatfield, Estate Planning Attorney
Some of the strongest professional relationships are built through shared clients and shared values.
Our relationship with estate planning attorney Natalie Hatfield began after one of her clients suggested that our teams should work together, recognizing how aligned our approaches were in terms of organization, communication, professionalism, and genuine care for clients navigating important life transitions.
Since then, we have worked together on estate-related transactions requiring thoughtful coordination, strategic preparation, and a high level of responsiveness.
Natalie and her team bring clarity and structure to the legal side of estate planning and administration, while Busby Group helps guide clients through the real estate portion with hands-on coordination and concierge-level support. Together, the goal is to create a more seamless and supportive experience for families during what can often be overwhelming situations.
One estate sale in particular required an accelerated timeline involving home preparation, strategic updates, staging, launch strategy, and closing coordination. Working collaboratively, our teams helped create a smooth process and a strong outcome for the estate.
“I was referred to Julie Busby and her team by my brother and sister-in-law. They had worked with the Busby Group to sell their Chicago home and had a good experience. I needed to quickly sell a home for an Estate I was working on. Julie and her team responded to me on the very same day I reached out to them. Every single step of the way Julie and her team were above and beyond professional, efficient, and pleasant. I was amazed at the work they did in accomplishing a home remodel, listing, and sale within 30 days of my initial call. Their good work resulted in 13 different offers all over asking price and a quick expeditious closing. I cannot say enough good things about the Busby Group.” – Natalie
Why Partnerships Matter
Estate and transition-related sales often involve multiple professionals working together on behalf of a client or family.
We value partnerships with attorneys, financial advisors, insurance professionals, and senior living experts who share our belief that communication, organization, and empathy matter just as much as the transaction itself.
A Neutral and Steady Approach During a Difficult Divorce
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
This sale involved a particularly challenging divorce situation where maintaining professionalism, neutrality, and clear communication was essential throughout the process.
Both attorneys appreciated our calm and balanced approach, recognizing the importance of having a real estate team that could remain objective while helping move the transaction forward constructively.
At the time, the property was located in an area facing softer buyer demand, making thoughtful preparation and positioning especially important to achieving a successful outcome.
After evaluating the market and the home’s condition, we implemented strategic, cost-conscious updates designed to improve presentation and maximize appeal without creating unnecessary expense. Through our trusted vendor network, we coordinated improvements and staging that helped buyers better connect with the home and envision its potential.
Throughout the process, our role extended beyond simply marketing the property. We focused on maintaining structure, reducing friction where possible, and helping all parties navigate the transaction with greater clarity and professionalism.
The result was a successful sale that allowed both parties to move forward and close an important chapter.
Creating Structure and Support During a Divorce Transition
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
This client came to us through a referral, and from the beginning, it was important that the process felt balanced, professional, and respectful for everyone involved.
Attorneys representing both parties reviewed and approved Busby Group to handle the sale, recognizing the importance of having a team that could provide clear communication, thoughtful coordination, and a steady approach throughout the transaction.
Our focus became creating a strategy that would maximize value while minimizing additional stress during an already difficult life transition.
After evaluating the property and the surrounding market, we implemented several cost-effective improvements designed to create a strong return on investment without overextending the sellers. Through our trusted vendor network, we coordinated updates and preparation efficiently so the home could be positioned competitively once it launched.
Communication was a key priority throughout the process. We provided consistent weekly updates to all parties involved so everyone remained informed, aligned, and confident in the next steps.
To further support the launch strategy, we hosted curated events and presentations that helped generate early interest and strong buyer activity.
The result was a successful sale that aligned with both the sellers’ preferred timeline and pricing goals, creating a smoother transition for all parties involved.
A Seamless Cross-Country Transition
A Strategic Sell-to-Buy Success Story
Relocating to another city is challenging on its own. Coordinating the sale of a home at the same time can make the process feel even more overwhelming, especially when timing, job transitions, and uncertainty about the next move all intersect at once.
These clients were preparing for a move to the East Coast for a job relocation, but like many homeowners, they were unsure about the right timing. They wanted to maximize the value of their Chicago home while also avoiding the pressure of having to rush into their next purchase.
Because they were referred to us by a past client through a local moms group, there was already a strong level of trust from the beginning. From there, we built a strategy focused on creating flexibility and reducing stress throughout the process.
Using our in-house concierge team, we coordinated updates and preparation items for both the home and building, ensuring the property was positioned strongly before launch. At the same time, we helped the clients evaluate different timing scenarios for selling and buying simultaneously.
The result was a strategic launch that generated multiple offers over list price along with a complimentary post-close leaseback, allowing the family to remain in their home after closing while searching for their next property on the East Coast.
That flexibility completely changed the experience for them. Instead of feeling pressured to buy quickly, they were able to explore neighborhoods, evaluate options thoughtfully, and ultimately purchase with confidence knowing their Chicago home was already sold.
The Takeaway
For many families, the biggest challenge is not simply selling a home. It is coordinating the timing of both sides of the move in a way that feels manageable and strategic.
With the right plan, it is often possible to maximize your sale price, create flexibility after closing, and avoid the stress of trying to buy and sell at the exact same moment.
At Busby Group, nearly 80% of our clients are currently navigating a sell-to-buy move, and helping create a smoother path forward is one of the things we do best.
Strategic Preparation for a Stronger Estate Sale
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
This client was referred to us by estate planning attorney Natalie Hatfield as the family prepared to sell a home held within a trust.
The property was located in a competitive market where presentation and finish level would play a significant role in the final outcome. The family wanted to maximize value thoughtfully while also being mindful of costs and the many decisions already involved in managing the estate.
From the beginning, our approach focused on creating a clear strategy and helping simplify the process.
Working closely with the trust and family representatives, we evaluated which improvements would make the most meaningful impact in today’s market. Through our trusted vendor network, we coordinated strategic updates and remodeling work at preferred pricing, allowing the home to better compete with surrounding properties while keeping costs controlled.
Our goal was not to over-improve the property, but rather to thoughtfully align the home with buyer expectations in the neighborhood and position it effectively against competing inventory.
Once the updates were complete, we launched our marketing strategy to create strong early demand. The result was multiple offers and a successful sale $26,000 over list price that maximized value for the trust while creating a far more streamlined experience for the family.
A Compassionate Approach During a Difficult Time
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
This client was referred to us by estate attorney Jennifer Guimond-Quigley, who knew the family was looking for more than just a successful sale. They needed a team that would approach the process with care, patience, and a high level of support during an emotionally difficult time.
After interviewing several top brokers, the client selected Busby Group because of the thoughtful, hands-on approach we presented and the additional level of service we could provide.
The home was a Chicago in-town residence, while the client primarily lived on the East Coast. After the loss they experienced, returning to the property while grieving felt overwhelming, so our role became managing the process locally and making it as seamless as possible from afar.
Through our concierge and trusted vendor network, we coordinated every step of preparation, including painting, staging, and getting the home fully market-ready. Throughout the process, we maintained close communication while also being mindful of the emotional weight tied to the home and the transition itself.
Once launched, the strategy generated multiple offers and resulted in a quick, successful sale, which aligned closely with the client’s goals. More importantly, it allowed them to move forward without the added stress of managing the property in person during such a difficult chapter.
Coordinating an Estate Sale from Across the Country
LEGACY & TRANSITIONS SUCCESS STORY
When a trust administrator who lives in Texas called for assistance with the sale of a home in South Chicago, we wanted to step up and help as much as possible. During an already emotional time, they needed a trusted team in Chicago that could coordinate logistics and manage the transition with care.
Our team coordinated the process from start to finish.
Through our concierge and trusted partner network, we arranged an estate sale company, coordinated the distribution and donation of belongings that were not being kept by family members, and managed the preparation of the home for the market. By overseeing these details locally, we were able to handle much of the process on the family’s behalf without requiring them to return to Chicago repeatedly.
As the transaction progressed, another challenge emerged. The town had inspection-related requirements that added additional complexity to the sale process and could have delayed or complicated the closing.
Working closely with all parties involved, our team helped navigate those requirements, coordinated solutions, and kept the transaction moving forward smoothly.
The result was a successful full-price sale that allowed the family to focus on what mattered most while we managed the logistics and execution here in Chicago.