From $135K to $2MM, and everything in between

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Part of the wonder of the season for me is the opportunity to look back and give thanks for all the wonderful people and experiences from the past 365 days--and there was so much goodness this past year! We added new team members, our families grew, and we exceeded every goal we set out for ourselves. 

For me and the rest of the team though, our business and outward success come from a place inside. It’s a drive to help others and to not just exceed goals, but instead exceed expectations. Yes we have a deep set and innate desire to succeed, but more than anything else, it is our desire to help Chicagoans--ALL Chicagoans. While some teams focus on the luxury sector or first time buyers, we don’t look at the playing field this way. Our view is where can we be of service? And let me tell you, that leads to one diverse portfolio! This year alone we worked on a $135,000 condo up to a $2M single family home--and everything in between! We worked as far west as Oak Park/Park Ridge, as far north as Edgewater and as far south as South Loop. And really, we enjoyed every minute of it.

One story I always think about that reflects our mentality, is from clients who initially bought a $1MM property with me. We got it for almost $500K off list price, so I think I was on a little bit of a pedestal in their minds! After their purchase, I got a call that their son was looking for a place, so next I helped him find a $400K condo in a multiple bid situation. Later, the family needed to sell the grandmother’s $40K property outside the city and they wanted our help.  We were able to sell it in record time and at a record price for the tier. This meant a lot to me, as we were able to help every generation in this family and we were truly hands on for every transaction for this family creating a rewarding outcome for each family member. 

I share this story not to toot my own horn (this is actually my worst nightmare!), but to try to shed some light on how differently we see this industry than most. We see ourselves as facilitators of change. As my mom always used to say, attitude is everything! On that note, I asked the team to share what we are most thankful for this year, and this is always one of my favorite blog posts!

Ali: 
I am thankful to have found the Busby Group at Compass where we support each other in a competitive market. I am also thankful for my family and friends who keep me positive and true to who I am. 

Jane: 
I am thankful for my amazing and supportive family. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them, and I feel so blessed to have them in my life as my biggest supporters!

Julie: 
Where do I begin? I have a lot to be thankful for this year! I am so thankful for my family and this precious time to watch my girls grow. I am also beyond thankful for the BRG team.  We are so lucky to have each other! We have created a supportive and collaborative team, which is hard to find in this industry. Plus, by growing our team, I have been able to have more of a work-life balance for the first time in my 18 year career! 

Kenya:
I am thankful for everyone and everything that makes up my life! I am beyond grateful to have a loving and supportive husband, three little fur babies and a house that we’ve turned into a home. Having our family close by and being able to spend time with them is special after all the moving around we have done.  

Liza: 
I’m most thankful for my family. We just welcomed our son, Cody, into the world and he is a perfect, happy and healthy little boy. His big sister, Mila, is so sweet with him. It really doesn’t get any better than this!

Maggie:
I’m thankful for being in good health, and my family all being able to spend the holidays together!

Pamela:  
I'm thankful for my loving and supportive friends and family. I so blessed to have such amazing people in my life!

Susan: 
I am thankful that this year I get to spend the holidays with my entire family and close friends. It’s been a number of years since we have all been able to be together for the holidays. I am looking forward to catching up and eating all of the holiday goodies!

So here’s to what matters the most: time spent with family and friends in celebration of a great 2019!