Happy one year with BG, Liza!

Happy one year with Busby Group, Liza! I love to celebrate these milestones because they are a great reminder of just how much we’ve grown over the past few years. In fact, last year our team nearly doubled when we added Liza, Susan and Ali to the team. And, we didn’t add just anybody to the team. Liza is truly one of the best real estate brokers I know. Between her background as an attorney and her natural intelligence and way with people, she is the full package and then some. 

Today’s announcement is extra special because we are also introducing baby Cody to the world. Cody joined the family almost three months ago and is the sweetest baby ever! Liza has a few more days back at home and then will be returning to work in full force. 

Here’s to many more great years together, Liza! I asked Liza to tell us a bit more about her background and why she loves working with BG:

You were an attorney prior to working in real estate. How did you know real estate was your ultimate calling?
Yep, I call myself a “recovering litigation attorney!” While the courtroom was exciting, I found myself wanting to be more proactive in preventing problems rather than arguing about them. I became the Director of Real Estate for the Board of Education, and at the time the City was selling a large portfolio of real estate. I really enjoyed the process of navigating the transactions, and when I transitioned into residential real estate, I found that it’s so rewarding to help someone find their dream home.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?
That it’s such a relationship-focused business. I like getting to know my clients - understanding what’s important to them, how they live their lives, and what they’re looking for in their next chapter. It’s also important to have good relationships with other agents and people in the industry. It can really make a difference when you’re looking for an off-market opportunity or trying to put a deal together and need to collaborate with a contractor or lender.

What does your typical day entail?
Usually a combination of showings, touching base with clients, market research, team collaboration, and some type of appointment - like an inspection, closing or meeting a contractor. Also Starbucks. Every morning includes coffee!

What is your favorite part of working at BG and what was your big ah-ha moment on the team this year?
It was during one of our weekly team meetings where we touch base on our clients, listings, etc. Each one of us had positive developments to report and we also welcomed strategic input from one another. I remember thinking: Wow, not only is each one of us killing it out there for our clients, but there is not one ego in this room. Everyone is thriving, everyone is good at what they do, and each time we collaborate it elevates the whole team and means we can support our clients even more.

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Spring! The city feels like it’s coming back to life after the winter, and the real estate market in Chicago really revs up. I like to be warm, and I like to be busy!

What is your favorite:

Building: The Palmolive. It’s iconic. I’m a sucker for vintage gems.

Neighborhood: For me, it’s a tie between Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast. As a mom, I love how kid and family-friendly Lincoln Park is - very walkable, close to the lake, and it’s full of neighborhood amenities like the zoo, Notebaert nature museum, the conservatory and amazing parks. The Gold Coast is also up there for me because it was the first neighborhood I came to know as a child visiting Chicago. Very classic, quintessential Chicago. (…Can I pick three neighborhoods?? Bucktown is pretty amazing, too, with every kind of hip restaurant/bar/boutique you can imagine. I think it’s fair to say I just love Chicago!)

Street: West Division Street in Wicker Park is my new favorite. Lately it’s become my go-to spot for dinners and shopping - everything at Clever Rabbit is delish and I just got this amazing mid-century credenza from Velvet Underground.

LIGHTNING ROUND FROM THE TEAM:

Ali:

What is your favorite part of working with Liza? She is a team player and always offering ways to help. 
What is one thing Liza’s clients don't know about her? She’s from Wisconsin!
One word to describe Liza: Genuine

Jane:

What is your favorite part of working with Liza?
She is very committed to her clients! She will go the extra mile to be sure they have everything they need.
What is one thing Liza’s clients don't know about her? She loves to ride horses.
One word to describe Liza: Detailed

Julie: 

What is your favorite part of working with Liza?
I love working with another Mom on the team.  Our daughters are similar ages, so it is fun comparing notes and being a support for each other!  Being a working mom requires a village!  
What is one funny thing Liza’s clients don't know about her?
Oh man, where do I begin?! Just kidding….I don’t know if this is funny but two things that stand out about Liza – 1) She is a big equestrian!  She grew up riding horses and is now teaching her daughter. 2) She married her high school sweetheart, Brian! I LOVE that! They are an amazing couple!
One word to describe Liza: Polished

Kenya:

What is your favorite part of working with Liza?
She is always positive and I can always count on her! 
What is one funny thing Liza’s clients don't know about her? Not necessarily funny but INSANE! She was able to keep the sex of her newborn a secret from everyone including her husband and daughter! I would have let it slip!
One word to describe Liza: Graceful

Maggie:

Favorite part about working with Liza?
She’s always positive!
What is your favorite part of working with Liza? Liza is also an attorney.
One word to describe Liza: Thoughtful

Susan:

What is your favorite part of working with Liza?
Liza is always positive and happy. She is a joy to be around!
What is one thing Liza’s clients don't know about her? Liza was an attorney before getting into real estate.
One word to describe Liza: Compassionate