Welcome to the team, Katie Paczesny!

I am incredibly excited to welcome Katie to the team! Katie comes to us from the title world, so she knows an incredible amount about how to successfully close, closing statements and all the key players. Katie is also an incredible athlete, and played volleyball for the University of Illinois during college. Even now I can see why she was so successful as a collegiate athlete: she wants to be the best in everything she does, but is also an amazing team player. That commitment to excellence is very apparent in Katie’s most recent accomplishment: her certification as a showing specialist through one of the country’s top real estate trainers.

We asked Katie a few fun questions so you can get to know her better! Please help me in welcoming Katie to the team!

What did you do before starting in real estate?
Very early on in my career I realized my biggest passion is in building relationships, plus I’ve always  had an interest in real estate. So when I was presented an opportunity to work for a Fortune 500 title company, I went for it. 

Being in a competitive sales environment for one of the top title companies nationwide had really allowed me to utilize the skills I had been taught throughout my life. Dedication, resiliency, accountability, and hard work is what it takes to reach your goals and always aspiring for more. 

My love for real estate grew tremendously as a title representative. By communicating with all the parties in real estate transactions from residential to commercial, it allowed me to work with attorneys, lenders, investors, and brokers through the ins and outs of the process and what it takes to successfully close deals. From there, I naturally transitioned into wanting to become a real estate broker.

What are you most excited about working in real estate as a Broker?
I’m the most excited about seeing my clients happy and being a part of their success. I’ve always welcomed challenges with excitement and an understanding that each transaction is an opportunity to learn something new. 

What are you most excited about in the coming year? 
Although 2021 was an interesting time, there were many positives that it brought on in my life. Last year we planned our wedding and got married, bought a new condo, got a new puppy and switched careers – there was never a dull moment!

I am SO excited about this coming year! I really look forward to being a part of this strong, knowledgeable and talented team of women. I’m excited to help contribute to the team through my hard work, dedication and positive energy, as well as bring over my knowledge from the title world.

What was your big ah-ha moment in your real estate career thus far? 
Communication is key! I believe the best way to gain trust is through prompt, thorough communication that provides solutions to challenges. 

Where do you live in Chicago, and what is your favorite neighborhood? 
I currently live in Buena Park and absolutely love it! Being within walking distance to the lakefront trail, dog beach, Wrigley Field, and many restaurants, there really is so much to do year round! Before Buena Park, I lived in the West Loop for five years, and truly enjoyed being in the heart of the action as well. From walking down to the restaurant row off of Randolph street, to walking the riverfront, and all the many festivals happening throughout the neighborhood. My love for city-living all started in the West Loop and that’s where I really explored all that Chicago has to offer.

LIGHTNING ROUND:

You are a crazy amazing athlete, what is your favorite:

Workout
My favorite workout is HIIT! (High-Intensity Interval Training). I write down all of my workouts and create them usually the night before. HIIT workouts are definitely my favorite because you're putting in maximum effort within a shorter amount of time, usually mixing in some light cardio whether that be incline walk on a treadmill or simply going for a stroll down the Lakefront Trail. 

I also play in volleyball leagues throughout Chicago. It’s a great way to meet new people and still get to enjoy the game I love! Something that I’ve recently picked up since I moved to Chicago is Pickle ball. It really is great cardio and so much fun as well!

Gym in Chicago
I use the gym in my building during the winter. But, when the weather is nice, I head out towards Montrose Beach, there’s a giant hill called “Cricket Hill”. That’s where I like to do hill sprints and body weight HIIT workouts as well! It’s always satisfying with the views to end workouts looking out to Lake Michigan while sitting at the top of the hill.

Best workout tip! 
Do workouts that you enjoy! I really love to workout because I truly enjoy doing the workouts I create. And, it makes it way easier to stay consistent! Writing down my workouts has always helped me track my progress and to challenge myself as well.

What is your biggest athletic accomplishment? 
My biggest athletic accomplishment was committing to the University of Illinois my freshman year of high school. Committing my first year of high school to a full ride athletic scholarship, really kept me focused and motivated to work as hard as possible for success both in the classroom and on the court. All of the skills that I learned from playing at U of Illinois have been transferred into my everyday life. From having self discipline, time management and being accountable to myself and others, to creating and achieving goals, overcoming obstacles and keeping a positive energy,  to really dedicating myself to my work and what I’m passionate about is something that will always be a part of me.