Agent Spotlight: Jeff Nobleza

Chicagoland native and massive Cubs fan Jeff Nobleza had no idea that his path would lead him to a career in real estate. 

After graduating from DePaul University with a degree in Accounting (and a few bruises from playing rugby), he thrived as an accountant and business analyst, sitting for the CPA exam and starting to build his personal investment strategy.

Jeff decided to purchase his first home in 2006 as an optimistic and successful young professional. Unfortunately, the US housing market at that time was at the apex of the bubble which resulted in the subprime mortgage crisis of 2007-2008 and laid the groundwork for the Great Recession. 

His experiences during this time inspired him to pivot to the real estate industry, determined to help hopeful first-time buyers and families who want to establish a true home for their children and build generational wealth.

Continue reading “Agent Spotlight: Jeff Nobleza”

Agent Spotlight – Mark Kowalik

Triathlete Mark Kowalik pivoted to a career in the real estate world after years of excelling in the hotel and travel industry. These experiences helped shape his dedication to providing the concierge customer service that’s launched him into the top 1% of sales of brokers at Baird & Warner. 

Mark is a graduate of Colorado State University, with a degree in recreation and tourism that encompassed marketing, business development, entrepreneurship, and the necessity of building strong client relationships.

He joined Baird & Warner in 2015 after serving as the General Manager of one of the city’s most popular travel companies. Within his first 12 months as a broker, he won the prestigious “Rookie of the Year” award from the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

Continue reading “Agent Spotlight – Mark Kowalik”

How New Brokers Can Overcome Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that causes high-achieving individuals to doubt their accomplishments and abilities. It’s common among new real estate brokers, and it can be a major roadblock to reaching your goals. 

The feeling of not belonging or not being good enough can be overwhelming, and it can prevent those just entering the industry from reaching their full potential

However, with the right strategies and support, you can overcome this mindset and become a real estate superstar. Here are a few insider tips for gaining the confidence you need to succeed from our experienced management team.

Continue reading “How New Brokers Can Overcome Impostor Syndrome”

How Brokers Can Create Healthy Habits – And Stick to Them

Thriving real estate brokers are always on the go and juggling multiple tasks; it can be difficult to develop and maintain healthy habits.

A balance between work and life is crucial to your success in this industry. That means you need to cultivate dedication to making good choices and working toward positive changes both personally and professionally.

Investing in yourself and your business is always worthwhile. Let’s dive into some science-based strategies and approaches that help you break away from unproductive patterns and establish more nourishing routines. 

Continue reading “How Brokers Can Create Healthy Habits – And Stick to Them”

7 Daily Activities Real Estate Agents Can Do to Grow Their Business

Real estate is a competitive industry. To find success, you’ve got to be passionate and tenacious.

The Chicagoland market outlook for 2023 is relatively sunny, but brokers will still face certain challenges, including a lack of inventory. Client education and setting realistic expectations for both buyers and sellers are must-do moves for thriving in the New Year.

Structuring your day in the right way can send your real estate biz to the stratosphere, so we’ve gathered some insights from top agents and industry thought leaders on the best daily practices you can adopt to grow your business and extend your reach.

Continue reading “7 Daily Activities Real Estate Agents Can Do to Grow Their Business”

2023 Chicagoland Real Estate Market Outlook

While many news outlets have a pretty gloomy take on what 2023 holds for the real estate industry, those in the know still see rays of sunshine. 

Since the pandemic, the national real estate market has been on fire, seeing an unprecedented feeding frenzy that resulted in the two busiest years anyone can remember. Now that things are normalizing, it only seems like a foreboding and dramatic shift. 

While the Chicagoland market might be a bit less competitive in the coming year, home prices should remain steady, property values should continue to appreciate (or hold steady), and it’s an ideal time for clients who were sidelined by the dread of a bidding war to start exploring their options. 

Let’s take a deeper dive into conventional wisdom, maverick predictions, and what you can do to ensure your real estate business weathers the storm and continues to thrive. 

Continue reading “2023 Chicagoland Real Estate Market Outlook”

Agent Spotlight Molly Marino

Molly Marino is not your cookie-cutter real estate agent, and she delivers a uniquely rewarding and holistic experience for each of her clients. 

After receiving her MBA from the prestigious Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, Molly believed that she was on the corporate track and destined to be a high-powered marketing executive. 

But like so many passionate entrepreneurs, she yearned for more freedom and decided to make the decision to forge a new future for herself. 

Continue reading “Agent Spotlight Molly Marino”

Content Marketing: Pro Tips for Real Estate Agents

They say “content is king,” which might be a bit of hyperbole, but there’s no denying that creative and relevant content is a guaranteed way to drive traffic to your real estate business website, outshine your competition, and generate solid leads. 

Content, in this context, can and should include video, photography, and written content, and leaves the door open for other current and emerging elements, like infographics and renderings. 

Many agents are good, and getting better, at preparing visual content (think video and images on social media), but where they’re missing loads of opportunity is in written content. 

Continue reading “Content Marketing: Pro Tips for Real Estate Agents”

Baird & Warner Lincoln Park and Good Will Works

At Baird & Warner, giving back to our vibrant Chicagoland neighborhoods is an essential part of who we are. We launched Good Will Works to partner with local organizations that focus on fair housing, animal welfare, financial empowerment, arts education, racial equity, and more. 

In 2021, our company was proud to donate over $175,000 to charitable causes throughout the city, and we’ve given nearly $3 million to date to regional nonprofits.

Continue reading “Baird & Warner Lincoln Park and Good Will Works”

Business Planning for the New Year: How to Set Your Self Up for Success in 2023

As we sail through the final quarter of 2022, it’s crucial to get your business plan in place for the New Year. 

While Chicagoland is a highly unique market that’s not always subject to the same trends as the rest of the country, it’s best to be prepared for whatever comes your way by creating a flexible strategy for the coming year.

At the Baird & Warner Lincoln Park office, brokers receive a tailored template guiding every step of the process and invaluable mentorship on how to build a plan that truly works. While rising interest rates and other challenges facing prospective new homeowners signal a shifting real estate landscape — you can come out on top by building a strong foundation of proactive practices and healthy habits.

Let’s dive into some insider tips for your 2023 plan and how to set yourself up for success.  

Continue reading “Business Planning for the New Year: How to Set Your Self Up for Success in 2023”