Choosing the Right Office Archives - Baird & Warner Lincoln Park

April 5, 2023April 5, 2023

Baird & Warner’s History of Supporting Fair Housing

April has been designated as Fair Housing Month to commemorate and celebrate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This landmark legislation was part of the Civil Rights Act of that year and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status.

During this tumultuous time, Baird & Warner — the nation’s first and Illinois’ largest family-owned real estate services company — was led by John Baird, the father of our current president, Stephen Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner.

Studying and honoring our past helps us better understand the challenges faced by previous generations of Chicagoans and the ongoing struggle for equality, inclusion, and a just society.

Let’s explore Baird & Warner’s unique, 168-year history and the vital part our organization has played in bringing diversity and equity to the Chicagoland housing market.

March 31, 2023March 31, 2023

Office Support at Baird & Warner Lincoln Park: Improving Agents’ Lives Through Systems & Tools

At Baird & Warner Lincoln Park, we know that a career in real estate gives you the freedom to build an extraordinary life.

Managing Broker David Bailey is often asked about the secret to becoming a top performer in this industry. “There’s no one ‘right’ way to launch a successful real estate business,” he points out. “Instead, I believe in an individualized approach, encouraging brokers to maximize their own natural style and strengths with the support of the office as a whole.”

Baird & Warner Lincoln Park inspires new and experienced agents to build an invaluable ecosystem and a custom business plan so they can truly thrive in their chosen field. The team offers an unparalleled level of coaching, mentorship, volunteerism, and continuing education opportunities.

Let’s dive deeper into the unique tools and systems that will help you surpass your goals and achieve your dream of being a top earner in the Chicagoland real estate world.

November 17, 2022November 17, 2022

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.

May 16, 2022May 16, 2022

How To Source Inventory For Your Buyers In A Low Inventory Market

In a competitive market, buyers’ agents need to find every possible advantage to ensure they stay competitive and are able to meet — and exceed — each buyer’s expectations. But knowing exactly how to navigate Chicagoland’s low inventory market and help your clients to find their dream home can be a challenge. Multiple offer scenarios, unusual seller requests, and difficult negotiations are all commonplace when inventory is low. Here are some tips and tricks on how to source inventory for your buyers in a low inventory market.

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021

The Unexpected Benefits Of A Career At Baird & Warner Lincoln Park

The Unexpected Benefits Of A Real Estate Career At Baird & Warner Lincoln Park

Real estate is a relationship business. And whether you’re just starting out on your real estate career or are a seasoned professional looking to grow a thriving business, the importance of your partnerships cannot be overstated. Your brokerage is more than just a name on a shingle, it’s a set of support systems, mentorship, training, and tools.

At Baird & Warner Lincoln Park, you’ll have access to Chicagoland’s most powerful tools, resources, and support, so that you can keep your attention where it belongs — on turning your business into everything you want it to be. Read on to learn more about the unexpected benefits of a real estate career at Baird & Warner Lincoln Park.

September 29, 2021September 29, 2021

Agent Spotlight: Marjorie Allabastro

As the daughter of an architect, real estate is practically in Marjorie Allabastro’s DNA. Visiting job sites with her father sparked a lifelong enthusiasm for the subject that is evident in her passion for her work. Marjorie started out in real estate development, then took a career detour into the corporate world, but nothing could hold her back from a return to real estate. She brings a sharp focus, clear love of the subject matter, and a tireless work ethic to every transaction, building an enviable loyalty among her clients, who return to seek her services again and again as they navigate home purchases over the years.

September 23, 2021September 23, 2021

Business Generating Vs. Business Servicing: How Are You Spending Your Time?

There’s a lot that goes into the typical day of a Chicago real estate broker. Here at the Baird & Warner – Lincoln Park office, one of the things that we encourage all of our agents to focus on is making sure that they are putting their time to the highest and best use. For new and experienced brokers alike, this often comes down to understanding the difference between the activities that generate new business, and the activities that service the business you already have.

Too often, I see agents get caught up in servicing their business at the expense of generating new opportunities. While this may feel productive in the moment because you’re doing a lot of things, it often means that you’re not focusing on the activities that will actually allow you to grow your business, and make it more sustainable and lucrative for the long haul.

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021

Agent Spotlight: Kate O’Neill

Though she is still early in her real estate career, broker Kate O’Neill has already learned a lot of valuable lessons — and earned some impressive successes in less than one full year in the business.

For one thing, Kate has yet to have a buyer of hers pay above list price, “which is pretty big in the current market that we’re in,” she says. “I’m pretty proud of that!”

For another, Kate has quickly earned a glowing reputation around the Baird & Warner – Lincoln Park office for her social media savvy, particularly using Instagram as a channel to speak to her sphere, sow the seeds for long-term referral relationships, and reach her ideal millennial buyers.

“One thing with my social media that I always keep in the back of my mind is to treat it like my business card and my social proof,” Kate says. “That way, when people look me up, any potential new clients or friends of mine who know I just got started in this can see that I’m busy and that I’m actively working. That I’m constantly hosting open houses, or selling a property, or teaching them something that they didn’t know.”

June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

Agent Spotlight: Jim Abbott

Jim Abbott Baird & Warner Lincoln Park Agent Spotlight

Consistently ranked as a Chicago Top Producer and one of the highest-performing agents at Baird & Warner year after year, Jim Abbott is no stranger to getting asked about the keys to his success. He has two simple pillars that he always shares, he says.

Number one: “Over-communicate and stay organized. Although we buy/sell homes daily, the average buyer/seller only does this every 3-5 years on average. The market and technology will be different than the last time they bought or sold and we need to walk them through that. Give updates, let them know the next steps are, and create a timeline to follow. Be their go to person that keeps in contact with their lender, attorney, inspectors, etc. They have so much to do, anything we can do to help them will be appreciated!”

And number two: “Any chance you get to exceed someone’s expectations, do it! Your job is to execute at 100% but people will remember the small stuff that is unexpected or above and beyond that. It can be as simple as stocking their refrigerator with some snacks and drinks for the day they move in or helping them coordinate painters/movers/etc.”

May 26, 2021May 26, 2021

Agent Spotlight: Becky Sexson

Becky Sexson Baird & Warner Lincoln Park Agent Spotlight

Becky Sexson has earned numerous professional accolades since launching her real estate career five years ago — from being named Baird & Warner’s Rookie of the Year in her first year in business, to being named a Rising Star in Chicago Real Producers magazine, to being designated as a Top Producer in Chicago by the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

But before transitioning from a career path in the not-for-profit space, “real estate was not really ever on my mind,” Becky says.

That all changed when she went through the process of buying a condo, which sparked her interest in the real estate. And, as she tells it, it was her now-husband who first made her believe that a career in real estate might be the perfect fit.

“He put a bug in my ear,” Becky explains. “He would say, ‘hey, I think you’d be great selling real estate. You’re really organized, a great networker, you’re really outgoing, you can build relationships and you’re good with numbers… Maybe it’s something that you might want to consider.’”

So Becky ended up getting her license and jumping into real estate, giving herself a year in which she would devote herself to building her business full-time, with the same level of dedication and planning she had used to structure and excel in her previous 9-to-5 jobs. It ended up being one of the best decisions she ever could have made, she says.