As the market leader in Southeastern Wisconsin, Keefe Real Estate is privileged to be a member of the invitation-only Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LRE). Compromised of the best independent real estate brokerages around the world, LRE connects Keefe with one of the largest networks of real estate professionals that exists.
When it comes to our connection with the Chicagoland area, the LRE network has opened the opportunity for us to grow strong relationships with the best brokerages and real estate professionals in the region. Through these relationships, we are able to partner with companies that share our values and approach to real estate, and to provide best-in-class service to our mutual customers on both sides of the state line.
In the spirit of our Chicago issue, we had the pleasure to speak with the principals at 4 companies that cover the majority of the Chicagoland market and learn what makes them exceptional.
Baird & Warner
At Baird & Warner, we have called Chicago home since we were founded in 1855, and we’ve helped shape the city ever since. From helping the city rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire, to leading the fight for fair housing, doing the right thing is at the core of who we are.
Today, we’re Chicagoland’s largest independent brokerage focused on making real estate easier. That’s why we offer true 360-degree services. All of our agents have access to Baird & Warner’s mortgage and title services, so they can be there for clients every step of the way.
Throughout our long history, our key principles have stayed the same— family and integrity are at the core of everything we do. We believe real estate should be local and personal, and we’re committed to making a difference for our clients and our communities.
1. How many years has Baird & Warner been in business?
We were founded in 1855 and have been serving the Chicagoland community for over 163 years.
2. How many offices and agents do you have?
We currently have 30 offices and almost 2,400 agents. Each of our offices is located in a different community, which allows us to serve clients throughout the city of Chicago and surrounding suburban markets.
3. What area does Baird & Warner specialize in?
Baird & Warner is a residential real estate services company that specializes in making real estate easier for consumers. Whether clients are buying or selling, we’re with them every step of the way.
4. What sets Baird & Warner apart from other firms in your market?
Baird & Warner is the largest independent brokerage in Chicagoland, offering a true one-stop-shop experience. We know Chicagoland unlike any other brokerage, and our record of success and longevity proves that.
5. Why should someone consider moving to your market?
Chicago is a world-renowned city consistently ranked among the best places to live, work, and raise a family. Downtown Chicago has all the best aspects of living in a major city including iconic attractions, museums, innovative restaurants, countless music and cultural festivals, Tony award-winning Broadway shows, professional sports venues, and some of the best shopping around. Additionally, many of our suburbs, which have been nationally ranked for livability, have their own robust city centers where people can walk to wine shops, art fairs, and great restaurants right from their front door.
6.What are some of your favorite things about where you live and work?
I love how easy it is to navigate my commute to and from work using our public transit system. It’s convenient, cheap, and often provides some amazing scenic views. Baird & Warner has offices in the heart of each community, providing access to great local restaurants and community events. No matter the time of year, there’s always something going on, so you truly feel like you’re a part of the community.
Giffith, Grant & Lackie Realtors
Griffith, Grant and Lackie was founded in 1903 by John Griffith. Our brokerage serves the real estate needs of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and the surrounding North Shore communities by delivering quality real estate services while upholding the highest standards of ethics.
Scott Lackie and Brad Andersen are currently the managing brokers and owners of what is the longest, continually operated, family owned business in both Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. What makes us unique is the community focus of both our office and our outstanding team of agents, who excel at their craft because of their dedication to their clients and the communities they serve. Our culture is one that incorporates the best interests of our clients, our community and the many charitable organizations that we are all very proud to be involved with.
1. How many years has Griffith, Grant & Lackie been in business?
Our brokerage has been in business for 116 years!
2. How many offices and agents do you have?
We have two offices: one is located in Lake Forest and the other is in Lake Bluff, Illinois. The locations of our two offices represent our primary market areas, but we do also have brokers with real estate expertise all along the North Shore and into Chicago.
3. What areas does Griffith, Grant & Lackie specialize in?
We focus on residential real estate sales and have a high level of expertise in the luxury market. We also work with relocating executives looking for long term rentals.
4. What sets Griffth, Grant & Lackie apart from other firms in your market?
We are a unique brokerage because of our core values and dedication to providing an atmosphere in the office that includes team work and collaboration in order to achieve the best results for our clients.
5. Why should someone consider moving to your market?
The northern suburbs of Chicago all have incredible amenities that satisfy the needs of practically anyone. We are fortunate to have some of the highest rated schools and some of the most desirable architecture in Northern Illinois.
Lake Forest and Lake Bluff both border Lake Michigan and are ideally located between Milwaukee and Chicago. Lake Forest is a beautiful and peaceful city with a small-town feel that residents‘ treasure. The walkable downtown area is full of unique shops, eateries, boutiques, and the Historic Market Square. Lake Bluff is adjacent to Lake Forest and has a more laid-back atmosphere. he Village of Lake Bluff was once known as a summer resort destination for Chicagoans. Residents feel a sense of rejuvenation living amidst the beauty, peace, and walkability of this historic town.
6. What are some of your favorite things about where you live and work?
Lake Forest and Lake Bluff are both ideal places to call home. We are within a comfortable commute to anything you could ever want for entertainment.
The communities we serve offer fine dining, a beautiful lakefront, manicured parks and recreational facilities and an abundance of housing choices, from small cottages to incredible estates. The residents in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff are proud of where they live. Many families have lived in the community for multiple generations, but there is a welcoming atmosphere that is immediately obvious to those discovering our towns for the first time.
John Greene Realtor
In 1976, John Greene founded John Greene Realtor as a response to what he felt were declining professional standards within the real estate industry. His vision was that there was “A Better Way”, and he wanted to build a brokerage where agents could add value to the local market through a model focused on personal relationships, hand-picked agents, and local expertise.
Now, in 2019, we are still just as committed to our mission of “A Better Way” and helping our communities grow. As the next generation of family leadership guides John Greene Realtor into the future, we remain committed to creating a company filled with hand-picked agents who share the same vision, sensibilities, respect, and dedication as our founder did.
We focus on the quality of our agents over the quantity of our salesforce, and we continue to maintain our reputation for excellence, innovation, and delivering a five-star client experience.
1. How many years has John Greene Realtor been in business?
John Greene Realtor has been in business for 43 years.
2. How many offices and agents do you have?
We currently have four offices and over 200 agents. We primarily serve the western suburbs of Chicago, such as Naperville, Hinsdale, and Oswego. However, our agents follow the needs of their clients, and we find ourselves increasingly doing more business in the city and its surrounding suburbs.
3. What area does John Greene Realtor specialize in?
No matter the price point, we specialize in getting results and creating excellent experiences for our clients. Our agents provide quality service in all aspects of the home buying and selling processes. We are also proud to be members of Luxury Portfolio International and be the leader in luxury sales in Naperville, which is where our headquarters is located.
4. What sets you apart from other firms in your market?
Our training program for agents is second to none, and ensures that all of our agents can become trusted guides to their clients, regardless of tenure. Alongside our exceptional training, our internal culture and the level of teamwork is unmatched. We believe the sum is greater than its parts and we lift each other up.
5. Why should someone consider moving to your market?
From residential to business opportunities, Chicago and its western suburbs have much to offer. From a business perspective, in 2018 Chicago was the top metro area in the country for new and expanding companies, and the state of Illinois was ranked the third-best state in the country for new business developments. In turn, this means Chicago and its suburbs are home to many large and small businesses looking for talent.
Of course, we hold a special fondness for Naperville, as that’s where our brokerage began, and it is still our home base to this day. Just over 30 miles from downtown Chicago, Naperville has been consistently ranked as one of the best, if not THE best, cities in which to live in Illinois, as well as one of the safest. Naperville has an excellent school district, and offers the best of both worlds as a suburban town with a thriving downtown area.
6. What are some of your favorite things about where you live and work?
One of our mantras at John Greene Realtor is live and love locally. Our agents and support team are all very invested in the communities we serve and participate in local charities and groups dedicated to enhancing the communities and its residents. In keeping with that, we created our Circle of Friends program. Each month, we partner with local businesses based in the communities we serve, for a campaign which involves sending postcards to our clients and creating a video and social media ad campaign promoting the business.
The western suburbs are filled with so many great attractions, restaurants, and more. Our goal is to highlight those small businesses and lift up our neighbors, which in turn, lifts us all up.
Gambino Realtors
Founded in 1923, Gambino Realtors is one of the oldest and largest real estate firms in the greater Rockford area. We are also the oldest homebuilding and land development firm, having built some of the finest neighborhoods in our community. Over the years, we have separated ourselves from our competitors by focusing on the agents we hire and by providing excellent customer service. Many of our associates have served multiple generations of the same family.
We’re proud of our region, and we know that our success is directly linked to the success of our community. Many of our associates volunteer with local non-profits, serve on boards of both public and private organizations, and as a brokerage, we financially support many local charities. All of this makes the Rockford region a great place to live, work, and play!
1. How many years has Gambino Realtors been in business?
Gambino Realtors has been in business for nearly a century.
2. How many offices and agents do you have?
We have two offices and nearly 100 agents on staff who are the heartbeat of our company. Our offices are located in Rockford and Roscoe, Illinois, and our market area covers Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle Counties. Through our membership to the prestigious Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, we are able to collaborate with the best independent real estate firms around the globe.
3. What area does Gambino Realtors specialize in?
We specialize in residential and commercial real estate transactions, as well as investment and farm properties.
4. What sets Gambino apart from other firms in your market?
Gambino Realtors is currently one of the oldest and largest real estate firms in the greater Rockford area. We are also locally owned and operated. What sets our brokerage apart from others in the area is the set of high standards we maintain for our associates, and our comprehensive marketing program.
5. Why should someone consider moving to your market?
Rockford, Illinois is frequently rated as one of the most affordable communities in which to buy a home. In addition, we are located at the confluence of I-90, I-39, and US 20, making for a convenient commute to Chicago, Madison, Galena, and the charming towns and villages around us. We also have an international airport with regular service to a number of destinations. Finally, there’s always something fun to do here. Festivals, concerts, sports, great cuisine, and many other civic and cultural attractions and events take place here year-round.
6. What are some of your favorite things about where you live and work?
Rockford has big city amenities with a small-town vibe, so you get the best of both worlds. There is still an abundance of picturesque places to relax, and numerous activities to take part in. In Rockford, there is always something fun to see or do!
