AMERICAN DREAMS

Lydia Memeti loves helping her clients realize their real estate dreams, whether it’s a young first-time buyer or a couple looking for the ultimate empty nester retreat.

“I’m really proud of being able to help people achieve their goals,” explains Lydia, an Oak Brook resident who came to the Chicago area five decades ago and has since built an international reputation for her success as a real estate broker.

Her son, Nick Memeti, is commonly known as the architect and driving force to The Memeti brand name. Serving as CEO and owner of iLoan, a direct mortgage lender, his mission is to help to grow an already thriving family business that has collectively been involved in more than $10 billion in real estate transactions over the past 30 years.

“The goal is to keep expanding the RE/MAX Legends brand,” explains Nick, adding that The Memeti Group now has two RE/ MAX offices—one in Oakbrook Terrace and another one in Roselle that serves the O’Hare area market and Northern Suburbs.

Lydia’s own career in real estate is an American success story.

The mother of three didn’t get started until the age of 32, joining her husband in the business just one short year after he started real estate. She has since gained the highest honors in the industry, including induction into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame; RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award; RE/MAX Club; RE/MAX Diamond Club; and the RE/MAX Titan Club.

Even more impressive is that as a result of these achievements, Lydia is among the Top 1 percent worldwide producers for RE/ MAX—a feat that distinguishes her from any of the countless thousands of RE/MAX agents around the globe.

As one might imagine, she has witnessed countless changes in the industry over the decades.

“Back in the 1990s, we didn’t have all the technology we have today,” says Lydia, explaining that in those days realtors had to drive buyers around to see homes in their cars, rather than directing them online for the first look. “Online platforms have made it easier for consumers to check daily inventory and create a more specific and narrowed housing search.”

Nick says the recent housing boom and an ongoing inventory shortage has presented different types of challenges.

“A lot of people would love to buy right now but can’t,” he explains. “We have more buyers than sellers. It’s good for sellers because whoever sells is really getting their best price. However, it’s counterproductive for buyers. They could put in 10 to 15 offers before they finally get a house.”

With prices reaching historic highs, affordable properties are more in demand than ever.

Lydia says she recently had 100 buyers come through an open house in Bolingbrook for a home in the $370,000 price range. “We had to tell them to line up,” she adds. “I haven’t seen that in almost … well, never.”

Despite these obstacles, Nick says The Memeti Group had one of its most successful years yet in 2023.

“This is the fastest growing RE/MAX location in the Midwest,” he adds. “We’re growing our reputation with some of the most trusted professionals in the industry.”

RE/MAX Legends has offices at 17W480 22nd Street in Oakbrook Terrace and at 455 N Roselle Road in Roselle. For more information, call 708-267-0971 or visit memetigroup.com.