@properties Broker Associate Elise Rinaldi is always up for a challenge, at least when it comes to her house listings. She often favors the listings that present an obstacle—whether with the property or the client. “The challenging ones push me to think creatively and strategically,” she says with a smile. “To be able to overcome those obstacles is what makes me a better realtor.”

Rinaldi’s willingness to embrace challenging work situations is only part of what makes her a talented realtor; she also has extensive background in the industry. After growing up in Westchester County, a New York City suburb, one of her first jobs out of college was at a commercial real estate company. She then worked in corporate relocation before moving to the North Shore with her family in 2003. For five years, she worked at another brokerage firm before starting her career with @properties in 2010.

During her career, Rinaldi has worked with sellers and buyers from downtown Chicago all the way to Fox Lake, though her main focus is the New Trier Township and Highland Park. When she began working in the brokerage industry in November 2005, the real estate market had previously peaked earlier that year and was already beginning to decline. As a result, she learned to work exceptionally hard to consistently grow her business—something which she continues to do. Rinaldi also attributes her professional success to her dual understanding of the real estate market and her clients. In order to understand the market, she conducts daily research, while learning more about her clients requires a personal ability to recognize their motivation, thought processes, and needs.

In fact, Rinaldi considers herself to be a facilitator for her clients. “My job is to educate them so they can make the best decision,” she says. While the real estate downturn sometimes means that clients are tempted to buy the biggest home for the lowest price, most people will ultimately make a purchase that centers on an emotional connection—which often proves to be beneficial in the long run. Helping her clients make the best decision also involves many challenges along the way, but Rinaldi’s greatest reward as a realtor is when she’s able to overcome difficulties. As a result, her clients often refer her to their family members and friends.

Rinaldi currently lives in Glencoe with her family, and her two children attend New Trier High School. Though she was born and raised in New York, and has since lived in cities all across the country, she is proud to call Chicago her home. She particularly enjoys the blend of Midwest values with big city benefits. “I think there’s a good balance of everything here. There’s culture, beautiful parks and recreation, phenomenal schools, and you’re located in the middle of the country, which makes travel easier. What more could you want? Maybe a little more sunshine,” she says with a laugh.   

For more information, contact Elise Rinaldi at 847-946-8444 or [email protected], or visit atproperties.com.