AWARD-WINNING AGENT

Polish immigrant and Burr Ridge resident Kathy Szuba has built a successful real estate career on her empathy, determination, and savvy negotiation skills.

Kathy Szuba’s childhood growing up in Poland taught her to be a hard-working, go-getter—skills that have contributed to her being one of RE/ MAX Legends top agents.

“I just received the RE/MAX Hall of Fame award,” says Szuba, who joined the Oakbrook Terrace office three and a half years ago. “I was on the front page of a Polish magazine as the best Polish speaking agents in Chicago.”

She moved to the U.S. when she was 16 and bought her first home in Willow Springs at the age of 22—an impressive achievement.

“After rehabbing that house, we built a house in Burr Ridge in 2008, where we still reside,” Szuba adds, explaining that she pursued a career in real estate about 11 years ago because she loves helping people navigate big life decisions. “Buying or selling a home is one of the most important moments in someone’s life, and I want to be the person to guide them through it with confidence and care.”

She has gone on to receive Platinum awards for her work every year since 2018, positioning her as one of the top realtors in the area. When working with a buyer or seller, Szuba puts herself in their shoes for the duration of the process. Her empathy and compassion, fueled by a keen eye for her client’s preferences and best interests, are among her many strengths. Szuba is also known as a strong negotiator.

“Negotiation helps balance the interest of my buyer or seller leading to a smoother transaction and reduces risk of the deal falling through,” she explains. “It is very important to know how to negotiate a deal in the multiple offer market to help your buyer to win it or the seller to pick the most secure offer.”

This is especially true during the recent inventory shortage, which shows little sign of changing anytime soon.

“The inventory buildup from the pandemic has certainly had a lasting impact, and while we’ve seen some normalization, the market is still in a state of adjustment,” says Szuba. “Looking ahead, I anticipate a continued shift toward balance—but with some key variables at play, like interest rates, inflation, and consumer confidence.”

For the first time since the pandemic, we might finally see opportunities for buyers as sellers become more motivated to sell, especially with aging inventory. On the flip side, she explains, sellers will need to price more strategically and ensure their homes are market-ready.

“I’m helping my clients prepare by staying laser-focused on local trends, keeping them informed with up-to- the-minute data, and creating tailored strategies—whether it’s timing a purchase, negotiating the best deal, or prepping a home for maximum impact,” adds Szuba. “It’s all about staying agile and making smart, informed decisions in a market that’s evolving.”

As the market evolves, so does Szuba. She loves meeting new people and helping them find their dream home, often making new friends for life.

“My favorite part is helping people find the one—that perfect home that clicks for them. There’s something super rewarding about guiding someone through such a huge, personal decision and seeing their excitement when it all comes together,” she adds. “Also, every day is different—new clients, new properties, new challenges. It’s never boring, and you get to be part match-maker, part negotiator, part problem-solver.”

For more information about Kathy Szuba and RE/MAX Legends, visit remax.com/real-estate-agents/kathy-szuba-oakbrook-terrace-il/102195473.