Television shows like those on HGTV make real estate look easy. You tour beautiful homes, sift through your choices, and—boom (insert commercial break)—your dream home awaits. In the real world, finding the perfect home doesn’t happen overnight. With budget limitations and a set of wants and needs that may not always be realistic, it can like finding a needle in a haystack.

But anyone who has worked with Palatine-based real estate broker Maria Devins knows that when she’s on your side, anything is possible. Such was the case of clients Darek and Kasia, who after searching without luck for three years, were referred to Devins by one her previous (very satisfied) Chicago-area customers.

“They met agent after agent who didn’t listen to them—really listen—or take the time and patience to help them on their home ownership journey,” she explains. “They couldn’t find an agent who they felt truly cared about them.”

The caring touch is Devins’ secret weapon, and has been since she became a real estate broker and negotiator more than 12 years ago.

“Kasia and Darek had looked and found nothing until Amy referred them to me. They were not expecting much as they felt everything they saw was just not right, and they had just about lost all hope,” Devins explains. “We initially met and talked in my office for several hours. I wanted them to get to know me and my process. Most importantly I wanted to begin earning their trust and making them feel comfortable, hopeful, and excited to find their ‘special home’ again.”

Devins took them out and within three weeks, they found the perfect house. She walked them through every step of the transaction process—from the offer negotiation to the attorney/inspection review period to the appraisal to closing day.

“Maria was recommended to us by my dear friend, as we were searching for the home in our area for a good three years with no success. Maria took time to get to know us on a personal level and did not try to impress us by sharing results nor telling pampered stories of successful wins from her past,” says Kasia. “We felt that she had our best interests in mind by her asking questions and suggesting different solutions for us. Once we had identified the property that we wanted to make an offer on, she took time to ensure we understood every step in the process. When the offer was made, she truly showed her outstanding negotiating skills and ability to cooperate with the lending partners and real estate attorney.”

A process that once seemed overwhelming and impossible was suddenly made easy.

“Maria made us feel protected and kept us well informed,” she adds. “On our closing day, despite two feet of snow and technical difficulties at the title company, she stood by us ensuring everything would go smoothly—and it did. I’m proud to say thanks to Maria, for making our long-time dream come true. She will certainly make your purchase process the best experience possible.”

Devins, who has been working in sales for 39 years, says listening to her clients has made all the difference.

“You have to pause and hear what they want and what they need to make their dreams come true. A successful real estate transaction is one where everyone is working together for their clients as a team and where both buyer and seller come together feeling that they both gave a little, but got something in return, too,” she explains. “My services for my clients are always at 1,000 percent without fail. I’m their problem solver. I handle anything and everything to ensure that they achieve their goals. Not only is this approach important, it’s paramount and the only way a client deserves to be treated.”

TREND REPORT

Maria Devins prides herself for staying ahead of trends so she can be prepared to help her clients make the best decisions possible—whether they’re buying or selling. With 2019 now in full swing and the spring real estate market about to be sprung, we asked this seasoned pro for her take on what might be coming in the year ahead.

What is the biggest real estate trend to watch for in 2019?

According to Forbes, it is the increase of interest rates, and I agree. Though the last two years brought lower rates than during the recession, it is predicted to change in 2019 with rates heading towards what they were in 2008. The 30-year fixed mortgage is predicted to reach 5.8 percent. On a positive note, it is predicted that Millennials will dominate the buying and many will be first-time buyers. Likewise, this means sellers should list their properties this spring to capture the best offer.

Have last year’s dramatic stock market rises and falls had any impact on real estate?

The fluctuations of the stock market can have different effects depending on areas. 2018s stock market had many big fluctuations, however, not all resulted in negative outcomes. Last year, more investors bought more properties as rentals, and residential sales were still steady because owning real estate is still regarded as getting the best return for your money. A recent article in Fastexpert even said that stock market fluctuations are good because they keep interest rates low and help transfer more money into bonds instead. So when crashes knock on the doors of the stock market, every investor is looking for better alternative ways to make money and real estate can offer a higher payout.

Gen Y is coming up right behind the Millennial generation. What are real estate exerts predicting for this generation?

Let me start by defining and clarifying who Gen Y is. Generation X was born between 1965 and 1979; Gen Y was born from 1980 to 1994; and Gen Z born from 1995 to 2015. Gen Y is broken into two subgroups. One is 24 to 28 years old and the other is 28 to 38 years old. The difference in these two subgroups is how they approach money. The younger group are financial fledglings, just flexing their buying power. The latter group has a credit history, may have their first mortgage, and are raising toddlers. The contrast in priorities and needs is vast. Gen Y will eventually buy after very careful evaluation, consideration. and fact checking. How do we as real estate agents help them? The same way every client deserves to be treated—by gaining and earning their trust and being of sincere service to them. Millennials need an entirely different set of expertise. But authenticity trumps everything when it comes to real estate. If your clients connect with you—if they feel like you get them—you’re more likely to have a successful relationship.

What are your personal predictions for spring and the year ahead?

I think the spring market will bring many buyers and sellers with an equal balance. There should be more inventory compared to last year as interest rates are increasing—bringing out buyers who will be more inclined to finally make that purchase which helps encourage more sellers to list their homes. As far as home appreciation in sales prices, nationally it’s predicted an overall decrease of two to three percent, according to real estate investor Gord Collins. However, in my opinion we may see an increase in our Northwest suburbs—possibly up to four percent. Though a home’s time on the market may increase slightly, it could be worth that extra time for a seller. Because the interest rates are increasing at such a high level and making huge financial differences in a potential mortgage payment, buyers are moving.

This is the last year of the decade. What do you think the 2020s will bring for real estate?

I predict an increase in sales, growth, and more profit return on all real estate investment purchases—whether it be rentals, commercial, or personal residences. This is backed by statistics from Gord Collins. Strong growth is ahead, especially for the Chicago market.

Maria Devins is a broker and real estate agent with Baird & Warner in Palatine and serves clients throughout the Chicago area. Call 847-840-2520 or email [email protected].