MICHELLE PARNELL was working in the banking industry when she moved with her family to Lake Forest more than 20 years ago, so it was a natural move for her to transition to the real estate business in 2018.

“I’ve always been in the banking industry which sets me aside from other brokers,” Parnell says. “I was in the mortgage financing business for almost 20 years, so I obviously just stayed in the same vein but switched my career up to sell real estate versus financing it.”

Parnell is a broker with @properties in Lake Forest and focuses primarily on the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff market and travels to other communities on the North Shore as well.

She currently has a listing in Glenview.

Clients who hire Parnell to help them find a home for purchase benefit from Parnell’s extensive knowledge of the different programs available for financing.

“Whether it’s jumbo or conforming loans, there’s criteria required by the banks offering financing terms,” she says. “I understand the financial markets, and it makes it very convenient for my buyers,”

Over the course of the past year, the real estate market on the North Shore has exploded, and currently the market is one of the tightest on record. Parnell maintains a strong network within the real estate world that can benefit her buyers.

“Since COVID-19 the market has taken a 180-degree turn. There was four years’ worth of inventory and people leaving the city to come back out to the suburbs, so the market has changed drastically,” Parnell says. “Now there is no inventory, but things get listed and things get sold immediately, so having an agent with inroads to inventory is helpful.”

Having a broker that has deep roots in the community and a firm grasp of area amenities is also important. Parnell’s 20 years as a Lake Forest resident keeps her well-positioned to so serve both buyers and sellers.

“Buyers definitely need a local real estate agent who has inside knowledge of pre-listings,” she says. “If you’re buying or if you’re selling it’s the same thing. You need a real estate agent who has inside knowledge of buyers to get the most bang for your buck.”

While buyers might get deflated by the lack of inventory on the market, Parnell says it’s still worth looking as long as interest rates stay low. With today’s tight market, financing can be tricky, and Parnell can advise clients on their best options.

“Whether buying or selling, I have the tools to negotiate in my clients’ best interest,” Parnell says. “Open communication and availability is my motto If you’re looking to buy or sell a home. I’m available via phone, email, or at the office— I’m tech savvy and my virtual door is always open.”

Michelle Parnell is with @properties, 600 N. Western Avenue in Lake Forest, 847-528-8471, [email protected].