“I love a good challenge,” confesses Kim Kelley of @properties, whose passion for real estate was ignited nearly 20 years ago when she was seeking her first home. Through this rather “bumpy” experience, Kim had an eye-opening moment: She saw not only how important a well-rounded and reliable realtor was to this sensitive process, she realized that she could translate her love of working with people into the real estate world.

Winner of the prestigious Road to Rolex award, presented to @properties sales associates achieving $10 million or more in annual sales, she credits her success to the unparalleled level of customer service and care she provides for her clients: “I pride myself on taking all calls and answering emails and texts without delay; helping buyers and sellers in that moment alleviates so much worry and anxiety. People are always surprised that I respond as quickly as I do!”

Kim has loved working at @properties, where she has been in the top one percent in sales for the past seven years: “Nobody else offers what @properties does for their agents, or clients, to help them succeed. Their excellent marketing initiative allows me to best help my clients generate buyers for their homes in the most innovative ways with the best technology available in the industry.”

Along with strong communication skills, Kim has a keen eye for pricing her listings.

As a long-time resident of the North Shore, now living in Highland Park with her 15-year-old daughter, Tyler, Kim is an expert on the area and its market conditions. This means that the properties she handles sell quickly, and on average, within 98 percent of asking price.

Meticulous and detail-oriented, she has become known among clients for her adeptness in readying properties for her sellers to maximize their potential. She has a strong team in place, cultivated over her many years working on the North Shore, from stagers, decorators, and her go-to handyman to favorite attorneys and her trusted lender.

For buyers, she brings that same depth of knowledge and dedication to the relationship, always going above and beyond to find them the place of their dreams while keeping budget in mind. “It’s already been a busy year—lots of people are selling, lots of people are buying,” she says. “I think it will surpass last year, which was my best ever.”

Looking at her listings, among the best across the North Shore, this seems well within reach. There is 2480 Sheridan Road, a 1890s Victorian that seamlessly blends history and cutting-edge technology. Located within walking distance of downtown Highland Park, the 11,210-square-foot property situated on 1.4 acres is pure luxury, featuring over $5 million in upgrades: a spectacular master suite and bath to rival any Ritz Carlton, stunning de Giulio kitchen, and a state-of-the-art wine cellar, gym, theater, and audio/video smart system. With high ceilings, a wrap-around porch, and top of the line finishes, the property is listed at a little over $3 million.

In contrast to the over a century-old Victorian is 26 Prairie Court, a contemporary home conveniently located between Deerfield and Highland Park (and in close proximity to great shopping and dining). The modern concrete and glass exterior holds 4,400 square feet of space, boasts a gourmet kitchen, custom closets, its own elevator, a rooftop deck off the master suite with a fireplace, 2nd-floor laundry, and hardwood throughout, all for a very reasonable $819,000.

“One of my favorite things about the North Shore is its diversity in the style of homes—there can be a Tudor next to a split level, next to a bungalow, next to new construction. That’s what keeps things interesting. Whether they own a $250,000 townhouse or a $6 million lakefront estate, everyone is equally important—everyone gets their text, email, or phone call back in minutes.”

For more information, call 847-293-2919 or visit atproperties.com/agents/kimkelley.