Love Where You Live
By Karina Kavanagh
By Karina Kavanagh
It didn’t take long for Kathryn and Kelly Mangel to realize they shared a competitive drive. Both North Shore natives, the two met playing sports together in middle school and they have been teammates ever since. Today, Kathryn and Kelly are Team Mangel—the top-producing real estate team within @properties’ Winnetka office—in somewhat of a step up from matching jerseys in middle school. We recently sat down with the real estate gurus to learn more about their careers and get their insider advice for today’s buyers and sellers.
Why do you call yourselves the hometown real estate team?
We both loved growing up on the North Shore, were schooled locally, and couldn’t wait to move back to raise our children here. We have known each other since we were in middle school (sixth and fourth grades, respectively) and grew up playing sports together, which is when we both developed our winning attitude.
Why do people choose to work with Team Mangel?
We don’t like to speak for ourselves, since everything is all about our clients and their opinions matter most. Our LinkedIn and Zillow reviews speak for themselves. We focus on finding our buyers, sellers or renters the perfect real estate solutions for their family. As a client testimonial says, we “take the time to understand your needs and help you get to your end game.”
What advice do you give to sellers?
You have only one shot to make a first impression in the market. It is a price war and a beauty contest, and you must win both! In terms of home improvements, we always recommend cleaning, decluttering, and painting. Updating kitchens and baths will also be helpful.
What advice do you give to your buyers?
Be smart and do your homework about the neighborhoods, schools, properties, and communities. You need to “love where you live” so it is important to do as much research as possible.
What are your favorite North Shore memories?
We’ve always felt that the North Shore is the best place to grow up. We grew up in the era of Risky Business, Home Alone, and The Breakfast Club—need we say more?
There is nothing like riding your bike to school, town, Homer’s and the many beaches including Tower, Elder, Kenilworth, and Gillson.
What are your favorite places on the North Shore?
The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is one of our absolute favorites. We also love the beaches and the restaurants; Guildhall, Torino, Happ Inn, Lou Malnati’s, and of course, Homer’s are just a few of the places you might find us when we’re out on the town.
What is the most important thing in your purse?
Our cell phones and portable chargers so we can always stay in touch with our clients.
What are the best new home inventions?
Quartz and Quartzite countertops are great because they can survive just about anything. Smartphone thermostats, alarm systems, and security camera doorbells are also on the cutting edge.
Photographed at Dayton Street Development’s 338 Melrose in Kenilworth. Wearing clothes, jewelry, and handbags from What Fitz Designs from Gaillee Fitzpatrick.
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