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KATHERINE KARVELAS, a broker with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, ranks among the top 1 percent of brokers in the greater Chicago area and nationwide, earning recognition for her sharp strategy, discretion, and results-driven commitment. She has been featured in Crain’s Chicago Business, The Real Deal, Chicago magazine, RealTrends Top 100 Agents, and MSNBC. Described by clients as “the powerhouse partner you need in your court,” Karvelas is insightful, composed, and always steps ahead, consistently exceeding expectations. Armed with two master’s degrees and a professional background in construction and academic leadership, she brings both rigor and vision to every transaction. Whether listing a legacy property or securing a quiet acquisition, her reputation speaks for itself. Outside of real estate, Karvelas advises SuperFile and is active in philanthropic organizations including the Women’s Philoptochos Society.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind? I want people to remember that I didn’t wait for perfect conditions to pursue something greater, but that I created them. I hope to be known for lifting others as I climbed, for pushing through when the odds said otherwise, and for never forgetting where I came from. I hope that my children see that resilience, kindness, and grit can open doors to a life you once thought was out of reach. That’s the legacy I’m building. During one of the hardest seasons of my life, raising three young children on my own, I rebuilt not just my career, but my entire future. That journey lit a fire in me to live with purpose, lead with excellence, and never let my circumstances define me. Professionally, I strive to be remembered as someone who raised the bar and elevated the industry with integrity and leadership.
How do you define confidence—and how have you built it? Confidence isn’t loud or perfect; it’s quiet strength. It’s knowing who you are, what you stand for, and refusing to let noise, comparison, or doubt define your worth. It’s standing firm when life gets hard and not seeking validation from people who don’t know your story. I’ve built confidence brick by brick through adversity, through growth, and by staying rooted in conviction and guided by my values. True confidence means celebrating others without questioning your own path. For me personally, confidence comes from action, alignment, and remembering how far I’ve come and it’s something I continue to build every single day.
For more information, visit katherinekarvelas.com. You may also follow her on Instagram @KKarvelasRE.
