Putting People First
By Rebecca Holland
By Rebecca Holland
Buying a home is a huge decision, both financially and mentally. Susan Duffey, a real estate agent with @Properties who has a background in psychology and consulting, takes that into consideration in her work.
“So much of the business is emotional and people oriented, and just being able to empathize with people and really get to the heart of the issue, of what people are trying to accomplish, what their goals are, and being understanding in general is really important to me,” she says.
While buying a house is serious business, Duffey says the process can actually be fun.
“I always try to understand the magnitude of buying a home for my clients, both from a financial standpoint and because it’s a life-altering family decision,” she says. “I take the process seriously, but really try to add levity and joy to the situation.”
There are always ups and downs throughout the home buying and selling process, but a positive attitude helps. Things like imagining a family’s future in a new home and having fun redecorating to help an existing home sell are things clients have pointed out as why they loved working with her.
“Her upbeat attitude, accessibility, and attention to detail were truly outstanding,” one client said.
Duffey grew up in Chicago and lived in Logan Square for many years, then moved to Wilmette, and finally Lake Forest. She considers herself an expert on Chicago and the North Shore, and her clients agree.
“She is extremely professional and willing to brave even the most challenging winter weather for her clients. She has a ton of knowledge with regards to both the city and north shore and a great relationship with other realtors in the market. While our plan is to stay put for a long time, if something changes Susan is the first person I would call,” said one client.
Duffey’s parents were contractors and real estate investors growing up, so she always had an interest in the business. After college she worked for a dot.com that eventually went out of business. She got her real estate license in 2002 so she could start investing, but realized because of the market at the time and her experience with the area, she could work in real estate as a career.
Since then she’s worked with all kinds of clients, from first-time home buyers to people downsizing, people moving back to the city, and of course, people looking for investment properties.
She hopes her relationships with her clients begin long before they think of buying or selling and are maintained long after.
“I want people to think of me as a resource. I want them to know they can come to me for any home or real estate needs regardless of where they are in the selling cycle,” she says.
And they do. People connect with Duffey years before they’re ready to sell, mainly to gain access to her rolodex of trusted professionals in every area of home maintenance and remodeling.
Duffey is a sponsor of the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Newcomers Club, a social organization that helps members of the community connect with one another.
“I think it’s just such a great organization, and so helpful for new members of our community,” she says.
With such an upbeat, people-oriented approach and a wealth of knowledge about Chicago and North Shore properties, it’s no wonder Duffey has been making clients happy for 15 years straight.
Susan Duffey is with @Properties, located at 600 N. Western Avenue in Lake Forest. For more information, call 773-220-7875, email [email protected], or visit atproperties.com/agents/2409/susan-duffey.
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