Redefining Luxury
By Alice York
By Alice York
Jena Radnay, the top broker at the North Shore office of @properties, itself the number one brokerage firm in Chicago, has become known over the years for her down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is approach—“I don’t sugarcoat,” she admits.
That’s because this Hinsdale native is all about getting to the soul of a property and of her client. She has the unique ability to figure out how to work within these two sets of personalities, the client’s and the home’s, and how to marry and merge the two to bring the house to life for prospective buyers.
Radnay brings strategy and intelligence to the table to get the job done: “You have to look at what’s trending in business to understand where to intercept your buyer. It’s not just about the transaction. It’s about understanding the economic market and what the political nuances are at the time. You have to be knowledgeable.”
For Radnay, value relates to more than just the number on the listing. “At the end of the day, people don’t want a team or a lock box—they want you. I’ll meet with clients once a week to talk about the market. What that does is create a rapport and add value to a relationship. What needs to always remain intact, besides the listing, is the relationship. Life’s value is in meaningful relationships, not material things.”
“Clients are looking for someone that they can relate to—what it comes down to is service. In the luxury market, you have to be available 24/7. Even if it’s just a quick call or quick text, I never leave my clients stranded. I will always make time for them—even while at the drive-thru at Portillo’s!”
The 1.21-acre property Radnay just sold at 340 White Oak Lane by Michael Bennett Homes, an example of the thriving market for new construction in the North Shore, is just one of her many unique listings. People are still calling her about this “Modern Nantucket” even after it went off the market!
There are three other Winnetka homes, still on the market at press time, that have also captured Radnay’s heart. Located at 735 Sheridan Road is a timeless British Colonial (and matching coach house) on nearly 3 acres, listed for $12.9 million. The property features a marvelous pool—complete with its own cabanas, a private sandy beach, and clear views of Lake Michigan. As she says, “It’s a once in a lifetime piece of property.”
The French Regency Villa home at 480 Oak, designed by notable Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall—another example from Radnay’s roster of luxury beachfront properties—is listed for $6.495 million. The former carriage house to the Hayes Mansion is made all the more spectacular by its tiered veranda leading to a 95-foot wide beach.
Described as “Hollywood meets the Midwest,” is a Richard Landry-designed masterpiece located on 68 Locust Road, featured in the renowned architect’s book Private Estates. This 6-bedroom, 6-bath property set on over 2 acres of award-winning landscape is luxury at its finest: “I have never seen a house like this,” shares Radnay.
For her success, Radnay credits her parents, Dr. William and Janie Fischer (“her rock”), both still living in Hinsdale. Now in her early-40s and married with two children (Anne, 10, and Jack, 8), Radnay has settled down in Winnetka. These relationships are all-important to the bighearted broker—anyone who knows her or has worked with her before will agree that she treats everyone around her like family.
She admits she is at her best at her busiest and thrives when she is multitasking, from school drop-offs and soccer games to walking the grounds of a multi-million dollar listing.
It is this dedication, warmth, and tenacity that set her apart. And it takes a one-of-a-kind personality to sell one-of-a-kind luxury houses.
Jena Radnay, @properties, Winnetka office, [email protected], 847-881-0200
Sign Up for the JWC Media Email