Home buyers and sellers can work with solo agents or brokers in a one-on-one partnership, but sometimes two heads might be better than one. Chris Puszynski, a broker with @properties in Lake Forest, recently had the opportunity to work with new @properties agent Julie Frentzas to sell a luxury listing.

“Julie and I are exploring the idea of partnering together, talking about how we can use each other’s best talents,” Puszynski says. “I’ve been in the business for a long time and Julie brings a fresh perspective with a background in the health care field as a nurse and in pharmaceutical sales.”

“This is a new career for me,” adds Frentzas, “however, there are similarities. In both healthcare and real estate, the patient and client are the No. 1 priority. Also, diligence, resourcefulness and integrity help to bring the best possible outcomes. Utilizing Chris as a credible, reliable resource enables me to increase the value I bring to clients. It’s a real win for the client, as they gain two perspectives.”

The two share a belief that trust and integrity are paramount in the real estate business.

“We have a sense of trust between us, there’s integrity, all of the characteristics that are important in our business,” says Puszynski. “Julie is one who wants to do everything in her power to make sure everything is as good as it can be. She does her research to make sure clients get the best result.”

Puszynski points out that the real estate field can be collaborative, but that today many agents are on “their own little island.”

“There are lots of teams today and I’ve seen some that have worked and some that have not,” she says. “Julie and I have to work out the business model that’s best for us.”

“We have collaborated on a few things and work really well together,” Frentzas says. “The client wins when they’re getting two professionals and two perspectives, instead of one. This is how I worked in health care, by utilizing all of the resources you can bring together.”

Puszynski’s experience, combined with the energy Frentzas brings being new to the field, will help both buyers and sellers take advantage of current trends in the North Shore market.

“Buyers are appreciating updated properties that have a newer look and feel,” Puszynski says. “It takes so much time and effort to update a property and sometimes that can be daunting and intimidating. Older homes are becoming difficult to sell. Fresh sells.”

Proper staging has also become an increasingly important factor in the sales process.

“We definitely don’t show our houses the way we live in them,” Puszynski says. “Photos don’t look the same online as in person, and first impressions really matter. That trend isn’t going to go away.”

This knowledge about trends in the Chicago region—gained through experience and a desire to provide the best service to clients—gives Puszynski her edge.

Just ask Tracey Lafferty, a Chicago-based television director who Puszynski recently helped find a condo off Lake Shore Drive near Navy Pier.

“Chris worked endlessly with me to find the right property, and once we found a property she didn’t stop there.” Lafferty says. “Any question I had she researched the answer. I can’t thank her enough for her research, knowledge, and commitment.”

Chris Puszynski is with @properties, 600 North Western Avenue in Lake Forest, 847-812-7265, atproperties.com.