Agent Spotlight: Anne Hodge

If you need to know how to spend a day in La Grange, @properties broker Anne Hodge is your girl! From food to fun, we’re pretty sure Anne has a go-to for anything under the sun.

Enhancing her real estate skills through parenting (there’s more overlap than you’d think!), Anne is involved wherever her family is — in the neighborhood or at school. We think La Grange is lucky to have her and we know we are.

@properties: How did you land in a real estate career?
Anne: When my best friend was looking for her first condo, I tagged along for her second opinion. I loved the process and the unexpected complexity of the real estate world. The experience made me realize I wanted to be a part of it.

@properties: What were you doing previous to real estate and how did it prepare you for your current role?
Anne: I have a civil engineering and sales background, and the experience of both have helped me immensely. However, the skills I find most important in real estate – patience, empathy, listening, and stress management – I learned from being a parent!

@properties: What is your favorite part of working in real estate?
Anne: I enjoy the opportunity to help others, not only during the sales process but helping clients after the sale to acclimate to their new community.

@properties: Describe your own first home.
Anne: My first home was a 4th-floor condo on Division and Winchester. It had amazing character with exposed brick and beams. I’m dating myself, but my only complaint was that Division was too sleepy – nothing like the restaurants and retail today!

@properties: What is the first big-ticket item you bought when you moved into your current home and why?
Anne: Hardwood floors. We bought a historic home with lots of carpet and tile on the first floor.

@properties: What is one thing you literally could not do your job without and why?
Anne: My phone!

@Properties: What is your favorite local restaurant? Why? What is one amazing dish you always order/recommend?
Anne: It’s a tie! Prasino has a vegetarian-friendly menu that I appreciate and they have a great brunch menu – I recommend the vegan tacos. I also love Kama Bistro for dinner. They were awarded best Indian food in the suburbs for a reason. The Dal Makhani is excellent.

@properties: What do you love most about your neighborhood?
Anne: The urban-suburban vibe. La Grange has the walkability of a city, with fantastic restaurant and boutiques, and the sense of community you would find in a small town. It’s the perfect combination.

@properties: How do you stay involved in your community? Philanthropic ties, volunteering, etc.
Anne: I am involved in La Grange Area Newcomer and Neighbors, La Grange Business Association, and volunteer at my children’s school. I am excited to sponsor a golf outing to benefit Winning with Wyatt in September, which supports pediatric brain tumor research. It’s important for me to give back, and I love that @properties gives so much back to the community.

@properties: You have a full day free in your town with no obligations and cost is no object. What do you do?
Anne: I’d have brunch with my family at Prasino and stop by Anderson Bookshop on the walk home, which is a family favorite! To catch some free time to recharge, I’d get a pedicure at Broken Nail Boutique, grab a cup of coffee at Owl and Lark, and shop at boutiques like Jayne and Vintage Charm. To end the day, I’d have dinner with friends and a nightcap on the rooftop of fourteensixteen.

@properties: What is your proudest achievement to date? Professional or personal, or give us both!
Anne: I was extremely grateful to be included in the Road to Rolex winners group this year. On a personal level, I am proud of my loving and supportive family.

@properties: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Anne: Attitude is everything.

@properties: What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new real estate agent?
Anne: Don’t give up! Success rarely comes overnight. This business can be tough, but don’t get discouraged, and above all, keep a positive attitude.