Agent Spotlight: Kourtney Murray

Oozing with confidence, tenacity, and drive, Kourtney Murray has worked hard to leave her mark on the Chicago real estate scene. No one knows this better than her clients, who inspire her to do her job every single day. But that’s not all there is to know about this Lakeview resident.

A few moments spent with Kourtney will leave you saying, “did we just become best friends?” Don’t believe us? See for yourself:

@properties: How did you land in a real estate career?
Kourtney: Right after college, I began my career in real estate at a small boutique brokerage in the Ukrainian Village as an administrative assistant. From there, I worked my way up to becoming their marketing manager and later their content manager, overseeing and implementing marketing strategies for over forty brokers and their listings as well as creating and designing the company website.

@: What is your favorite part of working in real estate?
K: That look in peoples’ eyes when they’ve found their home. There’s nothing like that.

@: How do you start each day?
K: My husband is the sweetest and makes me a cup of coffee every morning while I snuggle in bed with our dog and browse online for ideas and inspiration. I have to be strong and sharp all day, so I always make sure to start my day off by feeling cool and collected.

@: Describe your own first home.
K: I’m only 27, so I feel lucky that I’ve even owned one! It’s the most inspiring place because the neighborhood is just as much apart of our home as the condo itself. We live about 300 feet away from Wrigley Field (spoiler alert: we’re huge Cubs fans). The energy you feel walking just to the corner and back is indescribable, and I’m so proud to live where I do. Yeah, the traffic and crowds can be tough, but that’s just part of it.

@: What is one thing you literally could not do your job without and why?
K: My clients. They inspire me to do this job every day–and let me tell you, it’s a very tough job. My clients trust me to help them find the place where they can feel themselves and help their friends and family do the same. Without that trust and those amazing people, KM wouldn’t exist.

@: What is your favorite local restaurant? Why? What is one amazing dish you always order/recommend?
K: TWO Restaurant & Bar is our go to. From dinner with friends to hosting our wedding reception there, we’ve always enjoyed the food and memories we’ve shared at TWO.

@: What do you love most about your neighborhood?
K: Living in Lakeview is all the feels–it’s indescribable. You have the crowds of Wrigley Field juxtaposed with a family teaching their child how to ride a bike. It’s so humbling. And between all of that, in one of the most populous neighborhoods of Chicago, I see someone I know every single day. That sense of community is almost unheard of! Lakeview is such a large neighborhood with so many residents, but being able to experience that every day is incredible.

@: You have a full day free in your town with no obligations and cost is no object. What do you do?
K: I’d head over to Caffe Streets in Wicker Park and stop by a local dog park or walk around the neighborhood to admire the street art and city. I’d grab some brunch with my girlfriends at Lula Cafe in Logan Square. Of course, I’d have to catch a day game at Wrigley Field while enjoying a hot dog and beer. Then, I’d stop over in Fulton Market for a light dinner and drinks and end my night at a concert with friends.

@: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
K: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” My father has said those words to me my entire life, and when things get tough I always remember to pick myself back up and keep going. There isn’t anything that can bring me down.

@: What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new real estate agent?
K: Stop comparing yourself to other brokers. We’re in a time where you can be a disruptor and a creator. Be that person. Be you.

@: If you won the lottery which property would you buy and why?
K: Let’s be real…we all know I’d be calling the Ricketts.

@: Who in the industry has made the most impact on your professional journey? Tell us about that.
K: My managing broker, Rick Sobin, and the @properties staff are truly like family to me and have encouraged and supported me throughout this crazy journey. That feeling of home even within my workplace is something I’m beyond grateful for.

@: What are 3 words clients would use to describe you? 3 words your family would use?
K: Anyone who’s met me would describe me as tough, supportive and fair. I’ve been through a lot of hardships in my life, especially as an adult trying to start her own career. My clients and family have seen me go through a lot yet still persevere–I’m definitely one tough lady. I’m also the person who will ensure that you’re happy and confident in everything you do. I’m the one you text late at night when something is bothering you. Supporting the people I care about is so important to me. Lastly, I’m fair. Being honest has been key to my success. Whether you’re renting a studio condo or a multi-million dollar development, I treat all of my clients the same. Every home is someone’s dream home.

@: What was one of your most defining moments?
K: There was a 4-5 month period when my husband and I had to live with my folks in Hawthorn Woods due to severe rain damage in our condo. It was the summertime (peak real estate season), and I was driving over 100 miles every single day and working countless hours. Some nights I was stopping at my clients’ homes at 9 p.m. to pick up checks, and other nights I was driving newly-relocated Chicagoans around the city so they’d be more acquainted with their new surroundings. I was doing anything and everything to ensure my clients’ happiness and then some.

The more clients I helped the more I was able to find myself and grow KM into what it is today. It made me into an incredible human being that I did not know I was capable of becoming.