Agent Spotlight: Sheryl Graff

A background in finance prepped Sheryl Graff for a perfect real estate career. Now, she is sharing some keen and seasoned advice for industry newbies.

Discover where Sheryl loves to volunteer, what she loves about @properties, and where to get the best braised short ribs in the ‘burbs in this week’s Agent Spotlight.

How did you land in a real estate career?
For me, being a realtor was the logical next step based on my financial background and interest in real estate, plus my strong desire to help my sphere be successful in their real estate transactions.

What were you up to prior to real estate and how did it prep you for this role?
I previously worked in corporate financial planning and analysis and prepared financial projections and financial statements at several area companies. I feel this built my skills background so I can help clients understand market values, and gave me credibility with my clients.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?
I love being able to help my clients move on to the next step in their lives by successfully completing their real estate transaction!

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new real estate agent?
Work harder than anyone else, and take advantage of all the training that you can get…for example, @properties offers a ton of classes and support to get your real estate career off the ground!

What is one thing you literally could not do your job without and why?
My mobile wi-fi access. It allows me to do my job anywhere, even on a beach (is that a bad thing?!)

What is your proudest achievement to date? Professional or personal, or give us both!
My proudest achievement in my personal life is my family, of course! My proudest professional achievement is achieving Top 20 Agent Status in Lake County for 2017 after just 6 years in the business.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be consistent in your marketing….from advertising myself and my business and for my listings.

Tell us the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on the job.
As the saying goes, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

3 things you always bring with you to a showing and why?
I always bring my information on the house, comparables for the house, and my phone, so I’m knowledgeable, whether representing seller or buyer and so I can reply to texts and emails if necessary.

How do you start each day?
I review my weekly goals and adjust my daily schedule accordingly so I am able to best achieve what I set in place.

Describe your own first home.
A 3 bedroom brick ranch with avocado green everything! Yep, that includes appliances, walls, AND carpeting.

What is the first big-ticket item you bought when you moved into your current home and why?
My first big ticket item was wicker furniture for my screened porch which I still have, and I just updated it with new cushions. It has been a great hang out spot for friends and family and has lots of memories!

What is your favorite local restaurant? Why? What is one amazing dish you always order/recommend?
Shakou of Barrington is a favorite because of the outdoor rooftop deck access. You have to try the braised short ribs! They are my favorite because of Shakou’s amazing ginger soy sauce.

What do you love most about your neighborhood?
All of the trees and greenery I see everywhere I go makes me feel so relaxed.

What do you read every single day?
The Wall Street Journal.

How do you stay involved in your community? Philanthropic ties, volunteering, etc.
I volunteer at Stevenson High School every chance I get, and I support friends, family, and clients in their volunteer and fundraising opportunities

You have a full day free in your town with no obligations and cost is no object. What do you do?
Head to the city with friends for drinks and dinner.

If you won the lottery which property would you buy and why?
I would buy a stone and wood ranch on 2 acres in Teton Village, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with amazing views of the mountains (and those views are exactly why).

Who in the industry has made the most impact on your professional journey? 
Don Shea, who convinced me that @properties was the place to be and hired me, Amy Corr, who got my business off the ground and running when I started in Highland Park, and Lisa Cokefair, who has mentored me since I moved to the Barrington office.

What are 3 words clients would use to describe you? 3 words your family would use?
My clients would describe me as intense, knowledgeable and responsive. My family would describe me as opinionated, strong-willed and supportive.

What was one of your most defining moments?
Achieving the Road to Rolex status!

What did you eat for breakfast today?
A dairy free, gluten free, vegetable muffin.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would be able to be in multiple locations at once so I could help more clients!