Agent Spotlight: Liz Salinas

Liz Salinas is committed to making her home buying and selling experience enjoyable and seamless from start to finish and has the accolades to prove it!

Both Liz’s passion and caring nature are reflected in everything from the story of how her family got their dog to what she looks for in a restaurant. Discover these things and more in this week’s Agent Spotlight.

First things first; How did you land in a real estate career?
Beth Wexler and I have been friends since college. I was looking to get back into the workforce. She thought real estate would be a good fit for my advertising/marketing background.

What were you doing before jumping into real estate and how did it prep you for this role?
I was an advertising industry executive for over 15 years and worked with many high profile clients managing their marketing and media budgets. This provided me with the organizational, communication, and negotiation skills that are crucial for success in real estate. It also gives my clients a unique marketing advantage.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?
I love the challenges that I am presented in real estate. Whether working with a seller or buyer, the end goal is the same – to get to the closing table. Being an integral part of that process, means I need to approach each transaction with determination, integrity, and creativity. The best reward is a happy client.

What is one thing you literally could not do your job without and why?
My cell phone (like every realtor?). It keeps me connected to my clients, trades, attorneys, inspectors and other agents. It also allows me to be efficient. In between showings and appointments, I can respond to texts, emails, DocuSign, access Dropbox files, and check my calendar.

What do you read every single day?
Crain’s Chicago Business and Chicago Bisnow Morning Brief

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on the job?
I had a listing that unfortunately had an electrical fire. Thankfully, the house was vacant since the owners had already moved out of town. The fire department could not get a hold of my sellers and my cell phone number was on the for sale sign, so I was the first person they called. The house was left with major fire and water damage. Since my sellers lived out of state, I became the liaison for my seller with their contractor and was responsible for many of the remodeling decisions. After 10 months, the house was completed and sold pre-market for 98% of the asking price.

What is your proudest achievement to date? 
I promised my family that after I sold a specific number of homes, I would get them a dog. After achieving this goal, I surprised them with Homer, our rescue dog. His name symbolizes my personal and professional achievement.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new real estate agent?
Educate yourself and be adaptable. Before I became a full-time agent, I had the opportunity to assist @properties city and North Shore agents with their marketing and administrative needs. This “training program” allowed me to immerse myself in the world of real estate and learn first hand from local industry leaders. Also, take advantage of continuing education classes. The landscape is constantly changing and agents need to stay ahead of the curve.

3 things you always bring with you to a showing and why?
My cell phone, listing sheets/property brochure and the property’s list of improvements. As a listing agent, it is my job to know everything about a seller’s home and be able to respond immediately to questions.

How do you start each day?
I wake up at 6 am and start my mornings with a large cup of coffee while checking and responding to emails. I then make sure my two teenagers are ready to leave for school. After that, I walk my dog, Homer.

Tell us a little bit about your first home. 
My husband and I lived in a two bedroom, two bath townhome in Landmark Village in Lakeview. It was move-in ready and the perfect starter home where we had our first child.

What is the first big-ticket item you bought when you moved into your current home and why?
I recently re-decorated my master bedroom. It is white with touches of grey. I like a neutral palette with touches of texture. I have a vaulted ceiling, so the white makes the room feel so light and airy. My favorite purchase is my Souk rug, which is incredibly soft. My bedroom is where I just want to relax and unwind after a long day.

If we had to try one restaurant in your neighborhood, where should we go and what should we get? 
Abigail’s in Highland Park. Their food is delicious and I love that I can walk there from my home. I always get the wheat berry kale salad and the roasted brussels sprouts. I also like Night ‘N Gale in Highwood. They have a delicious Grecian chicken with roasted vegetables and pour a great cocktail. Both restaurants are staples on the North Shore and always make their customers feel at home.

What do you love most about your neighborhood?
I live in the Ravinia neighborhood in Highland Park. Ravinia is like a little town within Highland Park, where there are restaurants and shops. It is a great location, walkable to Rosewood Beach, Wednesday Farmer’s Market, Thursday Food Trucks, The Green Bay Trail, Ravinia Festival, train, parks, and schools.

How do you stay involved in your community? 
I am involved with the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation which raises awareness and funds for GI cancer research. I have also served on the Highland Park High School PTO executive board, as well as, the Ravinia Elementary PTO board. My daughter, Sophie, and I recently started volunteering at the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

You have a full day free in your town with no obligations and cost is no object. What do you do?
My husband and I would go for a walk with our dog on the Green Bay Trail, stop at Arriva Dolce for coffee and then a night at Ravinia Festival. Highland Park offers its residents exceptional amenities, that it is hard not to take advantage of them.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My dad had three mottos when I was growing up – 1) Don’t overlook the details, 2) Don’t forget where you came from and 3) Don’t believe your own BS. It has stuck with me from childhood to adulthood.

If you won the lottery which property would you buy and why?
I would continue to renovate my 1920’s Colonial home in Highland Park and buy a condo in the city for a second home!

What are 3 words clients would use to describe you? 3 words your family would use?
Clients – Dedicated, detail oriented & patient.

Family – Caring, loyal & supportive.

If I weren’t a real estate agent, I would be…
A Rock n roll singer – even though I have a terrible voice!