Agent Spotlight: Ted Pickus

Ted Pickus has over 35 years of real estate experience under his belt, with vast expertise in residential construction and development, but trust us– he doesn’t stop there.

Whether he’s serving as a community partner for the Highland Park Affordable Housing Commission, biking 100 miles in one day with his friends or cheffing up gourmet meals for his family, you can count on Ted Pickus.

Discover what shaped Ted into the father, husband and real estate professional that he is today in this week’s Agent Spotlight.

At Work with Ted Pickus

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?

I love working with people.

What is one thing you literally could not do your job without?

Exercising. It clears my mind and rejuvenates me. Plus, it keeps me in shape to be able to show homes and look at homes. I like to look thoroughly at homes, so I often need to go into basements and attics.

Tell us the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on the job.

I had to catch a bird in an attic once.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new real estate agent?

Listen to your client.

3 things you always bring with you to a showing?

The listing information, tax record and pen/paper. So I can inform prospects with the most information as possible and they can take notes on what they are seeing.

Who in the industry has made the most impact on your professional journey? 

Thad Wong and Mike Golden. They have not only provided me with the best education but the best work culture one could ask for. If you ask, you receive- they have shared tons of Real Estate knowledge with me, not only them personally but the team they have created.

At Home with Ted Pickus

How do you start each day?

I exercise: Spin class, ride my bike, play tennis, work out at the gym or jog along the beach.

What did you eat for breakfast today?

Yogurt with almonds and cranberries.

Describe your own first home.

A small two bedroom condo with a big balcony.

What is the first big-ticket item you bought when you moved into your current home?

A dining room set.

What do you love most about your neighborhood?

I can walk to Rosewood Beach, Ravinia Festival, Restaurants, Botanic Gardens and the North Shore Trail. Plus my neighbors, I’m fortunate that I have many great neighbors.

What do you read every single day?

The Chicago Tribune and Facebook.

What are 3 words clients/family would use to describe you?

Tenacious, knowledgeable and friendly!

What was one of your most defining moments?

Meeting my wife and becoming a father.

At Play with Ted Pickus

What is your favorite local restaurant? What is one amazing dish you always order/recommend?

Abigail’s in Highland Park. I order the kale salad, flatbread and of course all their desserts.

How do you stay involved in your community? 

I am on the City of Highland Park’s Community Partners for Affordable Housing Commission, as well as a member of the building and grounds committee at my place of worship. I am also on the board for @gives back, @properties charity foundation.

You have a full day free in your town with no obligations and cost is no object. What do you do?

Ride my bike, go to the beach and go to my favorite restaurants.

What is your proudest achievement to date? Professional or personal, or give us both!

Professionally, I have continued to achieve a higher sales volume each year that I have been selling Real Estate. For personal achievement, I ride my bike with a group of friends every year–100 mile within a day.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“What goes around comes around.”

If you won the lottery which property would you buy and why?

I’d buy an island in Costa Rica.

If I weren’t a real estate agent, I would be…

A chef.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

I could see the future, that way I would know where the real estate market is going.