Agent Spotlight: Sam Cusentino

Sam Cusentino was born to sell Chicago real estate, literally. As a Chicago native, born and raised in Lincoln Park, Sam is equipped with the unbeatable local knowledge needed to guide his clients into the home of their dreams. Pair that with 10 years experience in customer service and management for a match made in Chicago real estate heaven.

Sam’s revealing how he likes to live local– sharing his favorite tacos in the city, the organization at which he rescued his beloved pup, how growing up in Chicago has shaped his career, and much more in this weeks Agent Spotlight.

At Work with Sam Cusentino

How did you land in a real estate career?

I was with Starbucks for over a decade and was looking for a change. I wanted to get into something that would couple well with my love for Chicago, as I was born and raised in Lincoln Park, and along with my passion for customer service. My good friend worked at @properties and suggested I get into the business, and the rest was history.

What were you doing previous to real estate?

I was in Management at Starbucks for over a decade, which is world renowned for Customer Service.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?

I love being able to see inside all the homes that I always wanted to see growing up. It also a great way to show off my city, and help my clients find their perfect place to call home as well.

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

I couldn’t do my job without my wireless AirPods. They allow me to be on the phone handsfree in order to multitask.

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

Be patient and always make sure to put your client first!

3 things you always bring with you to a showing?

I always make sure to bring my tape measure, a level, and use my camera on my phone. There is always a need to measure if that king bed will fit, and make sure that the fireplace mantle is level. Then take photos to remember it all!

At Home with Sam Cusentino

What neighborhood do you live in?

East Lakeview.

What do you love most about your neighborhood?

I love how close I am to the lake. I grew up close to the lake and always loved being close to the lakefront trail and riding my bike there during the summer.

Describe your own first home.

My first real apartment was during my college days, where me and my roommate lived on Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park. It was a place that I will always have great memories of.

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

A bought a king-sized bed. It was my first king bed, and it has been life changing.

How do you start each day?

I like to start each day spending time with my dog, a Pitbull that I rescued from PAWS 6 years ago. We usually take a walk by Wrigley Field, then have breakfast and start to connect with my clients.

What did you eat for breakfast today?

I had an egg quiche with a large cup of Starbucks dark roast.

At Play with Sam Cusentino

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

My favorite local restaurant is Big Star. I recommend getting the fish tacos, they’re seriously the best fish tacos I have ever had.

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

The best advice I was ever given was that all things bad will pass.

If you won the lottery which property would you buy?

1932 Burling! It looks like a Italian Villa in the middle of Lincoln Park! I also had the luxury to watch it being built, which was amazing in itself.

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

My clients would say that I am patient, fun, and solutions empathetic. The three words my family would say I am a go-getter, always looking for an answer to questions, and caring.

What was one of your most defining moments?

My most defining moments was adopting my dog Russell! He has taught me responsibility and how to be patient and understanding through it all.