About Derek

Born and raised in California, in 2013 I did the unthinkable to some I packed my bags and migrated to the Windy City. True, I gave up beautiful scenery and terrific weather, but Ive never looked back. I LOVE exploring Chicago, have geared myself up for its four seasons (sometimes more than one in a single day!) and proudly call this great city home.

Ive always been fascinated with real estate. As a kid, I wandered construction sites, awed as homes materialized out of mere parts and pieces. Not suited to construction (Im all thumbs!), I majored in business and finance in college, becoming a mortgage broker after graduation. If I couldnt build peoples homes, I could still play a part in their American Dreams while continuing to fuel my fascination with real estate. And then the Mortgage Meltdown. That ultimately led to my career shift into higher education operations and a position with a Chicago-based university. It was a great opportunity, but when the chance to join the leadership team at an Illinois-based real estate education company arose, I jumped at it! I served for nearly eight years in the role of Vice President of Operations.

Seeing others change their lives by working in the dynamic real estate field while helping home buyers and sellers made me want to do the same. In 2017 I earned my Illinois real estate Brokers license and committed to supporting my clients from a position of compassion, care and support, while providing exceptional customer service. Real estate transactions can be stressful, but my goal is to ease that stress through consistent communication and collaboration with my clients.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring our community in Logan Square and other neighborhoods with my husband, Benjamin, traveling abroad and spending time with our two pups, Satinka and Ori. We also like to make our way to our vacation rental in Southwest Michigan whenever were able.

Combining my passion for helping people with my love of real estate, I truly have the best of both worlds. And by partnering with my brokerage and me, you win too. You deserve the ultimate real estate experience, and thats what we offer. Whether youre buying your first home or selling your tenth, I cant wait to help you make it the enjoyable and exciting experience it should be. We wont settle for anything less than extraordinary and neither should you!