This Real Estate Life: The Baird & Warner Lincoln Park Podcast

Our season finale features Chicago real estate icon, Millie Rosenbloom. A top-producer year after year, Millie and her team broke records in 2021, being the first B&W agent or team to surpass $100M in closed volume in a single year. Millie has enjoyed a long and successful career in real estate and has done it all - from new developments to first time buyers to luxury listings. She has an incredible team that helps execute her high quality standards along the way. We were incredibly privileged to be able to sit and chat with her- and now you get to listen!

Contact Millie Rosenbloom:

📞: 312.980.1517

📧: [email protected]

IG: @millierosenbloom

About Millie:

Thirty years ago, I launched my real estate career at Habitat, where I grew the sales division from 15 to 120 agents. In 2007, I sold the company to Baird & Warner, and I’ve been with the nation’s longest-running brokerage ever since. With over 1.1 billion dollars in lifetime sales under my belt, I’ve built a first-class reputation amongst Chicago’s real estate community. From my induction into the Chicago Association of REALTORs© Hall of Fame, to my election as the organization’s third-ever woman President, I continue to uphold my mission to be the best in the business. I’m a three-time recipient of the peer-appointed “REALTOR© of the Year” award, and it’s a privilege to be chosen by fellow brokers. 

I follow through, no matter the market conditions. “I can’t” is not in my vocabulary. I can, and I will. No obstacle will prevent me from keeping the promises I make to my clients. My intentions are equipped with actions, which is why I lead the market with higher sale-to-list prices and faster market times. A constant commitment to reliability, coupled with an unparalleled depth of experience, is how I preserve my vow to sell every home in the most timely and profitable manner possible. 

As a little girl, I watched in awe as my parents invested in residential properties on the North side. Every property they bought, fixed up, and resold for profit, further ignited a passion for Chicago architecture. I quickly became drawn to the buying and selling process, especially the lasting impact that a sale made on a family. From the excitement of first exploring a property, to the immense pride that comes with homeownership, I knew that I had to be a part of creating these milestone moments one day.

This week, we got to talk to Virgil Jones about his transition from the non profit sector to real estate and how he has built a network from his past passions and career that now supports his real estate business. He has a touching philosophy on taking care of people and does it all with integrity! If you know Virgil, you know he is one of the kindest people in the world. Give this episode a listen to experience it for yourself!

Contact Virgil Jones:

📞: 773-965-1315

📧: [email protected]

About Virgil:

Virgil Jones is a Broker with Baird & Warner in the Lincoln Park Office. He is a seasoned professional who has a keen sense for real estate. Born and raised in Chicago, and a part of the workforce for 3 decades, Virgil has built relationships and had a positive impact on many people’s lives. Virgil brings his integrity and his unmatched ability to connect with people and build relationships to every interaction he is a part of. He understands the complexities involved in real estate and works closely with people as they embark on this process. Whether one is interested in buying or selling, Virgil will listen to the needs of his client and assist with the integrity he brings to every area of his life.

As a native Chicagoan, Virgil has had the opportunity to live in and explore Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and cultures and understands the complexities of choosing an area in which to live. Virgil understands the importance of market familiarity in real estate. He also understands that buying and selling a home is an exciting, important and often uncharted journey. Virgil will provide excellent market knowledge of all communities served which will give his clients an advantage during the property search process as well as when marketing their homes for sale. He is a dedicated and tireless executive driven by a life-long commitment to serve. With over 20 years of experience in not-for-profit management and leadership, Virgil served as CEO at Bottom Line and LINK Unlimited Scholars. With his business experience and negotiation skills, Virgil will provide exceptional guidance and collaboration every step of the real estate process.

Virgil and his family have lived in the South Loop neighborhood for almost a decade. When he is not working, he enjoys bike riding along Chicago’s lakefront with his wife and children; and dining al fresco in the summer months in one of Chicago’s many wonderful neighborhoods.

Virgil holds a M.B.A. from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. degree from Loyola University. Virgil has served on many professional, civic and community boards. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Beverly Bank & Trust Company, a Wintrust Community Bank; and on the Governing Board for the University of Chicago Charter School.

This week, we spoke with Jim Abbott about how his real estate business is an extension of himself - every aspect, from marketing to the relationships he builds with his clients comes from a place of knowing who he is and being true to it. This episode is all about the power of knowing oneself and celebrating it! Looking for a pick me up this cold January? We got you covered!

Contact Jim Abbott:

📞: 847-668-8955

📧: [email protected]

IG: @jim_abbott_chicago_realtor

About Jim: Born and raised in Chicago, I could not think of anywhere I would rather call home! I've had a fascination with Real Estate since I was a kid and feel fortunate that I get to do what I love in my favorite city in the world! My passion, honesty, communication, and expert negotiation skills make Real Estate a perfect fit for me.

Moving can be a very stressful experience, I know, I have gone through it myself twelve times and consider myself an expert at organization. I have great connections for anything you may need and will be there the entire way for you, anticipating your needs, guiding you through the process, and negotiating a great deal! I am here far beyond just buying or selling your home, think of me as your moving concierge!

Having lived and worked in Chicago and surrounding suburbs, I am very knowledgeable about many neighborhoods and can suggest areas you may not have though of if you are buying, and if you are selling, I will be able to reach a much broader audience for you. If you are buying, I will help you find your dream home, pointing out the pros and cons that you would never have though of, and making sure you get an amazing deal! If you are selling, I will give you straight forward advice, and can offer staging ideas so that your home shows at its best, commanding top dollar and the attention it deserves.

This week, we brought back our fearless leader David to talk about what an incredible 2021 we had, what the market is looking like going into 2022, and the goals he has for our office in 2022. It's always great to connect with Mr. Bailey, and this episode will definitely leave you feeling motivated and positive about where your business is going this year!

Contact David Bailey:

📞: 773-697-5600

📧: [email protected]

About David:

Throughout his career, David has been highly regarded for his energy, integrity and fair-mindedness. His broad market experience, enthusiasm and strong interpersonal and analytical skills enable him to bring support and professional guidance to Lincoln Park’s dedicated team of agents.

David is committed to the success of his agents. He focuses on a positive management style, offering support and mentorship in all aspects of the real estate industry including social media, technology, market analysis, sales, client relations and marketing. He leverages his experience as a top producing sales broker and his passion for training and coaching to guide his brokers towards their professional goals.

Members of Baird & Warner’s Lincoln Park team enjoy a vibrant and collaborative environment that builds and supports each individual agent’s success—whether a newcomer to real estate who requires more guidance or a seasoned professional who benefits from knowledge on the latest real estate trends. David works with every agent to help grow their business, and takes a personal interest in helping them move forward on their desired career paths. He makes it his goal to keep his management approach fresh and his team motivated and inspired.

A native of Connecticut, David was raised in a real estate family. His passion for the real estate industry was fueled at a young age as he witnessed his father’s success in building a thriving brokerage. David’s love of the business and his tenacity and drive are contagious in his office.

David graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in psychology. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

This week, we got to talk to Bonnie Briskin about her real estate philosophy. Bonnie is all about people- connecting with them, helping them, and bringing joy to them. She has based her entire business off of her 'people first' attitude, and her absolute love of life and the business proves that it's a fantastic way to operate!

Contact Bonnie Briskin:

📞: 312-330-4205

📧: [email protected]

About Bonnie:

If you are planning to buy or sell a home,one of the most important decisions that you’ll be making is choosing the real estate agent to help you through the process. I am that agent. I will be the best resource for you to have on your side. I am a complete expert in this field and extremely professional when providing up to date information on pricing, whether you are buying or selling. I research and will present the best financing options available, detailing the competing properties and describing the overall real estate market. My objectivity is invaluable and my negotiating skills beyond reproach.

After spending a lifetime in Wealth Management, most recently at Smith Barney, I come into the real estate profession understanding the importance of building strong relationships and doing what is best in the interest of my clients. I am from Massachusetts. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Boston University and a Master degree from the University of Virginia. Since coming to Chicago, I have been involved in both alumni associations. I have lived in Lincoln Park, Lakeview and currently reside in Roscoe Village. I continually evaluate properties and identify current trends in the real estate market throughout the city. Over the years my clients have been extremely pleased with all levels of services that I have made available to them. I rely on a network of professionals to assist in the process of buying and/or selling a home. I have put together a team of attorneys, home inspectors and mortgage experts. The success my clients have had is directly related to the strong relationships I have built with my clients and with these professionals.

My two daughters have attended the Chicago Public Schools, each attending a different CPS high school. I can provide thorough and practical information concerning schools to families when choosing a neighborhood.

This week, we got to talk to Matt Thomas about his love for social media. We go over his method of content creation, how he measures whether or not his social media is gaining the right kind of traction, and how it has positively affected his business! This is a jam packed episode, and if you're someone who's learning the ins and outs of the social game, you won't want to miss it!

Contact Matt Thomas:

📞: 215-622-4379

📧: [email protected]

IG/TikTok/Youtube: @mattthomaschi

About Matt:

Matt offers a team-based approach to real estate sales, known for his attention to detail as well as his dedication to protecting client interests at all costs. He believes that developing lasting relationships starts with honesty and integrity, and that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Prior to his career in real estate, Matt was a top producer for several years in corporate technology sales at a Fortune 500 company. This experience helped him develop highly effective negotiation skills in a competitive market, something his clients continue to benefit from today.

Matt was raised outside of Philadelphia, where his mother built and continues to run her own top-producing real estate business. Growing up in the industry provided him with unique insights into how the real estate market has changed over time, and today allows him to advise with confidence through even the most adverse of times.

This week, we spoke with the newest addition to the BWLP management team, our Director of Agent Development, Hunter Andre! We learned about his transition into real estate, his incredible career, and his tips on how agents can maximize their business through a little bit of strategy, and a whole lot of patience. Hunter is an incredible agent and teacher, and there's a lot to learn on this episode!

Contact Hunter Andre:

📞: 773-474-2753

📧: [email protected]

IG: @hunterandrechicago

About Hunter:

Hunter Andre is an award-winning real estate agent with Baird & Warner and a Cartus Relocation Specialist in Chicago, Illinois. Each year since 2012, the Chicago Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has recognized Hunter as a Top 5% producing residential sales agent. This significant distinction from the C.A.R. is indicative of Hunter’s extensive knowledge, personal integrity, and passion for real estate in the Chicagoland area.

Hunter specializes in the sale and purchase of luxury condominiums, distinguished single-family homes, high-end new construction, and investment properties in highly desirable areas such as Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Streeterville, the Loop, South Loop, Lakeview, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, West Loop, West Side, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. He possesses considerable experience assisting first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, relocated Fortune 500 corporate executives, and investors in finding their ideal properties.

In addition to being a top seller’s agent, Hunter’s experience and interests extend beyond the sale—and beyond a single zip code. Striking a balance between buying, selling, and development in multiple neighborhoods across Chicagoland is essential to Hunter, as he is dedicated to connecting his clientele with the best network of prospective properties and opportunities. A Chicagoan for over two decades, Hunter’s unique perspective of each neighborhood’s individual qualities, coupled with an expert analysis of Chicago real estate market trends, afford his clientele a competitive edge. As a result, in a highly competitive market, Hunter is known for his ability to procure exciting, exclusive off-market opportunities for buyers, sellers, and developers alike.

This week, we got to talk to Sarah Jaffe about how she was able to build incredible momentum for her business in just one short year. From starting as a brand new agent to finding substantial success closing around 50 transactions, Sarah walks us through her business planning tips, creating relationships with clients and other business professionals, and so much more!

Contact Sarah Jaffe:

📞: 216-630-8078

📧: [email protected]

IG: @windycitylivin

About Sarah:

Sarah joins the real estate industry with a passion for customer care, a strong attention to detail, and an aptitude for organization. She values building relationships through trust and integrity, and promises a fervent advocate of client interests.

Prior to her career in real estate, Sarah received her Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University and subsequently moved to Chicago to work in events and programming at a foreign policy think tank. Working with people from all across the globe, she mastered her skills in relationship management, communication, and adaptability, and continues to foster these skills in her real estate business.

Sarah stays involved in her local community as an Associate Board member for two non-profit organizations, Cara Chicago and the People’s Music School. Her devotion to philanthropy is one of the many reasons she became involved in real estate: to have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives.

Hey friends! This week we sit down with Nate Noel about his experience with new construction, and how that impacts his real estate business. Nate is a testament to how building your knowledge of the business can better help your clients, and make you a more valuable agent! We also talk a little bit about investment properties. This is a truly content heavy episode, and there's a lot to be learned here!

Contact Nate Noel:

📞: 740-707-1895

📧: [email protected]

Instagram: @nathannoel

About Nate:

Purchasing Real Estate is one of the biggest decisions in someone's life. Choosing a real estate professional who is knowledgeable about the market, understands a clients needs and is always available to answer questions is even more important. Although my expertise is in the neighborhoods of Avondale, Irving Park, Logan Square, Old Irving and Roscoe Village, I can help you anywhere throughout the Chicagoland area. Given the chance I would love the opportunity to help you navigate today's complicated real estate market.

In addition to my broker experience I can also provide my clients with a variety of home improvement options to maximize the profit on their property. My company HNN Builders has over 50 years experience in building spec and custom homes. Based on Chicago's north side, HNN formed in 2015 with the goal of creating beautiful, well-built homes with the amenities home owners love. HNN also has extensive experience in remodeling and rehabbing condos, apartments and single family homes.

Prior to working in the Real Estate and Construction Industry I worked as a sports marketing executive at JumpForward, Live Nation, Paragon and Intersport. During my time in sports marketing I managed event properties across the US, Canada and Europe. These properties included the Under Armour All American Football Game and various Motorsports events for Live Nation.

I currently reside in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago with my wife Jackie, three year old daughter Avery and our dog Lola.

You guys! It's the fourth season of This Real Estate Life! We're still here and kicking, and to celebrate, I got to sit down with my co-host Negeeen Masghati. We talk about business planning, how to create practices that lead to long term success, and some BIG news about Mrs. Masghati herself! Episodes are always fantastic when we keep it to family - and this one is no exception!

Contact Negeen Masghati:

📞: 630-302-1715

📧: [email protected]

About Negeen:

As the Assistant Manager of the B&W Lincoln Park office, Negeen is dedicated to providing full-time support to the BWLP agents through business planning and strategy development, sales training, and general one-on-one support with every day questions related to transaction and client management. Watching these agents achieve their goals is her greatest joy in this business! In addition to co-hosting the This Real Estate Life Podcast, she has been featured on WGN Market Overdrive, as well as numerous other podcasts to share her expertise.

As a licensed Realtor, she ensures her clients will benefit from her local knowledge, experienced negotiation strategies, and most importantly, her team and processes that she has implemented to facilitate a seamless transaction.

She leverages her previous experience working in both commercial and residential interior design to advise her clients on staging, as well as evaluating investment property potential, and/or weighing the cost vs. value of home projects when preparing to go to market.

As a Chicagoland native for 36+ years, her passion and knowledge of Chicago is as strong as her love for real estate! She loves our beaches, our summers, our restaurants, our culture...you could say she Loves Chicago Living!