Stephanie Sullivan

My Background

I was born in France and then lived in Texas for many years before moving to Chicago in 2001.

After receiving a B.A. in Communications from Trinity University in San Antonio, I moved to Chicago to earn an M.F.A. in Acting from DePaul University. I've worked for many years in sales and spent three years managing a leasing brokerage. I believe my unique background has helped me greatly with giving my business a very personal approach. I've always been great with people!

My approach to working with clients is simple: nothing is more important than your home, your life, your needs! Buying or selling a home is such an important event in an individual's life, and I pride myself in putting client needs above all else. When working with me you can expect the process to be professional, easy, hassle-free, and even fun! I knows that communication is key, and I will always guide you every step of the way!

My Specialties

I specialize in helping first-time buyers find their dream home. Dave Ramsey, Financial Guru, says "When getting help with money, whether it is insurance, real estate, or investments, you should always look to someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman." I've always had a teacher-like quality to my approach and I am gifted with patience and a calm demeanor which helps a lot and allows for the process to be fun instead of stressful!

My very first clients were first-time buyers and ever since I have been enamored with the process of helping people buy for the first time because I love that I get to experience and witness the excitement of finding a first home, time and time again. It brings me great joy to see the smile on people's faces and hear the sigh of relief when everything is said and done! First-time buyers have LOTS of questions and I'm a sucker for imparting knowledge!

I should also mention that I've worked with every other kind of buyer out there - from the expreienced buyer, to the investor looking for income potential, to the out-of-towner looking for a vacation home. I certainly don't want to discount my experience in these areas with everything I've said above! The truth is, I love my job and am happy to help in any way I can!

When I'm asked whether or not I specialize in certain areas, my answer to buyers is "I specialize in the area you want to buy in." Of course I have limits and boundaries of areas I travel to but the truth is, I have helped buyers purchase all over the city! I believe there was a time when specilaizing in one area was of great benefit but rather than look for an agent who only works in one area, I believe it's most important to find an agent who is willing to do the leg work in researching market statistics and data regarding the area.

When it comes to selling my boundaries are definitely tighter because I believe in showing up in person to every showing and if the property is too far for me to drive to within a half hour, I would honestly tell you to list with someone else.

Most Recent Testimonial

"I purchased my first home this past November, and I couldn't have found a better realtor- Steph Sullivan. She is absolutely amazing. Overall, she is a very trustworthy, thorough, knowledgable, kind realtor- and also a great negotiator! I would really recommend her to any homebuyer, as she will really put in the time with you and help you find the perfect home. Not only that, she'll continue to help you along even after you've closed!

Here's a little summary about my experience:

I began my home search over a year ago, and she answered every little question I had. When I decided I was finally serious about buying a home, Steph sat me down and walked me through every step of the way. She explained the process of homebuying and helped me set my expectations. Then the search began. She sorted through all the listings based on my criteria. I also did the same, and we would sit down and talk about each listing that either of us thought would be a good fit.

We saw about 10 places on our first outing. She helped point out the positives/negatives about each place right after we left so it would be fresh in our minds. Afterwards, I narrowed it down to three places. Then the real analysis came. She sent me comparables, market research, and answered every question I got. I had a lot of questions... let's just say she was patient with me! She made sure the other agents were prompt at getting answers to me. Then came my first disappointment- I was in the negotiating process with a seller. It turns out the seller was really irrational and I decided to walk away.

You would think Steph would be really frustrated with me, but she wasn't. She understood. We started from scratch again. We went out and saw another 8-10 properties. She was on vacation for a few days when I wanted to look at these properties. I told her I could just wait. But she insisted that I shouldn't and had her trustworthy co-worker go with me. She really is persistent! And I'm glad she was because I really fell in love with the condo I saw. We began negotiating and things went along smoothly. She got me a really great deal on the purchase, and made sure I got the best deal possible. She really wouldn't settle for less! She recommended a great lawyer (Dana Siragusa).

And after 2 or 3 delays due to lender issues, I finally closed on my first home. Even after, she checked in with me every few days to make sure everything was going alright. She even sent me how-to videos when I didn't know how to work the water heater! I closed 4 months ago, and she still checks in every once in a while to see how everything is. She truly is a wonderful realtor, and someone I now consider as a friend. It's great to not only have an amazing realtor, but someone you can get along with- because you will spend A LOT of time with your realtor! Steph will go the extra mile for you, and that's really what you need in your home buying experience!"

-S. Yu