Illinois’ Top 10 Real Estate Experts Who Lead with Trust, Not Transactions

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. It involves money, timing, emotions, and often major life changes happening all at once. In a market like Chicago and its surrounding communities, finding someone who genuinely has your back makes all the difference.

The agents featured here share something in common. They answer their phones. They tell the truth, even when it is hard to hear. They walk clients through every step without rushing toward a closing. Some have spent four decades in this business. Others are newer but have built their reputations quickly through consistency and care.

What connects them is a belief that real estate is about people first. They advise clients like family. They stay in touch long after the sale. They turn down commissions when hiring them is not in a client's best interest. Trust like that is not common, but it exists. These are seven agents who have earned it.

 Inside Cloud Nine Realty: Erik Stegemann's Quiet Approach to Chicago Real Estate

Erik Stegemann is the co-founding partner of Cloud Nine Realty Group, a private firm working with clients across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. He has spent years inside this market, pricing homes, running negotiations, and protecting clients from the kinds of mistakes that quietly cost them money.

Cloud Nine is deliberately small, and that is the point. Erik is not interested in volume. He prices with discipline, presents listings with intention, and negotiates hard when offers come in.

"I do not measure success by how many transactions I close in a year," Erik said. "I measure it by the outcome for each client. Did they get the best price? Was the process handled correctly? Did I do everything possible to protect their equity? Those are the only numbers that matter to me."

The firm recently moved to a digitally driven model, allowing Erik and his partner, Patrick Washington, to work more efficiently with clients across the area. Most new business comes through personal referrals.

"In real estate, referrals are the highest compliment a client can give," he said. "Because they reflect not only a successful transaction but also a positive experience throughout the entire process."

Mandy Montford: Grounded Guidance in Crystal Lake Real Estate

Mandy Montford is a real estate agent serving Crystal Lake, Lakewood and McHenry County, Illinois. She works with Baird & Warner, the oldest independent family-owned real estate company in the United States, and has consistently earned the firm's Founders Club distinction. She also ranks among the top 20 agents in McHenry County.

Before real estate, Mandy owned a print and digital marketing firm in Chicago, working with clients like California Closets and Orren Pickell Custom Home Builders. That background helps her position homes effectively and attract the right buyers. She is also a seasoned investor who has purchased, rehabbed, rented, and sold multiple properties over the years. This gives her practical insight into what it actually costs to own, update and maintain a home.

“I care deeply about my clients, but I’m also a competitor by nature. That drive fuels my commitment to achieving exceptional results—maximizing value for my sellers and helping my buyers make confident, strategic investments in their future.”

Mandy is known for clear communication, patience, and the ability to anticipate challenges even before they arise.

Brad Slater: 10 Years of Honest Service in Chicago's North Shore

A decade later, and Brad Slater's approach to guiding clients as if they were his own family continues as the foundation for how he operates his business!  Many factors drive the real estate industry, but truly helping people achieve their real estate dreams is what drives Brad every day.  He believes the goal should always be to educate and inform clients to a point where they have the confidence in making the best decisions possible for themselves.

After being raised in the Chicago area and earning his degree in Communications from Bradley University in 2000, he made his way West to Los Angeles, where he spent twelve years working as a Freelance Camera Operator on some of America’s biggest TV shows.  During his last few years in California, he became very interested in real estate and, with the help of his friend and mentor, went on to successfully flip eighteen homes over the course of about three years!

His unique perspective from flipping homes has proven invaluable in helping clients understand real estate, but what truly impressed us is his unwavering commitment to always putting clients first.  Brad is as authentic as they come, and his clients speak to that better than anyone.  One such client shared, “Brad was equal parts agent, advisor, friend, and sometimes even therapist. Brad listened closely to our needs, provided expert advice, and negotiated tirelessly on our behalf. But what truly sets Brad apart is his caring nature.”

After hours of research and multiple face to face interviews, it became highly evident that Brad Slater had to be included in this article specifically featuring the most trusted real estate agents in Illinois. Narrowing down from hundreds of candidates to ten was no easy task, but Brad Slater was an obvious choice.

Final Note from Brad:

“I am beyond grateful and incredibly proud to be featured in an article specifically about trust and integrity in real estate.  This recognition is especially meaningful and a priceless reminder of the values that have guided my career from day one.”

 Dimpi Mittal: Twenty Years of Relationship Building in Chicago Real Estate

Dimpi Mittal has spent 20 years working full time in real estate across Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. She operates out of Coldwell Banker Realty, where she recently earned a spot in the 2025 International Presidents Circle.

Her path to real estate came through a background in Research and Communications. That foundation shaped how she analyzes market trends and helps clients understand what they are looking at when making decisions.

"It has never been about GCI or number of homes sold," she explained. "My focus has always been building relationships."

That philosophy has created something she did not plan for. Dimpi now works with the children of clients she helped years ago, young buyers she watched grow up after helping their parents purchase a first home. "That trust factor that transcends generations is very rewarding," she said.

For first-time buyers, she focuses on replacing anxiety with clarity. For move-up and luxury buyers, she creates a clear plan and manages every moving part. Her client's work does not stop at closing. Many call her their "Realtor for life," a description that reflects the ongoing connection she maintains long after the sale is complete.

 Michelle Rushing: Integrity and Advocacy Across Chicagoland

Michelle Rushing leads The Michelle Rushing Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate, proudly serving Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area. Alongside her trusted team—George Rosner, Saide Torres, Katy Pietrini, and Jeni Imparato—the group brings more than 60 years of combined real estate expertise and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional results. Their dedication has earned them the prestigious Chairman’s Circle Platinum award for 2025, placing them in the top one percent of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global network, as well as ranking them among the top three teams in Illinois for the fourth quarter.

Built on a foundation of trust, integrity, and accountability, The Michelle Rushing Group is known for putting clients first in every situation. Michelle leads with a clear philosophy: relationships over transactions. Every client experience is guided by honest communication, strategic planning, and a deep sense of responsibility to do what’s right—no matter the circumstances. “I’m not motivated by convenience or commission,” Michelle shares. “I’m motivated by outcomes, and doing right by the people who trust us.”

Beyond real estate, Michelle is deeply rooted in her community. As a dedicated wife of nearly twenty years and a proud mom of two, she channels that same level of care and commitment into her local involvement. Her volunteer efforts span youth athletics, community organizations, and local boards, all centered around creating stronger connections and better opportunities for families. That passion for service naturally carries into her real estate career, where helping people is always the priority.

One of the most complex challenges clients face is navigating a simultaneous home sale and purchase. Michelle and her team excel in simplifying that process, creating a clear, step-by-step strategy from the very beginning. By managing every detail and anticipating potential hurdles, they ensure clients feel confident, informed, and in control every step of the way. At its core, The Michelle Rushing Group isn’t just about buying and selling homes—it’s about earning trust, delivering results, and building lasting relationships.

Mark Nesci: Three Decades of Knowledge Behind Every Walkthrough

When most buyers walk through a home, they see what's in front of them. Mark Nesci sees what it can become.

He sees the wall that can come down, the basement that can be finished, the kitchen that can be opened up, and he can attach real, detailed costs to every single one of those possibilities.

That's not a sales pitch, it's the product of a career most agents can't replicate. Fifteen years in mortgage banking and a decade as a general contractor gave Mark an edge that no single credential can match. He knows what a renovation will cost, how it will affect value, and whether the financing will work, all before his clients ever pick up the phone.

A lifelong Chicago area resident, Mark grew up in Lincolnshire, raised two children in the area, and has spent decades getting to know these communities from the inside. Based in Highland Park with Baird & Warner, he serves the towns he knows best while drawing on resources and market knowledge that extend across all of Chicagoland.

In an industry that increasingly pushes agents toward teams and handoffs, Mark has gone the other direction. When you work with him, you get him,  from the first phone call to the closing table. No assistants. No layers between you and the expertise you're paying for.

That approach has earned something that can't be manufactured: nearly half of Mark's business comes from repeat clients and referrals. In a market full of noise, the people who've worked with him keep coming back.

Mark Nesci is a licensed Realtor with Baird & Warner, serving Chicago's North Shore from their Highland Park office.

Margaret McSheehy: Decades of Personal Service in Chicago's Western Suburbs

Margaret McSheehy is the award-winning top producing Realtor/Broker who is the smiling face behind Historic Homes Realty in Oak Park.  Through her kind, attentive, highly professional, and personalized service built on trust, dedication, and understanding, she has become one of the area’s most trusted agents.  Her true desire to help her clients drives her tirelessly – not just to make sales happen, but to make her clients happy.  It is this dedication and level of care that led her to her award winning success.

Margaret is a designated Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), the highest credential awarded to residential real estate agents, held by less than 3% of Realtors in the country.  She has been recognized as a top-performing agent who has an advanced education, high production in the industry, and proven expertise in navigating complex transactions and delivering results.

Margaret seamlessly handles nearly every aspect of a sale or purchase herself, together with her amazing team of specialists, from staging, photography, listing, inspection, moving, closing, and beyond.  From the grandest estates to the smallest condominiums, she gives thoughtful attention to detail and unprecedented professionalism stemming from years of striving to provide the best service possible.

Most of Margaret's business today comes from repeat clients or referrals from past clients. People come back to her, or they send their friends and family. That kind of trust takes decades to build, and it does not happen by accident.  She treats every client like family, and in an industry that often feels impersonal, that matters. It is what trust looks like when you have spent a lifetime earning it.

Sarah C. Jaffe: Strategic Guidance for Chicago Buyers and Sellers

Sarah C. Jaffe is a Chicago-based real estate broker who has built her career around a clear principle: buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make, and it deserves to be treated as such, not simply as a transaction to be completed. Based on the city’s North and West Sides, Sarah partners with clients who expect more than access; they seek thoughtful guidance, strategic insight, and a comprehensive understanding of the market. She is known for helping clients navigate the full scope of the process with clarity and confidence, ensuring every decision is both informed and intentional.

Since starting in real estate in 2020, Sarah has closed over $100 million in career sales. In 2025 alone, she moved more than $41 million in volume, placing her among the top 50 producers in Chicago. What makes that figure notable is that 100% of her business comes from past client referrals, word-of-mouth, and organic social media leads, as opposed to many brokers who pay for their clients. For Sarah, real estate is not about volume for its own sake. It is about building relationships that last well beyond a single closing.

A large portion of Sarah's business comes from first-time buyers, people navigating the complexity of the Chicago market for the first time and looking for someone who will take the time to explain how it all works. She specializes in properties in the $750,000 to $2 million range and approaches each relationship with a long-term view. "I am not a glorified door opener," Sarah explained. "I am a long-term strategic advisor, just like a CPA or financial planner. Real estate is the largest financial asset most people will own, yet the industry often treats it as a short-term sales process."

Becky Chase VanderVeen: Forty Years of Real Estate Built on Relationships

Becky Chase VanderVeen has been in real estate for 40 years. She entered the industry as the youngest person to do so at the time, a fact that raised eyebrows back then but now stands as a testament to her staying power. Based in Illinois, she leads an eight-member team that serves clients across the area, with their primary office located in downtown Wheaton and a satellite office in Geneva. After relocating, the team moved into a prominent downtown Wheaton location, further strengthening their presence in the heart of the community.

Her background before real estate was anything but linear. Becky taught handicapped children while working toward her master's degree in learning disabilities. She worked as a paralegal, a lifeguard, an outside claims adjuster for insurance, and spent time at Dun and Bradstreet. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and Bible with minors in physical education and English. Eventually, she found her way to real estate and never looked back.

Her approach centers on relationships that extend well beyond the transaction. "We personalize our clients' journeys and make them ours as well. We endeavor to make our clients our friends," she said. "We do whatever it takes to go the extra ten miles for everyone." The team stays in touch during, throughout, and after the sale or purchase for as long as clients want. Even their closing gifts are chosen to reflect the personality of each client rather than a generic token.

Most of her clients fall on opposite ends of the spectrum: first time buyers and retirees. For both groups, the team helps them navigate the entire process from the very beginning through the final closing and beyond. Constant communication and problem solving are at the heart of their work. Whether someone is purchasing their first home or transitioning into retirement, Becky and her team provide steady guidance through every step.

Blake McWilliams: Real Estate Built on Trust, Not Volume

Blake McWilliams is a real estate professional based in Effingham, Illinois. Over the past few years, he has steadily grown his business, closing millions in residential volume while continuing to expand his presence in the Effingham market.  He runs The McWilliams Group and serves as the Director of Operations at Keller Williams TREC's Effingham Business Center. His work centers on helping clients buy and sell homes with a focus on long-term financial outcomes rather than quick transactions.

Blake is a military veteran. He is also a pancreatic cancer survivor, having faced a life-threatening diagnosis at a young age. That experience changed how he views time, urgency, and what matters most. It shaped the way he approaches his business today.

After overcoming his illness, Blake made a deliberate choice to build something different. He wanted a business that put people first. Not one driven by volume or commissions, but one built around education, honesty, and protecting clients from costly mistakes. The lessons he learned during his recovery stayed with him. He understood that time is not something to waste, and neither is trust.

What sets Blake apart in the industry? Blake refuses to operate like a typical salesperson. He acts more as a strategic advisor, walking clients through decisions with their long term financial health in mind. If a property is overpriced or a strategy does not make sense, he will say so. There have been instances where he has advised clients not to move forward at all, when the numbers or conditions did not support a sound decision.

That kind of honesty is not always common in real estate. Blake also brings an investor’s perspective to every transaction. Over the past five years, he has built and manages a portfolio of 25 units across a mix of residential, multifamily, and commercial properties. That experience shapes how he evaluates opportunities, not just from a lifestyle standpoint, but from a long-term financial perspective.

Summary

Real estate moves fast. Markets shift, inventory tightens, and decisions that feel small can carry weight for years. In that environment, the person guiding you matters more than most people realize.

Trust is not built through awards or sales volume. It is built in the moments when an agent tells you the truth you did not want to hear, or advises you not to hire them because it is not in your best interest. It shows up when someone answers the phone themselves, walks you through every detail, and stays in touch long after the keys are handed over.

The agents featured here have earned that trust over time. Some through decades of consistency. Others, through a quieter commitment to doing things the right way. What they share is a belief that people come first, and the work follows from there.