Photo credit: Claire Demos
carrie@bigshouldersrealty.com
(773) 531-3401
I started my career in real estate back in 2002, which is a path I never thought I’d take. After graduating with a degree in Radio/TV/Film from University of Missouri, I moved to Chicago where I worked a number of jobs (advertising, bartending, managing a music venue) but never really found my calling. But after going through two rounds of buying property–first a two flat with a friend, and then a cranky but beautiful old lady of a home with my husband–I found myself fascinated by the process and didn’t want it to stop. I remember the complex blend of emotions I felt when I walked into the place I knew was The One, a mix of the excitement of knowing I found the home I wanted to live in with a profound disappointment that I wasn’t going to be going out looking at places anymore. When I needed a career change, I couldn’t help but think back to my experiences with real estate and thought “I should give that a go”. I did, and haven’t looked back since.
There’s a deep satisfaction in helping clients find the right home, and I am grateful for the hundreds of people who have trusted in me to guide them through the process over the years. I have to thank my own agent, the patient and gracious Gayland Spaulding, who taught me what it means to be an advocate for my clients. I also learned an immeasurable amount from my first broker Susan Swift, from my business partner and truest friend Lee Diamond, and from the home inspectors, mortgage brokers and attorneys who have helped me become a better agent. Buying and selling property can be a stressful and emotional process, but with education, communication and attention, it can be a smooth and enjoyable transaction.
When I’m not out pounding the pavement looking for that perfect home, I DJ both on the radio (WLUW 88.7) and out in the world at clubs/events/bars/festivals. I love to travel (26 countries and counting), and I’m a big fan of language and linguistics. If I could have any superpower, it would be having the ability to speak any language. As it is, I speak decent German, a little Spanish (entiende mas que habla), tourist French, and can say hi/bye/thanks/can I have another beer/where is the toilet in ten languages.
