Top Agent Annette Sitnik – Owner and Managing Broker at Team Realty Co in Schaumberg, Illinois – has made a name for herself in the real estate world as a highly dedicated, deeply ethical and knowledgeable professional who is truly dedicated to providing her many grateful buyers and sellers with the very best service available. It is for these reasons, and for many others, that Annette was recognized by The American Institute of Real Estate Professionals as one of the top ten real estate agents in the state of Illinois.
Annette, a native of Poland, arrived in the United States and began studying criminal justice with the intention of becoming a police officer. Soon after marrying her husband, he objected to such a dangerous line of work and suggested she look for another career that would bring satisfaction. “That’s ANNETTE SITNIK when real estate came up,” recalls Annette, who had already been helping her husband – a contractor – buy and flip homes. “It seemed like the right choice.” A correct choice indeed, and Annette quickly flourished in her new career, and after a short period of time learning the ropes, an established broker advised her to strike out on her own. “I listened to him, and took the courses,” she says. “Now I own my own business.”
Currently, more than half of Annette’s business is based on returning customers and positive word-of-mouth, an exceptional achievement in the highly competitive world of real estate. “I’m very patient with my clients,” explains Annette, when asked how she manages to instill so much loyalty and trust in those she works with. “I will never push them to buy something that isn’t right for them, and sometimes it’s even taken eight months to find them a property, but I never give up on them. The house has to be right for them. I always say that buying a house isn’t like buying a pair of shoes; you can’t take it back to the store to return it.” Annette also works frequently with new construction projects, and is highly skilled in that arena. “When I work with builders, I explain the blueprints to potential clients. I order renderings for them for the advertisements.”
Exceptional marketing is also a hallmark of Annette’s approach to real estate. Professional photography is utilized exclusively, and staging when necessary, ensuring that each of her properties is always shown in its best light. Additionally, postcards and open houses are utilized – as well as deft leveraging of the internet and social media – to make certain that every property is seen by as many potential buyers as possible. Quick sales for top dollar are the rule, rather than the exception.
Annette, who loves sharing her knowledge of the real estate business with newer, greener agents, hiring them and then providing them with the same mentorship she received early in her career. “Watching these new agents grow is very rewarding for me,” she says. She also hosts seminars at the local library to educate potential home buyers and sellers on the do’s and don’ts of real estate.
When she’s not working, Annette loves nothing more than spending time with her young son and daughter, both of whom are avid hockey players. “My son is only nine years old and he is already a four-time champion,” she says proudly. “His goal is to be on the Blackhawks hockey team when he grows up.” She is equally proud of her eight-year-old daughter, who has already expressed strong interest in real estate by asking many questions, and by assisting Annette with the placing of signs, advertising, and other elements of the industry.
Annette’s plans for the future are fairly straightforward: to continue expanding her business without sacrificing any of the amazing customer service that has become synonymous with her name.
