CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF?
We are a sibling trio born and raised in Skokie. Stacey and Dayna have lived in the Skokie & Skevanston areas all of their lives, raising their kids and becoming a fabric of their communities. Brad ventured away to NYC in the late 90’s and then returned home, settling in the heart of Evanston.
We are an extremely close knit family that spends every Saturday night together, sharing time over dinner and drinks. We were raised by the best parents in the world, who have taught us that relationships are everything. We wear our hearts on our sleeve, and there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for each other or those in need.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOLLOW A CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?
First off, the opportunity to work together and build a true family business was something we simply couldn’t pass up.
We were excited to forge a new path together in the world of real estate – not going a corporate route, serving our community on flexible terms and envisioning ourselves as a brother/sister team where each client becomes like family to us.
We have an innate passion to help people, we love interior design, the world of numbers and negotiation…so it was a perfect synergy in helping folks with one of the largest investments they’ll make in their lifetime.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN REAL ESTATE?
19 wonderful years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
We love meeting so many different people. It really is a relationship business, and the most exciting aspect is all of the friends we’ve made along the way thus far.
There’s really nothing better than working with someone, becoming close with them, and then seeing how happy they are after the process.
DO YOU ONLY REPRESENT BUYERS/SELLERS?
We represent buyers, sellers, developers, investors, renters – you name it. With so much experience in the industry, there really isn’t much that we haven’t done.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST SALE.
Oh boy. Our very first sale was way back in the early 2000’s. Much of this business you learn by jumping in. Well, let’s just say that a final walk-thru was forgotten. When the attorney at the closing table asked how the walk-thru went, faces turned brighter than red. It was a huge lesson learned. Needless to say, now we probably do the most thorough final walk-thrus than anyone else!!!
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE EVANSTON MARKET?
The Evanston community is truly like no other. Whether it is homes built in the 1800’s, lakefront mansions, high rise buildings, the proximity to the lake, the fantastic parks and beaches, the jogging trails and bike paths, the walkable downtown area filled with great restaurants and shops, the easy commute to the city, home to Northwestern (where one can watch Big Ten sports), it has it all.
It is an area full of both culture and academia. With a vast range of price points and many different styles of homes, it breeds a wonderfully diverse population and has something to offer everyone.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT YOUR AGENCY AND OTHER LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENCIES?
We are a family. With us, what you see is what you get. We were raised with an incredible work ethic, and we care deeply about each and every one of our clients. We are overly communicative, and we pride ourselves on our honesty and integrity.
With over 40 years of neighborhood knowledge, it’s hard to compete with what we bring to the table when it comes to real estate transactions. Our negotiation skills are second to none. And whether folks like it or not, you’re stuck with us after the process too!
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS OR SELLERS?
Oh, where do we begin?? As education and collaboration are at the forefront of our work with buyers and sellers, our motto is always “knowledge is power”. The more you know, the better decisions you can make.
Just a few tips right off the bat:
Always see a house twice before offering; get pre-approved BEFORE you start your search; line up your real estate ‘team’ BEFORE you offer on a house (lender, agent, inspector, attorney, etc…); NEVER forego a home inspection; interview at least three agents before you choose one to list your home; understand seasonality and market trends in deciding when to list; look at all of your financial figures BEFORE you delve into the process; trust your gut.
WHAT CAREER ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE JUST STARTING THEIR CAREER IN REAL ESTATE?
Find someone who knows the business and the market. Shadow them or become an assistant. While we do learn by jumping in, mistakes can happen.
If you have the opportunity to learn from a pro, take it. If you don’t, listen, listen, listen. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” to things you’re unsure of, and take the time to learn.
When you’re dealing with people’s homes, their emotions, and a huge chunk of their money – you want to get it right.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
Folks can call us at 847.868.3070 or email us as a team at [email protected]
OR individually at [email protected]; [email protected] and [email protected]
Feel free to visit our website at TheMalowTeam.com and follow us on Instagram at @malowteamchicago