Top Agent Diense Baniak of Baird & Warner in Arlington Heights, Illinois is that rare real estate agent who is willing to put her clients needs ahead of her earnings. Whether she’s working with buyers or sellers, she is constantly aware that the value of relationships formed with her clients supersedes her commission check every time.

Diense found her way into her career as an agent following a six-year stint doing rental properties for investors. “I really enjoyed showing the different properties and talking to the clients,” she says, “and I decided that the next step up would be to actually get a license and help people buy and sell homes.” Almost four years ago, Diense became licensed and has since built a solid reputation as one of the most dependable agents currently selling in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

With a growing percentage of her business comprised of returning clients and referrals from satisfied customers, Diense is clearly doing something right. That something, it turns out, is her dedication to a “client first” ethos, coupled with her ability to forge long-term friendships with her many buyers and sellers. “I don’t believe in just servicing the transaction,” says Diense. “I believe in taking care of the client. I actively work toward building a long-term relationship with them, I don’t just let the relationship end at the end of the transaction.”

This continued contact with past clients can take many forms for Diense. “Once a month or so,” she says, “I contact them by phone, email or text, depending on their preference. I also send out monthly newsletters to them with information about what’s going on in the market or in their area. Sometimes I send relevant information on mortgages or special government programs.” Pop-by visits and gifts are also utilized. “For Thanksgiving I dropped off pumpkin pies to some of my clients, and sometimes I’ll drop off goodie bags for their children or their dogs. I work to stay top-of-mind, so when they, or their friends, need a real estate agent they’ll think of me.”

The lengths to which Diense will go for her clients is made evident by a recent situation that involved a family moving into their new home. “They had forgotten to eat on the day of their move,” explains Diense. “It was seven o’clock at night and they were still working on their move and hadn’t eaten all day. I went to Boston Market and ordered a dinner for ten so they and the movers could all eat.”

Diense is proud to have completed the Senior Real Estate Sales Specialist certification to better support her clients 50 years and older.  She has also completed a continuing education program to help her clients identify profitable investment properties.  “I think it’s important to have a solid educational background to support my clients with specific needs.”

With a solid five-star rating on Zillow.com, Diense’s clients are clearly more than satisfied by the work she does for them. Reads one glowing testimonial on the site: “To say that Diense went above and beyond, would be a monumental understatement. From the moment we met, I knew Diense was committed to selling my home. Her suggestions of things to do to update my home were extremely helpful and spot-on. She kept me updated throughout the process and was always available. She was respectful and professional at all times. I wholeheartedly recommend Diense to anyone looking for a real estate agent who is honest, committed and truly invested in her client’s needs.”

 Savvy marketing practices also play a large role in Diense’s success. Just-listed postcards, flyers, email marketing and even social media marketing are tools that she employs. “I work to optimize open houses,” she says. “I’ll invite the neighbors over before the public is invited and I serve refreshments. It’s a more welcoming atmosphere as opposed to just walking through an open house.”

When she’s not working, Diense enjoys spending time with her husband, their three grown children and her two small dogs. Diense also focuses on giving back by donating a portion of each commission to charities that are meaningful to her, such as St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the ASPCA, Wounded Warriors, Kay’s Animal Shelter and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  She also participates in charitable contributions and ongoing volunteer work through her brokerage.

As for the future, Diense wants to continue to grow her business and her client base by keeping her client-first philosophy in the fore. “I really want to help my clients make the right move. Whatever my clients need is what I try to do for them.”

For more information about Diense Baniak, please call 847-818-6132 or email Diense.Baniak@bairdwarner.com