For Chicago Top Agent Jelena Zande, choosing a career in real estate was a leap of faith. After her three sons were grown, she wanted to go back to work doing something that would allow her to draw on her background in journalism and public relations, but maintain a flexible schedule. “I wanted something close to home, too,” Jelena recalls. “I decided to get my real estate license, closed my  first few deals and realized it was something I enjoyed and was good at. It’s all about helping people, being genuine, trustworthy and knowledgeable.”

That was over nine years ago and since then, Jelena has grown a thriving business. Top real estate agent in Illinois Jelena Zande lives and works in Park Ridge and serves the north and northwest side of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with a full range of residential real estate services. “I work mostly with single family homes, condos, townhouses and apartment buildings,” she says.

Jelena credits her journalism and public relations experience with helping her quickly develop a rapport with her clients. “After a few meetings, I instinctively know what a buyer or seller is looking for, and what does and doesn’t work for them. It’s a feeling of trust and approachability that creates a successful client/agent relationship.”

She makes sure her clients know they can call any time for whatever they need. “As their agent, I’m the anchor to bring everyone and everything together. I am involved throughout the process to deal with the attorneys, inspectors, appraisers, lenders, contractors, remediators, the other agent, and anyone else we need to get to the closing table.”

Clients who have worked with Jelena are grateful to her for guiding them through some of the most important decisions of their lives. “Buying or selling a property is a big investment,” she says. “I am on call for all aspects of the transaction, from questions and concerns, to advice and guidance. The client/ agent relationship is built on trust, mutual respect, responsibility and accountability,” she continues. “My motto is to stay focused, determined, professional and knowledgeable, to serve my clients’ best interests, while being cognizant of the importance that all parties in the transaction are being treated fairly and reasonably.” Jelena has been recognized with the Pinnacle Quality Service Award and has been named a Five Star Real Estate Professional by Chicago magazine for four consecutive years. Both of these honors are bestowed  based on independently gathered feedback from clients.

Though understandably proud of those achievements, Jelena finds the best rewards come directly from working with her clients. “The best part of this job is when I go to a closing and I know that my client is walking away happy,” she says. “Choosing the right agent does make a difference. I want my clients to feel I was there for them 100 percent of the time from beginning to closing, and beyond.” Jelena is passionate about animal rights, and donates to PAWS, Pets Are Worth Saving, a local animal shelter. Her office, Century 21 Elm, Realtors, is also a proud supporter of the Easter Seals.

Going forward, Jelena would like to continue to grow her business and expand her knowledge base. “This is a business where you learn something new on a regular basis. It’s important to stay current on new laws, regulations, internet marketing tools, and continuing education to be able to keep up with marketing trends and strategies.”

In her spare time, Jelena enjoys travel and weekend trips to Lake Geneva with her husband, as well as reading, shopping, and spending time with close family and friends. After being actively involved with her three sons’ athletic games and events throughout their school years, she is an avid Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Chicago Bears football fan.

To learn more about Jelena Zande of Century 21 Elm Realtors, email Jelena.Zande@Century21.com or call 847-903-5210