Jesus Perez understands the emotions people go through when buying or selling a home, because he’s been there himself. He has the patience, knowledge and engaging personality that make the process smooth and fun.

Jesus began looking for a house in 2012, when the effects of the recession were still present. “There weren’t many Realtors out there,” he says, “and the ones that were, were a little discouraged. I went through a lot of them. At that time, they all had one thing in common: they weren’t motivated. They couldn’t accommodate my schedule, which was basically the same as everybody’s schedule—you get out of work late.”

So Jesus decided to do real estate himself, thanks to his REALTOR®, Arturo Zamudio, who is now his manager broker. He got his license and started on a part-time basis. “I’ve always had a good work ethic,” he says. “Within the first year, I was the top agent in my office. As the years went on, I kept doubling what I was doing.” Now he’s a full-time agent with Casablanca Realtors in Elgin, Illinois, and couldn’t be happier. He loves helping people, hearing their stories and establishing long-lasting relationships.

Jesus serves the entire Chicago area, going wherever clients want him to go. He cares more about helping people accomplish their real estate goals than about the numbers, which explains why, in just four years, his repeat and referral rate is already 95 percent. He’s patient, helpful and a great listener. He focuses on his clients’ needs, reads their expressions and intuitively understands what will please them, even when they’re not sure themselves.

Jesus closes deals quickly and then stays in touch, whether through social media, phone calls, or seeing them around town and stopping to chat. He’s the kind of guy who gets to know the whole family, even the aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers. Those he sold homes to when he started now have equity built up, so he’ll call to see if they’re ready to sell. When they are, he puts his marketing skills to work, treating every listing the same, regardless of its price point.

“Putting the home at the right price is the hardest thing,” he says. Once that’s established, he takes photos himself and spends days adjusting each one so it’s perfect. He posts the listing on social media, puts “For Sale” signs all over, advertises it everywhere he can and holds open houses. And he communicates with the owners throughout the entire process. It’s a joy for him to help people.

“I really like seeing everyone in so many different stages of life,” he says, “whether they’re just starting out or this is their fifth home. I have so much to learn from my clients! I like to ask questions, too, which might be why I establish relationships so easily. I’m really interested.”

He takes that joy of life to the community, too, where, with his agency, he sponsors local events. “It’s a big plus, because I feel like I know everyone!” he says. Although he’s addicted to working, he loves those last few hours of the day when he gets to spend time with his family, and those occasional trips together.

It doesn’t get any better than that. Jesus works hard, and as he continues to look for ways to make life easier for his clients and himself, he knows he’s found the right path. “I thank God for the opportunity life has given me to help out so many people,” he says. “They’re happy, I’m happy. It’s an accomplishment I’ll never forget.”

To learn more about Jesus Perez, please visit zillow.com/profile/jrjesusperez/, real estate agent.com/realestateagents/Jesus-Perez_Elgin_IL_2102843_677584536 or facebook.com/jesusperezbestrealestate/; call (630) 878-9064 or email jrjesusperez@yahoo.com