Randy Klingensmith

John Astorina

Meet the Agents 

RANDY KLINGENSMITH 

Keller Williams Realty West Loop

Main : (312) 363-6255

Field:   (312) 315-5638 [LOFT]

windycitylofts@kw.com

The single best piece of guidance I can offer to a client looking to market their property for sale is to be focused upon their goals and to keep both eyes & ears on the task at hand. The landscape in Chicago is fairly balanced between a seller's market and a buyer's market. Each believes they are in a position of strength, and they are both right. More and more people are participating in homeownership and the demand for homes is significant. This is combined with the trend in which homeowner's are now increasing the duration of ownership, which reduces the available inventory. New construction starts are up and continue to break records year to year. Properties are maintaining the value, with sales prices achieving nearly 98% of the listing price. The key is to appropriately price the property to attract the largest amount of interest. Having only one or two people preview your property at a higher price with the idea of negotiating to the target price is less effective than pricing a property appropriately from the get-go.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE CLIMATE IN AND AROUND THE LOOP ? 

The West Loop & South Loop neighborhoods have seen tremendous growth in both population and real estate opportunities. These destination markets will continue to grow as more and more people discover the value and the excitement of living this/close to the Loop. Our communities are attracting a diverse group of homeowners. From the hip and eclectic who seek open and spacious lofts in close proximity to galleries and nightlife, to those returning from outlying suburban locations who are encouraged by improved schools and retail options close to their elegant town homes or in-town condos. Real Estate continues to be the most stable and profitable investment in your portfolio.

WHAT MAKE YOU A GOOD REALTOR?

The best tools a Realtor can have are listening skills. We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason, to listen twice as much as we talk. Listening to the client and focusing upon their needs and wants will achieve their goals. Having focused upon building my business in the West Loop and South Loop neighborhoods for nearly 10 years, I will place my knowledge of these communities up against anyone. This emphasis enables me to provide insight found nowhere else. An important part of my business is educating the buyer or seller in the trends and the market environment of an area. I act as a real estate coach. From this, I have developed programs to make the process anxiety-free, as well as fun and exciting. The owners of our company have recognized this approach as a positive influence. As a result, I have served as one of the trainers for the Keller Williams Realty Mid-America Region providing orientation to new agents joining our team. Therefore I am constantly educating myself and keeping up with all current real estate matters.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS?

 Each day brings new and different challenges. I am constantly in the process of learning and researching how to offer value to my clients. Keller Williams Realty is a learning-based marketing company whose business focus happens to be real estate. We are encouraged to market ourselves, because people want to do business with people, not companies. Over the years, I have helped many families find the right home for their needs, most of them first-time homeowners. Overcoming the fears and apprehension one may have in acquiring real estate is very gratifying. It provides a sense of accomplishment and pride. The smiles, and subsequent referrals, from my clients only enhance the rewarding nature of this business.

JOHN ASTORINA

Keller Williams Realty West Loop

Office: (312) 379-3155

Field: (312) 731-4383

jastorina@kw.com

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE CLIMATE IN THE LOOP , SOUTH LOOP, WEST LOOP, AND NEAR WEST SIDE?

The neighborhoods that surround the Loop are generating real sustained and appreciating value for homeowners. You can almost see the wave rippling out of downtown in all directions. Just look around at all the renovation and new construction from the South Loop to the West Loop and you will see that value in brick, concrete and steel. New high rises in the South Loop complement the lofts and other converted properties. Converted markets and renovated industrial sites are providing unique and varied solutions to Chicago 's erstwhile and diverse pool of prospective homeowners.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD REALTOR?

I love what I do, and I take all of my client's interests to heart. Seeing my clients fulfill their goals and dreams is very personal to me. To that end I have taken full advantage of the educational opportunities afforded to me by Keller Williams. An informed Realtor is his or her client's strongest advocate, and Keller Williams is a learning-based company that focuses on agent success rather than a corporate bottom line.

WHAT SPECIAL CLASSES HAVE YOU TAKEN TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS & TECHNIQUES?

I have taken a number of classes in our offices throughout the city and have always come away with new and exciting techniques I can apply to my client relationships. By focusing on making its agents the most informed and professional in real estate, Keller Williams sustains itself by constantly growing and attracting new agents to its unique business model.

WHAT SPECIAL SKILLS DO YOU PROVIDE BUYERS AND/OR SELLERS:

Prior to coming here to Chicago, I worked on Wall Street in New York City for 10 years. I see major parallels between my work in real estate and my former career in finance. As an experienced investor, I take the long view on any venture I involve myself in. I look well past the initial purchase or sale of real estate with my clients and am able to guide my clients to a host of related services through my network of allied resources. I believe in focusing on the relationship first, leading to continued business success down the road. It's a win-win for my clients and me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS?

There are two aspects of the real estate business I find particularly gratifying: The maxim of real estate as an investment, and the personal satisfaction that comes with helping to change someone's life for the better. I believe real estate to be one of the most potentially rewarding investment vehicles there is. With an average compounded annual return of 5% here in Chicago , residential real estate is a great way to put your money to work. I also find the interpersonal relationships I develop while doing business to be particularly fulfilling. Turning clients into friends and helping them achieve their personal goals is enormously satisfying.