Service Areas
Bedford Park, ILBellwood, ILBerkeley, ILBerwyn, ILBrookfield, ILBurbank, ILCarol Stream, ILChicago, ILCicero, ILClarendon Hills, ILDarien, ILDowners Grove, ILElmhurst, ILGlendale Heights, ILHinsdale, ILJustice, ILLa Grange Park, ILLa Grange, ILLisle, ILLyons, ILMelrose Park, ILOak Brook, ILOak Park, ILRiver Forest, ILRiverside, ILStone Park, ILSummit Argo, ILWest Chicago, ILWestchester, ILWestern Springs, ILWestmont, ILWheaton, ILWillowbrook, IL
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About Carmen Salerno
Hi, I'm Carmen Salerno with Compass. After five years in real estate, I've helped over 20 families buy or sell homes in the western suburbs of Chicago--from Elmhurst and River Forest to Melrose Park and Glendale Heights. Last year I closed over $70 million in sales and worked with price points ranging from starter homes to luxury properties. My goal is simple: I want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way. I'm known for listening carefully to what you want, being responsive to every question, and negotiating hard so the deal works for you. If you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to downsize, or considering an investment property, I'd love to put my expertise to work for you.
OTHER LANGUAGES
Italian
Community Involvement
I'm proud to support my local community in Melrose Park and the greater Chicagoland area. Each year, I'm involved in the Taste of Melrose Park festival where my family and I run a stand, and I regularly support local small businesses, tradespeople, and service providers by partnering with them on real estate projects.
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Outside of real estate, I enjoy making homemade wine with my family, playing Texas Hold'em, and catching live comedy shows. I'm also passionate about discovering great food spots around Chicago and Florida, which ties into my love for sharing local community highlights with my clients.
FAMILY
Family means everything to me. I grew up in a close Italian household, and that sense of connection and loyalty carries into how I serve my clients today.
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Specialties
- Sellers
- Buyers
- Rentals
- Residential Property
- Commercial Property
I specialize in: Helping first-time buyers feel confident about their purchase Guiding families upgrading to their next home Working with investors and flippers to identify profitable opportunities Listing homes across Chicagoland, especially Elmhurst, Melrose Park, River Forest, Downers Grove, and surrounding suburbs When you work with me, you don’t just get an agent — you get a partner who’s committed to making your move the right move.
Awards
2026
TOP AGENT
Melrose Park, IL
2026
TOP AGENT
Westchester, IL
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FAQ
Be clear on your budget and priorities before you start looking, but also keep an open mind. Sometimes the right home is the one you didn’t expect. I also encourage buyers to get pre-approved early — it strengthens your offer and gives you confidence when the right home comes along.
Price strategically, not emotionally. The market decides value, and my job is to position your home so it attracts the most buyers. Staging, professional photos, and the right pricing strategy can make a huge difference in how fast and how well your home sells.
I work with a wide range — from first-time buyers and growing families to investors and luxury clients. I also enjoy working with flippers and sellers who want advice on maximizing value before listing.
I recently helped a first-time buyer in Elmhurst who was nervous about the process. We found them the perfect home under budget, and I guided them through every step — from inspections to negotiations. Seeing the look on their face at closing reminded me why I love this business.
I started by flipping homes, which gave me hands-on experience with construction, design, and investment strategy. That background naturally led me into real estate, where I realized I could combine my knowledge with my passion for helping people.
Yes — beyond my experience flipping homes, I’ve studied market analysis and negotiation strategies that give my clients an edge. I also stay on top of local market trends in both Chicagoland and Florida so I can advise clients with the most current data.
Contact Information
Location
55 East Erie Street #C-1 Chicago, IL, 60611
Social Media
Trusted Professionals
Trusted Pro
Carmen Salerno is a Trusted Pro with a network of verified professionals.
Juwaun Hampton
Loan Officer
Niko Lambrinatos
Loan Officer
Anthony Renelli
Loan Officer
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