Service Areas
Fox Lake, ILGrayslake, ILGurnee, ILIsland Lake, ILLake Bluff, ILLake Villa, ILLibertyville, ILMchenry, ILMundelein, ILNorth Chicago, ILRingwood, ILRound Lake, ILSpring Grove, ILWadsworth, ILWaukegan, ILWonder Lake, IL
View All Service Areas
About Courtney Caraway
I am a Elgin native, born and raised in the local area. Growing up, I was always involved with extra-curricular activities through school. I graduated from Elgin High School and later graduated from the Keller School of Management with a Bachelor's degree in Sales & Marketing and an MBA in Human Resource Management. My current hobbies include spending time with my family, and traveling. I am the Managing Broker of Gallery Realty Inc. with over 15 years of Real estate experience. I specialize in representing my clients in the purchase and sale of single-family residences and income property throughout the Chicagoland. I truly love this area and pride myself on my knowledge of current transactions, school districts, neighborhood information, and related services, including mortgage, insurance and inspection information. My passion is helping others and this role allows me to do just that. I am a customer driven Realtor dedicated to achieving results and providing exceptional service. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, I will put my years of real estate expertise to work for you!
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Travel, Read & Relax
FAMILY
3 Children
Read More About Courtney
Credentials
LICENSE
Real Estate - Illinois - # 471.019779
Designation
SFR (Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource)
ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative)
At Home with Diversity
PSA (Pricing Strategy Advisor)
Seller Representative Specialist
Real Estate Broker
Military Relocation Professional
Broker / Associate Broker
REALTOR
Specialties
- Buyer's Agent
- Landlord
- Listing Agent
- Property Management
- Short sale specialist
- Staging & Home Preparation
Awards
2026
TOP AGENT
Waukegan, IL
2026
TOP AGENT
North Chicago, IL
2026
TOP AGENT
Gurnee, IL
Other Awards
2025 Top 1% Transactions 2022 Homesnap Top 15% Performance Award
FAQ
My advice to a buyer would be to prepare before you begin shopping. Speak with a trusted lender, get preapproved, understand your full monthly payment, and set a comfortable budget, not simply the maximum amount you qualify for.
Choose an experienced real estate professional who will educate you, advocate for your interests, and guide you through every step. Stay focused on your priorities, but remain flexible about cosmetic features that can be changed later. Consider the home’s location, condition, resale potential, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs and not just the purchase price.
Once you find the right home, review all documents carefully, complete the appropriate inspections, and avoid making major financial changes before closing. Most importantly, be patient and make an informed decision. The goal is not merely to buy a house, it is to purchase a home that supports your lifestyle, financial stability, and long-term goals.
My advice to a seller would be to prepare, price, and position the home properly from the beginning. Work with an experienced real estate professional who understands the local market, develops a customized marketing strategy, and communicates clearly throughout the process.
Make necessary repairs, declutter, clean thoroughly, and present the home in its best possible condition. Price it according to current market data. Not emotion or the amount you hope to receive. The first few weeks on the market are critical, and an overpriced home can lose momentum and ultimately sell for less.
Remain flexible with showings, review each offer beyond the purchase price, and consider financing, contingencies, closing timeline, and the buyer’s overall strength. Most importantly, be patient, responsive, and open to professional guidance. The goal is not simply to sell the home, it is to achieve the best possible outcome with the fewest complications.
Throughout my 23 years in real estate, I have worked with a wide range of clients, including first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, investors, veterans and military families, seniors, relocating families, and clients experiencing major life transitions.
I have also assisted developers, builders, property owners, and commercial clients with new construction, property management, leasing, pricing, positioning, and strategic marketing. My experience allows me to meet clients where they are, understand their individual goals, and provide personalized guidance from the initial consultation through closing and beyond.
One recent transaction I am especially fond of involved helping a buyer who initially felt uncertain about whether homeownership was within reach. I connected the client with a knowledgeable lender, helped clarify the financing process, and created a focused search based on their needs, priorities, and comfortable budget.
After viewing several properties, we found a home that felt right. The transaction required consistent communication and coordination among the buyer, lender, attorney, inspector, and listing agent. I remained actively involved, addressed concerns promptly, negotiated on my client’s behalf, and kept everyone focused on meeting the closing timeline.
The transaction ultimately closed successfully, but what made it especially meaningful was seeing the buyer’s confidence grow throughout the process. Handing over the keys was a reminder that real estate is about much more than completing a sale. It is about educating people, building trust, and helping clients accomplish goals they may not have believed were possible.
I got started in real estate because I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine desire to help others create stability and opportunity. I recognized early that real estate was more than buying and selling property. It was a pathway to homeownership, financial growth, independence, and generational wealth.
What began as an interest developed into a passion for educating and advocating for clients through some of life’s most important decisions. Over the past 23 years, I have grown from a real estate professional into the Managing Broker and owner of Gallery Realty Inc. Along the way, I have expanded my experience to include residential sales, rentals, property management, investment properties, and new-construction marketing.
Real estate has allowed me to combine my business mindset with my commitment to serving people. That combination continues to inspire me today.
Yes. In addition to more than 23 years of real estate experience, I have earned several professional designations and certifications, including SRS, PSA, MRP, SFR, AHWD, and ABR.
This specialized training strengthens my ability to represent both buyers and sellers, develop effective pricing and negotiation strategies, assist military families, navigate distressed-property transactions, and serve clients from diverse backgrounds. As the Managing Broker and owner of Gallery Realty Inc., I also bring extensive experience in contract oversight, transaction coordination, property management, investment properties, and new-construction marketing.
My education, ongoing professional development, and hands-on market experience allow me to anticipate challenges, protect my clients’ interests, and provide knowledgeable guidance from the initial consultation through closing.
Contact Information
Location
1720 Grand Ave #C Waukegan, IL, 60087
