Dawn Olson

1. Know your budget before you fall in love. If you start house-hunting before getting pre-approved, you’re basically shopping without a wallet. A lender’s pre-approval gives you a real number to work with and tells sellers you’re serious. Also, please don’t forget to budget for taxes, insurance, and surprise costs like the “mystery puddle in the basement.” 2. Don’t chase perfection. Every home will have something wrong. Even new builds have drywall seams and weird vents. Focus on the big, expensive stuff—roof, HVAC, plumbing, foundation—and don’t panic over paint colors or brass fixtures from 2003. 3. Hire a sharp, local agent. You want someone who knows the neighborhoods, school boundaries, and which side of the street floods after a storm. A good agent protects you from overpaying and helps you out-negotiate competing offers. (Ideally one who answers texts faster than your group chat.) 4. Insist on an inspection, even if everyone says skip it. A quality home inspection is your only real look under the hood before you sign. 5. Don’t max out your approval amount. If you’re approved for $400,000, try to buy around $360,000. You’ll thank yourself when interest rates wobble or your car dies. No one wants to be house-poor in a gorgeous kitchen they can’t afford to cook in. 6. Understand timing and emotion don’t mix. When the market’s competitive, panic buying happens. If you find yourself justifying a weird layout because “it’s cute,” step back. The right house will fit most of your needs without making you compromise your sanity. 7. Remember: your first offer doesn’t have to be your last. Real estate is negotiation. Your agent can guide you through counteroffers, appraisal gaps, and all the little traps that come with the paperwork maze.

1. Price it right the first time. Buyers don’t reward “let’s see what happens” pricing. They scroll past overpriced homes faster than TikTok ads. The first two weeks on the market are critical—start high and you lose momentum. Start right, and you’ll spark a bidding war instead of a pity showing. 2. Detach your emotions. You’re not selling your life story, you’re selling square footage and features. Buyers don’t care that your kid took their first steps in the kitchen. They care whether there’s enough room for their air fryer collection. Think of it as a business deal, not a breakup. 3. Fix what matters, skip what doesn’t. Paint? Yes. Broken doorknobs, loose tiles, burnt-out bulbs? Definitely yes. But don’t spend five grand on granite because HGTV said so. Your agent knows which upgrades will actually give you a return—and which will just drain your wallet. 4. Stage like you mean it. Declutter ruthlessly. Box up 70% of your “decor.” Neutral paint, clean counters, bright lighting, and a good scent go a long way. Buyers need to imagine their lives there, not your cat’s scratching post and your nephew’s art project from 2015. 5. Make marketing matter. Professional photos. Video tours. Local social media buzz. A sign in the yard alone won’t cut it anymore. A skilled agent will make your home look like it belongs on a magazine cover—even if it’s just off Route 45. 6. Don’t hover during showings. Nothing creeps buyers out faster than a hovering homeowner. Leave. Let them explore and imagine freely. If you must linger, at least pretend you’re not judging their shoes. 7. Be realistic during negotiations. Every buyer will nitpick after inspection; that’s normal. Stay calm, listen to your agent’s advice, and focus on your net proceeds—not your pride.

In over twenty years as a full-time agent, I’ve guided hundreds of clients—first-time buyers, move-up buyers, downsizing sellers, investors, veterans, and relocation clients. I also specialize in helping seniors transition into more manageable homes or senior communities, and I assist luxury and relocation clients who are new to the area. Each client’s situation is unique, but my focus is always the same: helping them make confident, informed decisions.

One that really stands out involved a couple downsizing from their longtime family home in Bourbonnais. They were nervous about selling and even more nervous about finding the right one-level home nearby. We spent time decluttering, staging, and pricing their home strategically, and it sold in less than a week with multiple offers. At the same time, I helped them find a beautiful ranch-style home that checked every box—open floor plan, low maintenance, close to family. The best part wasn’t just the smooth closing—it was watching the relief on their faces when everything aligned perfectly. It reminded me why I love helping people through big life transitions.

I got started in real estate back in 2005. At the time, I was drawn to the mix of business, problem-solving, and helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. What started as a career quickly became a calling — I realized how much I enjoyed guiding clients through every step, from the first showing to the closing table. Over the years, I’ve built lasting relationships with clients who have become friends, and I’m proud to still be serving families all over Kankakee County. Whether someone’s buying their first home or selling the one they raised their kids in, I love being part of that moment. It’s not just about houses; it’s about helping people move forward.

Yes. I have a degree in Business with a focus on Marketing and Advertising, which gives me a strong foundation for strategically positioning and promoting homes. I’m also an expert in social media marketing and advertising, using advanced digital campaigns to get my listings in front of the right buyers and to keep my clients’ properties top of mind in the market. In addition to my business background, I hold several professional designations. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®) The CRS designation is awarded to the top-performing agents in the industry. Fewer than 3% of Realtors nationwide hold it. It’s based on advanced education, production, and a proven record of high-volume residential sales. Having a CRS means you’ve demonstrated exceptional expertise in marketing, negotiation, and client service — and can deliver a higher level of results and professionalism in every transaction. I’m also an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), which means I’ve received specialized training to represent and protect the interests of homebuyers throughout the purchasing process — from negotiations to closing. I’m also a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a Certified Foreclosure Specialist, a Loan Signing Agent, and a Remote Online Notary. Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) This designation is awarded to Realtors who have completed advanced training in working with clients aged 50 and older. It focuses on understanding the unique financial, emotional, and logistical challenges that come with downsizing, relocating, or transitioning into senior living. As an SRES, you’re equipped to guide older adults and their families through every step with sensitivity, patience, and the right community connections. Certified Foreclosure Specialist (SFR®) This certification provides in-depth expertise in handling distressed or bank-owned (REO) properties. It covers how to navigate foreclosure timelines, short sales, and investor purchases while protecting clients from costly missteps. Having this certification means you can help both homeowners facing hardship and buyers looking for opportunities in the foreclosure market. Loan Signing Agent (LSA) A Loan Signing Agent is a notary who has been specially trained to handle and notarize loan documents for real estate transactions. It ensures that buyers, sellers, and borrowers complete their paperwork correctly and legally. Your LSA training guarantees accuracy, compliance, and professionalism at the closing table — something most agents can’t provide on their own. Remote Online Notary (RON) A Remote Online Notary performs notarizations using secure, state-approved digital platforms, allowing clients to sign and notarize documents electronically from anywhere. It’s especially valuable for out-of-state clients, relocations, or anyone who needs a fast, convenient, and fully compliant closing experience without being physically present. These credentials allow me to serve a wide range of clients — from first-time buyers and investors to seniors and relocating families — while handling every transaction with precision, professionalism, and care. I’m always fine-tuning my expertise to stay ahead of industry trends and ensure my clients get the best results possible.