Laurie Field

Buying a home is less about luck and more about preparation and strategy. Before you ever tour a property, get fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified, and understand your true comfort range, not just the maximum a lender will allow. Strong financial positioning gives you leverage when it matters most. Next, work with a real estate advisor who knows how homes are actually selling in your local market, not just what they’re listed for. Pricing strategy, offer structure, timing, and terms often matter as much as price, especially in competitive situations. Finally, stay focused on your long-term goals. The “perfect” house rarely exists, but the right house at the right price, with the right strategy, can set you up for years of success. A calm, informed approach will always outperform rushing or reacting emotionally. For first-time buyers, the key is education and patience. Understanding the process, costs, and trade-offs early helps you make confident decisions and avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed. For move-up and luxury buyers, strategy becomes even more important. Coordinating the sale of a current home, managing contingencies, and negotiating favorable terms requires careful planning and experienced guidance to protect both your purchase and your long-term financial goals.

Selling a home successfully starts with pricing it correctly from day one. Overpricing, even slightly, can reduce early momentum and ultimately cost you time and money. A strong pricing strategy is based on current market behavior, not just past sales or online estimates. Preparation and presentation matter just as much. Small improvements, thoughtful staging, and professional marketing can significantly influence how buyers perceive value. Just as important is working with a real estate advisor who communicates clearly, negotiates strategically, and understands how to structure offers and terms to protect your goals, not just chase the highest number. A well-executed plan and calm guidance make all the difference in achieving a strong result.

I’ve worked with a wide range of clients across different life stages and price points, including first-time buyers, move-up buyers, luxury buyers, and down-sizers (or right-sizers). I also regularly assist sellers who are preparing to transition from long-time family homes, as well as clients coordinating a purchase and sale at the same time. In addition, I work with relocation clients and those moving both into and out of Chicago and the Chicago North Shore, helping them navigate timing, pricing, and negotiations with confidence. Across every transaction, my role is to provide clear guidance, strategic advice, and a calm, well-organized experience tailored to each client’s specific needs.

One recent transaction I’m particularly fond of is the sale of 580 Pleasant Avenue in the Ravinia neighborhood of Highland Park. The sellers were considering listing in late winter or early spring, and we discussed how seasonal curb appeal could impact first impressions. To stay ahead of that risk, I recommended photographing the home in the fall, when the landscaping looked its best, so we would have strong exterior visuals ready regardless of weather conditions. Before the home officially went live, I pre-marketed it through several exclusive, agent-only networks, including private off-market channels and our private MLS, making both interior and exterior photos available while clearly stating there would be no showings until launch. Once listed, we intentionally limited showings to a two day window to create focus and urgency. Over those two days, more than 60 groups toured the property, resulting in 14 offers. The home ultimately sold for 23.5% above asking price, all cash, with an as-is contract and a seller selected closing date. To keep the process transparent and fair, I organized all offers in a shared Google Sheet so the seller could track progress in real time, without any identifying buyer information, ensuring a smooth decision making process while maintaining full Fair Housing compliance. The result was a strong outcome paired with a calm, well structured experience for the seller.

I began my career in sales, selling commercial airtime for a major Chicago radio station, Q101, where I developed strong communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills. After my children were born, I returned to my hometown of Highland Park, which gave me the opportunity to combine my professional background with my deep connection to the North Shore community. Real estate was a natural fit. My mother was a residential real estate broker for 35 years, so I was exposed to the industry early on and always appreciated the impact a thoughtful advisor can have during an important life transition. I’m also a psychology major from the University of Michigan, and I understand that moving is one of life’s most stressful experiences. I use that background every day to help clients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the process, bringing a calm, people-first approach to every transaction.

Yes. My education and training allow me to guide clients through both the strategic and emotional sides of buying and selling with clarity and confidence. My background in psychology helps me anticipate concerns, manage expectations, and support clients through complex or high-pressure decisions. In addition, I’m highly trained in pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and market analysis, which is especially important in the North Shore’s luxury and move-up markets. I continually invest in professional development and local market education so my clients benefit from current data, thoughtful strategy, and well-structured transactions from start to finish.