Victoria Suthers

Start with a pre-approval. It’s the foundation for your home search, helping you understand your budget, strengthen your offer, and save you time by focusing only on homes that truly fit. Going shopping without a pre-approval is like going grocery shopping without your wallet. And remember — your interest rate isn’t a life sentence. In the U.S., homeowners can refinance when rates drop, which means the right home is always the right time to buy. Your decision to purchase now doesn’t lock you into today’s rate forever.

While the Midwest is experiencing a seller’s market, every home and neighborhood is different. My advice is to sit down with a local professional for a heart-to-heart about what today’s market means for your property. National headlines or online value estimators can’t tell you how to price your home, when the right time is to list, or what steps in preparation — from staging to small updates that will make the biggest impact. A trusted local expert can guide you through timing, pricing, and presentation so you attract serious buyers and maximize your results.

I’ve had the privilege of serving a wide variety of clients throughout my 35+ years in real estate, including: * First-time home buyers learning the process with confidence and clarity * Buyers who thought they would need to rent until a trusted lender and I showed them a path to homeownership * Second-generation clients, where parents I once helped now trust me to guide their kids * Buyers looking to downsize into a smaller home or move into a 55+ community * Buyers moving up into a larger home to fit their growing needs * Seniors who appreciate patient, compassionate guidance through major transitions * Sellers handling a family estate or navigating the sale of a home due to divorce or death * Sellers facing pre-foreclosure or navigating a short sale * Sellers relocating out of state — connecting them with powerhouse agents across the country * Buyers relocating into Illinois from another state * Buyers seeking sweat equity opportunities by rehabbing or improving a home* Investors selling their properties and leveraging equity to purchase another * Investors who rent out homes as part of their portfolio * Tenants working to get back on their feet and into homeownership * Clients and families with special needs, where patience, understanding, and creative solutions make all the difference

One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a young family who started their home search with me in 2023 while newly pregnant. We hustled through a competitive market, writing multiple offers that didn’t work out, and eventually decided to pause so they could focus on the birth of their daughter. When they were ready to begin again a year later, I came prepared ready to write a new chapter. After a few more offers, the right home finally appeared — I spotted the perfect comp while on site, got them in before the open house, and guided them in writing a strategic offer that was accepted. Their new home turned out to be even better than any they had tried for before. From start to finish, I coordinated with their lender, attorney, inspector, and even introduced them to a contractor post-closing. For me, it wasn’t just about helping them buy a house — it was about investing in their family’s journey and making sure they truly felt at home.

I got my start in real estate in 1986 through my high school work-study program, when a local RE/MAX office in Lake Zurich hired me as their receptionist. Back then, before the MLS was online, agents relied on giant books of listings, fax machines were the latest tech, and bag phones were just beginning to appear in cars — we really were the gatekeepers of the data. That early experience, paired with customer service roles in restaurants and retail, gave me a foundation in both the business and people side of real estate. Later, I spent a few years with a relocation company, helping families transferring for work, which gave me firsthand insight into the challenges of relocating. Those early years lit a fire in me AND I’ve never looked back.

Over the years I’ve invested in advanced training to ensure my clients are always in the best position possible. Earning my ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) means I can guide first-time and seasoned buyers through competitive markets with confidence. My SFR (Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource) certification gives me the tools to help clients navigate complex situations like pre-foreclosures, short sales, or distressed properties. With my HFR (Home Finance Resource) designation, I’m able to educate clients on financing options and connect them with trusted lenders to make homeownership more accessible. Beyond certifications, I’ve held my Managing Broker’s license since 2000, which reflects years of leadership and problem-solving at a higher level. As a KWRI Agent of Distinction, Agent Advocate, and Mentor, I stay connected to the latest strategies in real estate and invest in supporting both clients and fellow agents. I also participate regularly in Keller Williams’ training programs, masterminds, and national conventions, which keeps me plugged into innovative tools, evolving market trends, and best practices from top agents across the country. For me, training isn’t just about designations on paper — it’s about equipping my clients with the advantage of expertise, strategy, and advocacy when they need it most.