Now that it seems that we have navigated our way to the other side of the acute pandemic years, as well as the hectic real estate market it sparked, we have more time to reflect and even act on the opportunities for personal growth that that experience helped foster. This is true not only for REALTORSⓇ but other real estate pros, like Lisa J. Saul, partner and chair of the Real Estate Group at the Forde & O’Meara LLP law firm in Chicago.

“These last three years have brought about tremendous change,” affirms Lisa. “Low mortgage interest rates created a home-buying frenzy. Not only did we have our normal deal workload at our firm, but we were also managing more extenuating circumstances than ever before: client cancellations and rescheduling, remote closings, and more. We were all trying to figure out the ‘new’ real estate world as the closing rules were changing daily.”

“My team and I worked very hard to minimize any confusion and uncertainty for our clients at every step of the way,” she adds. “Home buying and selling can be extraordinarily stressful, and adding in the uncertainty and other factors the pandemic brought with it just added additional stress.”

In addition to the work-related pressures of a high-volume period, the constant market changes, and having to adjust to working from home (and virtual school, for her kids), Lisa was faced with a devastating loss. At the beginning of 2020, Lisa’s partner, Stephen Beitler, passed away. To cope, Lisa threw herself into work and leaned on her family.

One of the biggest lessons Lisa learned during this difficult period was the vitalness of empathy: how much she and everyone needed it, and so, how important it was to put herself in the shoes of her clients, partners, and teammates and find solutions to their unique challenges. She also embraced some advice Steve had given her in a new way. “Steve encouraged me to start and grow my business, and I credit him with helping me to learn ‘not to sweat the small stuff.’” These two mindsets helped her to continue to stay focused, prioritize her clients, and pour energy into her team.

“I have a wonderful team, and I could not do what I do without them,” Lisa says.

This team includes senior paralegal Jena Annis; attorneys Jeffrey Nimz and Chris Tateo; office manager Julio Rodriguez, and frontline leader Kay Brubaker. Together, they follow the motto “treat every client like they are our only client,” which helps them focus on personalizing their client partnerships—personalizing everything from communication preferences to bonus services—all while emphasizing empathy in all they do.

“We listen to each client’s concerns and remember them throughout the process so that everyone feels at ease,” Lisa explains. “We want to provide our white glove service for all real estate transactions for years to come.”

The team finds no greater reward for all they do than seeing a first-time home buyer come back because of their positive experience.

“When a previous first-time buyer returns to sell their property, it is fun and rewarding to see what direction their lives have taken,” says Lisa. “I feel as though my team and I have created a special real estate family. There is no better indicator of success than repeat clients.”

Over these past couple of years, Lisa has seen how important it is to prioritize self-care for her overall wellness and professional success. “With the pandemic and Steve’s passing, I now realize how uncertain life can be,” Lisa says. “I am a better attorney when I put my ‘oxygen mask’ on first. It is so important to take care of myself. When I do that, I am a better mom, attorney, friend, and person.”

When she’s not busy serving clients, Lisa fills up her oxygen tank: She and her sons, Jonah (14) and Max (13), visit their family home in Michigan, and you’re likely to find these dedicated fans cheering on their favorite Chicago sports teams. A lover of country music, Lisa recently took her sons to Nashville to see their first Garth Brooks concert, and she hopes to convince them to add more country music to their playlists. “I have a long way to go!” she says, laughing. 

But Lisa’s appreciation of uncertainty has forged a new strength in her too. “Whenever I face a new challenge, personally or professionally, I simply try my best, knowing everything works out in the end,” she says. “Perhaps not always in the way I think or hope it will, but it works out how it is supposed to.” 

Lisa’s strength and the sincere empathy she and her team provide, will only enhance the white glove service they provide their real estate clients, now and at any time of uncertainty.

To reach Lisa and to learn more about the services Forde & O’Meara LLP provides its clients, visit their website www.fordellp.com, or call 312-641-1441.