I’ve always been a connector,” says REALTORⓇ Erin Feinerman of @properties in Chicago. “Whether it’s introducing people for a job, recommending a restaurant, or helping someone find their dream home, I thrive on bringing people together.” 

Erin’s path to real estate was uniquely her own, but it seemed destined from the start. Growing up in the north suburb of Riverwoods, Erin was surrounded by the real estate business. Her father and uncle bought, renovated, and sold buildings, setting the foundation for what would later become a family enterprise. 

“My dad wanted a way out of his [former] job, and he found it through real estate,” Erin recalls. “My older brother got into the business with him; my uncle ended up getting his license; and my mom was a REALTORⓇ at one point, too.” 

Erin became involved in the family business during high school, spending summers shadowing maintenance workers, picking weeds, and sweeping hallways in exchange for Wendy’s hamburgers—time spent learning valuable lessons about the grit required for success.

After high school, Erin’s journey first took her to Northern Arizona University, but the allure of Chicago’s vibrant culture brought her back. She completed her degree in radio broadcasting at Columbia College Chicago, inspired by her passion for music and storytelling. While she considered a career in radio, that industry’s fierce job competition and other challenges led her to focus on saving money and exploring other paths. 

“I started working for an apartment rental company, but it was a lot of work for little reward,” says Erin. “I served tables and worked in retail for a while, but I realized I’m not cut out to work for other people. Seeing my dad’s entrepreneurial spirit was motivating.”

In 2015, Erin earned her real estate license and began working alongside her brother, Ian, in commercial real estate at @properties. Although she thrived in this area, she eventually transitioned to residential real estate, where her personality and skills truly shine. 

“Residential is a much better fit for me,” she affirms. “I love working directly with people, guiding them through the process and helping them achieve their goals.”

Of course, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Erin had to navigate a competitive industry while staying true to herself. Her authenticity quickly became her hallmark, earning her trust and loyalty from clients: today, her business is 95 percent referral-based.

“As a young queer person, you have to find where you belong,” Erin shares. “Once I embraced who I am, everything started to click. And I understood that I’m great at connecting with people from all walks of life: I am a networker through and through. I bet I can figure out a common ground with almost anyone.” 

“I am multifaceted in this business, and that allows me to bring a unique perspective to my clients. I think outside the box and am a little outside of the box myself!” she adds, laughing. “Not all REALTORSⓇ look like the ones on Selling Sunset.”

Erin is passionate about educating first-time homebuyers and demystifying the homeownership process. 

“I want people to know that if they want to build wealth through real estate, they can do it, and I want to help,” she says. “I love guiding first-time homebuyers. It’s so rewarding to see someone’s excitement when they close on their first home.”

Erin’s dedication extends to her family life and community involvement. She and her wife, Ashley, married in 2020, and together they are raising their two-year-old daughter, Eve. Their dog, Willie, completes the family dynamic. As a family, they enjoy traveling, being outside, exploring museums, having dance parties at home, and spending time with their large extended family. 

“We love being in nature, playing in the sand at the beach, and experiencing new places,” Erin says. “Quality time with them is everything to me.”

When it’s time to unwind, Erin is happiest when on vacation somewhere warm or indulging in delicious cuisine. She’s also an avid basketball fan, and she enjoys snowboarding whenever she can. 

“In addition to my family, traveling and trying new things keep me inspired,” she says. “It’s all about finding balance.”

Looking ahead, Erin’s goals are as ambitious as they are personal. She dreams of renovating single-family homes and expanding her portfolio of investment properties. But above all, her definition of success remains simple: freedom of time. 

“I want to focus on projects I’m passionate about and spend more time with my family,” she says.

Erin’s advice for aspiring REALTORSⓇ is rooted in her own experience: “You have to put in the work,” she says. “This job isn’t easy, but if you network, keep learning, and stay dedicated, you can succeed.”

Erin Feinerman is certainly proof of that.