“Celebrating twenty years in real estate is hard to believe when we are doing what we love: assisting our clients in navigating the process of buying and selling their homes,” says Sara McCarthy, a principal of the Dorger McCarthy group. “Knowing it is such a personal milestone moment in their lives, it is a privilege to be on this journey with them.”

 

“As professionals, it's our responsibility to be proactive, thoroughly educate our clients, and ensure that they feel supported and confident throughout the real estate process,” adds her partner and fellow principal, Julie Dorger. “We truly believe that this process is about them, not us, and we're honored to serve as their trusted advocates.”

 

The Dorger McCarthy group launched in 2004 with a passion to guide home buyers and home sellers. Since then, the team has closed over 1000 transactions by utilizing their expert knowledge, keen negotiation skills, and always putting their clients’ goals first.

 

Before becoming REALTORS®, Sara and Julie worked together in the travel industry, providing onsite logistics for corporate incentive travel. Considering their years of customer service, that they both enjoyed the experience during their own purchase process, and had background knowledge with Julie’s father’s established career in home-building and her mother’s as a REALTOR®, Julie and Sara decided to transition into the world of real estate, feeling it was a natural progression.

 

“We are proof that you can build a successful business through hard work and staying true to your core values. Having our clients’ best interest in mind has been the key to our success. Our commitment and approach with our clients is that we are in partnership and communication [with them] throughout the process. Listening to their vision, and providing them with solutions to the twists and turns of a transaction is essential,” says Sara. “We hope to inspire other real estate professionals to adopt a similar approach—one that emphasizes service, integrity, and passion.”

 

“Sara and I have grown our business organically. We are a boutique company by design, as we believe that's integral to providing the exceptional service our clients deserve,” says Julie. “And we are so grateful for our like-minded teammates. They genuinely define the words ‘better together,’ and have a care factor that is second to none.”

 

Joining Sara and Julie on the team are REALTORS® Lynn Clary, a twenty-five-year industry veteran; Bob Farster, who contributes a lending and property management background; Lena Quist, a compassionate and formidable client advocate who is also a passionate contributor to Chicago’s Swedish community; and the steadfast, caring, and dedicated Suzanne Rasmus, listing concierge and rental expert. They are all supported by their transaction manager, Betsy Chapman—a meticulous organizer and skilled communicator who handles the details of each real estate transaction.

 

“Our team's greatest strengths lie in our unwavering focus on service and the strong family-like bond we've developed,” says Sara. “Julie's unique contribution to our team is seen in her business-focused approach and strategic planning skills. Her keen business mindset and attention to detail keep us on track toward our goals, always considering the bigger picture.”

 

“Sara brings an incredible energy and enthusiasm to our team, along with a genuine care for our clients that truly sets us apart,” says Julie. “Her leadership in marketing, coupled with her ‘everything is possible’ mindset, allows us to push boundaries and explore innovative solutions to better serve our clients.”

 

Beyond their professional collaboration and balance of skills, the Dorger McCarthy group’s team members genuinely care for one another. They make a conscious effort to understand each other's lives and provide support whenever possible, both inside and outside of the office. Also, as individuals and as a team, they value giving back to their communities through supporting and volunteering for meaningful causes. For example, for the past fifteen years the group has hosted their Boots for Babes Drive during the holiday season, which includes a Christmas party for kids attending McCutcheon STEAM Elementary School in Uptown. “Boots for Babes is truly the best day of the year for me and our team,” claims Sara. “It’s the most rewarding experience—I think we actually get more out of it than the families do. We are so thankful to our many clients and business partners who help us to make this day memorable for these families in need.”

 

As they look toward the future, the Dorger McCarthy group aims to continue being true to their values and “remain steadfast in our commitment to providing an exceptional real estate experience.” The group is confidently building a bright future based upon their strong foundation: the powerful partnership and authentic friendship of founders Julie and Sara.

 

“Being part of a team provides each of us an invaluable advantage. We are like a brain trust and a think tank, and that has proven to be priceless,” explains Sara. “It's incredibly beneficial to have a partner and fellow colleagues who not only truly understand the industry and can offer fresh perspectives, but also whose judgements I know I can trust.”

 

“When working with a partner, it's essential to embrace and respect each other's unique style and approach,” adds Julie. “Successful partnerships are built on the understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution—collaboration is key.”