“Once you know your true value, there is no job that’s ‘below’ you,” says April Fernandez, do-it-all REALTORⓇ for the Coyle Team at Platinum Partners REALTORSⓇ in Downers Grove. “The portrayal of real estate agents in the media and on social media often creates the impression that the profession is easy or glamorous. There’s a diverse range of responsibilities and tasks involved in being a real estate agent.”

“On one day, you may be tidying up someone's home or taking their dog for a walk,” she adds. “And on other days, you're touring million-dollar homes and negotiating multiple offers.” 

Like many other agents, April’s career in real estate has included a broad range of duties. At age twenty, she began working for a REALTORⓇ and developer family firm before getting licensed in 2001.

“I feel that my first deal in real estate is what defined my path going forward,” she shares.

To help her get started, April’s best friend from high school sent her two contacts: the owner of a penthouse condo in the John Hancock Building in Chicago, and a prominent businessman looking to rent that condo. April met the two individuals, and their assistants, at the building, having only spoken to each once before. “To say I felt intimidated would be an understatement,” she recalls.

“The good thing was that I was eight-months pregnant at the time, which made them be very nice to me,” April says, laughing. “On the elevator ride down my new client said, ‘I will take it, but there are some things I would like you to negotiate for me.’ And that's how it all started.” 

“I acted as a dual agent, getting the renter to renovate the entire penthouse at his own cost, yet still be paid the asking price of $15,000 a month on a one-year lease,” she adds. “Looking back at the situation now, I don't know if I'd be that brave again.”

April’s upbringing likely gave her the background and skills she needed to become a successful REALTORⓇ. Growing up in Hinsdale, April watched her grandmother—an example of a strong, independent, and caring woman who worked tirelessly—eventually retire after more than forty-five years at Illinois Bell.

“She was my biggest hero growing up and my favorite person in the world,” says April. “I watched her do so many things for so many people throughout her life. She believed in me long before I realized what I was capable of achieving. Fortunately, she lived a long, healthy life. She was 102 years old when she passed away.”

April also says that being the middle child in her family uniquely positioned her to excel in problem-solving. 

“I learned to negotiate and find solutions that satisfied everyone's needs at a very young age,” she explains. “Being sandwiched between my sisters encouraged me to be resourceful and independent, as I often had to figure things out on my own.”

Being so self-taught has helped April to continuously adapt and evolve her skillset in her over-three-decade-long career in real estate, and like many times before, she fulfills many functions in her role at her firm.

“I am responsible for all of our team's marketing, client gifts, social media, staging, and sales along with being an assistant to another founding partner at Platinum Partners,” says April. “Right now, I am passionate about helping the other agents on my team be successful and stay busy, as well as prepping listings and consulting sellers. I love all the fine details!”

“I consider myself very fortunate,” she adds. “When I am burnt-out on one task, I have my choice about what to do next.”  

April enjoys changing up her projects, and she also gets to rotate her locales—wintering in Arizona, where she’s also licensed, and spending the spring, summer, and fall in Illinois. This regular cycle helps her maintain a healthy balance between her professional and personal lives. Much of the latter is built around sports. April’s husband, Victor, a former professional soccer player, passed down his athletic prowess to their sons, Collin, Jake, and Nick. All three are active professional or collegiate athletes, which makes for a busy family life.

April also finds time to prioritize giving back to the community. A breast cancer survivor, she energetically supports the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support breast cancer research.

When April thinks about the future, she absolutely sees herself doing more real estate, no matter where she is.

“I will always find opportunities to work in real estate,” she says. “I cannot imagine life where I am not engaged in it in some capacity.”