The power of partnership is everything in real estate. Having a teammate you trust, who balances your strengths, and pushes you to be better is invaluable," says REALTORⓇ Anna Fiascone.

For Anna and her business partner, Natalie Ryan, their collaboration is more than just a business arrangement: it’s the foundation of their success. As the duo behind AFNR Homes, they have built a thriving real estate business based on trust, communication, and an unwavering commitment to their clients. Their complementary backgrounds in law, marketing, and sales give them a unique edge in the industry, allowing them to provide a full-service experience for buyers and sellers alike.

Raised in Arkansas, Anna was introduced to commercial real estate early on, thanks to her father’s influence, and got her first real estate license at eighteen. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in finance from Southern Methodist University, she went on to earn a law degree from Chicago–Kent College of Law at Illinois Tech, specializing in property law, land use, and real estate. She spent several years practicing commercial real estate law at Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust, Inc., but in time, she realized that she craved a more hands-on role in the business.

"At a certain point, I realized I wanted to be out in the world of real estate—negotiating deals, showing properties, and interacting with clients," Anna says.

Anna credits much of her professional growth to her first real estate partner and mentor, Tina Porterfield. "Tina ran her business the way I wanted to run mine: with hard work, ethics, and honesty," Anna says. So when it came time to team up with a new partner, she knew she needed someone with a complementary skill set and a shared vision. She knew that person was Natalie.

Natalie, who hails from Georgia, pivoted to real estate in 2016 after a very successful career in a different industry. Upon graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1999 with degrees in advertising and German commercial studies, she began her career in advertising and media. She worked at Leo Burnett in Chicago before moving to New York City, where she spent years in print advertising sales at two major magazine publishing firms, AMI and Hearst, before becoming the consumer products director of ad sales at Marie Claire magazine.

Despite her success, Natalie wanted a career that allowed her to make a personal impact on individuals and families. After relocating back to the Midwest, she found real estate fit the bill. "Residential real estate allowed me to continue in sales and marketing, but in a way that directly influenced people’s everyday lives," she explains.

Realizing that their skills and personalities were a perfect match, Anna and Natalie joined forces in 2020 and created AFNR Homes. "Finding the right business partner is like finding the perfect puzzle piece: you just fit," Natalie says. "Anna and I balance each other in a way that makes our business stronger, our work more enjoyable, and our service to clients seamless."

Their backgrounds allow them to offer a unique, full-service approach to real estate. Anna’s legal expertise provides an analytical and contractual advantage, while Natalie’s marketing background ensures that their listings receive top-tier exposure. 

Over the past five years, AFNR Homes has expanded beyond its immediate community to serve all the western suburbs. Their business thrives on balance, communication, and an unwavering commitment to their clients that’s coupled with honesty. "We are always available," Anna says. "If you call us, you get one of us. We believe constant communication is key—with our clients, with other agents, with everyone involved in the transaction."

Beyond real estate, both women are deeply committed to their communities. Anna has served on multiple boards and committees, including the Village of Hinsdale’s Plan Commission, Wellness House Board of Directors Executive Committee, and Hinsdale Hospital Outreach Committee. She also supports Operation Smile, an organization close to her heart—her youngest daughter was born with a cleft lip and palate. Natalie has served on the Brightpoint Hinsdale Auxiliary Board for nine years. Brightpoint attends to the needs and welfare of children and foster families in Illinois. She also enjoys fundraising for Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Fund, and volunteering at her church and kids’ school.

Their families keep them very busy too. Anna and her husband, Nick, have three daughters: Olivia (14), Alexandra (11), and Savannah (8), who are involved with dance, soccer, and basketball. Natalie and her husband, Michael, have three sons: Jack (19), and identical twin sons, Liam and Colin (16), who are thriving at the University of Illinois and Benet Academy respectively. 

Like-minded Anna and Natalie’s approach and expertise have won them long-term relationships with clients and referrals. “Essentially, our motto is ‘Everything can be fixed,’ shares Anna. “If there’s a challenge, we just put our heads together, often with our clients, and come up with a solution and next steps.” 

As AFNR Homes continues to grow, their partnership remains their greatest strength. "We are a strong team. Each year, we close more business, and each year, we push ourselves a bit more," Natalie says. "External conditions change, but we are good at adapting and staying focused on what’s important." With their combined expertise, unwavering support for each other, and deep commitment to their clients, Anna and Natalie exemplify the power of partnership.