“As a kid and young adult, I was always passionate about problem-solving and communication,” says Kris Maranda, managing partner of the Maranda Group with @properties Christie's International Real Estate in Elmhurst. “I loved puzzles and games that require strategic thinking. They helped me develop analytical skills that are crucial for real estate market analysis.”

“These early interests and skills now play a significant role in negotiating deals, understanding client needs, and navigating the complexities of the real estate industry,” he says.

When we last checked in with Kris in June 2021, he was ramping up his business along with his team of three REALTORSⓇ, as well as actively serving listings in DuPage and Cook Counties. Since then, Kris has expanded his service area to his native country of Albania, all while building his team’s skill sets and tech know-how. His ability to conform to an ever-changing industry is a consistent throughline in his story.

After moving to the US from Albania via Italy in the late 1990s, Kris worked as a Microsoft-certified computer engineer in Chicago for several years. By 2005, he was looking for a new career to leverage his cultivated and particular business and computing skills. Real estate proved to be an ideal match.

“Real estate presents a unique opportunity to leverage both my business acumen and technical expertise,” explains Kris. “My computing background enables me to harness technologies to drive efficiency, optimize processes, and enhance the overall customer experience.”

“My background in business provided me with a strong foundation in financial analysis, market research, and strategic planning, all of which are highly applicable in the real estate industry,” he continues. “Additionally, my experience in computing equipped me with valuable technical skills and a keen understanding of how technology can transform traditional sectors.”

Kris also has an entrepreneurial spirit and a competitive drive—the latter developed during his time as a professional basketball player in Albania. Today, whether he’s involved with investing in rental properties, flipping houses, or new-construction projects, he’s able to express and utilize both traits along with creativity and strategic thinking.

“I could talk about real estate trends and market analysis all day,” he claims. “It's fascinating to see how real estate evolves and impacts communities.” Kris says he loves to dive into data, discuss emerging trends, explore how different factors influence the market, and share insights and strategies with others who are passionate about the industry.

Kris’s team has enjoyed massive growth over the years. With over 2,000 successful transactions and over $350 million in sales, the Maranda Real Estate Group stands out as a top performer. Kris credits not only his ability to evolve with changing technologies and practices, but his team’s diversity for this success.

“I always emphasize several factors about our performance,” says Kris. “First, our diverse expertise and wide range of skills and experiences. Next, our client-centered, personalized, and dedicated service. And finally, our strong team spirit, which is supported by our collaborative and supportive environment.”

The team’s different backgrounds and fluency in Albanian, Italian, Spanish, Greek, and English allow them to effortlessly serve and develop and maintain long-lasting relationships with their diverse clientele. 

While drawing in new clients and serving current clients are important goals for Kris’s team, so is community involvement. Together, they support local food banks, environmental groups, youth programs, and Habitat for Humanity through service and financial donations. These activities are in line with the team’s aim to contribute positively to the places where they work and live.

“We want to go above and beyond for our clients, and also create a lasting legacy that reflects our values, commitment to excellence, and positive impact on the industry,” says Kris.

Kris, his wife, Rudina, and their children—aspiring dentist, Erina, and future lawyer, Kevin—are close. Together they enjoy traveling, outdoor adventures, and quiet dinners at home.

“I have a wonderful family that means the world to me,” he says. “Rudina shares my passion for real estate and often supports me in my business endeavors. On rare days where I’m unmotivated, I stay focused by remembering my “why”: my family.”

When we asked Kris to reflect on his nearly twenty-year real estate career, he highlighted the people he’s met and the connections he’s kept. Ultimately, reaching the heights and enjoying the long-term success that he has means his American dream has been realized.

“I always had ‘the American dream’ in mind,” says Kris. “We came here from Albania without knowing many people and started from zero. If you have the [right] mindset and do the right thing, you can achieve anything.”