"I want more than just a job. I want to make an impact," says Caitlin Wright, a rising star in Chicagoland’s real estate scene. For Caitlin, a third-generation real estate professional, the journey into the world of home buying was almost inevitable, but the success she’s achieved has come through dedication, persistence, and a passion for guiding clients through one of their biggest financial decisions. 

"Purchasing a home is monumental for people," she says. "I want to be the person they trust to guide them through it."

Caitlin, who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, was immersed in real estate from an early age. Her mother, Mary Kay Wright, has been a successful residential REALTORⓇ for nearly twenty years, and her grandfather worked as a loan officer before he became a bank vice president, and then finally, an appraiser. 

"Real estate is in my blood," Caitlin says with a smile. “I grew up hearing stories and learning about the industry, and my first job was at the front desk of a real estate office when I was just fifteen.” 

But Caitlin pursued a different dream first: She obtained her degree in textiles, apparel, and merchandising with a minor in marketing from Northern Illinois University. After graduating, she took a series of roles in luxury retail, talent acquisition, and HR consulting—all of which helped her develop a unique set of skills. 

“My background is fragmented but well-rounded,” she says. "Working in different industries taught me valuable lessons about connecting with people, navigating negotiations, and understanding what clients need." 

But even with these varied roles, Caitlin felt something was missing. “I was ready to work for myself and make a true impact in people’s lives,” she shares. As she considered what to do next, all those family stories came back to her.

As it happened, on the same day Caitlin launched her career as a REALTORⓇ at @properties in March 2020, the statewide stay-at-home orders were enacted due to the pandemic. Despite having to suddenly face such an unpredictable housing market in addition to working for herself for the first time, she remained undeterred. 

 

"I was used to the corporate structure and the salary and benefits that go along with it. In real estate, you work on commission and there’s no safety net. That forced me to shift my mindset and focus on what I could control,” she says. Caitlin threw herself into learning every aspect of her new role, quickly discovering that real estate allowed her to be as creative and proactive as she wanted to be.

Today, Caitlin and Mary Kay work alongside each other, and are known as the Wright Choice. With Caitlin’s eye for design, focus on presentation and appeal, and social media savvy, along with Mary Kay’s expertise in market analytics, data, and pricing strategy, the duo have become a powerful team. 

“Our volume grew by 350 percent last year,” Caitlin claims, attributing their success to a mix of community engagement, social media, and streamlined client processes. “We spent the last couple of years refining our collateral, guides, and presentations. Having these systems in place has freed us up to focus on what we love most: helping clients." 

Caitlin’s high referral rate is a testament to not only her industry knowledge, but also her compassion and ability to build relationships with clients: nearly 90 percent of her business comes from word-of-mouth recommendations. Caitlin’s most rewarding experiences include helping people who never thought they could own a home. 

“When I hand over those keys, especially to a client who didn’t think it was possible, it’s beyond rewarding,” she says. "It’s moments like that that remind me why I’m in this business." 

This mission of empowerment extends to Caitlin’s social media presence, where she and Mary Kay prioritize educating followers on the home-buying process. "Connection and education are our focus," Caitlin affirms. “Even if someone isn’t our client, we want to help them feel informed and empowered.”

Looking forward, Caitlin’s ambitious goals for the Wright Choice includes adding REALTORSⓇ and assistants to help manage their growing client base, as well as developing mentorship and online education resources for new REALTORSⓇ. 

"Our industry is shifting, and it’s important to adapt," she says. "We want to lead with integrity and collaboration, putting the client first and evolving with their needs."

Outside of work, Caitlin values spending time with her close-knit family and boyfriend. In fact, she’s the go-to host for family dinners. An avid volunteer, Caitlin is actively involved with @properties’ nonprofit efforts and regularly donates her time to Habitat for Humanity. 

“Giving back is huge for me,” she shares. “I believe in building up the community, whether that’s through charity or helping families find their dream home.”