Building a lasting legacy in real estate is no small feat, and Lala Mahoney has worked tirelessly to achieve just that. Although she faced many challenges, she treated each as an opportunity for growth, which shaped her into the successful professional she is today. From navigating competitive markets to balancing a demanding career with a growing family, Lala's experiences have reinforced her core values of hard work, integrity, and community—values deeply rooted in her upbringing in Iowa.

“These values have been my compass throughout my career in real estate, especially when navigating the various challenges I've encountered,” says Lala.

Lala’s journey into real estate was driven by a combination of personal interest, family influence, and a desire for professional fulfillment. Growing up, she was inspired by her mother who was a REALTOR® in Iowa. While Lala had plans to go to law school, when her mother needed help in her business during Lala’s senior year at University of Iowa, Lala decided to get her real estate license. After she graduated from college, she quickly realized that real estate was her true calling and has never looked back. 

Lala's genuine interest in properties, architecture, and home design fueled her passion for the industry. She found immense fulfillment in helping clients find their dream homes and make significant investments. The satisfaction of guiding clients through one of the most important transactions of their lives became a powerful motivator for her, too. Of course, it wasn’t easy, especially after she moved to the Chicagoland area her within her first year as a REALTOR®.

Moving from Iowa to the fast-paced Chicagoland market twenty-four years ago was a daunting transition for Lala. However, she immersed herself in the local real estate scene by attending industry seminars, networking events, and engaging with seasoned professionals. This proactive approach helped her gain insights into the local market trends, client expectations, and effective strategies specific to the area.

Building a strong network of relationships with other agents, local businesses, and community members became a cornerstone of Lala's success. These connections provided valuable support and referrals, helping her establish a solid foothold in the market.

Balancing a demanding career with personal commitments has been another significant challenge for Lala. As a mother of two active children, Oliver (15) and Evelyn (10), and owner of two energetic border collies, managing time effectively has been essential for Lala. By developing a rigorous time-management system, she was able to prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and ensure quality time with her family.

Leveraging technology to streamline processes also allowed Lala to work more efficiently. CRM systems, virtual tours, and online communication tools helped her manage her workload effectively, making it possible to balance her professional and personal lives.

The cyclical nature of the real estate market posed additional obstacles for Lala, particularly during economic downturns when the real estate industry and home buyer confidence waned. But staying ahead of market trends and economic indicators allowed Lala to anticipate changes and adapt her strategies accordingly. By staying informed and flexible, she navigated through tough times and continued to provide exceptional service to her clients.

Establishing and maintaining client trust in a saturated market was another major hurdle she overcame. By prioritizing open and honest communication, Lala ensured her clients were well-informed at every step of the process. Going above and beyond to exceed client expectations became Lala's hallmark. Personalized service, attention to detail, and post-transaction follow-ups led to high client satisfaction and numerous referrals. 

“For me, maintaining past client relationships is more than just a business strategy. It’s a heartfelt commitment to the people who have trusted me with one of the most significant decisions of their lives,” Lala emphasizes. “By nurturing these relationships, I aim to create a lasting legacy of trust, loyalty, and community in the real estate industry.”

This passion not only drives Lala’s professional success, but also brings her immense personal fulfillment, knowing that she is making a positive impact on the lives of her clients.

Lala envisions a future where real estate continues to play a pivotal role in her life. She aspires to build a lasting legacy in the industry, and be known for integrity, exceptional service, and a deep commitment to her clients’ success. Mentoring upcoming REALTORS® and sharing her knowledge and experiences is a significant part of her vision.

She also aims to play a more active role in community service and philanthropic efforts by supporting local charities and participating in community development initiatives. Beyond selling homes, she wants to help build vibrant, inclusive communities where people can thrive.

Outside of real estate, Lala enjoys spending weekends cheering on Oliver at football games and Evelyn at soccer matches. She and her husband, Mike, find solace and joy in gardening. Together they tend an expansive garden that is filled with fruit trees and berry bushes. Their two border collies, Leo and Piper, keep the family active and entertained with their high-energy antics.

For Lala, success is a holistic achievement that encompasses professional growth, personal fulfillment, and having a positive impact on others. It’s about continually striving to be better, maintaining integrity, and contributing to the well-being of her clients and community. By focusing on these aspects, she measures her success not just by what she achieves, but by how she achieves it and the legacy she will inevitably leave behind.