In the northwest suburbs, few names are as synonymous with trust, longevity, and deep-rooted community ties as Matt Hernacki. Known affectionately as "MisterHomes," Matt's journey through the industry is not just a story of selling houses; it's a tale of growing alongside a community he loves and becoming a local staple in the process.

Matt’s real estate career began with a unique, community-centered marketing approach: a turkey coloring contest in a local HOA’s newsletter. It was with that that he began to sow the seeds of trust and service that have allowed him to flourish over the last twenty-seven years. In fact, that specific seed bore fruit again just last year, when the six-year-old winner of that contest purchased a townhome with him. It’s moments like these that highlight Matt's enduring presence in the northwest suburbs, where relationships built in the past continue to blossom today.

“It’s been amazing to work with families, extended families, and even the kids of clients who first trusted me twenty-seven years ago,” reflects Matt. 

Matt's community presence started long before his entrance into real estate, however. His first love was radio—a passion that saw him behind the mic as early as age fourteen, working internships at local radio stations. He even had his own radio talk show as a senior in high school. 

“I enrolled in the work program so that I could go to school half-days in order to sell my show to sponsors,” Matt explains. “It aired once a week on an Elgin station. I suppose that gave me some of the entrepreneurial spirit that is needed to run a real estate business.” 

This early start not only showcased Matt's innate talent but also his tenacity, as he worked his way up by taking on shifts others avoided, such as the Christmas morning slot at the classic rock station where he was working at the time. Matt eventually worked his way up to producing a morning show at WLS-AM 890. However, he realized that if he was going to continue to pursue his radio dreams, he was going to have to always have a side job.  

Despite his passion for radio, Matt also knew he needed something more stable if he was going to move out of his parents’ house and build the life he envisioned with his high school sweetheart, Andrea. Real estate offered the opportunity he was looking for. Although he was young and didn’t know much about the business, he was ready to dive into a career and make a life for himself.  

“I had my license before I owned my first property. I looked like I was thirteen and wasn’t sure [if] anyone would work with me,” recalls Matt, laughing. 

Transitioning from radio to real estate, Matt carried over the same charisma and drive that made him a beloved voice on the airwaves. After securing his license, he joined Century 21, where he thrived under the guidance of Tyce Clark and 'the 500 Club,' picking up invaluable skills and insights that would define his career. “There were several agents at that office who were willing to share ideas that I really benefitted from. If I had chosen a different company to start at, it [my career] may have gone differently,” states Matt. 

 

As the internet began to revolutionize the world, Matt was ahead of the curve, harnessing websites and online leads to grow his brand. It was a forward-thinking move that solidified his position as a real estate innovator, especially after securing the “MisterHomes.com” domain. 

When Matt moved to RE/MAX and opened his own firm with his business partner and brother-in-law, Dominic Caruso, they embraced the MisterHomes moniker and made it their official company name. That was in 2009. While they have had much success over the years and even appeared on HGTV’s House Hunters at one point, starting their company during the economic downturn was no easy feat. 

“There were times when Dominic and I had to call each other after a closing to say, ‘The deposit has been made. Pay some bills,’” Matt recalls. “It was paycheck to paycheck to the max for a while there.”

Together they weathered the storm, however, demonstrating the unwavering spirit that now characterizes MisterHomes Real Estate.

Beyond his business acumen, Matt's connection to the northwest suburbs runs deep: it's where he grew up, where he has lived all his life, and where he has served on the board of his children's school and held various roles at Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®. 

Matt’s personal life is as rich and full as his professional one. He and Andrea have celebrated twenty-five years of marriage—a love story that began when they were both just fourteen. With two sons who share Matt's love for the great outdoors—especially camping, hiking, and biking—they've completed the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, a five-day, 180-mile bike ride, and completed the Hilly Hundred in Indiana together. They are all extremely passionate about cycling and camping. Well, everyone except Andrea, whom Matt says is “not a camper,” but who recently started a home-based baking business that she is very passionate about.