HOUSE & HOME

Finding a house is a significant undertaking and a major milestone. As a long-term investment, house hunters are faced with a myriad of decisions to fulfill their dream home vision.

Luckily, the western suburbs offer a variety of neighborhoods to choose from that fit a range of lifestyles. Thankfully, it is also home to many local expert resources, including realtors who advise their clients through the buying or selling process and interior designers who help create a harmonious and functional space. If looking to modify a current home, architects may map out a new layout and design, or professionals that remodel, renovate and restore are available to assist.

Hinsdale Magazine Group proudly features some noteworthy real estate industry leaders in this edition that help guide prospective buyers and sellers through the process.

Nikki Ricci immigrated to America with her parents, who were seeking a better life for their family in the land of opportunity. Fast forward fifteen years later, she met her husband Jon, an ideal match, and decided to start their family. Like many couples, Nikki and Jon began a search for the ideal location to raise their daughters. With a wish list for their dream home to be built, after serious consideration, they determined Oak Brook was the perfect location for their family.

The process had a profound effect on Nikki. With the energy she enjoyed and the experience of building their first home, Jon suggested that she might enjoy pursuing a career in real estate. A new beginning for Nikki in 1986 with Coldwell Banker Realty proved to be an excellent decision. She offers in-depth knowledge of Oak Brook, and the Western Suburbs with global and national networking a benefit to her clients.

Passionate about the business, her commitment and production have kept her consistently in the TOP tier of agents in the Coldwell Banker Oak Brook Office. She believes it takes hands to build a house, but hearts to build a home. Guiding buyers and sellers with their real estate needs is priority.

A first impression is a lasting impression and is a belief she stands by. In her world, it takes on a double meaning. She suggests to sellers that they have one chance to impress the buyer, so from the moment they drive up to the front door, the buyer needs to say, “wow.” On a personal level, her mission is to be acknowledged by my clients as a professional who creates trust by delivering real estate service with the highest degree of quality, value, and integrity.

Nikki never forgets her roots. Being raised by immigrant parents, she exemplifies how love, heritage, and family can create a success story in America to secure a better life. Her background has given Nikki a true appreciation of the discipline and the benefits of hard work. ■ her diverse background, she is able to truly connect and tailor the real estate needs of people of all ages, cultures, and demographics. Raised in London, England, her upbringing and connections (local and worldwide) combined with her professional background – including a legal degree in contracts and land law, sales, and innovative marketing – have resulted in her thriving business as a full-service real estate broker.

Apart from her strong ties to Oak Brook, where she has resided for the last 20 years, Lina’s network is vast, having worked and lived throughout Chicagoland. With more overseas investment in the Chicagoland area, her referral network allows her to ensure real estate needs can be serviced anywhere in Chicagoland and across the globe. Shah has guided hundreds of clients through the buying and selling process.

Lina’s passion for her community extends beyond her professional accomplishments. As a past president of the Oak Brook Women’s Club, Lina is involved in local and national charitable organizations and committees in the Village of Oak Brook. She prides herself on being a resource to her clients.