MARIA DEVINS

A global relocation specialist, Top Agent Maria Devins works solo serving the entire Illinois area with a repeat and referral rate at an impressive 95 percent.

Maria Devins is your broker for life. In 2007, after 27 years working as a makeup artist for film and television, Maria decided to get her license in real estate. “I’ve always been in sales, so to speak, and I had the confidence I could do it,” she says. Her father agreed: “He said ‘you’d be brilliant at it. You would do it honorably and honestly.’” It will be 17 years this December that Maria has been licensed, and her business continues to grow exponentially. “I feel that serving my clients and their needs is where I need to be.”

It was during the experience with her first home that Maria knew she could help other families. “Within hours of closing, my husband and I had significant appliance and mechanical issues. This was supposed to be our sanctuary, and I didn’t even feel safe in my own home,” she says. Needless to say,

Maria set out on a different approach. “My clients tell me ‘You’re honest and fearlessly loyal, not only in the initial meeting but after.’ I’m proud of that,” she says. It’s no surprise that Maria’s repeat and referral business is an impressive 95 percent.

“I want to be a reference and resource for them beyond the transaction,” she explains. “It’s not just giving one-hundred percent, it’s about giving one-thousand percent. It’s way beyond, and it’s the only way I know how to serve.”

While Maria lives in Palatine, a northwest suburb of Chicago, she serves the entire Illinois area. She is also a global relocation specialist. “I go where my clients have needed me to go,” she says. This level of dedication and commitment is one reason Maria’s volume is around 10 million this year. Her unique marketing approach is another. Working solo, not only does she not just giving utilize the PLN, social media, and advertising in Country Magazine, but Maria also relies on old-school methods like going door to door. “I tell them: I just listed your neighbor’s house—do you know anyone you’d like to be your neighbor?” That extra personal touch is a key part of Maria’s continued success. “I love staying in touch with past clients,” she says. Sending messages on special occasions, small gifts, and holding client appreciation events are just a few of the ways she connects. When asked what she likes most about her job, Maria says: “It’s really just to see my clients happy. I prepare them. I want them to know everything.”

As for serving her community, Maria is deeply involved with RAH, REALTORS Against Homeless. “There are many families and kids who are homeless in the area,” she says. “I’m a proud mom of three beautiful children, and it’s a charity very near and dear to my heart.” She is also committed to supporting Jellystone Bark’s Rescue Rangers. When she is not working, Maria loves spending time with her family. “Any time that I can get with my husband and children—they’re the reason I wake up every morning.”

Moving forward, Maria is excited for the opportunity to host American Dream TV. And ultimately, she is going to continue to give 1000 percent. “It’s always about me challenging myself. The only competition is me. What did I do last year, how can I improve it, and how can I be better for my clients.”

For more about Maria, call (847) 840-2520, email maria.devins@bairdwarner.com , or visit mariadevins.bairdwarner.com