We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Staneart. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.
Stephanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
To me, success is not just about achieving financial goals or closing deals; it’s deeply rooted in one’s mindset and daily practices. For me, my morning routine is crucial; it sets the tone not just for my business day, but for every part of my life. Incorporating practices like positive affirmations, gratitude journaling, and daily uplifting readings has had a significant impact on my journey as a realtor, mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
Starting each day with positive affirmations helps me approach challenges with confidence. It’s amazing how a few simple statements can shift my perspective and empower me to take on whatever comes my way. Gratitude journaling, on the other hand, allows me to reflect on the good things in my life, helping me maintain a positive outlook even when faced with setbacks.
And daily devotionals provide me with inspiration and a sense of purpose, reminding me of the values that guide my work. Together, these practices create a solid foundation for my success, both personally and professionally. They keep me grounded and focused, which I think is essential in this industry. Overall success for me is about nurturing a mindset that supports growth and resilience, and I’m grateful for the routines that help me stay on track.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Steph Staneart, and I’m a realtor dedicated to serving the Chicagoland suburbs, where I have lived for all 37 years of my life. Prior to entering the real estate industry, I spent almost 20 years in the medical field, beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later spending a large portion of my career as a Cardiac Nurse. This experience not only sharpened my ability to excel in high-pressure situations but also instilled a deep sense of empathy and care for others—qualities that form the foundation of my real estate business.
Here are some fun facts about me! I’m a survivor of two open-heart surgeries as an infant, which has taught me to cherish every moment in life. Thankfully, I now have a clean bill of health! I believe in celebrating every win, big or small—always with bubbles, of course! 🥂
I’m also a proud wife to my “Bumble Match,” and a mom to two beautiful kids: my basketball-loving 11-year-old son and my spunky 15-month-old daughter. Balancing family life with my real estate career gives me a unique perspective, allowing me to truly understand the importance of finding the perfect home for every client’s needs.
In my real estate career, I take a comprehensive approach to help clients feel supported as they navigate the often overwhelming process of buying and/or selling a home in the suburbs so they can feel confident in their real estate transaction. I prioritize personalized service and tailored strategies to meet each client’s specific needs. I take great pride in the fact that my business is built entirely on word of mouth; I do not invest in paid leads. The unwavering support from my family, friends, past clients, referral partners, and social media followers has played a crucial role in my success. Their trust and referrals mean everything to me, and I strive to meet their expectations every day.
One of the primary challenges I help my clients tackle is the stress and uncertainty that frequently accompany real estate transactions. My goal is to make the process as smooth as possible, providing guidance at every step—whether that involves connecting them with top-trusted local vendors, negotiating the best deals, navigating paperwork, or offering insights into the local market.
What truly sets me apart in the real estate world is my unwavering commitment to building genuine relationships and my heartfelt passion for serving my clients. I’m not here just to make a quick commission; my top priority is ensuring my clients make smart investments. If a property isn’t the right fit or they will be overpaying due to a multiple offer situation, I’ll be the first to encourage my clients to walk away. One of the most touching compliments I’ve received came from a parent of a first-time homebuyer, who said, “I can tell you are not just here to make a paycheck. You genuinely care that my daughter finds a safe home that will be a solid investment for years to come.” For me, real estate is so much more than just transactions—it’s about fostering meaningful connections and helping people create wealth through real estate.
I take immense pride in the positive feedback I receive from clients and the lasting relationships I’ve developed. While it has been a challenge for some to adjust to seeing me no longer as “Nurse Steph,” I continually focus on demonstrating how my nursing background has shaped me into the ideal realtor. The skills I gained—such as managing diverse personalities, maintaining a high level of attention to detail, critically thinking, ability to manage multiple moving parts with grace, active listening, and advocating for my clients—are all integral to my real estate success. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m still playing a role in helping people through one of the most significant chapters of their lives.
For potential clients, followers, and supporters, I want you to know that my brand is built on trust, integrity, and a sincere desire to help. If you’re looking for a realtor who will listen to your needs and go the extra mile in the Chicagoland suburbs, I would love to connect and assist you on your real estate journey!
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
For me, the best source for gaining new clients has undeniably been word of mouth whether through referrals or social media. I truly believe that building genuine relationships is at the heart of a successful real estate career. When my past clients are happy with their experience, they naturally share their stories with family and friends, which leads to referrals that are incredibly valuable to my business.
Additionally, I receive a significant number of referrals from out-of-area Realtors. I’ve worked hard to establish a solid network of real estate professionals who trust me to take excellent care of their clients when they’re looking to buy or sell in the Chicagoland suburbs. This reciprocal relationship not only expands my client base, but also reinforces the importance of maintaining a strong reputation in the industry.
Social media is an essential tool for me, and I take a very value-driven approach to the content I share. I ensure that everything I post provides meaningful insights—whether it’s educating my audience about the buying or selling process or discussing current market trends. Rather than simply posting “just sold” or “just listed” updates, I focus on sharing the stories behind each transaction. I highlight how I met my clients, the challenges we faced together, and what they love most about their new homes. This storytelling approach not only humanizes the experience but also allows potential clients to connect with my work on a deeper level.
By providing valuable content, I’m able to build trust with my audience and position myself as a knowledgeable resource in the real estate market. This strategy helps me stay top of mind with past clients and their networks, while also attracting new potential clients who appreciate the level of care and detail I put into my work. Ultimately, it’s about creating a community where people feel informed and empowered, and I’m proud to contribute to that through my social media presence.
What’s key for me is that I do not pay for leads; my business thrives on the trust and relationships I’ve built over the years. This organic approach not only feels authentic but also allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level, ensuring that their needs are met and that they have a positive experience throughout their real estate journey. In the end, it’s all about creating a strong network and nurturing those connections, which has proven to be my best resource for attracting new clients.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Absolutely! There are several books that have had a major impact on my management style and entrepreneurial philosophy, particularly in the context of real estate.
One of the standout titles for me is “Power Your Pay” by Delaine Blazek. This female driven book taught me how to leverage my natural feminine qualities to attract new clients and, most importantly, to own my time and know my value. It helped me shift my mindset away from discounting my services to gain new clients to recognizing and confidently asserting the worth I bring to my clients’ experience. This has been a game changer in how I approach my business.
Another influential book is “Ninja Selling” by Larry Kendall. I’ve even traveled to Las Vegas to take his sales course and learn directly from him! His insights on building genuine relationships rather than simply focusing on transactions resonate deeply with my approach to real estate. It’s about connecting with people on a personal level, which leads to longer-lasting relationships and referrals.
“365 Days in Real Estate” by Shelley Zavitz is also a key resource for me. I read this book while taking courses for my real estate license, and I find myself referring back to it regularly to stay grounded in the basics. The insights keep me focused and motivated, reminding me of the essential practices that lead to success in this industry.
In addition to these real estate-focused books, I prioritize personal growth through my daily devotionals. “The Pivot Year” by Briana Wiest, “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday, and “The Confident Woman” by Joyce Meyer all contribute to my mindset and overall well-being. They sprinkle daily insights into my life each morning inspiring me to become my best self, not just for my clients but also for my family and myself.
These readings have instilled in me a genuine, mindset-driven approach to my work, allowing me to serve my clients with authenticity and passion. Ultimately, I believe that the combination of these resources helps me to continually grow and excel both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SellingSuburbsWithSteph.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellingsuburbswithsteph/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SellingSuburbsWithSteph
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellingsuburbswithsteph/
Image Credits
Erin Stefanik Photography