Maria Payne
Meet Maria
Nearly fifteen years into living in Chicago, Maria still finds the most joy in the same simple pleasure she loved from the start: long walks.
Walking began as a way for Maria to experience the diverse neighborhoods, enjoy the lakefront, and feel the energetic city life. She came to Chicago shortly after graduating from Miami University in Ohio. On her walks, she got to know Chicago.
Fast-forward several years later, one walk in particular quietly changed her life. She passed by a newly installed “For Sale” sign. This sign was tacked onto the fence of a 150-year-old home in Lincoln Park, which would then became her family home with her husband and two sons. The rumors are true; a 150-year-old home needs a lot of time and attention!
That walk, however, was only the beginning of Maria’s real estate story. She went on to purchase multi-family properties throughout Lincoln Park. Walking, as it turns out, is not only great exercise. It’s a wonderful way to spot real estate opportunities that may just be one phone call away.
As a real estate agent, Maria pours her time and attention into clients purchasing a primary home or leveraging capital to invest in multi-family properties. Her hands-on experience building and redeveloping her own portfolio of multi-family properties in Lincoln Park, with a focus on increasing long-term value, gives her a distinct edge in today’s market. Maria understands what’s behind the walls, knows where opportunities exist, and brings deep investment and renovation insight to help her clients make confident, well-informed real estate decisions.
Kind Words for Maria
A Few Quick Questions for Reagan
What’s your favorite part of the listing process?
I love collaborating with homeowners to understand their vision & goals for the sale, & then translating that into a successful listing that resonates with potential buyers. It’s rewarding to see a home go from being just another listing to becoming a sought-after property that stands out in the market.
What’s your favorite part of the purchase process?
The highlight of the purchase process for me is undoubtedly the moment I get to tell my clients that their offer has been accepted. There’s nothing more exhilarating & rewarding than witnessing the joy & excitement when they receive the news that they’ve secured their dream home.
Tell us about your home!
What I cherish most about my place is its incredible location. Nestled against the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline, my neighborhood boasts streets lined with beautiful historic buildings, creating a picturesque & charming atmosphere that I find truly inspiring. Though my space is small, it’s perfectly suited to my needs, providing a cozy retreat where I can express my personal style & make it uniquely my own.
What does your perfect Saturday look like?
My ideal Saturday starts with a walk to the gym, & a great leg day workout that sets a positive tone for the day. Afterwards, I would be touring properties with my clients & putting in an offer on their dream home. I would later on catch up with friends over a lively happy hour, followed by a leisurely walk along the lakefront. To cap off the day, I would get to relay an accepted offer for my clients!
How would your clients describe you?
Responsive, knowledgeable, & friendly!