I always have time for you and your referrals!
My goal is to earn being your REALTOR® for life!
My family and I grew up in Chicago and have resided since the late 1800's. My dad was a Southsider, drove cabs and limos, so I learned my directions and landmarks from him. I often joke I know the city well enough to be dropped off in any spot and can find my way home- without any outside help! My mom is from the North Side. So that right there tells you there were interesting conversations going on regarding baseball.
I have lived in several neighborhoods that have grown monumentously in recent years, such as Avondale, Lincoln Square and Rogers Park. My husband and I moved from Logan Square after 22 years of living in the neighborhood together, as we purchased our first home in 2017 in the North Shore. We have one adult son who is engaged to a wonderful, beautiful young lady, and who have made us grandparents to an amazing little boy!
How do I do my full-time job serving folks with a basic need? FAIRLY, and with a cool, interesting background! At the beginning of 2012, I began in real estate as a leasing agent and office manager, and have been a broker since 2016. Since then, I have marketed, shown and closed deals on hundreds of listings all over Chicagoland.
Before I became a REALTOR®, I have had several interesting jobs! I've been working since I was little in my mom's diner as well as my uncle's pizzerias- be it canvassing menus to dropping the chicken into the fryer. I also was one of those kids back in the 80's who sold boxes of chocolates and trinkets in bars - back when that was more socially acceptable, of course.
Later in life, I was a paralegal for a large collections firm, helping to process hundreds of cases each week. I also worked at a large window washing company, handling various tasks like sales, AR/AP, marketing and scheduling. I handled property management for my former employer's building, too! My years spent at the Cenacle taught me how to work with people during major life changes, and I have plenty of retail and customer service to know how to work my way up (and earn my tips). And yes, I'm also that Lori Dake who helped my husband run a record label for several years!
Other interesting/fun things about me:
My favorite band is Iron Maiden, with Ozzy as a close second (what's with all the fighting, Sharon?)
I prefer action, horror and blue comedy movies and programs
I enjoy painting with acrylics on canvas when able
I enjoy walking between showings
I was on the basketball team in school as a foreward
I was also a cheerleader
Add to that too, I was also in orchestra playing violin and jazz band playing bass guitar
And, I won a science fair; I got as far as representing the north side of Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry
My sun sign is Pisces, my moon sign is Gemini, and I was born during a Mercury Retrograde
When it comes to servicing prospective tenants who are looking to find a new residential rental, I take a personal love and interest. And, I am passionate about every aspect of my hometown. I enjoy talking about the units themselves and especially about the surrounding neighborhoods. Many people I have worked with have been new to the city; it never gets old to hear people comment on my native accent.
Folks looking to buy a home - I can certainly help with that, too! People are often pleasantly surprised to discover they can own a home for less than what they pay in rent, and many lenders have options to work with your unique situations. I have a team to back my buyer clients to help ensure they have a great experience!
Diligent service to my rental clients on the listing side (e.g., landlords and property managers) is my top priority. I do so by efficiently working an average of 75-90 hours per week by providing detailed listings and attending every occupied showing. Marketing a listing is something I take seriously; with rare exception, each one includes several of my photos which I have received professional training, measurements of each room and full details on application requirements.
In order to be truly fair to the public, each listing is marketed until I execute a lease or it is otherwise no longer available. And, each application package is submitted to my client in the order in which it was received. (The available listings page is updated at my earliest opportunity, often within hours!) Because a listing status can change at a moment's notice, prospective applicants are always asked to please contact me before applying so they can inquire on that.
Ready to sell? Great! I have a large team of professionals ready to serve you! Let's make the next phase of your life a whole lot easier! Contact me so I can get the ball rolling!
When I'm not earning my commissions, I'm often volunteering for one thing or another. On Thursday mornings, I can be found at the Northfield Township Food Pantry. I love working there, because their system is much more dignified than others I've personally had to experience. It's laid out like a regular grocery store where customers (not recipients!) choose what they would like, based on their allotments. There is fresh milk, butter and produce available, as well as frozen meats and non-perishable items. I'm also a Rotarian- member of Glenview Sunrise Rotary - service above self!
Folks who would like to learn more about me or what I can do for them are asked to please contact me! 773-697-4474 - LDake@KaleRealty.com
I'll let other happy people do the talking!
(Review below found on Google
Herb Zinn, ***** 12/3/2024
What can I say about Lori Dake and Kale Realty? She's professional, detail oriented, and persistent. And she is a kind and helpful human being. She did all but hold my hand through my first real estate transaction, the sale of my childhood home. She was extremely meticulous in going over all the contracts involved and got me from listing to offers to "sold" in record time. I would use Lori and Kale Realty again in a heartbeat. Five stars!
(Review below found on Google
Brett Lichnerowicz, ***** 04/19/2024
I just wanted to shout out [Lori] Dake! She was awesome, in assisting me in renting out my condo. It was my first time, but she was very patient with my questions, etc. Got my lease squared away and made the process seamless for me! Would highly recommend her. Thanks [Lori]!
(Review below found on Google
Michael Chaput, ***** 06/29/2021
Lori Dake is the best realtor I've ever worked with. She is SO knowledgeable and responsive to everything I need. I legit felt like she was working with my best interest at heart, she isn't pushy, and answers every email/text quickly. Highly HIGHLY recommend Lori Dake if you're looking for a place in Chicago. Thank you Lori!
(Review below found on Google)
Jess Brooks, ***** 1/24/2020
I truly cannot say enough kind words about Lori Dake. Apartment hunting on the north side of Chicago was getting incredibly stressful and tiresome, and then we found Lori, who was communicative, professional, kind, answered all of our questions in a timely manner, and incredibly helpful. She walked us through the entire application process, the approval process, answered all questions about our lease with ease, and even gave us a cute gift for our new home on our move-in day. Even after moving in, she sends kind email updates with helpful information for us (and sometimes, awesome cooking recipes). I will recommend Lori to anyone and everyone I know. From working with our hectic schedules in scheduling appointments, to emailing back unbelievably fast, Lori is an incredible realtor who truly cares about her clients.
(Review below found on Zillow)
***** Highly likely to recommend
05/16/2018 - wileitel3
Sold a Condo home in 2018 in Margate Park, Chicago, IL
Local knowledge: *****
Process expertise: *****
Responsiveness: *****
Negotiation skills: *****
I've worked with Lori twice now, and she's proven that "Going above and beyond" is just one of her many outstanding professional qualities. The two properties she's helped me with are in Chicago, while I've relocated to northern Illinois and so really couldn't be present for much of the process. Lori was my eyes and ears, took me through the entire thing painlessly, expediently, and made sure I remained up to date on each development as it occurred.
I will never use another Realtor again. Thank you for everything, Lori
(Reviews below found on Kale Realty's Yelp! page)
Krista K., Chicago, IL - 09/03/2018
Absolutely amazing. Lori Dake is a phenomenal real estate agent. From the beginning to the end, Lori put in extra effort to help find my boyfriend and I a new home. Lori sent us multiple listings, and worked with us to view apartments and asked the listing agents the difficult questions. When we finally found a place we loved, the listing agent was being difficult, and Lori got things done. She made sure that every one of our wants and needs were met and advocated on our behalf. Kale Real Estate is a great company, and is definitely lucky to have someone like Lori! I would highly recommend her :)
Miss M., Chicago, IL - 03/23/2018
Lori Dake and her boss David helped to sell my house in Humboldt Park last year and they did a wonderful job during the process. They were incredibly helpful. My buying agent Quentin was wonderful too and they helped me move from the city to the suburbs. I would recommend them to anyone looking to buy/sell/rent. Thank you!
Wil E., Chicago, IL – 01/31/2017
Having recently moved out of the city, I was unable to take care of renting my condo myself. Lori Dake came through like a pro among pros! All "I's" dotted, all "T's" crossed! She took care of everything from beginning to end and kept me in the loop at every turn..
Seriously, I've worked in real estate so I've known my share of realtors. Lori is easily among the most conscientious, professional, and thorough agents I've EVER worked with - and the fact that was was a long distance business venture (for me) made her attention to detail that much more welcome. I couldn't possibly recommend her highly enough.
Lori, from my family to yours, thank you! You really came through.
Mark F., Chicago, IL – 06/28/2016
I would highly recommend Kale Realty. Lori was great to work with She was very responsive and it was easy to get hold of her. She seemed very knowledgeable when it came to Chicago realty. She helped me find a place that matched my requirements. Unfortunately, I was unable to get the first apartment because the apartment owner was very particular when it came to renting the place. However, Lori fought for me. She tried to convince the owner just for my sake because she understood my situation. Still, it was enough. Good thing, she found another place for me and I had no trouble getting the place. With this kind of service, I find no reason not to use them again!
Michelle B., Riverwoods, IL – 04/18/2016
Lori Dake was especially helpful when I needed her for real estate advice in the past. I may not have worked directly with her since she moved to Kale, but knowing she is now part of this team tells me the kind of company Kale is to work with! And that is Top Notch professional service! I look forward to recommending Kale to any of my friends and family, when they ask for a recommendation!
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