Despite 2023’s real estate headwinds, many Baird & Warner agents had their best year ever

For those wondering how some Chicago-area real estate agents say 2023 was their best year ever – despite it being one of the most challenging real estate markets in history – Laura Ellis will simply direct them to joinBW.com, a new website launched by Baird & Warner, Illinois’ largest family-owned independent real estate services company. As chief strategy officer and president of residential sales, not to mention a 26-year veteran with the firm, Ellis knows firsthand what agents need to be successful in today’s climate.

“With higher interest rates and low housing inventory, there could be a number of real estate agents thinking it might be a good time to leave the industry, but it’s actually a great time to join real estate – if it’s with a company invested in the growth and success of its people,” said Ellis. “It’s often said that good businesses double-down in tough markets, and we understand that during difficult times, people need more support. Our continued investment in our agents, which is reflected in our new website, is why many at Baird & Warner have had their best year ever.”

Designed to provide new-to-the-industry as well as experienced agents with an in-depth look at the resources offered by Baird & Warner, joinBW.com showcases the company’s unwavering dedication to agent success, the unique personalities and cultures of its 25 offices, the firm’s game-changing proprietary training and support programs, and why Baird & Warner agents can grow their business and excel in their career in any market.

For example, prospective agents can visit joinBW.com to learn about Baird & Warner balance^®, which pairs agents with on-demand services that help them with tasks ranging from managing listings and social media posts to support with administrative needs and sales contracts. Among agents who took regular advantage of balance, using the services at least monthly and over the course of a three-year period, the average increase to their overall sales volume from 2022 to 2023 has been $3.3 million. With a distinct page for each of Baird & Warner’s 25 offices, the new website also offers an inside look at the individual character and culture of each branch location and its managers, who are 100% committed to agent success and do not compete for listings.

“By being transparent and providing as much information as possible, joinBW.com enables potential recruits to make an informed decision about the next step in their career, whether they are new to the business or a seasoned pro,” said Tripti Kasal, Baird & Warner senior vice president of Residential Sales, who was instrumental in developing the site. “This website was two years in the making for a reason – we are beyond thorough in preparing our agents to navigate a wide assortment of transaction and client scenarios. It’s this level of detailed support that Baird & Warner is proudly known for, why we attract the best agents in the industry, and why agents who decide to try out a different brokerage often bounce back.”

The brokerage’s commitment to investing in resources like joinBW.com that empower agent growth, as well as its family-ownership culture, certainly factored into the recent return of two of the Chicago area’s top producers: Steve Scheuring, a leading agent in the Oak Park and River Forest area, and Anitra Grady, who specializes in Oak Lawn.

“My return to Baird & Warner was driven by a variety of reasons but toward the top was the firm’s ability to embrace the true culture of the communities where we work, something that is especially important to an agent like me who specializes in a market that has a distinctive way of doing business,” said Scheuring. “This respect for deep local expertise paired with the firm’s focus on developing tools that set agents up for success, from those launching their careers to seasoned pros, made the decision to rejoin Baird & Warner an easy one.”

As the company’s leadership has expressed in the wake of recent developments in the industry that are expected to impact agent compensation, among other changes, it is more important than ever to ensure agents have the support that enables them to offer a high level of value to buyers and sellers.

“With the industry facing unprecedented shifts and uncertainties, Baird & Warner will remain steadfast in its pledge to invest in our most valuable asset – our agents,” said Ellis. “This new recruiting website serves as a powerful testament to that commitment and represents a significant step forward in our mission to attract, nurture and inspire the best real estate talent in the industry.”

To learn more about joining Baird & Warner, visit www.joinBW.com.

About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.:

Established in 1855, Baird & Warner is Illinois’ largest family-owned independent real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with making real estate easier through experience, innovation and integrity for more than 165 years. Steve Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders. Baird & Warner is a ten-time Chicago Tribune Top Workplace award winner, and with more than 2,500 broker associates in 25 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, and relocation services, it ranks among the nation’s top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com.