Top honor reflects success of independent, relationship-driven brokerage

Baird & Warner, Chicagoland’s largest independent and locally operated real estate brokerage, announced it has received the Diamond Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE), the network’s highest honor. The Diamond Award is presented annually to the top-performing company in each size category, recognizing outstanding performance and superior engagement across all LeadingRE business programs. Baird & Warner earned the award in the 1,000-plus agents category, distinguishing itself among some of the largest and most competitive brokerages worldwide.

The Diamond Award recognizes top-performing firms across LeadingRE’s global network of 550 market-leading real estate companies, highlighting excellence in referral production, relocation services and overall engagement. Baird & Warner’s recognition underscores its position as one of the network’s elite members and the only Chicago brokerage to receive a Diamond Award this year.

“This award is a meaningful achievement for our entire company,” said Elizabeth McGrath, vice president of Baird & Warner’s Relocation Services. “Our agents play a critical role in building and maintaining relationships across the LeadingRE network, and their commitment to providing outstanding service to our referral partners has been instrumental in earning this honor. It’s a reflection of a truly aligned organization that understands the value of collaboration on both a local and global scale.”

Over the past year, Baird & Warner saw its outgoing referral business grow by 20%, even as broader industry activity slowed. The growth is driven by the strength of its relocation department, which continues to deliver exceptional service to corporate clients moving employees into and out of the Chicago area, McGrath said.

Elizabeth McGrath was also honored with the LeadingRE Chairman’s Service Award in recognition of her long-standing contributions to the industry. The award highlights her sustained leadership, service and commitment to advancing collaboration and excellence within Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and the global real estate community.

Winning these awards as an independent firm demonstrates the advantages of a brokerage that is driven by the needs of clients versus Wall Street shareholders, according to Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner. “We look at relationships as long-term investments, not short-term concerns reacting to the whims of a quarterly earnings cycle.”

“Introductions made through our network are an extension of the business and culture we built in Chicagoland,” added Baird. “For five generations, Baird & Warner has focused on doing what’s right for our clients and our partners, and this award is a byproduct of that commitment. It also speaks to the long-term strength of our relationships and the reputation we’ve earned within LeadingRE.”

Amid an industry landscape increasingly defined by consolidation and mergers among national Wall Street-backed brokerages, Baird & Warner continues to stand apart through its independent, agent-first approach. The firm has made consistent investments in its people, training and technology, including AI-powered tools such as its broker assistant Remi and Rejig.AI, which streamlines agents’ social media posting, to empower agents and enhance the client experience.

A founding member of LeadingRE, Baird & Warner connects its clients to a global network of more than 150,000 real estate professionals across 50 countries, offering expanded reach for listings, relocation services and luxury marketing opportunities.

“The network is home to so many exceptional firms, so earning the Diamond Award is a significant accomplishment,” said Paul Boomsma, president and CEO at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. “Baird & Warner continues to distinguish itself through outstanding performance and a commitment to delivering value both to its clients and to fellow members around the world.”

About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.:
Established in 1855, family-owned Baird & Warner is Chicagoland’s largest 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 170 years. Steve Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders. Baird & Warner is a 10-time Chicago Tribune Top Workplace award winner, and with almost 2,700 broker associates and staff in 30 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, insurance and relocation services, it ranks among the nation’s top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com.