The Top 10 Female Real Estate Agents in Illinois for 2023

By Jordan French Jordan French has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team
Published on December 11, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of Illinois real estate, a select group of trailblazing women has emerged as the driving force behind unparalleled success. It’s time to spotlight the leading ladies who have redefined excellence in real estate, uncovering industry trends and demonstrating standout professionalism. This feature showcases the expertise, achievements, and expectation-exceeding ethos of some of The Prairie State’s top property market experts.

These distinguished women have navigated the complexities of the real estate market and demonstrated unparalleled proficiency in elevating their clients’ experiences. From Chicago’s bustling urban landscape to the serene neighborhoods of Springfield, these agents have left an indelible mark on the industry, leveraging their strategic insights and innovative approaches to secure top-tier results. In an era where diversity and empowerment take center stage, these professionals exemplify the transformative impact that female leadership brings to the real estate sector.

As we delve into the profiles of these exceptional individuals, our curated list unveils the unique strengths and specialties that set each agent apart. From negotiating high-profile deals to fostering lasting client relationships, these women have consistently proven their mettle in a competitive field. Join us in celebrating the achievements of the Top 10 Female Real Estate Agents in Illinois as we recognize their unwavering dedication to excellence and their pivotal role in shaping the state’s real estate landscape.

1. Ericka Logan

Ericka Logan

Ericka Logan, a dedicated Realtor® at Keller Williams Marquee in Illinois, brings over four years of invaluable real estate experience to the Metro-East IL area, with an extended reach to Springfield, IL. 

Ericka’s standout achievements include gracing the front cover of St. Louis Small Business Monthly and being named a real estate Rising Star by Metro East Real Producers Magazine. A respected figure in the community, she sits on the Board of Directors for Belleville Chambers of Commerce and the Southwestern Illinois Board of REALTORS® (SIBR). 

The Realtor® has also partnered with a credit repair company, Credit Work, to assist buyers who want to purchase a home under a program called Year to Clear. The company helps potential buyers repair their credit while Ericka assists them on their home-buying journey. Apart from credit repair and the end goal of homeownership, there is a budgeting piece where Ericka and her husband, Willie Logan, help the future buyer with maintaining an attainable budget through their company Logan & Logan Management and Accounting Services.

Beyond the transaction, Ericka fosters lasting relationships with clients by sending texts to check in and greeting cards, solidifying the bond well after they receive their keys. Some clients even evolve into friends, a testament to her ability to connect with others.

As one of Illinois’ most trusted agents, Ericka Logan is not only an experienced real estate professional but also a wife and mother of three treasured children.

2. Melissa Gustafson

Melissa Gustafson

Melissa Gustafson, a dedicated Realtor at Keller Williams Success Realty in Illinois, stands out as a seasoned expert in the real estate industry. With nearly a decade of experience, Melissa has garnered a strong reputation for her unwavering commitment to her client’s success. 

Her patient, genuine approach and track record of repeat clients speak to Melissa’s professionalism. She brings years of hands-on renovation experience and a passion for real estate design, offering clients ways to increase their property’s value and appeal.

Placement in the top 5.8% of 44,000 realtors, membership of her office’s Agent Leadership Council, and affiliation with the luxury division of Keller Williams further enhance Melissa’s credibility. She is known for her remarkable real estate flips, guided by her aptitude for renovation.

In her mission to disrupt the industry, Melissa prioritizes thoroughness and education. She ensures her clients have all their questions answered before closing, creating a stress-free experience and allowing them the confidence to celebrate their real estate achievements. Her commitment to guiding clients through the intricacies of the process makes her a top choice in McHenry County real estate.

3. Jodi Cinq-Mars

Jodi Cinq-Mars

Jodi Cinq-Mars is the dynamic CEO and President of Cinq-Mars Group Powered by Keller Williams North Shore West in Illinois. With a remarkable background that includes serving as a teacher and principal, a passion for life, love, and people motivated her transition into real estate. 

Jodi’s talent lies in problem-solving and finding creative solutions for every real estate situation. She forges meaningful relationships with her clients and power partners, aiming to create lasting impressions through positive interactions. 

Meanwhile, Cinq-Mars Group’s mission is to help people love where they live, work, and play, making buying and selling real estate much more than a formal transaction. As a result, the company has experienced a rapid rise. In just a year and a half, it achieved top standings in its local market and county, reflecting the team’s attentiveness to every client’s unique story.

Moreover, Jodi’s strong commitment to her community sets a standard to aspire to. The Cinq-Mars Group is known as the ‘Educators Realtor’, offering support to local heroes by providing rebates at closing. The initiative exemplifies Jodi’s belief in giving back to those who make the community a better place to live.

4. Lubna Sous
Lubna Sous

Meet Lubna Sous, a dedicated Realtor at Coldwell Banker in Illinois, specializing in the vibrant Chicagoland area, with a unique focus on helping families upsize. With a wealth of experience and a passion for serving her community, Lubna Sous has become a trusted name in the real estate industry.

Lubna Sous is not your average real estate agent; she is a seasoned professional who has assisted countless families in realizing their real estate dreams. She has crafted a Proven Homes Method, a meticulous five-step process designed to alleviate the stress of buying and selling homes. This method incorporates expert staging, decor improvement tips, creative offers, and skilled negotiations.

For Lubna, real estate isn’t just about transactions; it’s about people, exceeding client expectations, and investing in real estate wealth. Her commitment to her clients is unwavering, and she tailors her approach to meet their unique needs and goals, whether they are first-time homebuyers, upsizing, or downsizing.

In addition to her real estate expertise, Lubna is actively involved in her community and believes in giving back. She donates to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for every home sale or purchase, supporting its life-saving mission of finding cures and saving lives.

5. Jami Winchester

Jami Winchester

Jami Winchester is a prominent figure in the real estate industry, serving as a Partner at The Real Estate Group in Illinois. Having sold real estate since 1998, she thrives as the Team Leader of the Winchester Sales Team, which consistently ranks in the top 1% of the market. Her exceptional skills have earned her the title of ‘Best Realtor’ in the Illinois Times in 2013, 2014, 2017, and most recently in 2023, where she tied for first place.

Jami’s remarkable success stems from her ability to establish genuine connections with clients, making them feel at ease during stressful yet exciting times. She prides herself on making her clients feel like they are her sole focus, always maintaining responsiveness and availability. The result is a large base of repeat clients and referrals.

The Real Estate Group, a top-producing company for over a decade, was recently crowned the joint ‘Best Team in Real Estate’ in 2023. Yet Jami Winchester’s love for her career exceeds any title or accolade and diffuses into every client interaction. Her most cherished accomplishment is being the devoted mother of her two children, Jacob and Kate Winchester.

6. Jamie Hering

Jamie Hering

Celebrating nine years of unparalleled success, Jamie Hering, the esteemed Realtor and Team Leader of The Hering Homes Team at Coldwell Banker Realty in Illinois, has solidified her position as one of Northern Illinois’ top agents.

Jamie’s expertise extends beyond mere transactions; she leads an experienced and friendly all-female team, creating a one-stop shop for buyers and sellers. Her client-first approach, impeccable work ethic, and energetic demeanor have earned her recognition from Chicago Agent Magazine as Who’s Who in Chicagoland Real Estate. In addition to her track record of over 1000 homes sold, she supports many local events and charities, including donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital with every transaction.

As a Global Luxury Certified professional, Jamie excels in marketing luxury and waterfront homes, applying this knowledge across all her listings. Her team’s white-glove service, innovative online marketing, and numerous production awards reflect its leader’s commitment to excellence. Jamie Hering is not just a Realtor but a guiding force in the real estate landscape, consistently setting high standards.

7. Wendy Lee

Wendy Lee

Wendy Lee shines as an Associate Broker at EXIT Realty in Illinois, with 25 years of experience in real estate, finance, publishing, and internet marketing. A St Ignatius College Prep and DePaul University alumna majoring in Business, Wendy’s entrepreneurial spirit has thrived in her self-employment journey for over a decade.

Wendy is more than a real estate expert; she’s a personalized guide through the intricate home-buying process. Her commitment is unwavering, evident in her tailored home searches, connecting clients with essential services, and meticulous listing curation. Having partnered with developers for new home communities in Chicagoland, Wendy’s unique perspective enriches her approach.

Beyond real estate, Wendy champions better dietary choices. Overcoming personal struggles, she is a certified health and wellness coach and a Diamond Distributor at a noteworthy beauty and nutrition company. She aims to transform lives by promoting positive lifestyles.

Wendy excels in selling new construction, developments, and resale homes. Her compelling marketing, customized tours, and active communication ensure clients are always informed. For Wendy Lee, her client’s real estate needs are her top priority, with a blend of experience, dedication, and passion that guarantees a seamless and successful journey.

8. Leila Keene

Leila Keene

Leila Keene is a seasoned Realtor at Baird & Warner Real Estate in Illinois with a career spanning over three decades. Her journey into real estate began after a successful career in corporate computer sales, where she honed communication and marketing skills. They would prove integral to her future real estate success.

Leila’s commitment to excellence has earned her numerous awards and two prestigious professional designations: GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). Her continuous education ensures that she provides consistent top-quality service to her clients.

As a member of the Chicago Board of REALTORS® and various national associations, Leila stays updated on the latest market trends and legislation. Her philosophy revolves around building lifelong relationships with her clients, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to ethics and professionalism.

Leila treats each deal as if it were her own, focusing on open and honest communication, integrity, and her clients’ complete satisfaction. She is known for going the extra mile and making real estate transactions a smooth and informed experience.

With her passion, expertise, and vast knowledge base, Leila Keene stands out as a reliable and dedicated real estate professional.

9. Charity Goodwin

Charity Goodwin

Charity Goodwin, a dedicated Broker-Salesperson at Worth Clark Realty in Illinois, stands out in the real estate landscape with a commitment to excellence and a unique enthusiasm for first-time homebuyers. Operating in Southwest Illinois, Charity’s full-time perseverance ensures that her clients receive professional, responsive, and attentive real estate services.

As a dual-licensed professional, Charity’s passion for guiding first-time buyers through a complex process is her hallmark. She educates and prepares them, offering the extra push and patience for this significant life step. With over $2 million in sales volume, tangible results are easy to find across each chapter of Charity’s glimmering career.

Beyond her current achievements, Charity is actively contributing to the real estate community by working on an ebook tailored to assist first-time homebuyers—a testament to her belief in client empowerment. It correlates with her exhaustive approach, where buyers and sellers feel heard, and their homes enjoy the limelight.

For those seeking a realtor with a personal touch and a wealth of expertise, Charity Goodwin is the trusted professional to call.

10. Zainab B. Sip

Zainab B. Sip

Zainab B. Sip, MBA, stands out as a leading figure in the world of real estate as the Principal/Designated Managing Broker of Illinois-based firm Z.A.S. Consulting, Inc. As the leader of this minority and woman-owned consulting company, Zainab brings over 15 years of experience in real estate, human resources, and compliance.

What sets Mrs. Sip apart is her commitment to client empowerment and education. Z.A.S. Consulting doesn’t just facilitate real estate transactions; it educates and supports clients in every step. Z.A.S. Consulting, Inc. specializes in Probate/Trust Sales and Government contracts in the State of Illinois.

Zainab’s business model is a departure from traditional sales-focused approaches. She aims to ensure clients thoroughly understand the nuances of residential and commercial real estate, reducing unexpected moments and enhancing their overall experience.

Mrs. Sip earned a Masters Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resources from Saint Xavier University. She is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and holds an Accredited Commercial Practitioner certification (ACP), demonstrating her expertise in both realms. Mrs. Sip also holds a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), which is held by less than 3% of realtors. Moreover, her uniqueness as a consultant rather than a salesperson and her commitment to open communication and post-transaction support make Z.A.S. Consulting a standout choice in Illinois real estate.

Zainab B. Sip’s dedication to disrupting the industry and building enduring, trust-based relationships is a refreshing alternative for those seeking real estate services in Illinois.

Wrap-Up

As we conclude our exploration of the Top 10 Female Real Estate Agents in Illinois, it’s evident that these remarkable women are not just shaping the real estate landscape in Illinois but are also setting new benchmarks for excellence and client service. Their diverse backgrounds, innovative approaches, and unwavering commitment to their clients’ needs have made them standout figures in the Illinois real estate market.

From the bustling streets of Chicago to the tranquil neighborhoods of Springfield, these agents have demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate the complexities of the market, offering strategic insights and personalized services that cater to a wide range of client needs. Whether it’s assisting first-time homebuyers, managing high-profile property deals, or contributing to their communities, these women have proven that their expertise and dedication are second to none.

As the real estate industry continues to evolve, the role of real estate agents becomes increasingly crucial. The agents featured in this list exemplify the best of what Illinois has to offer – professionalism, integrity, and a deep understanding of the local market. They are not just agents; they are trusted advisors, community leaders, and innovators who are redefining the standards of real estate service.

For anyone looking to navigate the Illinois real estate market, these Top 10 Female Real Estate Agents are more than capable of guiding you through your real estate journey with skill, care, and exceptional expertise. Their achievements and client-focused approach make them the go-to professionals in Illinois, ensuring that your real estate experience is nothing short of exceptional.

By Jordan French Jordan French has been verified by Muck Rack's editorial team

Journalist verified by Muck Rack verified

Jordan French is the Founder and Executive Editor of Grit Daily Group, encompassing Financial Tech Times, Smartech Daily, Transit Tomorrow, BlockTelegraph, Meditech Today, High Net Worth magazine, Luxury Miami magazine, CEO Official magazine, Luxury LA magazine, and flagship outlet, Grit Daily. The champion of live journalism, Grit Daily's team hails from ABC, CBS, CNN, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Forbes, Fox, PopSugar, SF Chronicle, VentureBeat, Verge, Vice, and Vox. An award-winning journalist, he was on the editorial staff at TheStreet.com and a Fast 50 and Inc. 500-ranked entrepreneur with one sale. Formerly an engineer and intellectual-property attorney, his third company, BeeHex, rose to fame for its "3D printed pizza for astronauts" and is now a military contractor. A prolific investor, he's invested in 50+ early stage startups with 10+ exits through 2023.

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