Marie DiCosola considers her affiliation with Jameson Sotheby's to be an important tool in her success in real estate. The company's vast referral network makes it possible for DiCosola to help clients find a new home in their own neighborhood or an investment property across the globe. (Jim Slonoff photo)
There is no single definition of the perfect home. That, said Marie DiCosola, is what keeps her job as a real estate professional interesting.
"Every house is so very different and every client is so very different. I kind of fell in love with the process," said DiCosola, a member of the team at Jameson Sotheby's in Hinsdale.
DiCosola said she caught the real estate bug while assisting husband Nick, president of the DiCosola Group, a real estate construction, development and consulting company. While working with real estate agents to sell the DiCosola Group's developments, she found herself intrigued with that particular part of the business.
"It just made sense to get my license," said DiCosola, who became a Realtor in early 2020.
After more than 30 years in the Chicago area, where she has owned several homes and is raising four children, DiCosola said she has a vast personal knowledge of the village and the greater Hinsdale area.
"I can guide clients based on what they're looking for, their price point," DiCosola said.
While residential real estate is her main focus, DiCosola said her reach goes far beyond the suburbs, and her expertise branches beyond families looking for a place to call home. Drawing from the global resources of the Sotheby's brand and the building and remodeling expertise of her family, DiCosola said she has a vast network that allows her to help people find the right place, whether that's a home in Hinsdale or a vacation or investment property across the country.
"I've built up a really confident base," she said.
DiCosola said the abundance of information available to today's buyers can be overwhelming. Part of her role is to help buyers make sense of it all while helping them focus on finding the right property.
DiCosola said one of the best parts of her job is the opportunity to learn new things and to share that knowledge with buyers and sellers.
Like the job itself, the real estate market is constantly changing.
"Things are moving quickly," DiCosola said of the current Hinsdale market. After a brief influx of properties in March and April, the number of homes available is once again struggling to meet demand, DiCosola said.
Most homes are under contract within six weeks of listing, she said, and most are selling for near or even above their listing price. Those that are well maintained and tastefully updated are in highest demand, while the largest, most expensive homes typically take a bit longer to sell.
DiCosola said information is valuable when it comes to buying or selling a home. She encourages homeowners to keep careful records of home updates, maintenance and purchases. When it comes time to sell, buyers will want to know the age of appliances and when the central air was last serviced.
For those preparing to purchase a home, pre-approval is essential, DiCosola said. It lets the buyer know what they can afford, and gives the seller confidence that they have the financial backing needed to close a deal.
- by Sandy Illian Bosch
