The Plank Group has helped over 645 families/individuals with their real estate needs since 2000.
Credentials:
Being a real estate professional in the Chicagoland real estate market over the past several years has enabled Donna to have the experiences and insight to assist her clients in any type of market whether it is a seller's market, a buyer's market, a renter's market, a distressed property market (Foreclosure or a short sale) or an investor's market. Most of her real estate career has been guiding and counseling clients on selling their homes, purchasing their next home, or facilitating a lease of a property. Several years in her real estate career were spent as a Branch Manager, managing broker for two different branch offices with over 40 agents in each office. In this role, Donna advised and counseled agents on growing their businesses, assisted them in answering questions they received from their clients, and negotiated contracts with suppliers for the office. Clients refer Donna to their friends and family because she is professional, trustworthy, and has a high level of integrity. She makes time for her clients and tells them the truth even if it's not what they want to hear. She is rewarded when a client says to her "Thank you! We couldn't have gotten through this without you". Donna's family and friends think of her when they have a real estate need.
After almost 15 years in the ingredient business helping food and beverage companies incorporate a sweetener into their products, it was time for a change. Donna was inspired to become a real estate broker as she has a passion for helping others and enjoys meeting and spending time getting to know people. She began her real estate career as a licensed salesperson with Baird & Warner in 2000. In 2006 she was promoted to Branch Manager of their Mount Prospect Office. In 2009, Donna was recruited to manage the Berkshire Hathaway Starck Office in Mount Prospect for another 2 years. Since September 2011, Donna has been a real estate managing broker and is currently working with @properties Christie's International Real Estate.
Donna's family of 8 enjoys bicycling, camping, fishing, gardening, snowmobiling, hiking, or just relaxing on the lawn chair by day and by a campfire at night. She enjoys gardening has a perennial herb garden and aspires to have a sustainable vegetable garden. Donna and her family enjoy pets. Currently, she has several colorful freshwater fish. Donna is a lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area. One of the life lessons Donna's Mom taught her to live by every day is "Whatever you are doing, be passionate about it. Dive in with all that you have and give it your all! Take risks—don't be afraid."
Donna's clients tell her "She has the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesperson"
Designations & Certifications Include: Certified Real Estate Negotiator (CREN), Graduate of the Real Estate Institute (GRI), Cartus Network Affinity Specialist (CNAS), Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), Certified Agent Advantage Specialist (CAA), Cartus Networking Marketing Specialist (CNMS), Cartus Network Buyer Specialist (CNBS), USAA Movers Advantage Broker, Navy Federal Credit Union Realty Plus Broker, Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Expert (SFR), Smart Home Technology Certification, Certified Staging Consultant (CSC)
