I’ve mapped the world of real estate for the major part of my career since graduating from Augustana College with a BA in Business. A lifelong resident of the Chicago area (more specifically the western suburbs of Batavia, Glen Ellyn, Oak Park and now Forest Park), my start in the field came over 25 years ago as a real estate appraiser, where I valued a wide variety of properties throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. Property types that I have appraised include single family residences, condominiums, townhomes, 2-4 flats, apartment buildings as well as mixed-use, retail, office, industrial and hotel properties. Whether you're selling a starter home, luxury custom home or any variety of commercial properties, my many years of appraisal experience will help you determine a reasonable list price for your property and maximize the likelihood of a quick sale at the best possible price. With my guidance, buyers can feel confident that they aren't overpaying for a property.
At the time I began appraising, I also started real estate investing with part-ownership of a 6-unit apartment building in Glen Ellyn where I was responsible for both managing and maintaining the property. Other investing experience over the years included ownership of a 2-flat in Oak Park and purchasing and rehabbing a Forest Park condominium unit for resale. My experience as a real estate investor gives me unique insight into what investors are looking for.
In 2013 I became a licensed real estate broker and went to work representing real estate buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords and investors. I’ve brokered real estate transactions involving houses, apartment buildings, offices, retail and industrial properties. My sales experience also includes working with distressed properties (foreclosures, short sales, etc.).
In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis and guitar and spending time with my wife and kids. My strengths include diligence, conscientiousness and attention to detail and accuracy. My keys to success? Treating clients with honesty, professionalism and courtesy.
We had a terrific experience with Ken and highly recommend him. We interviewed several realtors and decided to use Ken. His knowledge of the market brought a high price for our home. He was responsive, and very helpful, handling many details for us as we had moved out of town before our home sold. We got Ken’s name as a recommendation from friends who had used him, and recommend him to...
I am first time home buyer. He explained me each and every stages of house buying processes. Ken is always available on phone, emails, messages. If he is on vacation he arranged someone from his team to take care me for house showing and other requirements. He arranged house showing as per my request, submitted offers as per my request on timely manner. He stayed event little late to ...
I am first time home buyer. He explained me each and every stages of house buying processes. Ken is always available on phone, emails, messages. If he is on vacation he arranged someone from his team to take care me for house showing and other requirements. He arranged house showing as per my request, submitted offers as per my request on timely manner. He stayed event little late to ens...
Ken was great and answered all of my questions. He was very honest and made great recommendations!
Ken is awesome. He was honest and helped me through the process of buying my first house. I was ready to overspend for the house and Ken helped me negotiate. Greatly appreciate all his help. He also got me a champagne bottle the day of the closing which was nice and made the day a little more special. 10 out of 10 would recommend.
It was a pleasure working with Ken. He was responsive, prepared and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Ken is great to work with! He goes above and beyond for his clients! Ken was very attentive to our needs and worked closely with us to make sure everything went smoothly. He was out of town on vacation when we wanted to see a house and even so, worked it out so we didn’t have to wait. We fell in love with a house that had several vying for it. Ken helped to make sure we got it. He is...
"Ken represented us as we sold our home this summer. He was tremendously patient and helpful through the entire process. He steered us toward the right price, gave solid advice after we received multiple offers, and talked us through the details of our closing contract. Through Ken, we worked with a stager and photographer who helped us make our property look its best. Ken has a great kn...
We had a very positive experience working with Ken on the sale of our existing home and the purchase of a new one. He was insightful and attentive throughout our time working together. He helped keep us calm during a slower, challenging summer market. And he helped us navigate the extra layer of working with a relocation company on the purchase of our new home. We would often turn to...
I view Ken Van Santen as a skilled polished professional and also a godsend. I can’t say enough. He made my home selling/buying experience easy, quick and profitable! Thanks again Ken Earleata Streeter
I view Ken Van Santen as a skilled polished professional and also a godsend. I can’t say enough. He made my home selling/buying experience easy, quick and profitable! Thanks again Ken Earleata Streeter
We received a letter in the mail in late summer 2018 from Ken Van Santen introducing himself as a local relator, should we be interested in selling our home. Months later, having accepted a new job requiring a move out of state, we revisited that letter, and set up a meeting with Ken where he explained the process to market and sell our home. Ken provided a marketing plan and was a thoug...
Ken was very responsive to requests and suggestions, kept me informed on the market and was helpful in preparing my condo for showing and sale.
Ken Van Santen is an honest, dependable, and hard working sales agent. We have used Ken for 2 real estate sales and have been very pleased with him and will continue to be a loyal client of his for our future sales.We are rating him 5.5 stars because of his above and beyond superior communication, suggestions and follow through during every aspect, pre, para, and post sales of the properties.
With over 20 years in the Real Estate business, Ken is a real Pro and knows the market as well as anyone. He is a pleasure to work with, very responsive, and did a fantastic job for us in achieving the best sale price possible for our property. I highly recommend Ken.
I highly recommend working with Ken. He has years of experience (My father was a realtor so I appreciate an expert). Ken gives outstanding customer service, had multiple properties to show me right in my price range. Ken was calm and sharp at negotiating. He was knowledgeable about the areas we were looking in pointing out strengths. Ken is patient and most importantly I never felt pre...
I highly recommend working with Ken. He has years of experience (My father was a realtor so I appreciate an expert). Ken gives outstanding customer service, had multiple properties to show me right in my price range. Ken was calm and sharp at negotiating. He was knowledgeable about the areas we were looking in pointing out strengths. Ken is patient and most importantly I never felt pre...