Agent Spotlight: Diense Baniak

Diense Baniak of the Baird & Warner Northwest Suburban office doesn't do anything halfway. Throughout her long, storied career she's committed to every role she's been in, whether that's serving 21 years at the First National Bank of Chicago or working in human resources and recruiting for The Home Depot. 

One day, however, Diense decided to make a change — she started her career in real estate. In her career as an agent, she manages to perfectly balance her dedication and business savvy with a warm, personable touch. "People don't want to be sold to," says Diense. "They want to know you are on their side."

She partially credits her success to the supportive, positive work environment that she has found at Baird & Warner. "My office is an example of how a real estate office should be. We don't compete against each other and we truly have respect for one another," says Diense. She's loved her career so much, she even recruited her daughter as a teammate and business partner. 

To learn more about Denise, her advice for other agents and how she spends her free time, dive into the following interview. If you'd like to get in contact with Diense, send her an email at baniakhomesgroup@bairdwarner.com or visit her website. 

What is your background? Have you always been a real estate agent? If no, please explain.

At 18, I was recruited out of high school to be in a new program for the First National Bank of Chicago. I worked there for 21 years and then worked for 5 years at The Home Depot as an assistant human resource manager. I took a few years off and then returned to work for 7 years as the Midwest recruiting specialist. From there, I decided I wanted to be a real estate agent. 

How many years have you been a real estate agent and why do you enjoy being one?

I have been a Realtor® for about 9 years and I absolutely love it!  So much so that I decided to become an Illinois pre-license instructor so that I can teach others about the real estate industry and how to become a licensee. In addition, I serve on the Mainstreet Board of Professional Standards.

What is a memorable real estate experience you've had with a buyer or seller? 

I had a client buy and sell from me over five times. He even referred me to four of his coworkers. 

What's one piece of advice that you can share with other real estate agents?

You need to think of real estate as a business, not a hobby. Real estate is your job and you need to treat it as one. Every lead you pass up and every opportunity you fail to seize potentially affects your bottom line. 

What do you think is the key to a successful real estate business?

Treating it as a business while still being relational with your clients, not transactional. People don't want to be sold to — they want to know you are on their side whether or not they buy or sell.

What is something you like about Baird & Warner and/your Baird & Warner office?

I love that B&W is a family business and that Steve Baird truly understands what we do as brokers. He is not beholden to a board of directors to try and make a positive change in the company; he just goes ahead and does what he believes is the right thing to do. 

My office is an example of how a real estate office should be. We don't compete against each other and we truly have respect for one another. Our managers support us and make sure we have the necessary tools to not only do well but to excel.

What is one of your favorite local restaurants and why?

Javier's in Arlington Heights. I love their quesadillas and taco salad. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and you can have a conversation without having to raise your voice. The staff are all welcoming and the food is excellent.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy watching movies with my daughter (who last month joined BW as my teammate!).  I also have a Jack Russell terrier and a Chihuahua mix that I absolutely adore.

What do you enjoy about living in your town?

I have always loved the country and I finally convinced my husband to move from our Des Plaines home of 34 years to Deer Park three years ago. We live on an acre of land which satisfies my need for space and country living and yet in 4 minutes we can be in Lake Zurich or Barrington, which satisfies my husband's need for being close to everything!