Agent Spotlight: Nancy Vallee

Meet Nancy Vallee, a seasoned real estate professional with The Ruettiger Group at Baird & Warner. She has a diverse background spanning from art direction in Chicago to emergency dispatching. With eight years in the real estate industry, Nancy brings a unique perspective shaped by her previous roles. For Nancy, the transition to real estate was motivated by a desire to be part of people's happiest moments. "I spent all those years listening to some of the most heartbreaking stories and people going through the worst days of their lives," says Nancy, referring to her former role as a 911 dispatcher. "In real estate, I get to be part of some of the best days in people's lives."

One particularly memorable experience for Nancy was helping a single mother fulfill her dream of homeownership. Despite facing obstacles with the desired property, Nancy's determination led her to collaborate with an investor to renovate the house to meet her client's needs. She uses creative strategies like this one to think outside the box for her clients and help their dreams come true. 

At Baird & Warner, Nancy appreciates the emphasis on continuous education, which she believes is essential for personal and professional growth. "There is always something more that can be learned to strengthen yourself and your business," says Nancy. Outside of work, Nancy cherishes spending time with her eight grandchildren. 

Dive into the following interview for an in-depth look at Nancy's background and her wealth of experience. To connect with Nancy and explore your real estate needs, you can email her at nancy.vallee@bairdwarner.com, find her on Instagram at @nancyvalleerealestatebroker or on Facebook at NancyVallee, The Ruettiger Group at Baird & Warner Real Estate.

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

I worked as an art director at an ad agency in Chicago, I worked on a psych unit at a local hospital then spent over 20 years as a 911 telecommunicator/police dispatcher out of WESCOM in Plainfield. 

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

Eight years. I spent all those years listening to some of the most heartbreaking stories and people going through the worst days of their lives. In real estate, I get to be part of some of the best days in people's lives.

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

I had a first-time buyer, a single mom with three kids who had been saving and was ready to buy a home for her family. She got prequalified, ready to go and we began the process. She fell in love with an old home that needed work but was not deterred. She just really felt attached to that house. Our offer was accepted but during inspection, there were some foundation issues found, along with other things. We needed to flip to a 203(k) loan but couldn't get it done and the deal fell through. 

She wanted that house and I wasn't taking no for an answer. I started to inquire about investors and Eddie had one of his that we spoke to. After a conversation and after the investor went to see the house, we made a plan. The plan was for him to buy it, do the necessary repairs that would satisfy my buyer's lender, and sell it to my buyer for a modest profit. But, after speaking to my buyer more and understanding the endgame, this investor went ahead and did a complete flip on the house (other than a few small things my buyer wanted to tackle herself). He involved the buyer in the process of picking out fixtures, lighting, appliances, etc. She is in her home, stayed on budget and her kids are doing very well in their new schools and all love their home. This is why I'm a Realtor!

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

Always be ready to think outside the box!

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

Do the work — the mundane, everyday stuff — every day.

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

The amount of education Baird & Warner offers is awesome. Whether it's corporate or coffee with Steve and Rhonda, there is always something more that can be learned to strengthen yourself and your business.

What is one of your favorite local restaurants and why?

Chop'd in Plainfield, is a family favorite.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

What free time? I've got 8 grandkids now that I try to get to as many activities as possible and a couple of younger ones I take care of. Non-grandkid-oriented activities are traveling, hanging with friends, going to concerts and once in a while I pick up a paintbrush.

What do you enjoy about living in your town?

I'm kind of in no man's land with a Crest Hill address. I'm at the edge of Romeoville, Plainfield and Crest Hill in a secluded, very laid-back subdivision. I love our great neighbors and the easy access to those towns and I-55.