RE/MAX Focus Makes Its Debut In La Grange

Paul Stepanovich(Left) Rose Signorelli (Right)

New Office Expands RE/MAX Presence in Metro Chicago Real Estate Market

RE/MAX Focus, the newest member of the RE/MAX network, officially opens its doors to the public at 47 S. 6th Ave., La Grange, on August 1, once again expanding the presence of RE/MAX in the metropolitan Chicago real estate market, but especially in the popular LaGrange market area.

The newly completed 2,000-square-foot office created by broker/owners Rose Signorelli and Paul Stepanovich offers a relaxing working environment that includes a fireplace in the reception area.

“We’re proud to be part of the RE/MAX network, which is number one in the Chicago area, and want to create the kind of office that will make our agents eager to get here every day,” said Stepanovich, who will act as managing broker. That means not only an attractive work area, but one that also provides a full-range of technologically advanced communications tools and an office manager who is also a technology specialist.

“Our emphasis will be on building a spirit of energy and enthusiasm. At the same time, we will provide the tools and training to make our agents successful and ensure they deliver outstanding service to every client. I want to take a very hands-on approach in working with our agents,” Signorelli said.

She expects to have anywhere from 8 to 10 agents affiliated with the office within 60days of the opening.

Opening a new brokerage office in a challenging real estate market calls for an extra level of creativity, according to Stepanovich.

“We have developed two programs. One we call our Stimulus Package, the other our Bailout Package. The former provides a range of positive marketing support that should help agents bring in additional business, while the latter is designed to help agents reduce their operating overhead,” he said.

Conditions in the LaGrange housing market (including LaGrange, LaGrange Park and LaGrange Highlands) have been relatively good this year, with 117 homes sold through mid-June of this year versus 133 homes sold during the same period in 2008, reports Signorelli. The average price paid for a detached single-family home slipped only 9 percent when the January-June periods of 2008 and 2009 are compared. That contrasts with an average price decline of nearly 20 percent for detached homes sold in the metropolitan area during the same periods.