About Debra

I am especially adept at helping those interested in buying or selling Distressed Properties, Riverfront, Waterfront and Vacation Properties, as well as those buyers who are moving up or downsizing. I enjoy working with first time buyers, relocations and those seeking new construction.  I am a Listing/Marketing Specialist, an Accredited Buyer Representative, and also work with many short sales and foreclosures.

Experience

I have been a full-time, professional REALTOR® since 1994 specializing in the sales and marketing of homes, land and investment property in Cary, Fox River Grove, Crystal Lake, Barrington, Algonquin, Lake In The Hills, McHenry, Lake Zurich, Lake and McHenry, Kane and Suburban Cook Counties, and Chain of Lakes areas.

Consistently outstanding in my field, I am the recipient of many awards in recognition of exemplary performance in the field, including (This means more experience and education to help you!):

1996 Top 20 Coldwell Banker Primus Realty (1^st year in the business!)

1997 Howard Briton Star Power University Team Training

1997,1998,1999 Re/Max Presidents Club

1999 A.B.R. Designation Earned (Accredited Buyers Representative)

2001 E-Pro Certification

2001 G.R.I. Designation (Graduate Realtors Institute)

2001 R.E.C.S. Designation earned(Real Estate Cyberspace Specialist)

1998-2000 Member of Top 20 Teams for Re/Max of Northern Illinois

2004,2005 Howard Brinton Starpower Annual Conference

2000,2001,2002,2003 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 Re/Max 100% Club; 2008, 2011, 2012 Re/Max Executives Club; 2009 Presidents Club

2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 McHenry County Association of Realtors MEMBER OF INFLUENCE (TOP 10%)

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010  McHenry County Association of Realtors  SUMMA CUM LAUDE AWARD

2009 CDPE Certification (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

2010 SFR Designation Earned (Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource)

2010 RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award

2011 Obtained Broker’s License

I am a member of the Heartland Association of REALTORS® where I help maintain the professionalism of the industry by serving on the Professional Standards/Grievance Committee. I have also served on The McHenry County of Realtors Technology Sub-Committee, the MLS or Northern Illinois Runt Group, and currently serve on The Multi-Board Grievance Committee. In addition to my local involvement, I am also a member of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, and REBAC (Real Estate Buyer Agency Council) and RECS (Real Estate Cyber Society), CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource).  All of these associations uphold a strict code of ethics and ensure that their members are up to date on the latest marketing techniques and legislation affecting real estate. To fully serve my clients, I also hold membership in the MRED Multiple Listing service of Northern Illinois (MREDMLS).

Education 

I believe that one of the keys to success, both for my clients, and me is a continually updated education. I take many classes and seminars to increase my effectiveness and have earned one of the real estate industry's most prestigious professional designations: ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative). In addition, I have received the certification CCPS (Certified Corporate Property Specialist) and CRMS (Certified Residential Marketing Specialist), and the RECS (Real Estate Cyberspace Specialist). I have also earned the GRI designation (Graduate Realtor Institute) and completed training in 2001 for the e-PRO Certification and 2010 SFR (Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource) through the National Association of Realtors. I obtained an additional course of study in Short Sales and Foreclosures, the CDPE Certification (Certified Distressed Property Expert). Nationally recognized, these designations are earned through a rigorous course of study as well as demonstrated professional experience. They are my assurance to you that I provide quality service.

I have also attended the National Association of Realtors Conventions in 2001, 2002 and 2003, the Re/Max International Convention in 2004, Howard Brinton’s Starpower Annual Convention in 2004 and 2005, as well as the annual Illinois Association of Realtors Convention, to stay updated on the newest technologies and trends in the Real Estate industry to continually give superior service to my clients.

Background and Personal Information

I am a lifelong resident of the Chicago Suburban area. I have seen the area grow and change and know it from both personal and professional experience.

I hold a Master of Science degree (MS) in Psychology/Liberal Arts from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. I have also done some post-graduate work at Northern Illinois University.

Prior to becoming a Realtor, I enjoyed a successful career in Restaurant and Hotel Management. During my tenure in this field, I honed important skills in communication, customer service, and administration, attention to detail, negotiation and management, all of which are vital to the success of my real estate clients today.

Dedicated to my community as well as my profession, I have served as a Director of the Streamwood Chamber of Commerce as well as a Director for Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. When not serving my clients or my community, I enjoy music, photography, reading, movies, boating, travel, nature and antiques.

I have a very simply stated professional philosophy that is achieved only through extensive experience and in-depth understanding of the market. I strive to have satisfied clients that will feel comfortable referring me to their friends. Beginning with open and honest communication and proceeding throughout the transaction with dedication, integrity and hard work, I work to ensure the complete happiness of my clients. I understand that the sale or purchase or real estate is one of life's biggest financial transactions and take my role as advisor during that transaction very seriously.

Striving for superior real estate service through patience, persistence and in-depth knowledge of the profession and the local real estate market, I am always willing to "go the extra mile" for my clients. I am a results-oriented professional who is respected by peers and clients alike for my commitment and am dedicated to my clients for the long-term. I aim to serve my clients not only during the transaction but also after it closes as well. My job is not finished until my client is completely happy.

"The highest compliment a client can give me is to trust me with a referral; this is how I build my business!"

 --Debra Kukulski