The BG team expands: Welcome Michaela Cavanagh!

/

Michaela comes to us from a top luxury real estate team, and I am SO glad she chose us! I believe that some people are born with a client service gene, and Michaela is one of those people. She naturally and easily intuits what people need, and then makes sure the get whatever it may be.

I asked Michaela a few fun interview questions so we can all get to know her better, and trust me, there is a lot to say!

What did you do before starting in real estate? 
Before starting in real estate, I worked in marketing operations for a tech agency. Prior to that I focused my career in the fashion industry supporting brands such as Jimmy Choo, Talbots, and Nordstrom in their styling services and public relations departments. 

What is your favorite part of working in real estate? 
My favorite part of working in real estate is helping people achieve their life goals! Whether it is first time home-buying, moving to their dream town/city, finding a new home for their growing family, investing, building intergenerational wealth through real estate or connections with the best contractors and designers to improve their current home.  

What does your typical day entail? 
6am workout class/triathlon training
Meditate and gratitude journal
Catch up on emails/news and execute any business plans
Lunch or coffee with someone I’m excited to connect with
Showings/listing appointments/inspections etc.
Work on social media
Work on a new recipe or whip of a classic favorite in our house/attend an event
Watch TV (guilty pleasures lately: Yellowstone, White Lotus, Friends)
Read
Lights out!

What drew you to Busby Group?
I had the pleasure of working on a transaction with a team member from Busby Group prior to joining the team. That experience was beyond any experience I have had in my career. Busby Group is a team of outstanding professionals that come together to provide clients with not only concierge-level experiences, but produce outstanding results. 

In addition, I love to cook and am so grateful that I have the privilege to enjoy a hot meal every night. Sadly, one in seven Cook County residents will experience food insecurity this year. As part of Busby Group’s partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a portion of every Busby Group transaction is donated Since 2020, the Busby Group has provided over 80K meals to Chicagoans in need! This partnership was a huge draw for me.

What was your big ah-ha moment in your real estate career thus far? 
After experiencing the home buying process for the first time in 2021, I realized I am the perfect person to help first-time home buyers with their transition from renting to completely understanding the home buying process. 

What are you most excited about in the coming year? 
Education! The market has been so turbulent since 2020 and click-bait news about the real estate market has become out of control. In the coming year, I am most excited to provide accurate information and education to help my clients feel empowered to make the best decisions for their situation. 

Gone are the days of panic buying, 3% interest rates and $100K over asking. Instead, I want my clients to make a real estate investment for the purpose of improving one or all of their 3 F’s : family, finances or future – because in the end, that is the most important. 

Where do you live in Chicago, and what is your favorite neighborhood? 
I live in the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago. I love how Edgebrook feels like a small town community within the city. Of course I am biased to Edgebrook, but my other favorite neighborhood in Chicago is Gold Coast. The historic charming homes, outstanding restaurants and shopping all nestled in the heart of the city is so special. 

Lightning round: 

  • You are a huge cook! What is your favorite:

    • Recipe: Whole Roast Chicken 

    • Cookbook: My own!

      • I also have a handful of Ina Garten cookbooks that I love 

    • Chicago restaurant: Le Colonial – order the Crispy Shrimp and Pork Rolls, Beef Pho (split for two people) and Crispy Red Snapper

  • You also just renovated your home. What is your best tip for renovation success?
    Have a team of contractors, designers and specialists who you trust and have the same values! You are about to embark on a big journey so having a team you can collaborate with and trust with your renovation is key. 

  • You have competed in numerous triathlons! Where do you love to run/swim/bike in Chicago?
    Swim:     Ohio Street Beach at sunrise. The water is smooth like glass and as you swim along the lakefront you get to look up at the beautiful Chicago skyline. 
    Bike: Forest Preserve North Branch Trail. Starting at the Edgebrook Woods entrance you can ride all the way up to the Botanic Gardens. (Fun fact: if you bike into the gardens, entry is free!)
    Run: Along the lakefront!