Evanston Real Estate Agent for Families Who Need to Buy and Sell at the Same Time
I'm Stephanie Sullivan, a REALTOR® with Baird & Warner. I've lived in Evanston for almost two decades and sold real estate for 18+ years. My job is to get you into the right home without losing your mind along the way.
Busy Families Ready for Their Next Chapter
Most of my clients are busy families who've outgrown their home. They need to sell one place and buy the next one, often in the same few weeks. Others are first-time buyers who want someone to explain every step in plain English.
I also work across Chicago's North Side from Lincoln Park to Rogers Park.
"Six years after helping us buy our first home, we outgrew it and needed to sell while buying a new one simultaneously... Our home sold in just four hours with multiple offers above the listing price."
Colin and Kristin Taylor ★★★★★
The Quick Facts
- 18+ years as a licensed Illinois REALTOR®
- 347 families helped buy or sell
- Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certified
- Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
- Evanston resident for almost two decades
- Fluent in English and French
How I Make a Two-Home Move Less Stressful
Buying and selling at the same time is the hardest move there is. You need a plan before you list, not after. That's why I built the Stress Less Move Method™: five simple steps, so you always know what comes next.
- Step One
Coffee & Consult
We sit down and talk about your home and your goals. You give me the tour. I walk you through every step of buying and selling, and we set a clear timeline. I also connect you with trusted lenders, attorneys, inspectors and stagers.
- Step Two
Prep & Stage
We price your home, then do a room-by-room walkthrough. You get a to-do list, plus advice on what's worth fixing and what isn't. My trusted pros handle the cleaning, repairs and staging. We plan a "coming soon" launch and a showing schedule that works with kids and pets.
- Step Three
Sell My House
My photo team shoots photos and video. Then I market your home online, on social media and in print. You get weekly updates on showings and feedback. When offers come in, I negotiate for the best terms and manage every detail to closing.
- Step Four
Live and Thrive
Now we find your next home. We narrow your search to 5 to 10 homes, then the top three. I negotiate for you, coordinate inspections and attorney review, and line up your purchase with your sale.
- Step Five
Cheers to the Next Chapter
I handle the final walkthrough, utility reminders and a moving checklist. Then you get the keys. After closing, I'm still here, with regular home value updates, client events, and help with your homeowner's exemption and tax appeals.
The goal is simple. One plan, one point person, and no 11:37 p.m. Zillow panic.
Evanston, From Someone Who Lives Here
I've lived in Evanston for almost two decades. I know the streets, the housing styles, and how fast the best homes sell.
What's for Sale Here
Evanston has a little of everything. You'll find old Victorians, Prairie-style homes and foursquares. There are two-flats, vintage courtyard condos and newer builds downtown. Each one needs a different plan for pricing and inspections.
Getting Around
The CTA Purple Line and Metra's Union Pacific North line both run through town. The lakefront and its beaches are on the east side. Northwestern and downtown Evanston sit in the middle.
Schools
Evanston is served by District 65 for elementary and middle school and District 202 for Evanston Township High School. Check the district sites for boundaries and details.
Taxes and Closing Costs
Evanston homes are in Cook County, and property taxes are a big part of your monthly cost. Evanston also has its own city transfer tax at closing. Ask for my Chicago vs. Evanston net sheet to see the difference in real dollars. I also have a property tax appeal cheat sheet for after you move in.
Want listings, schools and a market report? See my Evanston area guide.
My Favorite Spots
DeSalvo's for the best pizza in town. Curt's Cafe for awesome vibes. And Evanston SPACE, an amazing music venue, for a night out.
Evanston Real Estate FAQ
Can you recommend a real estate agent in Evanston, IL?
Stephanie Sullivan is a REALTOR® with Baird & Warner who has lived in Evanston for almost two decades. She has 18+ years of experience, has helped 347 families buy or sell, and specializes in families buying and selling at the same time, plus first-time buyers.
Who is a good Evanston agent for first-time buyers?
Stephanie holds the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) designation and has a free first-time buyer guide. She explains each step in plain English, starting with pre-approval before you tour.
Can I buy a new home in Evanston before I sell my current one?
Often, yes. It depends on your equity and loan options. Common paths include a contingent offer, a bridge loan or a rent-back. Stephanie helps you pick the right order before you list.
Do you also work in Chicago and the North Shore?
Yes. Stephanie works across Chicago's North Side, from Lincoln Park to Rogers Park and as far west as Albany Park. She also works in Skokie, Wilmette, Morton Grove and Glenview.
Do you work with French-speaking buyers and sellers?
Yes. Stephanie is fluent in English and French.
How do I get started?
Book a free, no-obligation consult at calendly.com/stephaniesullivanrealtor. If you're selling, you can also get a free home valuation.
A Little More About Me
I come from an art and design background, so I see homes with a designer's eye. That's handy when we're staging your house or picturing what a fixer could become. I'm also a French citizen, so yes, I'll happily talk real estate en français. When I'm not selling real estate, I'm painting, keeping my son entertained, or taking my dogs on outdoor adventures.
Thinking About Your Next Move in Evanston?
Let's make a plan before you list, tour or panic. It's free, and there's no pressure.
Schedule Your Free Consult
Selling first? Get a free home valuation →
Stephanie Sullivan is a licensed REALTOR® with Baird & Warner in Illinois. This page is for informational and marketing purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. If you are currently working with another real estate professional under a signed buyer representation agreement, this page is not intended as a solicitation of that relationship. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity.