After 17 Years, Smothers Realty is Still No. 1 in La Grange

Coming out of the worst housing market crash since the Great Depression, Smother Realty Group is still No. 1 in La Grange and optimistic about the market today.

Smothers was again the No. 1 realty firm for home sales and volume in La Grange and La Grange Park, according to 2012 Multiple Listing Service figures. 

In 2012, Smothers commanded 23 percent of the market share in La Grange and La Grange Park, while the next highest was Coldwell Banker at 13.79 percent. In combined listings sold and sales, Smothers sold nearly $61.35 million, while Coldwell was the next in line at $31.39 million. 

But the numbers certainly don't tell the whole story. Owner Joan Smothers said it's her experience in and commitment to the area that helps make her firm successful. 

Smothers opened her realty company 17 years ago in La Grange after leaving Coldwell Banker, where she was ranked the No. 2 realtor in the Chicago metro area. Originally from Brookfield, she and her husband bought their first home in 1982. 

"I just thought I'd like to do it on my own," she said. "It just seemed like a natural fit to focus on this area." 

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The business outgrew its original spot on Brainard and is now located at 919 W. Hillgrove Ave. in La Grange. They've grown to 30 agents, too, some who have been there from the beginning. 

"Many of us live here, we work here. It just makes sense," Smothers said.

And she loves being in the area. When she started as a broker, her manager told her, "people don't leave here until they die." But since then, she said younger people have moved from the city, and they've stayed because the towns "got cooler, more interesting, the restaurants are better. The schools are great."

As families grew or looked to downsize, and more people began working from home, she said clients came back. 

"When it's time for them to move, they stay with you." 

Smothers said that's because of the customer service offered, but also because the firm shows a commitment to the community. She started the Pillars House Walk and supports* the local Goombay Bash. This year, Smothers Realty is sponsoring the Pet Parade. 

"I believe people love the fact that we're an independent office," she said. "We've channeled our money and energy locally, so there's an effort on the part of the community to give back and support us."

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As the market recovers, Smothers said she's already seeing improvements. She said the first quarter of 2013 saw more home sales than the same time last year, and she remains optimistic.

"I don't see the market doing anything but staying busy. Homes are selling quickly. But we need homes to sell. If anyone out there is afraid their home won't sell, they don't realize how on fire the market has been."

*An earlier version of the article incorrectly stated that Smothers Realty brought the Goombay Bash to La Grange, but Smothers is a supporter, not the local creator. 

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