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After nearly 20 years at a major brokerage firm, Sarah Leonard took the helm as team leader and broker-owner of Legacy Properties. What is the difference between franchise and indie? access.
“Being independent means we don’t have the bureaucratic red tape of a company,” Leonard said. “Our clients and agents have direct access to decision makers, ensuring fast responses, flexible solutions and superior service.”
What’s more, Leonard is happy to be able to “deliver a personalized experience to every client.” Because we’re not bound by corporate rules, we can focus on what really matters: building relationships and serving our communities.
“We live and work here, so we have a deep understanding of the market and the unique needs of our clients.”
Learn how Leonard and her team are setting the standard for excellence in the Chicagoland market with cutting-edge methods, unparalleled customer service, and community advocacy.
Name: Sarah Leonard
Position: Team leader, owner, broker
Experience: 19 years
Location: Chicago metropolitan area, Illinois
Broker Name: Legacy Properties, A Sarah Leonard Company
Ranking: 5th place
Team size: 12
Transaction side: 373 YTD
Revenue: YTD $151,120,860
How did you get started in the real estate industry?
I started working at 21 and got my license on my birthday. It’s been an amazing journey ever since. Real estate has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my family moved every 4-5 years, and my parents designed and built the house we lived in with their own hands. Immersing myself in the process gave me an early appreciation for the world of real estate.
When I was in high school and my mother worked at a school, I took a closer look. [local] Real Estate Agents Association. I helped her host an event and got to see first-hand what the life of a real estate agent is like. From that point on, I knew this was the path I wanted to take.
I worked for the same brokerage firm for 19 years, gaining valuable experience and learning what works and what doesn’t at a major brokerage firm. This has led me to now start my own brokerage, Legacy Properties, A Sarah Leonard Company.
What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?
Real estate is often misunderstood as a glamorous job of showing beautiful homes and closing deals, but it’s so much more than that. Success is built on trust, relationships and genuine concern for our customers. Because it’s not just about sales, it’s also about helping people make the most important decisions in their lives.
Hours are unpredictable, and agents often work nights, weekends, and even holidays to accommodate their clients’ schedules. It’s a multi-faceted role, with many hats – negotiator, marketer, problem solver, counselor, project manager – and no two days are the same.
Continuous learning is essential as market trends, legal updates and new tools constantly evolve. This industry can be lucrative, but it takes time, consistent effort, and upfront investment to run a successful business.
Teamwork is also important, as agents work with lenders, inspectors, attorneys, appraisers, and colleagues to ensure a smooth transaction. Finally, the emotional side of real estate cannot be overstated. Buying or selling a home is a very personal thing, and agents often serve as a go-between, advisor, and emotional bastion for their clients.
What are five things you want our readers to know about you and your brokerage?
Big brokerage models often prioritize revenue and growth over relationships and customer experience. I wanted to create something different that was truly focused on serving customers. That vision has become a reality with the Sarah Leonard team.
We are now a group of 12 full-time agents, divided into Listing Specialists and Buyer Specialists, so each client benefits from a dedicated expert. As a team leader, listing agent, and company owner, I am extremely proud of the amazing professionals I work with and the exceptional service we provide to our clients.
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions a person makes, and my team’s mission is to take the burden off my clients’ shoulders. We have strong partnerships with trusted professionals such as home inspectors, attorneys, appraisers, lenders, stagers, photographers, moving companies, and more. All of these relationships have been carefully selected to ensure our high standards are met, helping to make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Our goal is to make every client feel as if they are our only client and provide them with the care they deserve throughout their journey.
What is your biggest tip for newly licensed brokers?
Be clear about where you want to go. Many brokers enter this industry for the opportunity for freedom and wealth, but with no end destination in mind. Without an end destination in mind, it’s easy to get distracted and make your daily activities unproductive, taking you away from the end result you’re looking for.
We encourage you to find the right community and mentors to help you achieve the lifestyle and goals that are important to you and why you chose real estate.
What do you wish all agents knew?
Real estate is an endless game. Every interaction activity needs to be considered and its long-term benefits seen. This is an industry where one deal can turn into multiple deals if handled properly. And document it well.
Find a community that leverages industries, tools, and resources to make your life easier and help you achieve the long-term goals you’re looking for.
Email Dani Vanderborg
