Karen Arenson

Karen Arenson

Advisor | License ID: 471.000309

My career in residential real estate sales has offered me the perfect blend of all that I love – teaching, learning, exploring, guiding, and mentoring. My true passion is the “Ah ha” moment that occurs when I have helped others achieve their potential, find the home for their next chapter, or realize an important achievement. Being able to make a difference in people’s lives gives me great joy.

 

I began my career in residential sales with a boutique brokerage in the city. When my husband and I moved to the North Shore, I shifted my focus to serving communities along the lakefront. Having received a master’s degree from Northwestern University and been on the faculty at New Trier High School, Lake Forest High School, and Lake Forest Country Day School, I was already intimately familiar with the North Shore and my transition occurred seamlessly. Within a year, I was an award-winning agent and very involved in the community.

 

In 2007, I took my career to a new level when I became the Managing Broker of an office in Wilmette. Over the years, as I successfully mentored both new and seasoned brokers, the scope of my responsibilities grew and eventually, I was Managing Broker for more than 200 agents in offices in Winnetka, Wilmette, and Highland Park.

 

I joined Engel & Völkers because the company’s culture and values truly align with my own both as a manager and as a real estate advisor. The consistency and quality of this global brand is unsurpassed. And, from the top down, Engel & Völkers is committed to providing its advisors with superior quality training, marketing, technology, and a white glove experience. With their robust support and heart-centered leadership, every advisor in this high-end boutique firm is equipped to better serve their clients and take their business to a new level. I am thrilled to be able to offer personalized coaching in a high-integrity environment.

 

While residential real estate was not my first career, it was destiny from a young age. We left my childhood home in Hinsdale when I was age eight and moved again and again, living in five states over five years. With each new move, my world was turned upside down. From this experience, I learned how to assimilate, make new friends, the importance of family, and how to create a sense of home wherever we lived.

 

I have lived with my family in our current home in Glencoe longer than I have lived anywhere else. Perhaps that’s why we enjoy getting out, traveling, and experiencing new cultures, but while we love to hike and have had some remarkable adventures in remote corners of the world, there’s still no place like home.

Testimonials

  • jason erickson
    When I was referred to Karen, I was beginning the process of selling my late parents Townhouse in the heart of Glenview. She met with my wife and I and we discussed how we would navigate through the ever shifting market. The strategies worked! We accepted an offer before the first open house. Then Karen really helped us through. As things happen, the first offer was not quite as presented. Karen calmly and professionally handled the conversations and we ended up with a second buyer at an even better price. I highly recommend Karen. Her attention to detail, ideas, responsiveness and integrity set her apart.
  • Stephanie Gaffin
    Karen is an exceptional realtor. She helped me sell my home quickly and strategically, and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better partner in the process. She knows the North Shore market cold and understands how to price, position, and negotiate for real results. Her guidance was thoughtful, direct, and always grounded in experience. What makes Karen different is her integrity. She’s compassionate and professional, but she won’t just tell you what you want to hear — she’ll tell you what you need to know to get the best outcome based on understanding both the market and your personal situation and goals. She made something that felt overwhelming feel manageable — and ultimately delivered. If you’re buying or selling, Karen is the one you want in your corner.
  • Hallee Pivar
    Karen is a wonderful agent with valuable experience and connections that cannot be beat. She managed to find us two beautiful homes in Glencoe in three years, which is like finding not one but two needles in a haystack. Karen is also great on the seller's side, once again using her network and deep expertise in the area to our benefit.
  • Dolly Hertz
    Karen Arenson is a consummate professional and a market leader. She instills complete confidence in anyone who works with her, because she fully grasps clients' desires and navigates the landscape with them calmly while being guided by her deep market knowledge and experience.
  • Jennifer Ames
    Karen Arenson is truly the best of the best. Not only does she lead and mentor nearly 100 advisors in three shops, but she also delivers the highest level of care to the homebuyers and sellers she represents. She was recently honored to be inducted into the company’s Private Office — recognition awarded to just 1% on E&V’s advisors worldwide. I have referred several clients buying homes in the highly competitive North Shore market to Karen and in each case, she helped them successfully purchase a home with service and communication that exceeded their expectations.
  • Lily Hosseini
    Karen is an amazing manager, coach and most importantly a reliable and kind friend! Lily Hosseini
  • A Google User
    She does everything properly so what more could you ask ?
  • Joanne Vanhoorebeke
    Knowledgeable and energetic. She is fantastic teacher!
  • Joanie Iaco
    Great class! Thank yoy
  • Karen Crotty
    Karen is a wealth of knowledge. She has taught me so much about the world of real estate. She is always kind and full of energy, she is a true pleasure to be with. Thank you Karen!!

Engel & Völkers Chicago North Shore

Located in Winnetka, Illinois, our Chicago North Shore shop is nestled in the downtown area. We are currently in the Laundry Building right on Chestnut Street making it easy access to all the other North Shore and surrounding suburbs. With advisors who cover the shores of Lake Michigan from Evanston to the Wisconsin border and the Western and Northwestern suburbs, we are able to give extensive background and knowledge regarding each community and its offerings. Connect to the Chicago shop and Shoreline Shop we create a seamless network between Illinois and Michigan, all along the lake shore.

Engel & Völkers Chicago

We are a premier company comprised of full-time professional advisors who believe that real estate is a people business. Anyone can do a deal. But our mission goes beyond the transacting of properties. It’s about doing whatever it takes to help our clients make smooth life transitions. Our team culture is aligned with Engel & Völkers’ core values of competence, exclusivity, and passion. Our approach is not for everyone; it is only those who share an unwavering commitment to be and work with the best.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Karen Arenson
Karen Arenson

Advisor | License ID: 471.000309

+1(773) 501-6201

566 Chestnut Street 2nd Floor, Winnetka, IL, 60093, USA

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