
I believe that the key to any successful real estate venture is a transparent client-broker relationship. As I aim to build lasting and meaningful connections with clients, I strive to provide the most-personalized real estate strategy to every single individual. My degree in construction management, more than ten years in real estate sales, and dedication to your goals set me apart from my industry competitors.
As a graduate of Illinois State University, I started my professional career in 2002 with the second largest Midwestern homebuilding company. Through hard work and determination, I quickly rose to the position of construction project manager. In that role I oversaw all phases of home construction, floor-plan evaluations, building-code adherence, permitting, conflict resolution, and union tradesman contract negotiations. This position gave me the exposure and experience required to transition into marketing and sales, as I was selected to be part of the future upper management team in 2006.
In 2010, I joined @properties, and I am proud to say that I have enjoyed a rewarding career since I walked through these doors. Starting in 2013, I became one of the top 100 @properties brokers. I would like to thank you for taking a look at only a small portion of what I have to offer you as a client.
Please feel free to text me, send me an email, or simply create an account on my website to discuss your real estate needs. There are no obligations to use Ongena Group, and consultations are free.
CAREER RESULTS TO DATE: $250,000,000+
Testimonials
MH: “Jim was extremely helpful in coordinating both a home purchase and a home sale for us. He was prompt, professional, and knowledgeable throughout the process, and we absolutely would work with him again in the future.”
- MH
GM: “Jim is a pleasure to work with, both professionally and personally. He keeps himself informed about the area…and he obtains additional information as requested. His experience showed in his immediate knowledge about a number of the buildings we were considering. My wife and I had him represent us on the purchase of a condominium, and he was very helpful in identifying advantages and possible disadvantages of many units and buildings. He was also helpful in negotiating in a multiple-offer situation, and his experience allowed us to enter into a contract on a property at a price we wanted.”
- GM
EC: “Jim’s experience in construction and real estate, as well as his network, makes him an amazing resource and someone I would recommend. Navigating the real estate market near the end of the season always adds risks. We had to…find the perfect home (for us) as we tackled new responsibilities of a first-time pregnancy. Jim always listened to our feedback, but never hid from us anything he found as a positive or negative every step of the way. Whether we were walking through a listing, construction bids, acquiring vendors, or closing on the properties, we were never left to fend for ourselves, but we always had the final say. Now we’re in a wonderful home in time for holiday cheer and nesting craziness!”
- EC
CN: “My wife and I instantly liked Jim after being referred to him by a friend. He walked us through several homes before we settled on a good property that we love. He brings skills to the negotiating table that not many folks have and we appreciated his attention to detail. Since the sale, he continues to be part of our lives. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him in the future.”
- CN
ED: “Where do I start with how much we appreciate Jim's expertise and ability to execute? This is the second time we have used Jim to buy a property. The first time was 5 years ago when we bought our condo. When it came time to look for a single-family home and sell our condo, Jim was the first call we made. Not only did he help us make the condo look amazing, he set up an open house within 24 hours when we were out of town. He then seamlessly executed a double closing that got us out of the condo and into our new home on the same day. I can’t recommend Jim and his team enough! Thanks!”
- ED
OB: “Jim was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process. I have already referred him to other folks and will use him when it's time to sell/buy again.”
- OB
JS: “Jim was an outstanding agent. He was extremely knowledgeable and did a great job of pointing out pros and cons of each place we toured with him. I think his background in construction is a real plus and differentiator – he had insights into how renovations had been done, what it would take to undertake various remodeling projects, etc., and what work would need to be done on a house that I don’t think other agents could offer.”
- JS
“My wife and I cannot speak highly enough of our experience working with Jim. He was an invaluable resource in the sale of our condo and the purchase of our new townhome. Jim’s knowledge of the market, professionalism, experience, and commitment to his clients are second to none. He is a great person and an even better broker. We definitely plan on using/recommending his services in the future.”
- JK
“Jim was phenomenal! Ten days from pictures to contract...negotiations without a hitch for full asking price. We could not be happier with Jim and Ongena Group! THANK YOU!! Noah + Molly”
- NF
AG: “Jim is the best. He knows his stuff when it comes to homes all over Chicagoland and is a pleasure to work with. He was patient with us as we took our time in figuring out where and how we wanted to live, even though we changed gears a few times. Not only that, but Jim was fantastic in helping us weed out the homes that weren't as good as they seemed - there was one we loved, until Jim pointed out several structural issues, so we knew to steer clear. I would wholeheartedly recommend Jim to any of my friends.”
- AG
BA: “It is refreshing to work with a realtor whose primary goal is client satisfaction and not self interest. Jim helped us through the selling process, providing industry data and advice but leaving the decisions to us to make. In the end Jim’s advice and hard work resulted in a very successful outcome.”
- BA
PK: “My wife and I first heard about Jim through friends who have used him in their buying and selling of real estate. They raved about how wonderful an experience it was for them…Jim did an excellent job helping us find a new house and sell our old one as well. His insightful feedback and knowledge was incredibly valuable during our decision-making process. Jim is a true pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a quality realtor that knows the Chicago market.”
- PK
MH: “Jim was extremely helpful in coordinating both a home purchase and a home sale for us. He was prompt, professional, and knowledgeable throughout the process, and we absolutely would work with him again in the future.”
- MH
GM: “Jim is a pleasure to work with, both professionally and personally. He keeps himself informed about the area…and he obtains additional information as requested. His experience showed in his immediate knowledge about a number of the buildings we were considering. My wife and I had him represent us on the purchase of a condominium, and he was very helpful in identifying advantages and possible disadvantages of many units and buildings. He was also helpful in negotiating in a multiple-offer situation, and his experience allowed us to enter into a contract on a property at a price we wanted.”
- GM
EC: “Jim’s experience in construction and real estate, as well as his network, makes him an amazing resource and someone I would recommend. Navigating the real estate market near the end of the season always adds risks. We had to…find the perfect home (for us) as we tackled new responsibilities of a first-time pregnancy. Jim always listened to our feedback, but never hid from us anything he found as a positive or negative every step of the way. Whether we were walking through a listing, construction bids, acquiring vendors, or closing on the properties, we were never left to fend for ourselves, but we always had the final say. Now we’re in a wonderful home in time for holiday cheer and nesting craziness!”
- EC
CN: “My wife and I instantly liked Jim after being referred to him by a friend. He walked us through several homes before we settled on a good property that we love. He brings skills to the negotiating table that not many folks have and we appreciated his attention to detail. Since the sale, he continues to be part of our lives. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with him in the future.”
- CN
ED: “Where do I start with how much we appreciate Jim's expertise and ability to execute? This is the second time we have used Jim to buy a property. The first time was 5 years ago when we bought our condo. When it came time to look for a single-family home and sell our condo, Jim was the first call we made. Not only did he help us make the condo look amazing, he set up an open house within 24 hours when we were out of town. He then seamlessly executed a double closing that got us out of the condo and into our new home on the same day. I can’t recommend Jim and his team enough! Thanks!”
- ED
OB: “Jim was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process. I have already referred him to other folks and will use him when it's time to sell/buy again.”
- OB
JS: “Jim was an outstanding agent. He was extremely knowledgeable and did a great job of pointing out pros and cons of each place we toured with him. I think his background in construction is a real plus and differentiator – he had insights into how renovations had been done, what it would take to undertake various remodeling projects, etc., and what work would need to be done on a house that I don’t think other agents could offer.”
- JS
“My wife and I cannot speak highly enough of our experience working with Jim. He was an invaluable resource in the sale of our condo and the purchase of our new townhome. Jim’s knowledge of the market, professionalism, experience, and commitment to his clients are second to none. He is a great person and an even better broker. We definitely plan on using/recommending his services in the future.”
- JK
“Jim was phenomenal! Ten days from pictures to contract...negotiations without a hitch for full asking price. We could not be happier with Jim and Ongena Group! THANK YOU!! Noah + Molly”
- NF
AG: “Jim is the best. He knows his stuff when it comes to homes all over Chicagoland and is a pleasure to work with. He was patient with us as we took our time in figuring out where and how we wanted to live, even though we changed gears a few times. Not only that, but Jim was fantastic in helping us weed out the homes that weren't as good as they seemed - there was one we loved, until Jim pointed out several structural issues, so we knew to steer clear. I would wholeheartedly recommend Jim to any of my friends.”
- AG
BA: “It is refreshing to work with a realtor whose primary goal is client satisfaction and not self interest. Jim helped us through the selling process, providing industry data and advice but leaving the decisions to us to make. In the end Jim’s advice and hard work resulted in a very successful outcome.”
- BA
PK: “My wife and I first heard about Jim through friends who have used him in their buying and selling of real estate. They raved about how wonderful an experience it was for them…Jim did an excellent job helping us find a new house and sell our old one as well. His insightful feedback and knowledge was incredibly valuable during our decision-making process. Jim is a true pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a quality realtor that knows the Chicago market.”
- PK
Office: (312) 320-2188
Email: jongena@atproperties.com
Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9 am to 6 pm
Sat - Sun: 10 am to 5 pm
After hours by appointment only