About Karen

"Enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable, friendly" and "does whatever it takes to get the job done" are words that Karen’s clients have used to describe working with her.

"Seeing my clients smile at the end of a sale or buying transaction and hearing the words, ‘Well done,’ is what I strive for. That is why I chose to work for Dream Town - we think alike, and Dream Town gives me the excellent professional resources I need to get the job done." She has found that recommendations from her past clients are her best marketing tools.

Karen brings her real estate skills to Dream Town from a successful career in sales. With extensive experience in management, sales, customer service and technology, Karen is at home in the real estate world. Knowing her clients are busy people, she strives to bring them the best sales or buying opportunities with all the details spelled out clearly in the least amount of time.

After being residents of the North Shore for many years, Karen and her husband recently moved to River North. They love exploring Chicago’s diverse communities, taking in concerts at Ravinia and Millennium Park, or spending time with their six children. A graduate of Colorado State University, Karen received her Masters of Arts in speech pathology from the University of Houston. She and her family attend Willow Creek Community Church.

Karen is excited to be the Managing Broker of the newest office for Dream Town Realty in Evanston. Karen has a wonderful group of experienced brokers, and she is looking forward to having clients on the North Shore experience the unique, client-focused service of Dream Town.

What Karen's Clients Say

Karen did an exceptional job selling our condo in the Chicago South loop. Because of Karen's market knowledge and real estate expertise, we received 5 competitive offers within the first 48 hours of listing the property, and we sold the property above our list price with a 3 week close period. Needless to say, we were thrilled with the outcome! Karen was also very responsive and diligently walked us through the entire process start to finish. I would give her my highest recommendation to my close friends and family and I look forward to working with her again in the future on other real estate transactions.

Matthew L.

South Loop

Karen did a superb job of representing us in the sale of our condo every step of the way. She understood the market, Full price offer for the highest per dollars square ft of any two bedroom in the building, within two weeks of listing. Returns calls promptly, attends to details and a pleasure to work with.

Marilyn S.

Karen is a family friend and we are so glad she's in the business! Professional, knowledgeable and friendly are the best words to describe Karen. We are so grateful to her for helping us purchase our dream home.

Lindsay S.

Karen was a pleasure to deal with, giving us great counsel and advice on how to price our home, how to handle the contract negotiations, and managing all the pre-closing issues - we couldn't be happier with our experience - thanks Karen!!

Robert R.

Karen was an incredible asset to selling my Chicago condo. With her expertise and market experience, I felt that we had an outstanding listing and ultimately, sold for the price that we wanted. Additionally, I had a high level of trust in the counsel she was able to provide. I would recommend Karen to anyone looking to sell their property in Chicago.

Corbin R.

We were referred to Karen Gilbert by my wife's coworker. We were very delighted with the quality of service and the extensive experience exhibited by Karen Gilbert. Karen spoke with my wife and me several times to understand our needs and wants. Karen had a fantastic approach on how we should work on our home search. Karen also met with us one afternoon to set up some search parameters to share some places with us via email. We found this to be quite useful! But I believe what sets an ordinary agent apart from an exceptional one is what happens after the buyers have found the place they want to purchase. Karen excelled at this with true professionalism and courtesy. For an attorney, Karen recommended a fantastic attorney. Karen worked very hard and diligently with the seller's agent to ensure everything gets handled to our expectations such as items noted during the Home Inspection and various walkthroughs. Karen stepped in big time towards the end of the purchase process and made sure we were able to execute the purchase. Closing went smoother than expected and took just about one hour. This whole home buying process that many buyers dread going through or are often scared of, was made extremely simple and exceptional, courtesy of Karen Gilbert. Karen has been an amazing adviser through out the process and I will definitely refer her to all my friends and family. Karen, thank you so much for all your hard work and Shama and I truly appreciate your guidance through out this home buying process!

Mukarram H.

Karen has helped my wife and I, buy and sell our condo in Lincoln Park. She is very professional and is someone that you want to represent you through the process of buying and selling. I would highly recommend her to anyone that is looking to buy/sell real estate.

David K.

Karen was very easy to work with and she came prepared with information to share about houses in the area and gave advise on setting an asking price. She walked thru the whole process with me and made it very easy to understand. I would work with Karen again. She is very patient with you and gives the best advise on the property. She is also a great negotiator. She really looks out for her clients and tries to get the best price possible.

Lisa F.

Chicago

Karen is first class. She was an excellent partner to us. We are so happy to have gone through this experience with her. Her guidance was so important to us, and we really feel like she is the best in the business. We recommend her often to our friends.

Katie H.

Thank you for everything that you did to help us find the place and eventually get it. We are really excited to have our own place, planning our wedding and starting our lives together. I have friends that are just starting to think about buying and I recommend you any chance I get. I hope you are told this all the time but you are great at your job and I cannot thank you enough for finding us a home! Thank you! Michael and Paula

Michael P.

The help and sincerity shown by you during a very hard time for our family was greatly appreciated. It is never easy to move a parent out of their house and into alternative living. Karen you showed patience and were extremely helpful in providing help in finding repairs to an old house in need of some sprucing up. Thanks again.

Craig F.

Karen is a consumate professional. Her knowledge of the real estate industry, Chicago neighborhoods, pricing analysis and strateegy by far topped that of the other agents I interviewed. SHe is an excellent communicator and client advocate and was able to cut through delays and problems with skillful negotiation. I recommend her without reswervation and have already referred other clients to her.

Thom G.

Karen Gilbert is wonderful to work with on the sale of our clients' property. She is extremely communicative, consistently keeping us up-to-date on the status and various developments of the deal, and organized with key dates and documents. She is also very kind, considerate, professional, and truly a joy to work with. Heartland Law Firm

Heartland F.

My wife and I did the classic empty-nester thing of selling the big suburban house and moving to a condo in the city. Our agent, Karen Gilbert knew exactly the kinds of questions to ask. This lady knows her stuff. Steve and Betsy Winnetka