A little bit about me...

The Forward Group at ΓEA⅃ Broker (formerly Baz Realty Network & The Diaz Group) has been a trusted name in real estate for over 21 years, offering exceptional service in both residential and commercial transactions.

Navigating the world of real estate isn't just about buying and selling properties; it's about maneuvering through life's transitions with finesse and a bit of humor. As someone who's journeyed from the structured world of Computer Information Systems and Business with an emphasis in logistics, through the ranks from Supervisor to CIO, I've mastered the art of strategic planning and problem-solving. These aren't just buzzwords for me; they're the backbone of how I approach every real estate venture.

Licensed since 2006, my real estate career is as diverse as my background. With experience in both commercial and residential sectors, I've not only listed and sold numerous properties but also took the entrepreneurial leap to own my own brokerage. Alongside my business partners, Colleen and Bart Basinski, we co-founded a team that embodies our shared values of integrity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to our clients.

But let's cut through the professional veneer for a moment. At the end of the day, I'm a single dad to an incredibly intelligent and funny daughter, who's currently pursuing her degree in Physical Therapy. Watching her chase her dreams reminds me daily of the importance of creating a solid foundation, whether it's in education or in the comfort of your home.

So, when you choose to work with me, you're not just getting a Realtor with a knack for negotiation and a keen eye for potential. You're getting a partner who understands life's complexities, values your unique journey, and is committed to helping you find not just a house, but a place to call home. Let's navigate this next chapter together, with the right mix of professionalism, insight, and perhaps a little bit of humor to keep things interesting.

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Reviews


Highly likely to recommend

“My husband and I started looking for homes 3 years ago but only really wanted to live in certain school districts with Lemont being our #1 choice. We needed a fast, smart motivated realtor. After a few showings we were having difficulty finding a realtor fast enough to get us a house in the neighborhood we wanted in our price range. A friend recommended Katie Kelly to us. We had our first showing with her and she was positive, smart and most important for us FAST. Sure enough, Katie found us our dream home in Lemont. I noticed on Facebook groups people were discussing how they wanted to go for a showing at our home but their realtor couldn’t get them in yet. At that point we already had an offer in thanks to Katie. If it wasn’t for her we would not have our dream home. Katie worked extremely hard to get us closed before 30 days. Katie was out for our best interest and extremely caring- we have 3 children 3 and under and we were in a rush to get settled. She’s not only the best realtor but a genuine wonderful person. I can promise you will not find a better realtor period.”

Highly likely to recommend

“Colleen Basinski recently helped to sell my childhood home, and her professionalism, market expertise, and compassion made a very emotional process so much easier. Thanks to her knowledge of the market and marketing strategy, received multiple offers in a short amount of time. This is not the first time I have worked with Colleen. I have worked with her through every major real estate step—buying my first home, selling it, and purchasing my current one. Each time, she’s been responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive. I'm so thankful for the handwork she has done and can’t recommend her highly enough!”

Highly likely to recommend

“Colleen and Bart are a phenomenal team. They put the best interest of their customers first every step of the way. They accommodate and work around all kinds of hectic schedules to show properties for either the buyer/seller. You can’t put a price on the experience and knowledge they bring to the table for their customer. Would recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell.”