From Home-Buying Stress to Relationship Strength: Insights from a Real Estate Broker in Chicago
Searching for a new home or rental can be an exciting season, but it can also bring unexpected stress and strain to your relationships. From managing finances to navigating unfamiliar processes, the pressure to make the “right” decision can leave you feeling overwhelmed. As a Christian counselor in Chicago specializing in relationships, I understand how big life transitions like these can stir up anxiety, conflict, and self-doubt. That’s why having someone who can guide you through the process with care, direction, and clarity is invaluable.
In this edition of “Insights from Colleagues”, I’m delighted to introduce Marisela Gutierrez, a first-generation Latina, amazing human, and dedicated real estate broker in Chicago.
Meet Marisela Gutierrez, a Real Estate Broker in Chicago
Marisela helps individuals and families rent, buy, sell, or invest in properties while prioritizing education and empowerment. With her background as a former educator and Dean of Students, she brings a unique ability to simplify complex processes, ensuring her clients feel supported every step of the way.
Marisela’s passion for helping others comes from personal experiences navigating the home-buying process. Her thoughtful approach reminds us that with the right support, finding a new home doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being or relationships. Whether you’re taking your first steps toward homeownership or searching for a rental, her insight offers hope and practical guidance for this meaningful life transition.
Let’s dive in!
Q&A with Real Estate Broker Marisela Gutierrez
How did you choose to work in real estate?
After working in the Education field for over 10 years and having my own daughter, I decided it was time for a career change. Back in my 20s when I first bought my own property, I had no idea what I was doing but I knew that investing my money in real estate was a good idea. I didn’t have a realtor who really walked me through the process of buying a home or gave me advice. To me, they were just the person who opened the door and showed me homes. After purchasing my property and starting to be around other family members and friends who were buying, I realized that I had made so many mistakes and that others were also lost in the process. I started learning more about home buying on my own and trying to better understand the loan process. When I bought my second property, I felt better prepared, but it wasn’t thanks to my realtor. I decided that I wanted to be that person for others. I want others to be able to understand from start to finish what buying a home entails and feel empowered when making such a huge financial decision. I am here to be your thought partner.
Why did you decide to practice as a real estate broker in Chicago, Illinois?
As a realtor, my clients dictate where I will be. I work in the city as well as the surrounding suburbs. However, I do live on the north side of the city, so a lot of my business happens to be on the northwest side and northern suburbs.
What kind of services do you provide and to what ages?
Anyone above the age of 18 can buy a home. I provide education, guidance, and expertise. I help connect clients to mortgage lenders to truly explain the loan process and options. During the transaction, I connect clients with home inspectors who will share knowledge and expertise about the condition of the home. I also work with attorneys who truly take the time to explain contracts and every single thing that you are signing when going through a transaction. One of the most valuable tools as a realtor is being able to help you negotiate and understand how to structure an offer. Every client's needs are different, so every transaction is different.
How does your service help people strengthen their relationships?
I believe that having financial stability and freedom is key to having a good relationship with yourself and others. When you own something like your home, you can feel more empowered and better about your current situation. It can help provide a sense of security, stability, and self-worth.
What do you love about working with your clients?
I truly love every step of working with my clients. Whether it’s my rental clients that are looking for their next place and may be saving up to eventually buy or my sellers that are moving out of one place to start building memories in a new one- every client and journey is different, and it is an honor to be a part of it. I love being able to educate my clients and build a relationship that will last past the transaction. I love seeing my clients' faces when they find the home that is ‘the one’ or handing them over the keys to their new home, every moment is so special.
What would you say to someone hesitant about seeking your services?
Knowledge is power and having conversations doesn’t cost any money. Don’t be afraid to reach out and just ask questions. Maybe you aren’t looking to buy right now, or you aren’t sure if now is the time to sell, but having a conversation doesn’t hurt. Most people are concerned about the cost of having a realtor and although real estate laws have recently changed, most renters and buyers are still not paying commission out of pocket. If you want to know more, I would be more than happy to explain in detail how commission works.
What do you wish people knew about real estate services with you?
Initial conversations are free, looking at properties is free, and sending you market value updates on your property or neighborhood is free. Commission is always talked about up front and as renters and buyers, it is still typically paid for by the other side. If you get into legal trouble, you typically don’t try to represent yourself, when your car breaks down, you don’t usually try to fix it yourself so stop trying to rent/buy/sell on your own. Hire a professional to facilitate the transaction.
How can people contact you to learn more about your services?
I can reached me at 773.414.4196 and my website is mariselgutierrez.bhhschicago.com
You can also follow me on Instagram at mg_cribs
More about Marisela, a Real Estate Broker in Chicago
Marisela lives on the north side of Chicago and has a 2-year-old daughter. Before real estate and during her years in education, she was a Rugby Coach! Marisela loves to cook, travel, dance, and explore new places.
Final Thoughts from a Christian Counselor in Chicago
The journey to finding a home or rental can test your patience and relationships, but you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right support, this process can shift from overwhelming to empowering. Marisela Gutierrez’s compassionate ability as a real estate broker serves as a reminder that professionals who truly care can make all the difference—helping you feel confident and secure in your decisions.
Similarly, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or at odds with your loved ones during this time, Christian counseling in Chicago can offer you the tools to navigate these challenges with support. As a Christian counselor, I specialize in helping individuals improve their relationships, develop greater body/self-awareness, and lean into God’s guidance during significant life transitions.
Schedule a free consultation for Christian Counseling in Chicago
If you’re feeling the strain of life transitions or relationship stress, you don’t have to face it alone. With faith-based support, I can help you explore the emotions and challenges you’re experiencing and guide you toward deeper connection, clarity, and confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your free 15-minute consultation for Christian counseling in Chicago today and start building healthier, more authentic relationships with yourself and your loved ones.
Lisaura is a dance therapist who offers Christian counseling in Chicago. She specializes in incorporating movement and the mind-body connection to help people heal, improve their relationships, and feel more whole. Lisaura offers individual relationship counseling, dance therapy, and couples workshops to help adults connect with themselves and others deeply.
Spanish-speaking services are available as well.
