Kiara Jones is a licensed Broker-Salesperson and Realtor serving clients in Missouri and Illinois, with nearly 10 years of experience and deep expertise in the St. Louis and Southern Illinois markets. She specializes in residential and commercial sales, including niche markets such as pre-construction, condos, multi-units, historic homes, luxury properties, investment opportunities, and land, providing clients with a creative and straightforward approach to real estate.
With a background in corporate communications from Lindenwood University, Kiara is recognized for her strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and ability to listen carefully to her clients’ needs. She is actively involved in the St. Louis Realtors Association and serves as Chairperson for the Urban Affairs Committee, continually staying updated on market trends and neighborhood performance to deliver top results.
Leslie Ludwig is a Chicago-based real estate agent with a strong background in marketing and corporate leadership. She serves clients across the city, leveraging her firsthand experience as a landlord and home renovator to provide a nuanced understanding of property management, homeownership, and the local market.
A University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign graduate, Leslie’s client-focused approach emphasizes transparency and effective communication. Her dedication to delivering a seamless, personalized experience helps clients achieve their real estate goals with confidence and clarity.
Vita Pavlyuk is a dedicated real estate agent serving Chicago and its western suburbs, with a deep knowledge of neighborhoods including Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Streeterville, and Gold Coast. Her background supporting top agents at Compass as an Agent Experience Manager gave her invaluable insights into the industry, enabling her to advocate effectively for her clients and provide expert guidance throughout every transaction.
With a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Illinois State University and bilingual fluency in English and Ukrainian, Vita excels at understanding her clients' needs on a personal level. Her local expertise, combined with her approachable, client-focused service style, ensures a smooth and informed real estate experience tailored to each individual.
Smothers Group is a leading real estate team serving the western suburbs and Chicago, with a strong presence in the community for over two decades. The team’s neighborhood experts live and work locally, providing deep insights into market trends, housing options, and community dynamics to help clients make informed decisions.
Founded by Joan Smothers in 1996, the group joined Compass in 2020, continuing its reputation for professionalism, ethics, and community involvement. The team actively supports local non-profits and community initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to giving back and strengthening the neighborhoods they serve.
Jaclyn Etchingham Merlo is a licensed real estate broker with Compass, serving clients across Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs. She is known for her thoughtful, detail-oriented approach and her commitment to providing a personalized experience, with a focus on clear guidance, strong advocacy, and strategic insight to ensure her clients feel confident throughout every step of the process.
With personal experience in purchasing, renovating, and managing properties—including her own investment and primary homes—Jackie brings valuable hands-on knowledge to her clients. A member of the top-ranked Home Collective™ team, she resides in Park Ridge with her family and enjoys traveling, gardening, and volunteering at her children’s school.
Erin Tunney brings over 20 years of experience in real estate and construction, offering clients a comprehensive perspective rooted in her background as a third-generation builder. Her close collaboration with architects, contractors, and designers provides her with a deep understanding of construction processes, enabling her to identify value, renovation potential, and long-term investment opportunities in properties.
With a passion for architecture and design, Erin combines hands-on building knowledge with real estate expertise to help clients envision possibilities and optimize their homes. Her attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and strong negotiation skills ensure a client-first experience that extends beyond the transaction.
Erin Ivey is a Chicago-based real estate professional with a strong background in leasing, property management, and market analysis. She specializes in guiding clients through rentals, first-time home purchases, and investment property acquisitions, leveraging her extensive experience and neighborhood expertise to ensure a smooth and informed process.
A Kentucky native and University of Cincinnati graduate with a double major in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship, Erin combines her business acumen with a personable approach. She stays current on market trends, new developments, and rental deals, providing clients with comprehensive support from start to finish.
Kara Littwin is a dedicated real estate professional with a strong presence in Chicago’s vibrant market, leveraging her passion for home design, sales, and client service. She is part of The JS Group, which ranks in the top 1% of all Chicago brokers, and is committed to providing superior communication, responsiveness, and transparency to her clients.
With roots in Northwest Suburban Chicago and long-term residence in Wicker Park, Kara brings local expertise and industry knowledge to every transaction. Her prior experience and genuine care for clients ensure a seamless, informed, and confident real estate experience whether buying, selling, or investing.
Angie Orzel is a Chicago native with extensive knowledge of both city neighborhoods and suburban communities. Currently residing in the West Loop, she leverages her familiarity with diverse areas to assist clients in buying, selling, and renting across Chicagoland.
With a background in high school English teaching and a family history in construction, Angie combines relationship-building skills with a deep understanding of real estate. Bilingual in English and Polish, she is part of the MD Group team, dedicated to providing clients with trusted guidance, integrity, and personalized service throughout every transaction.