Marissa Schaefer, 2020's "Rising Star" [Top Agent Magazine], co-leads the Gillman Group with her mother, Sharon Gillman, and loves every aspect of real estate. From selling pre-construction development to single family homes, she is just as comfortable with developers as she is with first-time home buyers. Marissa has a keen and discerning eye honed during her years in fashion, as well as an inherent love of helping people. This combination has helped her become a Top Producer in Chicago, seamlessly navigating every transaction. Her warmth and determination endears her to all her clients- who often become friends- and she is always eager to go the extra mile to get a deal done.
Born and raised in downtown Chicago, Marissa began her real estate career in 2014 after a successful decade in couture fashion and luxury retail management — working for iconic labels including Lanvin and Michael Kors. Her background in fashion and retail offers a fresh perspective to understanding the local real estate market, staging properties, and negotiating the best deal. Growing up with her mother in real estate and her father in construction, it was only natural for Marissa to join her family in real estate and parlay her background into new endeavors.
When Marissa isn’t selling homes, you will find her volunteering at Dress for Success, scouting the city's best interior design shops, and going on adventures with her daughter. She is passionate about wellness and loves to bake heart-healthy creations for her husband, daughters, and even their pup Lady.
We highly recommend Sharon, Marissa and the entire Gillman Group for anyone looking for a home in Chicago. Sharon and her team provided us with expert guidance and support as we looked at various Chicago neighborhoods and types of homes. They consistently went the “extra mile” in accommodating our situation and schedules. In addition to their expertise, it was clea...We highly recommend Sharon, Marissa and the entire Gillman Group for anyone looking for a home in Chicago. Sharon and her team provided us with expert guidance and support as we looked at various Chicago neighborhoods and types of homes. They consistently went the “extra mile” in accommodating our situation and schedules. In addition to their expertise, it was clear that Sharon, Marissa and the rest of their team genuinely enjoyed the process of helping us find the right home. We could not be happier with our experience.
Jeannie F.
Marissa (and her mom Sharon) were amazing to work with during our move from LA to Chicago. As buyers unfamiliar with the city beyond visiting, Marissa provided invaluable insight into neighborhoods and quickly understood the style of home we were looking for. She made time to tour homes with us during a short visit, guided us seamlessly through the purchase proces...Marissa (and her mom Sharon) were amazing to work with during our move from LA to Chicago. As buyers unfamiliar with the city beyond visiting, Marissa provided invaluable insight into neighborhoods and quickly understood the style of home we were looking for. She made time to tour homes with us during a short visit, guided us seamlessly through the purchase process, and advocated for us every step of the way to ensure we got exactly what we wanted. We couldn’t recommend Marissa and Sharon more highly to anyone looking to buy a home in Chicago!
Sabrina P.
Sharon and Marissa helped my family find a beautiful home in North Center. Their extensive knowledge of Chicago real estate was essential for new Chicago residents like ourselves. They were incredibly responsive to our many questions throughout our search and gave us personal attention that went above and beyond. I highly recommend them for any prospective buyers o...Sharon and Marissa helped my family find a beautiful home in North Center. Their extensive knowledge of Chicago real estate was essential for new Chicago residents like ourselves. They were incredibly responsive to our many questions throughout our search and gave us personal attention that went above and beyond. I highly recommend them for any prospective buyers or sellers! Their professionalism, superior knowledge, and taste will make your home buying journey easy and enjoyable.
John I.
Sharon Gillman helped us find our condo in Streeterville, and then helped us sell it. Her wisdom and advice were so important to our managing some bumps along the way (no fault of hers!) in getting it sold. She was responsive to all our questions and suggestions. She helped us manage from initial offer to finding a great real estate lawyer, finding people to help w...Sharon Gillman helped us find our condo in Streeterville, and then helped us sell it. Her wisdom and advice were so important to our managing some bumps along the way (no fault of hers!) in getting it sold. She was responsive to all our questions and suggestions. She helped us manage from initial offer to finding a great real estate lawyer, finding people to help with everything from painting, staging, plumbing, to floors. She was always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the market, about negotiations, and about making sure we made it through to closing. I couldn't recommend her more highly.
Laura F.
We have now been through two sales and two purchases with the help of Sharon and Marissa over the last 8 years. Even when buyers have thrown us challenges, they scrambled and made sure we were able to secure another deal. We have sold for prices we never imagined possible and secured our dream home. Highly recommend!
Alison O.
Sharon and Marissa were the best team I could have asked for to find a condo in Chicago! They knew the neighborhoods and market values like the back of their hands. They knew what to look for (and what to look out for) in each property we visited. They were on top of new listings, scheduled showings immediately, were detailed oriented, and asked all the right quest...Sharon and Marissa were the best team I could have asked for to find a condo in Chicago! They knew the neighborhoods and market values like the back of their hands. They knew what to look for (and what to look out for) in each property we visited. They were on top of new listings, scheduled showings immediately, were detailed oriented, and asked all the right questions that I would never have thought to have asked when viewing property. I cannot recommend the Gillman Group enough! Thank you!
Ryan T.
Gillman Group Luxury Real Estate | Compass Chicago delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, market expertise, and attention to detail truly stand out. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking top-tier real estate servic...Gillman Group Luxury Real Estate | Compass Chicago delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, market expertise, and attention to detail truly stand out. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking top-tier real estate service in Chicago!
Abujor
We highly recommend Sharon, Marissa and the entire Gillman Group for anyone looking for a home in Chicago. Sharon and her team provided us with expert guidance and support as we looked at various Chicago neighborhoods and types of homes. They consistently went the “extra mile” in accommodating our situation and schedules. In addition to their expertise, it was clea...We highly recommend Sharon, Marissa and the entire Gillman Group for anyone looking for a home in Chicago. Sharon and her team provided us with expert guidance and support as we looked at various Chicago neighborhoods and types of homes. They consistently went the “extra mile” in accommodating our situation and schedules. In addition to their expertise, it was clear that Sharon, Marissa and the rest of their team genuinely enjoyed the process of helping us find the right home. We could not be happier with our experience.
Jeannie F.
Marissa (and her mom Sharon) were amazing to work with during our move from LA to Chicago. As buyers unfamiliar with the city beyond visiting, Marissa provided invaluable insight into neighborhoods and quickly understood the style of home we were looking for. She made time to tour homes with us during a short visit, guided us seamlessly through the purchase proces...Marissa (and her mom Sharon) were amazing to work with during our move from LA to Chicago. As buyers unfamiliar with the city beyond visiting, Marissa provided invaluable insight into neighborhoods and quickly understood the style of home we were looking for. She made time to tour homes with us during a short visit, guided us seamlessly through the purchase process, and advocated for us every step of the way to ensure we got exactly what we wanted. We couldn’t recommend Marissa and Sharon more highly to anyone looking to buy a home in Chicago!
Sabrina P.
Sharon and Marissa helped my family find a beautiful home in North Center. Their extensive knowledge of Chicago real estate was essential for new Chicago residents like ourselves. They were incredibly responsive to our many questions throughout our search and gave us personal attention that went above and beyond. I highly recommend them for any prospective buyers o...Sharon and Marissa helped my family find a beautiful home in North Center. Their extensive knowledge of Chicago real estate was essential for new Chicago residents like ourselves. They were incredibly responsive to our many questions throughout our search and gave us personal attention that went above and beyond. I highly recommend them for any prospective buyers or sellers! Their professionalism, superior knowledge, and taste will make your home buying journey easy and enjoyable.
John I.
Recently closed on a home with Cara and it was a wonderful experience. Cara is super empathetic, a great listener, and very professional, while always keeping our concerns as FHB’s in mind. She was always willing to hop on the phone, text, email etc for concerns big or small. Additionally, there is great value in using the Compass App for organizing documents and...Recently closed on a home with Cara and it was a wonderful experience. Cara is super empathetic, a great listener, and very professional, while always keeping our concerns as FHB’s in mind. She was always willing to hop on the phone, text, email etc for concerns big or small. Additionally, there is great value in using the Compass App for organizing documents and finding properties. I would recommend Cara to anyone looking to buy in the Chicagoland area!
Kyle L.
Working with Cara was an incredible experience! Not only did she go out of her way to find me the perfect home, she did it with kindness, care, and compassion. It was a great relationship from start to finish, and her ecosystem of partners also made sure that I stayed engaged and knowledgeable of what was going on at each step of the way. I have nothing but good th...Working with Cara was an incredible experience! Not only did she go out of her way to find me the perfect home, she did it with kindness, care, and compassion. It was a great relationship from start to finish, and her ecosystem of partners also made sure that I stayed engaged and knowledgeable of what was going on at each step of the way. I have nothing but good things to say about Cara and her group!
Jeremy A.
Gillman Group Luxury Real Estate | Compass Chicago delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, market expertise, and attention to detail truly stand out. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking top-tier real estate servic...Gillman Group Luxury Real Estate | Compass Chicago delivered an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their professionalism, market expertise, and attention to detail truly stand out. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making the entire process smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking top-tier real estate service in Chicago!
Abujor
Recently closed on a home with Cara and it was a wonderful experience. Cara is super empathetic, a great listener, and very professional, while always keeping our concerns as FHB’s in mind. She was always willing to hop on the phone, text, email etc for concerns big or small. Additionally, there is great value in using the Compass App for organizing documents and...Recently closed on a home with Cara and it was a wonderful experience. Cara is super empathetic, a great listener, and very professional, while always keeping our concerns as FHB’s in mind. She was always willing to hop on the phone, text, email etc for concerns big or small. Additionally, there is great value in using the Compass App for organizing documents and finding properties. I would recommend Cara to anyone looking to buy in the Chicagoland area!
Kyle L.
Working with Cara was an incredible experience! Not only did she go out of her way to find me the perfect home, she did it with kindness, care, and compassion. It was a great relationship from start to finish, and her ecosystem of partners also made sure that I stayed engaged and knowledgeable of what was going on at each step of the way. I have nothing but good th...Working with Cara was an incredible experience! Not only did she go out of her way to find me the perfect home, she did it with kindness, care, and compassion. It was a great relationship from start to finish, and her ecosystem of partners also made sure that I stayed engaged and knowledgeable of what was going on at each step of the way. I have nothing but good things to say about Cara and her group!
Jeremy A.
Cara Fields was absolutely wonderful throughout the process of buying our first home, a condo in Chicago. She was responsive, knowledgeable, and lent a sense of calm professionalism to what can be a very emotional journey! Her background as an architect was helpful for understanding the nuances of each place we saw, and her recommendations for inspectors and contra...Cara Fields was absolutely wonderful throughout the process of buying our first home, a condo in Chicago. She was responsive, knowledgeable, and lent a sense of calm professionalism to what can be a very emotional journey! Her background as an architect was helpful for understanding the nuances of each place we saw, and her recommendations for inspectors and contractors were spot on - our hardwood floors look incredible, thanks to her introducing us to an amazing floor guy (Sylvania Hardwood Flooring, if you're in the market). Especially during particularly stressful periods like attorney review, Cara was willing to hop on the phone at any time and follow up with the other parties, taking the stress off our shoulders. As an added bonus, the Compass app that the Gillman Group uses is a seamless interface and allowed my husband and I to stay on track with viewings and to dos throughout the whole process, which was a welcome surprise. I wholeheartedly recommend Cara and the Gillman Group, especially for first time homebuyers.
Kelly O.
Working with Cara was an absolute pleasure! She helped me navigate one of the craziest rental markets I’d ever seen, she helped me find a beautiful apartment in a neighborhood I’m really excited to live in. She was knowledgeable, professional and simply a joy to be around.
Stephanie K
I can’t say enough great things about Cara as a realtor! Cara really took the time to understand my needs, listened to my wants, and guided me every step of the way with such professionalism and care. Cara went above and beyond to find me my dream apartment. She's incredibly knowledgeable and has great attention to detail. Cara truly made the process easy and enjo...I can’t say enough great things about Cara as a realtor! Cara really took the time to understand my needs, listened to my wants, and guided me every step of the way with such professionalism and care. Cara went above and beyond to find me my dream apartment. She's incredibly knowledgeable and has great attention to detail. Cara truly made the process easy and enjoyable!
Clare M.
With over 60 years of experience, The Gillman Group will expertly and seamlessly guide you through the buying and selling process. Learn what your home is worth and how we can use Compass Concierge to sell your home faster and at a higher price.
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