Which home renovations actually increase resale value in today’s market? In this episode of Ladies Who List, Chicago real estate expert Hayley Westhoff and co-host Anna Theofanous sit down with Jesse Scherr of Renovation Sells to break down the renovations that deliver the highest return on investment when selling a home.

From kitchen updates that attract buyers and boost offers to cost-effective bathroom upgrades, lighting improvements, flooring decisions, and paint strategies that actually pay off, this episode is packed with real-world advice for sellers, homeowners, and real estate investors. Learn how strategic improvements like cabinet painting, quartz countertops, modern lighting, and flooring upgrades can help homes sell faster and for more money without over-renovating.

You will also hear expert insights on current home design trends, common renovation mistakes that can reduce a home’s value, realistic renovation costs in the Chicago market, and when it makes sense to renovate versus offering buyer credits. If you are planning to sell your home, prepare a listing, or want to understand what buyers actually care about, this episode delivers a practical renovation ROI guide built on real-world experience.

Are real estate agents really worth the commission? In this episode of Ladies Who List, Chicago real estate agents Hayley Westhoff and Anna Theofanous pull back the curtain on how real estate commissions actually work and where that money really goes.

They break down agent commission splits, average realtor income, and the often overlooked costs of running a real estate business, including brokerage fees, marketing expenses, licensing, MLS dues, health insurance, self-employment taxes, and operating costs. This episode offers an honest look at what agents actually take home after expenses and why commission numbers can be misleading at first glance.

You will also hear what it is really like to be a full-time real estate agent, from working seven days a week with no salary or paid time off to managing unpredictable income and deals that fall apart after months of work. Hayley and Anna explain the value real estate agents provide, including protecting clients from costly mistakes, navigating negotiations, and guiding buyers and sellers through one of the largest financial decisions of their lives.

If you have ever questioned realtor commissions, wondered how much agents truly make, or want a transparent look at the business side of real estate, this episode delivers straight talk with no fluff and no filters.

Should you use a friend, family member, or fraternity brother as your real estate agent? In this episode of Ladies Who List, Chicago real estate agents Hayley Westhoff and Anna Theofanous break down why choosing the right agent matters more than loyalty when buying or selling a home.

They explain how local market expertise, professional presentation, and strong negotiation skills can directly impact whether your offer is accepted, especially in competitive multiple-offer situations. From accessing off-market opportunities to understanding seller priorities, this episode highlights the behind-the-scenes strategies experienced agents use to help clients win homes and avoid costly mistakes.

You will hear real examples of deals lost due to poor representation, why sellers often choose offers for reasons beyond price, and how communication, responsiveness, and professionalism influence the outcome of a transaction. Hayley and Anna also share the key questions buyers and sellers should ask before hiring an agent and why interviewing an agent is essential even when that agent is a friend or relative.

If you are feeling pressure to work with someone you know, wondering how to choose the right real estate agent, or want to understand what truly makes an agent effective, this episode delivers practical guidance to help you protect one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.