Meet The Thomas Team
The Thomas Team is one of the Chicago area’s most successful real estate brokerage partnerships. Co-founders Michael and Lene Thomas launched their business in 2001 with a shared vision to support their clientele with superior service. Today, The Thomas Team is among the top sellers of real estate on the North Shore, within the top 2% of all Chicago REALTORS® and the #1 brokerage team in Evanston for 2007-2009. The team’s business model is one of highly ethical practices, a strong infrastructure, advanced technology, superb marketing tools and a loyal network of clients and colleagues.
Michael and Lene’s main focus has always been to serve as knowledgeable and effective representatives for their clients. The Thomas’ have been fortunate enough to represent a wide variety of properties and clients, from first time homebuyers to long-time residents of the North Shore to some of Evanston’s finest builders.
They have extensive experience within the condo, coop, townhome, single family, and new construction market. Their reach stretches as far north as Highland Park, south through the city and as far west as Wheaton; however, they concentrate the bulk of their business in Evanston and Wilmette. Additionally, through their strong referral network, they are happy to help clients who are relocating out of the area by introducing them to top agents in other communities around the country.
In 2009, The Thomas Team joined the Evanston/North Shore office of @properties, Chicago’s #1 real estate company by sales volume. The move allows the Thomas’ to be even more responsive to their clients’ needs and to offer a broader array of resources to market and sell their clients’ homes.
Client Commitment
The Thomas Team views their client relationships as a personal investment. Prior to introducing a home to the brokerage community, they will work with a seller to optimize the presentation of their home, identify the target market, develop a strategic marketing plan and expertly assess the market value.
Co-founder Lene Thomas personally supervises the preparation of all marketing materials with a senior graphic design staff. The extensive process includes brand positioning, development of collateral materials, copy-writing, floor plan preparation and professional virtual tour photography. Marketing plans also feature targeted advertising, email campaigns, and Internet marketing that leverages company and team resources. With over 80% of homebuyers using the Web in their search, an enhanced online presence is essential.
The Thomas Team also guarantees a comprehensive and regularly scheduled property report of listing activity. Clients stay informed through Michael & Lene’s feedback from prospective buyers after each and every showing.
Team Structure/Members
With two dedicated partners, Michael and Lene Thomas, The Thomas Team continues to prove itself in a highly competitive marketplace. Michael and Lene’s charismatic personalities, market knowledge and trusted service–coupled with industry leading technology, first class administrative support and marketing programs that are second to none – has placed them at the top of their field.
Michael Thomas – Co-Founder
Michael Thomas is a lifelong resident of Evanston, and his buyers, sellers and investors benefit from the fact that he knows the area so well. Michael also excels in marketing strategy, client care and negotiations. As a result, he has an excellent rapport with agents and clients alike. He and his wife are active members in the community, especially with the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and Foundation Dist.65. Michael is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Lene Thomas – Co-Founder
Lene Thomas is the backbone of The Thomas Team, managing all the behind-the-scenes aspects involved in marketing, reporting, client communication and moving the transaction forward. She is also an expert at home staging. With a business degree and experience as a project manager in logistics and marketing for Philips Electronics, Lene brings a level of organization and precision to the real estate process that is reassuring to The Thomas Team’s clientele.
Background
Prior to their real estate careers, Michael and Lene Thomas started two successful businesses, The Unicorn Café in 1991 and Casteel Coffee (a wholesale & retail coffee roasting company) in 1993. Both companies continue to add flavor to the Evanston community.
The Thomas’ reside in Evanston with their two daughters, Cecilia and Josephine. Several other family members live in Evanston and Chicago as well. While the Thomas’ are enthusiastic about real estate, they never forget that it’s the relationships and shared success that make their hard work so rewarding.
Awards & Designations
· Certified Relocation Specialist
· Certified Marketing Specialist
· Certified Negotiation Specialist
· Certified Residential Specialist
· Certified International & Luxury Market Designation
· E-Pro
· President's Elite 2005, 2006
· President's Circle 2007 2008
· #1 Office Agent 2006 sales
· # 1 Transaction agent Evanston combined for 2007,2008,2009
Communities Served
Chicago's North Shore Communities: Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park and Chicago
Languages:
Danish