Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Hi. I’m Giuseppe Zerillo and I’m Fra Noi’s new real estate columnist.
Born and raised on the Northwest Side of Chicago, I learned my work ethic from my mother, who taught me to work hard, treat people fairly and always put others before myself. She used to tell my sisters and me while growing up that “People who work hard while their hair is still dark will not have to work as hard when it turns gray.” How true is that!
I work for Gateway Realty & Builders, the first and only company I have worked for since I’ve been licensed to sell real estate.
One reason I joined Gateway is because of the longevity of the company. Incorporated 60 years ago, it has been owned for the past 40 years by Salvatore Chereso, with his son Mark looking to take over the company and run it for the next 40-plus years.
Another reason I joined forces with Gateway Realty is for their philosophy, which is the same as my mother’s: Always work hard and put other people’s needs before your own.
Yet another reason I work for Gateway is the staff. Many of the agents who work here have done so for 20-plus years, and have a wealth of knowledge that they are willing and eager to share with me.
Gateway Realty represents families from all over with all of their real estate needs, from buying and selling homes, condos, investment properties, and vacation and summer homes, to leasing and assisting in the management of properties. We have an array of resources at our fingertips and we can even help with that dreaded “short sale,” too.
I have been one of the top agents at Gateway for three years running! I attribute my success to my desire to put others first, my work ethic and my creativity in marketing properties in new ways.
I don’t just put a sign in front of a property and wait for someone to call to see it; I promote it, market it and sell it! I broadcast properties via visual tours to more than 500 different websites, including the top real estate sites used by consumers, and that’s just the beginning.
A proud member of the Italian American Executives of Transportation, I co-chaired the IAET’s candlelight bowl and founded the IAET’s networking and wine event, which benefits its scholarship fund. I’m also a member of Helping Hands Sertoma and the IANU Foundation, and I am a proud recipient of a 2011 David Award, presented each year by the IANU.
On the professional front, I’m a member of the Norridge/Harwood Heights Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, MLSNI/Mred and Connect/MLS.
I live in Harwood Heights with my dog, Gia, and I love volunteering my time in the community, sponsoring a booth at the local fest and hosting a little league team outing to a White Sox game each year.
My monthly column will cover different topics regarding market conditions, trends and financing options, and answer any questions you might have. So get ready! It’s going to be fun and, yes, a little educational, too. My goal is to leave you with at least one piece of knowledge you didn’t have before reading my column.
You can contact me at gzerillo@gatewayrealtors.net, tweet me @gateway_realty or visit me at www.zerillo.info. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
