Realtor Vicky Shih uses her creative passion to help clients

Back when Vicky Shih was growing up in Taiwan, she watched fashion shows on TV while other kids were enjoying children's programs.

She got in trouble for drawing fashions in her homework book even though her homework was already done.

Her mother, who wanted her daughter to succeed in school, and the strict Taiwanese education system didn't see any place for art, she said.

"They thought you did not really study hard so you have time to do that," Shih said.

Nevertheless, Shih retained her creativity and eye for design, gifts that have helped make her a successful Realtor in a tough market. The Naperville woman has been the top producer in Prospect Equities' Lisle office since she started there six years ago.

"I feel happy to work as a Realtor. It's really fulfilled my heart. I want to help people," said Shih, who began her real estate career eight years ago.

She had other careers before real estate. In Taiwan, she worked for an international trade company. After she, her husband and their first child immigrated to the United States 25 years ago, she worked at the Chinese embassy in Chicago. While raising their three children, she sold life insurance and volunteered at the Naperville Chinese School.

Real estate was too time-consuming to pursue while her children were young, but in her heart she knew that's what she wanted to do. In 2002, she launched her career as a real estate agent and in 2004 she went to work for Prospect Equities.

"I'm very thankful that God gave me this career because (it's what) I always wanted," she said.

Shih does more than help clients market homes to sell or find houses to buy. She gives sellers detailed advice on how to make their houses more attractive in economical ways. And she gladly shares decorating tips with buyers.

Scott, one of her clients who asked his last name not be used, is a single dad who lives with his two kids and his mother. Shih helped him find his dream house in Naperville last year and helped him furnish it too, he said.

"She took our family to the furniture store to pick out the furniture," Scott said. "She treats you as if she was going to buy the house for her family."

Scott said he had two Realtors before Shih with less positive results. Shih spent two or three months negotiating a better price for the house he bought and since has found a renter for his old house.

"She's not only my agent, she's my friend," he said. "I've already recommended her to two or three of my friends."

Giving advice on decor comes naturally for Shih, who enjoys hanging out in stores like Home Depot and Hobby Lobby. When she sees an item she thinks will fit well into a client's home, she asks the store to set it aside for two or three days and then contacts her client to go see it.

"I have a good eye. I always find good stuff," she said.

Shih also has used her real estate and design skills for her church, Living Water Evangelical, which built its sanctuary last year at 75th Street and Wehrli Road in Naperville. She represented the church in the purchase of the property and then served on its interior design team. Church members liked the tile design Shih created for her own home so much, they put it in the vestibule.

Working with a contractor to build her home in the Jefferson Estates subdivision six years ago, Shih honed her knowledge of local contractors and vendors, sound construction and artistic design.

But Shih brings more than her own experience and eye for design to her work as a Realtor. She's worked to be knowledgeable and her attention to detail is outstanding, said Bill Liu, who used Shih as his agent in buying his own home and two investment properties in the last six years.

"She covers everything," he said. "Very thorough."

Shih, who charges a 5 percent franchise fee, said the biggest mistake sellers can make is to look for the agent with the lowest fee and who will list their home at the highest price. A home that is not reasonably priced will sit on the market longer, making it more difficult to sell, she said.

Even a home that's reasonably priced and attractively furnished may require changes to draw a buyer. When one client had a two-bedroom townhouse that would not sell, Shih suggested that the client take a portion of her large lot and add a third bedroom.

The townhouse sold soon after to a couple who had one child and was expecting another.

"In a townhouse, the third bedroom is the best-selling point," Shih said.

Sellers should not put money in a home they won't get back, but target the most important areas, she said. In an older home that carries an old house smell, that may mean new carpet, fresh paint and air freshener, she said.

Buyers also need to look beyond simply getting the lowest price, she said. She suggests they make a list of must-have requirements and those that are optional.

"The floor plan is very important," she said.

The floor plan, along with the location and school district, are what can't be changed, she said. Everything else can be altered, but the client needs to consider the cost.

If Shih spots a problem with a house, she lets the would-be buyer know.

"I want them to live there, feel happy," she said.

Shih works primarily in Naperville, Lisle and Aurora, but also does work in surrounding towns. She is pleased that some of her clients remember her from her volunteer work in the Chinese school and that many refer other people to her.

"I always, always do the best I can. I think a good reputation is the top goal in my business," she said.

Even the tough real estate market of the past couple years has not discouraged her, Shih said. While some people might see today's market as not a good time to sell a home, Shih said it also may mean there's less competition.

"In a very tough situation, I see the chances. I don't see the problem," she said. "Do something more for the client. Make the house presentable. Make the price right. Do more search. Do more actual work."

Real estate agents can't change the market, but they can improve their own skills with more education, Shih said. She has earned the titles of certified negotiation consultant, certified relocation specialist and, most recently, certified short sales, foreclosure and resource.

Shih continues to build on her eye for design as well, by watching TV shows, reading interior design magazines and attending staging classes.

"During the rough market, the good agent will stand," she said.

Shih may be reached at (630) 697-8951.

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