224-225-1139
info@lakesrealtygroup.com
About us
We love the Chain O'Lakes area.
This is where we live. Where we play. And what we love. We want you to love it as much as we do — so we help you with all of your real estate needs, with the five-star professionalism you deserve.
450+ client reviews across the Chain O'Lakes
What we believe
Local people, local knowledge.
Independent & locally owned
“This is where we live. Where we play. And what we love.”
As local real estate experts, we can help you with all of your real estate needs — buying, selling, or simply working out what your home is worth today. Ten licensed Illinois brokers work out of our Fox Lake office, and between us we have decades on these lakes: which channels stay deep in August, which streets flood, which school districts fit, and what a waterfront lot is genuinely worth.
Buyers and sellers from all over the Chain O'Lakes — and well beyond it — keep choosing us because this kind of service is hard to find. No detail is too small, and we come through for our clients.
Meet the team
Great people don't work alone.
Ten licensed Illinois brokers, one Fox Lake office, and a shared standard for how clients should be treated.
01
Pat Smarto
Designated Managing Broker / Owner More about Pat
02
Stephanie Liscomb
Managing Broker · ABR, C2EX, ePRO, MRP, PSA, RSPS More about Stephanie
03
Michelle Goldstein
Broker · ePRO, Green, SRES More about Michelle
04
Melonnie Hartl
Broker · SRES, ABR, PSA, C2EX, ePRO More about Melonnie
05
Lisa Rabe
Broker More about Lisa
06
Stacy Volkmar
Broker More about Stacy
07
Brian Jensen
Broker More about Brian
08
Lauren Hopkins
Broker More about Lauren
09
Cristy Wilson
Broker More about Cristy
10
Ben Lamboley
Broker More about BenEvery one of us lives and works on the Chain. Pick whoever you click with — you'll get the same standard either way.
Talk to a Broker Homes for Heroes programSocial media insights
Our 2025 marketing results
If you're looking for a results-driven real estate experience, we're glad you're here. With years in the business, we've mastered the strategies that get you the results you need.
- 445,000Post reach
- 217,030Multi-photo views
- 28,778Link clicks
- 17,500Reels views
Professional photography, video tours, drone work, targeted social advertising and neighborhood mailers — all of it in-house.
See How We SellOur reviews
You're in good company
Buyers and sellers from all over the Chain O'Lakes — and beyond — keep choosing Lakes Realty Group because this type of customer service is hard to find. Because no detail is too small for our team. And because we always come through for our clients.
It took a long time for my husband and I to find the house that we were excited about but Pat Smarto was very patient with us. She was always there to show us the properties we wanted to see and always available to answer any questions we might have on any of the listings. When we finally selected the house we purchased, Pat assisted us through the process of negotiating the contract, inspections, and finally the closing.
Verified buyer · Worked with Pat SmartoMrs. Smarto is the most knowledgeable, professional real estate agent I've ever worked with! She let the house sell itself and followed up with every concern I had. She expertly pointed me in the right direction for all my home buyer needs through the entire home buying experience! This agent has set the standard for all other agents.
Verified buyer · Worked with Pat SmartoMichelle was quick to call, text, and email me. When I told her we were just starting out and still a few months out from purchasing, she helped us with initial steps. She was never pushy. We felt like she treated us like her own kids — wanted us to understand the process, taught us what to look for off the bat, and genuinely listened to our needs. Seriously, Michelle is awesome. She definitely became family.
Verified buyer · Worked with Michelle GoldsteinPatricia listened to exactly what we were looking for when assisting us with buying a home and made selling our home as easy as the process can be! I would recommend her and Lakes Realty to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Verified clientWe very much enjoyed working with Pat. When we met up with Pat it always felt like meeting a friend. We appreciated that Pat let the house speak for itself rather than trying to push a list of “selling points”. We had a pretty long wish list and went through several attempts to buy a home and Pat stuck with us through it all.
Verified buyer · Worked with Pat SmartoPat's sincerity and candor in guiding me through the process was superior. Not too much hype — an honest, down-to-earth approach. Exceeded my expectations and delivered on everything discussed at the start! I give her my highest recommendation!
Verified client · Worked with Pat SmartoBest experience ever, especially since I was not present in the State for the process. Very military friendly and I would highly recommend to anyone. Will definitely use again when I sell this house.
Verified clientI would go back to Pat and Lakes Realty right away if I was looking for something else. They are also the first company I would recommend to friends or family.
Verified clientSchedule a call
We'd be honored to help you reach your goals.
Tell us a little about what you're planning and we'll come back to you — no pressure, no pitch.