Darby Zwagerman

What do Clients Say?

“My wife and I have worked with Darby on four home purchases and three home sales over the last eleven years. She has earned our trust because she is honest, organized, and has a strong attention to detail.”

DH

“Darby has sold over 40 condo units for us over the last three years. She has consistently performed above our expectations and has secured pricing well above what other brokers had told us was possible.”

JP

"Darby is an exceptionally skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced agent. We have worked with Darby for 12 years. Her knowledge of the Chicago market, pricing, and negotiations always netted us a better deal. In addition to her business acumen, she maintains good client communications so that we are always informed about the status of the listing or negotiation. We would recommend Darby highly and without reservation."

AP

“Darby is the best realtor I have worked with, by far! She helped my husband and I both buy and sell a home, and she got results. We sold our old home in 5 days for above asking price, and we bought the perfect home for our family. Throughout this experience, I found that she takes the time to collect data that is key for decision-making, but also has the judgement and experience to help guide you through the process. She is friendly, courteous, helpful and attentive to your needs. Even after you have finished your transaction, she keeps in touch and helps in whatever way she can. She is amazing!”

KR

"Without a doubt this was the smoothest...most professional and enjoyable real estate experience I have been involved with. It may even be one of the best business transactions of any kind for that matter. Darby Zwagerman hit high notes on each phase of the process from the critical listing price to making sure we dotted every I and crossing every T. There were no bumps along that I know of and if there were she must have handled them as well. I would recommend her to anyone and she will be the first call I make when I buy or sell another home."

RG

About Darby

Most of my clients find me the same way. Someone they trust told them to call me. I have been a Chicago real estate agent and broker for more than 25 years, and I have built my practice almost entirely on referrals and repeat clients. Every introduction carries the trust of the person who made it, and my job is to make sure they never regret it.

My clients are as varied as the city itself. First-time buyers navigating their first offer, families upsizing or right-sizing, investors, and executives relocating to Chicago to buyers searching for something exceptional in the luxury market. I work throughout Chicago, including the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Streeterville, River North, Lakeview, Bucktown, West Loop, and the surrounding suburbs. In 2025, I was recognized as the number one individual agent in the Gold Coast within @properties Christie's International Real Estate. In June 2026, I was featured as a Power Player in Modern Luxury Chicago Social.

Before real estate, I worked as an interior designer at an architectural firm. That experience gives me a different eye than most agents. I walk into a property and see it in three dimensions: what it is today, what it could be, and how to position it to exactly the right buyer. For sellers, that means smarter staging, sharper pricing, and marketing that tells the full story. For buyers, it means an honest read on what a space is worth and what it could become.

Over 25 years, I have helped more than 420 families buy and sell homes in Chicago, with over $115 million sold. My average sale-to-list ratio is 101.1%, which means my sellers consistently walk away with more than they asked for. I perform in the top 1% of Chicago REALTORS, and 95% of my business comes from repeat clients or referrals. I also have more than 90 five-star client reviews across Google and Zillow. One client has trusted me with more than 40 transactions over the years. Those numbers mean more to me than any award. They mean people keep coming back.

I hold both the Certified Negotiation Expert and Certified Tactical Negotiator designations, so when it counts most, you have someone in your corner who knows how to get you where you need to be.

A 30-year Chicago resident, I serve at-risk women and children through the Junior League of Chicago and have served on numerous condominium boards.

Certifications: CLHMS, GUILD Recognition · ABR · CNE · CTN · QSC · Member, Chicago Association of Realtors

Chicago Homes, Curated. Thinking about buying or selling a home in Chicago? I would love to be introduced. A conversation is always the right place to start.