RE/MAX of Naperville, Naperville, Illinois
How did you become involved in real estate?
I was first licensed in 1994. I was working with a mortgage company, which opened my eyes to real estate. It was during that refinance craze back in the ’90s, and I was working 10–12 hours a day. I had to find a career that would be flexible since I was my parents’ primary caretaker and I planned to start my own family soon—I knew those 12-hour days weren’t going to cut it. So, I started taking classes on weekends to get licensed, and within six months of getting my license, I was working full time and was named Rookie of the Year at my brokerage.
How did you find out about the Residential Real Estate Council?
I became a member in 2008 and started working on my CRS Designation, but I put that on the back burner when my mom’s health deteriorated. I didn’t come back to it until 2018. At the end of 2020, when I was able to be more involved, Sandy Workman, CRS, who was the Illinois RRC president at the time, asked if I was interested in becoming a volunteer. I said, “Sure, I would love to volunteer. I’d love to learn more about RRC.” And it has been an amazing experience. I realized I didn’t know how much RRC did, all the fantastic benefits, educational opportunities and networking. Now, I’m president of the Illinois chapter. I hope to make others aware of the CRS Designation and how they can make it work for them.
What RRC activities are you involved with these days?
My involvement last year opened my eyes to so many different opportunities that RRC provides. I got my Luxury Certificate and my Negotiation Certificate. I’m working on my Residential Sales Certificate right now. I’m also on the Region Five event planning committee. Being a member of Region Five has been excellent. Tonya Thomsen, CRS, is our vice president, and she’s so organized and fun. Everyone involved in Region 5 has just been incredible. Attending the San Diego conference and getting to know everybody has been fabulous.
What is one of your most interesting transactions?
I see that there’s a need for us as REALTORS® to use our level of knowledge and professionalism to help those who normally don’t receive this degree of service. My most rewarding transaction was helping a recently divorced mom with five kids who had just lost the family home and did not have any immediate family who could assist. Her credit score was 550, and I found her a rental for two years. We can talk about the incredible money people make in this business, but you know what? I will take the rental commission I made on that transaction and put that check on my wall to remind me of why I’m in this business. Because that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing: finding people a place to call home.
Are you involved with any community activities?
I’m a member of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® committees on professional standards and government affairs. I’m a firm believer in engaging in our association so we can make a difference locally, at the state level and nationally. This comes from being the daughter of a Marine who served from 1939–1969; he went through World War II and Vietnam. He taught me that everyone—no matter where in this world they’re from—just wants to live their lives and provide for their families as best they can. We don’t look the same. We don’t need the same things. But we all deserve the same level of respect and kindness. He taught me to get involved in our community from the beginning. From volunteering at my girls’ elementary school to now being part of local community boards, engaging and promoting community events and speaking at Council meetings, we all have a role to play.
Fran Bixler, CRS, achieved the CRS Designation in 2018. She can be reached at fran@franbixlerhomes.com or 630-544-4600.
Photo: Megan Donick
