Broker Julia Cullhaj‘s journey at Peak Properties began during her time at Truman College. While initially in janitorial services, Julia’s real estate inclinations were recognized by Managing Partner Mike Zucker, who encouraged her to channel her passion and talents into to property management and sales, and she did just that.
Julia is now working on one of Peak Realty’s largest lease-up properties. According to Peak Realty President Shane Rachman, she’s undoubtedly an emerging broker.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: Tell us a bit about your background. Where’d you grow up? Where’d you go to school?
Julia Cullhaj: I was born in Albania and grew up in Florence, Italy. I grew up around real estate and worked alongside my parents who are generational property owners and renovators. I graduated from the University of Florence with a degree in economics, and while I always dreamt of being an accountant, I was drawn to a work life that included working with lots of people.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: You have a unique background in the real estate industry, growing up in a family deeply involved in property ownership and hospitality. How has this early exposure to real estate and customer service influenced your approach to your current role?
Cullhaj: Hospitality is in my blood; I did everything from guest registration to housekeeping. I studied multiple languages, and I am fluent in Albanian, Italian, Spanish and English. Learning multiple languages allowed me to work as a receptionist at my uncle’s resort in Florence, Borgo Dei Gigli, each summer. Interacting with guests at the resort ignited a genuine satisfaction in assisting others and solidified my passion for customer service. It was through this experience that my aspiration to contribute positively to others’ lives was solidified.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: Transitioning from studying economics and considering a career as an accountant to pursuing a path in real estate and sales is quite a shift. What specific aspects of working with people and the real estate industry attracted you and ultimately led you to choose this career path?
Cullhaj: I came to the U.S. in 2016 with the goal to get a master’s degree. After converting my credits from Italy, I was missing a few credits and randomly took a real estate broker class to fulfill my credits. In 2018, I successfully completed the class but never proceeded to take the state exam for my license.
During this same year, in order to pay for my classes and living expenses, I started my own LLC by providing turnover services and maintaining common areas for rental buildings managed by Peak Properties, one of the largest management companies in Chicago. This is where I met Mike Zucker and Shane Rachman, who both noticed my dedication to work. Mike offered me the opportunity to join his office as a property manager. However, being new to the country, I thought I was not ready for or capable of that position. While staying committed to Peak Properties, I decided to follow in my parents’ steps and started my house-hacking journey. I decided to buy a two-flat where I could live in one unit and rent out the other. My interest in real estate continued to grow stronger after seeing other agents do showings at the buildings I was maintaining. This inspired me to complete the journey I had started in 2018, and I earned the broker’s state license in May 2022. In that same month, I joined Peak Realty as a broker.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: Your journey at Peak Realty seems to have been propelled by your sales performance, totaling over $4 million in sales within your first 12 months of employment. Can you share some strategies that have contributed to your sales success?
Cullhaj: In my first year, Shane Rachman recognized my potential and entrusted me with the sale of multi-unit buildings, luxury rentals and the Zillow premier agent program. Being able to be given the opportunity to jump on big projects was instrumental in achieving remarkable results. As a brand-new agent in this field, it can be challenging to be assigned to large projects, but at Peak, they set the standards of giving opportunities and autonomy for newcomers like myself. Working on scattered site buildings enhances my expertise in different neighborhoods in the Chicagoland area. My economic background allows me to give my clients clear financial advice and opinion on value. I am always available and on my clients’ timeline. I love to be a resource for my clients by connecting them to my network of real estate attorneys, inspectors, lenders and contractors for a smooth transaction.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: You’re currently working on one of Peak Realty’s largest lease-up properties. How do you manage the various responsibilities and maintain a focus on sales?
Cullhaj: In essence, my success is a direct result of the combination of my family’s values, my unyielding work ethics and the motivation to succeed. My motivation to succeed is fueled by a desire to uphold the standards set by the company. I am driven by the example they have set for me and the expectations they have of me. Their support and encouragement have been invaluable, and I am determined to make them proud by continuously striving for excellence. Time management, being extremely organized, working up to 18 hours a day and having access to great software like the CRM, are all pillars to my success.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: You recently purchased your first property and started “house hacking”—purchasing, renovating, and refinancing, repeating. Could you share some insights into your approach to identifying investment opportunities and what you consider to be essential factors in a real estate venture?
Cullhaj: I approach real estate investment by focusing on market research, property condition, and renovation plans. My focus revolves around value-add properties by evaluating the property’s location, proximity to public transportation and future development. I am personally investing in multi-unit buildings where rents are below market value and that need major upgrades like adding an in-unit washer and dryer, central heat and air conditioning, upgrading kitchen and bathrooms to increase the rents and therefore, the value of the property. Furthermore, I was able to rent out the units for top dollar by doing the leasing myself. After building equity, I saw the potential of a cash-out refinance, which allowed me to purchase the building next door where I repeated the same strategy applied to my first investment. Ultimately, I emphasize a long-term vision for portfolio growth.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: Achieving almost 65% occupancy for a property in just a few months is commendable. What methods or marketing strategies do you employ as a leasing broker to attract tenants for luxury properties like The Sage West Loop?
Cullhaj: One of the most effective strategies we had with leasing and marketing was starting tours early with “hard hats.” We offered future residents the opportunity to see the under-construction space while showing finishes and renderings of built-out community spaces. Once we had units that were completed, we sent in a staging partner to build out the space so prospects could visualize and truly see the vast options for furniture layouts. We used high quality photography, established a brand-new property website and used social media platforms. Another successful strategy was creating pamphlets with floor plans of the layouts available. This played a key role in guiding clients during showings by clients noting their preferred floor plans, pricing and fees.
As a leasing team, we are available around the clock, 24/7. Immediate responses, flexible tour times and understanding the needs of prospects, contributed to the success in leasing over 120 units in less than 90 days. The project is well on track to reach full occupancy with a solid 5.0 rating!
Illinois Real Estate Journal: How do you balance your personal life and maintain a healthy work-life balance while thriving in your career?
Cullhaj: Honestly, I’m currently working on improving my work-life balance, as I’ve been working long hours while striving to excel in my career. I recognize the importance of finding a healthier balance between my personal life and professional growth, and I’m actively exploring ways to achieve that equilibrium. However, for me, working as a real estate agent is much more than just a job—it’s a genuine passion. I find immense joy in being part of the journey towards helping people find their dream homes. Witnessing the happiness and gratitude of my clients as they navigate the process and eventually settle into their dream homes is incredibly rewarding. Their appreciation and heartfelt thanks reinforce my deep connection to this profession.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t already?
Cullhaj: My aspiration is to grow and expand my business. A significant milestone I recently achieved was successfully transitioning one of my renters into a homebuyer. Having rented out over 100 units in this first year, I view each of these transactions as not just a rental, but as 100 distinct chances for potential future buyers. Furthermore, I am genuinely excited about the prospect of not only assisting clients in finding their dream homes but also having the privilege of representing them when they decide to sell. The thought of earning the trust and confidence of clients who have previously had a positive experience with me serves as a strong source of motivation for continuous improvement in my craft.
Last, but not least, I plan on investing more time in social media as a powerful platform for lead generation and staying connected with my past clients. By actively engaging on social media platforms, I could showcase my expertise, share valuable insights about the real estate market, and provide helpful tips for home buyers and sellers. This would not only position me as a knowledgeable professional but keep me top-of-mind when my clients or their acquaintances are in need of real estate services.
Illinois Real Estate Journal: If you could travel back in time and invest in any iconic historical property, which one would you choose?
Cullhaj: If I could travel back in time, I would invest in the Villa Rospigliosi, a villa located in my hometown of Lamporecchio, Italy. The Rospigliosi family had properties in Tuscany since the Middle Ages so when Giulio Rospigliosi was elected Pope with the name of Clemente IX in 1667, he decided to have a villa built as evidence of his connection with this territory.
The interior of the villa is characterized by baroque decorations and three oval rooms, one on each floor, surrounded by corridors which go around them, while two spiral staircases join the floors. In the wide front garden, which features a broad lawn with a fountain basin in the middle, there is a family chapel dedicated to Saints Simon and Jude. Today the villa is the location for vibrant cultural and artistic events, with concerts and exhibitions and culinary excellence, hosting one of the most refined starred restaurants of the area! Since I was a child, I have always admired the view of the villa from my uncle’s resort, and I have always dreamt of getting married there!