Paul Gibson – Coldwell Banker-Hyde Park

I have been a real estate agent in two states (not Illinois), and when I was an agent I did everything but throw myself in front of a train for my clients.
However, I met my match in Paul Gibson, Coldwell Banker Realty-​Hyde Park. Paul was born and raised in Chicago, and he not only knows the south side, but he knows downtown, the north side and the suburbs. I mean, he really, really knows them. I didn’t even think that was possible.
Paul recently helped me purchase a bank-​owned property on the far north side (near Evanston). The deal was a nightmare and took nearly six months. However, Paul was calm, patient and smart as heck. He’s also a licensed appraiser, which made things much easier when I was trying to figure out which property to buy.
Once my deal was going Paul made a point of calling me EVERY DAY with an update (even if there was no new information), just so I would know where the deal stood. He made things happen, kept everyone in line, and was always 100% honest with me. If something I was considering wasn’t going to work, he would look me straight in the eye and tell me. He’s a no bulls**t kind of guy.
In addition, I had completely screwed-​up financing, and Paul helped me work that through with my lender, the seller and the real estate attorney. Other Chicago-​area agents won’t even talk to you if you aren’t buying with 20% down and A-​1 credit (I had neither).
And catch this — he missed his wedding anniversary in order to make sure that 12 hours of painting and repairs were completed on the property I was buying. Thing is, his commission didn’t end up being all that big (and he knew that going in).
In short — Paul’s a good guy, a nice guy, and someone who knows his stuff. He communicates, and will do whatever it takes (legally) to get a house sold or get a buyer into a house. I have to admit, he’s a better real estate agent than I ever was. After working with Paul, I think I’ll just skip getting an Illinois license.