By: Matthew Kayser

Becky Chase VanderVeen has been in real estate for 40 years. She entered the industry as the youngest person to do so at the time, a fact that raised eyebrows back then but now stands as a testament to her staying power. Based in Illinois, she leads an eight-member team that serves clients across the area, with their primary office located in downtown Wheaton and a satellite office in Geneva. After relocating, the team moved into a prominent downtown Wheaton location, further strengthening their presence in the heart of the community.

Becky grew up moving frequently, living in New Jersey, New York three times, Connecticut, and then Illinois. Her family was remarkable. Her father was a World War II Flying Tiger and an Olympic ski jumper. Her mother played professional softball, the kind portrayed in the movie A League of Their Own. Her younger brother is a heli skier. “I grew up surrounded by talent,” Becky said. She has been married for 44 years and raised four children. She now has six grandchildren.

The Winding Road to Real Estate

Her background before real estate was anything but linear. Becky taught handicapped children while working toward her master’s degree in learning disabilities. She worked as a paralegal, a lifeguard, an outside claims adjuster for insurance, and spent time at Dun and Bradstreet. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Bible with minors in physical education and English. Eventually, she found her way to real estate and never looked back.

Outside of work, she still teaches Bible study to young children through an international organization called BSF, which she has attended since 2001. She plays the piano and loves to sing. She admits that clothes and shoes are her downfall. She loves riding horses but loves dogs more.

A Team Built Around Personal Attention

What sets Becky’s team apart is the level of personal attention they provide. They have a home preparation specialist who acts as a general contractor, getting homes ready for the market. This person recommends improvements that will increase value and coordinates all the vendors involved. “We are brutally honest but always with understanding and gentleness,” Becky explained. “We try to offer every possible answer to all scenarios.”

Her approach centers on relationships that extend well beyond the transaction. “We personalize our clients’ journeys and make them ours as well. We endeavor to make our clients our friends,” she said. “We do whatever it takes to go the extra ten miles for everyone.” The team stays in touch during, throughout, and after the sale or purchase for as long as clients want. Even their closing gifts are chosen to reflect the personality of each client rather than a generic token.

Serving Clients at Every Stage of Life

Most of her clients fall on opposite ends of the spectrum: first time buyers and retirees. For both groups, the team helps them navigate the entire process from the very beginning through the final closing and beyond. Constant communication and problem solving are at the heart of their work. Whether someone is purchasing their first home or transitioning into retirement, Becky and her team provide steady guidance through every step.

Starting Fresh After 31 Years

After 31 years with one company and one broker, Becky and her team faced a turning point when they were sold to a competitor. They chose not to go. Instead, they opened a Power Office Branch of an Indiana broker under their previous company name. They relocated to a downtown location in just four days and recently celebrated their first anniversary there. The Geneva satellite office is now a year and a half old. The team is focused on professional expansion in both locations.

Recognition Built on Consistency

The recognition has followed. Becky and her team have captured the Pinnacle award for production, their company’s highest honor, this year and in each of the past five years. This requires a gross income of over one million dollars. They have consistently been the top team or in the top four. They hold senior certifications, buyer certifications, negotiation certifications, and team certifications.

Becky’s decades in the business have given her a clear sense of what matters. Trust, honesty, and showing up for people in a real way. Her team is visible in the community, involved in church and industry events, and committed to treating every client like a friend. That consistency, built over 40 years, is what keeps people coming back.