Chicago  ⇄  Lake Geneva

Holly
Collins

Helping Chicago buyers and sellers find their place between city living and lake living.

Helping people figure out where they want to spend their time — and finding the place that fits how they actually want to live.

Holly Collins
Licensed as Holly Futrell Compass Real Estate
About

The connector between two markets

20+
Years in Real Estate
2
Distinct Markets — One Agent
Relationships Built Over Time

Most of my clients are figuring out how to split their time between Chicago and Lake Geneva. Some start with a weekend place near the lake. Others eventually make a bigger shift. I like helping people think through that transition — and find the place that fits how they actually want to live.

I came to real estate through genuine curiosity. I had always paid attention to homes and property values long before I was licensed. My first listing was a beach house in Michigan City — owned by a family I knew — and that experience sparked a specialty in second homes along the Chicago-to-lake corridor that shapes everything I do today.

Working between Chicago and Lake Geneva means understanding two distinct markets. Pricing, timing, and the rhythm of each community. My job is to help clients connect the dots between them.

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Connect

Thinking about a place near Lake Geneva?

Many Chicago buyers start with questions like:

  • What areas have lake access vs. lakefront?
  • Which neighborhoods do Chicago buyers gravitate toward?
  • Where can you keep a boat?
  • What is the drive actually like on summer weekends?

If you're exploring the idea of a second home near Lake Geneva, I'm always happy to share what I'm seeing in the market.

Looking for a home in Chicago or Lake Geneva?

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In her own words

What is the best part of your job?
Helping people figure out where they want to spend their time. Most of my clients are figuring out how to split their time between Chicago and Lake Geneva. Some start with a weekend place near the lake. Others eventually make a bigger shift. I like helping people think through that transition — and find the place that fits how they actually want to live.
How did you land your very first listing?
About 20 years ago. It was a beach house in Michigan City owned by the parents of one of my kids' friends. I had always been interested in the housing market — long before I got my license. So once I was licensed, people around me already knew that about me. When they were ready to sell, they asked if I would help. That experience shaped a lot of what I do today.
What makes a great real estate agent?
Listening. Really listening. Clients will tell you what they need if you give them the space to do it. Your job is to understand what they're actually saying — not just what they're asking for. Then you layer in pricing, timing, and honest advice. Help them see clearly what they're getting into. Working between Chicago and Lake Geneva means understanding two distinct markets. But the foundation is the same wherever you are.
What advice would you give to a new agent?
Study your market every day. Know the hot sheet. Set up your systems and workflows early. It feels like extra work at the start but it saves you enormous time later. Embrace AI tools too — they handle the repetitive work so you can focus on clients and relationships. Get out into the communities you enjoy. Let people see you around. Most business in real estate comes from relationships built over time.
If you were not in real estate, what would you be?
Probably a sociologist disguised as a travel blogger. I love watching how people live in different places. Travel shows you how culture, architecture, and geography shape everyday life. Real estate has a lot of that in it, actually. You're constantly studying how people choose to live — and where they want to spend their time.
Clients
"

Holly is professional, responsive, and provided great advice on pricing and timing. She has a deep understanding of the local markets and made us feel like we were more to her than just clients.

Brenda S. — Farm Sale, Southern Wisconsin
"

She took the time to understand my needs and preferences and worked to find properties that aligned with my vision. Holly was always available to answer my questions and offer valuable insights, making me feel confident every step of the way.

E.O. — Chicago Home Buyer
"

Holly is one of the most professional realtors I've ever worked with. She is extremely organized and has an eye for detail. She is patient and very responsive.

Patrick S. — Investment Properties