barbara sapstein

Barbara Sapstein has endeavored a lifetime in sales, marketing and design. She learned the ins and outs of home design and home building from her mother who created luxurious spaces for Chicagoans as an interior home designer. This is how she caught her bug for everything home related, especially the search for beautiful homes which would come full circle later in her life as a real estate professional.

Barbara is a lifelong Chicagoan. She was educated in downstate Illinois before spending twenty years in the motion picture industry initially working for Brotman Sherman Theatres as the Group Sales Director and Marketing Coordinator, then promoted to Junior Film Buyer then Senior Film Buyer. During her tenure in this position, she also had the opportunity to produce two plays for this theatre group.

“I truly credit all of my marketing skills to Oscar Brotman. He is the most fearless man I have ever known, willing to try anything with no fear of failing. I have adopted “No Fear of Failing,” as my motto for success.”

Then she eventually had the opportunity to try her skills on the sales side of the motion picture industry for the Buena Vista Distribution Team, Disney and Touchstone Pictures. This is where Barbara truly blossomed and learned that her true passion was in sales, specifically negotiating and putting deals together.

After leaving the world of stages and lights, Barbara returned to her first love: real estate and home design. Barbara lived in the Gold Coast for 24 years before moving to River North in 1995 as a pioneer in this up and coming exciting area. Barbara joined the the River North Association Board and was immediately asked to be on the executive committee because of her enthusiasm to participate in the development of this unique neighborhood. In 1997, she and three other residents started the River North Residents Association for the well being and growth of this residential area. One year later she was asked to start a program called CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy). Again to further create a safe and well functioning neighborhood. Soon after, she was asked to sit on the District Advisory Committee to the Commander of the 18th district to participate in counseling the Commander about local issues. She was then promoted to Vice-Chair of this committee and participated in many Chicago police activities. Barbara also served on the TCW (Today’s Chicago Woman) board, Chicago Loop Synagogue board and many other committees around town. This is what makes Barbara a knowledgeable and committed resource when thinking about living in Chicago.

She has been a broker in the real estate industry since 1990 and because of her life-long roots in Chicago she is well versed in all Chicagoland neighborhoods. Barbara’s impressive career has distinguished her as an agent for progressive change and positive development. Her history in the motion picture industry and the real estate industry has served her in becoming a master negotiator and salesman. Barbara takes her clients to the next level by offering exceptional service and unparalleled advocacy. She understands her clients needs because she takes the time to hear what her clients have to say. Barbara listens!

Barbara Sapstein helps clients envision their life in their new home, and guides them to ownership with her strong personality, unparalleled knowledge and a touch of laughter.