When choosing a real estate team, most people focus on the agent they work with directly. However, one of the biggest advantages of working with a team is having an entire leadership group supporting every transaction behind the scenes.
At The Star Home Team, our management team provides guidance, training, marketing support, transaction oversight, lead generation systems, and client service resources that help ensure a smooth experience for buyers and sellers throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
If you're wondering who helps lead one of the region's top-producing real estate organizations, we'd like to introduce the people behind The Star Home Team.
Leadership Team Summary
Jim Starwalt – Broker Owner & Team Leader
Susan Starwalt – Broker Owner
Mike Welsch – Illinois Managing Broker
Susan Kube – Wisconsin Managing Broker
Tiffany Albavera – Sales Manager & Inside Sales Department Leader
Jim Starwalt – Broker Owner & Team Leader
Jim Starwalt serves as Broker Owner and Team Leader of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes and The Star Home Team.
Since entering real estate, Jim has helped build a company focused on client service, agent development, and long-term growth. He works closely with the leadership team to oversee operations, coaching, technology, recruiting, and strategic planning.
Jim's leadership philosophy centers around creating systems and resources that allow agents to focus on what matters most: helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals.
Whether the team is serving first-time buyers, luxury home sellers, investors, or relocating families, Jim's focus remains on delivering a high-quality client experience.
Learn more about our team approach by visiting The Star Home Team.
Susan Starwalt – Broker Owner
Susan Starwalt is the Broker Owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes and has been licensed in real estate since 1998.
Susan works alongside the management team to support business operations, marketing initiatives, agent development, and client service strategies throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Over the years, Jim and Susan and the team have helped more than 3,000 families buy and sell homes throughout Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County, and surrounding communities.
Susan is also passionate about educating consumers through local market updates, community guides, home-buying resources, and seller education content designed to help people make informed decisions.
Mike Welsch – Illinois Managing Broker
Mike Welsch serves as the Illinois Managing Broker for The Star Home Team.
Mike works directly with agents throughout Illinois, providing guidance on contracts, negotiations, compliance, transaction management, and professional development.
His extensive industry knowledge helps ensure agents have access to the resources and support they need to successfully serve buyers and sellers.
Mike plays a critical role in maintaining high professional standards and helping agents navigate today's ever-changing real estate market.
For those considering a career in real estate, Mike is also heavily involved in coaching and mentoring new agents.
Visit our Join Our Team page to learn more about opportunities with The Star Home Team.
Susan Kube – Wisconsin Managing Broker
Susan Kube serves as the Wisconsin Managing Broker for The Star Home Team.
She works closely with agents serving buyers and sellers throughout Southern Wisconsin and helps ensure clients receive expert guidance throughout the transaction process.
Susan is known for her strong commitment to agent development, training, and client advocacy. Her leadership helps Wisconsin agents stay current on industry changes, market conditions, and best practices.
By having dedicated broker leadership in both Illinois and Wisconsin, The Star Home Team is able to provide localized expertise across multiple markets.
Tiffany Albavera – Sales Manager & Inside Sales Department Leader
Tiffany Albavera leads The Star Home Team's Sales Management and Inside Sales Department.
Her role focuses on lead management, client follow-up systems, inside sales operations, appointment setting, and helping ensure prospective buyers and sellers receive prompt communication.
In today's competitive real estate environment, responsiveness matters. Tiffany works closely with the team and our technology systems to help connect consumers with the right real estate professional at the right time.
Her leadership helps ensure that opportunities don't fall through the cracks and that clients receive exceptional service from their first interaction with the team.
Why Leadership Matters When Choosing A Real Estate Team
One of the benefits of working with a team-based real estate company is that clients receive support from more than just a single agent.
When you work with The Star Home Team, you gain access to:
Experienced broker oversight
Dedicated transaction support
Marketing specialists
Client care professionals
Inside sales support
Technology and communication systems
Ongoing training and education
This collaborative approach helps create a smoother experience for buyers and sellers while providing agents with the resources they need to succeed.
Serving Northern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
The Star Home Team proudly serves communities throughout:
Lake County, Illinois
McHenry County, Illinois
Kenosha County, Wisconsin
Grayslake
Libertyville
Gurnee
Antioch
Lake Villa
Round Lake
Fox Lake
McHenry
Spring Grove
Wonder Lake
Kenosha
Pleasant Prairie
And surrounding communities
Our leadership team remains committed to helping buyers, sellers, and agents achieve their goals while continuing to build one of the region's most trusted real estate organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns The Star Home Team?
The Star Home Team is owned by Broker Owners Jim Starwalt and Susan Starwalt.
How many families has The Star Home Team helped?
The Star Home Team has helped more than 3,000 families buy and sell homes throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Who is the Illinois Managing Broker for The Star Home Team?
Mike Welsch serves as the Illinois Managing Broker.
Who is the Wisconsin Managing Broker for The Star Home Team?
Susan Kube serves as the Wisconsin Managing Broker.
What does Tiffany Albavera do at The Star Home Team?
Tiffany Albavera leads the Sales Management and Inside Sales Department, helping oversee lead follow-up, client communication, and appointment-setting systems.
Does The Star Home Team serve both Illinois and Wisconsin?
Yes. The Star Home Team serves buyers and sellers throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
What are the advantages of working with a real estate team?
Clients benefit from broker oversight, transaction support, marketing resources, inside sales assistance, and specialized expertise throughout the buying or selling process.
Is The Star Home Team hiring real estate agents?
Yes. The team regularly meets with licensed and newly licensed agents who are interested in joining a team environment with training, support, and lead generation opportunities.
Team Page
Join Our Team
Testimonials Page
Contact Page
How Many Homes Has The Star Home Team Sold?
About the Author
Susan Starwalt is the Broker Owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes and The Star Home Team, serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Licensed since 1998, Susan works alongside Jim Starwalt and the company's management team to support one of the region's top-producing real estate organizations.
The Star Home Team has helped more than 3,000 families buy and sell homes and is recognized as one of Illinois' leading real estate teams. The team serves buyers and sellers throughout Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County, and surrounding communities, providing expert guidance, local market knowledge, innovative marketing, and personalized service.
