At a Glance: The Star Home Team
Founded by Jim and Susan Starwalt
Brokered by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes
More than 3,000 families served
Licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin
Serving Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County, and surrounding communities
RealTrends Verified: #3 Mega Team in Illinois for Homes Sold (2026 rankings based on 2025 sales)
Professional photography, video, drone, Zillow Showcase, and digital marketing included on residential listings
Dedicated specialists for listings, buyers, transaction coordination, marketing, and client care
The Star Home Team combines the personalized service of a local real estate expert with the resources of a full service team. With more than 3,000 families served, dedicated specialists, innovative marketing, and deep knowledge of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, we provide a level of service that is difficult for individual agents to match.
Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. While many real estate professionals work independently, The Star Home Team was intentionally built around a collaborative model that provides clients with more expertise, better communication, and additional resources throughout every transaction.
Our mission is simple: deliver exceptional service while helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome.
For buyers and sellers throughout Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County, and surrounding communities, our team approach offers advantages that go well beyond what a single agent can typically provide.
More Than 3,000 Families Served
Experience matters.
Since our founding, The Star Home Team has helped more than 3,000 families buy and sell homes throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Every transaction adds to our knowledge of:
Local market trends
Neighborhood values
Pricing strategies
Marketing techniques
Negotiation
Inspection issues
Financing challenges
Closing processes
That experience helps our clients make informed decisions with confidence.
A Team of Specialists Working for You
Unlike many real estate businesses that rely on one individual to handle every task, The Star Home Team includes professionals with specialized roles.
Our clients benefit from support in areas such as:
Buyer representation
Listing coordination
Transaction management
Marketing
Photography and video coordination
Client care
Administrative support
Technology
Contract management
This team approach allows every aspect of your transaction to receive focused attention.
Local Knowledge That Goes Beyond Home Values
Knowing the local market means more than understanding prices.
We help clients understand:
School districts
Neighborhood amenities
Parks and recreation
Commuting options
Shopping and dining
Community events
Future development
Lifestyle differences between communities
Whether you are relocating from another state or moving across town, local knowledge helps you make the right decision.
Innovative Marketing for Sellers
Selling a home requires far more than placing a listing on the MLS.
Our comprehensive marketing strategy is designed to maximize exposure and attract qualified buyers.
Depending on the property, our marketing may include:
Professional photography
Professional video
Drone photography
Zillow Showcase tours
Social media marketing
Google Business Profile updates
Email marketing
YouTube promotion
Targeted digital advertising
Open house promotion
Property brochures
Extensive online exposure
Our goal is to position every listing to reach the largest possible audience.
You can learn more in our article about whether now the right time is to sell your home.
Strong Buyer Representation
Buying a home involves much more than scheduling showings.
Our buyer clients receive guidance with:
Home searches
Neighborhood comparisons
Pricing analysis
Offer strategies
Negotiations
Inspection recommendations
Financing coordination
Closing preparation
We work to educate buyers throughout the process so they feel informed and confident from beginning to end.
Communication Is a Priority
One of the most common complaints consumers have about real estate is poor communication.
We have built systems that help keep our clients informed throughout the transaction.
Our team works together to provide updates, answer questions, and ensure important details do not fall through the cracks.
Our goal is for every client to know what is happening and what comes next.
We Invest in Technology
Technology should make buying and selling a home easier.
The Star Home Team uses modern tools to improve communication, marketing, and transaction management while maintaining the personal relationships that clients expect.
This combination of technology and personal service helps create a smoother experience from consultation through closing.
Deep Roots in the Communities We Serve
Our team is proud to serve communities throughout:
Lake County, Illinois
McHenry County, Illinois
Kenosha County, Wisconsin
Southern Wisconsin
Because we live and work in these communities, we understand the unique characteristics that make each one special.
We regularly create local market reports, neighborhood guides, and community resources to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
Industry Recognition
Our commitment to exceptional service has earned recognition within the real estate industry.
Recent accomplishments include:
More than 3,000 families served
One of Illinois' leading real estate teams
RealTrends Verified recognition among Illinois' top performing teams
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate awards
Continued commitment to professional education and innovation
While awards are appreciated, our greatest achievement is the trust our clients place in us.
Why Clients Continue to Choose The Star Home Team
Clients consistently tell us they appreciate:
Honest advice
Responsive communication
Local expertise
Professional marketing
Experienced negotiation
Team support
Attention to detail
Commitment to outstanding service
Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, investing, or relocating, our goal is to make your experience as smooth and successful as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Star Home Team different from an individual agent?
Our clients benefit from an entire team of professionals who specialize in different aspects of the buying and selling process, allowing for greater support and expertise.
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.
What areas does The Star Home Team serve?
We serve buyers and sellers throughout Lake County, McHenry County, Kenosha County, Southern Wisconsin, and many surrounding communities.
Does The Star Home Team provide professional marketing?
Yes. Our listings often include professional photography, video, drone photography, Zillow Showcase tours, social media marketing, digital advertising, and other proven marketing strategies.
Why is a team approach beneficial?
A team approach provides specialized expertise, better communication, consistent availability, and additional resources throughout your transaction.
Does The Star Home Team help first time buyers?
Absolutely. We guide first time buyers through every step of the home buying process, from financing and home searches to inspections and closing.
How does The Star Home Team stay current on the market?
Our team continuously studies local market trends, participates in ongoing professional education, and closely follows changes throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
How do I get started?
Contact The Star Home Team to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your goals, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan for buying or selling your home.
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.
