Ron Gerberi of Coldwell Banker is determined to find the perfect homes for Lake County residents

Ron Gerberi of Coldwell Banker has always had a mission for helping people choose where to settle, whether its families or retirees. For the last 39 years, Gerberi has helped thousands of clients navigate the often-daunting task of finding the right home.

“It’s like going in a library and deciding which book to read,” Gerberi said. “There are so many options. It’s very rewarding to be able to pinpoint the right property for somebody.”

Currently, Gerberi is seeking a buyer for a home in the North Shore’s Fort Sheridan neighborhood in Highwood. The cheerfully bright home, at 74 Holabird Loop is more than 3,000-square feet and includes three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. One of the highlights of this property, Gerberi explained, is the open, sweeping view the surrounding yards.

“I try to get those wide open spaces and this one has this really nice view,” he said. Another very desirable feature of the property is the proximity to the Fort Sheridan Metra station.

“It’s walking distance from the Metra station,” Gerberi said. “It’s a block away, so it makes it very easy to commute. The Metra is so reliable, it just makes a lot of sense.”

For someone who has spent decades in the real estate business, Gerberi said he believes he knows a good property when he sees one.

“This particular house too was really well thought-out,” he said.

As a real estate broker, Gerberi said he specializes in Lake County properties. Throughout his career, he said, he has helped to build more than 1,000 homes, schools and day care centers.

“I enjoy helping people out and I enjoy looking at different properties,” he said. “I and try to determine what fits. There are so many options and so many locations.”

Gerberi also specializes in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms including plumbing, electrical work, drywall and door and window repairs.

“I do a lot of bathrooms and revisions,” he said. “You know when you’re a homeowner, something always needs fixing. Historically, as a career homebuilder and real estate salesman, I'm used to getting homes ready to move into, move out of and get ready to put on the market. That always involves a bunch of items to address.

Gerberi said he has spent almost his entire career in Lake County with the exception of a brief stint in Florida. He said the two markets differ greatly because Florida has so many retirees, making the population somewhat predictable. Gerberi and his wife, who is also a licensed broker, moved back to Chicago and to the rewarding challenge of helping families find a place to raise their children.

“It’s a school and park-driven atmosphere,” he said of Chicago.

Gerberi emphasized again the Fort Sheridan home, now selling for $729,900.