When buying or selling a home on Chicago's North Shore, experience matters. With more than $487 million in career sales*and 657 homes sold*, Ted Pickus has built a reputation as one of the North Shore's most trusted real estate advisors. Whether representing first time buyers, luxury home sellers, longtime residents, or those relocating to the area, Ted combines strategic guidance, skilled negotiation, and personalized service to help every client achieve their goals.

What truly sets Ted apart is his unique perspective. Before beginning his real estate career, he spent more than 25 years in residential construction and development after working in his family's construction company beginning at the age of ten. That experience gives him an expert understanding of how homes are built, how to recognize quality craftsmanship, evaluate long term value, and identify opportunities that others may overlook. Buyers gain confidence when evaluating a home, while sellers benefit from strategic recommendations that help maximize value before bringing a property to market.

A longtime Highland Park resident, Ted has lived on the North Shore for more than 30 years and raised four children in the community. His deep local roots, active community involvement, and firsthand knowledge of the area's neighborhoods, schools, and market trends allow him to provide clients with insight that extends well beyond the transaction. His commitment to the community continues through his work with Community Partners for Affordable Housing and the trusted network of local professionals he has built over decades.

Education/Certifications/Affiliations/Leadership 

• Serving on Community Partners for Affordable House in Highland Park, 2015 - current
• Served on the City of Highland Park Affordable Housing Commission, 1999-2003
• Former President, Lake County Home Builder's Association, 1998
• B.S., Finance/Real Estate, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ,  1984
• Real Estate Broker's License, 1986
• Completed classes towards Property Manager certification, Institute of Real Estate Management

Previous Professional Experience

• Pickus Construction Companies, 1988-2011
• Collins Tutle Realty, 1987-1988
• VMS Realty, 1984-1987

* MLS, verified closed transactions 1/1/2009 - 6/15/2026