Congratulations to Sarah Ware on being named the 2026 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year!

Principal and designated managing broker of Ware Group Realty in Chicago — and 2026 Illinois REALTORS® Treasurer — Ware has built a career defined by leadership, service and impact.

Since launching her real estate career in 2006, she has helped shape the industry at every level. A past president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR), she has earned CAR’s President’s Award, REALTOR® Achievement Award and was named CAR’s 2025 local REALTOR® of the Year.

Her leadership extends statewide and nationally. Ware is a long-time member of the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors and has led numerous state committees and working groups. At the national level, she was the 2024 Housing Issues Liaison for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and has served multiple terms on the NAR Board of Directors. She has chaired key groups including the Multicultural Partners Advisory Group this year.

A champion for advocacy, Ware was inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame in 2021. She is a State Legislative Contact and a former director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority. She also serves on the boards of Thresholds and the Chicago Bungalow Association and is a past president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.

She will be formally honored at the REALTOR® of the Year banquet on April 13 in Springfield.

Congratulations, Sarah — and thank you for elevating the REALTOR® profession!