About Lothamer Group
We are a dedicated team of highly qualified agents providing exceptional service to buyers and sellers throughout the Chicagoland area. Our expertise lies in offering a personalized approach to each client, ensuring their specific needs are met with care and attention. Whether clients are first time home buyers or seasoned investors, we are committed to negotiating the best possible outcomes and making the dream of homeownership a reality.
With over 60 years of combined experience, the Lothamer Group has successfully negotiated thousands of transactions across diverse market conditions, establishing a strong reputation as industry experts. Our collaborative approach allows us to navigate each transaction effectively while addressing challenges as they arise. We understand that buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, which is why having a knowledgeable and supportive team behind you makes the process smoother and more streamlined.
The Lothamer Group was founded by Elizabeth Lothamer, a real estate professional with more than 23 years of experience as an agent and developer. Over the years, she has carefully curated a team of industry experts who bring exceptional professionalism and depth of experience. This team focused environment allows every client to receive customized service tailored to their individual goals.
In 2023, the Lothamer Group joined Compass and merged with top producer Christina McNamee, welcoming Jennifer Piehl, Christina Powers, Kellie Kintigh, Kiley Hackbarth, and Sarah Dermody to the team. In 2025, the group continued to grow with the addition of top agent Sarah Abu-Taleb. In 2026, licensed broker Megaan Pelaar rejoined the team, serving as Operations and Agent Success Manager. The collaboration and support within the group consistently deliver a high level of detail and care, resulting in repeat business and long standing client relationships.
The Lothamer Group is dedicated to working together to ensure the success of every client transaction. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and deeply value our reputation within the Chicagoland community. As a result, the Lothamer Group has been recognized as a top producing team by the Chicago Association of Realtors from 2015 through 2025. We consistently receive five star reviews and client testimonials that reflect our commitment to excellence. We invite you to experience the Lothamer Group difference for yourself.
Elizabeth Lothamer
Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering exceptional service in all real estate transactions, representing her clients with the utmost integrity, honesty, and professionalism. With a strong educational and professional background in sales and marketing, she leverages her knowledge and expertise to serve her clients effectively. With over 20 years as a full-time broker in Chicago, she has gained invaluable experience in all areas of real estate including investment and development.
In 2013, Elizabeth founded the Lothamer Group, which has since grown to include a team of 7 full-time agents, an operations manager, and marketing director. The team specializes in providing a high-level, personalized approach to each client, tailoring their service to address specific needs, and representing a wide range of clients, from first-time home buyers to mid-size residential developers.
Elizabeth’s personal involvement in the purchase and renovation of foreclosure and investment properties through her development company, Lothamer Development, over the last 15 years has provided her with a wealth of knowledge in rehab and new construction. This allows her to educate her clients on cost vs. value as well as income property analysis. Her skill set enables her to differentiate her services by analyzing the individual needs and wants of each client, while her exceptional communication and negotiation skills ensure that her clients achieve the results they deserve.
Elizabeth understands that purchasing a home is one of the largest investments one will make. She ensures that her clients make informed decisions by providing current market trends, a detailed comparative evaluation, and financial analysis regarding their investment. She is also an invaluable resource, with many industry connections and important business relationships, aimed at making the real estate experience fun, rewarding, and stress-free for her clients.
Outside of work, Lothamer remains highly involved in her community, volunteering and fundraising for various charities and her kids’ school, including Humble Design, Habitat for Humanity and Waters Elementary. Through those organizations, she’s worked alongside other philanthropists, embarking on several initiatives aimed at making a positive difference in the area.
Elizabeth has received numerous accolades over the years including Top Producer status with Chicago Association of Realtors, Crain’s Most Notable Brokers, Chicago Agent Magazine Most Charitable Service Award and more.
Elizabeth was amazing though our entire home buying experience. After lots of guidance, persistence, hard work and true kindness we were able to find the house of our dreams and we definitely owe Elizabeth for that!
Christina McNamee
As a lifelong resident of the Chicago area, Christina has a comprehensive understanding of Chicago’s real estate market. Christina has been in the real estate industry since 2003 and comes to Compass with an extensive new-construction background and a strong focus on data and results.
Starting her career in the early 2000’s, Christina worked for national home builder Pulte Homes/Del Webb for over six years. Her real estate experience there includes selling new construction condos, townhomes and single-family homes in various communities in the Chicago Suburbs.
While working for Pulte Homes, Christina achieved over $65 million in personal sales volume including the grand opening of a record breaking start up community in Mundelein. In 2006, she received the Diamond Award for achieving over $25 million dollars in sales volume in a single year from the National Association of Homebuilders.
In 2009, Christina focused her efforts on assisting buyers and sellers in the city of Chicago and has built over a decade of career accomplishments as a Real Estate Broker.
Christina has many accolades throughout the years which include:
- Chicago Association of Realtors Top Producer in 2015, 2017-2022
- Altitude Award in 2022 ($20 to $50 Million)
- Road to Rolex member in 2015
- Chicago Agent Magazine’s “Who’s Who” in 2016 and 2018
- Chicago Magazine’s Top Residential Real Estate Teams in 2020 and 2021
- Real Producer Magazine’s Top 250 Chicago Broker in 2020 and 2021
- Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Residential Broker in 2021
Christina understands the details involved in buying and selling real estate and offers expert counsel to her clients through every step of the transaction. She listens to what her client’s needs and wants are and tailors a strategy that enables them to reach their real estate goals. With her personal experiences of purchasing both living and investment properties, Christina is knowledgeable on how to use real estate as part of a successful investment portfolio.
Known for her dedication, knowledge and going the extra mile, Christina treats every client as an individual and concentrates on their specific needs and desires. Her highest priority is to establish an ongoing relationship of trust and guidance with her clients that continues beyond the sale or purchase of a particular property.
Neighborhood Expertise: Bucktown/Logan Square, Gold Coast/Near North, Irving Park, Lakeview/Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park/DePaul, Lincoln Square/Ravenswood, Portage Park/Jefferson Park, River North, River West, Roscoe Village/North Center, Streeterville, South Loop, St. Ben’s, University Village, Uptown, West Loop/Fulton River District, West Town, Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village
Christina did an outstanding job finding the perfect condo for me and took all of the stress out of the home buying process! She was always available, provided valuable advice and stayed on top of all the key deadlines during the contract to close process. Highly recommend!!
Jennifer Downey Piehl
Jennifer (Downey) Piehl of Compass specializes in buyer and seller representation, development, relocation, new construction, investment properties and rentals throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for more than 7 years. She carefully listens to the needs of each client and diligently works to help them through the entirety of the transaction and beyond. Jennifer understands communication is key to a smooth transaction and is known for keeping clients informed in real-time, which has led to her consistently producing $10million+ annual sales and ranking within the top 5% of Realtors in the Chicago area. She is a Road to Rolex award recipient, as well as repeatedly invited to Chicago Agent Magazine’s Who’s Who in Real Estate list since 2020.
Originally from the northern suburbs of Chicago, Jennifer has called the city of Chicago home for the past 13 years. She currently resides in the Avondale neighborhood with her husband, two young daughters and adopted pup, Hank. They love to explore parks, try new restaurants and visit local breweries. Having purchased several properties in Chicago, most recently a single-family home that she renovated with her husband, Jennifer excels in helping first-time home buyers navigate and understand the detailed and sometimes emotional process. Jennifer’s portfolio of investment properties includes a single-family home in Avondale, a condo in Logan Square and a multi-unit in West Town. A majority of her investment properties began as primary residences-turned-rentals with the goal to build generational wealth for her family.
Jennifer graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business, and was a member of the Marching Illini, Illinettes Dance Team and Pi Beta Phi National Women’s Fraternity. Prior to her real estate career, Jennifer was a Product Marketing Manager, overseeing a product category with more than $200 million in annual revenue. When not strategically marketing, negotiating or advocating for her clients, you can find Jennifer biking The 606, walking the Riverfront Trail with her family, working out at OrangeTheory Fitness, playing tennis or supporting non-profits like Open Heart Magic.
Working with Jen was a fantastic experience! I was selling a condo that I had lived in for 14 years, so it had some wear and tear. Jen helped figure out what was needed and worked to get everything ready to sell. Once it was ready, she had some fantastic pictures prepared and put together a great open house, which led to an offer and sale. From my perspective, the whole process was fast, easy, and ended with a great result. Jen is excellent to work with and really knows what she is doing! I absolutely recommend her top-notch work!
Christina Powers
Christina Powers has been serving the vibrant city of Chicago since 2016. With a deep passion for helping others, Christina has quickly become a trusted and respected figure in the Chicago real estate market.
Christina’s dedication to excellence is not limited to her real estate career. She is also a proud veteran, having served 8 years in the United States Army. This background has instilled a sense of discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic that shines through in her professional endeavors.
Partnered with the esteemed Lothamer Group at Compass, Christina has an unwavering commitment to providing her clients with the best service possible. She has a genuine love for the real estate industry for the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Christina finds immense joy in helping individuals and families find their dream homes, and takes great pride in being a part of their journey.
When Christina is not assisting clients or immersing herself in the world of real estate, she can be found pursuing her passion for CrossFit. She currently commits time each week to coach in various locations in the city. This dedication to physical fitness not only keeps her energized and focused but also reflects her commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.
Family is at the heart of Christina’s life, as she is a devoted parent to three beautiful children and a loving fiancé. She currently resides in Wicker Park which is one of her favorite neighborhoods in the city.
With Christina by your side, you can expect a seamless and enjoyable real estate experience. Her professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for her clients make her the ideal partner for all your real estate needs. Whether you are buying, selling, renting, or investing, Christina is ready to help you navigate the Chicago market with confidence and achieve your real estate goals.
Christina is the best! She is super responsive and always looked out for my partner and I’s best interest. As first time home buyers, we had a TON of questions and Christina was always happy to answer them promptly. We will be looking to her for all of our real estate needs. Thanks Christina!!!
Sarah Dermody
Sarah Dermody is a Chicagoland native from the Northwest suburbs and has lived in various parts of the city, ranging from the Northside Rogers Park to the Southside Bronzeville neighborhood. She currently resides in the Avondale neighborhood and has a vast knowledge of the diverse Chicagoland neighborhoods.
Sarah’s passion for real estate began at a young age as a part of her family’s construction company. With her background in the construction industry, Sarah has turned her knowledge into a real estate career. She is dedicated to guiding her clients through all phases of the real estate process, whether it’s finding a new home, parting with one, or seeking out investment properties.
Sarah genuinely cares about the people she works with and takes the time to listen to their needs, educate them on the process, and ease any concerns. One of the many skill sets that sets Sarah apart is her keen eye on helping her clients prepare their homes for sale. She specializes in everything from paint colors and minor updates to staging. Sarah knows exactly what buyers are looking for and how to get your home sold for the maximum return possible.
Sarah lives on the northwest side with her husband, dog, and two daughters. She is a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and knows this city and its surrounding area like the back of her hand. She looks forward to helping people with their real estate needs for many years to come.
Sarah will be my first choice if I need a realtor in the future. She is knowledgeable, does everything asked of her in a timely manner, and seems genuinely interested in customer satisfaction. Dealing with Sarah was like dealing with a friend. She was NOT aggressive or pushy and was, like a good friend, always patient and pleasant.
Kellie Kintigh
Whether you’re making your first home purchase, navigating the real estate market as an experienced investor, or moving up to your dream home in Chicagoland, Kellie Kintigh is your guide, advocate, and partner.
Kellie’s passion for real estate is deeply rooted in her genuine care for her clients, and supported by years of experience, tenacious negotiation skills, and local market knowledge. With a focus on building lasting relationships and exceeding expectations, Kellie brings a unique, engaging approach to Chicago real estate.
Leveraging a background in insurance customer service, she is an expert at ensuring a seamless and satisfying real estate experience for every client. She is committed to understanding each client’s individual goals and tailoring her approach, accordingly, ensuring that every transaction is a success. With Kellie, “customer service” is not just a buzzword; it’s her unwavering commitment.
Kellie is a member of both the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®. Her professional accolades include:
· Member, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
· Member, National Association of REALTORS®
· Chicago Agent Magazine’s “Who’s Who” in 2018
· 2019 Chicago Agent Magazine Who’s Who honoree
· 2019 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent Award recipient
· 2019 Excellence in Client Service Award recipient from Homesnap + Google
· Chicago Magazine’s Top Residential Real Estate Teams in 2020 and 2021
. 2023 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent Award Recipient
As a resident of Bucktown for more than 18 years, Kellie has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the neighborhood into one of Chicago’s most sought-after communities.
When not engaged with her clients, you can find Kellie spending quality time with her husband and their two children or taking a long walk with her pug, Violet. She also loves exploring new music venues, cheering on her favorite sports teams, supporting local dog rescues, and traveling whenever she can.
Kellie is the BEST! She’s very knowledgeable, she knows the neighborhoods in Chicagoland very well, and she always got back to me in a timely manner and made me feel like my time was important. Previous to working with her it was taking sooo long to find a place, it was legitimately disheartening. Every time I worked with Kellie we found a place within a week, it was a great experience each time. If you’re looking to buy or rent, I highly recommend Kellie.
Kiley Hackbarth
Meet Kiley Hackbarth, a dedicated Real Estate Broker with a passion for serving the vibrant city of Chicago. Kiley brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the real estate industry, making her an invaluable asset for those seeking to achieve their property goals.
Originally from Chicago, Kiley’s journey in real estate has taken her to various places, including a memorable stint in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. Licensed in both Illinois and Texas, she spent an exhilarating nine years contributing to the real estate community in Austin. The diverse and dynamic atmosphere of Austin not only sharpened her professional skills but also provided her with invaluable real estate knowledge that can be applied anywhere.
Beyond the realm of real estate, Kiley is a multifaceted individual with a range of interests. An advocate for a healthy lifestyle, you can often find her working out or taking her dog for long, refreshing walks. One of her unique talents is welding permanent jewelry, showcasing her creative side and attention to detail. Kiley is not only about business; she also has a passion for curating playlists, adding a personalized touch to her group fitness classes, popping up at local shops to weld jewelry and taking advantage of all the divine restaurants Chicago has to offer!
Now back to her roots in Chicago, Kiley is eager and prepared to guide you through the real estate journey. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, she is committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals. With her expertise, enthusiasm, and a touch of creativity, Kiley Hackbarth is your trusted partner in the Chicago real estate market.
Reviews coming soon…
Sarah Abu-Taleb
Sarah Abu-Taleb is a dedicated real estate agent serving the vibrant communities of Oak Park, River Forest, Western Springs, West Town, and Lincoln Park in Chicago and the Western Suburbs. Born and raised on the 800 block of South Kenilworth, Sarah has an intimate understanding of what it means to be an Oak Parker. She is deeply connected to the area and appreciates the inclusive nature of both Oak Park and River Forest, where the communities seamlessly blend, exuding vibrancy and a welcoming atmosphere for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
A proud alumna of the University of Illinois, Sarah brings a well-rounded perspective to her real estate practice. When she’s not assisting clients with their real estate needs, Sarah enjoys activities such as running, painting, swimming, and spending quality time with family and friends. As the youngest of three older brothers, Sarah possesses a strong sense of grit and a delightful sense of humor. Having grown up in a family-run business, she understands the value of going the extra mile for her clients and is committed to providing exceptional service in every real estate transaction.
Reviews coming soon …
Megaan Pelaar
Megaan Pelaar is the Operations and Agent Success Manager for The Lothamer Group, bringing a design forward mindset and more than a decade of industry experience to the systems, structure, and strategy that support the team’s success. With a background as a top producing Chicago broker and formal training in Interior Design, she blends creativity with operational precision to elevate every aspect of the team’s workflow.
Prior to joining The Lothamer Group in her leadership role, Megaan served as a Territory Manager for Clever Real Estate, where she coached agents toward measurable growth and strengthened performance systems.. This experience continues to shape her thoughtful and results driven approach to team management and transaction oversight.
Megaan oversees transactions, business operations, process design, and agent support for the team. She ensures every contract, communication, and internal workflow moves with clarity, efficiency, and intention. Her leadership is grounded in accountability and collaboration, values that define both the team culture and the elevated experience delivered to clients.
Reviews coming soon…