Proven results

Four decades. Thousands of families.

With decades of experience in Lake County real estate, the team has successfully guided thousands of buyers and sellers through every kind of market.
40+

Years of Experience

Serving Lake County since 1985

6,400+

Homes Sold

Across four decades of practice

$3.7B+

Total Sales Volume

And counting, year over year

“Numbers tell part of the story. The relationships tell the rest.”
Brick home entrance at dusk with warm lighting

Why sellers choose us

A different approach to real estate.

The best results don't come from exposure alone — they come from strategy, timing, and access.

Every transaction is backed by 40+ years of Lake County market data, strategic pricing, high-impact marketing, and disciplined negotiation.

Recent results

Homes worth knowing about.

A selection of recent closings across Lake County — representing sellers and buyers at every price point.

For sellers

For sellers who expect more — and get it.

Selling your home demands strategy, not just a sign in the yard — from preparation and staging to the negotiation that closes at your number.

When the Wall Street Journal ranks you in the top 200 teams in the country, sellers notice — and so do buyers.

Staged living room with fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows
Craftsman home with arched front porch and lush landscaping

For buyers

For buyers who found exactly what they were looking for.

Lake County isn't just a market — it's a collection of distinct communities, each with its own character. Leslie's team has lived and worked here for decades.

We know which street gets the sunset, which school district fits your family, and which listings haven't hit Zillow yet.

Where we work

We know these streets. We've closed on them.

From Libertyville to Lake Geneva, Barrington to Wauconda — we know these communities because we're part of them. Four decades of transactions mean we understand value at the street level, not just the county level.

A photo of The Leslie McDonnell Team

The Team

We're not a national brand that drops in. 
We're your neighbors.

Behind every smooth transaction is a team that's seen every market cycle. Leslie's agents, negotiators, and coordinators have spent decades building relationships in Lake County — so when you need us, we're already here.

A full-service team guiding every step, from strategy to closing. Built around Leslie's four decades of practice, expanded with specialists in listing strategy, buyer representation, and relocation.

What clients actually say

Her team were very organized and transparent and helped us all the way through to close. The best decision we made was partnering with Leslie.

Dan Carroll

Sold a home in Lake Forest · 2026

Leslie and her team were fantastic to work with! They were knowledgeable about the market and attentive to every aspect of the selling process.

Sharon G.

Sold a home in Mundelein · 2026

Liz made selling and buying a home such a smooth experience! Her expertise, communication, and genuine care made all the difference.

Verified Client Review

Bought & sold in Grayslake · 2025

Common Questions

Frequently asked.

Real answers from a team that believes the process should be transparent — from your first question to closing day.
Ask Us Anything

We combine 40+ years of deep Lake County market expertise with the resources of a nationally ranked team. We know the neighborhoods, the pricing nuances, and the off-market opportunities that out-of-area agents miss. And because we're a true team — not a solo agent with a part-time assistant — you get full-service support from contract to close.

We serve all of Lake County, Illinois — Libertyville, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, Mundelein, Barrington, Wauconda, and surrounding communities — plus Lake Geneva and southeastern Wisconsin.

Pricing starts with data, not guesswork: recent comparable sales, active competition, absorption rates, and street-level knowledge about what specific blocks and school boundaries command.

Professional photography and video, staging consultation, targeted digital campaigns, print exposure, and placement across our network of buyers and cooperating agents.

A detailed market analysis of your home's current value, a walkthrough of what's driving prices in your neighborhood right now, and honest recommendations on timing and preparation.

Let's Talk

Ready when you are.

Whether you're thinking about listing next spring or need to move tomorrow, Leslie's team is here. No pressure — just honest guidance from people who know this market inside and out.