Expertise to close the deal - July 19, 2021
Expertise to Close the Deal!
We purchased our new home with Donielle, Donna and Chris and also sold our previous home using the Merc-Foss team and could not have been happier with the level of attention and detail they provided. Their market knowledge and guidance based on years of experience was invaluable in both the sale and purchase of our homes. We are grateful for the experience they provided and are thrilled to be in our forever home with the expert guidance of Donielle, Donna and Chris with us every step of the way!
Verified by RateMyAgent
Jonathan Rosulak
Laura and Jim Cooney said
You need Donna Mercier as your agent!
We are so lucky to have had Donna as our agent to quickly find us a fabulous home in Lake Forest for our family despite low inventory, multiple offers, and in a global pandemic. We learned a lot from Donna because she's a pro and works with a team of pros so you're in good hands when random things come up related to a home purchase. Donna loves what she does and it shines through. It's important to have a smart and caring agent like Donna (and her team) because you are entrusting them with a major life event. Donna kept us on course the whole way from start to finish. Donna said on our very first call that she'd find us a house. Then, coincidentally on my birthday, she found us the house...and we signed a contract that same day. We still can't quite believe that we are living in Lake Forest and we have Donna and team to thank for that.

This review would be too long if I wrote all the other amazing things Donna did (so you'll just have to see for yourself by working with Donna and her team).
Verified by RateMyAgent July 9, 2021
5 star review*****
The MercFoss Team is outstanding
This is a well oiled machine providing 24/7 service. We purchased our dream home in 2020 & sold our home in 2021, after being on the market 2 weeks, using the MercFoss Team. Although Donna has a wealth of experience guiding us threw every step in the process of selling & buying our dream home, Donielle & Chris are vital integral members of the team. Donielle has endless patience & creativity in finding homes & showing us homes that meet our needs & interests. She stayed on top of the homes we viewed promptly notifying us of any change in list price. Chris has significant social media experience in showcasing homes, holding virtual open houses, & preparing contracts. So thankful to this team for their professionalism, expertise, & guidance. We are thrilled with our new home & the speed at which they showcased & sold our home.

Review submitted by Dottie Moran and Wayne Miicek (Buyer) on 1 Jan 2022
555 Hill Terrace unit 207 Winnetka - November 2021
Our second experience with The MercFoss Team
This is the second or third(?)transaction with
Donna and her team. She is trustworthy and professional and always available for communication via phone!
She has become a friend, and will be our realtor for all future transactions. We highly recommend her and her team.
Robertson
Verified by RateMyAgent
1070 Waveland Lake Forest ( off market) closedd 12/21
I had the best experience with the MercFoss Team.
I moved from out of town and Donna nailed it with just the information I had given her on the phone about what I wanted . Bought the first house I walked into! My first choice of neighborhood, style and size if home. And she is a kind and thoughtful and thorough professional.
Susan B.
Verified by RateMyAgent
77 Warrington Drive Lake Bluff- August 2021
Great Job!
Thanks to the MercFoss Teeam we successfully sold our house at a great price, at the right time and with a slightly complicated schedule necessary for our situation (closing date, rent back, etc.) . Donna and team gave us great advice on how to get our property ready for sale, where to invest in 'fixes', and how to price it. She was very attentive to our needs and her experience helped us get the deal that worked best for us. Thanks Donna!
Mike and Lisa Galeski
Verified by RateMyAgent
Excellent experience with a seasoned realtor, Chris Foss
5 star review*****
"Chris Foss took on our realtor needs and provided us with excellent guidance. Chris evaluated our real estate property with suggestions on how to increase the prospective buyer’s showing experience and determined a sale price that was obtained. Chris was easy to work with, created excitement with our property, and allowed parties to close on the house in 30 days without a hitch."
LS
414 Sandy Lane Wilmette, testimonial from another realtor
Chris,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance in the purchase of 414 Sandy Lane by Allison and Matt. They relied on your guidance and expertise during the entire process of identifying their future home. To simplify, you helped them rule out properties, and gave them good advice. I knew you were the right choice to help my kids!
Thank you.
Heidi
800 S Ridge Road Lake Forest
Dear AMAZING MercFoss Team, we would love to figure out how to post our positive and truly thankful feelings about your team!

We are sure that if it wasn’t for your positive & supportive Team approach with all involved, we never would have made it to our dream home.
Dorothy A.
Buyer representation 12/30/2022
12995 W Sanctuary Lake Bluff 4/27/2023
Anthony Coughlan

Donna Mercier and her team are outstanding real estate agents that I have no hesitation in recommending to anyone selling or buying a house. Four years ago, we chose someone else to sell our house in Lake Forest and regretted it. We asked Donna to help us purchase another house and she found the perfect house for us. Four years later, we asked her to help us sell it. Her advice was extremely practical and cost-effective. The house marketed extremely well and we got offers higher than “market value“. The offers we got were so high that the purchasers were not able to get financing so we had to except a little less but nonetheless a record price for the neighborhood. You will not go wrong with The Mercfoss Team.
Donna Mercier goes above & beyond...
Donna Mercier is like a good friend helping you to find the property that you will call home. Donna worked with me for approximately two years in finding the house that would suit my families needs. Her knowledge of the industry helped me to see potential in properties yet she never pushed. She put the same effort forth throughout the time we spent. As a result of her knowledge and excellent communication skills we purchased a wonderful house at a great price in a sellers market. I recommend Donna and her team to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable and caring group to sell or purchase a home.

Donna Tribble May 2021

--ratemyagent verified review
Retired DSS Assistant at Lake Forest School District 67
You are the kindest, most professional, and all round best realtor I've ever known. I will happily refer you to anyone that I know who is in need of a great team.
Mary (Pixie) Carrier May 2021
Closed 13% over asking price
"Donna listed our Lake Forest home for a showing on a Saturday we had two offers sight unseen, we had a total of 7 offers and closed showings on Sunday night. We were able to get above asking and Donna and team was able to sell the house while I still had a tenant residing there. We were able to close in 45 days!"
Grant Bonser

On Mon, Apr 12, 2021
February 7, 2021
The MercFoss Team Works Tirelessly to Make Your Dreams Become Reality!
(On the Team's Reciept of Coldwell Banker's International President's Elite Award)

Congratulations! So deserved! Having just bought and sold a townhouse with this team, we can attest to the outstanding service and support from this extremely knowledgeable team. They work tirelessly to make your dreams become reality! Congratulations again!

-Dorothy Moran
December 10, 2020
Great experience helped in a very complicated deal!
Donna help me over the years on 3 different home purchases. They all turned out better than my expectations
Barry Goldberg
Purchase a single family home in Lake Forest
/18/2019 - JamesWildman
Bought a Single Family home in 2019 in Lake Forest, IL.


Donna actively helped us find a new home by regularly generating ideas. She and her team did an excellent job helping us through the entire purchase process.
Sold a Single family home in 2020 in Wadsworth
The Mercier team was fantastic to work with. Donna is very personable, professional and responsive. Loved Chris and his use of the drone to really showcase the property. They made you feel like you were their only customer. Highly recommend.
Single family home in 2020 in Mundelein
08/09/2020 - jcstrumberger17
Bought a Single Family home in 2020 in Mundelein, IL.
Review for Member: Donielle Foss
Donielle Foss was a joy to work with throughout the entire process. She worked tirelessly to make sure we found our perfect home and advised us appropriately to ensure we obtained it. We were also very happy with all of her recommendations for our attorney and home inspector. We couldn't have been happier with anyone else!!!
09/28/2020 - Sold a Single Family home in 2020 in Lake Forest, IL.
Local knowledge-5 star
Process expertise- 5 star
Responsiveness-5 star
Negotiation skills-5 star
The MercFoss Team guided me through the sale of my home with skill and professionalism under extremely difficult circumstances. In spite of Covid and a roller coaster of last-minute hiccups, made sure everything went as smoothly as possible. I'm grateful for the masterful job they did.
J. DeFlorio
Represented buyer for 911 Mt. Vernon, closed Nov. 30, 2020
I just wanted to say BIG, HUGE, GINORMOUS thank YOU for finding us our new home! Our experience with you leading this effort was amazing! Thank you so much for all of your time, guidance and patience. Jon and I were talking about how amazing you were and everyone you recommended. You surrounded us with such kind, wonderful and knowledgeable people. We found more than home, we found friends in you. I hope that we will be friends from now onward.

Thank you so, so much for everything!!!

Oksana
Donielle Really Cares for Her Clients and it Shows in Her Work and Results
"Donielle represented my family when we purchased our first home. We love it so much, I hope we never move again, but if we did we would definitely use Donielle. She was knowledgeable, professional and responsive, and made what could be a stressful experience fun. She really cares for clients, and it shows through in her work and the results."

-andreajburke
The MercFoss Team Makes You Feel Like You're Their Only Client
"The Mercier team was fantastic to work with. Donna is very personable, professional and responsive. Loved Chris and his use of the drone to really showcase the property. They made you feel like you were their only customer. Highly recommend."

-wkd002
Donielle's Extensive Market Knowledge and Negotiation Skills are Unmatched
"Donielle is an outstanding realtor! In a process that is often fraught with confusion and emotion, Donielle has helped me maintain focus and make smart decisions. Her market knowledge and negotiation skills are incomparable and she is responsive, kind, and honest. I highly recommend working with Donielle!"

-Liz B Pereira
Donielle Works Tirelessly to Find You Your Perfect Home!
"Donielle Foss was a joy to work with throughout the entire process. She worked tirelessly to make sure we found our perfect home and advised us appropriately to ensure we obtained it. We were also very happy with all of her recommendations for our attorney and home inspector. We couldn't have been happier with anyone else!!!"

-jcstrumberger17
Donna Works With Skill and Professionalism Despite Challenges
"Donna guided me through the sale of my home with skill and professionalism under extremely difficult circumstances. In spite of Covid and a roller coaster of last-minute hiccups, she made sure everything went as smoothly as possible. I'm grateful for the masterful job she did."

-User67448
Donna and her team are very professional and work with a sense of urgency
"Excellent marketer of the property, gave good advice on showing the property, very trust worthy, provided assistance as needed and always willing to go above and beyond. Donna and her team are very professional and work with a sense of urgency."

--baford9 (via Zillow)

4/20/2020
Donna and her team were incredibly professional and market savvy...
"Donna and her team were incredibly professional and market savvy. I would recommend Donna to my best friend. She did not like the way my den was staged. Consequently, she brought in a new stager. My house sold 6 months after she came on board in a terrible market."

--Debbie Block
I would list and or buy with her again.
Donna sold our home within 6 weeks and did the most amazing brochure, pictures and write-ups on our home that all our friends were amazed. Showing the brochure to people elicited 'I would buy this house in a minute.' Hard work and perseverance on her part was the reason it sold so quickly. I would list and or buy a home through her again. We referred friends to her and they were happy with her work ethic.

-- hhaegerich (via Zillow)
The value of the team approach cannot be under-estimated.
Donna and her team provided outstanding service and expertise in every phase of marketing and selling our home. The value of the team approach cannot be under-estimated. Collectively, the team represented our home to a wide variety of buyers and each team member could effectively describe the features and advantages of our property resulting in an offer in 45 days. Once our property was under contract, the team helped us find our current home. With their help we were able to sort through an extensive list of options and narrow the field quickly. Their representation and advice during contract negotiations and at closing were vital when unexpected issues came up along the way. We strongly recommend Donna and her team for their knowledge and expertise in the real estate market whether you are buying or selling a property.

-- cad4lf (via Zillow)
The team helped our family through ups and downs...
"Donna's team, including Donielle were amazing. The process of buying a house (we're first time home buyers) is very emotional and exhausting. The team helped our family through ups and downs, shifted their schedule to meet our work hours to help us see houses, and made themselves available. There were times our relator Donielle acted as my therapist when timelines weren't lining up or we lost the home we hoped to get-twice. The team consists of multiple agents, so even when our relator went on vacation, our process was not put on hold. Would definitely recommend to anyone!"

-- mwalker926 (via Zillow)
Stellar efforts...
Dear Donna and Donielle,
"Because of your stellar efforts, my home in Lake Forest sold in 1 day for 97% of the asking price. Thank you!"
Jackie and John Miller
Donna is a true professional.
She is knowledgeable, and looked out for our best fit in buying, looked out for our best interests in negotiations. We highly recommend Donna and her team! Wouldn't use anyone else!

-- Bought a Townhouse home in 2016 for approximately $475K in Lake Bluff, IL.
Would highly recommend...
"Donna Mercier of Coldwell Banker is a dedicated, professional and trustworthy real estate agent who worked diligently to find a buyer for our home in a difficult market - and succeeded. She is a veteran with tremendous knowledge and we would highly recommend her and her team".
Carol and Bruce McGillivray
Way above and beyond...
"You really have gone way above and beyond what I was expecting. Your service has been OUTSTANDING!! I could not have asked for a better agent. You even got a scoop on a house that was not in your normal territory. Because of you, I am in my wonderful new home without it ever hitting the market! You really worked overtime to get me into this house. It has been such a pleasure working with you. Everyday was more like coffee with a friend than a house hunt, and I can never thank you enough."
Thank you...
"Thank you for the CD and everything you accomplished at selling 449 S Green Bay Rd. The sale lifted an 800 pound gorilla off my back. Life is good."
Richard R. Robbins - Bank of Lincolnwood, President/Chief Operating Officer
Chris & Bill Denniston said this:
Bill and I could not more highly recommend the Foss Mercier real estate team from Coldwell Banker in Lake Forest. Our home had been on the market for 10 months with another real estate agency with disappointing results. Once we changed representation to the Foss Mercier team they were able to sell our home 45 days. attribute their success to the following:

Solid pre-sale advice
Donna and Donielle previewed the house, made strategic suggestions regarding the exterior and interior of the home to show it in its best light. They also provided well reasoned pricing recommendations leading to a higher selling price than offers generated by the previous agent.

Excellent marketing materials
In addition to excellent photos of the house for brochures and online sites, floor plans of the house were prepared to make it easy for potential buyers to visualize the home's interior space and features. Backed by Coldwell Banker's extensive internet presence and premier internet positioning of their listings on all key real estate sites and the company's own well designed website, our property was easy to view locally and all over the United States.

Active marketing of the listing
Donna and Donielle "worked the listing" making sure that we had as many showings as possible. Starting with a Broker's Open House, our property was re-exposed to the local real estate community with the new marketing materials. The team supplemented Internet advertising by featuring our home in local papers ads and magazines numerous times. They provided a weekly activity report that showed the print advertising activity, number of showings and the number of internet views on the major real estate websites. This allowed us to have the confidence that people were looking at our home in addition to the number of showings the home had.

Solid lead follow-up
The team sought prompt feedback after every showing and we knew what was happening with each prospect. Interested prospects were appropriately pursued. We never wondered about the status of a prospect and the team worked diligently to determine objections and resolve them for the potential buyer. The strong follow-up skills of the team resulted in the quick sale of our home once they took over the listing.

The value of a team
The Foss Mercier team approach magnifies the coverage of your property. First, there are multiple agents intimate with the details of your property. You can be confident that no showing opportunity will be missed because someone is always available to show your home and answer questions. Their team also provides a range of buyers' perspectives including first time buyers and upgrade buyers or transferees.

Follow-up after the Sale
The Foss Mercier team did not 'disappear' after the sale and close of our property. We have had two issues arise since our closing and the team responded to immediately and worked to resolve the problems.

We could not recommend a team of professionals more highly than the Foss Mercier team in this complex and dynamic real estate market. They have the skills and know how to sell your home.
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable...
"Donielle is enthusiastic and knowledgeable in real estate. She has expanded our business into the Chicago market, i.e. Lincoln Park, River North, South Loop, Bucktown, Gold Coast, and Streeterville."
Donna M.
Extremely professional...
"Donna Mercier has served as my realtor for the last fourteen years and to date has completed five separate real estate transactions for me including the purchase of raw land as well as sales and purchases of high end homes. She is extremely professional, conscientious and service oriented in her approach."
K. Harwood
Quick and dependable...
"Donielle is one of the most professional real estate agents I have worked with, ever. She is quick and dependable, thorough and attentive. She works with my requests (no matter how odd or unrealistic) in order to satisfy my needs. She will not sugar-coat an answer, and lets you know exactly the situation as it stands. Never before have I been able to 'trust' a real estate agent, until Donielle."
Katie Schmidt
From a repeat client:
"I have been fortunate to have Donna Mercier as my Broker on two occasions. She represented me on the Seller side for my Lake Forest house and recently as the Purchaser for a house in Palatine. On both occasions, she has been professional, thoughtful, caring and efficient. My recent purchase of my house reflected how efficient her business skills are to complete this transaction in a very short period of time that resulted in a smooth closing."
Appreciate the time you spent...
"Thank you for helping my good friend and client find her new home in Chicago. I appreciate the time you spent teaching her about the different areas within the city and keeping her informed of new homes on the market. Your professionalism by keeping me informed every step of the way made me feel that she was in very good hands!"
Allison Murphy
Sold in ONE day for 97% of the listing price!
On November 2, 2010 we closed on 131 Wildwood Road in Lake Forest for 97% of the list price. We received an offer the day we listed the house.
Results Count!!!
Agent Testimonial- 11/2/2010
"I'll do a transaction with Donna Mercier anytime!"
Ann Jones
Prudential Rubloff

Talk to us about your real estate goals.

Donna Mercier

(847) 757-6538

donna.mercier@cbexchange.com

Donielle Foss

(847) 708-4092

donielle.foss@cbexchange.com

Chris Foss

(847) 971-8524

chris.foss@cbexchange.com