"My introduction to real estate actually came right out of college in June of 2003 when I took a job as a New Home Sales Consultant for Pulte Homes in the Chicagoland area," says Annie Staebler.

"But I am a Wisconsin girl at heart and I missed home, so I ultimately decided I wanted to leave Chicago and come back to Milwaukee."

Annie grew up in Waukesha and attended Catholic Memorial High School. "I toggled between wanting to follow in my mom’s footsteps as an educator or my dad’s and become an attorney," she says.

She went to the University of Wisconsin – Madison, majoring in Legal Studies and Sociology, where she also met her husband, Justin. Annie was working toward pre-law but decided, after four years, that she needed a break from school.

"In the end," she laughs, "I guess —with Real Estate— I landed on a career that allowed me to be both an educator and work with legal issues!"

"One thing I knew for certain, though," Annie notes, "was that I wanted to be a mother."

In 2008, they had their first child, a daughter they named Maddie (15). Maddie became a big sister with the birth of a little brother named Jack. 

"We were living our dream," Annie remembers. They were still getting used to being a family of four when, "We received a call that would forever change our lives."

Jack had taken a nap at his daycare and never woke up. 

"The thing about SIDS," says Annie, "is that, even with the diagnosis, there are no answers. Your perfectly healthy child is just suddenly gone. And the only way through it is to lean into your support system and turn your eyes and heart to God."

"That moment has guided every step I have taken in my life going forward."

"Life is so precious and short," she continues. "That’s why helping people find and create a home that serves them well is so important to me."

"I became a Realtor because I believe in 'home' and everything it represents. The safety, security, memories, and growth that happens inside of the walls of a house —all of those things and so much more— are what makes that house 'home'."

"I want to help sellers bring their home to market in a way that does more than just highlight data points. I want to help buyers envision the lifestyle that seller’s home would offer them."

It didn't all happen at once, though. 

In 2006, when she and Justin moved to Delafield, Wisconsin, Annie decided to get her Wisconsin Real Estate license while she was looking for a new job. She had only practiced for a few months before she was hired by GMR Marketing. "I considered keeping my license and staying in Real Estate part-time, but life proved too busy."

At the end of 2015 she "retired" from corporate America and slid into what she calls her "stay-at-home-mom mode."

Their son, Sam (11) was born nearly a year to the day after Jack's passing. Charlotte (9) and Cole (7) followed.

They definitely needed a larger home. "During the new home search," She says, "my fire for Real Estate and all things home was rekindled. I told my husband I was feeling a tug to get back into the game. He was all for it, so I jumped into licensing courses and got my license for a second time."

Annie admits to not having the best time searching for that larger home. She remembers having several interactions with agents that made the whole experience feel simply transactional. "I left a lot of showings and open houses feeling like I could make this more seamless and enjoyable for people."

That's really been her driving desire since.