Raymond Kennedy is a licensed Illinois real estate broker with eXp Realty, serving the southwest Chicago suburbs since 2004. With over 20 years of full-time experience across Will County and southern Cook County, he specializes in helping homeowners navigate major life transitions, downsizing, estate sales, divorce-related sales, and retirement moves, with a clear plan and no pressure to move before you're ready.

I grew up in Mokena, went to Lincoln-Way, and have lived in Frankfort for years. This isn't just a market I work in, it's the community I'm part of. I know the neighborhoods, the school districts, the pricing dynamics suburb by suburb, and the kind of buyers who are actively looking right now in Will County and southern Cook County.

I've have worked with thousands of buyers and homeowners over two decades, straightforward sales, short sales, estate sales, divorce-related sales, and complex negotiations that less experienced agents struggle to navigate. In recent years my focus has shifted toward homeowners looking at retirement, downsizing, or a major life transition that happens to involve real estate. These situations require more than a transaction. They require someone who understands the stakes and takes the time to explain the options clearly.

Work Experience & History

Over 20 years selling real estate full time.

1999
College Graduate
Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University (ISU) in Marketing and Advertising.
2004
Century 21, Licensed Realtor®
First year in real estate, working as a sales associate and Realtor®. Won Rookie of the Year in 2005. Prior to licensing, worked at a marketing firm advertising directly with residential builders, contractors, and real estate brokers (1999–2005).
2008
RE/MAX, Full-Time Realtor®
Full-time real estate broker at the largest RE/MAX office in the south suburbs of Chicago at that time (2008–2011).
2011
Keller Williams, Full-Time Realtor®
Full-time real estate broker and sales associate (2011–2015).
2015
Real People Realty, Full-Time Realtor®
Full-time real estate broker and sales associate (2015–2021).
2021, CURRENT
eXp Realty, LLC, Illinois Broker & Realtor®
Publicly traded global company. Full-time Illinois real estate broker and Realtor®, serving sellers and buyers across the southwest suburbs. License #475.134532.

A Track Record Across the Southwest Suburbs

A sample of homes sold throughout Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, and nearby communities.

📅 Last updated: May 12, 2026

101.6%
Median sold-to-original-list price
26 of 38
Sold at or above original list price
8.5 days
Median days on market
116%
Highest sold-to-original-list ratio

Stats are from a recent sample of closed sales and are not a guarantee of future results. Performance varies by property condition, location, pricing strategy, buyer demand, timing, financing, and market conditions.

What Clients Say

A sample of recent reviews from past clients.

★★★★★

"Selling our first home was something we honestly felt nervous about, but working with Raymond turned what could have been a stressful time into a very smooth experience. His calm presence, knowledge of the housing market, and thoughtful strategies gave us peace of mind."

— John Francis Amian  ·  September 2025
★★★★★

"I have used Ray since 2008 to buy 2 houses, rent a house and sell a house. His is the first number I call if I am thinking about buying or selling. I trust him when making a large purchase to help me make the best decisions."

— Dr. Vincent Gutierrez, PT  ·  July 2025
★★★★★

"Ray has been my entire family's realtor for over 10 years. He always listens closely to our needs, is super responsive, and has all the right answers. Thank you Ray for finding us our forever home."

— Michelle Wells  ·  May 2024
Read All Reviews →

Why I Built RaysGuide

Most homeowners come into the selling process without a clear picture of what actually matters, which repairs to make, how to price correctly, what to say and not say during negotiations, and how to read an offer beyond just the number. That information gap costs people money and causes unnecessary stress.

RaysGuide exists to close that gap. The guides, articles, and resources here are designed to give you the same clarity my clients get, before you make any decisions, before you commit to anything, and without any pressure to move before you're ready.

Areas Served

I serve homeowners throughout Will County, southern Cook County, and parts of Kendall and Grundy Counties, including Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Manhattan, Tinley Park, Orland Park, the Palos area, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Oak Forest, and the surrounding southwest suburbs of Chicago.

Common Questions

How long have you been a real estate agent?

I've been licensed in Illinois since 2004 and have worked full time in residential real estate since 2005, over 20 years of active experience in the southwest suburbs of Chicago.

What types of homeowners do you work with?

Primarily home sellers in the southwest suburbs. I have significant experience with homeowners navigating major life transitions, downsizing, retirement moves, inherited properties, divorce-related sales, and relocation. These situations require careful planning and I specialize in making them manageable.

What areas do you serve?

Will County, southern Cook County, and parts of Kendall and Grundy Counties. Core service areas include Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Homer Glen, Lockport, Manhattan, Joliet, and surrounding communities.

What brokerage are you with?

I'm affiliated with eXp Realty, with an office in Orland Park, Illinois. My Illinois real estate license number is 475.134532. Over the past two decades I've been affiliated with RE/MAX, Keller Williams, Century 21, and other local companies, and have worked alongside veteran agents, brokers, banks, lenders, and community leaders throughout the area.

What makes your approach different?

I focus on simplifying the process rather than rushing it. My goal is to make sure you understand your options and have a clear plan before you commit to anything. Clients who work with me know what's happening at every step and never feel like they're guessing.

Ready To Talk Through Your Situation?

Whether you're months away from selling or just starting to think about it, a short conversation costs nothing and usually answers more questions than you'd expect.

Reach Out Here →