Illona Gerlock moved to Denver from Texas in 1988. Growing up as an Army brat she moved 10 times across the globe, including several states in the U.S., just between the first and twelfth grades. Illona uses her experience to help bring all her clients' “home” and make the process as stress-free as possible while creating their most amazing experience ever. Since 1996, she has been in residential
real estate sales with Coldwell Banker Realty and is the co-owner of the award-winning team, Gerlock Homes, ranked among the top agents across the country. Illona also holds the distinction of being named a top Denver agent every year from 2010 to present by Five Star Professional, an award based on her clients nominating her for outstanding service. Her most coveted award, however, was being named “Best Mom Ever” by her son, Dan, when he was 12, and he made her a plaque to prove it. She was thrilled when Dan decided he wanted to get his real estate license in 2012 and join her. Now it's a family business. Illona’s designations include Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES,), Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), and Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB)—a designation held by only ¼ of 1% of the real estate agents in the country. Illona is fully trained and certified with all the top relocation companies in the U.S. The most important aspect of her business is being trusted by her clients to assist them, their families, and their friends with the biggest investment of their lifetime. Nearly 80% of her clients are past clients and referrals from those clients. Illona is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where she studied business management, and is a former tax accountant who gets the numbers. Ironically, she thought she was going to be a veterinarian, but found that she did not handle blood well. She is a blonde-haired, left-handed, "Aggie,” which technically could be three strikes; however, her clients think she is a home run! Illona adores her buyers and sellers and feels blessed to help them get to their next chapter in life. She loves spending time with her son, who is her best friend and business partner, and her 4.5-pound Yorkie named Sophie. A die-hard Bronco fan, she was privileged to attend the 2016 Super Bowl on her birthday; her birthday gift was that the Broncos WON! She is a foodie who loves sushi and oysters. Her favorite evenings are spent at home in front of the fireplace when it's cold or in her mini-Las-Vegas-style backyard, with or without the fire pit flames. When she can get away, she prefers a quiet spot by the beach, swimming with the dolphins, or releasing baby turtles into the ocean. Many years from now, when she retires, she wants to become a dolphin trainer. Illona is straightforward yet fun and dedicated to her clients. Her mottos in life are simple: “Failure is never an option”, “Play hard, work harder”, and most importantly, "They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
