More Than Your Realtor® - Your Partner for Building Legacy
Community is at the heart of everything we do. We honor service and empower through education while helping you and your family turn homeownership into lasting generational wealth.
Our Story
Helping you turn your real estate journey into a lasting legacy that you can call your own is the reason Lourdes Fernando started JL Homes.
As a transitioning Veteran who has used her VA benefits to invest in multiple properties and also navigated a high-stress, cross country PCS (permanent change of station). This lived experience has shaped how JL shows up for their clients every day. With clear guidance, relentless advocacy and a plan to protect your future.
Over the years, Lourdes has learned creative ways to leverage her benefits and extensive investing knowledge to build a real estate portfolio of her own while helping dozens of clients do the same.
Meet Our Team
Committed to your success every step of the way.
Lourdes Fernando, MBA
Founder, Top Producing Realtor®, Philanthropist, Veteran & VA Expert
With a rare blend of discipline and integrity Lourdes brings genuine care to every client she serves. Known for her sharp attention to detail, exceptional communication, and unwavering commitment to doing right by her clients, her extensive experience and strong military background can’t possibly go unnoticed.
As a trusted VA expert, Lourdes guides veterans and active-duty service members through smart, strategic real estate moves - including purchasing 4-unit multifamily properties with zero-down VA benefits. She’s mastered the ins and outs of VA requirements and uses that knowledge to help her clients build long-term wealth, not just buy a home.
She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management, has trained extensively in residential redevelopment, and recently reached a personal milestone—becoming a landlord using her own veteran benefits.
Clients choose Lourdes because she leads with service, educates with clarity, and protects their best interests with the same dedication she lived in uniform.
Antonia Sankar
The organizational heartbeat of JL Homes, Antonia Sankar, ensures every client enjoys a smooth, stress-free journey from contract to closing. With over two years supporting Lourdes and the full transaction team, she expertly coordinates all the moving parts, from attorneys, inspectors, and lenders, to scheduling, communication, and more, keeping every deal on track, every time.
Her background in customer service and administration shows up in her calm efficiency, clear communication, and ability to solve problems before they ever reach the client. Originally from the beautiful twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, Antonia brings warmth, professionalism, and a steady guiding presence that helps clients feel supported at every step.
Executive Administrator
Our Core Values
We guide veterans, Hispanic families, first-time buyers and investors throughout Chicagoland, through their real estate journey, helping you make confident decisions that build stability that lasts.
-
Your needs come first, always. Every decision we make and every action we take is rooted in putting our clients and the communities we serve above everything else
-
Breaking down every step of the real estate process ensures that you always know what’s happening and why. When you understand your options, you make decisions with clarity and confidence.
-
Every detail, every interaction, and every strategy is designed to create meaningful, lasting value for your future. By holding ourselves to the highest standard, we ensure the results of your journey speak for themselves long after the transaction is complete.
READY TO START YOUR REAL ESTATE JOURNEY?
We are here to help!
HOMEBUYERS
The journey to buying a home needs more than a search, it needs a strategy. We take the time to understand your goals, lifestyle, and non-negotiables so every step of the process is tailored to what matters most to you. From smart financing guidance to skilled negotiation, you’ll find the right home at the right price with confidence.
VETERANS
There are a lot of unknowns when using your VA benefits to start investing in real estate. Something many people don’t know: you can use it more than once! Our team of real estate experts are well versed in how to leverage your VA benefits to build wealth for you and your family.
SELLERS
When you’re selling your home, your priorities matter. At JL Homes, we take the time to understand what’s most important to you and we craft a strategy that reflects those goals. With strategic preparation, we help you secure top dollar and a seamless experience on your terms.
INVESTORS
You won’t find agents who only sell real estate at JL Homes. We also do our own investing. From purchasing multi family properties to investing in fix and flip projects, JL Homes can advise you on the right investment strategy for your situation, no matter your experience.
Join Our Team
Real estate professionals thrive in a culture built on service, integrity, and growth. Here at JL Homes, Our team members receive hands-on support, access to proven systems, and strategic guidance that helps them elevate their client experience and expand their business with confidence.
We value collaboration over competition, creating an environment where every agent is empowered to learn, lead, and achieve more. For those committed to excellence and passionate about helping families build legacy through real estate, JL Homes is the place to grow and make an impact
