As they say, necessity is the mother of all invention. After adopting our first daughter and starting on the path to adopt our second, my partner and I started the long journey of deciding whether to stay in the city or move to the suburbs. It took many grueling conversations and countless hours of researching schools, parks, and crime reports by area on the Internet, but we decided that we were going to move to the Northshore. Even though we were lucky enough to be able to narrow the suburb down to Evanston very quickly, we realized that Evanston itself had at least five very distinct neighborhoods in terms of feel, amenities, and price point. After navigating all these factors, we happily settled into a home 2 years after we started this process.
Throughout the process, I met and commiserated with many other families struggling through the same arduous process. As an efficiency expert in my corporate career (Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt), I knew there must be an easier path, even if I needed to create it myself. As I worked to formulate the new real estate brokerage model that focused more on the right community than just the house, I was able to draw on my own experiences. I crafted a process that would allow families to easily access the information they need to make the best decisions and strategically get to know the neighborhoods that meet their hard criteria (price point, commute, amenities), and their soft criteria (walkability, neighborhood feel). Urb & Burb is a manifestation of all the things I learned in my journey, married with a passion for real estate and helping others.
Urb & Burb Realty – The Art and Science of Finding Home.
When we say that where you live matters, we are not referring to a prestigious zip code. Where you live matters because of the people in the community with whom you interact with on a daily basis. Where you live matters because you want to feel comfortable waving to your kids as they walk out the door to go play with their neighborhood cohort. Where you live matters, because of the amenities and activities that are readily available to your family on a Saturday afternoon. Where you live matters, because your home is not just a house, it’s part of a larger community.
At Urb & Burb Realty, we are Living Location Experts. Our realty model is built on two key premises :
Finding the right fit for your family can be a challenge. There are so many choices and factors to consider. You can spend hundreds of hours searching the internet, only to be overloaded with data and more confused than when you started. At Urb & Burb, we listen to your criteria, take a data driven, strategic approach to narrowing down the communities that meet your needs. We then give you an opportunity to talk with residents and experience elements of the community that match your family’s lifestyle and interests.
Karla Thomas
Designated Managing Broker
karla.thomas@urb2burb.com
With over 20 years of real estate experience and a dynamic background in engineering, design, and business leadership, Karla Thomas brings unmatched expertise, creativity, and strategy to every real estate journey. As the Designated Managing Broker and Co-Founder of Urb & Burb Realty, Karla leads with a hands-on, client-first approach rooted in deep knowledge of Chicago and its northern and northwest suburbs—areas she knows like the back of her hand.
Karla’s journey in real estate began as a rental investor more than two decades ago, before becoming a licensed realtor in 2005. Since then, she’s worn many hats: agent, developer, designer, renovator, and builder. Her portfolio includes a wide range of residential projects, from thoughtful rehabs to ground-up new construction—always with an eye for quality and functionality.
Her academic foundation is just as strong. Karla holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on materials, informing her deep understanding of renovation mechanics and building systems. She also earned her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, equipping her with top-tier financial and market analysis skills to guide her clients with precision and confidence.
An entrepreneur at heart, Karla launched her first business at just 12 years old—and hasn’t stopped innovating since. Her professional journey also includes over 14 years as a Director of Continuous Improvement in the corporate sector, alongside her work as a real estate investor coach and developer. These executive-level skills now fuel her success in leading a boutique brokerage built on lifestyle, neighborhood expertise, and client empowerment.
Fuschia Winston
Broker
fuschia.Winston@urb2burb.com
With over 100 years of family history in Evanston and the Chicagoland area, I bring a deep understanding of the local market and a strong commitment to the community. This rooted connection has shaped my approach to real estate.
I believe that finding the right home is both an art and a science, a unique balance of thoughtfulness, intention, and strategy. This guides everything I do, whether I’m helping a first-time buyer, supporting a growing family, or advising a seasoned investor. I take time to truly understand your goals, and I combine local expertise with creative problem-solving to help you move forward with confidence.
As a mother, artist, and community volunteer, I bring a unique blend of skills and a passion for helping others. I believe in building strong relationships and providing a professional, client-focused experience. My process blends market expertise with a personal touch, always grounded in listening first, communication, and showing up with integrity. I love helping people discover the neighborhoods that fit their lifestyle, and my goal is to make your real estate journey smooth, efficient, and successful.
For me, it’s all about building relationships, not just transactions. I’m passionate about giving back and staying connected to the neighborhoods that have shaped who I am. When I’m not working with clients, you can find me volunteering locally, creating art inspired by community, and spending time with my family.
Lina Zoraikat
Broker
lina.zoraikat@urb2burb.com
With nearly a decade of real estate experience and a rich background in interior architecture, Lina brings a unique blend of design expertise and market insight to every client interaction. Before transitioning into real estate, she spent over 10 years as an Interior Architect, leading both residential and commercial projects across the globe.
Lina earned her BA in Interior Design from the Applied Science University, where she cultivated her passion for creating spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional. Her design philosophy—combining aesthetics with practical use of space—continues to influence her work in real estate today.
Notable highlights from her design career include the development of a luxury 4-star boutique hotel in the coastal city of Aqaba, Jordan, and the complete interior redesign of a 13,000 sq. ft. private residence with a 2,200 sq. ft. rooftop garden. These experiences sharpened her eye for quality craftsmanship, spatial flow, and landscaping—skills she now leverages to help buyers visualize potential and guide sellers in maximizing property value.
Whether she’s helping you find your dream home or preparing your property to stand out in the market, Lina’s thoughtful approach and design-savvy perspective ensure every detail is considered.
Karla Thomas
Designated Managing Broker
Urb & Burb Realty
Evanston, IL
773-505-1121
karla.thomas@urb2burb.com
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