Submitted by Ami Suzuki
In 1939, Helen Kallister opened a real estate office above her husband’s Peoria south end grocery store to supplement the family’s income. She quickly developed the public’s trust with her casual and comfortable style.
As her reputation grew, so did her business. Her motto “Treat people like you want to be treated,” was passed down to her family members and is still practiced today.
In the ‘70s, Tom Kallister relocated the office to Peoria’s West Main Street and also purchased a home on Moss Ave, where he lives today.
In 2002, Tom sold the business to John McDonald. Shortly thereafter, Kallister Realty moved to their second Main Street location, 512 W Main Street. Recently, John McDonald received the 2014 West Bluff Pillar Award for years of dedication and commitment improving Peoria’s West Bluff.
A majority of the agents who work for Kallister Realty live in older homes and the neighborhoods surrounding Bradley University.
We are a member of the Peoria Area Association of Realtors and Multiple Listing Service. We list/sell Residential, Multi-family, Commercial and Lots/Acreage. We have grown to serve the entire Peoria area. We specialize in the older neighborhoods, Historic Districts and Homes.
While John gets three or more offers each year to move the company further north or join a National franchise, he graciously refuses to do so. Since so many of our customers today are friends, relatives, children and grandchildren of our original customers.