Eileen McKeon: Redefining Real Estate with Expertise and Heart
In an industry often overshadowed by the transactional, Eileen McKeon stands out as a visionary leader who has transformed the real estate experience into something profoundly human. With over two decades of experience, Eileen is the founder and group leader of The McKeon Group, a top-producing real estate team in Cleveland, Ohio, affiliated with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Her journey—from corporate NYC to becoming a trusted advisor in Cleveland’s dynamic real estate market—is one of persistence, adaptability, and a deep commitment to her clients and community.
Moving Beyond Transactions: The Concierge Experience
For Eileen, real estate is more than buying and selling houses; it’s about partnership and trust. Recognizing a shift in the industry from transactional to advisory models, Eileen pioneered The Concierge Experience. Her philosophy? Real estate agents should not simply provide data and leave clients to make tough decisions alone.
“We’ve been trained not to do, say or opinionate much when advising our clients, but that’s not what they want,” Eileen explains. “They hire us to make decisions with them. Otherwise, it’s just transactional.”
Eileen’s team works as true advisors, bringing in stagers, organizers, contractors, and even assisted living specialists when needed. This full-service approach justifies her team’s premium listing fees of 7-8% and has cemented The McKeon Group’s reputation for excellence. “We never say, ‘It’s not our job,’” she emphasizes. “We’re here to provide a complete value proposition.”
Addressing Real Estate’s Reputation Problem
Eileen is candid about the challenges the industry faces. Real estate agents have long battled negative perceptions, often fueled by media portrayals and unrealistic depictions of the profession.
“The Realtor® reputation issue is real,” she says. “To combat that, we need to raise the bar.”
Eileen advocates for higher education requirements, tougher accreditation standards, and structured mentorship programs. “Let’s treat this like a profession—not a TV show or a hobby,” she asserts. Her vision for the future includes agents who view real estate as a career requiring dedication, ongoing learning, and a genuine commitment to serving clients.
Words of Wisdom for Women Entering the Industry
As a mentor to new agents and a leader in the Cleveland market, Eileen is passionate about supporting early-career women in real estate. Her advice? Patience and perseverance.
“Like starting any company, this takes time,” she says. “I’ve been at this for nearly 25 years, and while we run a very successful team now, it took me years to figure it out. There are no shortcuts—no matter what someone says.”
Eileen’s own journey reflects this dedication. After a successful career in NYC, she returned to Cleveland with her husband, Mike, to raise their three sons. Together, they built The McKeon Group into a trusted name, closing over 130 transactions annually across Cleveland’s east and west sides. Their results-driven processes ensure clients remain informed and in charge of their decisions—a hallmark of their success.
A Life Rooted in Community and Creativity
Beyond her professional achievements, Eileen is deeply invested in her community and personal growth. She’s an active supporter of organizations like Heights Arts, Future Heights, and Literary Cleveland, and a frequent participant in local writer’s groups. She and Mike also own several rental properties and Airbnbs, acting as ambassadors for Cleveland and showcasing the city to visitors from around the globe.
Eileen’s interests—creative writing, food and wine, swimming, and yoga—reveal a dynamic individual who embraces life with curiosity and balance. After years of living in Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, Eileen and Mike “right-sized” to a home near Cleveland’s historic Edgewater neighborhood, where they enjoy the vibrant community with their Weimaraner dogs, Olive and Ladybird.
Redefining Leadership in Real Estate
Eileen’s story is one of resilience. She has not only navigated the complexities of the real estate industry but also has elevated the standard for what it means to be a true fiduciary and advisor. Her dedication to her clients, her team, and her community serves as an inspiring model for the next generation of real estate professionals.
In Eileen’s world, real estate is about much more than transactions. It’s about people, partnerships, and creating lasting value—a mission she fulfills with expertise and heart.