Amanda Barker | Realtor® | DC Rise Real Estate

As a dedicated real estate professional in Northwest Illinois, I specialize in helping buyers and sellers find their perfect home, whether it’s a lakefront retreat, a historic gem in Galena, or a peaceful rural escape. With a few years in the industry, I bring a hands-on, client-focused approach rooted in integrity, connection, and a deep passion for the communities I serve.

Beyond real estate, I’m an active member of the community. I sit on the board for the Jo Daviess County Fair, host a monthly women’s group in Galena, and support local food initiatives, including hosting a drop-off point in Warren, IL, for the Jo Daviess Local Food Group. I believe in fostering strong relationships—whether through real estate, local events, or initiatives that bring people together.

When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me focusing on time with my family, exploring this beautiful Driftless Region, traveling, or practicing mindfulness & movement. Let’s connect and make your next move an exciting and seamless experience!

Born and raised in Jo Daviess County, IL, I have a deep appreciation for the land, the people, and the lifestyle that make this area special. After graduating high school, I served 12 years in the military, including a combat deployment in Afghanistan. My time in service instilled in me the values of discipline, integrity, and commitment—all of which I bring to every real estate transaction I handle.

After the military, I earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and spent several years in Texas, where I began my real estate career. Now that I’m back home in Jo Daviess County, I'm excited to help buyers and sellers navigate both the land and residential markets with confidence and clarity. My goal is to make the process seamless, transparent, and successful for every client. 

In my spare time, you’ll likely find me hunting, fishing, golfing, or enjoying the lake with friends and family. My wife and I are proud to be raising our growing family here, and I understand firsthand the value of owning property not just as an investment, but as a foundation for lasting memories and legacy.

If you're thinking about buying or selling—whether it’s a home, land, or anything in between—I’d love to help. Let’s connect!

My focus is always aligned with the goals of my buyers and sellers. Your interests remain front and center at every step of the process. With nearly three decades of experience in this market, I understand how important it is to have access to accurate, current, and relevant information when making real estate decisions.

As a lifelong resident of the area, I bring deep-rooted knowledge of our communities, market trends, and the unique characteristics that define real estate here. I have successfully closed millions of dollars in property transactions, giving my clients valuable insight into both historical and emerging market conditions. Growing up on agricultural land instilled in me a strong appreciation for land, which naturally led me to specialize in The Galena Territory, Galena, and rural properties throughout Jo Daviess County and beyond.

Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction — it’s about finding a place that fits your life and your vision. You deserve more than a generic listing search. You deserve the ability to truly explore, understand, and experience what makes each property special.

Whether you currently own property in the area or are considering a second home, vacation property, or relocation, my goal is to make your experience seamless and stress-free from start to finish. I would be honored to earn your business, and you can always trust that your interests come first.

And remember — I’m only a phone call or text away.

Elton Self, an Army veteran and retired Illinois State Police Officer, has joined DC Rise Real Estate. Elton currently serves as the high school golf coach for Elizabeth River Ridge High School and Scales Mound High School and had the privilege of coaching the 2023 Class 1A Golf State Champion team.

Elton brings more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, having served as a real estate sales agent, broker, and owner/managing broker of a RE/MAX real estate company. He has a wealth of knowledge of The Galena Territory and the surrounding communities throughout Jo Daviess County.

Recognized for his long-standing public service and known for his commitment, professionalism, and strong communication skills, Elton combines deep Illinois roots with an in-depth understanding of the Galena area. He has a natural ability to provide superior client service and looks forward to helping buyers and sellers successfully achieve their real estate goals with DC Rise Real Estate.

As Marketing Manager at DC Rise Real Estate, I bring both creativity and firsthand industry experience to our team. Having served as a real estate agent with RISE since 2022, I understand the day-to-day needs, challenges, and opportunities our agents face — and I’m passionate about supporting them with strategic, high-quality marketing.

In my role, I collaborate with our team of approximately 20 agents to elevate their listings and personal brands through both print and digital marketing. From newspapers, flyers, and postcards to social media campaigns and website content, my focus is on creating cohesive, compelling materials that help our agents stand out and connect with clients.

I hold a degree in Education and have a background in nonprofit fundraising, experiences that shaped my strengths in communication, organization, and relationship-building. Combining those skills with my experience as an agent allows me to approach marketing with both creativity and practical insight.

Outside of work, I’m a proud parent of two children and a watercolor artist — a creative outlet that continually inspires my design work and attention to detail.

Hi, I’m Hudson Davis, a real estate agent based in Monroe, Wisconsin. Growing up in this area has given me a real appreciation for the community, the people, and the opportunities that make Southern Wisconsin such a great place to call home. I’m excited to help others find their place here too!

With a strong work ethic, a fresh perspective, and a genuine passion for real estate, I’m committed to guiding you through the buying or selling process with confidence. I hope to satisfy my clients’ needs with my honest, down-to-earth approach and my determination to make sure every detail is handled the right way. I take the time to listen, understand your goals, and always put your best interests first.

I believe real estate should feel exciting, not overwhelming, so I put forth my best effort to make the experience smooth and stress-free. Backed by a supportive and knowledgeable team, I’m able to provide the resources, communication, and dedication my clients deserve.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Southern Wisconsin, let’s connect! I’d love the opportunity to be your trusted guide and help you take the next step in your real estate journey!

In many ways, real estate has been a part of my life all along; my mother (an interior designer) and father (a banker) instilled an appreciation for this great intersection of form and function, but little did I know it would become my occupation. I followed my interest in the arts from the Berklee College of Music and then into the business of representing artists, producing concerts at the University of Chicago, and marketing cutting-edge acoustics design. Meanwhile, a convenient retreat in the Territory quickly became our full-time home, and then so much more as we made friends with neighbors and got involved. 

I began practicing real estate to best combine my translatable professional skills—organizing the abstract, activating limited resources, negotiation, and keen project management—with my love for Galena and Jo Daviess County. I have been fortunate to work with many wonderful people and exceptional properties, including an historic 73-acre farm, vacation and full-time homes,
land, and more. But most of all, I enjoy helping clients transform personal goals into an informed, actionable path forward with clarity and understanding.

Between showings, I am an avid cyclist, bringing hundreds of visiting riders to the county and its local businesses annually through volunteer efforts and partnerships with retailers. While the rolling Driftless hills help me stay fit, I love getting a first-hand look at even the most secluded locales! I also enjoy volunteering for the Galena Territory Association and supporting the regional artistic community.

As the Rise Consulting Partner at DC Rise Real Estate, I bring a passion for innovation and efficiency to the real estate industry through strategic IT consulting. With expertise in process improvement, automation, and data-driven decision making, I love helping businesses operate smarter and scale with confidence by streamlining operations, optimizing workflows, and implementing custom technology solutions.

My goal is to help empower real estate agents and their clients make faster, more informed decisions and create a smooth process for everyone.  

As a native of Galena, born and raised in the rural areas surrounding the town, I am excited to share the beauty and tranquility of this community with others. My goal is to make the process of buying or selling a home exciting and stress-free, not overwhelming.

With many years of experience in banking and customer service, I bring a strong focus on listening to your needs and providing guidance every step of the way. Whether you’re searching for a vacation home to unwind, relocating to the area, or looking to sell your current property, I am committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals.

I am here to help you find the perfect home, vacation property, or rental investment—or to sell your current home in a way that meets your changing needs—making your dreams a reality.

Meet Michelle Bass | Your Apple Canyon Lake Realtor®

Hi, I’m Michelle Bass! Apple Canyon Lake has been my home for many years, and it’s where I had the joy of raising my children. This community holds a special place in my heart, and I’m thrilled to help others discover all the amazing things this area has to offer.

With a deep familiarity of the lake and a passion for real estate, I’m here to guide you through buying or selling with confidence. My clients often share how much they appreciate my gentle, trustworthy approach and my persistence in getting the job done right. I genuinely care about your needs and always keep your best interests at the forefront.

I strive to go above and beyond for every client, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Being part of DC Rise Real Estate allows me to provide exceptional support, thanks to our incredible team. Together, we make sure you have the best experience possible, whether you’re purchasing your dream home or selling a property.

If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s connect. I’d love to be the trusted guide you can count on as we navigate your real estate journey at Apple Canyon Lake.