ABOUT US


Building Exterior

Meet the Heart Behind Starved Rock Realty
At Starved Rock Realty, we believe real estate is more than just buying or selling a home—it’s about building a lifestyle you love. Our team of experienced, passionate Realtors is deeply connected to the Starved Rock area and proud to help individuals and families put down roots in one of Illinois’ most scenic regions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating from the city, or searching for investment property, our agents combine local insight with personalized service to help you make confident, informed decisions.

From Utica to LaSalle, Ottawa to Marseilles, we serve the entire Illinois Valley with integrity, expertise, and a hometown touch. With over 25 years of experience in this market, our brokerage has guided clients through every step of the process—from financing to closing—with care and clarity. Scroll down to meet the team that’s ready to help you change more than your address—we’ll help you change your lifestyle.

Our Agents

Dee Barrera

Dee Barrera

815-252-9696
starvedrockrealty@comcast.net

Welcome to Starved Rock Realty!
I’m the Managing Broker/Owner of Starved Rock Realty, based in Utica, IL. I’ve been a Realtor since 1996, starting out as a real estate investor. After stepping away from investing, I use my experience to help others—whether they’re looking to invest or simply want to better understand the buying and financing process. I become a licensed broker in 1998 and continue to love what I do every day.

I opened Starved Rock Realty in 2000 because I see the incredible potential in this area. With over 2 million visitors to Starved Rock State Park each year, many people fall in love with the region and look to relocate out of the city. By positioning the office between I-80 and the park—and naming the company after Starved Rock—I connect with clients both locally and online who are drawn to everything this unique location has to offer.

Alice Green

Alice Green

815-488-9712
alice_green@sbcglobal.net

Alice has been with Starved Rock Realty since 2006.  She is a full time Realtor who works hard, and a Multi-million Dollar Producer and has been since her first year in Real Estate.  She is ready to help you if you are a first time home buyer, experienced buyer, if you are looking to rent, looking to invest, or relocating.  If you don’t understand something, Alice will work to help you understand! Whatever your real estate needs, Alice is ready to listen.  She’s a ‘Realtor Who Listens’!

Alice comes from a large family who’s grown up in this area and understands what the value of a home is all about.  She is one of nine girls and considers her clients like family too.  She is married, has 2 grown children, both married, 3 grandchildren, and loves her pets. She enjoys helping her clients find the perfect home or investment, or rental, whatever their needs for that stage of their life!  Then, when they are ready for the next step, just give Alice a call and she’ll help move you to the next step!

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Larla Grandadam

815-883-1353
grfld78@yahoo.com

Whether you are a first time homebuyer or seller, or looking for your forever home, Larla would love to be your Realtor for life!

Larla received her license through the Real Estate Institute, and is an active member of both the National Association Of Realtors and the Illini Valley Association of Realtors. She takes pride in her work, and holds herself to a very high standard.

She currently resides with her family in Marseilles, consisting of her better half of 16 years Nick, and her daughter Katlynn (age 19)—a recent graduate of Ottawa High. When she’s not out and about making sure deals go smoothly, you can most likely find her boating on the Illinois River, hiking at Starved Rock or, in the winter, around the card table with friends.

Beth Website Photo

Beth Cookas

Beth has been in the real estate industry since 2014 – although not licensed yet – she’s working on getting her Residential Leasing License in 2025. She wears many hats as the office manager, personal assistant to Dee and front person for the rental applicants to name a few.

Beth’s experiences are many and varied – Once co-owner of Ottawa Travel Center with her sister, she gained a ton of business, marketing and customer service ownership experience for over 21 years. Let’s add to her list of careers  –clearly her favorite was as a District Sales Manager for a major cruise line, a casino host and then a Territory Manager for a US Broadline Food Service Company.

She says the reason she enjoys real estate is her interest in architecture, decorating and style. The real estate business has allowed her to use her “staging” skills along with the ability to discover new residences for herself.

Beth also appreciates what it takes to make the home ownership dream become a reality. There’s much more skill, talent and knowledge involved than most people think.

She enjoys her free time walking with her poodle mix “Kona girl”, traveling, creating home projects, reading and spending time with wonderful family and friends.

Contact Information

Starved Rock Realty 815-667-9990

Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9-4:30
Saturday: 9-1
All other times by Appointment

Quick Contact

Certifications

Equal Housing
MLS