Martha May Is The North Shore Real Estate Expert You Can Trust

This Patch article is sponsored by Martha May-BHHS KoenigRubloff Realty Group.

Martha May, Glenview-based Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group, has been in the industry for over 30 years, helping people all across the North Shore achieve their real estate potential.

"I love the pure happiness and joy my role as a Realtor can bring to my sellers and buyers," says May. "It is why I do what I do!" Learn more about May and her ethical, hardworking approach to the real estate industry in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

May: I have been in the real estate industry in Glenview since 1986. I started at Merrill Lynch with a few stops along the way. I joined Koenig & Strey in 1990, and our company was lucky enough to become a part of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in 2013. In 2015, I was inducted into the Berkshire Hathaway HomeService KoenigRubloff Realty Group Hall of Fame.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

May: I got into the business through a family friend, Jane, who was a Realtor for my parents. I was working down at the Merchandise Mart at the time doing art and layout for a family-owned company. I had to get up at the same time every day to catch the same bus to get to the same L line and do it all over again to get back home. The routine got very old. Jane said to me, “Martha, I think you would be a natural at real estate!” And here I am, 33 years later, a very successful agent who loves what she does!

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

May: Genuine, heartfelt, hardworking, honest, visual

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

May: The biggest challenge has been remaining a success for myself and my clients over the past 10 years, in what has turned out to be a very volatile industry. Gone are the days of 15 percent appreciation a year and six closings a month. Those were “the good old days.” I am so fortunate to have experienced them and to be here now! It takes 120 percent and a lot of heart, soul and creativity to do the best job for my clients and to help them reach their goals.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

May: I love the pure happiness and joy my role as a Realtor can bring to my sellers and buyers. It is why I do what I do!

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

May: I try to set myself apart in an industry that does not have the best reputation. I am ethical, hardworking, a “what you see is what you get” person, very genuine, creative and heartfelt. I really listen to the needs of my clients, and many times put myself in their shoes to truly imagine what they are going through. I have my staging certification (ASP) which is extremely helpful for sellers, and also to help buyers imagine what their new home can look like. I also have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree which allows me to take an artistic approach to real estate.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

May: Be humble with your success.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

May: It is important that I do open houses for my clients every Saturday and Sunday. Come and see me and introduce yourself!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Website: Marthamay.com

Email: Martha@marthamay.com

Facebook: facebook.com/marthamayrealtor

Twitter: twitter.com/realtormmay

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marthamay

Pinterest: pinterest.com/realtormartha/

YouTube: youtube.com/user/marthamayrealtor

About Martha May and BHHS:

Martha May has been a Glenview Realtor since 1986. Her designations include ASP, CRS, GRI and SFR. In 2019, Forbes magazine named Berkshire Hathaway as the world’s 3rd most respected company. The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network was also honored by J. D. Power in 2018 for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms.”