Mary Soeding is a Realtor with Dream Town North Side.

Where did you grow up? Palos Heights.

What is your favorite free-time activity? Hanging out at the lakefront!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? Relax??

If you weren’t a Realtor, what would you be? A research nurse.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? Cary Grant; no need to ask why.

What is your favorite place to hang out? Anywhere with my husband and son.

What do you love most about the industry? It is ever-changing. I am not one to sit still.

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? Be true to myself, always.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? Constant re-education of the client.  The 24-hour news cycle is not my friend.  Chicago is not Nevada or Florida and the market is different all over.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? My son’s school, Facebook…I have recently joined the board of directors for the Business Partners for the Chamber of Uptown. I am social by nature, so I meet people all the time.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? It is a work in progress – my son. He is currently six and it is my mission to make sure that he grows up to be a good man, no matter what he chooses to do. Also, my marriage. That’s the best roller-coaster ride ever.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? I read “The Book Thief” recently, and it was fantastic.

What is your favorite restaurant? Burke’s Public House in Edgewater or Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Chicago? The Cultural Center. The dome is amazing.

What kind of car do you drive? Toyota.

Smartphone or paper? Both.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Blackberry app? The MLS app.

What is your favorite city after Chicago? Washington, D.C.

What is your advice for someone new to the industry? Get a good mentor, keep a thick skin and laugh at yourself!