After pivoting her career during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Maria Rueda went on to be named Century 21 Circle Rookie of the Year in 2021. In 2022, she received the Sapphire Award and the Accelerator Award in the Century 21 Circle of Excellence. This real estate professional is known for being knowledgeable and upbeat. “Clients love my positive attitude, fast response and professionalism,” she shares. “I always seek solutions quickly when we encounter a challenge.”

Rueda works with a variety of clients, including sellers and investors, but she especially enjoys helping first-time homebuyers. “Working with first-time buyers is my favorite,” she says. “It’s the mixed emotions that come with buying a home for the first time. It’s scary, exciting and can be confusing. My job is to share my knowledge about the process, preparing and guiding the buyer, and ultimately making the transaction as smooth as possible … Every client comes with a different background, a different ‘why,’ and making homeownership a dream come true is so rewarding to me.”

Rueda works all over Chicago, from her neighborhood on the North Side to the western and southern suburbs, and everywhere in between. Clients appreciate her openness, availability and prompt responses. “Communication is key in any transaction, and I always do my best in keeping clients updated every step of the way by responding and clearing any questions they might have,” she shares. Social media and digital networking play a big role in Rueda’s business model. She enjoys connecting with the growing millennial market through platforms like Instagram.

In her free time, Rueda de-stresses by booking spontaneous trips to different cities, as well as trying new restaurants and exploring Chicago neighborhoods.