In the competitive world of Chicagoland real estate, Mary Serle stands out not just for her professional accomplishments but also for her unwavering dedication to serving military families. Serle’s passion for helping military and veteran clients is deeply personal. “Being the proud momma of a veteran makes me protective of my military and veteran clients,” she says. With 17 years in the business and a member of the Serle-Holden Team at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, Serle has built a reputation for treating her clients as if they were her own family. “They know I have their backs,” she adds.

Serle’s family-first mentality has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Chicago Magazine Five Star Real Estate Professional Award for 10 consecutive years and Fortune magazine’s Real Estate Legend Award from 2022 to 2024. Her approach to mastering the markets she serves — both suburban and Chicagoland metro — has been hands-on and immersive. “One sale at a time!” she explains.

Her clients know that her “tenacity, honesty, dedication and work ethic will get them to the finish line,” says Serle, “and that their success is my ‘why.’ They know that I am honest and straightforward with all that comes our way.” This approach has led to a high volume of repeat sales and referrals, which she considers her greatest professional achievement.

In a market where many assume homes will sell themselves, Serle’s meticulous attention to detail sets her apart. “I teach my sellers that they have seven seconds to capture a potential buyer’s attention,” she states. “Everything I do is with this in mind. Even in today’s market, I do not cut corners and continue to educate my sellers on this mentality.”

Despite the challenges of the past few years, Serle’s business continues to grow, a testament to her work ethic and dedication. “I wake up each day, happy to be alive and looking forward to what’s ahead,” she shares.