Living by the golden rule, Maria Etling believes in treating others as she would want to be treated. “I anticipate what my clients need to know and work to make the transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible,” she says. “It’s my personal, boutique-style service that helps me stand out in this industry.”
A Realtor for 23 years, Etling is a sole agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago representing clients primarily throughout Lake County, including Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Barrington, Libertyville and the North Shore. With a degree in business administration from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and an MBA from Loyola University Chicago, she started her career in corporate marketing management and later built upon her experience with her family’s homebuilding business by entering real estate. A Hawthorn Woods resident for almost 40 years, she often works with her husband, Tom, a licensed Realtor. “I achieved early success with high-end properties and built my business based on personal referrals and relocation clients,” she explains. “I credit my start to my first broker and mentor, Carol Freeman, of Prudential Great American Homes.”
Recognized as a Five Star Real Estate professional for 16 years, Etling has garnered the award’s “Legend” status. Named to the North Shore Real Producers publication in 2022 and as a Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Real Estate Professional in 2021, she donates a portion of every sale to The BHHS Chicago Kindness Foundation. She supports events sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, including holiday meals, Toys for Tots, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Feed My Starving Children and Haven of Hope Outreach Inc.
A proud mother of two daughters and grandmother of four, Etling enjoys traveling, yoga and playing pickleball, golf and tennis. “I appreciate that real estate often doesn’t feel like work,” she shares. “I experience something new every day in this career.”
