Honest answers and Service you deserve from someone you can trust.

 

 At 18, I came to the south suburbs of Chicago from Ireland to work with my dad for the summer. He was in construction, and I was there to help on job sites, cleaning, carrying tools, and learning how homes were constructed. I worked for the summer and then went back to finish my degree. The following summer, the plan was to work for a few months and return, but plans quickly changed.

 

 Back in Ireland, opportunities were more limited at the time. Owning a home or even a car was a distant goal. In the U.S., it was different. America offered independence, a chance to thrive, and a whole new lifestyle.   Not to mention, I loved the area, the Chicago nightlife, and the people I met here. I love Ireland and the people I had to leave behind, but I was hooked; I couldn’t imagine leaving America. 

 

 Originally, I planned to work in accounting. But one day it hit me: I can’t work behind a desk the rest of my life. I earned my degree in logistics and started waitressing, moved into management, and eventually became Director of Catering Services at a hotel downtown. I ran events, managed staff, and solved problems to keep everything running smoothly. Looking back, moving and building a life here taught me how to adapt, take risks, and embrace the journey of learning and growing.

 

My husband, Kevin, and I went on to have two kids: Ryan and Brendan. I stepped back from the city and took a job closer to home so I could be present for school drop-offs, sports, and everything in between. My focus was on my family.

 

 But as they grew older, I had more time to focus on my career. I was working at a local restaurant at the time. Back when I first came to the U.S., I helped my dad with open houses as part of his construction business. It was a fun aspect of the work, and I saw a real opportunity in becoming an agent. I signed up for the classes and in 2015 became a licensed REALTOR®. 

 

 The first few years had plenty of learning curves. I was figuring out the business and building connections. Looking back, closing five deals in my first year was a great start. There were certainly moments of doubt in the beginning, but sometimes you just have to dive in and be open to the process. As I gained confidence, my business naturally grew from there. I love helping people through the process and answering questions, so they feel confident. I’m not really selling anything. I’m guiding people through one of the biggest personal and financial choices of their lives. And being a part of that is an honor and a privilege.

 

When COVID hit in 2020, the restaurant I worked at shut down. It was the final push I needed to go full-time into real estate. That was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and since then, I’ve only continued to grow and have been the top-selling agent in my office five years straight.

 

Real estate has given me more than just a career. It’s given me flexibility, independence, and a sense of purpose in growing my own business. I’ve been able to be there for my kids while building something I’m proud of. My husband and kids have been a huge support, helping behind the scenes by putting out signs, delivering flyers, and stuffing envelopes. 

 

 In my free time, I enjoy walking our two dogs or working on crafts. I have a whole basement full of supplies! I also love to travel and go to the movies, and of course, I love quality time with my family and friends.

 

With a background that spans construction sites, restaurant management, and raising a family, I bring a real-world, hands-on approach to real estate. Working alongside my dad early on gave me a strong understanding of how homes are built, what is behind the walls, and how to spot quality work versus cheap shortcuts. That knowledge helps my clients make confident, informed decisions, knowing exactly what they are buying.

 

 Having lived, worked, and raised a family here, I know these neighborhoods well. I understand how needs evolve over time, whether it is a first home, upsizing, downsizing, or finding that dream forever home. I focus on matching people with the homes and communities that fit their lifestyle and what matters most to them. My approach is honest and straightforward, and I always focus on what is best for my clients both now and in the long run. Whether I am answering questions, explaining next steps, or advising you to hold off on a home that does not feel right, I am here to guide you and serve as a resource.

 

That commitment continues long after closing. I will be here to connect you with trusted service providers, answer questions as they come up, and support you through every chapter of your homeownership journey.

 

 

Sincerely,

  

  

Mary Tracy