Testimonials
Martha was reliable, honest, articulate and professional. She has the accreditations and awards to back her experience.
The goal was to sell our home: price it properly, create interest, obtain an offer/contract, and do it in a timely fashion.
If you want to sell your home, look no further. Martha May is a given.
Jeff W
We have found the home of our dreams with the help of our wonderful real estate agent Martha May. Martha was great to work with and very patient with us. We put offers in on 3 different houses and Martha never got frustrated with us for our crazy ways of thinking. Martha never pressured us or made us feel like we were wasting her time. She was always willing to show us properties and was extremely flexible with her time. When we finally found our house, she also was always available to help us get answers to questions and got back to us very promptly. We had a lot of fun working with Martha and our kids, 3 and 5, loved her too! My daughter who is 3 would tell us that we couldn't go into houses without Martha's help. It was very sweet. We would recommend using Martha's expertise in helping anyone find the home of their dreams.
Rob and Lauren MatlesDear Martha,
Thank you very much for the beautiful bouquet of flowers you sent. What a lovely surprise. We are having a party this weekend, so the timing is perfect.
Thank you for all your efforts to sell my mother's condo. I am so relieved to have that off my long list of things to do!
I hope the market picks up for you and that you will have a very profitable fourth quarter!
Sincerely,Cathy Klocek
Dear Martha,
Thank you so very much for all the time and expertise you shared with me regarding my mother's condo at 2000 Chestnut. We're going to implement all your suggestions. I'm not quite sure how long it will take to complete the decorating, etc., but hopefully those changes will help it sell.
You were so kind to spend so much time in your busy day with me and I want you to know how much my sisters, my "wallpaper man" and I appreciate it!
Gratefully,Cathy Klocek
I have known Martha well over a decade now and have had the pleasure of working with her on several occassions. She has always reflected complete professionalism, knowledge in her field, dedication and responsiveness to get the job done. I feel Martha is one of the best in her field and a valuable business partner to team with.
Scott HallAdvancement, Inc.
Martha is a client focused broker. Martha has always been available over the years whether it be to field a question or pursue a venture. We recently worked together on a multi-year commerical endeavor for which her involvement was critical to getting it done.
Jonathan RubensteinThe Paint Jar
Highland Park
Martha has been selling real estate on Chicago's North Shore for more than 20 years and is considered by her peers as one of the top Realtors in Chicago. Her records speaks for her but what I found out about her was her willingness to share her wealth of knowledge. I learned a great deal from her and I will never be able to pay her back. Her never quit attitude to get the job done, true business approach to her profession and her ability to get her point across with clarity has always impressed me. I have been fortunate to work along side of her, across the table from her and best of all, to be able to call her a friend.
Vern Benjamin, RealtorBuy Sell Rent Colorado
Dear Martha,
I want to reiterate all my words of thanks for the splendid service you provided in preparing the most professional, talented and competent marketing plan for my home in the Village of Golf. When I was still active as a real estate broker, I naturally handled the sale of my own homes and was reasonably happy with the results. But, when I compare my results with what you just accomplished in this most dreadful market, I blush with shame.
We first met years ago when you came into our office as an eager novice and in a short time, it was evident that you were on the road to success. At the time of my retirement, I believe you had become the office's leading producer, and, secretly, I was hopeful that my encouragement along the way might have been some help. In reality, it was your effort, hard work and planning that made you the wonderful success you have become.
When it became time to sell my home, I wanted the best, and you did it! A thorough market analysis, your suggested listing price, suggestions, marketing recommendations, your beautiful, gleaming, professional sales brochures - the total marketing package was outstanding! And did it ever pay off!
The first offer was in my hands four days after the home was put on the market. A few days later, the actual selling had been negotiated, and after the customary 30 days mortgage processing, the sale was closed.
It would have been an outstanding result in a normal market, but I consider it miraculous in this depressed market!
Thanks so much for your wonderful work on my behalf.
Chuck Rollings
Dear Martha,
We just received the Glenview Announcements and I see the whole back page is your name and your beautiful face saying that you're the #1 Koenig & Strey GMAC Individual Agent in Glenview for 2008! What a terrific achievement, and I just wanted to say I was pleased to see you're still at the top of the list! That is just great for the company and for you. I have so many fond memories of the business and Glenview and of you in the Glenview office. I just wanted to tell you we appreciate all the many years you gave to the company and continue to do so. Congratulations!
Regards,
Ed Koenig
Former Chairman of the Board
Koenig & Strey Real Estate
Martha –
Just calling to thank you for the beautiful flowers. Such a really nice treat. It was very representative of how wonderful you have been through the whole process and I appreciate everything. Thank you again for the flowers and everything you did to make our house finally sell!
Marilyn Karnig
San Bernardino, CA
After my mother, Mary Ann, a long-time resident of Glenview, died in January 2008, we were in a tough downward-headed real estate market. We needed to sell Mom's condo at Ammer Ridge but were dealing with issues over Mom's death as well the mortgage crunch. In other words, we were a mess! But Martha was with us every step of the way. She exhibited patience and understanding as well as a steady (albeit gentle) steering hand pushing us in the direction we needed to go. She worked tirelessly, efficiently, and with a deep market knowledge. Martha brings her artist's eye to her real estate work; each property becomes her canvas with no detail too small, yet always with the final goal in mind - to make her client happy. It was a pleasure dealing with Martha and I highly recommend her.
Nancy Flannery
Dear Martha,
Thank you so much for your excellent Realtor skills. We have the house of our dreams and you did so much to make it happen. The crystal candle holders are absolutely lovely. They add a beautiful touch to our mantle. Thank you, Martha! Thanks for all your help!
Kathy and Bob
Martha,
Thanks so much for helping us find our new house. We appreciated how you were able to quickly get a sense for what we were looking for and give recommendations based on that. We also liked that you were able to give us good advice regarding resale values, neighborhoods, etc., but we never felt pressured by your opinions. We had a quick time-frame, and you were able to get us the closing date we needed and help us maneuver through the rest of the steps required to get the deal done.
Jennifer and Joel Boyd
Martha,
A belated but sincere THANK YOU for the beautiful Waterford crystal candleholders. That was such a thoughtful gesture and a generous one. We are excited to use them in our first home! Thank you for all of your hard work throughout this process. Thanks again for you!
Cindy, Tom & Sophia
Dear Martha,
Susie and I want to thank you for the outstanding service you provided with both the sale of our previous home and the search and purchase of our new home. From your keen knowledge of the marketplace and diligent follow-through, enabling us to sell our house at almost full asking price in less than a month, to your tirelessly responsive and straight-forward approach, which helped us find and acquire the house of our dreams, you really came through for us! If we ever need the services of a residential real-estate broker again, we wouldn't think of using anyone, but you!
Gratefully,
- Mitch and Susie Garman
Martha May has successfully handled all of our real estate transactions for the last 13 years. We wouldn’t dream of using anyone else! She is professional, knowledgeable and personable, and best of all, she is a closer. She is able to fix any problems with the transaction and is great at coordinating communication between the buyer and seller which helps tremendously in closing deals. She’s a fixer and does a great job of helping to navigate around the obstacles to selling your home – even in this market. She’s the person you want on your side when things get difficult.
- Claudia and Michael Carr
- Roxie Witaker
Anyone who prefers to work with a consummate professional should call Martha May. As a first-time seller and a long-time homeowner, I called Martha after an extensive comparsion of direct mail I received from various agents through the years and reviewed listings in the local press and found Martha to be the best at both venues. Her presentation when we met was honest and forthright and I knew that I had found the individual with whom a bond of trust would be established. Martha is a great communicator, fair negotiator, and a dedicated partner who listens and works very hard to eliminate any stressful situations. My goal was to sell my property quickly and Martha met my needs even as the market was taking a dramatic downturn. I appreciate the opportunity to say thank you Martha May and Koenig & Strey!
- Jeanne B
It is generally accepted that buying or selling a home is one of life's most stressful events...but it doesn't have to be unpleasant! Working with Martha May recently to successfully sell my condominium was a positive experience in every way. She kept me informed of the activities of all the open houses, sent copies of published marketing pieces, and followed up with prospective buyers whenever there was a change in the status of the condo. She regularly called me with updates, and was always prompt, pleasant and professional. It was a pleasure working with Martha, and as near a stress-free experience as I can imagine!
- Carol Matusak
Dear Mrs. May:
Just a note to thank you for the attractive calendar depicting scenes from Glenview's past. It was artistically done and I know many will appreciate receiving it. It is easy to see why you are one of the firm's leading sales persons. Thanks again.
- Donald B. O'Brien
Dear Martha,
I wrote this card yesterday and was setting out to mail it this afternoon when up drove the Florist's car with a lovely surprise bouquet for me! And I was priding myself on my energy in writing to you so promptly, too! You eclipsed me totally.
The flowers are very pretty and look just perfect on the glass coffee table in the living room. Just yesterday at the Jewel I had a bunch of blooms in hand, and decided at the last minute not to burden myself further. How lucky...because I like yours much better! They remind me of a very thoughtful (and competent) lady.
Sincerely,
RB
Dear Martha,
What a lovely surprise! The flowers are beautiful - and a bonus - they arrived just in time for our anniversary!
We do not plan to move again but will certainly recommend your professional service. From the presentation to the closing everything was so well done. We love our new place. Thank you so much.
- Edith and Midio Z
Dear Martha,
A quick note - while I am still thinking of it - to THANK YOU for your unfailing courtesy during the past six months.
I am sorry it all too such a long time - both for you and for me. But you got it done, and I am grateful.
Part of my heart will always be at Ammer Ridge - such good neighbors and friends, and such a lovely place to "wake up to"! It made me feel good to know you appreciate its hidden gifts, also.
I am happy now too - because of my children, etc. Please believe that I think of you with a special affection.
You have a lovely smile. I wish you success in the future - and happiness, in whatever doses you choose!
Most sincerely,
Rosemary Beckman
Dear Martha, A very belated but very grateful *thank you* for all that you've done in helping sell my house and making the purchase of my new home a wonderful and very pleasant experience.
Just wanted to tell you what a pleasure and joy it's been working with you!
Kris and I are really enjoying our new home. Thank you again for the beautiful Waterford candlestick holders. They're exquisite! Just like you!- Wanda Zee
Dear Martha, We'd like to thank you again for all your hard work on our market analysis of our home. You gave us a lot of insight and we are very appreciative for it. Tim also enjoyed sitting down with you, and we will keep in touch with you should we decide to sell our home. Also, if we have any friends that are in need of a real estate broker in the area, we will be sure to recommend you to them. Thanks again.
- Diane and Tim Brady
Dear Martha, Please excuse my lovely stationery but the 'fancy' stuff is still packed away. I just wanted to thank you for all you did on my behalf and let you know that all three of us are thrilled with our townhouse and our new neighborhood - it truly was the perfect place for us to be.
Thank you also for the gorgeous candle holders. They are perfect for our home and in lovely, lovely taste.
You are very special and I won't hesitate to highly recommend you to all our friends.
Thank you again -
- Jody Yeh
Martha,
I wanted to express our appreciation for all of your hard work during the past 7 months. Despite the market taking a turn for the worse, Ryan and I never lost any confidence in the work that you were doing. We truly appreciate your positive attitude during the entire process and could not have imagined working with anyone more patient and understanding than you. Thank you for answering all our phone calls, questions and concerns during this stressful time. We were very grateful that despite being in Iowa for the past 4 months, we had someone we could trust working for us in Illinois. Thanks again for everything and we'll be sure to let others in the area know about you.
Take care,
Ryan & Chassity
Dear Martha:
Last night was the first time for our family to sleep over at our new home. It's glad to be over with the move before the July 4th!
After we have lived at our former house in Glenview for 12 years, we chose you because you have been proven to be one of the best brokers representing houses at the street. After we went through more than 50 showings there (yes FIFTY), we were so exhausted but you had never given up until we found the right buyer. At the same time, we did find our dream house in Wilmette.
You are so responsive, persistent, patient, honest and sincere all the way during the selling and buying processes. Most notably, you honor and stand out for "our" own key decisions along the way.
Many thanks.
Warm regards,
Yoshi Shibazaki
p.s. Thanks for playing with my second-year old daughter Hana from time to time. She likes you so much.
Hi Martha,
Dick and I wanted to thank you for the lovely floral arrangement. It is most appreciated. Again, it was a pleasure working with you. I will be pleased to refer you to anyone who will be needing a Realtor. Take care, and maybe our paths will cross again in the future.
Fondly,
Dick and Cathy Moran
4/20/2006
Dear Martha,
We are writing to express our appreciation for all of your
help in selling our old house and buying our new one. We
would have liked to have done so sooner but between the
move, the two little ones and this having been a
particularly busy month at work for me, things have been
quite hectic around here.
In a nutshell, it was a complete and total pleasure to have
worked with you and we can’t imagine having been as
satisfied with another Realtor. Your professionalism and
dedication and that of your support staff is truly
impressive. Every step of the way – market analysis and
advice regarding pricing our home and getting it in shape
for showing, marketing, showing of our old house and
following up with the people who expressed any interest in
our house, setting up web pages for us to get an initial
sense of houses we might be interested, meeting us to look
at houses and giving us your advice and opinions about the
houses we had seen – you were thoroughly prepared,
straightforward, honest, flexible and incredibly hard
working. When our first buyer backed out of our deal, you
maintained your poise, helped us to remain calm and somehow
lined up a new buyer within 24 hours who made us a better
offer!
As impressed as we were with your professionalism,
dedication and work ethic (I can’t imagine putting in the
kind of hours that you do and I put in quite a few myself),
what we appreciated even more was how evident it was to us
that you truly cared about us and our transactions working
out well for us. And I am not talking merely about the
present you gave us upon completion of both closings (which
was lovely and will be proudly displayed in our house for
years to come). From your sense of humor and warmth
(helping us to laugh even at stressful times in the process)
to the disappointment you felt (not for yourself but for us)
when our first buyer backed out, and attending our closing
and caring (at least as much as we did) about whether the
sellers were making good on their commitment to take care of
issues raised in the inspection, you exuded caring and
integrity.
In summary, we are very happy with the sale price of our old
home, are loving our new home and couldn’t have done this
without your help. Though we anticipate being in our new
house for a long time to come, we will certainly want to
work with you again if we should have a need for a Realtor
in the future and will recommend you enthusiastically to
everyone who we know who needs a realtor. Please feel free
to pass this letter along to your manager and/or to include
it in your marketing materials. We wish you all the best
and hope you get to take some time off sometime soon to
enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation!
Gratefully yours,
- Rick Zinbarg, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology, Northwestern University
Good morning, Martha!
Delighted to officially meet you...when I dropped by your office.
This is just a notice to compliment you on the "Life is Art" announcement. It's very appropriately done, very attractive and very, very well skewed to the quality of your services, the quality of your lifestyle and, most of all, your concentration on taking care of the needs, the planning, and the work necessary to satisfy your clients.
I hope our paths cross again. I would certainly like to see you from time to time...
Cordially yours,
James J. Moore
Dear Martha May,
I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for all your efforts in the sale of our house at 912 Indian Rd., Glenview, Ill. From the beginning, your enthusiasm and knowledge of the real estate market proved to us that you go the extra mile. We spoke to many brokers in our area and they said you are the broker's broker.
You helped us every step of the way, always returned our calls promptly and helped give us important updates on a regular basis. Of course, results happen from hard work, and you showed us that you work hard and produce results.
Over the years I have bought and sold four homes. I know that the best professional real estate agent will always produce the finest results. You rate #1 with us.
I highly recommend you as the best real estate agent I have worked with.
- Bob Koppel
Seville Staffing
Chicago, IL
Dear Martha May,
I am writing this letter to express our appreciation in
the manner in which you helped sell our home in Glenview.
We know how much you did to help the sale go so smooth.
We cannot give you enough praise in your very special endeavors.
Should we ever need your special attention in selling another home,
we would definitely use your expert decision in all aspects. Thanks again.
- Paul Jr. and Rosemary
Dear Martha,
Wow! Thank you so much for the breathtaking candlesticks.
What a nice gesture on your part to give us something so
beautiful for our new home.
We want to thank you for your dedication and hard work in
selling our home. Everyone in your office must be glad that
Harrison has finally sold and it is wonderful that it was
sold to people who will appreciate it so much.
Always knew you were a great Realtor, so it is so nice to
have others appreciate your hard work, expertise, and
dedication. I was told the Corrigan's interviewed three
Realtors and chose you because of your enthusiasm!!
It is absolutely incredible that you already have two offers
on 2626. Let it be known that you are now an expert at
selling those darn raised ranches!!
I am still very close with my neighbors...and will certainly
let them know, again, about listing with you. My pleasure.
We would be honored to work with you and your great staff in
the future although, I do not plan another move – it took me
20 years to get here! Thanks to all.
- Sharyn and Howard
Martha - thanks again for all your help in selling my
parents' house in Morton Grove. It's so wonderful to work
with a pro like you.
- Cathy Gregory
From Another Real Estate Agent:
Martha, you are an inspiration in this crazy business. A hard working and, ethical person in this industry is hard to find; until one finds you. May your continued success come easier every day. As always, it has been a pleasure working with you.
- Alexandra
Martha - Congratulations on an extraordinary year! Your consistent hard work and outstanding professionalism are much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Connie
Sent to Michael Mazzei, former Manager of the Glenview office:
My firm wants to let you know that after the closing of my son's [new home] thru your listing agent, Martha May, that I was never more proud to be a Broker in a Cooperating Transaction than last week with Mrs. May of your firm.
We all were aware of the problems that your seller... experienced with personal...and banking problems, but the SINCERE FEELINGS THAT Martha showed at the closing was a great professional caring manner and will not be forgotten by the Tutera family.
Again, may your firm have and experience the utmost success
and thank you from all of us.
Sincerely,
Peter S. Tutera, Sr.
Managing Broker, C.O.O.
Martha,
I just wanted to write to you to thank you for all of your help. You did a fantastic job selling our beloved home, and have been nothing short of a saint with respect to finding a new home for us. ... One hundred thanks. You did a great job.
Your knowledge of the market is that of an expert, and your dedication to accomplishing our common goals is inexhaustible. In addition, you have the patience of a saint.
We thank you for your help in makng our goals a reality.
Sincerely,
Claudia Hannon
Dear Martha,
The purpose for my letter is to tell you that the staff at Chameleon Printing is thoroughly impressed with the efficiency and professionalism of your personal assistant, Anne Gazzolo. As I'm sure you're aware, we deal with several other Realtors in the Koenig & Strey offices and when it comes to ordering and following up on printing requests, none compare to Anne's ability to get the job done. She is always prompt with replies, answering questions and returning phone calls. I wish all of the other individuals in your office had assistants like Anne.
As a manager and individual responsible for the performance and appraisal of subordinates I always welcome comments about my staff and I thought you would appreciate hearing about the work done by someone who provides support to your own business.
Looking forward to continuing our successful business relationship I remain,Very truly yours,
Steve Witwicki
General Manager
Martha,
What a Christmas present for us this year - a new home. We can't tell you how much we love it. ...
Thank you so much for all that you've done. You made house hunting a great deal of fun for us (that's very refreshing). You even went a step further with the housewarming gift. ...
We wish you continued success in all that you do. Thank you again, Martha!
Love,
Rocci and Andrea
Dear Martha,
This letter is to thank you for the terrific service you provided Ann and I in the marketing of our home. In the 25 years that I've been involved with personal real estate transactions, you have shown the highest degree of professionalism, experience and integrity among the many brokers that I've been associated. Your communications were always positive, pleasant, courteous and honest.
Your marketing skills and work ethic provided Ann and I with a value added service not capable of being matched by any other real estate associates in this area. This is certainly the reason why you are one of the top producers in this market.
We would recommend you to any person who is considering selling or buying a home in the area.
Good luck to you in the future and I hope we can keep in
contact as friends and fellow Glenview community residents.
- Les and Ann Preuss
Sent to Connie Conway, former Manager of the Glenview office:
We recently bought a house and sold our house "by owner". Though this is doubly bad news for a real estate company, surprisingly Koenig & Strey came out looking like a shining star. Maybe not in revenue generated, but certainly in the reputation earned, confidence gained and the relationship we built with Martha May.
We had been working with Martha for over a year and she has always been so professional and easy to talk with. She called us immediately when a listing suited our needs and always returned our calls quickly.
Most impressively, when we decided to try to sell our house ourselves, Martha was wonderful with offering names of inspectors, mortgage companies and information on comparable homes.
We went "by owner" despite Martha's tremendous efforts,
but I know that Martha May is a huge asset to Koenig & Strey
and when we want to buy or sell again, she will be the first
and only Realtor we will call. Also we will certainly
recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Sincerely,
Laurie Chapman
Dear Martha,
Mrs. Comerford and I want to express our sincere appreciation to you for all your help with our recent property transactions.
At the time you handled the purchase of our son Brien's condo, we were greatly impressed by your efforts, and when we sought your help in the purchase of a townhouse, it was definitely confirmed that our confidence was not misplaced. Your professionalism and personal interest could never be forgotten.
Once again, thank you for all your efforts on behalf of
our family, and we look forward to a continuation of our
friendship.
Sincerely,
Harry G. Comerford
Dear Martha,
I could never hope to come to know, or have the great privilege, to meet such a wonderful person as yourself. You...have helped me beyond words. These past few months have been trailsome, but because of your help and support, I can truly say my road was made tolerable. I will always consider you a genuine, sincere, honest, and loving person. I hope I can continue to correspond with you. Thank you once again for all your help and hearing ear.
Lovingly,
Linda
Dear Martha,
Congratulations for your remarkable and unique 1997 sales volume record. You certainly are following your family (the late author Robert May) who inspired your sense of committment and confidence to reach primary goals. Good luck.
- Joe and Hedy Campagnolo
It is with great pleasure that Baird & Warner and our associate Else Berge were able to cooperate with you on the sale of our listing at 227 Nora in Glenview.
Sometimes in the busy pace of the real estate business we neglect to realize just how important cooperation is between companies and associates. That is why I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your professionalism in this transaction.
Warmest regards,Richard Gribble
Sales Manager