For years, real estate sat in the back of Courtney Elko’s mind—a possibility she was drawn to but not quite ready to pursue. With a stable role at a financial management firm and the security of a steady paycheck, making the leap into a commission-based industry wasn’t an easy decision. But there came a time when Courtney saw an opportunity and took the leap

“I decided to take the class and get licensed,” she says. “I think I was at the point in my life where I wanted something more fulfilling.” That decision changed everything. Since becoming a REALTOR® in 2014, Courtney has built a career rooted in connection, empathy, and an overwhelming desire to help people.

A lifelong Chicagoland resident, Courtney grew up in Glenview—where she still lives today, in the very home she grew up in. Though her father was American, her upbringing was heavily influenced by her mother, who was from England. “She came here as an au pair for just one year and never left,” Courtney says with a smile.

That mix of British and American traditions shaped her in ways she didn’t fully appreciate until adulthood. After her mother’s passing, Courtney found comfort in raising her daughter, Annmarie, in the same house she grew up in. “My mom and my daughter missed [meeting] each other by just a few months, but it makes me so happy that Annmarie is growing up in my mom’s house.”

Courtney’s ability to understand the emotions tied to a home has been a defining factor in her success. Having experienced loss in her own life, she’s developed a deep sense of empathy, making her an invaluable guide for clients going through major life transitions. “People have real emotions tied to these decisions,” she says. “I make it a point to understand them, have patience, and guide people with care.”

For Courtney, the most rewarding part of her job is the relationships she’s built along the way—many of her clients have become lifelong friends. And helping family and longtime friends with their real estate needs means everything to her. Beyond those personal connections, she also thrives on the creative side of the business, particularly staging.

“I love the transformation,” she says. “Whether it’s working with existing furniture, bringing in my own, or enlisting a staging company, the impact is incredible. Staging helps everyone—the seller’s home looks better, and buyers can more easily envision the space as their own.”

Outside of real estate, Courtney’s life revolves around her family. She and her husband, Jeff, spend their summers enjoying their backyard, a space they’ve put a lot of effort into making comfortable and inviting. Annmarie, now nine years old, is passionate about dance, and Courtney loves watching her perform.

Courtney also has a deep love for cooking and hosting; she’s always finding ways to create memorable experiences around food and entertaining. “I always need something to plan and look forward to, whether it’s a big gathering or just two friends coming over for dinner and margaritas.” Sharing recipes, preparing meals, and creating welcoming spaces is something she genuinely enjoys, both at home and in her work.

Beyond work and home, Courtney is deeply involved with Misericordia Heart of Mercy in Chicago, an organization that holds a special place in her heart. The facility provides care for over 600 children and adults with disabilities, including her late brother, who lived there for twenty-five years. She shares, “My mom was an occupational therapist there, and I grew up visiting my brother at Misericordia. Serving on the Women’s Auxiliary Board makes me feel close to them. It’s an honor to continue supporting such an incredible place.”

For those entering the business, Courtney’s advice is simple: find a brokerage that supports you. “This job is tough, and you need to be prepared,” she says. “Go to the seminars, attend the trainings, and show up at the office meetings. Make friends, lean on your managing broker, and find a mentor.”

Courtney couldn’t be more grateful for where she is today. Even when she’s not working, she loves walking around Glenview, admiring the homes, and taking in the different neighborhoods and designs. “It never gets old to me,” she says. “I just love seeing how people make a house feel like home.” Whether she’s working with a client or simply enjoying the city she calls home, real estate is always on her mind.

Between her love of design, passion for people, and ability to turn a house into a home, Courtney has built a career that is as fulfilling as it is successful. But more than anything, she values the relationships she’s built along the way. She says, “This business has given me so much, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”