Meet The May Team

The May Team – Raleigh’s Luxury Real Estate Specialists

The May Team is a premier real estate group led by Mark Elbourno (with co-founder May Elbourno) at Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty in Raleigh, North Carolina. Renowned for high-end expertise and client-focused service, this team has quickly become a beacon of excellence in the Triangle’s real estate market, catering to discerning buyers and sellers who expect the very best . With a client-centered philosophy and the prestigious Sotheby’s International Realty brand behind them, The May Team delivers a personalized, luxury experience for every client.

Experienced Leadership & Team Structure

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Mark and May Elbourno, The May Team was born from their shared passion for real estate and is backed by years of international sales, customer service, and negotiation experience . Mark’s background as an IT consultant in global markets honed his sharp negotiation skills and business acumen, while May’s experience with the U.S. Embassy helping relocating families instilled deep compassion and a talent for guiding clients through transitions . This unique global perspective—combined with bilingual fluency in English and Arabic—allows them to connect with a wide range of clientele and navigate complex relocation scenarios with ease .

After several successful years of growing their business, Mark and May selectively expanded their team to include additional top-producing agents and a dedicated transaction coordinator, ensuring a “360° focus” on every client’s needs . The team currently includes carefully chosen Realtors such as Jennifer Filsinger, all working in sync to provide seamless support through every step of the buying or selling process. This cohesive structure means no detail is overlooked – from the first meeting to closing day, multiple professionals are collaborating behind the scenes to deliver results. The close communication and connection among team members is a point of pride, and it translates into a smooth, stress-free experience for their clients . Each member of The May Team shares the founders’ commitment to integrity, responsiveness, and going above and beyond for every client.

Service Areas & Specialties

Based in Raleigh, The May Team specializes in the luxury home market while serving the entire Greater Raleigh area, including North Raleigh, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Cary, Morrisville, and surrounding communities . As Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists (CLHMS), the team has exceptional expertise in high-end properties and premium marketing strategies tailored to showcase luxury homes . They are adept in a wide range of real estate specialties, handling everything from executive relocations and investment properties to new construction and custom homes . Whether it’s a gated estate in North Raleigh or a charming family home in Wake Forest, The May Team offers in-depth local market knowledge and data-driven guidance.

Key specialties of The May Team include:

• Luxury Home Sales & Purchases: Expertly representing upscale properties and catering to high-profile clientele, including executives, professionals, and even athletes/celebrities . The team leverages Sotheby’s global network and world-class marketing to give luxury listings international exposure.
• Relocation Services: Drawing on May Elbourno’s background, The May Team excels at relocation assistance – easing the transition for families and individuals moving into or out of the Raleigh area. They often help corporate transferees and international buyers navigate the process smoothly, providing neighborhood orientation and personalized support.
• Investment & New Construction: With keen market insight, they advise investors on residential investment properties and 1031 exchanges, and assist buyers in evaluating new construction homes or land development opportunities . Their analytical approach (including Mark’s Pricing Strategy Advisor certification) ensures clients make informed decisions about value and ROI.
• Distinctive Neighborhoods: The team has specialized knowledge of Raleigh’s most sought-after communities – from country club neighborhoods and gated communities to emerging suburban markets . As longtime local residents (Mark and May reside in Rolesville), they combine insider local expertise with a global outlook, guiding clients to the perfect home to meet their unique needs and lifestyle .

No matter the client or property type, The May Team is dedicated to finding the perfect home or buyer through meticulous research, area expertise, and by truly listening to each client’s goals. “Time is taken with each client to understand their goals and to personalize their real estate experience with an exceptional level of communication,” Mark and May explain – a principle that underpins every interaction .

White-Glove Service & Marketing Approach

As part of the Sotheby’s International Realty family, The May Team provides a white-glove service that aligns with the highest standards of luxury branding. Clients benefit from the team’s cutting-edge marketing and technology: professional staging and photography, immersive virtual tours, and targeted digital advertising are standard for every listing . The team believes in utilizing the latest technology and marketing strategies to showcase properties, ensuring each home they represent stands out in the marketplace . From bespoke print brochures to social media campaigns, every marketing piece reflects the elegance of the Sotheby’s brand and the unique story of the property.

What truly distinguishes The May Team is their personalized, concierge-style approach. They thrive on providing luxury services and experiences to all their clients, regardless of price point . Buyers are guided with patience and expert counsel, and sellers receive honest advice on pricing and home preparation (with Mark’s Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Seller Representative Specialist designations ensuring skilled advocacy for both buyers and sellers ). Skilled in negotiation (Mark is also a Real Estate Negotiation Expert), the team fights hard for their clients’ best interests while maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor that earns respect from colleagues in the industry. Above all, communication is paramount – clients are kept informed at every step via calls, texts, or emails, and no question goes unanswered. This level of attentiveness and transparency helps build lifelong relationships based on trust, as evidenced by many repeat clients and referrals.

Achievements & Market Reputation

The May Team’s commitment to excellence has earned them an outstanding reputation in the Raleigh-Durham market. In 2022, they were voted Best Real Estate Team in the Triangle (Raleigh’s Best Awards, hosted by The News & Observer) – an honor reflecting the high esteem from their clients and community . This award-winning team was thrilled to be recognized among Raleigh’s elite, a testament to their hard work and superior results. Mark and May also hold the distinguished Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ designation, as Guild Member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, signifying proven performance in the million-dollar+ marketplace . These credentials, along with many other professional certifications (ABR®, SRS®, e-PRO®, RENE, GREEN), underscore The May Team’s dedication to staying at the forefront of industry knowledge and ethics .

Perhaps the strongest endorsements come from The May Team’s many satisfied clients. The team boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating across dozens of online reviews . Clients consistently praise their local knowledge, responsiveness, and negotiation skills . “The May Team is a Dream Team!” one homeowner enthuses, “Absolutely down to earth and yet extremely professional. [They] listened, understood and connected with us and made it a priority to give us what we wanted” . Another client remarks, “We really enjoyed working with Mark and May! Their knowledge and expertise helped us find our dream home… We trusted their opinion and knew they had our best interests at heart” . Such glowing testimonials highlight the trust and friendship the Elbourno team fosters with those they serve. Many buyers and sellers note that working with The May Team “has been so enjoyable and positive”, likening the experience to working with close friends who just happen to be top-tier real estate professionals .

With an impeccable track record and a genuine passion for helping others, The May Team has earned its place as a top luxury real estate team in the Raleigh area. Their blend of high-end marketing savvy, local expertise, and heartfelt personal service offers the best of both worlds to their clients – achieving exceptional results while making every transaction feel both effortless and special. Whether assisting a first-time buyer or marketing a multi-million-dollar estate, The May Team approaches every client’s goals with enthusiasm, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

In summary, The May Team is your trusted partner in Raleigh-area real estate, a group that not only understands the market but also genuinely cares about your success. With Mark Elbourno’s team at your side, you can expect luxury-level service, expert guidance, and a team that will go above and beyond to turn your real estate dreams into reality. 

Your Home. Your Story. Our Passion.