Agent Spotlight: Susan Brown Burklin

Susan Brown Burklin is an authentic and knowledgable North Shore real estate professional who’s commitment to making things right shines through in much more than just her sales. Take one look at Susan’s smiling family or friendships with colleagues and it is immediately clear just how much love and care she genuinely puts into each of her relationships.

Step into this mother, wife, and dog-lover’s world to reveal all about Susan’s real estate journey and the friends who have helped her along the way, plus much more in this week’s Agent Spotlight.

At Work with Susan Brown Burklin

How did you land in a real estate career?

Ted Pickus convinced me!

If this is a second, third or nth career, what were you doing previous to real estate?

I was a bridal gown and social occasion manufacturer’s rep out of New York.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?

Meeting new people.

What is one thing you literally could not do your job without?

My office colleagues. I love where I work! The people in my office have been so supportive and helpful.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

In real estate: keep your head in your own game.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new real estate agent?

Answer your phone.

What was one of your most defining moments?

Being surprised at the North Suburban Sales meeting in 2017 with an achievement award from my managing broker, Amy Corr.

Who in the industry has made the most impact on your professional journey?

Barb Hondros. Barb was my mentor and my hero.

At Home with Susan Brown Burklin

What neighborhood do you live in?

Highland Park.

What do you love most about your neighborhood?

I live in Fort Sheridan and absolutely love it. It’s so tranquil and picturesque. The trails and the lakefront are breathtaking.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

We love Sandy’s Restaurant in Highwood. It’s a small diner-like atmosphere with the best food and most welcoming staff.

Describe your own first home.

We bought a small home with a beautiful location in Highland Park in 1991. We lived in it for 7 years and then tore it down to rebuild on the property.

What is the first big-ticket item you bought when you moved into your current home?

New living room furniture. Our puppy ate all of our previous furniture.

At Play with Susan Brown Burklin

You have a full day free in your town with no obligations and cost is no object. What do you do?

Either go to the beach or the dog park with my 2 golden retrievers.

How do you start each day?

Coffee, coffee and more coffee.

What do you read every single day?

I read the Chicago Tribune on my iPad every morning while I drink my coffee.

What is your proudest achievement to date? Personal or professional.

Personally, my 4 children. Alex is 26 and happily living in the city. I also have 22 year old triplets; Austin, Aaron and Allison who will all graduate college in 2019! Professionally, starting over at 50. I had a long, successful career and completely started over to build my real estate business from the ground up.

If you won the lottery which property would you buy?

I would buy a property on the lake with beautiful views of the water. It would be big enough to entertain family and friends, but still warm and inviting. It would also have a pool.

What are 3 words clients would use to describe you? 3 words your family would use?

Clients: Responsive, knowledgeable, caring.

Family: My kids would say annoying.

What did you eat for breakfast today?

I make green smoothies everyday.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

Finding the cure for cancer. Is that a super power? I think so.