When looking to purchase a home—whether in a new neighborhood, new city, or even a new state—buyers are always interested in what the locals have to say about their surroundings. With that in mind, Winnetka resident and @properties Real Estate Consultant Sarah Lyons might be the perfect spokesperson for the North Shore.

Lyons, who lives close to Lake Michigan, describes the lake as the “soul” of the North Shore. But the heart of the community, she says, is in its families. “This community is really about family, and it generates great kids,” says Lyons. “Everyone tries to pitch in and make (people’s) lives better. It is just part of the community to give back…that is instilled in your kids.”

Working in real estate for almost six years now, Lyons has had the opportunity to show interested buyers how life on the North Shore would suit them, while also working with sellers and local developers. “I generally enjoy working with developers, because my dad was a developer,” Lyons says.

Her family has a strong history in property development. Lyons’ great-grandfather founded Mason City Lumber Company in Mason City, Iowa, at the turn of the century, and she grew up in a town where nearly all the houses were built by her great-grandfather, her grandfather, or her father. This allowed her to learn firsthand what the business was all about. “They genuinely cared about people and their well-being,” Lyons says. “They treated everyone with real respect; they were very genuine about it.”

These values, instilled at a young age, are still evident, as Lyons develops relationships with her clients, focusing on what they need as a family in their new home. “You get so invested in your buyers, that you really want to make it the best possible thing for them,” Lyons says.

Working with buyers and sellers during the economic downturn has been difficult at times, but Lyons refuses to let it break her focus. With a plaque reading, ‘Perseverance, Patience, and Energy Conquer All’ placed on her desk, Lyons remains optimistic. “The fact that prices have come down so much, it truly is a buyer’s market,” Lyons says. “It’s a great time to buy.”

After graduating from the University of Iowa, Lyons went on to pursue a career in advertising, marketing, and sales. Her experience working in the communication-driven industry enables her to offer quality advertising and marketing strategies to her clients.

As an avid runner and three-time marathon participant, Lyons understands the value of hard work and dedication in life, not to mention the real estate realm. “I equate finding or selling a home to a marathon,” she says. “It is a journey that requires perseverance, patience, and hard work to achieve your goal of finding the best home for your family.”

Lyons has another goal: She plans to compete in the New York City Marathon this October, and has embarked on a training regimen that includes frequent runs along Lake Michigan’s breathtaking shoreline. Her favorite run takes her from her home in Winnetka to the lacrosse fields behind Northwestern University’s Evanston Campus via Sheridan Road. “You are on the lake and you look at the city,” Lyons says. “It is the whole city skyline, and all along the beaches, it is beautiful. That is my favorite run on the North Shore.” Now working with @properties, whose motto is “Love where you live,” Lyons is thrilled to share her passion for living on the North Shore with future residents of the community.

To contact Sarah Lyons, call 847-881-0220 (office) or 847-436-4351 (cell), or email her at [email protected].