PRECISION & PRESTIGE

Annie Royster Lenzke, Megan Leadbetter, and Shaina Ansari form a distinguished team of North Shore luxury real estate advisors with Coldwell Banker’s the Dawn McKenna Group, specializing in high-end properties on the North Shore. With deep local expertise and decades of combined experience, they bring a strategic, concierge-level approach to buyers and sellers who value discretion, lifestyle, and long-term investment. Recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal RealTrends as a top 20 mega team, the Dawn McKenna Group also expertly serves discerning clients in Naples and 30A, Florida, Park City, Utah, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and Harbor Country, Michigan. Their clients rely on them not only for their market knowledge, but for their ability to translate complex decisions into a seamless, informed, and highly personalized experience.

What sets your approach apart when working with high-net-worth clients?
Our approach is a combination of discretion, deep North Shore expertise, and concierge-level service. In nuanced luxury markets like Winnetka and Lake Forest, homes sell not just on finishes or square footage, but on lifestyle, architecture, and long-term value. We differentiate ourselves by helping clients view their homes as both deeply personal spaces and significant financial assets. High-net-worth clients require sharper investment analysis, and we are not afraid to advise on how to identify and protect short- and long-term value. In exclusive communities, carrying costs are substantial, and we ensure clients fully understand how taxes, insurance, maintenance, and accessibility affect the financial trajectory of a home. Our clients expect privacy, trust, and strategic execution, which is why we operate quietly when needed, leveraging powerful networks, curated marketing, and confidential off-market pathways. This blend of intelligence, analysis, and discretion consistently delivers elevated results.

How do you position a premium property to stand out in a competitive market?
Positioning a premium property is about sharing the story of a home. Every high-end home has a narrative rooted in lifestyle, architecture, and location, and we shape that story with intention. From editorial photography and cinematic video to strategic staging and design, each home is presented like a luxury brand launch, with cohesive messaging and global exposure. Curated events and collaborations with luxury brands create emotion and exclusivity, while discreet off-market strategies and private networks drive controlled demand. We also advise clients early on how to protect the value of their homes. Understanding what buyers will pay a premium for and what investments truly matter ensures the property is positioned not just beautifully, but strategically.

How do you guide clients through pricing, timing, and discretion?
At this level, we look well beyond surface-level comparisons, analyzing micro-market trends, architectural relevance, location nuances, and buyer behavior to price with precision and confidence. Timing is always strategic and tailored to both market conditions and client goals. Sometimes that means launching decisively. Other times, it means moving quietly pre-market to create momentum without exposure. Discretion is always paramount, with controlled demand, qualified buyers, and strict confidentiality throughout the process. Every recommendation is grounded in data, informed by experience, and shaped by our clients’ long-term interests. The result is a process that protects their privacy, preserves value, and allows them to move forward feeling informed and in control.

The Dawn McKenna Group is with Coldwell Banker and has offices in Chicago, Hinsdale, Lake Forest, and Winnetka. The group also has offices in Naples, 30A, New Buffalo, Lake Geneva, and Park City. For more information, call 888-508-7050, email [email protected], visit dawnmckennagroup.com, and follow @thedawnmckennagroup on Instagram.