In 2013, Susan Burklin left a successful 28-year career as a sales representative to join @properties as a real estate broker. Switching careers, especially a thriving one for an uncharted one, can be risky business, but for Burklin she was following her passion.

“I had always wanted to go into real estate and had thought about it for many, many years, but didn’t want to leave an established career and start over,” Burklin says. “I ultimately did and @ properties was the only brokerage I spoke with. I knew immediately that it was a good fit for me.”

It didn’t take long to truly establish herself in her new career in real estate, Burklin says her history of growing up on the North Shore, knowledge of the area, and professional connections ultimately paid off.

“Having raised my children here, I knew I had strong connections and fortunately a lot of support that helped me launch my career,” she says. “Ultimately, referrals started being a very strong part of my business and word of mouth as well. Now I’m getting a lot of repeat clients who are buying and selling again.”

Burklin says she’s now helping the children, parents, and friends of clients with their real estate needs and that it’s a humbling feeling to represent people she cares about.

“Making sure all of my clients are well taken care of and happy with the experience whether they are buying or selling is very satisfying,” she says. “Clients have recommended me to somebody near and dear to them knowing that they will be in good hands.”

Burklin says she prides herself both in her knowledge of the North Shore communities, particularly Highland Park, and her professionalism and accessibility. She says her realtor friend Margie Brooks gave her some sage advice early on in her career. “Margie told me when I first got into this business, and I’ve known her a long time, to answer my phone, and I listened,” Burklin says. “I bust my butt to get what my clients want.”

Burklin has always been hard-working and raised four children, including a set of triplets as a working mother. She’s an advocate for her children, her clients, and the North Shore community, especially given what took place at the Highland Park 4th of July parade.

“The North Shore and this community are very important to me,” she says. “I am proud to have a son in law enforcement, a Highland Park police officer, and the North Shore is a very special place to call home. I love selling people properties on the North Shore, whether they are returning to where they grew up or are new here.”

Burklin credits her mentor, Barb Hondros, who passed away in 2018, for much of her success. She still gets choked up when she talks about the contribution that Hondros made to helping her develop her real estate career.

“Barb was my closest friend and confidant and took me under her wing when I started at @properties and I’ve dedicated my career and my success to her,” Burklin says. “I hear her in my ear all the time telling me how to best help a client or how to navigate through a difficult transaction.”

Susan Burklin is a real estate broker with @properties in Highland Park, 1741 2nd Street, 847-910-8905, [email protected]