PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR
Living on the North Shore for the past 55 years, @properties realtor Susan Maman prides herself on her extensive knowledge of the area’s community and its market. With a majority of her client base made up of repeat clients and referrals, it is clear that individuals up and down “The Shore” trust her to deliver results and superior service.
Extremely satisfied client Dr. Lance E. Peterson, one of the nation’s premier medical experts on infectious diseases, who’s obviously been busy the past two months, sings Maman’s praises: “Our home had been on the market for nearly two years, and Susan sold it in two months; almost unbelievable,” Dr. Peterson says. “During the time between the contract agreement and closing we had a major water damage event and Susan navigated that, including finding respected teams to repair what was needed. She kept the buyers engaged, including finding local day care for them. Our only regret is that we did not hire Susan from day-one. We have now moved out of Illinois, but if we ever had a property to sell there on the North Shore, she would be all of our top 10 picks!”
In the top 1 percent of brokers in Chicagoland for the better part of a decade with over $285 million in lifetime sales, Maman is known equally for her accolades—she has been awarded Crain’s 2019 Notable Residential Real Estate Brokers and Real Estate Executive Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Real Estate Agents in Illinois, recognized in 2019 Who’s Who in Chicagoland Residential Real Estate, and by Chicago Magazine with its Top 100 Real Estate Brokers and 5 Star awards—as she is for her honest approach, high energy, and stellar negotiation skills.
Maman regularly fights for her clients, tackling the challenges of the real estate market with the same tenacity she battled and beat breast cancer over a decade ago. And clients appreciate the clear and sincere commitment to their needs she exhibits every step of the way: “I take just as much pride in and put just as much energy into selling a $100,000 property as a $7-8 million lakefront estate,” Maman relates.
A Certified Residential Specialist and Accredited Buyer’s Representative, throughout her career she has been nominated MVP Broker in the Suburbs by Chicago Agent, Top 10 Brokers in the New Trier School District, and No.1 individual broker in Glencoe amongst all brokerages in 2019.
Moving from the corporate world, where she worked in marketing and advertising for Sprint for almost 20 years, Maman selected @properties for its innovation in those very same fields and the cutting-edge technology it provides for clients. “It really is an extraordinary company to work for—and with,” Maman attests.
“Working in real estate provides flexibility and the ability to create your own destiny,” she adds. “I would encourage any age group, from people just out of college to those getting back into the career world or wanting to try something new, to take the leap.”
The multifaceted MVP brings this same adventurous spirit into her life outside real estate. Now residing in the New Trier School District (a school she herself attended as a teen), the mother to Jordan and Monique, both in their 20s, can be found in her kitchen, whipping up time-tested recipes passed down from her late mother, or hitting the town with friends for their monthly supper club.
She balances out these culinary pursuits with an equal passion for fitness. She regularly attends SHRED415 in Northfield, also working privately with trainer Marquone Edmonds (Coach Q)—“he has inspired me tremendously and made working out fun!”— after what she jokingly refers to as “a lengthy hiatus from exercise.” Even after just a brief conservation with her, the busy broker’s warm, personable, and quick-to-laugh nature shines through.
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa (the family landed in Glencoe in the late ‘60s), the avid traveler loves exploring different parts of the world, from safaris in Africa to the holy lands of Israel, and weekend destinations a little closer to home.
From her very first sale on Dundee Road in Glencoe, where she quickly learned how to juggle multiple offers and draw up a proper contract, to selling an $8 million home on the lake in six days, Maman is helping so many start new adventures of their own, with the North Shore their dream destination.
For more information, call 847-878-5235 or visit mamanmarketwatch.com.
A self-confessed foodie, Maman’s bucket list below will inspire you to put your apron away this spring.
SHORE
Abigail’s (Highland Park)
Charlie Beinlich’s (Northbrook)
Chez Benoit (Highland Park)
Guildhall (Glencoe)
Hole in the Wall (Northbrook)
Mino’s (Winnetka)
Next Door Bistro (Northbrook)
Sushi Kushi (Lake Forest)
Valor (Glencoe)
For sweet treats
Goodies (Highland Park)
Homer’s Ice Cream (Wilmette)
Three Tarts Bakery (Northfield)
Graeters Ice Cream (Winnetka)
CITY
Benny’s Steakhouse
Bavette’s
Joe’s Seafood
Monteverde
