Each year, Midwest Real Estate News inducts a new class into its Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. This year is no exception. Today, we look at the busy career of one of our new inductees, Susan Lawson, senior managing director with the Chicago office of Newmark.
Susan Lawson is recognized as one of the top multifamily experts in the Chicago real estate market. And when you look at her numbers? This isn’t surprising: Lawson has been involved in the sale of more than $3.6 billion in multifamily properties since 2007.
That year of 2007 is a significant one in Lawson’s career: It’s when she established Newmark Chicago’s Multifamily Capital Markets group.
This was no easy task. After all, the nation’s economy was on the verge of the Great Recession when Lawson launched the group.
“Establishing the Chicago multifamily operation in 2007, the start of the financial downturn, in an entirely new market for Newmark was a challenge,” Lawson said. “It took great effort and tenacity to open doors, build relationships and establish market share; in turn, we have become one of the top producers in the market.”
Today, both Lawson and that group are thriving. Lawson’s client list includes private equity funds, institutional advisors, REITs and developers. Clients rely on Lawson’s knowledge of market trends and statistics when making their own multifamily decisions.
Thanks to her work ethic, market knowledge and dedication, Lawson has built a long list of repeat clients. These clients know that they’ll get the best possible service when working with Lawson.
“In addition to building relationships and being a trusted advisor, I am passionate about the art of negotiation and achieving the highest possible sales price for clients,” Lawson said.
And Lawson has the experience these clients seek: She has worked on a variety of multifamily transactions, everything from high-performing properties and newly developed Class-A assets to value-add opportunities. Lawson also works with her clients on all aspects of the property marketing process. This includes market research, business and client development, asset valuation and underwriting, contract negotiation and closing.
Given this history, it’s not surprising that Lawson has earned the CoStar Power Broker award from 2017 to 2020 and the Top Producers Award from Newmark from 2017 to 2019.
“I believe my success is due to consistently working hard, having determination and building trust with buyers and sellers,” Lawson said. “Giving up or settling for mediocracy has never been an option.”
When not working, Lawson enjoys spending time with her husband and family, exercising and volunteering as a board member of City Elementary, a school for diverse learners in Chicago.
