photos by CARRIE ALLEN
Susan Dolan knows real estate. And, she knows the finer points of style, design, and most of all, integrity.
Via her own experience of frequent corporate relocation, and with a personal passion for guiding clients to their happiest homes, she brings a flawless work ethic to her role as Senior Broker with Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties. She’s a Senior Broker with Christie’s International Real Estate, and a member of Christie’s Master Circle, combining passion, perseverance, negotiating skills, and devotion to client needs and goals.
“During each personal move to a new city — where I had to start from square one myself — I knew it was my calling to help others through the real estate process, whether they were selling or buying,” shares Susan.
Her 19 years of experience, and in-depth knowledge of inventory and current market conditions, assures your process of property buying and selling will evolve efficiently and successfully. If you’re moving across town or across the country, Susan is there every step of the way.
“I want to make the process as seamless as possible, have fun, and be able to act quickly for my clients,” says Susan. “My goal is concierge service, from helping clients with paint colors for their new home, to blowing leaves off a driveway or from around the pool before a showing. Rolling up my sleeves and jumping in where I am needed is part of my work ethic!”
In fact, Susan describes “juggling 50 balls at once” as part of what makes this job so perfect for her. “I thrive on having 50 balls in the air, constantly shifting gears from seller to buyers, and problem solving. It keeps me engaged and excited about what I do.”
Susan has always been fully engaged with the task at hand, from college to launching her own business.
“I was an art major with a concentration in photography at Eastern Michigan University, and my subject matter was historic homes and architecture,” she says. “My art background has definitely been a benefit to my clients.”
Color theory is one design element Susan specializes in — understanding a color wheel and applying that to a design set can be crucial.
“I have a gorgeous new listing coming on the market where we had to adjust the interior paint color due to it throwing a heavy lavender undertone,” she adds. “We chose a paint with a green undertone to counteract the lavender.”
After college, Susan had a career in Human Resources for several years, which helped her master client relationships. In 2002, she received her real estate license in Arizona, then three years later she relocated to Southern California and started her staging business, Elements of Design.
“As an ASP Professional I helped many of my California clients sell their homes when the market started to shift in 2006,” explains Susan. “In 2009, once my real estate business became established, my staging became an added value for clients. I’ve been blessed with being able to see past what is in front of me, and help clients realize the true potential of a home.”
That intense desire to help others is where Susan shines!
“The sense of helping others realize their dream is an amazing feeling, whether it is selling their home for top dollar, or helping them find their perfect home,” says Susan. “I am 110% vested in their vision and goals.”
At the end of the day, the takeaway is simple: “You can make a positive impact if you keep your eyes open for possibilities. All these little things may seem meaningless or whimsical, but most of my business is from referrals. I believe it’s those little things that mean the most, and that’s what encourages referrals.”
Susan and her family have now called North Carolina home for 14 years, after living all over the U.S., from Maryland to California. The beauty of Lake Norman was definitely an attraction. “The low overall cost of living around the lake, as well as it being a bedroom community of Charlotte, has been a huge driving factor. Lake Norman is currently seeing an influx of buyers who see the area as a vacation destination, and waterfront homes are being bought for vacation rentals. There is so much to do locally, plus Lake Norman is convenient to both the mountains and the beach, if you get tired of the lake life.”
For Susan, that would be never, as she grew up in Michigan on Lake Erie, as part of a dedicated boating family. “Every Summer we were on the lake, and we were members of the local yacht club. I grew up a lover of the water and all the fun that comes with boating and watersports. When we relocated to the Metro Charlotte area, Lake Norman was a natural choice when deciding where to raise our family. We chose Denver because it was a little off the beaten path.”
Susan says it was the best move she and her family have ever made.“I feel I’m qualified to make that statement, based on the amount of moves we have made over the years! I feel Lake Norman offers everyone an amazing opportunity — whether you are moving here for a new career, to start a family, or to retire — the area has something for everyone.”
Always active in the community, Susan was a huge supporter of Lincoln County Schools during her children’s younger years. Once they graduated and were off to college, she became involved in many networking groups, and in 2022, she was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce. She’s also been nominated as Chair of the East Lincoln Business Betterment Association. When not working, you may find her on the pickleball court, or paddle-boarding and wake skiing during lake season! You’ll find Susan juggling the career she loves so much, in the Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Huntersville, Mooresville, Sherrills Ford, The Peninsula, The Point, and Troutman areas.
To reach Susan and begin your own journey of selling or buying a property in the area, call her at 704-560-7201, or email susand@ivesterjackson.com. Visit her website LKNHomesandliving.com, and follow Susan on Instagram @susan.s.dolan. Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties is located at 21025 Catawba Ave, Suite 101, Cornelius NC
