photos by: INGRID RUSSELL
If you’re out and about in the Lake Norman area, you’re seeing Susan Dolan’s name associated with some incredibly beautiful properties.
As her flawless work ethic continues to shine brightly in her role as senior broker with Ivester Jackson-Christies International Real Estate, Susan is blessed to be cultivating client relationships that extend well after closing.
That’s just Susan’s unique brand of loyalty, the personal touch that defines her business philosophy and a sign of how seriously she takes her role in clients’ lives. As a member of Christie’s International Real Estate Master Circle for 2025 – as well as being named among the top 3% of Canopy Realtors in Metro Charlotte – she proves with every contract her dedication to finding perfectly matched homes and families.
As a child, Susan was inspired by her mother – a realtor with Century 21 – and carefully watched how she interacted with clients. Later, as an adult, Susan moved around quite a bit and became an expert at the relocation process herself! She soon realized her professional calling – to help others navigate the often tedious details of moving and starting over.
A Michigan native, Susan attended Eastern Michigan University, studying fine art with a concentration in photography. She began her real estate career and obtained her real estate license in Arizona in 2002, relocated to southern California and, in 2009, moved to the Lake Norman area. Eager to tap into her lifelong love of style and design as well, she added a staging business to her credentials.
Now devoted to the Lake Norman area with unmistakable energy and passion, Susan adapts her market savvy and natural perseverance to every transaction. In the last few years, Susan has seen a large part of her business revolve around the search for second homes.
“Mooresville, Cornelius, Denver and Sherrills Ford have become primary areas people are interested in around the Lake Norman area,” she shares. “Lake Norman offers so much to do, from restaurants and shopping to walking trails and, of course, boating activities – plus we are close to Charlotte, NC and the beautiful North Carolina mountains and beaches.”
Many of her clients are relocating here to be closer to family – something Susan knows a little something about! Her own adult children all plan to move back to the Lake Norman area. That includes her sons, Brendan and Ryan, and daughter, Halie, who helps Susan remotely with website design and marketing projects.
Susan encourages prospective second home buyers to start off with a realistic budget and honest goals – not rely on everything they may see on TV or social media. She also notes that from 2020 to 2025, LKN home prices have almost doubled.
On the flip side, many of Susan’s clients are second home owners, who aren’t necessarily in town while she’s showing their home.
“Yes, I often have to tidy up yards and patios, and you can be sure my leaf blower is always in my car,” she adds. “I always want my listings to shine!”
Behind the scenes – and before a showing – you’re likely to find Susan doing some last minute cleaning and straightening, even watering plants.
If this is the spring you’ve decided to list your home for sale, Susan excels at customizing your marketing strategy and handling smart, confident negotiations. She also offers tried-and-true tips for preparing your home for showings.
“Less is more, so declutter as much as possible,” she explains. “It’s just a fact that lots of personal belongings don’t photograph well. I also advise doing a thorough deep cleaning (showers, sinks, everything) before putting your home on the market. Also, remember how much those small details matter. For example, take a close look at your front door – is there paint peeling from sun exposure? Any shaky door handles? First impressions really do count – and curb appeal is real. Landscaping and meticulous yard maintenance can make a solid difference.”
She’ll also tell you no two client situations are the same – whether they are buying or selling. Real estate is an emotional business, and Susan typically remains close to her clients – often becoming good friends. She’s known around the area for her attention to detail and for being mindful early on of what’s deeply important to every family.
It’s no secret the Lake Norman area offers amazing opportunities for young families starting new careers and building memories, as well as couples settling down for relaxing retirement years. If your personal plans call for selling or buying a property in the area, let Susan Dolan guide your journey to a new home or through a new life stage!
Reach her at 704.560.7201 or email [email protected]. Visit her website at LKNHomesandliving.com, and follow @susan.s.dolan on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
