Sue Rossi, co-owner of RE/MAX 2000 in Crete, Ill., earned one of the most prestigious honors conferred by the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network: the “Above the Crowd!” award. This award goes to those who have made outstanding contributions to the network.

Rossi received the award for her work in analyzing how changes in the U.S. birth rate will impact current and future demand for housing. As a result of her findings, Rossi expects that the makings of a housing market recovery will begin to take shape sometime this year, since the generation known as the Echo Boom are now moving into their peak home-buying years. First-time homebuyers will be key to a full-scale housing recovery, according to Rossi in a statement.

This work has turned Rossi into a sought-after speaker about the future of the housing industry. She has presented her analysis before the National Association of Realtors; RE/MAX, LLC; and to her fellow broker/owners in the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.

Rossi also helped run one of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois’ most successful brokerages, all while developing her theories. Rossi’s leadership helped keep RE/MAX 2000 afloat in the housing downturn, and it is ready to take advantage of the eventual market rebound.

Rossi is a real estate veteran with more than 25 years experience in selling homes. She has studied the industry closely. Attention to detail has helped her build a thriving career, according to a statement.

In 2003, Rossi was named broker/owner of the year by both RE/MAX Norhtern Illinois and RE/MAX, LLC. She is open to sharing her experiences with fellow real estate professionals; her office is known for its strong leadership.