Chris Vernald, Matt Silver, Kelly Smith, Michael Emery and Vickie Liu

Broker, Director of Professional Development and Broker, Broker, Associate Broker and Partner, Broker
Urban Real Estate

Urban Real Estate’s top-producing agents all play a part in driving the company’s continued success. A few of these top producers – Matt Silver, Chris Vernald and Kelly Smith – have notable individual achievements, experience, market knowledge and tenacious work ethic that rank them among Chicago’s elite residential agents.

Silver, the director of professional development for Urban Real Estate, also serves on the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) board of directors, and is the 2014-15 treasurer-elect for the association and the federal political coordinator for Congressman Brad Schneider in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District. Silver’s celebrity clientele includes notable athletes, entertainers and top executives. Silver’s abilities to negotiate and provide the highest level of client service are notable and recognized by his peers.

Vernald handles all of Urban Real Estate’s short sales, and his vast experience in both traditional and short sales has proven to build a successful referral business. 

Smith’s attention to detail throughout the transaction has helped him gain an ever-expanding referral base. “Become more than your clients’ Realtor – become their go-to source for all their home needs,” he says. Already known in the neighborhoods of Bucktown, Wicker Park and Logan Square, Smith is now expanding into Oak Park.

Also important additions to Urban Real Estate’s stellar team of agents, Vickie Liu and Michael Emery stand out as top producers for the competitive brokerage.

Liu was recognized by Chicago magazine as a 2013 “Five Star Real Estate Agent,” a distinction awarded to less than 2 percent of brokers in the Chicagoland area. Also a fellow CAR top producer, she is a top agent for international and high net-worth clients requiring patience, discretion, flexibility and her uncompromising dedication.

Emery’s British wit and charm, coupled with his knowledge of the Chicago market, make him both an exceptional agent and manager. His passion for Urban Real Estate stems from a unique company culture where the personal attention of a boutique firm meets high-level marketing and technology.

“Urban Real Estate offers clients the boutique brokerage experience they seek, but with leading technology and a Web presence that far exceeds any large brokerage,” Emery says. “Hands down, there isn’t a better way for sellers to be found than the multi-channel marketing Urban Real Estate offers.”