Urban Real Estate
Matt Farrell
Managing Partner
Michael Emery
Senior Partner
Vickie Liu
Senior Broker
Kelly Smith
Partner
Chris Vernald
Partner
Urban Real Estate is entering its second decade with an elevated focus on client services, marketing and offerings to its agents. Managing partner Matt Farrell and senior partner Michael Emery set out to create a unique luxury real estate brand tailored to exceeding the expectations of the most discriminating clients. Today, that mission continues to be supported by its partners and brokers alike.
Based in Chicago’s New Eastside, Urban Real Estate has become a community partner for existing Chicagoans, as well as would-be transplants looking to make one of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods or suburbs their home. To that end, Urban has created a strategic relocation focus to better assist its executive clients looking to make their transition. This increases Urban’s network of would-be buyers for clients, and fosters new relationships with companies looking to relocate executives to Chicago.
“Being an invaluable resource to our clients far or near is really where we bring our best game,” says Farrell. “We want to bring our buyers to town – chauffeur them to our Urban Hospitality Suite on the lakefront, make amazing dinner reservations, and let them experience all Chicago has to offer.” Emery adds, “We have found our niche of luxury service to luxury clients, and our brokers are committed to offering the very best.”
Vickie Liu, a senior broker, has earned top producer accolades for working with clients from across the globe. “Understanding cultural norms, and their impact on the transaction, is critical to maintaining a relationship and getting a deal done.” Closer to home, partner Chris Vernald notes that networking and knowing your sphere of influence is more critical than ever to a broker’s success. “Stay involved and active in the areas that interest you, and even those out of your comfort zone,” he says. “Being open to new ideas, groups and in-person interactions is more imperative than your social media strategy.”
Having the right mix of culture and values remains a constant goal at Urban. “Finding agents to join a brokerage isn’t difficult,” says partner Kelly Smith. “Identifying those who see this business as an executive career, and exemplify true professional qualities our clients can be proud of, are the brokers we seek out. Once we find them, we commit to seeing them succeed.”
Urban has become an avid supporter of the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, where Farrell serves on its board of trustees. And this year, partner Matt Silver is serving as Chicago Association Realtors president.