Saddle Up

If the old proverb is true that “the first step toward greatness is to be honest,” Suzanne is well on her way to greatness. Her reputation for being a trustworthy straight shooter is part of the reason she’s been a successful real estate agent for 33 years and counting.

“I have the reputation that I try really hard to do what I say I’m going to do,” Suzanne says. “I’m always going to be honest with clients, even if the deal is going south. And I’ll be straightforward with the other agent.”

This character trait has led to Suzanne’s longevity and expertise in serving the real estate needs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Beach Cities and surrounding communities since 1990. But in actuality, she’s been involved in the industry for even longer than that.

Real Estate Legacy

Suzanne was born in San Pedro, and her family moved to Rancho Palos Verdes when she was in elementary school. Her mother, Kathleen Tonsich, started working in real estate when Suzanne was 6 years old.

“I truly grew up in the business. I remember attending open houses with my mom when I was a child,” she says. “During high school I would work as a receptionist at her office.”

“Suzanne is a badass and is dominating real estate.”

After she graduated from Miraleste High School, Suzanne attended the University of Southern California and met Aaron Dyer. They married and returned to Palos Verdes to raise their four children—all of whom have attended the local schools.

She immediately involved herself in the world of South Bay real estate. Suzanne worked for five years as an assistant for RE/MAX’s top international Realtor. Then she embarked upon her impressive track record that has resulted in the sale of more than 1,000 houses and over $700 million.

Above Suzanne’s youngest daughter at the National Junior High rodeo finals, where she finished 22nd in the world for her age group

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Suzanne focuses on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where she’s lived most of her life. In fact, this year she closed the highest sale on the Peninsula—of all real estate agents. It’s no wonder she specializes in this community; it’s one of the most prestigious areas of southern California with a rich and colorful heritage, devotion to conservation, spectacular ocean views and lush landscapes.

Suzanne and her team work under the umbrellas of both Strand Hill and Forbes Global Properties—powerhouses locally and worldwide. “Forbes impacts such a wide market with their social media presence. And Strand Hill is a very personal organization while having a huge presence in the local luxury market. I love being able to bring all of this to my clients that other companies don’t have.”

The Dynamic Duo

In 2021 Suzanne convinced escrow pro Jake Sullivan to join her team. Jake had made a name for himself during his four years of escrow work. He became a Realtor in 2017 and has demonstrated a similar work ethic as Suzanne’s: always available, honest, a problem-solver, keeps things from falling through the cracks, and goes the extra mile.

“I knew him when he worked in escrow, and I had to woo him,” Suzanne shares. “You know when someone is special. I saw that in him and knew he had what it takes to make it in this business. People love him, and I get so many compliments on how great he is to work with.”

Jake has mutual admiration: “Suzanne is a badass and is dominating real estate. She has worked so hard and has become a super successful, powerhouse Realtor who is highly respected in the industry.”

Together their goal is to make every transaction as smooth as possible for clients. “We’re all part of a team,” Suzanne points out. “When we are in escrow, we are all working toward the same goal. Sellers want to sell, buyers want to buy, agents want to close. It’s important to work together to make it happen for everyone!”

Above The Dyer family, deep into the Western world

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Paying it Forward

For Suzanne, the secret to success is a stellar reputation. “I am a huge believer in the Golden Rule,” she explains. “I treat everyone how I would like to be treated. You live or die by your reputation in this business.”

As a longtime resident of Palos Verdes, it’s important to her to support the community with her time. She is a member of Town & Gown of USC, has served as the president of the local philanthropy Sandpipers, and has volunteered with her kids for various charitable associations, including the National Charity League.

She also has been extremely involved in her kids’ schools. She served as PTA president at Cornerstone School and Palos Verdes Intermediate School, on the PTA board and booster club at Palos Verdes High School, and as a trustee of the Peninsula Education Foundation.

Very few places promote the equestrian lifestyle more than the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Suzanne developed an affinity for horses when she was young, and both of her daughters started riding at age 4. Her youngest recently placed 22^nd in the world in pole bending at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Georgia. The entire family now rides with the Empty Saddle Club, a local group established in 1935 to promote rodeo sports and the Western way of life.

“We’ve had horses forever, and we now have 17 of them,” Suzanne says. “We’re a rodeo family—it’s a lot of fun! It’s a great gift that we all have this in common, and it gives our kids maturity, responsibility and self-confidence.”

Suzanne knows the priorities of those living in the South Bay and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. A real estate champion, she has proven that experience counts—and whatever comes up, she can handle it.

Disclaimer: ©2023 Strand Hill Properties. Strand Hill is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties. Forbes^® is a registered trademark used under license.

Strand Hill | Forbes Global Properties

716 Yarmouth Rd. #202, Palos Verdes Estates

310-528-7480  |  suzannedyer.com
@suzannedyerrealtor  |  DRE #01054310