Sullivan & Sullivan Auctioneers expands CRE presence as firm approaches 20-year milestone

As Sullivan & Sullivan Auctioneers approaches its 20^th anniversary in 2027, the award-winning, woman-owned firm is entering an exciting new chapter, expanding its presence in New England’s commercial real estate market while building on nearly two decades of auction expertise, client relationships and successful transactions.

The company has grown into one of the region’s prominent real estate auction firms, conducting thousands of auctions annually throughout Mass., R.I. and N.H. Long recognized for its foreclosure and municipal auction services, Sullivan & Sullivan is increasingly handling complex commercial assignments, including office towers, investment properties, industrial facilities, multifamily developments and significant institutional assets.

Two major foreclosure auctions illustrate that momentum: 100 Summer St., a 1.1 million s/f 32-story office tower in Boston’s Financial District, and Westborough Executive Office Park, a three-building commercial campus 244,335 s/f on 14.9 acres located at 110, 112 and 114 Turnpike Rd.

These assignments reflect the firm’s growing involvement in commercial properties that require more than conventional auction advertising. They demand sophisticated marketing, investor outreach, coordinated property information, media relations and experienced auction execution.

A Proven Track Record of Results
Sullivan & Sullivan’s expanding commercial practice builds upon a history of successful transactions, including the August 2025 foreclosure auction of The Linden, a newly constructed 70-unit luxury apartment complex in West Roxbury.

The property sold at auction for $29.5 million, demonstrating the firm’s ability to attract qualified investors and execute a substantial transaction involving a complex multifamily asset.

Other recent commercial assignments include a 14-unit Class A office condominium offering in Stoneham, a mixed-use investment property in Lawrence and a multi-building industrial complex in Attleboro.

Together, these assignments reflect a broader commercial platform capable of handling diverse asset classes and transaction requirements.

Strategic Marketing: Reaching Beyond the Auction Block
As commercial real estate transactions become increasingly complex, Sullivan & Sullivan is placing greater emphasis on one of the most important elements of a successful auction: reaching the right buyers.

The company’s marketing strategy extends well beyond traditional foreclosure notices and auction advertisements. Each significant commercial assignment receives a tailored approach designed to maximize visibility among investors, developers, property owners, brokers and other qualified purchasers.

This includes targeted digital campaigns, direct investor outreach, specialized commercial real estate publications, property information packages, email marketing and strategic media relations.

The firm’s expanding media outreach is an increasingly important part of that strategy. By introducing notable properties to regional and national business publications, real estate journalists and industry news outlets, Sullivan & Sullivan creates opportunities for exposure that extend beyond its established buyer network.

The company also benefits from an established database of more than 30,000 opt-in buyers, providing a strong foundation for targeted marketing and investor communications.

Technology, Experience and Institutional Service
Behind the firm’s commercial expansion is an experienced team supported by proprietary auction management technology, electronic bidder registration, real-time auction monitoring and comprehensive reporting systems.

These capabilities allow Sullivan & Sullivan to manage high auction volumes while maintaining the individualized attention required for complex commercial transactions.

The firm works closely with lenders, attorneys, loan servicers, financial institutions, municipalities, receivers and property owners, providing coordinated services from the initial assignment through auction completion.

Its growing relationships with commercial real estate professionals, brokers and specialized marketing consultants further strengthen its ability to position properties effectively and connect with a broader pool of prospective purchasers.

Nearly 20 Years of Growth — and a New Chapter Ahead
As Sullivan & Sullivan prepares to celebrate two decades in business, its commercial expansion represents a natural evolution of the company Sullivan established in 2007.

Tyler Aalto, director of on-site auctions, has been part of the company for nearly a decade.

Amanda Aalto joined the organization as manager of strategic operations.

Together, Tyler and Amanda represent an exciting new generation of leadership, combining established industry experience with fresh ideas and a shared commitment to the company’s future.

The firm’s broader family of auction businesses, including Patriot Auctioneers and NH Tax Deed & Property Auctions, further extends its presence across the region, creating additional opportunities for buyer outreach, specialized services and coordinated marketing.

With major commercial properties on the auction calendar, continued investment in marketing and technology, and a growing regional presence, Sullivan & Sullivan Auctioneers is positioning itself for its next era of growth.

Marianne Sullivan is president and founder of Sullivan & Sullivan Auctioneers, Sandwich, Mass.