As everyone knows by now, I’ve been in this business for more than (mumble mumble) years. I remember things like land lines, typewriters and carrier pigeons. Obviously, technology has come a long way, and so has my understanding of gadgets and gizmos aplenty. That being said, I still look to my nerdy tech friends to make important decisions, like whether we should use existing stuff out there or build our own systems. As for what approach we actually take in my office — I have no idea! That’s what I pay my nerdy tech friends for. If you don’t have any of those laying around, then go ahead and read the cover story. When you’re done, I’ll be here with the gossip.
There’s a hot debate right now about the term “master” when it comes to bedrooms and bathrooms. In fact, @properties decided to stop using the term altogether. CA magazine took a survey on the issue and you can see some of the results on page 9. Agent X believes in peace, love and harmony. Therefore, I will say nothing more except that in Chicago, 75% of people don’t want to stop using the word. Talk amongst yourselves.
Dan Asher of Baird & Warner Lincoln Park hopped onto a podcast and spilled his guts about leaving St. Louis and rebuilding his career in Chicago. Since Chicago is the best city in the world, I’d like to reassure Danny boy that he made the right decision.
Virtual high five to Dream Town Realty for launching a new training and mentorship program, InspiRE, to get young folks of unrepresented groups into real estate. I am InspiRED by this idea and would like to set something up like that at my brokerage (of which I can’t reveal the name, of course). Who wouldn’t want Agent X has a mentor? You just have to be careful what information you share, because it will probably end up in this column.
More fun virtual events coming at ya! On July 8, Josh Altman of Million Dollar Listing hosted a webinar sponsored by Neighborhood Loans called “Talking Real Estate & Social Media.” Everyone learned a lot from the handsome reality TV star, and we also got treated to some light trolling from a 15-year-old future real estate magnate. Good luck, little buddy!
On July 15, CAR President Maurice Hampton hung out with the youngsters around the YPN watercooler. Cocktails were served at my house, as that’s what often happens around 1 p.m. Next time give that a try.
Even when the world is upside down, people still get older! First up, Connie Antoniou and John Federici share a birthday on July 22. Mike Cuevas may enjoy a social distanced bday celebration on July 23, while Marj Carpenter will party on July 25. Fran Broude, Ryan Holden, and Paul Dincin all share a birthday on July 26, while Gordon Munden is on his own on July 31. August 1 is a big day for Benjie Burford and Michael Shenfeld, and August 3 may be an even bigger day with John Gormley, Jeff Bushaw, and Janet Owen all sharing a birthday. Last, but never, ever would you consider this guy least, Kevin Grady will get older and maybe even wiser on August 4.