Stephanie Sims is Chicago Agent’s managing editor

The best part about technology is also the most frustrating part: one minute an app, software or website could be deemed “the best,” and the next minute, a competing company has come out with something that does what “the best” did, but better. I don’t know about you, but I feel like every time I finally invest in the latest smartphone or software, I feel like a better version comes out right after – and sometimes, the latest version is less expensive (remember when the Kindle first came out and it was $399? E-readers will never be that expensive again!).

To create this issue and make sure we had the most accurate “bests” in each category as of press time, we asked an expert panel of seven tech-savvy and highly qualified real estate professionals – some agents, some consultants, some based in Chicago, some based outside Chicago – to give us their picks of what the best apps, software and websites are that all agents should be using to get ahead in their business.

We asked our panel to name the best tech tools in categories that we think are the most important categories when it comes to agents and their business; they’re all in our cover story, here. We listed two to three top tools per category, so read what you should be using when it comes to lead generation, showings and transaction management, among other aspects of your business. We also have a list of promising brand new apps as well as real estate apps and software companies that were founded right here in Chicago – Rahm’s plan to make Chicago the next tech-savvy city after Silicon Valley might just be working!

Do you agree with our best apps, websites and software, and our runners up? Or are there apps and other tech tools our panel missed? Email me at stephanie@chicago.staging312.com or comment on our cover story and let us know.