When we planned this issue last year, no one could have guessed that we would be in the midst of a pandemic at press time, but here we are. As I write this, the entire state is under a “remain at home” order. Bars and restaurants are closed to in-person patronage. Schools are all out of session. Almost every event on my calendar has been postponed or canceled, and pretty much everyone I know is hunkered down at home for the duration.

Still, the world of real estate goes on, albeit with a few necessary changes. To me, this moment is analogous with many disruptions that the industry has faced over the years. It’s scary, but surmountable. Brokers are strong, independent people who are used to having the deck shuffled over and over again at the last minute.

Those bringing you the news day in and day out are like that, too, which is why we’re still here, writing, reading and reporting when the world is terrifying, the same as we do when it’s more mundane. I don’t say any of this in order to set anyone up as a hero. It’s just to say that, just like you, Chicago Agent magazine is very much open for business, and we’re pretty happy that way.

After all, when the quarantines are lifted and life is back to some semblance of normal, agents will still have to contend with listing aggregators, antitrust challenges, discount brokerages and other disruptors. We want you to be ready for it. That’s why we’re bringing you the latest in terms of how these challenges will impact you and the industry you know and love.

And if you want to talk about disruption, contagion or anything else, you can always reach me at meg.white@agentpublishing.com. Be safe, stay strong and carry on!