I wish I were funnier. If I were a humorist, I’d figure out how to have a laugh about this situation: In the midst of a pandemic that forces all Illinoisans to be confined to their own homes, a Chicagoland real estate magazine publishes a whole issue on open houses. Comedy gold, right?

Well, maybe not. As much as I enjoy a good chuckle at my own expense, there’s nothing funny about the human toll of the novel coronavirus or the need for the real estate industry to make some important changes when marketing listings in order to be good stewards of public health.

Regardless, I’m proud of this issue of our magazine. We gathered some great insights and advice from Chicagoland brokers who had been using open houses to expand their business, get qualified leads and even sell properties, and who will continue to do so once this pandemic is behind us.

I want Chicago Agent magazine to be a vital part of our local industry’s rebound, and based on this cover story, I truly believe open houses could play a major role in many agents’ recovery plans. So, while we hadn’t counted on this issue going to press in the middle of a pandemic when we put it on our editorial calendar last year, one thing did go according to plan: We created a story that will help you make the most of open houses when they’re back in your arsenal.

They say comedy is all about timing, but in the long run, I think open houses will win that battle too. They aren’t going to permanently disappear because of the coronavirus, so why not up your game?

As always, I want to hear from you. Please reach out and let me know how we’re doing at meg.white@agentpublishing.com.