Can you believe that it’s been 13 years since Apple released the original iPhone? In 2007, Steve Jobs changed the world as we know it with the introduction of the smartphone, and as I’m writing this editor’s note, Apple is gearing up for its next event, likely to announce the iPhone 12 (!).

We can do anything on our phones. Press a button, swipe right, and you can get food delivery, a date or virtually anything instantly. And with tech more prevalent than ever, it’s never been more important for agents to utilize the latest tech tools in building their own business.

In this issue, we explore what tech means in today’s real estate landscape and how it’s become an integral part. From the perspective of agents, brokerages and venture capitalist firms alike, our cover story discusses which tools agents should use on a day-to-day basis, as well as how tech companies decide to leverage investments. From lead generation to assisting with marketing campaigns, tech can make the lives of agents that much easier, but it’s also vital that agents don’t let tech detract from the most important element of the real estate process – the human one. At the end of the day, real estate is a deeply personal business, and this makes it a truly special industry.

With that said, I’m looking forward to connecting with you all as Chicago Agent magazine’s new managing editor. Please reach out and introduce yourselves to me at will.mendelson@agentpublishing.com.