The last year and a half has produced a real estate market like no other, and while home sales have been a boon to the economy, new-construction homes have experienced a more turbulent path.

As homebuyers set their sights on suburban areas, they also developed a taste for pandemic-era amenities — more outdoor space and enough room to accommodate a home office were at the top of the list. Developers have had to adjust their plans to meet the needs of homebuyers, while navigating the chaotic costs of building materials.

In this issue, we discuss the new-construction market with top Chicagoland developers and real estate brokers to learn their strategies for making these projects a reality. Our report delves into how the partnership between brokers and developers takes shape.

This month’s Real Issues feature takes a broader look at new construction and how the pandemic has impacted developers both large and small. We also review three apps that can help streamline your business in our Technically Speaking column. In our Association News column, Tracey Royal, president of the Women’s Council of Realtors, Illinois, offers insight into affordable housing. And Sandesh Bilgi, vice president of global learning at Sotheby’s International Realty, empowers readers with coaching tips for maintaining your business while building a new client base in our monthly Top Coach column.

While the future remains uncertain, we are sure of one thing — builders, agents and other real estate professionals will work through the issues with grace and a dedication to excellence. We are here to tell those stories, so please keep your ideas coming. We love to hear from you! You can contact me at Tim.Inklebarger@agentpublishing.com.