On a recent Saturday, I turned off the TV news coverage of the Maui wildfires and went to my backyard to clean up part of a medium-sized tree that collapsed during one of the Chicago area’s severe storms.

It took me about two hours to cut and clear most of the debris. It wasn’t exactly my ideal Saturday afternoon, but as I wiped away sweat from my forehead and gave my aching arm a rest from sawing, I thought: “I’m lucky.”

Clearing up a tree was a minor inconvenience compared to what I read earlier that week while editing a column from NAR’s REALTORS® Relief Foundation President Michael C. McGrew. The column, which you can find in this month’s issue, details some of the RRF’s work helping victims of floods, fires, tornadoes and other disasters. Since 2001, the organization has provided 20,000 families across the country with grants of more than $40 million.

We often hear about real estate professionals prioritizing their communities and giving back. The RRF’s work is a perfect example. Bravo!

Our cover story this month examines trends in Chicagoland new construction. Some of the recent data offers optimism for builders and the real estate agents who represent them. Demand for housing of all types continues to surge, and the U.S. Census Bureau reported that housing starts in July were up 3.9% compared to the previous month. “It could be one of our best years in over 10 years,” said Erik Doersching, president and CEO of real estate development consultant Tracy Cross & Associates.

Also this month, in our Top Coach feature, Diane Terry shares what she says is the most essential skill in real estate sales. And we find out what it was like for agents in Northwest Indiana and other parts of the country who lost access to their MLS due to a ransomware cyber-attack. Yikes.

Please enjoy this month’s issue, and, as always, I welcome your feedback.