By now, we’ve all heard the optimism in the residential real estate industry about the Fed’s expected interest-rate cuts, which should lead to increased inventory and shake loose some of the housing gridlock of the last 12 to 24 months. At a recent Chicago Association of REALTORS® panel, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun fueled more optimism by predicting as many as five rate cuts on the horizon, prompting oohs and aahs from those in attendance. Be sure to check out Senior Editor Emily Mack’s report on Yun’s comments in this issue.

If and when the industry does take a positive turn, some of the people in the best position to take advantage of it are listed in the pages of this magazine. In our Real Data report, you’ll find the top producers in Chicagoland, and in Cook and each of the collar counties. These are some of the agents and offices that persevered through a market downturn and still found a way to have a successful, profitable 2023.

Speaking of success, our cover story this month examines how some of the top producers in Chicagoland branched out as brokerage owners, serving in multiple roles without missing a beat. Sarah Leonard, Jane Lee, Matt Laricy and Jennifer Ames all offered their perspectives. And Jeffrey Lowe shared how to continue to excel once you become a top producer.

Also in this issue, Tim Ryan, president of the Mainstreet Association of REALTORS®, explains how conversations around buyer’s agent compensation offers an opportunity for Realtors to showcase their ethics and transparency.

There’s plenty more to find in this month’s issue. Plus, keep an eye out for Agent Publishing’s second-annual Who’s Who in Lake Geneva Residential Real Estate issue, publishing this month in print and online. I hope you’ll enjoy, and, as always, please feel free to reach out with any feedback.