I know, I know, it was a nerve-wracking month for real estate agents, but in the wake of NAR’s settlement, we want to remind you that the industry is actually OK. That’s the real Truth About Agents (See what I did there?). Because that’s the theme of this issue: hearing from agents, directly, about what matters to you in real estate.
Naturally, agents are vocal — and social media was abuzz this month. Matt Laricy and Nick Libert both reflected on the settlement in video statements on Instagram, and Tony Mattar was on WGN calling out CNN over inaccuracies on reported commission rates.
Meanwhile, I, Agent X, want to remind you to party on. It’s an early spring here in Chicago, and even a major lawsuit cannot keep us down!
On March 6, john greene Realtor held a banquet honoring top performers at Santo Cielo in downtown Naperville. The very next morning, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) Chicago had its annual Titans of Industry brunch, which highlights strong women in the field. At the Metropolitan Club, attendees networked, took in panels and discussed their own unique experiences — all over coffee and countless Danishes. Not a bad way to start the day.
A week later, on March 14, the WCR West Suburban Network’s Past Presidents Dinner was held at the Village Greens of Woodbridge banquet hall. Many past leaders and strong agents were recognized.
But here in Chicago, you know what March is really about: St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans. You might’ve caught me guzzling green beer on Michigan Avenue … I won’t confirm or deny. Although, I can confirm that lots of agents and teams had celebrations in full swing — and full green.
One of the biggest was Dennis Hyuck’s annual St. Patty’s party, held at The Joinery Chicago. Dennis and his dad, Dennis Hyuck Sr., were definitely feeling the spirit (or spirits) as they belted out “The Auld Triangle” by The Dubliners, shamrock beads hanging proudly from their necks. A little pitchy, boys, but altogether pretty awesome.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. We still have birthdays coming up! On April 8, birthday triplets Anne Ewasko, Carrie Jo Little and Dennis Dooley, followed by another Dennis — Dennis Hyuck! — on April 11. The very next day, Lauren Mitrick turns a year older, and then, on April 14 … another Dennis. Seriously: Dennis Shaffer. To be safe, maybe we just text HBD to all the Dennises in our lives this month. Later, on April 18, Judy Gibbons will be celebrating, followed by David Wolf on April 19. Then on April 20, business-partner-BFFs share a double birthday: Tommy Choi and Josh Weinberg. How fitting. Then we have Chad Gilbert on April 22, Sam Sharp on April 24 and, on April 25, three more: Leigh Marcus, Jennifer Mills Klatt and Ivette Rodriguez Anderson. Monica Canellis’ birthday is next, on April 26, followed by Stephen Hnatow April 27, Tim Brigham April 28 and birthday twins Nancy Taylor and Steve McEwen on April 29. Finally, Marty Winefield closes out the month with his birthday on April 30.