Real estate news is all about the numbers. That’s what we cover every day at Chicago Agent: fluctuating interest rates, rising prices, homeownership rate rebounds, builder confidence levels and, of course, pesky inventory … I’ve looked at these trends so closely throughout my meaningful tenure at this magazine.

But once a year, we turn that granular focus onto you, our readers, with the Truth About Agents. This special annual edition takes the perspectives of hundreds of local agents into account to provide a picture of the state of the industry. Sometimes that picture isn’t so clear.

Last year around this time, the National Association of REALTORS® settlement dominated conversations about selling real estate. This year, it’s debate over Clear Cooperation and anxieties over how tariffs might affect inventory. But it’s important to keep in mind that, through it all, the agents are working. They’re out there — connecting with clients, experimenting with new tech, launching teams, transferring between brokerages and, above all, expanding business. Especially in Chicagoland.

That’s the Truth About Agents. That’s what’s reflected in the detailed graphs, statistics and comments that accompany this year’s survey results. I hope you find it as fascinating as I do.

Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll find a piece by Heartland REALTOR® Organization CEO Jim Haisler about potential non-Realtor access to the MLS — another hot topic — as well as advice from Top Coach Amy Corr about how to communicate effectively with clients. And, as always, so much more.