They say that every vote counts, and this year’s Chicago Agents’ Choice Awards — our 20th annual contest — was no exception to the rule. Out of almost 40,000 votes cast over two weeks, several categories were each decided by just a handful of votes.

As this annual contest matures and gains more attention, the number of nominees seeking to win has grown alongside it. In 21 categories this year, we had an unprecedented 295 candidates, and the campaigns you’ve waged to win the top spots in your respective categories are increasingly sophisticated and creative.

Video promotions have surged, and your reels, Tiktoks, etc., have provided an entertaining peek at the people who are running. And a couple winners — Managing Broker of the Year for the City, Callie Simon, and Social Media Influencer of the Year among lenders, Will Madden — even promised to throw happy hours if they won. So, cheers to you and to all nominees and those who took the time to vote.

Also in this edition, we have our quarterly Real Data rankings, which lay out which Chicagoland agents and offices had the best third quarter. Newly inaugurated Chicago Association of REALTORS® President Lutalo McGee shares what he hopes to accomplish in his year at the helm of the 142-year-old organization, and John Potter, a partner at Morgan Wilson Architects, lays out the mutual benefits for agents and architects when they work together.