I’m not gonna lie, my crystal ball is a little fuzzy after many (many) holiday parties. But the market outlook is a January tradition. I like to think of it as “future gossip.” What’s in store for real estate? What crazy surprises will the year bring? And which agents will be hosting the hottest parties? (That last question is for me to know and you to find out.)
I can tell you December was stacked. Things started out wholesome on Dec. 6 at Oswego’s annual Christmas Walk; agents from john greene Realtor took part in the parade and village tree lighting. After that, the party really got started … and basically never ended.
The Women’s Council of Realtors Chicago installed its 2025 Governing Board on Dec. 11 at Dearly Beloved Chicago, a very cool cocktail bar, if I do say so myself. (Have you tried their caviar cigars?!) The next day, Dec. 12, was really wild. Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty held a cute and cozy shindig at Monarch & Lion while Compass agents gathered at House of Blues for a massive holiday gathering. I showed face and boogied near the stage but had to jet to make it to Fulton Grace’s casino night at Sarabande Chicago. I was feeling lucky. Then, on the 15th, Dennis Huyck’s group took over Fatpour Tap Works, and Santa himself made an appearance.
The most glamorous party, though, was Sheena Baker’s Winter Wonderland experience at Society 57. Clients past and present and colleagues all turned out to the event, which featured signature cocktails, a packed dance floor and some fabulous fashion moments. If you’ve never been to a Sheena party, let me tell you, you’re missing out.
These are memories I carry with me into the new year: watching all you lovely agents have a few too many and lose your minds singing along to DJs. We work hard, and, off the clock, we go hard, and that’s what I love about this industry. On that unusually sentimental note, let’s get into the January birthdays!
On Jan. 3, we have Ted Guarnero, followed by Kelly Price on Jan. 5 and Marc Churchill on Jan. 7. There’s a brief respite before b-day triplets Gary Ouellette, JD Cortese and Jennifer Peterson, all on Jan. 12, then Kevin Rocio on Jan. 13 and, on Jan. 14, b-day triplets: Alex Zupancic, Jeff Baker and Vince Milito! The very next day, on Jan. 15, it’s George Schultz’s turn to celebrate, followed by Donna Griffin on Jan. 16. A few days later, on Jan. 20, Kevin Van Eck turns a year older, followed by — again! — more b-day triplets: Danny Lewis, Lissa Weinstein and Mike Golden, all on Jan. 21. Christine Lutz’s birthday is Jan. 23, followed by Mike Opyd on Jan. 24. On Jan. 26, we celebrate Anthony Marinaccio and Jon Millikin. Finishing out the month strong are Patrick Bergner and Eileen Crosson on Jan. 28; the legend herself, Sheena Baker, on Jan. 29; and both Wayne Paprocki and Margie Smigel on Jan. 30. Let’s include a few February babies, too — why not! Craig Achtzehn kicks off the month on Feb. 2, followed by a whole bunch of b-day twins: Sara Bonert and Amy Settich Strauss on Feb. 4, Lane Sears and Kay Varga on Feb. 5 and Marlene Rubenstein and Katy Thomas on Feb. 6. Happy birthday to all!