Marie Schutt is the managing editor of Chicago Agent

Real estate agents have a lot of data to stay on top of. National market trends, labor statistics, new construction, home prices and crime statistics are only the tip of the iceberg – agents also have a vast amount of local knowledge that comes from years of experience living and working in their areas.

In our Market Handbook issue, we’ve compiled the most relevant and recent data on local market trends in the city and suburbs and spoken with agents working all over Chicagoland for their impressions of what’s happening in their areas. Where are the best schools? Which Chicagoland cities are safest? Which suburb is selling homes the fastest?

What does the market look like in your neck of the woods? Send all comments and questions to marie@agentpublishing.com.