Agents' Choice

Announcing the 2023 Chicago Agents’ Choice Awards winners

The 18th annual Agents’ Choice Awards honors the very best of Chicago real estate — according to our readers. With more than 42,000 votes cast across 21 categories, we’re proud to announce this year’s winners.

Industry MVP, City: Jennifer Ames, Engel & Völkers

An industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience and more than $2.2 billion in career sales, Jennifer Ames can confidently manage just about any situation.

Industry MVP, Suburbs: Ginny Stewart, Jameson SIR

Constantly up to speed on industry trends, Ginny Stewart uses her vast network resources to seek buyers for her sellers’ listings and to find the perfect home for her buyers.

Managing Broker of the Year, City: Rick Sobin, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate

During Rick Sobin’s time at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s East Lincoln Park office, it’s become one of the company’s top two grossing offices in Chicagoland.

Managing Broker of the Year, Suburbs: Catherine Leonard, Baird & Warner

At Baird & Warner, Catherine Leonard is thrilled to merge her experience in managing and advertising along with her sales expertise.

Best Team: Dawn McKenna Group, Coldwell Banker Realty

With over $3.5 billion in combined sales, the Dawn McKenna Group is Coldwell Banker Realty’s No. 1 team in Illinois, No. 1 large team in Naples and No. 3 team in the United States.

Lender of the Year: Guaranteed Rate

Guaranteed Rate has won the Chicago Agents’ Choice Award for Lender of the Year for six consecutive years.

Loan Officer of the Year: Brian Jessen, Wintrust Mortgage

with more than 30 years of industry experience, Brian Jessen is a senior lender and senior vice president at Wintrust Mortgage Corporation.

Social Media Influencer of the Year, Lender: Sharri Ptak, Proper Rate

Sharri Ptak provides strategic home financing for all residential mortgages, including conventional, FHA, VA and jumbo loans, and aims to determine the most appropriate course of action for her clients.

Social Media Influencer of the Year, Agent: Chih-Hao Yang, Fulton Grace

His steady insight and marketing monitoring — traits he gained studying business and advertising — make Chih-Hao Yang an expert in the field.

Best Dressed: Diab Zanayed, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago

The Big Easy shaped BHHS Chicago agent Diab Zanayed’s tastes in food, music, architecture, culture and, of course, fashion.

Charitable Service: Elizabeth Lothamer, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate

Outside of work, Elizabeth Lothamer remains highly involved in her community, volunteering and fundraising for various charities, including Humble Design and Habitat for Humanity.

Rookie of the Year, City: Joseph Morris, KW ONEChicago

Currently serving as a buyers’ agent on the JL Homes Team at Keller Williams ONEChicago, Joseph Morris helped 24 families — 20 of which included veterans — find homes in 2022.

Rookie of the Year, Suburbs: Tony Ugaste, COMPASS

After more than a decade of sales experience in other industries, Tony Ugaste made his way to COMPASS, where he is now part of the Kim Alden Team.

Developer of the Year, City: Lendlease + Magellan Development Group LLC

To date, Magellan has developed 33 mostly mixed-use communities encompassing nearly 12,000 residential units, generating over $8 billion in value.

Developer of the Year, Suburbs: KLM Development Group

Over the years, KLM Development Group has built an array of homes throughout Chicagoland, including custom single-family residences, high-rises, mid-rises and townhouses.

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