Here we are: the last issue of 2015. Where has the time gone? I hope all of you had a successful year, because I sure did. After I finish this column, I’m hopping on a private jet to the

As you’ve probably guessed from the title of my column, I know exactly what buyers want: me. Well, they want the perfect agent, and that’s me in a nutshell. Basically, I’m a punctual mind reader who returns calls/texts/emails/whatever within

Obviously, I can’t name my team members, because then you’d know who I am. But I will say that I wouldn’t have been able to buy my island in the Caribbean without the folks that make all the day-to-day

I’ve been begging for an issue like this for years, and finally the big boss ladies listened. Welcome, dear readers, to the international issue! There’s a lot of money out there in the world, and you need to know

My buddies at the CA office stayed up all night to count votes and determine the Agents’ Choice Award winners that you see listed inside this issue. At least, that’s how we did it 10 years ago when I

Will they or won’t they? (Raise interest rates, that is.) For agents everywhere, that is the million-dollar question, but my intel on this one is strictly on a need-to-know basis. Not to brag even more than is socially acceptable,

You’ve probably figured out by now that I’m an old-school type of agent. Lockboxes are against my religion, and nothing gets me more excited than a simple drive around a fancy neighborhood seeking for-sale signs. However, I still drool

When it comes to strategies for a killer open house, I have just one piece of advice: bake some cookies. I bet you didn’t realize it was so easy, but a sweet scent goes a long way. Don’t want

It’s that time of year…again! As we all know, there are two seasons in Chicago: winter and construction. I’ve probably shared that joke with you guys before, but that doesn’t make it any less funny (or true). There are

One of my favorite TV shows is “The Price is Right.” I’m picky when it comes to TV, but I have varied tastes. My faves range from “The Wire” to “The Real Housewives” of any city, and of course

Would you believe me if I told you that I became the successful agent you know and love today all on my own? That’s a valid theory based on my charm and effervescence, but it would also be a

As I’m sure you could easily guess, I always get fabulous reviews. One time, long ago, back in the time before smartphones and Yelp! and so on, someone dared to write a bad review of my service. Luckily, the

I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve made some mistakes in the past. Some of which have to do with the outfits I’ve worn, generally around the mid-80’s. However, I blame the style of the time. I bet you’re

To be on top in this industry, your name needs to be the first thing that pops up when folks search “Chicagoland real estate agent.” I went ahead and did that, and guess what came up in the top

When I was a newbie, my listing presentations were legendary. Some would say I’m the Don Draper of listing presentations, though others might say I’m the Peggy Olson. You get my drift, I was, and always have been, a

Welcome fair readers to my favorite issue of the year, as it speaks to a topic that is ever so close to my heart: luxury! From my 1,800-thread-count Egyptian sheets to my imported coffee from Cuba (embargo shmembargo), I