“We don’t have to be the enemy of the people just because it’s getting more and more expensive to buy a home in the city.”

“Starting a new job right now can’t be easy, but then again nothing is easy right now, so why not?”

“Okay, so maybe right now we’re not doing a lot of open houses, and that makes sense. But eventually, we’re going to be back at it. And when we do hop back into the wonderful world of open houses, are you going to be ready?”

“It’s the little things that get me excited these days, so I’m pumped to see the survey results in the cover story and find out where the industry is headed. Sometimes the truth hurts, and sometimes it makes you laugh.”

“Looks like I came home a little too early from my private island this spring. Now I’m here with the rest of you guys, practicing the fine art of social distancing in this dreary weather.”

“It feels like the 100th time I’ve written a new construction column for this magazine, but this time we’re talking climate change. And with the 60 degree weather in February, it’s safe to say something wonky is going on, even if some don’t want to believe it.”

“Some people were made to fly solo. Surprisingly, Han Solo himself isn’t one of them (he could barely do anything without Chewie).”

“I love that our annual Real Data issue is coming out on President’s Day this year, because I like to think of the top performers in the following pages as the presidents of their territories.”

“This year we’re dealing with new tenant screening rules, licensing policy updates and the legality of wacky tobacky in Illinois. So, what does that mean for you managing brokers?”

“I knew a mortgage broker once who had two giant poodles named Freddie and Fannie. True story. A few years later, he had twins that he named Mac and Mae.”

“Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get back to business. The cover story has some concrete steps for real estate pros to become business owners, while my column has got you covered in the gossipy, know-it-all department. There is no reason you can’t enjoy both.”

It’s time for the experts to sit together and make some guesses about what’s going to happen next year. What we do know is that there will be a presidential election, property taxes will probably go up and someone famous will die.

“As I’m sure is evident, I could totally be a managing broker. But who wants all that work and responsibility? I can hire people to have those ulcers for me, thanks.”

“Everyone has a favorite neighborhood. For me, it depends on whether or not you would consider a private island a neighborhood.”

“As you can probably guess, Agent X is not the best at keeping secrets. Speaking of which, let’s get to the gossip!”

“When I heard this issue was going to be about some mumbo jumbo called iBuyers, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. They’re apparently not a thing in Chicago yet, so you shouldn’t be embarrassed if you don’t know exactly what it means. Still, I checked in with my technology people and they officially laughed in my face.”