In need of inspiration and a fresh outlook for the coming year? Discover what it takes to reach and maintain top-producer status directly from the source: top-producing brokers in the city and suburbs.

Chicago Agent asked some of Chicagoland’s top producers for their advice to other agents seeking to reach that status.

Four real estate titans — Kamini Rangappan Lane of Coldwell Banker Realty; Amy Lessinger of RE/MAX; Mike Miedler of Century 21; and Robert Reffkin of Compass — share their insights on the year ahead.

NAR signaled its intent to continue its Clear Cooperation policy, but the debate over the issue has not subsided. Brokerage leaders weigh in.

2024 was a wild ride for real estate. These were the most-read cover stories from Chicago Agent’s last 12 issues.

Artificial intelligence plays an ever-increasing role in modern business, and real estate is no exception. Hear from Chicagoland experts.

We tested three AI tools commonly used by real estate agents: ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini.

New construction in Chicagoland is not booming or barren. It’s somewhere in the middle.

The Lake Shore Drive conversion project from Crescent Heights has something else besides location working in its favor: Timing.

Agents in these second-home markets popular with Chicagoland residents are selling a lifestyle. Here’s how they do it.

The second-home market remains strong in the Lake Geneva area, where Richard Honquest lives. The Preferred Rate VP explains that local knowledge is essential in helping clients secure a mortgage.

Mentoring agents requires a tailored approach for each individual. One-size-fits-all does not apply. Here’s how three Chicagoland real estate mentors are stepping up.

Behind every home sold is a connected network of agents, lenders, inspectors, attorneys and other professionals ensuring that the transaction goes as smoothly as possible — or working together toward a solution when there are snags.

Even the closest business partners have occasional disputes. So how does Riverwalk Partners, a large team of 27 equal partners, avoid constant drama and disagreement?

Staying top of mind in real estate requires a regular presence on social media and a little strategy: Know where your audience is and give them the information they want.

You don’t need to be an influencer. However, every working agent should manage some type of social media presence, if only to demonstrate you’re still in business.