THE MORTGAGE ISSUE By K.K. Snyder It’s a whole new world out there in many sectors in 2009, including that of the mortgage industry and the outlook for the coming year. Still feeling the ripple effects of last year’s

A new year means a fresh start, and 2009 is filled with tons of potential for many in the real estate industry. Take advantage of what the New Year has to offer with business planning and a positive attitude.

Welcome to Chicago Agent magazine’s third annual full-color Who’s Who issue. We’re pleased to present you with 55 of this year’s most powerful industry members, all together in one magazine. Inside this issue you’ll find marketers, lawyers, lenders, developers,

Match the celebrity to the neighborhood from which they hail. 1. Bill Murray 2. John Cusack 3. Rock Hudson 4. Ernest Hemingway 5. Ray Bradbury 6. Hilary Rodham Clinton 7. Red Grange 8. Dwayne Wade 9. Anthony Rapp 10.

With over 200 neighborhoods in Chicago, and more continuing to pop up, it’s difficult to keep up to date with what’s out there. Add in the tons of suburbs in the area, each with their own unique flare, and

The luxury market has endured throughout the recession, as buyers will never lose their tastes for high-end finishes and beautiful homes in premium locations. But while it survived, the market was not unchanged by the difficult economy. Agents in

by Chris Knapp What defines the “best” deal? This year has been identified as the year of continued change in the real estate and mortgage industries. Defining the “best” deal is no exception to this change. In the recent

The recession has made bargain hunting trendy, as well as necessary, for most consumers. In the real estate business, finding a great deal is a must to keep your clients happy and your business booming. Although the definition of

While some agents are concentrating on finding buyers in general, others are focusing on a special niche that could bring in more business, and at a higher price point: second homes. Focusing on selling second homes might take a

By Chris Haran “It’s finally here!” was a recent proclamation from @cbtweet, the Twitter handle for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. The “it” in question was the company’s new mobile-ready site created for on-the-go smart phone users. But it also

Your Digital Business Card In an age where an agent’s friend request can turn into a client and a Tweet can promote a property, social networking is taking over the real estate market. Though social networking exists in the

The 2010 Spring Collection Welcome to Chicago Agent’s Spring New Construction Issue. This season’s listings include tons of single-family homes, condominiums, rowhomes, duplexes, second homes, townhomes and almost anything else your clients can imagine. View more in our 2010

What is the best part about being a Realtor? Dympna Fay-Hart: The best part about being a Realtor is that each day is different, and brings with it many different people. I also enjoy the flexibility of hours. Alice

While the industry has experienced some difficulty during the recession, agents should remember real estate remains filled with rewarding experiences, fast-paced lifestyles and close relationships. By Meghan

By Dione Spiteri 1. Understand Guidelines Lenders and banks are the only authorized parties to order appraisals, either directly from appraisers or through appraisal management companies. Appraisers are required by lenders and AMC’s to provide at least two closed

With so many questions swirling around the industry today in regards to the ever-changing mortgage landscape, we decided to hand the keyboard over to Chicago Agent readers. In our cover story, 10 different agents posed a question to their