Mortgage crisis. Credit crunch. Predatory lending. Foreclosure. Subprime fallout. Even those who are unfamiliar with the real estate and lending industries are tossing around this terminology these days. The media continually reports failed subprime lending practices that, for many

In Chicagoland, every agent strives to be a top producer. But in this ultra-competitive market, few can boast yearly sales of more than $30 million. Rising to those ranks takes perseverance, integrity and an ability to “work smarter.” Keep

In Chicagoland, every agent strives to be a top producer. But in this ultra-competitive market, few can boast yearly sales of more than $30 million. Rising to those ranks takes perseverance, integrity and an ability to “work smarter.” Keep

News reports of real estate agents being attacked while showing a property or hosting an open house alone and the availability of virtual tours and photo galleries online may have impacted the frequency and purpose of the traditional open

News reports of real estate agents being attacked while showing a property or hosting an open house alone and the availability of virtual tours and photo galleries online may have impacted the frequency and purpose of the traditional open

Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to development companies. The competition among Chicagoland boutique development firms is increasing, forcing developers to think even further outside the box to maintain the level of production – and industry status

Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to development companies. The competition among Chicagoland boutique development firms is increasing, forcing developers to think even further outside the box to maintain the level of production – and industry status

After several years of lax income documentation and fringe product debacles, the mortgage industry is putting its foot down when it comes to strengthening requirements for lending. Add to that a static interest rate, and 2007 will likely see

After several years of lax income documentation and fringe product debacles, the mortgage industry is putting its foot down when it comes to strengthening requirements for lending. Add to that a static interest rate, and 2007 will likely see

Real estate has traditionally been viewed as the best example of a cyclical market, as buying activity routinely crescendos, turns suddenly and then falls off, causing prices to drop. Then, the cycle begins again. This cycle is easily correlated

Real estate has traditionally been viewed as the best example of a cyclical market, as buying activity routinely crescendos, turns suddenly and then falls off, causing prices to drop. Then, the cycle begins again. This cycle is easily correlated

Chicago Agent has tapped into 20 of the most popular, productive and downright fun places to work in Chicagoland. Each real estate office has a personality and functions under the guidance of a movin’ and shakin’ managing broker who,

 The readers have spoken, and the results are in for our first-ever Agents’ Choice Awards survey. What does it mean to be the best? Is it totally subjective? Or can one person or company truly earn the right to be

By K.K. Snyder Still recovering from the turmoil that rattled the 51,000-member Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois Inc. (MLSNI) in 2004, which prompted the firing of then CEO Jay Huffman, the organization now finds its membership again divided

By K.K. Snyder Do you know how to drive your clients to finalizing the sophisticated sale? While you may be a fine salesperson, attending to every detail, you must have the ability to read and analyze your clients in

Welcome to Chicago Agent’s Third Annual “What Drives Realtors” issue. While being a Realtor is supposed to be all about houses, many agents will tell you that it’s also about cars. Serving the equally important functions of mode of