I think you’ll find our contributors’ views of the market to be both realistic and optimistic. I think we’ll all be better off if we take that approach.

If you look at the quarterly data, like I do, you’ll see some of the same names consistently delivering top results. How do these top producers maintain their success? We sought their expertise in this month’s issue.

“It’s 2025 — time for a fresh start, a renewed focus and fresh optimism about the possibilities for the coming year,” writes Managing Editor Patrick Regan.

“How did 2024 go? Did I accomplish all my goals this year? It’s also a time to reset and re-energize for what’s ahead.”

“With tens of thousands of votes cast, it’s always fun to see which impressive candidates emerge as finalists and winners in each category.”

AI is an incredible tool to improve efficiency, but it won’t work effectively without a human being to guide it.

That white-hot new-construction market of the mid-2000s is not today’s reality.

If I were in the market to buy a second home, an agent with on-the-ground experience and knowledge would be essential.

In a way, the cover story in this issue of Chicago Agent magazine has been more than a decade in the making.

“Learning new tech often comes with trial, error and mishaps,” writes Managing Editor Patrick Regan, reflecting on our latest tech issue.

While the settlement is top of mind, the market keeps moving, and this month we take a closer look at the luxury segment, specifically how agents can climb into the luxury category.

Chicago Agent will share the facts as we know them; we don’t and won’t traffic in fear and worry.

How a loan officer saved my home transaction.

“If and when the industry does take a positive turn, some of the people in the best position to take advantage of it are listed in the pages of this magazine,” writes Managing Editor Patrick Regan.

The real estate industry needed a jolt of optimism, and it got it in December when the Fed implied there would be as many as three rate cuts in the next 12 months. That’s a nice way to start 2024.

“While much of this issue is about looking ahead, be sure to take some time this month to relax, connect with family and reflect,” writes Managing Editor Patrick Regan.