“The bar must be constantly raised, and that begins with setting client expectations and stressing the value of the partnership between the agent and the client.”

“From the perspective of agents, brokerages and venture capitalist firms alike, our cover story discusses which tools agents should use on a day-to-day basis, as well as how tech companies decide to leverage investments.”

“Creating new housing has become more expensive over the past few decades, with costs for land, labor, materials and regulatory compliance continually rising.”

While this year has been unlike any other in recent memory, it underscores that fact that those who succeed in real estate tend to be the people who find a way to thrive no matter what the market is like. The best in the industry know how to adapt and meet the challenges ahead.

“If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t really predict the near-term future with certitude.”

“When you’re investing in something you love, it’s like you’re investing in yourself.”

From customer relationship management to transaction tracking to marketing campaigns, there are many tasks real estate professionals need to undertake, and the tools that have been built to tackle them don’t always work for every agent, or even every brokerage.

“Chicago is my home, and I plan to be here to help it rebuild. Thankfully, the real estate industry can be part of the path back to economic stability, and it can also help start important conversations about equity in homeownership and representation in our city.”

What have we learned, and how are we going to use that knowledge to improve our industry, our neighborhoods and our region?

“If you’re looking to be part of that unforgettable experience — with the added benefit of being less forgettable when it comes time to sell — this issue is for you.”