Some might think that during a difficult market it’s harder to be a top producer, but actually, the opposite can be true. Recently, a lender told me that last month he had the best numbers he’d seen in five

When the market is slow and houses aren’t flying off the “shelves,” agents often forget that real estate can actually be fun. In fact, when times are tough, many don’t take the time to stop and think about the

Before I address the mortgage industry, I’d like to point out Chicago Agent’s brand new design. Take a second to flip to the front cover and really look at what our art director Kevin has done to give CA

As usual, last year flew by at lightning speeds. I remember pinning my brand new 2009 calendar on the wall as if it were yesterday, only to toss it in the trash to make room for 2010. Time continues

Here we are at the official end of 2009, and this has been a doozy of a year. This is the last issue of Chicago Agent for 2009, and we’ve covered the ups and downs of the industry every

Aside from the fact that I work for a great publication and I get to write and edit interesting stories every day, there are many additional reasons I like where I work. First of all, I work with great

For me, ethnicity is not necessarily something you can spot from afar, but rather something else that follows me at all times: my name. If you were to see me on the street, you might think I’m Irish, thanks

There is nothing better than being recognized for a job well done. In times like these, it is more important than ever to highlight those in the industry that are working hard and making things happen. 

Somehow, I turned

Every year when the Chicago Agent staff puts their heads together to come up with an editorial calendar, we purposefully keep a few spots open as our “To Be Determined” issues. As the leaves change colors and the warm

I often joke that as an editor, my job is to simply “play with words.” While for many writers and editors this is the only thing their job entails, for me it is just the start. 

I have a

A strange and mysterious breed, the first-time homebuyer can be your favorite client or your worst nightmare. The same thing can be true when dealing with first-timers in any industry. These bright-eyed, bushy tailed newbies are going to be

Somehow, summer disappeared right out from under my nose. Perhaps it was the fact that the weather barely got warm enough to warrant an actual summer, or maybe time flies when you’re having fun. Regardless, Labor Day has passed,

I have a friend that is looking to buy her first home, and she asked me to join in on a day of visiting open houses. I knew this issue was coming up, and I just love to see

Here we are at my second Green issue since being with CA, and like last year, the response has been amazing. It’s refreshing to see how excited this industry becomes when hearing the mention of all things sustainable. 

Though

One of the best things about real estate is that there are hundreds of ways for Realtors to market their products and themselves. Marketing can be as simple as wearing a pin emblazoned with your company name everywhere you

After having two sunny days in a row without rain, it’s time to officially dust off the tank tops, dig out that swimsuit and remind your clients why they need a second home. 

Summers in Chicago are unmatched by