What does it take to become a managing broker? We check in with three agents who recently made the transition from independent contractor to manager to learn what surprised them, the lessons they’ve learned along the way and the skills that have been most vital to their success so far.

One of the big questions that managing brokers need to answer is whether or not they will continue to work actively with buyers and sellers after they’ve joined the management team. We talked to two leaders on opposite sides of the issue to get their points of view.

From a leadership standpoint, it doesn’t do any good to project perfection. That’s why Ben Creamer, principal and managing broker at Downtown Apartment Company/Downtown Realty Company, is sure to point out his own past mistakes to help agents avoid them.

Making the jump from agent to managing broker might be more difficult than you think. Can you go from being an independent contractor to having everyone depend on you? Is your success as a broker repeatable for an entire brokerage? Learn from those who have made it work.

Midwest Real Estate Data added voice assistant capabilities to their MLS offerings and Compass purchased Detectica, a New York-based startup focused on artificial intelligence.

Some builders are saying “OK, boomer: What do you want in a house?” Here are some of the top amenities this demographic may be searching for.

Three is a lucky number for Noah Levy, a broker in Coldwell Banker’s Winnetka office. That’s the number of times she’s sold the same exact home in Highland Park.

Despite icy roads and frigid temperatures, tons of buyers still purchase homes in the colder months. Here’s how you can take advantage of the slow season to boost your business.

Don’t get caught “running naked through the woods.”

New laws, shifts in tax assessments and possible methods for filling government shortfalls are all situations brokers should be watching in the coming months.

It’s time to start thinking about your goals for 2020. Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you set your course for the next year.

Late last month, Illinois-based school Real Estate Institute announced it would be launching an affiliate relationship with AgentEDU, a division of Agent Publishing, which produces Chicago Agent magazine.

While the association has moved to institute new rules around what to do about off-MLS listings, there are some who say it restricts trade and others who feel it doesn’t go far enough to force brokers to share listing data.

Looking at the Trib’s Top Workplaces 2019 list, it’s clear many in the Chicagoland real estate community are happy with their brokerages.

Whether you’re looking to build up your business to weather a changing market or get ready to retire, here are some simple ways to structure your career and tax situation for future success.

While iBuyers aren’t an active presence in Chicago yet, brokers need to understand the competition and consider its potential impact on the local market. Does the average agent really need to fear the impact of iBuyers on their business or can they find a way to take advantage of new sales tools to get more deals done?