It seems most of Chicago Agent’s readers have high hopes for next year, but with their results from this year on the incline, who’s to be skeptical? In 2011, 43 percent of agents surveyed had increased sales, and in

According to Chicago Agent readers, the top quality agents look for in a brokerage is a supportive managing broker – and similarly, a lack of support makes the majority of agents want to leave a brokerage. Thirty-eight percent of

Realtors can count on referrals for more than just clients, according to our readers – 39 percent were referred to the most important contact in their “little black books.” Thirty-seven percent of agents did business with their most important

Agents understand the use of technology and how it affects their business today – 46 percent of agents use an app daily to help them in their business in some way. However, 24 percent of agents never use apps

Are agents actively involved in online agent rating systems? According to Chicago Agent’s recent survey, only 17 percent of agents participate in these types of rating systems – 83 percent do not. Of these agents, 80 percent say they

Modern beats vintage when it comes to the type of architecture buyers are looking for. According to a Chicago Agent survey, 69 percent of agents’ clients prefer modern homes to 31 percent who prefer vintage homes. This may be

Although more than half of Chicago Agent readers believe the green movement is still relevant in this economy (57 percent), only 15 percent of agents have had buyers request green features or green properties. In addition, it appears the

The second home market might not be at its strongest currently, however, 43 percent of Chicago Agent readers have clients looking for a second home – a rather large number for this time of year. Fifty-four percent of readers

According to our survey, not too many Chicago Agent readers are unhappy with the way issues are dealt with in their brokerage – only 5 percent are unsatisfied, while 39 percent are very satisfied. More than half of readers are very satisfied with their managing broker and consider the managing broker to be an important deciding factor when making the switch to a different brokerage.

What’s really going on in the real estate industry? What are the hot-button topics today? And, most importantly, what’s really true about agents? Make your voice heard by taking our Truth About Agents survey.

While there are several big issues in the industry, it’s clear that short sales and foreclosures top most agents’ lists as the biggest pains in real estate today. Dealing with unprofessional and uncooperative agents follows as a close second.

Luxury might still be in demand, but at what price? Only 3 percent of agents surveyed have sold a home for more than $5 million. The majority of agents surveyed — 38 percent — said that the most expensive

Getting cut out of a commission isn’t fair, but according to our cover story’s sidebar, Keeping it Legal, it can happen. Has anything like this ever happened to you? Vote and comment

With all the inventory available on the market, where does new construction fit in, and is it in demand? According to readers, there are buyers out there who do want new construction — just not as many as in

An overwhelming percentage of readers think ethics violations should have stricter punishments, although only 40 percent of agents have encountered someone trying to do one of the most unethical things an agent can do: someone stealing their listing.