Chicago REALTORS® Blog & News

Welcome to the Chicago Association of REALTORS® blog and news hub. Explore magazine articles, industry updates and more. You can filter by category or tag based on your interests.

Maximizing Your MLS Listings: Insider Tips for Better Visibility & Results

As a veteran trainer and a working broker in today’s real estate market, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-crafted MLS listing can either elevate your professional brand or quietly destroy trust with clients and colleagues. Our MLS is a powerful marketing tool, a compliance safeguard and a reflection of your credibility. If you’re listing properties, […]

Hall of Fame Inductee Marki Lemons Ryhal: Innovating Real Estate, Inspiring Legacies & Investing in People

Entrepreneurship runs in Marki Lemons Ryhal’s blood. Her family has long shaped Chicago’s business landscape, from Lem’s Bar-B-Q to a newspaper stand in Washington Park. By the age of 10, she was already working in these businesses, gaining hands-on lessons in what it takes to run a business. That early foundation set the stage for […]

Introducing 2025-2026 President Lutalo McGee, Ani Real Estate

Vision. Purpose. Community. These qualities are at the core of everything Lutalo McGee builds. As the 2025–2026 President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, the Ani Real Estate founder is ready to lead with the same drive that has defined his career. McGee’s journey has not always followed a direct path, but each step has […]

How REALTOR® Volunteers Shape the Real Estate Industry at Every Level (And You Can Too!)

Every time a new form or contract is published, a dedicated committee of members is behind that form. The same is true across association initiatives and benefits; every course we create is reviewed and tested by members. Every new business perk we launch is assessed and peer-reviewed by members. Hundreds of your fellow REALTORS® dedicate […]

The Real Estate Cybersecurity Playbook: How to Protect Yourself & Your Clients

Our ability to work, travel, relax and even find human connection often relies in some way on technology. Technology gives us unparalleled access to information and convenience, but it also opens the door to countless threats. To stay secure, we must proactively educate ourselves and take protective measures. REALTORS® occupy an important role as stewards […]

How Storytelling Builds Trust and Closes Deals

In a business where trust is everything, storytelling has become one of the most powerful tools for REALTORS®. Clients have always wanted more than facts; they want to feel a connection. In realestate, that often comes through the stories we share. The REALTORS® making an impact in Chicago’s competitive market are the ones who move […]

Micro-Housing, Major Opportunity

As Chicago continues to grapple with affordability, inventory constraints and growing demand for flexible living options, one trend is quietly transforming the city’s housing landscape: micro-housing. These compact, highly efficient units offer a unique value proposition for a range of urban dwellers and an emerging opportunity for REALTORS® ready to meet changing buyer and renter […]

Winter 2026: Association News

Global Real Estate Council & YPN Shine at NAR NXT At the NAR NXT conference in November, two of our committees took center stage with standout achievements. During the International Reception and Awards Ceremony, the Global Real Estate Councilcelebrated its Diamond status recertification. Then, at the NAR Young Professional Network reception, our YPN Advisory Board […]

Introducing The 2026 Leadership Accelerator Class

Congratulations to the following Chicago REALTORS® who have been chosen for our Leadership Accelerator class. This program will help attendees prepare for the next steps in their leadership journey in their careers and the association. Attendees strengthen their leadership skills, learn from REALTOR® leaders, develop relationships with peers and participate in monthly activities focusing on executive […]

New 2026 Residential Lease & Security Deposit Interest Rates Now Available

The 2026 Chicago Residential Lease is now available on our Forms & Contracts webpage. Changes to this year’s lease include: The Chicago Residential Lease is an excellent member benefit for all Chicago REALTORS® and their landlords.  This lease is vetted each year by practitioners and attorneys to ensure compliance with Chicago ordinance.  It is well recognized […]

6 Ways You Can Maximize Your Membership in 2026

Thank you for being a Chicago REALTOR®! Your membership provides you with tools created for REALTOR® success, by REALTORS®. As your local association, we provide a wide variety of business-boosting benefits to help you succeed in the real estate industry. We’re spotlighting six ways you can maximize your membership this year. Use the real estate market […]

NEW: Updates To 2025 Sales Awards Recognition for Teams

The 2025 Sales Awards is coming up! Save the date for April 2, 2026 event; ticket sales will open in the new year. As we get ready to celebrate, here’s what you need to know to verify your transaction data to be eligible for recognition. A friendly reminder that the verify your data deadline for […]