Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

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Summer 2025 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | July 2, 2025

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format articles. Chicago […]

Q&A with Millie Rosenbloom

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

You’ve had a longstanding career in this industry. How have you gotten to where you are today? Real estate has been in my blood since childhood, watching my parents invest […]

Power & Allyship in Action

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

In a time where social consciousness is reshaping industries, the real estate sector stands at a critical juncture. The concepts of power and allyship are no longer abstract ideals but […]

Identifying & Fostering Talent

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

No matter the endeavor, the success of any team depends on the people. Identifying key talents, fostering your team members’ growth and supporting them in areas where they may struggle […]

Catherine Holbrook-Healy: A Light That Shined So Bright

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

In January, the Chicago real estate community was shaken by the heartbreaking news of the passing of Catherine Holbrook-Healy. A devoted REALTOR®, cherished friend and passionate volunteer with the Chicago […]

Unplug To Recharge

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

BY ALICE WEINERT | Haven & Loft Realty Getting out of town for a vacation can feel like an impossible task. What if a buyer wants to see a property […]

The Future Obama Presidential Center

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

A World-Class Cultural Destination at Home on Chicago’s South Side By The Obama Foundation For generations, the 500-acre historic Jackson Park has been a natural oasis for Chicagoans—a place to […]

Summer 2025: President’s Column

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

After nearly 20 years of showings, closings, negotiations—and enough coffee to fuel a small town—I’ve learned a lot about real estate and people. Some of it came from textbooks and […]

Summer 2025: Editor’s Note

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

As we send this issue off to press, I am en route to Washington, D.C., with 50 fellow Chicago REALTORS® who are ready to advocate for our industry, our clients […]

Summer 2025: From the CEO

By Tori Cannon | July 2, 2025

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® is more than just a network of real estate professionals—we’re a community of passionate, driven people who choose to make a difference. Take Millie Rosenbloom, […]

Winter 2025 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | January 15, 2025

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format articles. Chicago […]

Winter 2025: Editor’s Note

By Staff | January 15, 2025

I love our annual leadership issue, which takes a deep dive into our president, Erika Villegas, and introduces our new Board of Directors. Our volunteers dedicate an extraordinary amount of […]

Staying Sharp In Real Estate: Tools and Tips for Daily Market Mastery

By Staff | January 15, 2025

According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2024 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, REALTORS® remain the most-used information source in the home buying and selling journey. As that […]

Dispute Resolution: A Member Benefit To Save You Time & Money

By Staff | January 15, 2025

As REALTORS®, we are guided professionally by the Code of Ethics, which ensures that we cooperate with one another and work in the best interest of our clients. This sets […]

Introducing 2024-2025 President Erika Villegas

By Staff | January 15, 2025

It’s 2006. An Illinois Predatory Lending Database Pilot Program called House Bill 4050 was signed into law. Long before it passed, many REALTORS® recognized the unintentional negative impacts the bill […]

Meet the 2024-2025 Board of Directors

By Staff | January 15, 2025

WAYNE BEALSEXIT STRATEGY REALTY What’s your favorite place in Chicago and why?There are too many to name, but if I had to pick one, the Garfield Park Conservatory is my […]

Winter 2025: President’s Perspective

By Staff | January 15, 2025

Since the beginning of my career, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to surround myself with industry leaders. For me, it all began in the mid 2000’s when I responded to […]

Winter 2025: From the CEO

By Staff | January 15, 2025

A s real estate professionals, I want you to ponder the question: What kind of legacy do I want to leave? Each day, your work shapes communities, builds foundations for […]

Summer 2024 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | July 31, 2024

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format articles. CAR […]

A Refresher On Agency

By Staff | July 31, 2024

With so many changes in our industry, and new definitions around “working with a buyer”, we wanted to provide a refresher on the different types of agency in Illinois. Illinois […]

Get Inspired: How Chicago REALTORS® Bring Unique Value To The Transaction

By Staff | July 31, 2024

Now, more than ever, identifying and showcasing your value to your clients is important to your continued success and to the work we do to help people achieve the dream […]

4 Steps to Successfully Navigate a Listing from Beginning to End

By Staff | July 31, 2024

The Chicago market has seen a steady decrease in inventory that has gained steam over the last four years, hitting its lowest in December 2023 with just over 4,500 homes […]

An Introduction To Neurodiversity: Connecting With Compassionate Curiosity

By Staff | July 31, 2024

Everyone’s brains work in different ways. This is also known as neurodiversity. Due to our biology, nature, nurture and many other factors, no two people’s minds work exactly alike! To […]

A REALTORS®’s Guide to Working With Contractors

By Staff | July 31, 2024

Imagine, you want to update your bathroom. You find a contractor online who is offering a great deal on the work you want done. They come in, do the job, […]

Fueling Success: Advice From Our Top Producers

By Staff | July 31, 2024

2023 brought challenges as well as new opportunities to our industry. Keep reading to hear from our 2023 top producers for tips on how they’ve grown to new heights, the […]

Your National Advocacy Update: Legislative Meetings, Priorities and More

By Staff | July 31, 2024

In May, over 50 Chicago REALTORS® traveled to Washington, D.C. for the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. These meetings advance the work of NAR – protecting property ownership and […]

Summer 2024: Your Local Legislative & Advocacy Updates

By Staff | July 31, 2024

Local, state and national REALTOR® association advocacy efforts protect your business and private property rights. Over the last year, the power of our advocacy efforts has been evident through the […]

Summer 2024: Editor’s Pick

By Staff | July 31, 2024

This issue of Chicago REALTOR® Magazine is brimming with invaluable insights from our dedicated community of REALTORS®. A heartfelt thank you to all the contributors for sharing their expertise and […]

Summer 2024: From the CEO

By Staff | July 31, 2024

When the world shut down due to COVID-19 in 2020, my world changed in more ways than just one. The day before the shutdown, in between meetings to navigate an […]

Summer 2024: President’s Perspective

By Staff | July 31, 2024

As you know, our industry is experiencing significant adjustments, my early ascension into the role of president being one of them. Amid these shifts, I want to assure you that […]

Winter 2024 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | January 18, 2024

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format […]

Winter 2024: Editor’s Pick

By Staff | January 18, 2024

Another year has begun! I have no doubt that 2024 will call for elevated levels of leadership and peer-to-peer support. For nearly 20 years, I have had a front-row seat […]

Winter 2024: Association News

By Staff | January 18, 2024

Directors Take on Leadership Roles Throughout Chicago Congratulations to Treasurer Lutalo McGee, Ani Real Estate, who was appointed chair of the Rainbow PUSH Housing Steering Committee and as a member […]

A Look At the Year Ahead with Public Policy Coordinating Committee Chair Staci Slattery

By Staff | January 18, 2024

In November, we caught up with the Public Policy Coordinating Committee Chair Staci Slattery, North Clybourn Group, Inc., to discuss what we can expect in the year ahead in government […]

Illinois Is a Top Destination For Foreign Buyers: How to Expand Your Business Globally

By Staff | January 18, 2024

Over the last few years, Illinois has consistently found its way to the top of all US states that attract foreign buyers of real estate. So, what does this mean […]

How to Be A Partner During the Appraisal Process

By Staff | January 18, 2024

Did you know, in 2023, 42% of REALTORS® had a transaction fall through due to an appraisal? According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR’s) Appraisal Survey, this was most […]

Your Key to Thriving in a High Interest Rate Market: Become A Home Finance Resource for Your Clients

By Staff | January 18, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, today’s REALTORS® are navigating a perfect storm of challenges. The scarcity of available properties, transformative impact of workplace migration patterns triggered by the […]

Hall of Fame: Marion Valle, Real Estate Regulator and Leader, Co-Founder of Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation

By Staff | January 18, 2024

When it comes to real estate not only in Illinois, but also throughout the country, there’s one person who has had a significant hand in how we do business: Marion […]

Meet the 2023-2024 Board Of Directors

By Staff | January 18, 2024

RAFAEL ALVARADO, SHIELD REAL ESTATE What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®? We have the opportunity to make a difference for the customers we serve. We help create […]

2024 President Drussy Hernandez

By Staff | January 18, 2024

“Real estate happened to me,” 2024 Chicago Association of REALTORS® President Drussy Hernandez said during her installation at the 140th Inaugural Gala. Even though she inadvertently fell into real estate, […]

Winter 2024: From the CEO

By Staff | January 18, 2024

We are facing challenging times. The value of a REALTOR® is being challenged. However, I’ve seen the value of a REALTOR® first-hand – through meeting and connecting with all of […]

Winter 2024: President’s Perspective

By Staff | January 18, 2024

Not all leadership paths look the same. As the 140th president of the association, I know my journey looks different than those who came before me. In fact, my leadership […]

Summer 2023 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | August 30, 2023

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format […]

Summer 2023: Editor’s Note

By Staff | August 30, 2023

Explore AI With Intention & Creativity! I asked ChatGPT to provide 10 witty headlines about using AI, and it suggested: …They’re working titles. With the booming emergence of ChatGPT in […]

Summer 2023: Association News

By Staff | August 30, 2023

Sustainability Work Group Wins NAR Grant to Support Climate Action Museum The Sustainability Work Group’s funding will help Chicago’s Climate Action Museum (CAM) with the creation of displays geared toward […]

What You Need to Know: Chicago’s New Energy Transformation Code

By Staff | August 30, 2023

Chicago is one of the cities at the forefront of energy conservation in the United States, specifically through the city’s base energy codes. On January 1, 2023, Chicago’s New Energy […]

Over 50 Years of Fighting for Housing Equality

By Staff | August 29, 2023

Chicago REALTOR® Frank Williams Honored With the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Fair Housing Champion Award Past President Frank Williams, F.J. Williams Realty, was honored as one of NAR’s 2023 […]

Everything You Need to Know About Chicago’s Mixed-Use Market

By Staff | August 29, 2023

Pick almost any neighborhood in Chicago, and you will discover varying versions of mixed-use buildings. From small mom-and-pop-type storefronts with apartments on the second level to self-contained vertical communities set […]

Fall Into Chicago with The 77’s Favorite Autumn Activities

By Staff | August 29, 2023

There’s a slight chill in the air. The rich green leaves on trees are beginning to shift to auburn and gold, and Chicago is shining. Fall is right around the […]

Homebuying By Generation: What to Know About Generational Homebuying Trends

By Staff | August 25, 2023

Flashback to 2016—millennials were dominating the homebuying and selling market. Many baby boomers were just starting to think about retirement, and Gen X was starting to hit their homebuying and […]

Embracing the Power of Artificial Intelligence In Real Estate

By Staff | August 25, 2023

A Guide for Forward-Thinking REALTORS® As the real estate industry continues to evolve in the digital age, one powerful tool has emerged to alter how we do business: Artificial Intelligence […]

Open Your Ears: The Importance of Active Listening

By Staff | August 25, 2023

Imagine – you’re conducting a property viewing with a prospective buyer when, while viewing the property, the buyer mentions that they are concerned about the lack of natural light in […]

Commit to Your Safety: 9 Practices to Build Into Your Routine

By Staff | August 25, 2023

Your safety is important. Make a promise to yourself to adopt intentional safety practices and habits into your routine. It’s important that we are knowledgeable, aware and empowered to keep […]

Being a Neighborhood Cheerleader

By Staff | August 23, 2023

How to Be An Active Member of the Communities You Serve From lakefront oases to bustling corridors to quiet, tree-lined streets, all of Chicago’s 77 communities offer pockets of unique […]

Are You Still Advertising Your Services As Free?

By Staff | August 23, 2023

Due to recent lawsuits challenging local broker marketplaces (otherwise referred to as MLS’s) and the cooperative compensation guidelines that MLS participants and subscribers adhere to, the conversation around buyer agent/cooperating […]

Summer 2023: From the CEO

By Staff | August 23, 2023

I grew up on the south side of Chicago, and I have so many childhood memories specifically in Pullman. It was where my Aunt Patty lived, where our family went […]

Summer 2023: President’s Perspective

By Staff | August 23, 2023

What a year! I can’t believe that this time last year I was just beginning my presidency. Over the last year, my cup has been filled with gratitude and kindness. […]

Spring 2023 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | March 30, 2023

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format […]

Spring 2023: Editor’s Pick

By Staff | March 30, 2023

Happy Sales Awards season and congratulations to our top producers! This time of year is always so inspiring to me, because we get to celebrate the collaboration in our industry […]

Spring 2023 Government Affairs Update

By Staff | March 30, 2023

A LOOK AT THE 2023 MUNICIPAL ELECTION This spring is all about the municipal election. At least 16 City Council members are retiring, sparking competitive races for incumbents. Your RPAC […]

Spring 2023: Association News

By Staff | March 30, 2023

Introducing our 2023 Leadership Accelerator Congratulations to the following Chicago REALTORS® who have been chosen for our 2023 Leadership Accelerator class. This program will help attendees prepare for the next […]

Spring 2023: From The CEO

By Staff | March 30, 2023

As REALTORS® and stewards of homeownership, we help communities become neighborhoods. A community becomes a neighborhood through the businesses, schools and—most importantly—the people who call it home. By bringing people […]

Spring 2023: President’s Perspective

By Staff | March 30, 2023

As mortgage rates continue to fluctuate and the real estate market begins to stabilize, it’s important we are prepared advisors for our clients and our communities. Dig into market data! […]

8 Steps To Prepare For Taxes & Reduce Financial Stress

By Staff | March 30, 2023

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 88% of REALTORS® are independent contractors. If you fall into this category, you may have a unique scenario that can lead to struggles […]

Top Producer Tips

By Staff | March 30, 2023

How do you stay motivated during times of uncertainty in our industry? “I set goals. Life is like driving to an appointment or a showing to meet with a client—if […]

5 Best Practices When Showing Units in Managed Buildings

By | February 2, 2023

Showing a property in a managed building, such as a condominium, apartment or co-op, can present unique situations that often don’t exist when showing single-family homes. These situations require different […]

Winter 2023 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | February 2, 2023

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format […]

Meet the 2023 Board of Directors

By | February 2, 2023

RAFAEL ALVARADO, SHIELD REAL ESTATE What is your favorite CAR member perk or benefit, and why?Safety has always been a big concern for me. FOREWARN is one of my favorite […]

Winter 2023: Editor’s Picks

By | February 2, 2023

Hello, 2023!I always find the new year exciting – it’s a time to set new goals, explore new opportunities and position ourselves to have a successful year. In this issue, […]

Winter 2023: President’s Perspective

By | February 2, 2023

Years ago, I attended my first Inaugural Gala, and had my first exposure to this association, thanks to my friend, and past president, Zeke Morris. That event was the jumping […]

Winter 2023: From The CEO

By | February 2, 2023

Just like many of you, we’re focusing on business planning for both the year ahead and the years to come. This year, we’re proud to unveil our new strategic plan […]

Chicago REALTORS® Leading The Way

By | February 2, 2023

Make Social Media Marketing Work For You

By | February 2, 2023

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that digital marketing is imperative for success. In a world where the majority of people are spending time in front […]

Where Comfort Meets Style: Upcoming Kitchen Trends

By | February 2, 2023

If home is where the heart is, the kitchen may be the lifeblood of a house. It’s a place to congregate, cook and converse. According to the Houzz 2022 Kitchen […]

Welcome to Auburn Gresham

By | February 2, 2023

Close your eyes and think about a neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. The first places that come to mind might be Beverly, Douglas or South Shore. But there […]

Building Trust with Clients Using Market Data

By | February 2, 2023

The real estate market is constantly changing, especially over the last few years. As REALTORS®, you’re the trusted advisors for your homebuyers and sellers, so it’s vital that you’re armed […]

Back to Basics: 8 Actionable Business Tips

By | February 2, 2023

BREAKFAST TAKEAWAYS Good Business Habits Stem From A Strong CRM System Treat Follow-Ups As Relationship Building Your Ultimate Goal Is To Create A Positive Experience You Are Not Alone: Lean […]

Winter 2023: Government Affairs Update

By | February 2, 2023

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE 2023 BUDGETS The city of Chicago reviewed a $16.4 billion budget. The budget did not include a property tax increase, although it was considered. Overall, […]

Local Plant Shop and Retail Store Receive Hispanic Small Business Grants

By | February 2, 2023

While many small businesses were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, the five business sectors most affected by COVID-19 generate almost 50% of the revenues of all Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses […]

Introducing 2023 President Sarah Ware

By | February 2, 2023

Growing up, 2023 Chicago Association of REALTORS® president Sarah Ware and her family would gather on Sunday mornings to read the Chicago Tribune. She was always drawn to and intrigued […]

Chicago Realtor Magazine

Autumn 2022 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | October 6, 2022

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format […]

Local Non-Profit & Restaurant Receive Asian American & Pacific Islander Small Business Grants

By Staff | October 6, 2022

While many small businesses were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, 90% of Asian-American owned businesses said they lost revenue in 2020, according to a study by the New York Federal […]

Autumn 2022: Association News

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Past President Frank J. Williams Receives Educator of the Year Award Congratulations to past president & REALTORS® Real Estate School instructor Frank J. Williams, F.J. Williams Realty, recipient of the […]

Brightening Our Neighborhoods: Check Out Our Newest Placemaking Project in Uptown

By Staff | October 6, 2022

As REALTORS®, we provide people with homes and create strong and vibrant communities. Our placemaking efforts enhance this, by enabling us to work with community stakeholders to help build comprehensive […]

Congratulations to the 2022 Leadership Accelerator Class

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Our first Leadership Accelerator class graduated during the 2022 Inaugural Gala in September. Over the last nine months, these REALTORS® participated in monthly modules to discuss and learn about topics […]

Autumn 2022: Government Affairs Update

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Looking Forward to Budgeting Season & the Primary Election The City of Chicago is about to embark upon budget season. While the budget is presented and debated, ordinance discussions and […]

Office Space in Chicago: Where We Were, Where We Are & Where We’re Going

By Staff | October 6, 2022

In 2019, fewer than 6% of Americans worked from home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That all changed in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when about 35% […]

Welcome to Dunning

By Staff | October 6, 2022

If you travel down I-90 and take a hard turn west, you’ll slowly move away from the hustle and bustle; as the city noise begins to dissipate, you’ll find yourself […]

Overcoming Barriers: How Alternative Lines of Credit Can Increase Homeownership Rates in Minority Populations

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Credit scores are a vital part of getting approved for a mortgage. Although a low credit score won’t take a buyer out of the running to receive a loan, no […]

Disability & Housing: A Q&A with Activist Mia Ives-Rublee

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Did you know the most common Fair Housing complaint received by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is for disability discrimination? These complaints make up about 60% of […]

REALTOR® Safety: Insight To Keep You Safe in Dangerous Situations

By Staff | October 6, 2022

On September 25th, 2014, Arkansas REALTOR® Beverly Carter embarked on her last showing of the day at a rural property for a married couple who told her they were planning […]

Share Your Story: How to Launch A Podcast

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Forget about true crime, daily news and celebrity interviews – there’s so much more to the world of podcasting! Podcasts are becoming a place for people to share their expertise […]

Congratulations to the 2022 REALTOR® Award Winners!

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Every year, we honor a group of exemplary real estate professionals with our REALTOR® Awards. Get to know our 2022 winners and their impact on our industry. REALTOR® of the […]

The REALTORS®’ Guide to TikTok

By Staff | October 6, 2022

You don’t have to learn a dance routine to become popular on TikTok. Many people (businesses, too!) are using the platform to reach new audiences and share their expertise. We […]

Chicago Realtor Magazine

2022 Chicago Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame Inductee: Leon I. Walker

By Staff | October 6, 2022

A born and raised Chicago South Sider, Leon Walker saw the opportunity there from a young age, and he saw the impact of residents and commercial businesses leaving. After attending […]

Autumn 2022: Editor’s Picks

By Staff | October 6, 2022

The Conversation Continues: How Are We Being Inclusive? This June marked a first for us — we hosted the Chicago REALTORS® 360° Summit: Leading With Diversity, Equity & Inclusion event. […]

Autumn 2022: From the CEO

By Staff | October 6, 2022

Success in real estate hinges on the relationships made between a REALTOR® and client. As we all know, relationships are reciprocal, and communication is vital. As important as it is […]

Autumn 2022: President’s Perspective

By Staff | October 6, 2022

A year ago, I gave my first address as president during the 138th Inaugural Gala. I focused on firsts, and how firsts can lead to forevers. Since then, you’ve likely […]

Summer 2022 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

By Staff | July 5, 2022

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice. You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format […]

Summer 2022: President’s Perspective

By Staff | July 5, 2022

In May, many of our volunteer leaders attended the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in National Harbor, Md., just outside Washington, D.C. May is also advocacy month, and that’s […]