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 most-used resource, it’s important to remain knowledgeable for your clients.
Much like how you keep up with the industry and our 77 communities through industry publications, news subscriptions and social media, opportunities to absorb valuable information that help YOU stay informed are everywhere.
Staying on top of real estate trends, news items, training and more is an important facet of growing your value proposition as a real estate professional. As a Chicago Association of REALTORS® member, utilize these (free or discounted) tools and resources to keep your knowledge sharp and get tips on how to incorporate them into your day-to-day routine.
As you read this article, pay special attention to the “How to” sections! Use this framework to structure a routine that will help your business grow.
Industry Reports: Learn to Love the Data
FastStats & InfoSparks
Monitor local market conditions and buying and selling trends through these market statistics tools, which are free for you as a Chicago REALTOR®. FastStats and InfoSparks provide access to the latest relevant market statistics, enhanced with powerful visualization features to help you paint a picture of the market. Visit ChicagoREALTOR.com/statistics to access these tools.
Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae
Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae’s research reports provide a national analysis of housing trends, the economy and the mortgage market. Visit their websites to read their reports for free.
NAR Research Reports
Whether you’re looking for insights on homebuyers and sellers, specific market topics like sustainability or international investing trends or appraisal insights, NAR has reports to help you improve your business. These reports are an NAR member benefit—check out the full report library at nar.realtor/reports.
How to Implement It into Your Routine!
When you prepare for a consultation or a new client meeting, find out the neighborhoods and any special home features your client may be looking for. Then, use these reports to provide insights into those specific market areas. You’ll make a strong impression!
Community Resources: Get Strategically Local
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce bring professionals and businesses together within a centralized, local area. Get involved with a local Chamber to receive insights about the neighborhoods you work in, build relationships outside of the real estate community and learn about new business opportunities. Find a Chamber of Commerce near you at uschamber.com and select their Chamber Finder.
Block Clubs
Block clubs provide a place where community members can meet one another, share what’s going on in the neighborhood and provide action for common issues. Look up your local area to see if there’s a block club you can get involved in; use this valuable connection to hear about issues in the community directly from those in it. Determine the ward you are in within the city and visit its website to find a block club or neighborhood association near you.
How to Implement It Into Your Routine!
If you’re new to real estate, this is a great place to start building a sphere of influence. Start by getting involved in the community groups within your neighborhood, then expand out to the neighborhoods you frequently work in. Pick one place to get involved. When are they next meeting? Plan to be there.
Free Events: Network & Stay Informed
The Chicago REALTORS® Market Outlook
This event is hosted in the first few weeks of the new year; look out for the 2025 event on February 3, 2025. Get forecasts directly from experienced real estate economists who will focus on the local and national markets. Then, stick around to celebrate the beginning of the year by networking with old friends and making new connections.
Chicago REALTORS® Open Houses
These are hosted in our downtown office three times a year! Connect with the resources and people available to you as a Chicago REALTOR®; there is a whole community of peers to help you along your professional journey. Learn about our committees, business tools and more.
D77 Community Meetups
Network with your Chicago REALTOR® peers in a relaxed atmosphere while also discovering and supporting small businesses in neighborhoods across Chicago.
How to Implement It Into Your Routine!
Set a goal to attend three events throughout the year – with at least one focused on education and one focused on networking. Visit ChicagoREALTOR.com/events for a regularly updated calendar. Also, check your inboxes every Monday morning for a newsletter with the most upcoming industry events.
Committee Involvement: Peer-to-Peer Relationships Matter
Special Interest Groups
Navigating the real estate industry can feel isolating at times. Depending on what matters most to you, find like-minded peers in our CommercialForum Committee, “The 77” Diversity Committee, Global Real Estate Council, Property Management Forum, Sustainability Work Group and Young Professionals Network.
Industry Partners
We know we’re stronger together, so we partner with the local chapters of other real estate associations to enhance opportunities for professional development, networking and advocacy efforts. Find an organization to join at ChicagoREALTOR.com/IndustryPartners.
How to Implement It Into Your Routine!
Many of the above host complimentary events throughout the year. Identify and attend two events to learn more about how these groups and organizations can support you.
Education: Invest In Your Knowledge
Skill Builders
These online classes dive into important industry topics and specialized areas to strengthen your knowledge and skills! Each one focuses on property management basics, lead generation and CRM management, to name just a few. Did we mention they’re FREE for members through September 2025?
Designations & Certifications
Through industry-recognized designations and certifications, you’ll gain foundational training and connect with other designees surrounding niche skill sets. If you’re new, start with the ABR and SRS Designations.
How to Implement It Into Your Routine!
Commit to taking one course this year on a topic you’d like to gain further expertise in. You are your business’s greatest asset. Find the aforementioned training and upcoming local classes through our real estate school at ChicagoREALTOR.com/Education. Invest in yourself!