Chicago Agent Magazine

08/19/2025

What you need to know about earning the RENE Certification with Ginny Shipe, CEO of the REBI - Real Estate Business Institute.

For Realtors looking to sharpen their communication skills and elevate their client service, earning the Real Estate Negotiation Expert certification is a smart move — and it’s more accessible than you might think. Recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® as the premier credential in negotiation training, RENE equips agents with the tools they need to advocate effectively, build trust and stand out in a competitive marketplace.

💼 Want to become a stronger negotiator, close deals faster, and win more business? Tap the link to read more:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/04/rene-certification/

Earning the Real Estate Negotiation Expert certification is a smart move for Realtors — and it’s more accessible than you might think.

08/18/2025

Nestled in the heart of Cherokee County is Lake Arrowhead, a private gated and manned mountain, lake and golfing community. The community is centered around the iconic 540 acre Spring Fed Lake, and has been honored with the prestigious “America’s 100 Best Places to Live” by Ideal Living Magazine and Top Master Planned Community in the Country by Private Communities.

You won’t want to miss out on Lake Arrowhead’s new construction homes, which let you take advantage of the savings that come with living in a high-efficiency home.
Visit the Sales & Information Center today, located inside the south gate entrance to learn more about these spectacular homes and closing cost incentives.

Find more amenities listed here:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/slideshows/181-delaney-pine-dr-waleska-ga-30183/

Presented by: Melissa Clay & Caroline Momper

08/18/2025

📈 The typical Realtor now has 12 years of experience — up from 10 last year — signaling fewer newcomers and a strong core of seasoned pros.

🔹 74% say they’re “very certain” they’ll stay in real estate for at least 2 more years
🔹 Median sales volume: $2.5M (unchanged from last year)
🔹 Median net income: $36,600 after taxes/expenses

💬 NAR’s Chief Deputy Economist says despite headwinds, most Realtors are in it for the long haul.

📖 Get the full breakdown of the 2025 NAR Member Profile — from transactions to demographics — in our latest article:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/07/nar-2025-member-profile-realtor-demographics/

NAR’s report — which surveyed nearly 5,000 members — found that the typical agent took on 10 transactions in 2024, the same as a year prior.

08/15/2025

Beth Kaim Real Estate, who is said to have consistently ranked among the top 1.5% of Realtors nationwide, has joined eXp Realty.

Her success is built on a reputation for delivering highly customized, concierge-level service tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Beth Kaim, who has consistently ranked among the top 1.5% of Realtors nationwide, has joined eXp Realty.

08/15/2025

Style-savvy real estate broker, Katerina Pyroulis from Laricy Properties - Americorp Ltd says she's all about, "clean, modern and intentional design — whether it’s fashion or real estate. Less is more, but it has to be impactful."

Pyroulis shares neutral, chic style tips and more in our latest feature here:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/04/katerina-pyroulis-americorp/

I’m all about clean, modern and intentional design — whether it’s fashion or real estate." — Katerina Pyroulis, Americorp

08/14/2025

📉 Seeing more lowball offers lately? You’re not alone — it’s happening across North America for the first time in over a decade.

For listing agents, navigating these offers is a true skill — especially when sellers are stuck on pre-2023 expectations. 💬

Real estate coach and trainer Jeff Glover who leads the Glover Agency , a national coaching organization, shares powerful tips to help you get even the lowest offers accepted — from strategic offer presentations to creating urgency and revisiting seller motivation.

💡 Pro tip: Never just forward the offer — present it like you did the listing.

📲 Want to boost your close rate? Tap the link in bio to read the full article: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/04/top-coach-august-25/

Top Coach Jeff Glover shares tips on how to handle lowball offers.

08/14/2025

The average U.S. buyer’s agent commission has returned to the level it was at when the National Association of REALTORS® agreed to change its rules governing commissions in a March 2024 settlement, Redfin said.

The increase brought the average commission from 2.41% in the first quarter to 2.43% — the same as it was when the rule change was announced. The average commission fell to 2.36% when the change was implemented in September 2024 and has now risen for three quarters in a row since then, according to Redfin.

More here:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/13/buyers-commissions-gain/

The average U.S. buyer's agent commission returned to the level it was at when NAR agreed to change its rules.

08/13/2025

Apartment rents continued to climb in downtown Chicago during the second quarter, with all seven submarkets posting gains due to “extremely limited supply,” multifamily brokerage Luxury Living reported in its latest market update.

More information on gross rent and price per square foot (PPSF) here:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/13/downtown-chicago-apartment-rent/

Apartment rents continued to climb in downtown Chicago during the second quarter, with all seven submarkets posting gains.

08/12/2025

RE/MAX Premier Chicago managing broker Janice Corley turned her birthday celebration into a meaningful fundraiser with a private shopping event at AZEEZA boutique in Chicago’s Gold Coast.

Attendees include: Eva Pusateri, Andre Carter, Jessica Coleman, Jona Melendez - Your Real Estate Broker, Tonia Ingram Broker, Millie Ruiz-Wagner Preferred Rate NMLS #225675, Walker Robinson Jr - RE/MAX Premier, Asha Banthia, Krystal Corley, and Coya Smith.

08/11/2025

Antonia Mills Wesselink, chair of the Chicago Association of REALTORS ® Foundation believes realtors do more than just close deals — they help build communities. From first homes to lifelong memories, we’re there for life’s biggest milestones and its greatest challenges.

That’s why giving back is part of the job. Through the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation, they support people experiencing housing insecurity, like our recent donation to Inner Voice — providing essentials to those in need.

🤝 Because community isn’t just where we work — it’s who we serve.

👉 Read the full story and see how real estate goes beyond housing.
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/08/04/association-news-august-2025/

As Realtors, community engagement isn’t just a bonus — it’s a duty, writes Chicago REALTORS Foundation Chair Antonia Mills Wesselink.

08/09/2025

Mortgage applications increased 3.1% last week as rates declined for the third week in a row on evidence of a dimming economic outlook, the Mortgage Bankers Association said, citing its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey.

Mortgage applications increased 3.1% last week as rates declined for the third week in a row on a dimming economic outlook, the MBA said.

08/08/2025

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago gathered at Crust Brewing in Rosemont on July 22, 2025, to celebrate summer in style. Guests enjoyed the festivities which included a DJ, delicious food, an ice cream station, oversize games and, of course, camaraderie.