Chicago Agent Magazine

01/15/2026

Justin Lucas, style conoissour representing Christie’s International Real Estate — Bucktown and New Buffalo, says, "Your style should mirror your business: polished, approachable and consistent. Clients notice the details, so dress in a way that makes you feel confident and projects trust."

Lucas shares approachable yet business casual style tips and what he considers a "fashion don't" in this months' feature:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2026/01/05/justin-lucas-my-style/

"Your style should mirror your business: polished, approachable and consistent," writes Christie’s International Real Estate's Justin Lucas.

01/15/2026

If your content feels inconsistent (even when your business is strong), this session gives you a repeatable system you can run in any U.S. ZIP code, including luxury.
https://www.markilemons.com/janwebinar?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.markilemons.com%2Fa%2F2148219549%2FLC2BFKqQ

Any ZIP, Any Price Point: The AI System That Builds $1,000,000 GCI Businesses
In 90 minutes, you’ll learn how to turn RPR® + AI workflows into a daily 10-minute content routine that positions you as a data-backed, service-first expert.

You’ll build:
A simple ZIP-level $1,000,000 GCI model using local price points + turnover + commission assumptions
A 7-day content plan based on the 3–5 RPR stats that spark client conversations
A 30-day action plan you can start immediately
Result: fewer “what should I post?” mornings, cleaner follow-up, and a steady pipeline built on trust.
Save your seat!

P.S. Bring one ZIP you want to own this year (your farm, your team footprint, or a luxury pocket you wish to enter). You’ll leave with a plan you can use the same day.

01/15/2026

The real estate market was largely frozen in 2025. Home sales continued to slow, as low inventory, high prices and relatively expensive mortgage rates kept many would-be homebuyers locked out of the market.

Our contributors expressed cautious optimism for 2026, while also setting realistic expectations for what might lie ahead, given the numerous opportunities for disruption that are part and parcel of today’s economy.

Find 2026 real estate predictions for new construction here: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/12/01/2026-development-predictions/

Featuring the perspectives of:
Jeff Benach - Principal, Lexington Homes
Azeem Khan - President and Founder, AK Custom Homes
David J Wolf - CEO, Wolf Development Strategies, Wolf Residential

We thank all of them for taking the time to share their expertise with our audience.

Leaders from Chicagoland developers Lexington Homes and AK Custom Homes share their construction predictions.

01/14/2026

Every day, Melissa Casserly has the privilege of helping her clients buy and sell their homes and investment properties in metro Chicago.

An award-winning Realtor and leading relocation specialist with Baird & Warner, Casserly has her finger on the pulse of Chicago’s real estate market. Having lived in six city neighborhoods and four suburbs, she offers exceptional knowledge of the communities she promotes, understanding firsthand why each location is a worthwhile investment.

A recipient of Baird & Warner’s 2024 Chairman’s Award, Casserly has built a business largely based on referrals and repeat customers. She primarily serves clients in the city’s South Side and in the southwest and western suburbs. Possessing strong interpersonal skills, she is knowledgeable, friendly, resourceful and professional.

Melissa Casserly-Baird & Warner , Realtor & Leading Relocation Specialist
Baird & Warner

Every day, Melissa Casserly has the privilege of helping her clients buy and sell...

01/14/2026

A closer look at what the 2026 housing market may actually bring. 🔍

Agent Publishing sits down with Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist at Gardner Economics, to break down the latest industry forecasts, where predictions align, where they diverge, and what it really means for real estate professionals heading into 2026.

If you’re planning your strategy for the year ahead, don't miss out on this is conversation.
👉 Tap the link to watch the full 2026 real estate prediction and stay ahead of the market:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2026/01/09/matthew-gardner-2026-real-estate-predictions/

Economist Matthew Gardner sat down with Agent Publishing to share his take on prominent 2026 real estate forecasts.

01/13/2026

David Hermiz sees real estate transactions as a game of whack-a-mole, where winning requires quick reflexes and the ability to tackle any issue that pops up.

In a market with some of the highest rates he’s seen in his 20-year career, Hermiz more than doubled his business in 2024. His record sales quickly moved him up the ranks, landing him among the top 10 home lending advisors nationally at Chase.

“I’m an advisor first and a loan officer second,” says Hermiz, senior home lending advisor with JPMorgan Chase. “If I don’t believe the products or services that I offer a client are the best fit for them, I’ll be the first one to tell them that.”

David Hermiz, Senior Home Lending Advisor
JPMorganChase, NMLS #885232

David Hermiz sees real estate transactions as a game of whack-a-mole, where winning requires...

01/13/2026

📸 Agent Snapshots and Lender Snapshots are opportunities for local professionals to share who they are, a bit about their background and some industry knowledge. And it’s free! It only takes a few minutes to fill out the agent questionnaire or the lender questionnaire.

We featured dozens of snapshots in 2025, and these are the ones that had the most page views from readers:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2026/01/01/top-agent-lender-snapshots/

1. Joel Schaub at Guaranteed Rate
Joel Schaub is vice president of mortgage lending at Rate.

2. Leslie Levy
Leslie Levy is a real estate broker at in Orland Park and Highland, Indiana.

3. Kelly Kordys
Kelly Kordys is a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty Northwest in Arlington Heights.

4. Katie OBrien
Katie O’Brien is a Realtor at VRS Realty Grant Park.

5. Jason Guralnick Broker-Coldwell Banker
Jason Guralnick is a real estate broker at Coldwell Banker in Glenview.

01/13/2026

With over 23 years of experience as a real estate investor and seven years of experience as a Realtor, Shanara Carter has a unique edge in the industry. “I understand real estate from the perspectives of the buyer, seller and investor,” she explains. “This allows me to strategize effectively and guide my clients through every step of the process with confidence.” Having worked as a nurse for 20 years, she leads with compassion and attention to detail and is a strong advocate for her clients.

The team lead of the At Home With Shanara Team at eXp Realty, Carter serves the South and West sides of Chicago, including the suburban areas of Cook County. “Leading a team is crucial to my growth as both a professional and an individual, broadening my network and strengthening client relationships,” the Chicago native shares. “Developing future leaders within my team is vital for the long-term success of my business.”

Shanara Carter, Team Lead & Real Estate Professional
At Home with Shanara- EXP Realty, eXp Realty

With over 23 years of experience as a real estate investor and seven years...

01/12/2026

This home was recently featured in Traditional Home magazine and showcased on the cover, with interior photography included in renowned interior designer Mark Sikes’s latest book, Forever Beautiful. This lovely French Normandy-inspired stone custom home was built in 2007 by Havlicek Builders and exudes casual elegance. You’ll notice the patina and permanence of the home by the lovely aged slate roof, copper gutters, bluestone and limestone. Located just 35 miles west of Chicago, this home offers 11,880 square feet of finished living space and is set on 3.64 acres, with an additional four acres available.

More details and amenities listed here:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/slideshows/2450-persimmon-drive-saint-charles-il-60174/

Presented by: Amy Crane | atproperties Christie’s International Real Estate

01/12/2026

Members of Chicago’s real estate community will get together Thursday to network and learn at the first monthly Power Hour of the year, hosted by A and N Mortgage Services .

The free event will feature a panel discussion, “Scaling Smart: When to Hire, When to Outsource, When to Grind,” with panelists Matt Laricy, managing broker at Laricy Properties - Americorp Ltd and team lead of The Laricy Team; Jill Alyse Silverstein, president of the The Jill Silverstein Group at Compass Chicago ; and Melissa Siegal, founder of the Melissa Siegal Group Chicago Real Estate at atproperties .

The Power Hour will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at A and N’s headquarters, which is located at 1945 N. Elston Ave. in Chicago.

Click the link to RSVP:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2026/01/12/power-hour/

Members of Chicago's real estate community will get together to network and learn at the first monthly Power Hour of the year on Thursday.

01/12/2026

Repta Residential has joined LPT Realty , positioning it for continued growth and innovation while maintaining the same team, brand and client-focused approach.

Repta Residential brings more than 20 years of real estate experience, with over 1,000 homes sold throughout the Northern Chicagoland region. It has consistently ranked among the top-performing teams in McHenry County and surrounding areas.

Repta Residential has joined LPT Realty, positioning the firm for growth while preserving its team and client-first culture.

01/11/2026

With over $500 million in combined sales, The Gold Group has established themselves as leaders in the real estate industry, maintaining the top spot at Christie’s International Real Estate’s Goose Island office for three consecutive years and helping more than 900 clients find their dream homes. Celebrating the Gold Group’s 10th Anniversary this year, Kaylin Goldstein and Stefanie Campbell lead a talented team of seven brokers, each dedicated to providing outstanding service to clients throughout Chicagoland and beyond.

Kaylin Goldstein, Partner
Stefanie Lalich Campbell, Partner
Megan Arseneau Schutzbach, Broker
Frankie DaPonte -The Gold Group, Broker
Kelly Dugan, Broker
Jackie Luxem Cline, Broker
Monica Nunez, Broker
Duval Williams, Broker
Jovana Djurovski, Broker
The Gold Group
atproperties Christie’s International Real Estate

Kaylin Goldstein, Partner Stefanie Campbell, Partner Megan Arseneau Schutzbach, Broker Frankie DaPonte, Broker Kelly...