Chicago Agent Magazine

07/18/2025

Three Chicago suburbs have secured spots on a new list of the 50 wealthiest in the United States, highlighting the region’s enduring affluence and desirability.

According to a recent report by GoBankingRates, Hinsdale, Lake Forest and Wilmette ranked among the nation’s top suburbs based on median household income, home values and other economic indicators.

Find out the average household income and typical home value in both of these suburbs in the full article:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/07/15/americas-50-wealthiest-suburbs-chicagoland/

Three Chicago suburbs secured spots on a list of the 50 wealthiest America, highlighting the region’s enduring affluence and desirability.

07/18/2025

Top-producing loan officer Bradley Rasof has officially rejoined Rate - Guaranteed Rate after more than two years at CrossCountry Mortgage.

A veteran of Chicagoland’s lending market, Rasof spent over 13 years at Rate before his move to CrossCountry, where he originated nearly $30 million in loans last year.

“We’re thrilled to welcome one of the mortgage industry’s best back home to Rate and are excited to see him continue his legacy of success with us,” Rate President Shant Banosian said.

Top-producing loan officer Brad Rasof has officially rejoined Rate after more than two years at CrossCountry Mortgage.

07/17/2025

💰 $86 million. That’s how much the National Association of REALTORS® invested in advocacy in 2024 — and it all starts locally.

From boosting housing affordability to building inventory and closing market gaps, NAR is working behind the scenes to support sustainable homeownership nationwide.

Chicago’s own Zeke Morris, NAR’s 2025 REALTOR® Party Director, reminds us: “Everything starts with knowing your community.”

🏡 Whether it’s reducing neighborhood disparities or championing policy, local voices shape national action.

👉 Want to make an impact? Read how agents like you can lead from the front:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/07/07/nar-advocacy-chicago-realtors/

2025 REALTOR® Party Director Zeke Morris says the association's lobbying efforts begin at the local level.

07/17/2025

🏡 Zillow has rolled out five new features this summer to make searching for homes easier and more efficient. These updates help buyers, renters and agents get better information, connect more quickly and make smarter decisions in a competitive market.

Updates include:
✈️ SkyTour: Fly around listings with a 3D aerial view
💰Offer Insights: See how your offer stacks up
📊 Rental Fee Breakdown: No more hidden costs
🏡 Tour Itineraries: Easily plan and manage home tours
💵 BuyAbility: Instantly find homes that fit your budget

📲 Read and explore more about these new updates: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/07/15/zillow-features-enhance-home-search/

Zillow has rolled out five new features this summer to make searching for homes easier and more efficient.

07/16/2025

You're invited to an exclusive evening of tacos, tequila & top producers—hosted just for Chicagoland agents! 🌮✨

✉️ RSVP here to secure your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSuR4Iq54CnbAWU_V66UOtHGIYetuY0Rq3J-swZh0rGlgT1Q/viewform

Join us Thursday, July 24 at 850 Lake Shore Drive for an exclusive first look at its newly unveiled amenities, featuring a luxury panel and private model tour you won’t want to miss!

🎙️ Luxury Panelists include: Jennifer Ames Lazarre of Engel & Völkers Chicago, Debra Dobbs of Compass Chicago, Jennifer Mills Klatt of The Home Discovery Team & David Wolf of Wolf Development Strategies
📍 850 Lake Shore Drive | Chicago, IL
🕞 3:30pm Check-in | 4pm Luxury Panel | 5pm Rooftop Tacos & Tequila

✨ Licensed agents only. Special incentive for all attendees!

🚨 Space is limited — RSVP now before it fills up!

07/16/2025

Keefe & Associates is turning the page on a new chapter while honoring more than eight decades of legacy. Keefe is reaffirming its presence with a new brand identity, a revitalized mission and the launch of Keefe.com — a modern platform designed to reflect the values and versatility that define the Keefe name.

Keefe & Associates operates as a fully independent firm offering an array of real estate services:
Keefe + Blay Real Estate Group: A curated team of experienced, values-driven agents, powered by Compass.
Geneva Lakes Vacations: The region’s leading short-term rental and guest services provider.
Ajax Property Management: Delivering professional and transparent residential and commercial management.

Keefe & Associates is now headquartered at 326 Center Street in downtown Lake Geneva.

Keefe & Associates is reaffirming its presence with a new brand identity, a revitalized mission and the launch of Keefe.com.

07/15/2025

The National Association of REALTORS® has debuted its Market Statistics Dashboard for members, which provides local housing data intended to help clients buy and sell homes.

The dashboard is updated monthly and provides the following data:
🏠 Housing affordability
📈 Sales and listing trends
📊 Home pricing changes
🏦 Economic indicators
🏘️ Homeownership and demographic insights

👉 Read the full article to see how this improved dashboard can help you serve clients with more precision than ever:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/07/15/nars-market-statistics-dashboard/

The National Association of Realtors' Market Statistics Dashboard provides local housing data intended to help clients buy and sell homes.

07/14/2025

🔑 National Association of REALTORS® is going “back to basics” — and focusing back on member outreach.

Under new leadership, vice president of association engagement Nykea Pippion McGriff, is working to strengthen ties with brokerages and local associations nationwide — while empowering them to play a more active role in shaping national real estate policy.

From updated broker toolkits to real conversations with small and mid-sized firms, NAR is working to build trust, deliver value, and empower agents to shape national housing policy.

🤝 Because when local voices lead, national change follows.

📲 See how NAR is shifting strategy and why it matters to your business — read the full story: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/07/07/pippion-mcgriff/

National Association of REALTORS® Vice President of Association Engagement Nykea Pippion McGriff is working to boost ties with brokerages.

07/11/2025

Kayne Anderson Real Estate and JDL Development have acquired the development site at 2001 North Southport Ave. — also known as Lincoln Yards North — to be rebranded as the Foundry Park residential community.

Foundry Park will offer homes, condos, apartments, as well as mixed and commercial uses designed with the community in mind. Located along the Chicago River, the community will be a walking neighborhood, with tree-lined, low-traffic streets and a new open green space. 🏡🌳

The transaction is anticipated to be completed by the end of the third quarter.
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/07/10/lincoln-yards-north-acquisition/

Kayne Anderson Real Estate and JDL Development have acquired Lincoln Yards North to be rebranded as the Foundry Park residential community.

07/11/2025

📣 Calling all Chicago agents! Join us this month for tacos, tequila & top producers 🌮🍹

Chicago Agent magazine is hosting an exclusive luxury panel + rooftop tacos & tequila with stunning lake and city views and great company.

✨ Be the first to tour brand-new amenities & model units
🏙️ Enjoy instagram worthy skyline views from the rooftop
🎁 including special incentives for all licensed agents who attend!

📅 Thursday, July 24
📍 850 Lake Shore Drive
*This is an event for licensed agents only

💌 DM for more info + RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSuR4Iq54CnbAWU_V66UOtHGIYetuY0Rq3J-swZh0rGlgT1Q/viewform

07/10/2025

🏠 Modular homes will provide affordable, quality housing in communities of need!

The first two of 120 modular homes under Cook County’s $12M pilot program are officially complete in Humboldt Park. 🧱✨ Built by nonprofit developer Inherentance, these homes aim to transform vacant lots into affordable ownership opportunities — fast.

With more homes nearing completion, this pilot is just getting started.

📍 Want to see how modular housing is reshaping the West Side?
🔗 https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/07/09/cook-county-modular-homes/

The first two modular homes that will be built under a $12 million Cook County pilot program to increase homeownership have been completed.

07/09/2025

Kari Wilson, team lead for Real - Naperville and Bartlett, shares real estate insights and her best advice for someone new to the industry in our latest 📸

"Be consistent, work hard, be kind and stay humble." — Kari Wilson, Team Leader, Real Broker, Naperville and Bartlett