Chicago Agent Magazine

09/16/2025

Janis Hartley feels strongly that real estate is a “connection” business, not a “sales” business. An award-winning Realtor with Compass, she focuses on building long-term relationships with clients. Understanding their goals, needs, wants, wishes and dreams, and guiding them through the process, is her super-power. “I tell my clients, if I stay in charge of the process and you stay in charge of the decisions, we will be successful.”

A resident of Walworth County for more than 40 years, she raised her family in the Lake Geneva and Southeast Wisconsin areas she sells. Over the years, she has lived in six different communities.

Janis Hartley Lake Geneva Wisconsin Real Estate , Realtor
Compass

Janis Hartley feels strongly that real estate is a “connection” business, not a “sales”...

09/16/2025

🏡 Did you know 60% of new-home sales come through brokers?
Jeff Benach, principal of Lexington Homes, is a second-generation homebuilder with more than 40 years of experience in the real estate industry and believes relationship between builders and agents has never been stronger!

New construction offers buyers incredible benefits in today’s low-inventory market, while brokers enjoy one of the easiest commissions they’ll ever earn.

From MLS visibility and smooth transactions to customization options, warranties, and modern finishes, new homes deliver unmatched value. Builders like Lexington Homes handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on guiding your clients.

✨ Want to maximize your success with new-construction sales? Tap the link to read the full article and discover how to make the most of builder partnerships.

Builders and brokers both want buyers to find the perfect home, and that's best achieved when they work together.

09/15/2025

Built on a foundation of discipline, client service and community focus, Zagata Properties is led by Adam Zagata, a Chicago native who transitioned into real estate in 2015 after working in banking at JP Morgan Chase. After growing tired of climbing the corporate ladder, Zagata realized his passion for helping people navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions. His career in real estate now spans more than a decade, with over 60 families served annually across Chicago and its suburbs.

Adam Zagata, Real Estate Agent
Michael Vasquez, Buyer Coordinator
Yasmine Norris, Administrative Assistant
Zagata Properties
Real Broker LLC

  Adam Zagata, Real Estate Agent Michael Vasquez, Buyer Coordinator Yasmine Norris, Administrative Assistant...

09/15/2025

🍽️ Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or new to the field, this is the room you want to be in. 🍽️

Join the Chicago Association of REALTORS® on Friday, September 26th for the 142nd Annual Inaugural Gala — a night where legacy meets luxury.

Step into an unforgettable evening celebrating the best of Chicago real estate.
This black-tie optional event brings together dedicated REALTORS® who are shaping our communities and driving our industry forward.
✨ What you can expect:
✔️ A glamorous, seated dinner
✔️ Unparalleled networking with industry leaders
✔️ Inspiring moments of recognition and celebration
✔️ A chance to be part of a 142-year tradition

Reserve your seat today and be part of history in the making: https://chicagorealtor.com/event/142nd-inaugural-gala/

09/15/2025

A joint venture between Wingspan Development Group and Tucker Development recently delivered the first luxury rental townhomes at The Henry at Harms Woods mixed-use community in Skokie.

The project will offer a total of 294 residences — 245 apartments and 49 rental townhomes — and 13,000 square feet of commercial space. Move-ins began in August, with the balance slated to take place through the fall.

Find more details about these luxury townhomes and amenities in the full article:
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/09/09/the-henry-at-harms-woods/

Wingspan Development Group and Tucker Development delivered the first luxury rental townhomes at The Henry at Harms Woods in Skokie.

09/15/2025

🔥 How do YOU define a “hot market”? Where would you tell buyers to invest right now? 🏡

Let us know in our latest survey and be featured in our upcoming cover story!
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/2025/09/10/survey-what-signals-a-hot-real-estate-market/

How do you define a "hot market"? Where are the best places to buy right now? Let us know and be featured in our upcoming cover story!

09/14/2025

With deep expertise in brokerage growth, team building, strategic marketing and international franchising, Rafay Qamar is redefining what’s possible in real estate as one of the Midwest’s most prolific industry leaders. “My approach is rooted in performance, precision and long-term vision,” he explains.

As founder and team lead of the Qamar Group at REAL Broker, Qamar leads a top 1% team across Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. With over $750 million in career sales, over 2,600 closed transactions and nearly 1,000 five-star reviews, the group is on track to close more than $150 million in real estate in 2025. “We run the largest REAL team in the Midwest,” Qamar shares, “and we’re on a clear path to building the first billion-dollar-a-year real estate team in the region by 2028.”

Rafay Qamar: Real Estate Broker, Founder & Team Lead
Qamar Group, Real LLC

  With deep expertise in brokerage growth, team building, strategic marketing and international franchising,...

09/14/2025

Luxury Living International Chicago agent Worldorealty recently joined Pearson Realty Group.

Before entering real estate in 2017, Andrews was a “serial entrepreneur,” inventing products and brands and appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank and QVC, Pearson Realty said in an announcement.

Luxury Living International Chicago real estate agent Libby Andrews recently joined the Pearson Realty Group.

09/14/2025

The Maynard at 1325 West Wilson Ave., a 121-apartment mixed-use building in Sheridan Park, recently sold for $18.5 million.

The 12-story tower offers a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryers and individual HVAC units.

Essex Realty Group Managing Director Matt Feo and Principal Jordan Gottlieb listed the property and represented the seller, while Feo and Managing Director Rick Ofman represented the buyer.

The Maynard at 1325 West Wilson Ave., a 121-apartment mixed-use building in Sheridan Park, recently sold for $18.5 million.

09/13/2025

A firm believer in building forever relationships as an advisor, Paul Frischer does not see himself as a salesperson. With most of his business coming from referrals, he provides intense personal service and takes his fiduciary responsibility to his clients seriously. “Since I love what I do and the people I work with, my days seem to fly by with one call or appointment after another,” Frischer shares. “It’s a pleasure to truly enjoy my work.”

An entrepreneur and Chicago-area native, Frischer is a real estate broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago representing clients throughout the city and the North Shore. He focuses on custom luxury single-family home builds, as well as multifamily and commercial properties, while also helping sellers manage specific renovation and construction work. Frischer is also licensed in Southwest Michigan.

Paul Frischer - Real Estate Advisor , Real Estate Broker
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago

A firm believer in building forever relationships as an advisor, Paul Frischer does not...

09/13/2025

Chicago real estate’s style icon, Idallys Corral from Compass Chicago - Lincoln Park, says, "I pay attention to details and make sure the overall vibe is always fresh and confident."

Corral shares effortless but intentional style tips and what she considers a "fashion don't" in our latest feature.

"Be yourself, and wear what makes you feel confident. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but don’t force it, either." Idallys Corral, Compass

09/12/2025

Cindy Wilson and Stephanie Biederman met 20 years ago in the training program for new agents at Koenig & Strey, the predecessor to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago. They quickly discovered that they had a lot in common. They both had many years of experience in the corporate world and an entrepreneurial spirit that helped them transition quickly to a career in real estate.

Fast friends, the two spent many years supporting each other and collaborating on deals before forming a partnership in early 2020, just before the pandemic hit. Together they are equal partners in the C+S Group at BHHS Chicago, serving buyers, sellers and investors in the city and suburbs. Both have been awarded the BHHS Chairman’s Circle and President’s Circle awards, which recognize the top percentage of agents within the BHHS nationwide network.

Cindy Wilson & Stephanie Biederman -Chicago Real Estate Broker, Brokers
C+S Group, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago

Cindy Wilson and Stephanie Biederman met 20 years ago in the training program for...