Chicago Agent Magazine

Our Weekly Who’s Who features Chicagoland’s best and brightest Realtors, Mortgage Brokers, and Real Estate specialists.

This week includes Chrys Athanasakos of Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, Jennifer Carlino DeGroot, Melissa Edidin, Nina Gonzalez and Jessica Jakubowski of Christie's International Real Estate, Maureen Culp of RE/MAX, and The Dawn Mckenna Group, North Shore & Western Suburb Team.

Check out our website for their full profiles!



https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/maureen-culp-2/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2023/dawn-mckenna-group-north-shore-western-suburb-team/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/chrys-athanasakos-2/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/jenny-carlino-degroot-3/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/melissa-edidin/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/nina-gonzalez-3/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/jessica-jakubowski-3/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/danielle-klausing-4/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/michelle-liffick-5/
https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/whos-who-2024/aaron-share-7/

Aaron Share - Chicago Agent Magazine   Building trust with his clients is the cornerstone of Aaron Share’s success in...

Indulge in the epitome of luxury and style at the center of vibrant Logan Square! Nestled on a side street, this exclusive, nine-unit enclave embodies a fusion of comfort and elegance, redefining contemporary living.

Presented by Dan Straus of Dream Town Real Estate

2414 N. Sawyer Ave., Unit 3A, Chicago, IL 60647 - Chicago Agent Magazine Nestled on a side street, this exclusive, nine-unit enclave embodies a fusion of comfort and elegance, redefining contemporary living.

The subject of housing came up four times during Tuesday night’s presidential debate — all mentions were by Vice President Kamala Harris.

What Trump and Harris said — and didn’t say — about housing during the debate - Chicago Agent Magazine National News The subject of housing came up four times during Tuesday night’s presidential debate — all mentions were by Vice President Kamala Harris.

Patricia Wdowka, of the Patricia Wdowka Group with A.R.E. Partners Inc., describes her look as "classy, business professional with a touch of individuality."

Patricia Wdowka, A.R.E. Partners Inc. - Chicago Agent Magazine My Style Patricia Wdowka describes her look as "classy, business professional with a touch of individuality. I believe in the power of first impressions."

The Loop closed out Q2 with 25.8% office vacancies — a record high. The breakdown of office monoculture is starkest on the LaSalle Street Corridor.

That area posts the highest office vacancy rates and is the setting for the city’s largest ongoing revitalization effort, LaSalle Reimagined. The massive overhaul, projected to cost over $528 million, will address 1.4 million square feet of office space and, upon completion, create over 1,000 residential units.

Here's how the plan is shaping up.

LaSalle initiative takes shape as Loop office vacancies hit record high - Chicago Agent Magazine Local News LaSalle Reimagined is projected to cost over $528 million, address 1.4 million square feet of office space and create over 1,000 residential units

Located in a beautifully restored historic building along Chicago’s lakefront, this spacious two-bedroom home seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern luxury.

Residence 1710, a city-facing, split two-bedroom unit, offers 1,256 square feet of living space with 9-foot ceilings, expansive windows, a large amount of closets and a kitchen equipped with brand-new stainless steel Bosch appliances, complemented by a Whirlpool washer and dryer.

Presented by Wolf Residential Group

Wolf Development Strategies

850 N. Lake Shore Dr., Residence 1710, Chicago, IL 60611 - Chicago Agent Magazine Housed in a beautifully renovated building on Chicago's lakefront, this residence seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern luxury.

Renters looking to escape the confines of the city, while retaining walkability to restaurants and shopping, will find it at The Grove Luxury Homes.

The Grove is a new-construction, 22-acre residential community, uniquely located at the intersection of River Grove, Elmwood Park and Chicago.

Presented by Stephanie Mack of AvenueOne Realty Group and Rich Jasiak of Noah Properties.

Award-winning luxury development captivates Chicago and international rental markets - Chicago Agent Magazine Developing Chicagoland Renters looking to escape the confines of the city, while retaining walkability, will enjoy The Grove Luxury Homes in historic River Grove.

Guaranteed Rate Affinity has been named the 13th largest retail mortgage lender in the United States by Scotsman Guide.

The ranking marks a growth milestone for the company, which was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between Anywhere Real Estate Inc.and Guaranteed Rate.

Guaranteed Rate Affinity ranks as 13th-largest lender in the Scotsman Guide - Chicago Agent Magazine Guaranteed Rate Affinity has been named the 13th largest retail mortgage lender in the United States by Scotsman Guide.

New construction in Chicagoland is not booming or barren; it’s somewhere in the middle. Local experts discuss.

Jason Buchberg, Selma Hepp, PhD, David Wolf, Curt Bailey, Jeff Benach

Putting Chicagoland’s new-construction market into focus - Chicago Agent Magazine Cover Story Gauging the status of new construction in Chicagoland is not so easy. it's not booming or barren. It's somewhere in the middle.

Located in a beautifully restored historic building along Chicago’s lakefront, this spacious two-bedroom home seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern luxury.

Residence 1904, a top-floor lake-facing unit, offers 1,040 square feet of living space with 12-foot ceilings, expansive windows, two walk-in closets and a kitchen equipped with brand-new stainless steel Bosch appliances, complemented by a Whirlpool washer and dryer.

Presented by Wolf Development Strategies

850 N. Lake Shore Dr., Residence 1904, Chicago, IL 60611 - Chicago Agent Magazine Housed in a beautifully renovated building on Chicago's lakefront, this residence seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern luxury.

It's all about new construction in our latest issue — live now! We're spotlighting Chicagoland’s bustling new-construction market and investigating how buyers invest in leisure and luxury.

Contributors include Curt Bailey of Related Midwest, Jason Buchberg of Crescent Heights, Dr. Selma Hepp of CoreLogic, David Wolf of Wolf Development Strategies, Carl Harris of National Association of Home Builders, Top Coach Katie Morrell of Morrell Property Collective, Patricia Wdowka of the Patricia Wdowka Group with A.R.E. Partners Inc. — and more!

Putting Chicagoland’s new-construction market into focus - Chicago Agent Magazine Copyright © 2024 Chicago Agent magazine. An Agent Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

This custom-designed Dublin, Georgia, ranch home is mostly underground, offering energy efficiency and natural insulation. The property is listed for $310,000.

Live partially underground in this earth home - Chicago Agent Magazine Real Estrange This custom-designed Dublin, Georgia, ranch home is mostly underground, offering energy efficiency and natural insulation.

Located in a beautifully restored historic building along Chicago's lakefront, this spacious two-bedroom home seamlessly merges classic elegance with modern luxury.

Residence 907* features a split-bedroom layout, an open living and dining area, and a kitchen outfitted with brand-new stainless steel Bosch appliances, complemented by a Whirlpool washer and dryer.

850 Lake Shore Drive

850 N. Lake Shore Drive, Residence 907, Chicago, IL 60611 - Chicago Agent Magazine Housed in a beautifully renovated building on Chicago's lakefront, this residence seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern luxury.

Welcome to the 17th annual Who’s Who in Chicagoland Residential Real Estate!

This special edition showcases the top professionals in the residential real estate market — the agents, loan officers, affiliates and association leaders who elevate each transaction so every client can relax.

The profiles featured here highlight the accolades of each of these real estate titans, but they go deeper than that. They also reveal the motivations that drive these agents and lenders, the perspectives that make them unique and the reasons why their clients remain loyal.

Cover: Joel Schaub at Guaranteed Rate, Chloe Ifergan Real Estate of Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, Michael LaFido of LUXE and Marketing Luxury Group

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The 2024 Who's Who in Real Estate is here! Discover Chicagoland's elite - Chicago Agent Magazine Who's Who Welcome to the 17th annual Who’s Who in Chicago Residential Real Estate, showcasing the top gents, loan officers and association leaders.

Former Douglas Elliman real estate agent Derek Barra has joined Coldwell Banker Realty’s Boca Raton office.

A native of Coral Springs, Barra specializes in luxury residential real estate in Boca Raton and South Florida. Since entering real estate in 2016, Barra has made more than $100 million in career sales.

Douglas Elliman agent joins Coldwell Banker in Boca Raton - South Florida Agent Magazine Former Douglas Elliman real estate agent Derek Barra has joined Coldwell Banker Realty's Boca Raton office.

Two new agents have joined Jameson Sotheby's International Realty: Mike Larson and Colby Price.

“I’m excited to have joined Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty and to be part of a global brand that sets the standard in luxury real estate,” Larson said in a press release. “I’m confident this partnership will elevate my business to new heights and offer my clients an unmatched experience in the industry.”

“[Sotheby’s] core belief that ‘luxury is not a price point, it’s a level of service’ resonates deeply with my own values and my commitment to exceeding expectations,” Colby said of her move to JSIR. “I’m honored to be part of a team where exceptional service is not just a goal but our standard.”

Mike Larson and Colby Price join Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty - Chicago Agent Magazine Making Moves Two new Chicago area agents have joined Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty (JSIR): Mike Larson and Colby Price.

Alison Swedenberg-Suarez has joined Kale Realty as the new assistant managing broker. She has nearly a decade of experience in the real estate industry.

In the her new position at Kale Realty, Swedenberg-Suarez will develop the firm’s New to the Business Agent Development Program, as well as its Transaction Coach and Mentoring Program. Additionally, she help with training, client relations, and strategic planning, working closely with the entire leadership team, and create customized marketing campaigns.

Kale Realty adds Alison Swedenberg-Suarez as assistant managing broker - Chicago Agent Magazine Making Moves Alison “Ali” Swedenberg-Suarez has joined Kale Realty as the new assistant managing broker. She has nearly a decade of experience.

Home sales, available homes and median home prices all rose across the state in July, according to new data from Illinois Realtors.

Last month, Illinois home sales rose 6.2% year over year with 13,114 homes sold. Inventory rose similarly, by 6.3%, with 19,494 homes on the market. At the same time, the median sales price hit $308,000: an 8.1% bump.

Illinois home sales, inventory and median prices all increased in July - Chicago Agent Magazine Local News Home sales, available homes and median home prices all rose across the state in July, according to new data from Illinois REALTORS®.

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® held their Summer Soiree on Aug. 14. Over 200 people attended the networking party.

CAR's Summer Soiree - Chicago Agent Magazine The Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) held their Summer Soiree on Aug. 14. Over 200 people attended the networking party.

Located in a beautifully restored historic building along Chicago's lakefront, this spacious two-bedroom home seamlessly merges classic elegance with modern luxury.

Residence 708 features a large den, soaring 11-foot ceilings, brand-new stainless steel Bosch kitchen appliances and a Whirlpool washer and dryer.

Presented by Wolf Residential Group

Wolf Development Strategies

850 N. Lake Shore Drive, Residence 708, Chicago, IL 60611 - Chicago Agent Magazine Housed in a beautifully renovated building on Chicago's lakefront, this residence seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern luxury.

Industry veteran Tripti Kasal has joined the Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) in a newly created position: senior vice president, member engagement.

In this role, Kasal will head LeadingRE’s U.S. membership services team, increasing member engagement across all the global network of 550 real estate firms. In particular, she’ll focus on matching members with resources from LeadingRE’s Solutions Group, a collection of technology, marketing, insurance, and other service providers.

Kasal has over 25 years of real estate experience, having worked in many aspects of brokerage operations: program management, team development, market research and analysis, sales management, revenue generation, commercial real estate, new-development marketing and vendor management. Most recently, she spent 10 years at Baird & Warner, a LeadingRE member firm, as senior vice president, regional manager for the Chicago metro area.

Tripti Kasal joins LeadingRE in newly created role - Chicago Agent Magazine Making Moves Industry veteran Tripti Kasal has joined the Chicago-based LeadingRE in a newly created position: senior vice president, member engagement.

Midwest Real Estate Data LLC has appointed Charles El-Moussa to the position of general counsel, effective immediately.

In that role, he’ll provide legal guidance to MRED’s ongoing strategic discussions amid the changing real estate landscape.

Charles El-Moussa's confirmed as new MRED general counsel - Chicago Agent Magazine Making Moves Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) has appointed Charles El-Moussa to the position of general counsel, effective immediately.

Nykia Wright has been named the permanent CEO for the National Association of REALTORS®, the organization announced Monday.

Wright had served as interim CEO since November, when former CEO Bob Goldberg retired.

NAR elevates Nykia Wright from interim to permanent CEO - Chicago Agent Magazine National News Nykia Wright has been named the permanent CEO for the National Association of REALTORS®, the organization announced Monday.

Illinois Realtors® is reaching out to the public about changes to Illinois real estate law in the wake of the National Association of REALTORS® rules that took effect Aug. 17.

Upcoming changes to Illinois real estate law — beyond the NAR settlement - Chicago Agent Magazine Local News Rule changes stemming from NAR’s settlement are not the only ones occurring in Illinois. Illinois REALTORS® outlines all the details.

Like to entertain? Look no further! This magnificent residence exudes unparalleled elegance and boasts every conceivable amenity.

Presented by Michael LaFido, Realtor - LUXE Group

940 Meadows Road, Geneva IL 60134 - Chicago Agent Magazine Experience the pinnacle of luxury living in this exquisite home, freshly painted, to unveil its transformative new aura.

Rule changes stemming from NAR’s settlement are not the only ones occurring in Illinois. Illinois Realtors® outlines all the details.

Upcoming changes to Illinois real estate law — beyond the NAR settlement - Chicago Agent Magazine Local News Rule changes stemming from NAR’s settlement are not the only ones occurring in Illinois. Illinois REALTORS® outlines all the details.

What builder incentives do clients value most? How important is a builder’s reputation? Take our survey and let us know.

How do Chicagoland agents and their clients view new construction? - Chicago Agent Magazine Survey What builder incentives do clients value most? How important is a builder’s reputation? Take our survey and let us know.

Fulton Grace Realty has expanded into Elmhurst with a new office in the suburb’s downtown area. A grand opening event was held July 9.

Fulton Grace Realty’s grand Elmhurst opening - Chicago Agent Magazine Fulton Grace Realty has expanded into Elmhurst with a new office in the suburb’s downtown area. A grand opening event was held July 9.

Housed in a beautifully renovated historic building on Chicago’s lakefront, it seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern luxury.

Presented by Wolf Residential Group, LLC

Wolf Development Strategies

850 N. Lake Shore Drive, Residence 1805, Chicago, IL 60611 - Chicago Agent Magazine Housed in a beautifully renovated building on Chicago's lakefront, this residence seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern luxury.

Three Michigan real estate agents filed a class-action lawsuit this week against NAR, claiming the membership requirement to access the MLS is a violation of federal law.

Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.

Michigan agents sue NAR, claim membership requirement to access MLS violates federal law - Chicago Agent Magazine National News Three Michigan real estate agents filed a class-action lawsuit this week against the National Association of REALTORS.