Table of Contents
- 2025 Chicago Real Estate Market Trends
- Why Sales Volume Shouldn’t Be the Only Criteria
- Best Chicago Real Estate Agents for 2025
- AgentUp – Supporting Chicago Real Estate Agents
Selecting the right real estate agent is critical when buying or selling a home or property in Chicago.
Succeeding in the Chicago real estate market requires expertise in local market trends, negotiation skills, and a detailed understanding of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
This blog post will highlight 15 of the best real estate agents in the Chicago area for 2025, helping you search for a reliable and experienced sales professional.
But first, let’s examine the current state of the Chicago real estate market as we begin 2025.
2025 Chicago Real Estate Market Trends
Like any region, the Chicago real estate market in 2025 is influenced by economic factors, interest rates, and buyer preferences.
Brokers, agents, buyers, and sellers must know the market trends to respond appropriately and set reasonable expectations for their clients.
Let’s explore the Chicago real estate market by looking at core statistics and trends.
2025 Chicago Real Estate Market – Neighborhood Trends
Chicago has 77 neighborhoods, each unique in prices, amenities, benefits, and ways of life.
Several popular neighborhoods are expected to remain significant drivers of Chicago’s real estate activity in 2025. Areas like Hyde Park, Humboldt Park, Bronzeville, and Uptown continue to merit attention for their historic charm and modern development mix.
These neighborhoods offer various housing options and amenities, from trendy dining spots to cultural landmarks and efficient public transit.
The Near West neighborhoods, including Fulton Market, Wicker Park/Bucktown, and Logan Square, are expected to remain highly desirable. Meanwhile, the Near North neighborhoods, such as Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and West Town, appear likely to remain perennial favorites, consistently in demand year after year.
Finally, neighborhoods like Pilsen and Avondale remain hotspots for those seeking investment opportunities, with ongoing revitalization projects attracting renters and homebuyers.
2025 Chicago Real Estate Statistics
Now, let’s look at the expected market trends for real estate in the Chicago area.
The Chicago real estate market in 2025 is expected to grow, though perhaps more moderately than in recent years. Here are some key statistics to keep an eye on:
| Current Median Sales Price: | $295,800 |
(Zillow, January 15, 2025)
Current Chicago Area Mortgage Rates
Chicago area mortgage interest rates are expected to remain steady for the year.
Here’s a quick look at the current rates:
| Current Chicago Area Mortgage Rates | Time/Duration |
| 6.92% | 30 year fixed |
| 6.7% | 20 year fixed |
| 6.6% | 15 year fixed |
(Nerdwallet, January 15, 2025)
Next, let’s get an overview of expected sales and price trends according to industry experts:
| Expected Sales Trend: | Realtor.com predicts a 12.4% increase in home sales in 2025 compared to 2024 |
| Expected Price Trend: | The median sale price for existing homes is expected to increase by 4.5% in 2025 |
Chicago Real Estate Market Analysis
Last, let’s look at related issues and trends in more detail.
Supply and Demand: Inventory levels are expected to remain tight, but excellent opportunities still exist for sellers willing to make their homes stand out. Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, from Lincoln Park to Bronzeville, continue attracting buyers looking for urban convenience and unique community vibes.
Competition for Quality Properties: Given limited inventory, competition for well-maintained, move-in-ready homes in desirable neighborhoods will likely remain strong.
Gradual Price Appreciation: While rapid price increases slow down, home values are still expected to appreciate steadily in a healthy manner.
Remote Work Flexibility: The rise of remote work will likely continue influencing housing choices, with buyers seeking locations that better suit their lifestyles and work-from-home needs.
Focus on Suburban Living: The pandemic has accelerated a shift towards suburban living, with increased demand for larger homes with more outdoor space. This trend is significant for areas such as Naperville and Aurora.
Finally, we have one last item to discuss before we share our list of the best Chicago real estate agents. What criteria do we use to determine the best agents? Let’s examine that issue.
Why Sales Volume Shouldn’t Be the Only Criteria
What does it mean to say that a real estate agent is among the best? Several factors contribute to this determination, and it’s important to note that sales volume alone is insufficient.
While sales volume can be a valuable indicator of an agent’s success, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not the sole determinant of their quality.
Focusing solely on sales volume can lead to an incomplete and potentially misleading picture. Sales numbers only tell part of the story.
For example, the following considerations are also crucial to assessing the skill and service of a real estate sales professional:
- Client satisfaction
- Market knowledge
- Attention to detail
- Availability and communication skills
Sales numbers are something to think about, but they shouldn’t be your only factor when looking for an agent.
Other Criteria to Consider
Let’s explore a few of these considerations in a little more detail.
First, sales volume can be influenced by market conditions. Even less experienced agents may see high sales volumes in a hot seller’s market due to strong demand and limited inventory.
Conversely, even highly skilled agents may experience lower sales figures in a slower market.
Second, sales volume doesn’t necessarily reflect client satisfaction. An agent might close a high volume of deals, but if they prioritize speed over client needs, they may leave clients feeling neglected or dissatisfied.
Factors like communication, responsiveness, and the ability to navigate challenging situations are equally, if not more, important for client satisfaction.
Third, high sales volume can sometimes be achieved through aggressive tactics that may not be in the client’s best interest.
Ultimately, a truly exceptional real estate agent goes beyond simply closing deals. They prioritize building strong client relationships, providing personalized service, and advocating for their clients’ best interests.
Therefore, while sales volume can be a factor to consider, it’s essential to look beyond the numbers and evaluate an agent based on a broader range of criteria.
Now that we understand our criteria let’s examine 15 of Chicago’s best real estate agents in 2025.
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Best Chicago Real Estate Agents for 2025
Our list showcases 15 of Chicago’s best real estate agents for 2025. They are recognized for their exceptional performance and dedication to client success.
Their unique blend of local market insights, use of cutting-edge technology, and personalized service ensures their clients’ real estate journeys are smooth and successful.
Please note that we are not ranking our list, meaning agent number one isn’t necessarily better than agent number three, and so on.
1. Shelley Brzozowski-O’Grady
Christie’s International Real Estate
Shelley grew up in the southern suburbs, attended school on the North Side, and raised her family in the western suburbs.
Her diverse experience of the city and region has allowed her to connect families with various lifestyles and communities, which is the cornerstone of her industry success.
In addition to her real estate career, Shelley is active as a coach and volunteer in the Glen Ellyn community, where she and her husband are raising their three sons.
Website: Shelly Brzozowski-O’Grady
2. Sarah Leonard
Legacy Properties, A Sarah Leonard Company
As a lifelong resident of the Chicagoland Suburbs, Sarah possesses an impeccable knowledge of the local market, its diverse neighborhoods, and everything in between.
She was a mortgage loan processor in the real estate business for over fifteen years before getting licensed. Her knowledge of Chicago and the industry and her professional expertise make her a Realtor of choice for handling all your real estate needs.
Website: Sarah Leonard
3. Lisa Wolf
Keller Williams North Shore West
Lisa always strives to create a 5-star experience for her clients. One of her business niches is staging. She offers free staging for all her listings.
This, coupled with unparalleled marketing using professional photography and editing, drone photography, 3D virtual imaging & floorplans, and superior negotiation skills, helps Lisa stand out among the best in Chicago.
Website: Lisa Wolf
4. Matt Kombrink
One Source Realty
Matt is an industry leader serving Kane & DuPage counties in all aspects of real estate since 1991. Much of Matt’s success is owed to staying on top of industry trends and shifts.
His team is recognized as cutting-edge. They provide residential sales, property management, and short sale/distressed property consultation to clients in neighborhoods such as St Charles, Geneva, Batavia, West Chicago, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Naperville.
Website: Matt Kombrink
5. David Dominguez
Realty Of America
David has continuously excelled in his Chicago real estate career by knowing how to set priorities, especially listening to client’s needs
His marketing skills are among the best, and his knowledge of the latest technology, tools, and solutions is unsurpassed. David services all neighborhoods in the Chicago area.
Website: David Dominguez
6. Tamika Marks
Trademarks & Associates, LLC
Tamika is an expert in selling single-family homes. Although she mainly works with sellers, she is also highly skilled as a buyers’ agent.
Tamika’s real estate skills include her experience selling homes quickly, negotiating for the best price, and in-depth knowledge of the entire Chicago real estate region.
Website: Tamika Marks
7. Zoe Hammond
Dream Town Real Estate in Lincoln Park
Zoe, who was born and raised in Chicago, loves the brain work, problem-solving, and market research tasks involved in every real estate sale.
Her clients speak highly of her sales abilities and even highly about her knowledge of every aspect of the industry. Zoe’s favorite aspect of the real estate business is going to bed every night feeling like a valuable asset to society.
Website: Zoe Hammond
8. Cody Stratman
HomeSmart Connect in Arlington Heights, Broker
Long recognized as among Chicago’s best real estate agents, Cody loves working with and educating buyers and sellers about all aspects of the sales process.
In particular, he pays close attention to what is in his client’s best financial interests now and in the long run. He advises every agent new to the industry to find a mentor to emulate and learn all you can.
Website: Cody Stratman
9. Erick Matos
RE/MAX Loyalty, Broker
Erick grew up on Chicago’s North Side.
Throughout his career, he’s operated as a solo agent, embodying the essence of hard work and dedication. He has a strong reputation for concierge service.
He views his clients as more than customers. For him, his buyers and sellers quickly morph into extended family and friends, for whom he wants to give his best.
He advises someone new to the industry to work your sphere of influence, network, and keep an open mind.
Website: Erick Matos
10. Ashlee Fox
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Starck Real Estate in Barrington, Broker
In her seventh year of selling real estate, Ashlee consistently remains on the list of Chicago real estate’s best agents.
In a recent interview about her favorite part of the business, she replied, “I’ve wound up on doorsteps that would change my life forever, and I’m forever grateful for where life takes me.”
Outside of her career, she loves traveling, being outside as much as possible, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.
Website: Ashlee Fox
11. Joe Tyler Gerber
Coldwell Banker Realty, Broker and Agent Coach
A former special educator, Joe’s rapid rise to the top of Chicago real estate agents came from his commitment to helping people.
Service and caring have always been at the core of everything Gerber does. When he realized his real estate career and role as an educator would remain constant in his life, he began to coach and mentor newer agents looking to build an organic business.
He advises agents looking to dramatically reimagine their business to utilize new and improved digital marketing tools.
Joe’s favorite part of real estate is helping people achieve financial independence, freedom, and a place to call home.
Website: Joe Tyler Gerber
12. Jeff Bushaw
Main Street Real Estate Group, Managing Broker-Owner
Jeff left a successful career in corporate finance to pursue his passion for real estate.
He’s known as a trusted partner throughout the buying and selling journey. He always prioritizes clients’ interests and is available around the clock.
Besides his work, Jeff enjoys coaching Little League, golfing, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.
Website: Jeff Bushaw
13. Jill Clark
Jill Clark Homes, COMPASS
Known for setting high goals for herself and her clients, Jill achieves them consistently and with finesse. With a background rooted in athletics, she brings her friendly but competitive spirit to the buying and selling of homes
Her exceptional track record speaks for itself: Clark ranks among the top Naperville agents and is well-regarded throughout the Chicago real estate market.
Website: Jill Clark
14. Venetia Ann Johnson
Coldwell Banker Realty, Broker Associate
Venetia Ann Johnson’s brand, “Elevate Your Lifestyle,” encapsulates her belief that owning real estate significantly enhances one’s lifestyle in numerous ways.
Johnson excels in her real estate service in Chicago and its suburban areas because of her exceptional client service, in-depth market knowledge, and consistent track record of success.
She not only serves her clients but also vigorously advocates for homeowner rights.
Website: Venetia Ann Johnson
15. Jim LaHa
Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, Broker Associate
Over his 19-year real estate sales career, Jim has consistently been recognized as one of Chicagoland’s top-performing agents.
He firmly believes that marketing technology is a valuable asset in real estate sales, and every one of his listings gets professional photographs, videos, 3-D tours, and floor plans, regardless of the price point.
A large part of Jim’s success as an agent is listening to his client’s goals and creating a winning game plan to achieve them.
Website: Jim LaHa
What do the above Chicago area real estate agents have in common? A commitment to service, professional expertise, and exceptional marketing and support.
Therefore, as we wrap up our article, let us share where you can find outstanding marketing and support for your real estate business so that you can be among the best.
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AgentUp – Supporting Chicago Real Estate Agents
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Our experienced, well-trained team of real estate sales support professionals provides tailored marketing and business service solutions that meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations.
We’re ready to help you make 2025 your most successful year in the business yet.
AgentUp has been an industry leader in real estate marketing support and transaction management solutions for over a decade.
First, we offer industry-recognized transaction coordination services to help you focus on revenue-generating activity instead of paperwork.
These services are available with the following options:
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Cutting-Edge Real Estate Digital Marketing
Second, AgentUp offers innovative, highly effective, affordable marketing solutions and tools to help you sell your listings and promote your services.
Many of the best Chicago area real estate agents use tools such as these to stand out among the competition, quickly sell listings for the best prices, and promote their sales services:
- Virtual tours
- Property websites
- Home flyers
- House portraits
- Real estate photo editing
- And virtual staging
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With competitive pricing, extensive experience, and a commitment to precision and care, AgentUp is the ideal partner for your Chicago real estate transactions.
Do yourself a favor. Explore all we have to offer for your business right now!
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