Independence Keeps @properties on the Right Path
Volatility begets change, so it should come as no surprise that there's a shakeout occurring in today's real estate brokerage industry. Over the past 15 months, Chicago brokerage has experienced a consolidation trend as a number of independent offices have been acquired by, or rolled into, bigger shops. Notable independents have left the marketplace.
@properties is well-positioned to take advantage of the inevitable market recovery. That's because our growth — while extraordinary in market share — has been controlled, non-leveraged and almost entirely organic. Our largest investments have been in technology, training and marketing programs that assure our clients the best service, greatest exposure and strongest representation in the marketplace. As a result, despite the challenging market, @properties increased its market share by 30 percent in 2008. In the city of Chicago, our '08 sales volume of $1.875 billion was second in the city only to a firm with three times as many agents. And for the third consecutive year, @properties was #1 among all major Chicago brokerage firms for shortest market time (68 days) and had one of the highest ratios of selling price to listing price.
Most importantly, we have maintained our independence. At @properties, we control our own destiny. Financially, we have the strength to weather the changes in the economy. And culturally, we continue to promote the values that attract great agents and great clients like you. So if you're getting ready to buy or sell, or you have questions about today's market, remember that the city's #1 independent real estate broker is not only here to help, we're also here to stay.
(@properties March 2009 Newsletter)
Dave Straub @properties 773.255.3180
