With 2018 in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on 2019 and what the new year will mean for new tech, interest rates and luxury development. And the collective insights of Taylor Johnson clients Baird & Warner, Belgravia Group, Key Mortgage Services and Related Midwest added fresh analysis to Chicago Agent’s annual predictions issue. Laura Ellis, president of residential sales and executive vice president of Baird & Warner, says emerging tech will continue making the buying and selling process easier, while Steve DiMarco, president of Key Mortgage, predicts spring sales in the Chicago area will be 5 percent higher than last year. On the development side, Buzz Ruttenberg, founder of Belgravia Group, believes 2019 will see continued densification of urban centers, while Tricia Van Horn, vice president of marketing and communications at Related Midwest, sees the competition intensifying to deliver one-of-a-kind amenities and niche services.

From left, Laura Ellis of Baird & Warner, Buzz Ruttenberg of Belgravia Group, Steve DiMarco of Key Mortgage and Tricia Van Horn of Related Midwest shared their insights in Chicago Agent’s recent predictions issue.