@properties Christie’s International Real Estate Recognized With Two Chicago Agent Magazine Agents’ Choice Awards

Chicago Agent Magazine announced its 2022 Agents’ Choice winners, recognizing the individuals, companies, and developers within the industry who have made an impact in Chicagoland real estate.

Representing two spectrums of achievement in their @properties Christie’s International Real Estate careers, agent Ilana Steelman took home the award for Rookie of the Year (city), and industry veteran Jim Barcelona was awarded Managing Broker of the Year (suburbs).

Ilana Steelman – Rookie of the Year (City)

Steelman, who works out of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s Bucktown office closed 26 transactions in her first full year in the business. In addition to her own savvy approach to building relationships, she says much of her success is due to the strong technology and marketing tools @properties is known for.

“I interviewed with eight brokerages and chose @properties Christie’s International Real Estate because I knew how important those components would be to establishing a foundation for my business,” she said.

Noting that pl@tform™, the brokerage’s proprietary tech solution, has made a busy year manageable, she said the @opens tool was invaluable in helping manage open houses, her primary source of new clients.

She also credits @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s coaching and training team for her achievements, along with the relationships she has forged with senior brokers.

Jim Barcelona – Managing Broker of the Year (Suburbs)

A self-proclaimed student of the industry, Jim Barcelona has been a vice president of brokerage services and managing broker for @properties Christie’s International Real Estate’s west-suburban offices for almost five years. Barcelona brought a valuable background to the brokerage after having worked in commercial real estate and then the banking side of the industry.

“I’ve seen real estate transactions from all sides of the table,” he said. “Many of my strengths come from those experiences.”

Managing almost 300 agents, he says his goal is to always be accessible, bringing continued support and value to their businesses. Barcelona attributes much of his success to his team. “The only way I’m successful is if my agents are,” he said.

Throughout his tenure with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, Barcelona has been instrumental in its continued growth through identifying new markets, opening offices, and recruiting agents.

Other nominees for @properties Christie’s International Real Estate and affiliated companies were: Paul Blackburn (Managing Broker of the Year, city); Liz Piccioli (Rookie of the Year, suburbs); Refine Residential (Best Agent/Team Website); Young Lee (Best Dressed); Elizabeth Lothamer (Charitable Services Award); Renee Clark Team (Best Team); Suzanne Gignilliant (Industry MVP, city); Jena Radnay (Industry MVP, suburbs); atproperties.com (Best Brokerage Website); Proper Title (Title Company of the Year); and Kyle Gillespie (Loan Officer of the Year, Proper Rate).