James David Nathan & Co.

A strong increase in home sales activity in the second half of 2009 was noticeable in Lake County, Ill., where home sales were up 18% over the comparable 2008 period, and RE/MAX retained the number one sales ranking among brokerage organizations.

RE/MAX agents retained their leadership position in home sales in the West Towns area of the metropolitan Chicago real estate market last year. Home sales in that area were up from 1,873 in 2008 to 2,064 in 2009, a 10 percent increase.

RE/MAX agents retained their leadership position in home sales in the Northwest Suburbs area of the metropolitan Chicago real estate market last year. Home sales in that area were up from 6,479 in 2008 to 6,992 in 2009, an 8 percent increase.

RE/MAX Platinum has returned to its original location at 1931 S. State St. in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. The move coincides with an uptick in activity in the South Loop segment of the Chicago real estate market.

RE/MAX Northern Illinois reports that its home sales on a year-over-year basis showed a substantial upturn during the final quarter of 2009, with much of that improvement due to stronger sales in the metropolitan Chicago real estate market.

RE/MAX Homes Unlimited Dixon, 1220 S. Galena Ave., Dixon, Ill., began 2010 with a flourish by merging with one of its top competitors, White Realty, Inc. That move further boosts the RE/MAX presence in the Illinois real estate market.

RE/MAX Vision 212 has relocated to 1500 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, in the city's Noble Square neighborhood. This central location will make it easy for agents affiliated with the office to serve clients in many parts of Chicago.

RE/MAX Cityview in Chicago is holding a holiday toy drive to benefit Children's Memorial Hospital. Unwrapped toys can be dropped at the office until Dec. 24.

RE/MAX is the only one of the top five brokerage organizations in Chicago to gain market share during the first quarter of 2009.

Analysis of first quarter 2009 housing market activity in the Chicago metropolitan area.