Michael Opyd, a top-producing Realtor with lifetime sales of around $75M and former real estate brokerage owner with multiple offices and $200M in annual production, drops the timeless knowledge he gained over a successful career into THE MOST DYNAMIC BOOK EVER WRITTEN FOR NEWER REAL ESTATE AGENTS!

In August 2009, Michael Opyd left a comfortable corporate job and plunged headfirst into real estate with only $2,000 to his name and no plan B. He entered the industry during the Great Recession, one of the toughest markets in the country’s history. The early years were lean—Michael managed to help only a handful of people find rentals and didn’t make his first sale until his third year. To make ends meet, he took on odd jobs for veteran Realtors, who paid him in cash, and attended broker’s opens (open houses for Realtors) on Tuesdays, which provided lunch and gift cards to stretch his meals throughout the week.

Michael’s first brokerage was poorly managed, offering no formal education, and his managing broker wasn’t interested in mentoring new agents. Left to his own devices, Michael took matters into his own hands. He dedicated his early years to self-education, shadowing veteran agents on appointments, asking countless questions, reading everything he could, and attending every educational event he could afford.

After switching to a brokerage that offered more education, training, and mentorship, Michael’s business started to gain traction. During this time, he was elected to the Chicago Association of Realtors Young Professional Network board for two consecutive terms, serving alongside many of Chicago’s top up-and-coming Realtors, some of whom have become top producers and brokerage owners.

Though it took a few years for Michael to close his first sale, once he did, his production increased year after year. To date, he has sold nearly $75 million in real estate without any assistance. In 2018, Michael was recognized by the Chicago Association of Realtors as a top producer in both total sales and total number of transactions.

Recognizing the lack of education for new Realtors, Michael opened his own brokerage in Chicago’s West Loop in 2016. His brokerage was built on the foundation of providing new agents with the education and tools necessary for success. To support this mission, Michael and his partner developed a six-week mentorship program covering everything from mental preparation for the challenges of real estate to working with clients and building a brand. Nearly 50 agents graduated from the program, averaging 5.6 sales in the 12 months following completion—well above the national average of 1-2 for new Realtors. Before selling the company in February 2024, the brokerage had two offices, 66 agents, and closed nearly $200 million in sales annually.

Michael’s unique perspective on the real estate industry has led to his being featured in numerous online articles, including Forbes, Inman, US News, Investopedia, The Chicago Tribune, and The Chicago Sun-Times. He has also been featured multiple times in Chicago Agent Magazine, both on the cover and as a contributor, and in Chicago Real Producers Magazine.

Michael’s true passion lies in educating Realtors. From his early days mentoring new agents, he realized that helping people in the industry is his calling. Having experienced the challenges firsthand, Michael is dedicated to ensuring that new Realtors receive the proper education and support they need to thrive, so they don’t have to face the same struggles he did when starting out.