IAR Advocacy: A Win for Homeowners

IAR Advocacy Program efforts paid off for homeowners in the April 7 elections. Home rule powers were voted down in both Lynwood and South Chicago Heights while voters in Countryside voted against a proposed 3,000 percent real estate transfer tax increase.

With voter outreach and education, Illinois REALTORS® informed citizens of basic property owner concerns with the enactment of these proposals.

Countryside

IAR alerted homeowners in Countryside, Illinois about a proposed 3,000 percent increase in the real estate transfer tax imposed when a home is sold in Countryside.

If the plan was approved, the City of Countryside would increase the transfer tax paid at closing from what is now a flat fee of $50 to a tax based on a sliding scale of $5 per $1,000 in sale price.

In Countryside, 270 voted YES for the transfer tax increase (30.58%), 613 voted NO (69.42%).

South Chicago Heights and Lynwood

REALTORS® urged homeowners to vote "NO" on home rule in these community referendas.
The Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® was concerned about the likelihood of burdensome point-of-sale inspection programs being enacted in the two villages if they become home rule units.

In Lynwood, 580 voted YES for home rule (49.57%), 590 voted NO (50.43%).

In South Chicago Heights, 408 voted YES for home rule (46.10%), 477 voted NO (53.90%).

About Home Rule

Home rule power could mean more taxes and more regulations.

• Additional taxes could be imposed without voter approval.
• The Village could incur more debt, resulting in higher property taxes to pay off the debt.
• Home rule unites are exempt from the property tax cap law, which means the village would be able to raise its real estate tax levy without limitation.
• The village would have the power to require home inspections when you try to sell your home, which could result in mandatory and expensive upgrades. And prevent the transfer of property until the Village, not the buyer or seller, is satisfied that improvements are made.