Share this KCM Blog infographic highlighting how many taxpayers in different states are claiming the mortgage interest deduction, an important tax benefit that facilitates homeownership. Illinois taxpayers claim the deduction at a higher rate than the U.S. average of 25.5 percent, … Continue reading →

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® held its annual Spring Conference and Expo, May 8-9, at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Ill. The event featured a chance for REALTORS® to earn CE credit and network. Watch video highlights of the event.

The Labor Department reports that jobless claims fell by 4,000 filings for the week ending May 4, marking the third straight week of declines in initial claims, HousingWire reports in today’s article, “Jobless claims fall again.” And more positive jobs … Continue reading →

Noted real estate trainer Doug Devitre told Illinois REALTORS® how to get more out of their day by using the latest technology. Devitre was speaking at the Illinois Association of REALTORS® Spring Conference and Expo held in Collinsville, Ill., May … Continue reading →

Steve Bochenek, IAR’s chief legal counsel, and Jill Johnson, real estate coordinator with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation kicked off day two of the Spring Conference and Expo in Collinsville, May 9, 2013. The two talked about … Continue reading →

Ask consumers and REALTORS® where they think home prices will be heading in the next 12 months and the majority of both agree on the same answer — up. Two recent surveys — the Fannie Mae April 2013 National Housing … Continue reading →

Motivational speaker Dr. Tom Hill opened the annual Spring Conference this morning, Wednesday, May 8, at the Gateway Center in Collinsville. The conference is put on by the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. The session is part of a slate of … Continue reading →

There was some good news in the March Home Price Index released by CoreLogic today — U.S. home prices rose 10.5 percent in March compared to a year ago, the biggest year-over-year gain since March 2006. It also marked the 13th … Continue reading →

Say no to more red tape! This week, the Cook County Board is expected to consider an amendment to the county’s Human Rights Ordinance that would force landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers. The Illinois Association of REALTORS® and various … Continue reading →

The debate over mandatory fire sprinklers in new residential construction has come to the Quad-City area and a coalition of housing industry advocates including REALTORS®, homebuilders and the chamber of commerce are in opposition, saying requiring costly sprinkler systems will … Continue reading →

Five $10,000 grants will be awarded! REALTOR® Magazine is seeking nominations for its 14th annual Good Neighbor Awards. The National Association of REALTORS®’ annual program recognizes REALTORS® who’ve made an extraordinary commitment to their communities through volunteer work. Five winners … Continue reading →

Share this KCM Blog infographic on the top five reasons, both financial and non-financial, that prompt people to buy their own home.

Now could be your best time to buy a home or refinance the one you have as mortgage rates continuing to push lower, Freddie Mac reported today. The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.35 percent this week while the 15-year, fixed … Continue reading →

Chicago ranks No. 8 when it comes to some of the most mom-friendly cities in the U.S., according to a survey from the online real estate brokerage Redfin. To create the mom-friendly ranking, Redfin compared 25 metro areas and looked … Continue reading →

If you want to get more out of your remodeling dollars, think curb appeal. Spending money on lower-cost projects that boost your home’s exterior appearance and, in turn curb appeal, can mean more money in your pocket at resale time, … Continue reading →

REALTORS® seeking to do business in the future need to embrace relationships with people of different cultures. “The model has changed,” said Julius L. Cartwright, president and CEO of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. “Global is the new … Continue reading →

More than 100 REALTORS® gathered in Oak Brook, Ill., to hear about strategies for doing business with clients from South Africa and the Caribbean. Jim Kinney, treasurer of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®, opened the session, which was April 26, … Continue reading →

If you are looking for ways to improve the short sale process for yourself and your clients, then you will want to attend a U.S. Treasury workshop and webinar, “All About Short Sales,” from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., May … Continue reading →

Good news for homebuyers and owners seeking to refinance, fixed mortgage rates moved lower for the fourth consecutive week and continued to support the ongoing housing recovery, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.40 percent, down slightly from … Continue reading →

Register by midnight tonight, April 24, and pay just $119 (includes six hours CE) for the IAR Spring Conference & Expo, May 8-9 in Collinsville.