The images we’re posting this week from the visits to Capitol Hill are part of a team effort. After all, it’s simply impossible for some of us to be in three simultaneous meetings, so we need what the military calls … Continue reading →

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® relies on Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) to establish relationships with members of Congress and to advocate for private property rights. On Wednesday, May 15, they kicked off a day of work on Capitol Hill with … Continue reading →

Federal Political Coordinators and their teams logged a full day of Congressional visits on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, May 15. The teams discussed the Mainstreet Fairness Act and the rural housing program. IAR Members provided members of Congress with the … Continue reading →

Home prices are rising, inventory has come down, mortgage applications are up and consumer sentiment about the housing economy has grown more positive — factors that are all promising for the housing recovery, according to the Time article, “This Housing … Continue reading →

IAR’s Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) met Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C., as a kickoff for several days of meetings with Illinois congressional representatives. The meeting gives the FPCs a final run through on issues affecting IAR’s 41,000 members. The group … Continue reading →

Members of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® met with staff members from Sen. Dick Durbin’s office on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Durbin was tied up in a meeting on immigration legislation, but IAR’s Federal Political Coordinators made sure that staff … Continue reading →

Federal Political Coordinators area heading to Washington, D.C., this week to take part in a week of efforts to make the REALTOR® voice heard on Capitol Hill. The FPCs, as they are called, will be taking part in the Midyear … Continue reading →

In honor of Mother’s Day, several Chicago-area newspapers highlighted some Illinois mother-son and mother-daughter real estate teams who have found business success by working together. “As a mother, what makes your heart soar is to take a child and share … Continue reading →

REALTOR® opposition, the Cook County Board on Wednesday passed a measure making it a human rights violation for landlords to opt out of the federal Section 8 housing program. The new rule passed by a 9-6 margin. Now, Illinois Association … Continue reading →

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 →