After four consecutive quarters of rising foreclosure activity, Illinois saw a 2 percent drop in activity in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012 and was 5 percent lower than a year ago, RealtyTrac reports. … Continue reading →

Date:  April 10, 2013

The Illinois REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) provided both direct contributions and extra grassroots support, where we reached out to REALTORS® in April 9th Consolidated Election in Illinois for local candidates.

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Owning a home can pay off at tax time. HouseLogic explains many homeownership-related tax deductions, credits, and strategies to maximize your return. Here are a few  must-read articles to help you as you prepare your tax return. Your Top Home … Continue reading →

The CNN Money article, “Housing is back! Best moves for homebuyers,” covers what buyers need to know about today’s market and getting the home they want as prices rise and bidding wars re-emerge in some markets. Some strategies? Prices are … Continue reading →

Tuesday is Election Day in Illinois. Do your civic duty and vote for local candidates who support private property rights and understand the role real estate plays in a vibrant, recovering economy. Get out the Vote!

REALTORS®, plan on heading to the polls on Tuesday, April 9 for the Consolidated Election in Illinois and voting for local municipal candidates who support private property rights and the real estate industry. Watch a video highlighting the new tools … Continue reading →

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recently reported to the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) that a real estate licensee received a phone call telling her that her license is inactive and needed to be reinstated. The … Continue reading →

Interested in learning more about international markets and real estate consumers? Join us for IAR’s 2013 Multicultural Summit on April 26 where the topic will be the unique markets of the Caribbean and South Africa. Register by April 18 and … Continue reading →

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has opened up the public its extensive database tracking consumer financial complaints on everything from student loan and credit card debt to mortgages. The Consumer Complaint Database, which updates daily, allows consumers to search for … Continue reading →

In a new video, Katie Trocoli and Joe Hardin talk about learning more about the fracking debate and the oil and gas industries as members of the new Illinois Association of REALTORS® Task Force on Hydraulic Fracturing and Horizontal Drilling. … Continue reading →

If the increased interest over the last few months are any indication, first-time homebuyers are getting back into the housing market and could be an important factor in the spring buying/selling season, according to a new Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse … Continue reading →

The Wall Street Journal reports this morning on a new analysis from Coldwell Banker that finds luxury home sales in the Windy City — particularly those selling for more than $5 million — are seeing an uptick in activity. Though … Continue reading →

What is at issue is determining exactly how this form of energy extraction, both and oil and gas, effects property ownership, rights and the practice of real estate. Several issues are on the table to be discussed. This issues include … Continue reading →

For those who took part in the HomePath Short Sale – Improving the Short Sale Experience, an IAR webinar, you can now download the audio and video file on the association website. To gain access, go here. The next webinar … Continue reading →

On any given weekend, REALTORS® in Illinois communities both large and small are showcasing their listings and their market expertise by holding open houses for the public. With REALTORS® Nationwide Open House Weekend coming up on April 20-21, what can … Continue reading →

Boomerang buyers — homeowners who have emerged from foreclosure or short sale and are ready to buy again — are returning to the housing market, according to the article, “Boomerang buyers make a comeback,” in the Chicago Tribune (via The … Continue reading →

REALTORS® build communities and believe people have a right to live wherever they can afford to live. This month marks the 45th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event and … Continue reading →

Get Involved! Join hundreds of Illinois REALTORS® in Springfield April 15 and 16 for the Illinois Association of REALTORS® Housing Leaders Conference and Capitol Conference. You’ll hear about issues impacting the real estate industry and meet with legislators and the … Continue reading →

Mortgage loan modifications through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could get easier beginning July 1, under a simplified process that eliminates the requirement that homeowners to first provide financial and hardship documentation. Under the new Streamlined Modification Initiative, borrowers who … Continue reading →

Make 2013 a Winner For Your Business! You need more than luck to succeed in real estate. It takes knowledge, skills and motivation. We have the magic three for you at this year’s IAR Spring Conference. EARLY BIRD RATE ENDS … Continue reading →