Capitol Conference 2012

Illinois REALTORS® made their voices heard at the Capitol, and they had a good time doing it. The 2012 conference was at the Hilton Springfield, with a reception at the Executive Mansion. 

Gov. Quinn: 'I believe in the cause of Housing'

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn told members of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® March 26 that he was committed to bringing homeownership within reach of the state’s residents. The governor kicked off a Housing Conference that highlighted state programs to help residents facing foreclosure or who want to buy a home but need additional help.

• Foreclosures spill into Chicago suburbs: SGS research consultant tells REALTORS® as many as one in four foreclosures may be strategic defaults. See the presentation, here. 
• More financing options for homebuyers: Panel outlines series of programs to help get Illinoisans into and keep homes. Program outlines: Welcome Home Heroes | Building Blocks Pilot Program | Illinois Hardest Hit | Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network
• The road ahead: REAL's Dr. Geoffrey Hewings discusses the forecast for real estate. 
• Other key information: IHDA 101 | Federal Home Loan Banks | HUD's 203K Program

Reception at the Executive Mansion: More than 300 people attended a Housing Conference reception at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. Gov. Quinn was on hand to greet REALTORS®. See the gallery here. 

Young Professionals: REALTOR® young professionals met at the Pinnacle Club at the top of the Hilton Springfield  following the housing conference reception. 

More than 400 REALTORS® lobby at Capitol

Members of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® gathered for a group picture March 27 at the statue of Abraham Lincoln, then streamed into the Capitol in Springfield to lobby for private property and business rights.

Members met with legislators and  the Illinois General Assembly's leadership. Busloads of REALTORS® made the journey to Springfield for this annual event, which was capped off with a reception at the Springfield Hilton. 

■ See a video of the day's events at the Capitol, March 27
■ View the photo gallery here, including meetings with key legislative leaders

Congratulations to the REALTOR® of the Year

REALTORS® gathered to honor Kay Wirth, ABR, CRS, GRI, LTG, PMN, SFR of RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest in Crystal Lake the 2012 REALTOR® of the Year at a banquet held March 28 at the Hilton Springfield. Wirth has served at the local, state and national level, and was 2008 president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®.

REALTORS® raise money for RPAC

There was fun during the week of events. Oh, yes, there was fun. REALTORS® took part in the Stickhorse Derby which came complete with costumes, a VIP area and fancy hats. 

See you next year!