Membership Benefits

IAR Gives You the REALTOR® Advantage

Take advantage of these and other programs and services as a member of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®:

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

IAR has made an extraordinary effort to have an effective legislative program that works to implement good, sound public policy for the real estate industry and prevents onerous legislation from passing. The state association has become a leader in the nation by developing and passing legislation that promotes a healthy climate for property ownership in Illinois and is a driving force in the periodic rewrite of the Real Estate License Law. IAR is on the cutting-edge of REALTOR® advocacy with a experienced team of effective lobbyists at the federal, state and local levels.

1. RPAC- The REALTORS® Political Action Committee is a voluntary non-profit political action committee, providing members the opportunity to support political candidates who share IAR's concern for protecting private property rights, the free enterprise system and issues affecting the real estate industry.

2. IAR Advocacy Initiative - The Advocacy Initiative provides funding for media and public awareness campaigns concerning local ordinances and ballot issues that demonstrate that REALTORS® are integral members of the community. It funds critical independent research to strengthen advocacy efforts locally and statewide. The initiative also provides free member resources to share with clients such as brochures on new laws that affect homeowners.

3. State Capitol Report - The Governmental Affairs department periodically publishes State Capitol Report, a legislative newsletter alerting members to pending legislation which affects real estate and related issues.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

By providing information and education on the latest legal and professional practices, IAR offers a broad array of professional development opportunities through courses, seminars and conferences that are both accessible and affordable. Whatever your specialty, you will find the industry's best educational opportunities offered by the REALTOR® Association.

1. Graduate REALTOR® Institute - The Institute program is designed to enhance your knowledge of real estate marketing and hone skills that will set you apart from the competition. Now you can earn the GRI designation in three convenient ways. Choose the full Institute, modules, equivalency exams, or a combination to complete the three undergraduate courses.

2. Continuing Education - Real estate licensees are required to complete continuing education hours during each renewal period. Through membership in the REALTOR® Association, you will find a multitude of opportunities throughout the year in which to fulfill your CE obligations. IAR is a licensed continuing education and appraisal provider and has also added a full array of home study programs for CE credit.

3. IAR Convention and Trade Exhibition - Each year IAR hosts a convention and expo where nationally-recognized experts provide education on the newest developments in the industry. In addition, the industry trade exposition can introduce you to the latest products and services designed to improve your bottom line.

4. IAR Business Meetings - REALTOR® committees analyze and formulate policy on all areas affecting the business, professional and public policy involvement of Illinois REALTORS®. These business meetings are held twice a year. Various member forums are held in conjunction with these business meetings. As a member, you may attend these sessions.

COMMUNICATIONS

REALTOR® membership provides access to information that can help you succeed in today's competitive market. The efforts of the local board, IAR and the National Association of REALTORS® keep you abreast of state and national events, current trends, self-motivational techniques and more.

1. Members Only Web Site - IAR offers exclusive information to REALTOR® members including member discounts and services, IAR publications, technology, legal news, free forms and contracts, and more.

2. YourIllinoisHome.com - www.yourillinoishome.com is IAR's comprehensive consumer Web site that provides tips for buying and selling a home, market information and financing options including resources for homeowners facing foreclosure.

3. IAR Weekly Connection newsletter - This weekly e-newsletter offers industry news, technology tips and more, and is e-mailed to all members.

4. The Illinois REALTOR® Magazine - This award-winning publication focuses on the real estate business in Illinois and is delivered bi-monthly to IAR members. The Illinois REALTOR® provides hard-hitting, up-to-date information on real estate, economic, legislative and legal issues as well as how-to features, educational updates, financing and commercial trends.

5. D.R. Legal News - This newsletter is distributed quarterly to all designated REALTORS® (D.R.) by IAR and provides a quarterly report on legal, regulatory and management issues. The Advocacy and Legal Alert is an exclusive D.R. e-newsletter sent each month to appraise owners and managers of real estate license law and other important legislative updates and other current news.

6. Market Reports/Economic Forecasts - IAR compiles statewide housing statistics on a monthly basis. Both monthly and each quarter, IAR profiles statewide housing statistical trends through news releases issued to the statewide news media. IAR has partnered with the University of Illinois Regional Economics Applications Laboratory to develop a housing forecast. Monthly and quarterly forecast reports are issued and provided exclusively to IAR members. In addition, talking points related to the market are prepared each month and published in the Market Center section of the IAR Web site.

MEMBER SERVICES

1. Legal Resources - Members of IAR are entitled to legal resources and information about the laws that affect Illinois REALTORS®, including free downloadable legal forms, contracts and brochures. The IAR Legal Hotline devliers fast, accurate information to assist REALTORS® with day to day legal questions which arise in the real estate business. Access to the Hotline is available through the designated broker in each real estate office.

2. REALTOR® Store - Many of the standard contracts and forms for use in REALTOR® offices are available at low cost through IAR In addition, IAR offers a variety of manuals, brochures, videotapes and other products designed to keep you at the top of your industry. IAR's most popular forms are also available in Spanish.

3. Special Discounts - As an IAR member, you are entitled to discounts on the services and products you use every day...discounts on software, insurance, home warranties, Web services, shipping services and more, check out the Member Services area to learn more.

4. Working for Fair and Affordable Housing - The Partnership for Homeownership Inc. (www.pfho.org) is IAR's nonprofit foundation established in 1996 to help low income first-time buyers achieve homeownership. www.Thehousingsite.org is a one-stop resource to keep Illinois real estate professionals and their clients plus lenders, renters, landlords, insurers and appraisers on the same page regarding state and federal fair housing laws. The site is also accessible in Spanish.