Legislative and Advocacy
Legislators Return for Spring Session
The Illinois General Assembly returns this week for the start of the spring legislative session. Watch a video from IAR lobbyists previewing some of the key bills of interest, including a Cook County homestead exemption bill and efforts to require fire sprinklers in new residential construction.
Public Policy Highlights
Illinois REALTORS® met in East Peoria last week to add their voice in local, state and federal public policy issues and legislative battles affecting your business. Find highlights including videos, blog posts and photos from the RPAC auction.
Sen. Durbin talks Internet sales tax, other issues with IAR
Over the weekend, we had an opportunity to sit down with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) at his Springfield office to cover issues affecting the real estate industry and our IAR members specifically. The interview will appear in the April issue of Illinois REALTOR® magazine. When asked about the Marketplace Fairness Act, Senator Durbin said: “Illinois small businesses just want the opportunity to compete with online retailers on a level playing field. If Main Street businesses have to collect sales taxes, why should online retailers escape that responsibility? The Marketplace Fairness Act does not create any new taxes for business or consumers—it simply allows for the collection of existing sales tax owed by consumers if states choose to do so. REALTORS® know the impact on a community when small businesses are forced to close their doors."
Industry News and Trends
Kay Wirth Named 2012 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year
Congratulations to Kay Wirth, chosen as the 2012 REALTOR® of the Year! Wirth is a real estate broker with RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest in Crystal Lake and served as president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® in 2008. A REALTOR® of the Year Banquet will be held honoring Wirth on March 28 in Springfield.
John C. Kmiecik Receives IAR Political Involvement Award
John C. Kmiecik, president and founder of Century 21 Kmiecik in Chicago, was awarded the IAR Political Involvement Award on Jan. 25. The award honors outstanding political and legislative service to the REALTOR® organization.
Obama Calls For Speeding Up Mortgage Refinancing
In his State of the Union address, President Obama proposed streamlining the refinancing options for underwater homeowners. Read a statement from NAR President Moe Veissi. The Obama administration also seeks to expand mortgage modifications to rental properties, according to media reports.
THANK YOU to Our RPAC Auction Supporters!
The official total raised at the Jan. 24 IAR RPAC Auction is just over $71,000. RPAC supports pro-REALTOR® candidates for public office to make a difference when legislation is being considered that affects your real estate business and private property rights. This is an election year and likely a costly one for RPAC. www.RPACnow.com.
Join the RPAC "Pacesetters"
If you contribute at the Major Investor level ($1,000 and up) by March 21 you will be recognized as an "RPAC Pacesetter" at the IAR Capitol Conference in Springfield on March 27.
Latest on License Law
Wondering What Combination of CE You Need?
For salespeople who have not taken the 30-hour transition course and are transitioning to the broker license, you need 18 hours of CE (9 Core, 9 Elective). The minimum Core CE must include one Core A and two Core B offerings.
Need to Know Your Current CE Status?
Use IAR's easy online Education Lookup for IAR-sponsored courses at http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/lookup.
IAR Transition Help Line
The IAR Transition Help Line is available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. E-mail questions@IARlicenselaw.org or call 877-538-5861. Due to the high volume of calls to the help line, you may have to leave a voice message. You can also find transition information at IARlicenselaw.org.
Market Stats and Research
Pending Home Sales Fall In December; Higher Than Year Ago
The Pending Home Sales Index declined 3.5 percent in December compared to November, but remained higher than December 2010, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says despite the dip, overall market trends are favorable.
Events
Feb. 23 IAR Legal Webinar: Rental/Property Management Issues
If you have questions concerning rental listings, payment of commissions, handling of security deposits or other property management issues, plan on joining IAR Legal Counsel Steve Bochenek and Legal Hotline Attorney Betsy Urbance for the Feb. 23 webinar.
Save the Date!
You don't want to miss this year's IAR Capitol Conference, a two-day event featuring a Housing Conference with Gov. Pat Quinn on March 26 followed by the traditional REALTOR® Lobby Day and meetings on March 27. Resolve to get involved in 2012.
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