New Look for IAR MarketStats Coming Dec. 20
 Next week, IAR will begin releasing housing data with a new look, part of a year-long effort to enhance the way IAR reports data to its members and the public. The switch, done in coordination with 10K Research and Marketing, builds on the previous data you have come to rely on and adds more information and market tools. Read more about the switch. Here are some highlights of the enhanced changes:
- Charts to help members and the public quickly learn how the housing market is moving. We’ll offer the charts and a new, easier-to-read format for the state, Chicago area, city of Chicago and individual counties.
- A sortable online database which will let members see each month how their county or area ranks against other areas of the state.
- Additional data fields, including market inventory and time on market.
- A redesigned member portal to quickly get members to the data they want through Illinoisrealtor.org.
Education & Training
Congratulations to New Illinois GRIs for 2012!
Fifty-two Illinois REALTORS® have earned the designation of Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI). Find a list of the newest Illinois GRIs and learn more about how you can join their ranks by earning your GRI if you haven't already.
Time is Running Out to Complete REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training by Dec. 31
All REALTORS® must complete 2.5 hours of Code of Ethics training within given four-year cycles according to NAR policy. The current cycle ends Dec. 31, 2012.
Scholarship Funds Available for Students Pursuing Real Estate Career
Since 2000, the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) has awarded scholarships totaling over $335,200, helping Illinois real estate professionals fulfill their educational dreams and pursue their career in the real estate industry. April 1 marks the deadline for the Academic, James M. Kinney, Morgan L. Fitch and Thomas F. Seay scholarship awards. Share REEF's newly updated website, www.ilreef.org, to interested students for more information and to download an application.
Industry News & Trends
NAHB: Bloomington Makes Improving Market List
Bloomington joins Springfield this December on the list of improving Illinois markets in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) index.
 This Week Illinois YPN Takes Time to Give Back
During this week of giving the Illinois Young Professional’s Network (YPN) recognizes REALTORS® across the state giving back to their communities. Stay tuned to Illinois YPN on Facebook for coverage throughout the week.
Are First-Time Buyers Missing Out on Housing Recovery?
Are tighter lending standards by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) making it tougher for first-time buyers to qualify for a mortgage? Read more in U.S. News & World Report.
Legislative & Advocacy
Fast-Track Foreclosure Bill Goes to Governor
During fall veto session, Illinois legislators approved a bill aimed at speeding up the foreclosure process and have sent it to Gov. Quinn. Read more about this and other action, including IAR's successful defeat of a flawed homestead exemption bill, in the latest State Capitol Report.
NAR Call to Action: Do No Harm to Housing
If you haven't yet, take action now and remind your U.S. Senators and member of Congress how important the mortgage interest deduction (MID) is to the recovering housing market. Talk of potential changes to the MID have spurred increasing media coverage, including this article, "Long-treasured mortgage interest deduction may face changes."
Legal Issues
Dec. 20 IAR Legal Webinar: New Legislation and Year-End Issues
Join IAR Chief Legal Counsel Steve Bochenek and Legal Hotline Attorney Betsy Urbance on Dec. 20 for a one-hour webinar on new legislation and year-end issues. If you have something you would like to hear about, send your question in advance to webinar@iar.org. The webinar begins at 9:30 a.m.
Sales and Marketing
Five Tips for Staging a Home in Winter
Add some holiday cheer to your winter listings with five staging ideas from NAR's Styled, Staged and Sold blog including filling the home with winter aromas and creating simple winter floral arrangements.
10 Real Estate Trends to Watch
Fewer foreclosure bargains, easier credit standards and a two-tiered home building industry are just a few of the 10 real estate trends to watch for in 2013, according to an article in The Fiscal Times.
Events
December 28
IAR is accepting applications for the Leadership Development Program. If you feel you possess the skills, aptitude, interest and motivation to become a leader, this program is for you. The application deadline is Dec. 28. Click here for more information (login required).
December 31
The Code of Ethics quadrennial training cycle ends Dec. 31. Learn more about training requirements.
January 14
Online registration is now available for the IAR-sponsored Instructor Course Development Workshop on Jan. 14 at three locations including Springfield, Downers Grove and Arlington Heights.
January 22-24
Find a schedule for the upcoming IAR Public Policy meetings being held in East Peoria.
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