Multiple offers are back, and that’s good news for the housing market. Consequently, how to handle multiple offers has been a hot topic for the IAR Legal Hotline. Each scenario is different based on the facts and parties involved. However, … Continue reading →

There was welcome news on the housing market front this week as the Illinois Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® reported increased home sales in April. April home sales in Illinois were up 25.3 percent from a … Continue reading →

The city of Evanston is considering an ordinance to tighten regulations on short term residential rentals being rented for less than 29 days by classifying them as a subcategory of a bed and breakfast, but the proposal could end up … Continue reading →

Illinois home sales increased 25.3 percent over previous-year levels in April and median prices increased 7.7 percent, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. Statewide home sales in April 2013 totaled 12,621 homes sold, up from 10,076 in April 2012. … Continue reading →

IAR’s Brian Bernardoni, a government affairs director in Chicago, was on CBS’ local news in a story about fire sprinkler mandates. Bernardoni in the few seconds provided by the Chicago station got through the message Monday that there are many … Continue reading →

The U.S. economy, which has slowed slightly due in part to the federal sequester, is expected to reaccelerate in the second half of this year, with housing serving as a “significant contributor to growth,” according to Fannie Mae’s Economic Outlook … Continue reading →

Illinois REALTOR® named to regional post John C. Kmiecik was elected Region 7 Vice president. Region 7 includes Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. First vice president candidates tout strengths; voting begins Florida REALTOR® Tom Salomone touted his passion and experience in … Continue reading →

Hundreds of delegates from across the nation are meeting this morning (May 18, 2013) as part of the National Association of REALTORS®’ Board of Directors meeting. The gathering, held as part of the Midyear meetings in Washington, D.C., has a … Continue reading →

After two years of intense negotiations, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® reached an agreement with the Cook County Assessor on Senate Bill 41, legislation creating greater penalties for erroneous homestead exemptions. A more narrowly defined, and fairer bill, was approved … Continue reading →

Illinois REALTORS took part in a state caucus meeting on Friday, May 17, 2013. Representatives from National Association of REALTORS committees provided updates for members and an overview of emerging issues that the industry is facing. The committee reports covered … Continue reading →

Over the past three days IAR members showed Illinois congressional representatives that there was power in the association’s membership. That’s because in just about every meeting, Federal Political Coordinators and their teams packed offices on Capitol Hill to advocate for … Continue reading →

The images we’re posting this week from the visits to Capitol Hill are part of a team effort. After all, it’s simply impossible for some of us to be in three simultaneous meetings, so we need what the military calls … Continue reading →

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® relies on Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) to establish relationships with members of Congress and to advocate for private property rights. On Wednesday, May 15, they kicked off a day of work on Capitol Hill with … Continue reading →

Federal Political Coordinators and their teams logged a full day of Congressional visits on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, May 15. The teams discussed the Mainstreet Fairness Act and the rural housing program. IAR Members provided members of Congress with the … Continue reading →

Home prices are rising, inventory has come down, mortgage applications are up and consumer sentiment about the housing economy has grown more positive — factors that are all promising for the housing recovery, according to the Time article, “This Housing … Continue reading →

IAR’s Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) met Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C., as a kickoff for several days of meetings with Illinois congressional representatives. The meeting gives the FPCs a final run through on issues affecting IAR’s 41,000 members. The group … Continue reading →

Members of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® met with staff members from Sen. Dick Durbin’s office on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Durbin was tied up in a meeting on immigration legislation, but IAR’s Federal Political Coordinators made sure that staff … Continue reading →

Federal Political Coordinators area heading to Washington, D.C., this week to take part in a week of efforts to make the REALTOR® voice heard on Capitol Hill. The FPCs, as they are called, will be taking part in the Midyear … Continue reading →

In honor of Mother’s Day, several Chicago-area newspapers highlighted some Illinois mother-son and mother-daughter real estate teams who have found business success by working together. “As a mother, what makes your heart soar is to take a child and share … Continue reading →

REALTOR® opposition, the Cook County Board on Wednesday passed a measure making it a human rights violation for landlords to opt out of the federal Section 8 housing program. The new rule passed by a 9-6 margin. Now, Illinois Association … Continue reading →