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 →

Date:  May 10, 2013

Against substantial 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.

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Share this KCM Blog infographic highlighting how many taxpayers in different states are claiming the mortgage interest deduction, an important tax benefit that facilitates homeownership. Illinois taxpayers claim the deduction at a higher rate than the U.S. average of 25.5 percent, … Continue reading →

Date:  May 9, 2013 Real estate recording fee STOPPED today

Senate Bill 1244 failed in a 6-4 vote on May 9 in the Illinois Housing of Representatives Housing Committee.

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The Illinois Association of REALTORS® held its annual Spring Conference and Expo, May 8-9, at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, Ill. The event featured a chance for REALTORS® to earn CE credit and network. Watch video highlights of the event.

The Labor Department reports that jobless claims fell by 4,000 filings for the week ending May 4, marking the third straight week of declines in initial claims, HousingWire reports in today’s article, “Jobless claims fall again.” And more positive jobs … Continue reading →