Top Ten Reasons to be an IAR Member

1. Property Owner Advocacy
   IAR is the leading advocate for the rights of private property owners in the state and the real estate industry. IAR represents Illinois REALTORS by making their voices heard in the Illinois General Assembly on issues that affect their profession, the real estate industry and the rights of private property owners. IAR is on the cutting-edge of REALTOR advocacy with experienced and effective lobbyists at the federal, state and local levels.
    

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. REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC)
   RPAC is an important way to participate in the political process to ensure the Realtor viewpoint is heard at all levels of government on the local, state and national issues.
    

4. 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 delivers fast and accurate information to assist members with day-to-day legal questions that arise in the real estate business. The Hotline service is available to Designated REALTORS.
    

5. Industry News Specific to Illinois
   IAR members receive up-to-the-minute real estate news both online and in print, and can stay current with the IAR Weekly Connection e-newsletter. The Illinois REALTOR magazine provides in-depth coverage of industry and business trends, sales, marketing, trade tools and technology for the Illinois REALTOR. Broker managers receive the Designated REALTOR Exclusive newsletter featuring trends, legal case studies and market statistics.
    

6. Web Sites
   www.illinoisrealtor.org is a 24/7 source for industry news, REALTOR resources and tools to help your business. IAR’s new consumer Web site at www.yourillinoishome.com provides tips for buying and selling a home, Illinois market information and financing options including resources for homeowners facing foreclosure. Members have access to customizable PR tools based on content from YourIllinoisHome.com.
    

7. IAR Member Discount Programs
   IAR members are entitled to discounts on the services and products that they use every day, such as software, insurance, home warranties, Web services, shipping services, car rentals and more. Contracts, forms and other free resources are available at illinoisrealtor.org, as well as an online REALTOR store where members can purchase forms, manuals, brochures and educational materials.
    

8. Education and Career Development
   IAR is a licensed, pre-license sales, broker and continuing education provider, offering year-round options and over 80 pre-license education branches to fulfill licensing requirements. Courses are available online, in a classroom or at home. IAR’s Illinois Graduate REALTOR Institute is an intensive program designed to enhance the agent’s knowledge and develop skills. The IAR Annual Convention and Spring Conference provide education and networking, by offering broker and sales-specific educational seminars, continuing education and an industry-specific trade show.
    

9. Market Statistics and Economic Forecasting
   IAR issues housing statistic reports on a monthly and quarterly basis and these are available online. Members can find talking points on the housing market and expanded economic analysis from leading University of Illinois economists.
    

10. 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 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.