Illinois REALTORS®: What Matters Most
In the latest annual member survey, Illinois REALTORS® share the association resources they value most and the top industry issue weighing on their minds.
“What’s the best marketing advice anyone ever gave you?”
Never underestimate the power of "geo-farming" with postcards! And that was so true. Some of the best listings (yes, listings!) I’ve gotten have been from postcard mailers that homeowners have held onto. Now, with Facebook Ads, I can send [...]
Professional standards at a glance: 2018 highlights and a new rule on written offers
Ethics Citation Program In 2018, there were 149 complaints filed through the Illinois REALTORS® Ethics Citation Program. A total of 68 citations were issued and nine complaints were forwarded to the Grievance Committee. The top four Articles or Standards [...]
The costly impact of ‘crime-free housing’ initiatives on Illinois communities
The premise of “crime-free housing” seems straightforward: require rental tenants to remain crime free or face eviction, giving municipal and county law enforcement agencies more control over criminal activity happening on a specific property, block and neighborhood. Crime-free housing [...]
A failed home sale, an inspection report and the rules of disclosure
If the sale that triggers a home inspection falls apart, and there is an inspection report that has been generated, the question arises, what is the responsibility of the seller to review the inspection report and disclose information from [...]
The risks and benefits of expanding your real estate practice through telemarketing
Telemarketing and “cold-calling” can be useful and inexpensive ways to make your business more recognizable. However, this type of marketing should be approached with caution. There are several rules in place which protect the public from the hassles of [...]
Disruption is here: Embrace the changes and adapt your business for the better
It is a time of disruption in the real estate industry with changes in the market, advances in technology and consumers who have more information than ever. REALTORS® who learn to address and adapt to the changes will succeed. [...]
What’s the deal with the mortgage financing changes
Understanding mortgage financing and how changes in loan programs may affect your clients is a vital component of working in real estate. Chris Read, vice chair of Conventional Financing and Policy Committee for the National Association of REALTORS®, says [...]