REALTORS®  who live and work in the Eighth Congressional District in Illinois met with Congressman Tammy Duckworth on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, to hear her views on real estate issues and to provide feedback on local market conditions.

The event was held at Venuti’s Banquets in Addison, Illinois. The meeting was part of the Let’s Talk Real Estate series of meetings between IAR members and congressional representatives. IAR plans to hold the meetings with all of Illinois’ congressional representatives.

This session began with Federal Political Coordinator and REALTOR® Bob Dohn of Schaumburg discussing issues which included flood insurance and the role of REALTOR® on the issue of data security.

Congressman Duckworth agreed that the NAR position of having one data security standard is good, however she said she thought there should be a layered approach to those standards.

She stated “I don’t believe REALTORS should be held to the same standard on data security that, let’s say, a defense contractor would have to adhere to.”  She also stated she would be willing to work with the National Association of REALTORS® on the issue.

Larry Hines, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Horizon in Elgin gave an update on the real estate market in the far west portion of Duckworth’s district. Royal Hartwig, REALTOR® with the Royal Family Team of Keller Williams, shared the status of the real estate market in the far north section of the Eighth District and also let the Duckworth know that property taxes are a major hurdle for area homeowners.

Duckworth said she needs to do her part to make sure that federal funding for things such as schools get back to her district to help alleviate the problem.

The questions asked by REALTOR® members focused on veteran loan programs and then Stella Catalano, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Destiny in Addison, asked about Congresswoman Duckworth’s commitment to the Mortgage Interest Deduction.

Duckworth said she and others in Congress are supportive of a deduction for a homeowner’s first property. Duckworth told the audience a deduction for a second home could be the subject of compromise.

However, the congresswoman said she would like to continue the discussion with IAR members and the National Association of REALTORS®.

The final event in the August series is coming up with Congressman Bill Enyart on August 29. The series will pick up again in October with the first event being with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos on Oct.15.  For information on the Enyart meeting, or to learn more about future meetings, click here. The page will be updated as new meetings are scheduled. .