Create professional development programs that help REALTORS® strengthen their businesses.
Protect private property rights and promote the value of REALTORS®.
Advance ethics enforcement programs that increase REALTOR® professionalism.
Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
This week the new Federal Political Coordinators for the Illinois Association of REALTORS®, along with other policy and political leadership, attended the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) Annual REALTOR® Party Policy & Advocacy Conference and Training in Washington, D.C. They were met with detailed agendas and presentations on everything from the current political climate and predictions of what will become priority issues in the 113th Congress, to detailed discussions on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the future of conventional housing finance.
The Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) who attended will work with the newly-elected members of Congress on issues that are priority for both NAR and the IAR. Illinois REALTOR® members, Bob Dohn, Cedrick Hunter, Tracey Taylor, Jeff Gregory and Matt Silver spent the first day learning what the key role of the FPC is and NAR expectations. They represent Congresspersons Tammy Duckworth, Danny Davis, Bobby Rush, Bill Foster and Brad Schneider respectively. They will play a key role in educating the members of Congress on the implications and impacts of legislation on real estate and property owners of all types.
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Wednesday’s agenda was packed with several experts in housing finance including academics, economists, Congressional staff and analysts who shared their thoughts and points to consider as the country moves forward and the real estate markets continue to slowly heal. Comments were made regarding the future of the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs), servicer issues related to short sales and foreclosure, HUD condominium problems, the Qualified Mortgage (QM) and Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) rules in addition to capital markets and liquidity that affects both commercial and residential real estate.
These meetings helped prepare the FPCs, Political Action Committee Trustees, Policy Committee leaders and other attendees for the new legislative cycle and what resources are available from NAR. REALTOR® Party programs were explained and key NAR staff were on hand to present and answer questions on what the program includes.
Also present in D.C. were IAR members who serve in a variety of leadership capacities in NAR policy and advocacy including; John C. Kmiecik, Mike Drews, Chris Tenggren, Mike Onorato, Steve Volkadov, Mabel Guzman, Kay Wirth, Ed Neaves, Jean Crosby and IAR President Michael D. Oldenettel and IAR CEO Gary Clayton.
