October continued the trend of median price growth in the majority of Illinois counties: sales were lower due to seasonal and residual tax credit factors and year-to-date sales remain positive even as the economy and foreclosures slow the recovery.
According to the Illinois Association of Realtors latest report, year-to-date total home sales (which include single-family and condominiums) statewide are up 0.1 percent January through October 2010 with 89,050 home sales compared to 88,989 home sales for the same period in 2009; year-to-date sales are up 4.6 percent in the Chicagoland …

The latest independent audit of the Federal Housing Administration shows the agency’s financial condition has improved from last year, when it announced its capital reserve fund had fallen below the 2 percent level mandated by Congress. The annual audit shows that the capital ratio for the single-family portfolio rose from 0.42 percent to 0.79 percent over the past year.
The audit, which calculates the financial condition of the agency’s insurance fund, also showed the mortgage insurance fund grew more than $1 billion in 2010 and reserves are expected to remain above …

The Council of Residential Specialists inducted its 2011 leadership team during its inaugural dinner and awards ceremony on Nov. 6, 2010, in New Orleans during the National Association of Realtors Conference & Expo. Frank Serio, CRS, CRS, CRB, Mark Minchew, CRS, CRB, and Mary McCall, CRS, GRI, were installed as president, president-elect and first vice president, respectively.
New CRS president Frank Serio entered the real estate business in 1984, was named the Realtor of the Year by the Coastal Association of Realtors in 1994 and served as its president in 1997. …

Homebuyers have affirmed a long-term view of home ownership, the typical seller is experiencing positive returns and the vast majority of homeowners see their property as a good investment, according to the latest consumer survey of home buyers and sellers. The study was released on recently at the 2010 Realtors Conference & Expo.
The 2010 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers is the latest in a series of large national NAR surveys evaluating demographics, preferences, marketing and experiences of recent home buyers and sellers.
Although typical sellers had …

by Zipporah Porton
Recently, AgentGenius did some digging into how much money NAR is really spending on political campaigns. With elections tomorrow, all of Chicagoland is in a buzz about voting choices. Some have already made a decision, while others are still on the fence and will have to make a “game-day” decision.
For more information about the the candidates running for Illinois governor, click here to take a look at who Realtors will be voting for tomorrow and why.
Back to NAR and what they’re spending, you might be surprised when …

By Ginger Downs, RCE, CAE, IOM�
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Association of Realtors
At the Chicago Association of Realtors third annual International Real Estate Expo in August, we had the distinct pleasure of touring the sales center for the new Trump International Hotel & Tower. Overlooking the steadily climbing skyscraper currently under construction at 401 N. Wabash Ave., the sales model showcases a vignette of the amenities and features planned for the Tower’s residences and hotel rooms. When completed, the building will stand 92 stories tall and an impressive 1,362 feet high.
Our …

New Realtor designation goes beyond initial education
by Al Medina, GREEN, LEED AP
There is no doubt that interest in green and sustainable properties is revolutionizing the real estate industry. Increasingly, consumers are seeking out green homes and buildings, and they understand that there is a link between green properties, cost savings and healthy living.

By Terry Penza
As a real estate professional, you are used to selling products, but what about selling your brand? That’s right, now it’s time to brand “you”! A client can tell a great deal from just observing your image, or brand.

By Tripti Kasal
I have been in the real estate industry a long time, long enough to remember a time when we did not have voice mail or cell phones. Also long enough to have experienced large, cumbersome listing books. I can also remember a time long ago when our business relationships were not pleasant.
In the past, we had the information, and the client had to come to us for it. Realtors had the listing data, while mortgage brokers had the financing information. The person with the best information won the …

By Jeff Merrinette
Mainstreet Organization of Realtors (MORe) is working with DuPage County to maximize the more than $5 million in federal funds the County will receive to help stabilize the real estate market in towns where foreclosures are highest. The program is called DuPage Neighborhood Stabilization Program or DuPage NSP.
DuPage County staff initially estimated that the money would allow the County to purchase, renovate and sell about 25 homes. However, the County also realized it could end up holding and having to maintain the properties because of the slow economy. …