A new bill introduced earlier this week aims to change long lender delays with short sales.

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 …

With the gubernatorial elections around the corner on Nov. 2, we wanted to hear from Realtors about why they are supporting one candidate over another. Independent candidate Scott Lee Cohen and Green candidate Rich Whitney did not return calls to locate a Realtor supporter, and while Libertarian Lex Green couldn’t pinpoint a Realtor supporter, he did answer his own phone and provided a quote. Below, take a look at why Realtors are supporting Republican Bill Brady or Democrat Pat Quinn for Governor of Illinois.

Why I’m Voting for Bill Brady …

By Sharon Strobeck-Eckersall
How does an Evanston dog-lover wind up in a prickly three-way race in Cook County, that hothouse of political intrigue? In my case, certainly not by design!
People who enjoy community service and volunteerism often don’t consider themselves elective office material. It doesn’t even occur to them to run. Or, they think it would be too burdensome. But sometimes people don’t contemplate running because they think of themselves as unqualified. This isn’t necessarily so. A deep interest in a local problem combined with a sincere commitment to bring about …

By Zipporah Porton
With elections around the corner on Tuesday, Nov. 2, it’s important for Realtors to pick the right candidate for the real estate industry. Whether you have a passion for politics or you’re barely paying attention to the race, it should be comforting to know that the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC) is working hard to make sure the candidates aren’t ignoring the importance of homeownership.
Dan Merrion, RPAC Chair for 2010, describes RPAC as Realtors coming together to look out for the common interest of the industry, and to …

Transitioning Washington to the Chicago Way
By Brian A. Bernardoni
As perceived by many, the Chicago Way is a get it done or make it happen style that is big on results and brutally short on diplomacy. It involves allies, friends or enemies as tools to leverage desired results. Diplomacy among friends is usually no more than a well-placed phone call, while diplomacy when leveraged against enemies crushes many who stand in opposition by the shear perceived and often not-so-perceived weight and power of those who are running the organization.
Diplomacy can reward …

Transitioning Washington to the Chicago Way

By Brian A. Bernardoni
As perceived by many, the ÒChicago WayÓ is a Òget it doneÓ or Òmake it happenÓ style that is big on results and brutally short on diplomacy. It involves allies, friends or enemies as tools to leverage desired results. Diplomacy among friends is usually no more than a well-placed phone call, while diplomacy when leveraged against enemies crushes many who stand in opposition by the shear perceived and often not-so-perceived weight and power of those who are running the organization.
Diplomacy can reward …

Politicians hustle at all local levels to keep the tidal wave of bad news away from constituents

By Brian Bernardoni
The look on the faces of a small cadre of Chicago aldermen in Englewood earlier this week said it all. These leaders were scared, and they were not alone. I saw the same looks at City Hall during a hearing on foreclosure notification the prior week, and I am certain I will see it throughout the tense meetings which will take place in the coming weeks as Mayor Daley releases and defends …

Politicians hustle at all local levels to keep the tidal wave of bad news away from constituents 

By Brian Bernardoni
The look on the faces of a small cadre of Chicago aldermen in Englewood earlier this week said it all. These leaders were scared, and they were not alone. I saw the same looks at City Hall during a hearing on foreclosure notification the prior week, and I am certain I will see it throughout the tense meetings which will take place in the coming weeks as Mayor Daley releases and defends …

By Michael Gunderson
One fact of life that comes with owning property is the inevitable property tax bill that rears its ugly head, taking a sizeable bite out of your client’s wallet. However, for certain residents in Illinois, there are programs in place that could help soften the property tax blow, and help you convince a client to make a purchase. One of these programs provides incentives for owning a certified historic residence, and if your client purchases this type of home, rehabilitating the residence may be rewarding for your client …