On Wednesday, the Illinois REALTORS® Winter Business Meetings continued with a plethora of informational and inspirational sessions for members.
You Are the Key to the American Dream of Homeownership
In the closing session, REALTOR® Marki Lemons Ryhal, past president and 2023 REALTOR® of the Year Zeke Morris, and 2023 president Michael Gobber discussed the crucial roles REALTORS®’ play in helping everyone achieve the American Dream of homeownership and how Illinois REALTORS® will share our story with the public through the next phase of the American Dream campaign.
After demonstrating the value REALTORS® provide and the positive impact they have on their communities, the state and the economy, Illinois REALTORS® is now expanding its outreach to the public. We are conducting a statewide creative advertising campaign that will inform the public and help REALTORS® market themselves and their brokerages better. The campaign will demonstrate how REALTORS® are the key to the American Dream.
What to Expect with the Historical Changes in the Legislature
The Governmental Affairs team talked about how the state legislative process will work during the upcoming session with the new leadership in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly. Manager of State Government Affairs Jim Clayton said 60 percent of the legislature has changed in the last five years. Because of that turnover, Senior Vice President, Governmental Affairs Greg St. Aubin said educating new legislators about our value takes on greater importance. Clayton, St. Aubin and Senior Advisor, Governmental Affairs Betsy Mitchell then identified many of the issues that will turn up in 2023, such as mandated electric vehicle charging stations, rent control, wetlands regulation and mold disclosure.
2023 Housing Outlook with Dr. Dan McMillen
Head of the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate (SHDRE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration Dr. Dan McMillen provided an overall market outlook and discussed the top factors that could impact your business over the next few months, as well as the impact interest rates and the economy will have on the Illinois market. After stating that supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine are primary reasons for inflation, McMillen said that recent supply chain improvements make him hopeful for that inflation will ease and that mortgage interest rates will go down in 2023.
Business Expansion in Illinois with Dan Seals
Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals urged REALTOR® members to appreciate that Illinois has the fifth largest state economy, has world-class infrastructure, is ranked one of the top five states for small businesses and boasts a workforce with 43 percent of its members have at least an associate’s degree. “Nobody can tell our story better than we can,” he said. In addition, he outlined plans to retain businesses and attract new ones in 2023.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program – Learn the Process (Source of Income is a Protected Class in Illinois)
In this forum, General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Services Betsy Urbance led a panel discussion featuring special guests from the Peoria Housing Agency who covered the journey – from application process to the end of a lease – for tenants and housing providers. Panelists included: Director of the Housing Choice Voucher Program Aldisa Jordan; Housing Choice Voucher Leasing Specialist Tonya Pollard; and ReMax Professionals Broker and Housing Provider Joe Tetzlaff. The session concluded with panelists sharing stories about successful tenants.
Policy and Programs Group Interactive Roundtable
This focus group session led by Senior Director of Advocacy Programs Gideon Blustein served as a finger on the pulse of members’ thoughts and opinions. In roundtable discussions, members provided input concerning a number of industry practices, proposed regulations and association activities. Actionable information from this session will help shape how the association represents and serves its members.
Business Issues: ‘Property Management – A Short Course’
Chicago-area REALTOR® Chris Pezza provided a thorough primer in property management and leasing, explaining license requirements, providing examples of responsibilities and highlighting the way some counties and municipalities handle issues like security deposits and move-in fees. He encouraged members to contact their local REALTOR® associations for specific lease agreements.
