Illinois REALTOR® July 2016

THRO WB AC K

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The Voice for Real Estate in Illinois THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN ILLINOIS

JULY, 2016

100 YEARS

OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, BEGINNING ON PAGE 14

Plus...

• A Look Back at REEF • Legal Hotline History • Going Global at MIPIM www.illinoisrealtors.org

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ILLINOIS REALTORS®

CONTENTS JULY 2016

Departments 5 President’s Message: Something to Celebrate 6 What’s Online: #Member Monday; Real Property Alliance 8 Quick Takes: New Executive V.P. Luke Bell; IDFPR Electronic License Cards 10 At the Capitol: Lobby Day 12 Legal Update: Tiny “Rants” from the Legal Hotline 22 100-Year Reception 26 Homefront: 2016 REALTOR® of the Year Chris Read 28 Commercial Corner: MIPIM 30 RVOICE: Power of R in the March Primary 32 Latest Ethics Hearings; Protecting Buyers from Fraud 33 Market Watch 34 REALTOR® Community

ILLINOIS REALTORS®

THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN ILLINOIS

Features ON THE COVER To celebrate Illinois REALTORS® 100th anniversary, this issue features a ‘throwback’ cover, inspired by the August, 1966 Illinois REALTOR® magazine (above). The question posed on the cover, “REAL ESTATE OR INDUSTRY...WHICH WILL HE CHOOSE?” was probably a common one in 1966 as members witnessed the first wave of Baby Boomers — their sons, daughters, and future colleagues — choose their career paths.

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Advances in Education History of REEF 100 Years of Professional Standards Illinois REALTORS® Legal Services Through the Years

A Brief Magazine History: The Illinois REALTOR® magazine was first published in May, 1965 as a benefit to members.

Previously, the association had published “Spotlight,” a small newsletter that mostly featured advocacy news. Much like today, early editions of Illinois REALTOR® featured articles on important industry issues, members and association news and information on conferences and events.

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Mike Drews | GRI, 2016 President

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE A strong housing market wasn’t the only thing for Illinois REALTORS® to celebrate this spring.

The association celebrated a new name, a key addition to Illinois REALTORS®’ leadership team and opportunities to lobby policymakers at the state and federal levels. ff In April, members toasted the association’s 100th anniversary at a reception in Springfield, which was attended by dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood and Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder, who shared proclamations commemorating the event. ff Luke Bell joined the association in early June as executive vice president, setting in motion a leadership transition from Gary Clayton, Illinois REALTORS® long-time CEO. The association has only had three CEOs in its century of existence, and Bell’s addition marks a commitment to ensuring the association’s work of protecting the industry and private property rights will be uninterrupted. ff And finally, Illinois REALTORS® made their voices heard at the Illinois Capitol in April when they took part in the association’s REALTOR® Lobby Day and again in Washington, D.C., in May, when they met with Illinois lawmakers.

Our 100th year of celebrating education, ethics and advocacy has gotten off to a fantastic start. Thanks to those of you who have made the commitment of time, money and guidance to position Illinois REALTORS® for success in the next 100 years.

(l to r) Carpenter and Drews with U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, who presented the association with a proclamation honoring its 100-year anniversary. Photo credit:Terry Farmer

Illinois REALTORS® President Mike Drews and Presidentelect Doug Carpenter in Washington, D.C., attending the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.

(l to r) Illinois REALTORS®’ Executive Vice President Luke Bell, Treasurer Matt Difanis, CEO Gary Clayton, President Mike Drews, President-elect Doug Carpenter and Immediate Past President Jim Kinney stand in front of the association’s new sign. Photo credit:Terry Farmer

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

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ILLINOIS REALTORS® THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN ILLINOIS

WHAT’S ONLINE

2016 OFFICERS President Mike Drews, GRI mdrews@dossrealtors.com President-Elect Doug Carpenter, ABR, AHWD, GRI, SFR doug21@comcast.net Treasurer Matt Difanis, ABR, GRI matt@mattdifanis.com Immediate Past President Jim Kinney, ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, SRES jim.kinney@bairdwarner.com Chief Executive Officer Gary Clayton, CAE, RCE Executive Vice President Luke Bell Editor Jon Broadbooks Senior Editor Stephanie Sievers

www.illinoisrealtors.org/MemberMonday

GO

Illinois REALTORS® don’t just work in their communities, many volunteer to make their hometowns better. Throughout 2016, we are shining a spotlight on these community leaders with a series called #MemberMonday. A new member is featured each Monday on the Illinois REALTORS® blog, but you can also find a collection of their stories on the Illinois REALTORS® website at www.illinoisrealtors.org/MemberMonday

Content Marketing Specialist Bill Kozar Graphic Designer Katie Grant For advertising information contact Advertising & Sponsorship, (217) 529-2600, info@illinoisrealtors.org The ILLINOIS REALTOR® (ISSN 0744-221) is published four times a year during the months of January, April, July, and ­October by the Illinois REALTORS®, Post Office Box 19451, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9451. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, Illinois and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The ILLINOIS REALTOR®, Post Office Box 19451, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9451, 217/529-2600.

Opinions expressed in any signed articles of the ILLINOIS REALTOR ® are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Illinois R ­EALTORS®. Advertising of product or services does not imply endorsement.

Advertising rates are available at www.illinoisrealtor.org or on request. ­Annual dues of every REALTOR®, ­REALTORASSOCIATE®, and Affiliate member includes $3 for a one-year subscription to the ILLINOIS REALTOR®.

VOLUME 53: NUMBER 3 Copyright © 2016 Illinois REALTORS® All rights reserved. www.illinoisrealtors.org email: info@illinoisrealtors.org blog: www.iarbuzz.com

Like us on Facebook.

Join us on LinkedIn. Follow @ILREALTOR and @ILREALTORmag on Twitter.

Subscribe to YouTube.com/c/illinoisrealtorsvideo

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SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT REAL PROPERTY ALLIANCE www.realpropertyalliance.org

Illinois REALTORS®’ consumer site, Real Property Alliance, provides direct communication to consumers about the local advocacy and governmental affairs issues that affect their private property rights.They will also find real estate news, housing market data and homeownership resources.

Learn more about Real Property Alliance and share information about the site with your clients.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS www.illinoisrealtors.org/events

Don’t miss upcoming Illinois REALTOR® events. Check the online schedule so you can be sure to add events to your calendar such as: • Fall Business Meetings October 5 – 6 (Chicago Marriott Naperville) • GRI Grad course November 30 – December 1 (Embassy Suites, Peoria)

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/ IllinoisREALTORS https://twitter. com/ILREALTOR www.linkedin.com/company/ iar-llinois-association-of-realtors www.youtube. com/illinoisrealtorsvideo www.iarbuzz.com

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QUICK TAKES Luke Bell joins Illinois REALTORS® as executive vice president In June, Luke Bell assumed his new role as the executive vice president of the 44,000-member Illinois REALTORS®. Bell, who had previously been vice president of governmental affairs/general counsel for the Kansas Association of REALTORS®, is second in line to lead the association after Illinois REALTORS® CEO Gary L. Clayton.

At a Glance: Veterans & Active Military Home Buyers and Sellers Did you know active-military homebuyers under the age of 35 buy homes at a higher rate than their civilian counterparts? Or that they are also more likely to buy a larger first home and use a REALTOR® in the process? Learn more about this important segment of the housing market with NAR’s 2016 Veterans & Active Military Home Buyers and Sellers Profile at www.realtor.org/reports/ veterans-and-active-military-home-buyers-and-sellers-profile

Bell speaks at the Illinois REALTORS®’ 100th anniversary reception in April.

IDFPR offers electronic license pocket cards The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is now providing electronic license pocket cards that you can store on your smartphone and other mobile devices instead of carrying a paper license card. IDFPR offers a PDF of detailed instructions on how to download and save a copy of your card on your electronic device at http://bit.ly/IDFPRpocketcard Licensees still have the option of carrying a paper license pocket card if they prefer.

Find the full NAR infographic at: www.realtor.org/reports/veterans-and-active-military-home-buyers-and-sellers-profile

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ONE-THIRD OF MILLENNIALS LIVING WITH PARENTS For many Millennials, their roommates are Mom and Dad. For the first time in more than 130 years, there are more young adults between the ages of 18 to 34 living with their parents than those living in other housing arrangements, according to a report, “For First Time in Modern Era, Living With Parents Edges Out Other Living Arrangements for 18- to 34-Year-Olds,” Pew Research Center, Washington, D.C. (May 24, 2016). http://bit.ly/ mom-dad-roomies In 2014, the number of young adults living with their parents reached 32.1 percent and for the first time surpassed those who are married or cohabitating in their own household, a share that fell to 31.6 percent. But Pew researchers said the shift isn’t being caused by a record number of people choosing to live with their parents, but rather a substantial decline in the number of young adults who are married or living with a partner.

53 YEARS OLD

The median age of a

typical REALTOR®

in 2015, a decline from 57 years in 2014 and the lowest median age since 2008 when it was 52, according to the 2016 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile. www.realtor.org/reports/member-profile

LEASING AGENT LICENSE RENEWAL DEADLINE IS JULY 31 Illinois leasing agents who need to renew their licenses in 2016, must do so by the July 31 deadline. Renewing leasing agents need to have completed at least six hours of continuing education between Aug. 1, 2014 N E and July 31, 2016. The six hours must be I L D A E D relevant to leasing residential real property and (at a minimum) cover recent changes in the Real Estate License Act. Still have questions? The Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center offers a Leasing Agent License Renewal FAQ at www.illinoisrealtors.org/leasingagentrenewal

2016

LEASING AGENT LICENSE RENEWAL

J U LY 31

Grafft named to REALTOR® Magazine’s ‘30 Under 30’

Note: “Living in parent(s)’ home” means residing in a household headed by a parent regardless of the young adult’s partnership status. “Other heads” include young adults who are the household head and living with roommates or boarders. “Other living arrangements” include living in the home of a grandparent, an aunt/uncle or a sibling residing in a group quarters living arrangement (college dormitory or correctional facility).

Chicago REALTOR® John Grafft was honored as one of REALTOR® Magazine’s “30 Under 30” Class of 2016. Grafft is with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group in Chicago.

He got started in real estate when he was a 21-yearold college student at DePaul University and created a business to help students find rental apartments. http://realtormag.realtor.org/30-under-30/honoree/2016/05/john-grafft

Source: Pew Research Center tabulations the 1880, 1940 and 1960 U.S. decennial censuses and 2014 American Community Survey (IPUMS)

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

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AT THE CAPITOL Julie Sullivan | Assistant Director, Legislative and Political Affairs

REALTORS® TAKE THEIR MESSAGE TO SPRINGFIELD More than 500 Illinois REALTORS® attended the 2016 Capitol Conference and REALTOR® Lobby Day and showed the power that comes from working together as the voice of real estate in Illinois. They met with state legislators to talk about legislative proposals being considered in Springfield that could have a big impact on their businesses and clients back home.

Among the key issues on this year’s REALTOR® agenda: •

Successfully opposed a bill that would have required homeowners and landlords to replace battery-operated smoke detectors with new models that would last at least 10 years and have non-removeable and non-replaceable batteries.

•

Successfully opposed a tax on professional services that would have included real estate brokerages and a sales tax on advertising.

•

Successfully opposed a bill that would have allowed municipalities to seek a judgment lien against all real estate of an owner, not just the offending property.

•

Successfully opposed the expansion of Home Rule powers.

•

Learn more about Illinois REALTORS® 2016 Legislative Issues at http://images.illinoisrealtors.org/CapitolConf/2016/TalkingPoints.pdf and the status of those bills at www.IARactioncenter.org Right: Posing in front of the Abraham Lincoln statue on the steps of the Illinois State Capitol, Illinois REALTORS® celebrate 100 years of making a difference for homeowners and the business of real estate Photo credit:Terry Farmer

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Illinois REALTORS® leadership and lobbyists meet with Gov. Bruce Rauner, who presented them with a proclamation declaring April 25, 2016 as Illinois REALTORS® Day. Photo credit:Terry Farmer

A meeting with House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago Photo credit:Terry Farmer

Illinois REALTORS® line up outside the Illinois State Capitol.

Showing the Power of R

Meeting with fellow REALTOR® and Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake

Thank you

FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE! You made a difference.

Watch and share this video on our REALTOR® successes in Springfield. http://bit.ly/IL-REALTORS-made-a-difference

Illinois REALTORS® meet with Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago. Photo credit:Terry Farmer

GO

Heading into meetings with state Illinois Young Professionals Network (YPN) hosted a reception during legislators on the issues.

REALTOR® Lobby Day.

NAR Immediate Past President Chris Polychron (cen- REALTOR® Tom Krettler is interviewed by ter) with Illinois REALTORS® President Mike Drews David Rokos. and President-elect Doug Carpenter.

REALTORS® had the opportunity to meet with Reps. Will Davis, D-Homewood, and Art Turner, D-Chicago, and other legislators to talk about industry issues.

Peoria REALTORS® pose for a photo with Rep. David Leitch, R-Peoria, in the House chamber.

Getting ready to head into the State Capitol.

REALTOR® Steve Myers shows off the commercial “R” sign.

Stay up-to-date on which bills are dead or alive at www.IARactioncenter.org Learn more about the issues and find additional coverage from the 2016 Illinois REALTORS® Capitol Conference at www. illinoisrealtors.org/capitolconference Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, speaks to REALTORS® during an RPAC Major Investor event. Photo credit:Terry Farmer

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, R-Burr Ridge, meets with REALTORS®.

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LEGAL UPDATE Elizabeth A. (Betsy) Urbance | Illinois REALTORS® Legal Hotline Attorney; Associate, Sorling Northrup Attorneys

LEGAL ISSUES: TINY “RANTS” FROM THE LEGAL HOTLINE Q How should I handle multiple offer presentations,

and how can I be sure my offer is presented if I am the buyer’s agent?

A The Illinois Real Estate License Act (Act) and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics (Code) require licensees to present all offers as soon as practicable, unless the seller waives the right to see each offer.

XX There is no legal requirement that an agent present offers in the order in which they were received. However, offers must be presented in a manner that is in the sellerclient’s best interest, not necessarily that of the agent.

XX There is no legal requirement that the agent disclose to all other buyers that other offers on the table. The agent should check office policy as well as consult with the seller as to whether or not to disclose this fact to all buyers. There is language in the Code at Standard of Practice 1-15, that requires REALTORS® to divulge the existence of offers on the property so long as the seller approves of this.

XX After considering all terms of each offer, it is ultimately the seller’s decision, which, if any, to refuse, counter or accept.

XX It might be best for the listing agent to present all offers at the same time, if at all possible.

XX With regard to assuring the offer is presented, the model MLS rules give the buyer’s agent the right to attend the presentation of her client’s offer unless the seller objects in writing. The buyer’s representative may then ask to see a copy of the seller’s written objection. The buyer’s representative does not have the right to be present during any discussions about the offer on the table.

(Check local MLS rules for similar provisions.)

Q The Illinois REALTORS®’ legal team is receiving

a number of calls regarding “wholesaling.” What is wholesaling anyway?* A If you Google “wholesaling of real [tiny]

RANT ALERT

estate,” you will see some posts that describe the process — essentially buying at a lower price and reselling at a higher price — as “investment.”

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The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines investment as: “the outlay of money usually for income or profit: capital outlay; also: the sum invested or the property purchased.”

In most wholesaling fact patterns the hotline attorney has been asked to address, there is really no capital outlay. There might be a down payment which is returned or reimbursed when another purchaser is found. In order to fit this description in terms of wholesaling, one must be in the “pure profit” camp because, typically, the wholesalers intend to assign their rights in the contract to another buyer for a higher price or perhaps, exercise an option to purchase at a particular price, close on the initial purchase contract and immediately resell to the new buyer for a profit.

They do not intend to hold the property in hopes of appreciation in value, nor do they improve the property in any way.

There are instances where wholesalers advise the end buyer about needed repairs, though they usually do not make any repairs. They will likely sign a contract that gives them, the contract buyer, the right to assign the contract to another buyer who is willing to pay a higher price. Within that gap, the wholesaler hopes to realize enough profit to cover the cost of the original contract, take a “fee” and still leave the end buyer with some equity in the property.

In short, the wholesaler is a middle-man who puts a seller together with an end buyer for profit or a fee. That description comes awfully close to the definition of real estate broker in the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000.

Real estate brokers/licensees put sellers and buyers together for a fee. The difference is those real estate licensees owe statutory (fiduciary-like) duties to their respective clients, the sellers and buyers, which require the real estate licensee to serve their clients’ interests above the licensee’s self-interest. If a real estate licensee is THE buyer or seller, they have duties to disclose this to the opposing party and they must not act as a dual agent.

Would the wholesaler, if he needed a real estate license, represent the original seller or the buyer? The wholesaler would be closer to a buyer agent than a seller’s. The buyers are typically investors looking to purchase the real estate in order to do any actual repair work needed and either resell or to use them for rental properties.

Wholesaling is one example of a “flip,” buying real property and reselling quickly thereafter. Flipping real estate is not illegal per se, but it doesn’t take very long to add facts that could make it illegal when there is a consumer being taken

obligation to accept this offer. The seller should direct his agent whether to reject the offer, counter at a specific price, or even ignore the offer. As the seller’s agent, you should advise your client to consider other important terms as well.

ZZ When does the buyer want to close?

ZZ What are the financing terms, if any?

ZZ Will the escalation amount establish a false ceiling when, if the seller has more offers to consider, the price might indeed go somewhat higher?

ZZ After considering all offers, including the “escalation offer”, the seller should direct his agent as to how or whether to respond. (It is usually best to respond to all offers in some manner, when the time is right). advantage of without sufficient disclosure or information as to what is really happening.

Therefore, if a decision is made to become a wholesaler, make sure to contact an attorney to evaluate the process and to provide advice on how this can be done legally. All the parties involved in the process should know (and hopefully) understand the nature of this flip.

Do sellers who sign an assignable contract really understand that many (not all) wholesalers have no intention of closing on the contract if they don’t find an end buyer? Do the sellers know that if a wholesaler has taken an option to purchase seller’s property and they can’t resell for an acceptable price, they won’t exercise that option and the seller is back to square one?

Do sellers know that if they hire a reputable listing broker, they could subject the property to the market and sell it for an amount close to what the end buyer might be paying the wholesaler?

Indeed, if the seller lists the property, the seller’s listing agent owes duties of care to the seller.

IF a “wholesaler” holds a real estate license, she will need to represent her own interests and make that very clear to the sellers from whom she “purchases” and the end buyers to whom she “assigns” or resells. She has legal and ethical duties to disclose her status in writing and she is prohibited from acting as a disclosed dual agent. She must only represent her own interests. She should consult with her own attorney and determine whether this is something she wants to pursue.

Q A seller’s agent asks how to handle offers that

include an “escalation” provision in them? In other words, the buyer in a multiple offer situation says that he will pay $1,000 over the next [tiny] highest offer. What are the seller’s RANT agent’s obligations? What are some ALERT of the problems with these types of “offers?”

A There are some issues with these types of offers.* Consider the following: XX As a seller’s agent, you must present such an offer to your seller client. This is true unless the seller specifically directs you not to present an offer containing an escalation provision. However, the seller is under no

XX Buyers who present these offers tend to get a false sense that they will “win” the bidding war. What if there is more than one of these types of offers? What is the exact amount of the offer? Buyers should know that sellers are not obligated to consider them. (Seller’s agents are obligated to present them unless directed otherwise by their client).

XX Other buyers in multiple-offer situations tend to become angry when they learn that their offer is being disclosed to the “escalation” bidder to prove the next highest offer.

XX As a seller’s agent, it is best to follow the established procedures for multiple offer presentation. Give your seller client some professional guidance and factors to consider when formulating responses. As always, if the seller has any legal questions, recommend that they consult with their attorney right away, even if it is before an attorney review period.

XX As a buyer’s agent, do not draft the escalation provision!

To do so constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. *Disclaimer: The “tiny rants” reflect the views of the Legal Hotline Attorney only and not necessarily those of the Illinois REALTORS® organization.

GOT A LEGAL QUESTION? The Illinois REALTORS® Legal Hotline is the Designated REALTOR®/managing broker’s go-to source for legal information.

Phone: 800.952.0578 | Email: burbance@illinoisrealtors.org HOURS: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday GOT A LEGAL QUESTION ON TRANSACTIONS? Call the Illinois REALTORS® Transaction Helpline.

Phone: 844.647.3833 | Email: jbaker@illinoisrealtors.org NEED HELP RESOLVING A DISPUTE WITH A REALTOR®?

Illinois REALTORS® has a Consumer Help Line to try and resolve questions relating to real estate transactions.

Help Line: 217.529.2600 | Web: www.illinoisrealtors.org/disputes HOURS: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

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#IAR100YearsStrong ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

A D VA N C E S I N

Professional Development

By Dawn Pennington | Marketing Specialist When the Illinois REALTORS® was established 100 years ago, there was a recognized need to ensure professionalism in the industry.

Professionalism is impossible without proper education. That is why the Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center was established. Now in its 25th year of operation, the Licensing & Training Center provides quality state-approved pre-license education to prospective real estate agents, along with post-license, continuing education, designation and conference courses to practicing real estate agents.

Technology is constantly changing and the association keeps pace with these developments by offering innovative courses in home study, online, webinar and classroom formats.

“The school has done a great job of staying ahead of the curve of what our members need and want,” said instructor Lynn Madison. “They have listened to the agents, brokerage firms and instructors to work together with everyone to create courses and an environment of excellence. They could have gone the other way — quantity over quality — but they didn’t. They focused on quality to the benefit of the members — and the public.”

Not only has the course content always been changing, the means of delivery has shifted as well. Paper records gave way to electronic records and classroom courses became webinars.

Pre-license Education Prior to the 1970s, formal pre-license education as A real estate licensing exam is scored REALTORS® know it today

From the January 1966 Illinois REALTOR® magazine: a captioned photo highlight from the IAREB Real Estate Institute, which took place at the Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria.

did not exist. No educational prerequisites were required to hold a license, and prospective brokers, then called “salesmen,” were largely on their own when it came to learning the trade.

Formal pre-license education began as a result of legislation championed by Illinois REALTORS® requiring the completion of a minimum number of classroom hours of real estate instruction in 1973.

Salesmen had to complete 30 hours of classroom education, and brokers (now known as managing brokers) had to complete 90 hours of classroom education to apply for a license.

Many students completed their hours by enrolling in the Salesman’s Home Study Course through the Real Estate Education Company of Chicago.

Illinois REALTORS® obtained licensure for its own prelicense school on April 5, 1991. The Licensing & Training Center began offering home study courses in 1992. The home study format is especially helpful for those who are working in full-time jobs while studying for a new career.

Online pre-license courses were added in 2000 and prelicense webinars and online proctoring were added in 2012.

using a Keyway device in 1989.

Illinois REALTOR® Licensing & Training Center Pre-license Timeline

1990

Testing is administered as paper long form exam

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1991

Obtained both Pre-license and CE school licenses

1992

Pre-license Home Study available

1995

CE Home Study available

1999

Exams change to paper bubble sheet multiple choice

Continuing Education

First spring co nfer as a “spring tune ence, promoted -up” in 1976

License Law Changes The largest surge in continuing education occurred between 2011 and 2012 when license law changes increased education requirements and changed licensure categories.

Effective May 1, 2011, the Illinois Real Estate License Act of 2000 created the managing broker license category and required the phasing in of the broker license category to replace the salesperson’s license for those who did not want to manage other brokers. In the process of this transition, the Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center processed thousands of proficiency exams and transition course transcripts.

A giant sandcastle was built at the 1986 conference.

Conferences One of the most popular programs the association provides is its annual conference. Since 1916, Illinois REALTORS® has held a series of conventions, conferences, “tune-ups” and trainings across the state. In addition to the annual convention,

2000

Online Pre-license and CE available

2009

First online CE catalog Scantron testing implemented

Top: The Beach Boys perform at the 1986 conference.

Above: Frankie Avalon perform 1986 Illinois RE s ALTORS ® conf at the erence.

2011

Scan Grade System

Button from “The Unbroken Spirit” Illinois REALTORS® 1981 conference

2012

Exam scanners available at the local boards ProctorU online proctoring Online webinars available

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

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ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

a traveling “sales caravan” of training and motivational sessions inspired a “Spring Tune-Up” educational conference that has evolved into the Illinois REALTORS® Conference & Expo.

The first convention of the Illinois Association of Real Estate Boards was held at the Chicago Real Estate Board Rooms on July 13, 1916. The scale of the annual convention grew quickly as the association’s membership expanded. What started out as an annual business meeting turned into a yearly convention which has played host to celebrity speakers and entertainment icons.

Notable conference keynote speakers included Norman Vincent Peale (1977) and Paul Harvey (1978). Entertainment was lively, especially during the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s when entertainers such as the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon performed.

Conventions sometimes included zany activities such as the enormous indoor sandcastle built by swimsuit-clad artisans

#IAR100YearsStrong

On June 7, 1991, the Licensing & Training Center obtained a continuing education school license. Skokie REALTOR® Marilyn Glazer, who was the first instructor licensed by the state to teach continuing education, taught the first CE class for Illinois REALTORS® during an association convention.

“Today, more students want to take CE online or as home study,” Glazer said.

The first CE course catalog for the Licensing & Training Center came out that same year, and it was an unwieldy 350-page binder containing available courses and instructors.

In 1995, CE Home Study became available through the Licensing & Training Center, and in 2000, CE courses could be obtained online.

“The school works really hard at getting us as instructors and course writers to bring new and innovative ideas and classes to our members,” Madison said.

#IAR100YearsStrong ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

at the 1986 convention. Costume contests and talent contests were popular diversions.

Left: The 1968 Sales Caravan was advertised Some conferences included a prayer on the back cover of the December 1967 breakfast, and for a number of years, Illinois REALTOR® magazine the conferences offered special sessions “for the wives” including one in 1966 titled, “Modern Women: Emancipation Looking Ahead or Confusion?” by Dr. James M. Fisch, Now a quarter of a century later, psychiatrist. the Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Supplementing the annual convenTraining Center and its local association tion/conference, usually held in the and pre-license branch affiliates have Chicago area, several local boards in trained thousands of brokers.

Southern Illinois began holding “sales “The school has moved with the caravans” in the 1950s and ’60s. The times and done an excellent job of keepsales caravans featured a speaker who ing REALTORS® informed and well eduwould visit several boards over a period cated,” Glazer said. of days providing education and motiPartnerships with online training vation for the spring selling season. providers such as Hondros, RECampus In 1976, then-president Walt and ProctorU show that the Licensing & Sales cara Schlemer wanted the association van ad on Training Center is on the cutting edge of real Decembe th to provide more educational events r, 1967 m e back cover of th estate education.

Both Glazer and Madison a g e a z ine and services to downstate members, so said that students today are more tech-savvy. he launched the “Spring Tune-Up” conference in For members and licensed real estate agents, the designation Collinsville, Mount Vernon and Rock Island. The courses, specialized training sessions and conferences the Illinois “Spring Tune-Up” became the foundation for the REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center offers demonstrate its Conference & Expo that has been held every spring ongoing commitment to fostering professional excellence: a commitsince 1977 in Southern Illinois. ment that has stood for 25 years and will continue into Designations the future.

The Licensing & Training Center encourages professional growth for its members by offering designation courses such as Certified International Property Specialist® (CIPS) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES). Enhancing the professionalism of its members is always an Illinois REALTORS® top priority.

Of all the designations the Licensing & Training Center provides, the most prized is the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute designation (GRI®). This nationIllinois GRI logo, 1966 ally-recognized designation was born in Illinois, and Illinois is the only state to offer a live GRI Grad course for designees.

Right: Brochure promoting the In 1963, REALTOR® Rich Port of La Grange Illinois Real Estate Institute in 1964 proposed to William Allmart, then-president of the Illinois REALTORS® (known at the time as the Illinois Association of Real Estate Boards) that an educational institute be created to provide advanced, specialized training to members. The Real Estate Institute, a qualifying exam and the designations Certified Master Salesman and Rich Port Certified Master Broker were established in accordance with this proposal, although in April 1964, these designations were combined and renamed Member, REALTOR® Institute (M.R.I.).

The first session of the Illinois Real Estate Institute was held Dec. 6-12, 1964 at the Pere Marquette Hotel in Peoria. There were 231 people in attendance, including the association’s 1964 president and GRI champion Rich Port, who ceremoniously received the first designation.

The first class graduated in 1966, the same year the designation changed from Member, REALTOR® Various brochures and booklets are presented to members at an Illinois REALTORS® Institute to Graduate, REALTOR® Institute. conference in the 1980s.

16 www.illinoisrealtors.org

Happy 100th Anniversary, Illinois REALTORS ! ®

630.324.8400 PHONE | INFO@SUCCEEDWITHMORE.COM SUCCEEDWITHMORE.COM

#IAR100YearsStrong ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

History shows REEF helps REALTORS® overcome barriers

By Bill Kozar | Content Marketing Specialist

W

hen the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) was established in November 1970, the average price of a house was $23,450 and a gallon of gas cost 36 cents.

But while the prices have changed over 45 years, the need for REALTORS® to stay abreast of new developments in their profession and to obtain financial assistance to do so remains constant.

Even after facilitating about 900 scholarships worth more than $660,000, REEF continues to help REALTORS® and their families reach their educational goals. With 14 scholarships or grant funds to offer Illinois REALTORS® and their families, the non-profit organization is positioned for the future through the support of generous donors.

REEF began with the idea of aiding and promoting real estate education in Illinois. But it wasn’t until 1980 that the foundation gave its first scholarship to a student named Dean Ellis of Western Illinois University. Ellis received the Academic Scholarship so he could pursue a real estate career at an accredited college or university in Illinois.

In 1981, the family of Morgan L. Fitch made a donation to REEF so the former president of the National Association of REALTORS® (1947), the Illinois REALTORS® (1943-44) and the Chicago Real Estate Board (1940) would be remembered through a scholarship. In 1982, Roger Rossi and Peter Beasley became the first Fitch Scholarship recipients when they attended the University of Illinois.

Over the course of the next 27 years, 12 other scholarships were established through REEF:

1984 – Thomas L. Seay Scholarship He was the 1964 president of the Chicago Real Estate Board and a member of both the NAR and Illinois REALTORS® board of directors.

Thomas L. Seay

1986 – Rich Port Scholarship Fund He was the 1964 Illinois REALTORS® president and he helped to establish the first real estate school and launched GRI.

Rich Port

She was past chairman of the board for the North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® and served on the boards of both the Illinois REALTORS® and NAR. He led the REALTOR® Political Action Committee Board of Trustees for five years and served on the Federal District Coordinating Group as liaison for Sen. Dick Durbin for three years.

2008 – George Patt Scholarship Robert E. Cook

Program

Administered by REEF for the state of Illinois.

James M. Kinney

Roxanne Malo

Established for those pursuing a degree or license within the field of real estate in the state of Illinois.

Estate Educators) Grant Fund

Ralph Pritchard

Richard D. Wiegers

He served on numerous REALTOR® boards and committees, including the board of directors and executive committee for both NAR and the Illinois REALTORS®. He also served as a president and director of REEF.

2015 – Illinois Education and Training Grant

2002 – The AIREE (Association of Illinois Real 18 www.illinoisrealtors.org

2004 – Roxanne Malo Leadership Scholarship Fund

Established to honor the association’s top leadership.

1999 – Illinois Minority Real Estate Scholarship

Administered by REEF.

The 2015 Illinois REALTORS® president was a former dean of the REALTOR® Institute of Illinois and a former REEF president.

2008 – The Past Presidents Scholarship

1991 – Ralph Pritchard Fund He was the most recent Illinois REALTOR® to become NAR president in 1980.

2003 – James M. Kinney Scholarship

2004 – Richard D. Wiegers Scholarship

1988 – Robert E. Cook Scholarship The Illinois REALTORS®’ first executive vice president and chief lobbyist, he helped found the Illinois REALTORS® Political Action Committee, the REALTOR® Institute of Illinois, the Office of Real Estate Research at the University of Illinois and REEF.

REEF Directors (left to right): Erv Luchs (Evanston), Marthann Sescleifer (Springfield), Don Ursin (Glen Ellyn), Pat Ortseifen (Lake Forest), Jerry Goral (Rockford) and Winnie Foster (Faireview Heights). A REEF fundraiser “Beef for R.E.E.F.,” was advertised with a giant Hereford steer.

George Patt

In addition to adding and administering these scholarships, REEF Manager Laurie Clayton says other REEF history highlights include: Developed and administered a six-hour course at the request of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

•

Co-sponsorship of Pritchard Management Conferences in 2008, 2010 and 2011

•

Held golf outings and fundraisers in 2010, 2013 and 2015, raising more than $20,000

•

Gave out record scholarship money in one year, $68,500 in 2013 $5 per member was added to annual dues billing for Illinois REALTORS® in 2015

•

The Past Presidents Scholarship program was revised to include designations for Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) and REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE).

Ad for the “Beef for REEF” fundraiser fro m the September 19 Illinois REALTOR® 74 magazine.

ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

•

#IAR100YearsStrong

•

Also, REEF has co-sponsored the annual REALTOR® of the Year banquet with the Illinois REALTORS® for 35 straight years.

Each local association in Illinois selects a REALTOR® of the Year and sends that representative to the banquet, where the state ROTY is honored.

Learn more about the REEF program and available scholarships at www.ilreef.org

“Knowledge makes the difference” according to this ad in the April 1968 Illinois REALTOR® magazine.

SAVE the DATE Illinois REALTORS®

Conference & Expo

May 10-11, 2017 Collinsville, Illinois

www.illinoisrealtors.org

Mag Ad, half pg FINAL.indd 1

6/1/2016® July 3:59:17 PM ILLINOIS REALTOR 2016

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#IAR100YearsStrong ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

A century of improving the industry through professional standards

By Stephanie Sievers | Senior Editor Left: 1913 NAR Code of Ethics emblem

When the Illinois association was formed in 1916, one of its primary goals was to promote and enforce high ethical standards among the state’s real estate practitioners.

Today, the Illinois REALTORS®’ commitment to professional standards is stronger than ever and now has an even broader reach with the association’s Ombudsman Program and Ethics Citation Program.

“When consumers are ready to make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, they rely on the expertise and high professional standards that REALTORS® bring to the process,” said Illinois REALTORS® President Mike Drews, GRI. “It is that pledge to operate at the highest ethical level that sets REALTORS® apart and it has been, and will continue to be, one of the association’s core values.”

fair housing, employment law and equal protection.

One way of promoting professionalism is by educating members about what is expected of them.

Over the last century, in addition to enforcing the Code and disciplining those who don’t comply, the association has expanded its professional standards training, including offering educational programs and workshops.

Illinois REALTORS® have been leaders when it comes to promoting professional standards and

Living by the Code

The Illinois Real Estate License Act establishes the state’s licensing rules for real estate agents in Illinois, but it is the REALTOR® Code of Ethics that sets standards of conduct and professional integrity even higher for those who are Button from the collection members of the REALTOR® organization. of 1973 Illinois REALTORS® In 1913, the National Association President Vincent Penza of Real Estate Exchanges—which would — Courtesy of Terry Penza become the National Association of REALTORS® —adopted the organization’s first professional Code of Ethics. The Code outlines the REALTOR® duties to clients, the public and colleagues.

Three years later when the Real Estate Association of Illinois formed, enforcing the Code of Ethics was a cornerstone. Between the Code and the 1922 enactment of Illinois’ first real estate license law at the urging of REALTORS®, the level of professionalism in the state greatly improved.

Evolving professional standards

In 1931, as an expansion of its professional standards efforts, the Illinois association created its first arbitration committee to settle disputes between REALTORS® and to investigate complaints.

The REALTOR® Code of Ethics has evolved with the times. In 1950, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that one of the original provisions of the Code requiring REALTORS® to follow their board’s commission and fee structure was illegal and it was removed from the Code.

NAR Code of Changes in subsequent decades Ethics pamph let, 1913 — Courtesy added provisions to the Code related to of the Natio of REALTORS ®

20 www.illinoisrealtors.org

nal Associatio n Archives

CODE OF ETHICS FLASHBACK The first REALTOR® Code of Ethics was adopted in 1913 and served as an early guide to professionalism for those in the real estate industry.

The original Code was relatively brief compared to today’s version and included some of the following ethical rules: • Be absolutely honest, truthful, faithful and efficient. Ever bear in mind that the broker is an employee, that his client is his employer and is entitled to the best service the real estate men can give—his information, talent, time, services, loyalty, confidence and fidelity.

• Do not depreciate the price of property unless the price is too high; ask that the price be reasonable, and tell the owner that it must be so if he expects his agent to make an attempt to sell it.

• Do not give special information to inquiries over the telephone, or otherwise, unless they are willing to give their names and addresses.

Let them understand that the broker deals in the open and expects them to do likewise.

• A broker will not put his name in the newspapers in connection with a deal unless really representing at least one of the parties and receiving part of the commission, for such publicity is a sham, and the result is to the disadvantage of all.

You can find the current REALTOR® Code of Ethics, along with previous versions dating back to 1913, at www.realtor.org/about-nar/ governing-documents/the-Code-of-Ethics

#IAR100YearsStrong

Find the “Pathways to Professionalism” video series at www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics/ pathways-to-professionalism-video-series

ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

in 2007, members of the former REALTOR® Association of West/South Suburban Chicagoland developed a popular video series called “Pathways to Professionalism,” that was later used by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Expanding professionalism efforts to consumers

With a successful formal ethics enforcement process in place, the association recently began offering additional, alternative programs to help resolve problems between REALTORS® and the public and between other REALTORS®.

In 2013, Illinois REALTORS® was among one of the first state associations to create an Ombudsman Program, establishing intermediaries to work with consumers and REALTORS® in resolving disputes. Veteran REALTORS® are trained as ombudsmen and act as informal mediators, offering guidance, fielding complaints and giving consumers and members a chance to be heard.

“In 2015, the Illinois REALTORS® received 198 requests for an ombudsman.

Our ombudsmen were able to resolve approximately 68 percent of the complaints.

Every complaint that is resolved at this level saves the parties time and money by avoiding a formal ethics hearing,” said Rebecca Carraher, professional standards coordinator for the Illinois REALTORS®.

In 2014, the Illinois association created the Ethics Citation Program that allows REALTORS®, or consumers working with a REALTOR®, to file a complaint against a REALTOR® believed to have violated certain articles of the Code of Ethics. Rather than go through the formal ethics grievance process, the complaint is considered by the citation panel and if the complaint is determined to have merit, the respondent can accept and pay the fine or request a hearing on the matter.

1956 NAR pamphlet — Courtesy of the Na tional Association of REALTORS® Archiv es

Right: REALTOR’S® Pledge, as printed in the January 1973 Illinois REALTOR® magazine

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ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

21

Illinois REALTORS celebrate a century of service ®

Pole banners honoring the Illinois REALTORS® anniversary were displayed around the Illinois State Capitol.

It is a milestone that has been 100 years in the making. Founded in 1916, Illinois REALTORS® is one of the oldest state associations in the country and in 2016 celebrates a cenPhoto credit: REALTOR® tury of advocacy, education and ethics. The 44,000-member association has been lauded this Steve Myers year with honorary proclamations in Congress, the Illinois General Assembly and the city of Springfield. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner proclaimed April, 25, 2016 as Illinois REALTORS® Day to honor the association’s official day of incorporation in 1916. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) honored the association with a plaque commemorating the milestone in Washington, D.C. On April 4, Illinois REALTORS® held a special reception to celebrate the anniversary at its headquarters in Springfield with members, political dignitaries and NAR Immediate Past President Chris Polychron in attendance.

(l to r) Illinois REALTORS® 2014 President Phil Chiles, Greg St. Aubin, President Mike Drews, Julie Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood at the reception in Springfield.

Photo credit:Terry Farmer

Illinois REALTORS® leadership and NAR guests stand under the anniversary banner at the Springfield headquarters. Photo credit:Terry Farmer

New Illinois REALTORS® Excecutive Vice President Luke Bell, Marsha Clayton, Illinois REALTORS® CEO Gary Clayton and NAR Immediate Past President Chris Polychron.

Pam Krieter, chair of the Illinois REALTORS® Illinois REALTORS® President Mike Drews Anniversary Task Force with Neil Malone, (center) and CEO Gary Clayton (right) are left, and Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder. presented with an NAR plaque commemorating the association’s 100th birthday at NAR’s Photo credit:Terry Farmer Midyear in Washington, D.C.

REALTOR® Marion Valle points to his photo in the Illinois REALTORS® 100-year timeline.

Guests at the reception celebrate the association’s 100 years and hear the announcement of its new name, Illinois REALTORS®.

Video: Happy 100th Birthday, Illinois REALTORS®!

REALTORS® Maurice Hampton and Sonia Anaya were just a few of the Illinois REALTORS® who starred in a video to help promote the association’s birthday. Watch and share:

#IAR100YearsStrong 22 www.illinoisrealtors.org

http://bit.ly/IL-REALTORS-100

GO

#IAR100YearsStrong

Legal Services team uses Hotline, Helpline and more to reach members

By Bill Kozar | Content Marketing Specialist

Early days

In 1983, the creation of Legal Services provided association members with something unique – free legal consultation by telephone. Through an agreement with the Illinois REALTORS®’ general counsel, the association used an attorney part time for 11 years. Then, on Oct. 3, 1994, Urbance of Sorling Northup Attorneys in Springfield was hired as the Illinois REALTORS®’ first attorney dediUrbance’s photo cated to answering questions from memfrom the 1996 bers as her only focus, within the Illinois ® Illinois REALTORS ® Leadership REALTORS ’ offices. Her title was Legal Directory Hotline Attorney.

“I’ll always remember when I started because it was the first day of the Seller Disclosure Act’s effectiveness,” says Urbance. “It was definitely trial by fire.”

She listens to REALTORS® explain their situations, then provides information she hopes will at least save them time and provide direction when ensuing legal consultations are needed.

Strength in collaboration

In August 2014, the Illinois REALTORS® Transaction Helpline was opened and another Sorling Northup attorney, Jeffrey T. Baker, was named Transaction Helpline Attorney.

Questions posed to Baker usually affect a member’s client and are related to a pending transaction, says Urbance.

But sometimes, the two become involved in different aspects of the same issue. As a matter of course, Baker and Urbance work together on legal webinars and have developed information to educate members about major changes to the real estate industry, like the way mortgages would be handled because of TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rules. No matter what the subject, they both can rely on other members of the Sorling Northup Legal team for assistance: •

John Kauerauf, General Counsel for Illinois REALTORS®

•

Jim Morphew, who works with state and local governmental affairs directors

•

Lisa Harms Hartzler, who works with local governmental affairs directors

•

Mike Horstman, for internal corporate issues.

Looking back

As Urbance looks back on her time as the legal hotline attorney, she says many of the kinds of questions she receives now are similar to the most frequently asked questions from her early years but presented in a slightly different context.

“We do notice spikes in the number of questions we receive if a law changes, such as when seller disclosure, radon or leadbased paint disclosures became mandatory.”

What we do

Although Urbance has been giving legal information to Illinois REALTORS® for almost 22 years, she often tells association members they may need to consult their own attorneys for advice on specific circumstances. She wants to help them understand the situation before that contact is made and they are billed for time spent with the attorney.

She says, “A lot of times when members talk to me they might give a jumbled set of facts. I hope that by the time they’re finished, we can sort out the facts and I can give them a preliminary analysis, or at the very least, a plan of action.”

Betsy Urbance

Jeffrey T. Baker

(CONTINUED NEXT PAGE)

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

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ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

Smart devices, encrypted email messages, password protected webinars and member-only website pages make communication between the Illinois REALTORS® Legal Services team and members far easier today than when corded office phones were the primary tool in 1983.

Today’s alternatives make it possible for Legal Hotline Attorney Betsy Urbance to talk to members personally during daytime hours and still respond to members’ questions in timely fashion.

“Today we are better able to reach our members with all the tools at our disposal,” says Urbance.

She reminds REALTORS to be mindful of the Illinois Real Estate License Act and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics which require members to work in the best interests of their clients.

She appreciates the acumen, ingenuity and creativity of REALTORS®.

“I have learned there are at least two sides to every story,” says Urbance. “I am never bored. I frequently get very challenging questions. But I love my job. It’s been a really great fit for me, and I appreciate the opportunity afforded me every single day to communicate with engaged and motivated professionals.”

SPONSORED CONTENT FROM ILLINOIS REALTORS ®’ CENTENNIAL SPONSOR

ILLINOIS REALTORS® • CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND ETHICS IN 2016

#IAR100YearsStrong

®

TRACKING THE ISSUES Since January 1995, Illinois REALTORS® has kept records of all the calls and emails received by the Legal Hotline from members.

Through April 2016, the Hotline Attorney has received 68,945 inquiries, or an average of about 269 a month.

After analyzing the data, Betsy Urbance estimates she’s received the most questions in these five categories:

Top Five Categories (overall since 1995)

1. Contracts to purchase 2. Scope of license law or “Does the license law apply?” type of questions

3. Agency 4. Advertising 5. Escrow For comparison’s sake, here are the 10 most popular categories in April 2016, with the number of questions in parentheses:

Top 10 Categories (April 2016) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Contracts to purchase (38) Scope of license law (33) Agency (24) Advertising (21) Business practices and the license law (18)

6. Listing agreements (17) 7. Disclosure of physical defects (16) 8. & 9. (tie) Corporate structure of license law (12) and fair housing (12)

10. Escrow accounts (9)

24 www.illinoisrealtors.org

I HAVE SOME MONEY FOR YOU

By Rebecca Jensen President and CEO of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED)

W

ho does not recognize the value of education and professional development to real estate practitioners? It feels silly to even have a conversation about it.

It is well established that there is a direct correlation between training and business success. I read an interesting study done by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) which states that the more companies invest in training their employees, the more successful the company. The Dale Carnegie Training Blog makes the case that it is not just basic training that is important, but sustained education after the original “how to” information that is critical to success.

To put it simply, if you are not constantly doing some form of education for yourself, you are falling behind. It just has to be a part of your business plan.

So, MRED has some money for you. We understand the value of training and education, and how it literally enhances your ability to put food on the table and pay for the other important things in life. MRED offers a complete menu of training classes, for those beginning in the business as well as those of you who know your way around a transaction. And we continue to offer all of our training at NO COST to our customers.

By the way - did you know that MRED’s instructors are active real estate brokers? They give class attendees the “why” behind the various tools and features of our products and services and share their own tips and tricks on all of our offerings. You will not only learn the functionality, but the strategy behind how to best use our MLS system and everything else MRED has to offer.

MRED’s Training Department is continuously updating the content of our training classes. Each class must stay relevant with technology and product enhancements. We move as fast as the technology does today, i.e. very fast.

Through our NPS Survey and other methods, MRED continues to listen to your feedback regarding the needs of real estate professionals. For example, we are now providing classes closer to the far west and southwest areas of our customer base by adding MRED classes at the Realtor® Association of the Fox Valley (RAFV) and Three Rivers Association of Realtors® (TRAR). We also have a trainer located near the Illini Valley Association of Realtors (IVAR) who is available for custom office training.

One more thing – if you have not seen our recently released eNewsletter, The Smart Move, you need to check it out. It is dedicated to training and has been very well received by our customers. The Smart Move is geared to give you quick access to training by linking to short videos. Each section of the eNewsletter has videos geared toward new agents, MRED Training Expert Tips, a current class highlight video, and very short snapshot videos of a connectMLS feature or tool. Great training delivery to your (email) doorstep!

As always, MRED stands ready to provide great training assistance and award winning customer service to anyone who contacts us. Please feel free to get in touch with ® our Help Desk at 630-955-2755 or help.desk@MREDLLC.com with any Midwest Real Estate Data REinventing MLS and all questions. See you soon!

HOMEFRONT

By Stephanie Sievers | Senior Editor

MEET THE 2016 ILLINOIS REALTOR® OF THE YEAR CHRIS READ During a real estate career that spans nearly 40 years, Chris Read has established herself as a leader and mentor who continually strives to improve the industry she loves by her commitment to association service, political advocacy and the highest professional standards.

Read and REALTORS® of the Year from local associations were honored on June 21 at a banquet in Springfield.

How did you begin your career in real estate?

When my husband and I bought our first home, I handled all the details and was intrigued with the process. I’d been working as a sixth-grade teacher in Elmhurst, but after I made the decision to leave the education field, I decided to pursue a real estate career.

What appealed to you about the industry, then and now?

The REALTOR® value proposition has changed over time but what has always been a constant is our role as a trusted advisor who assists and guides families with their real estate needs.

I’m intrigued with staying current and knowledgeable about every facet of the transaction. The goal of the professional advisor is to provide a high level of service and value that becomes a fable — a story told over and over to other family members and friends.

You are the managing broker of your own office and are the CEO of a strategy company. What prompted you to make those moves?

For 32 years I was a prominent part of an independent company in Naperville, serving as training director, managing broker, senior vice president and chief operating officer. In 2009, for various reasons it was time for a change.

I have seen many agents and companies that have been successful despite themselves. I am a firm believer in goals and business plans. My company, CR Strategies LLC, was founded to be a resource for agents and companies that

26 www.illinoisrealtors.org

Chris Read, CRB, CRS, GRI, ABRM, CIPS, CNC, SFR, BPOR, SRS, SRES, is the managing broker/owner of CR REALTOR® and is CEO of CR Strategies LLC in Woodridge. She is a member of the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, has served as president of her local association and was honored as its local REALTOR® of the Year in 2007. She is a licensed continuing education and pre-license instructor, the author of several industry courses and a mediator.

want to strategically grow their business.

In other words, to design a path for success on purpose.

You’re known in the industry as a champion of professional standards and the highest ethical standards. Why have those causes been important to you?

Not many professions exist where one day we are fierce competitors and the next day valued cooperative agents. Our commitment to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics sets high standards not only for how we deal with the consumers we serve, but for how we cooperate with fellow REALTORS®. I believe the processes we have in place to monitor our members and to resolve disputes set us apart from many other professions. The Code is a living document that must change as our world changes. Being a part of the process to remain relevant is an important service I remain dedicated to and passionate about.

What do you want other REALTORS® to know about professional standards?

I have a favorite quote that I share with my ethics classes: “It takes years to build a good reputation and seconds to lose one.” We have to earn our reputation every day with every encounter and every transaction. Professional and ethical business practices should be a habit and it’s just as easy to form good habits as bad. A commitment to embracing the REALTOR® Code of Ethics is a commitment to your own high standards of professionalism.

What are some of your top industry achievements?

• As a training director and instructor I have worked with a lot of agents —

brand new and experienced. There is nothing more satisfying than watching a trainee develop into a knowledgeable, productive, professional and competent agent.

• Like so many agents, for years I never really understood what role our associations play in advocating for private property rights. I paid the minimum RPAC contribution as requested with my dues. It was after attending Capitol Conference and an Illinois REALTORS® Public Policy meeting that I finally got it. The year I became a major investor definitely counts as one of my top industry achievements.

• I have been fortunate to have had a number of leadership opportunities including chairing the Professional Standards Committee, License Law Rewrite, the Senior Housing Working Group and countless ethics and arbitration hearings. One of the most challenging projects was chairing a subgroup for the NAR Conventional Finance and Policy Committee to examine how to bring private capital back into the mortgage market. Our work culminated in a policy position that was adopted by the NAR Directors.

You’ve been actively involved with the REALTOR® organization at all levels. What has been the most meaningful experience and do you encourage other REALTORS® to get involved?

A philosophy that has guided me throughout my industry involvement is: “Bring it Home!” When I was a managing broker and training director for my previous firm, I considered it my

obligation to bring information back to my company after attending events and share it with productive agents who were prioritizing their time towards working with clients. When I was an officer at my local association and was sent to Illinois REALTORS® and NAR events, I took to heart the responsibility to share information with the board of directors in order to keep them abreast on industry issues and new ideas. Today, my involvement allows me to “Bring it Home” to my classrooms and clients.

Do I encourage others to be involved? Absolutely! If you want to see the big picture of real estate — and be on top of changes — be a part of a REALTOR® family that cares. You will wind up receiving ten-fold what you give.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in real estate today?

1. Incompetent agents who diminish the REALTOR® value and tarnish

the image of those who are professional and knowledgeable. Every time an agent steps away and allows another service provider to take over part of the transaction with no further involvement — we are taking ourselves out of the center of the transaction and chipping away at our value proposition.

solving industry issues that affect us all.

What other professional goals would you like to achieve?

As our industry and the laws and regulations that impact it change, my goal is to remain current and continue to be a catalyst to strategically assist agents, companies and associations to have new tools and skills that will help them provide the best service possible to the clients they serve.

2. The secondary mortgage market must remain viable in order for qualified home buyers to have access to affordable financing.

How Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are revamped or eliminated will hugely impact future homebuyers and the real estate industry in general.

What are your thoughts on being named 2016 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year?

I feel very honored, lucky and appreciative for the many friends I have made and opportunities I have had in the industry that I love and have dedicated myself to in my career.

3. A lack of new leadership of quality, knowledgeable business-minded individuals willing to volunteer their time and talents toward

Congratulations to the 2016 Local REALTORS® of the Year!

Marvin Sandel

Bloomington-Normal Assoc. of REALTORS®

William “Bill” Jenkins Danville Area Board of REALTORS®

Charles Lindhart Hometown Assoc. of REALTORS®

Nick Weis

Michael Buscher

Capital Area REALTORS®

Paula Cooley

Decatur Association of REALTORS®

Beckie Chismarick

Illini Valley Assoc. of REALTORS®

Elissa Palermo

Bruce Steinke

Central Illinois Board® of REALTORS®

Suzanne Wood

Egyptian Board of REALTORS®

Shirley St. Germaine Kankakee-Iroquois-Ford Assoc. of REALTORS®

Phil Harvey

Max McComb

Champaign County Assoc. of REALTORS®

Kevin Botterbush

Greater Gateway Assoc. of REALTORS®

Tonya Corder

Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®

Peoria Area Assoc. of REALTORS®

Quad City Area REALTOR® Assoc.

Brian Henry

Steven McIntyre

Tammy Mitchell Hines

Alisa Patterson-Orozco

REALTOR® Assoc. of Southwestern Illinois

Rockford Area Assoc. of REALTORS®

Allyson Hoffman

North Shore-Barrington Assoc. of REALTORS®

Egyptian Quincy Assoc. of REALTORS®

Oak Park Area Assoc. of REALTORS®

REALTOR® Assoc. of Northwestern Illinois

Phil Szyjka

Heartland REALTOR® Organization

Alan VanDeBoe

Brian Smith

Northern Illinois Commercial Assoc. of REALTORS®

REALTOR® Assoc. of the Fox Valley

Matt Farrell

Chicago Assoc. of REALTORS®

Debbie Prodehl

Three Rivers Assoc. of REALTORS®

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

27

COMMERCIAL CORNER GOING GLOBAL AT MIPIM

By REALTOR® Alex Ruggieri, CCIM, CIPS, CRE, SEC, MBA Why did I go to MIPIM? That is a very important question and one I had to answer for myself before I could justify the time, expense and resources that it takes to travel all the way to France and leave my business for a week.

But before I answer that question perhaps you are asking yourself another one; “What is MIPIM?” Let me address the first question by answering the second.

MIPIM stands for Le Marché International des Professionnels de L’immobilier, which translated to English means: The International Market of Real Estate Professionals.

Hosted in Cannes, France every March, MIPIM is an international showcase for the real estate industry. The stated purpose of the conference is to facilitate business between real estate investors and end users and was attended by more than 21,000 attendees from over 93 countries.

Illinois REALTORS® has made an ongoing commitment, along with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), to have a presence at the conference.

Joan Caton, Alex Ruggieri and Bill Caton at the expo at MIPIM.

“As a result of this year’s conference, I now have five centers of influence from Dubai, United Kingdom, France, California and Champaign, Ill. However, I know that I’ve just scratched the surface of networking and investment opportunities at MIPIM. Next year, I want to send out invitations to meet with various investors and commercial brokers while I’m there and take advantage of more of the programs and social networking events.” — REALTOR® Bill Caton, Caton Commercial Real Estate, Naperville

28 www.illinoisrealtors.org

“I thought that MIPIM was a fantastic experience, both professionally and culturally. Where can you meet and share ideas with people from different countries in one place over a span of only 4-5 days?

I’ll definitely be coming back next year!”

— REALTOR® Joan Caton, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService, Plainfield

Programs at MIPIM include discussions on trending real estate topics and issues, and keynote speakers. There are also presentations on every topic you can imagine given by some of the top real estate professionals in the world.

There are exhibits, talks and a dizzying array of booths and massive pavilions all displaying projects from all around the world. It is truly an international showcase.

The networking opportunities are prolific. There is an opening cocktail party, networking breakfasts and sponsored lunches, and that’s just for starters.

One example I can share is an opportunity that came our way one night. The group from Illinois was invited to an after event party held on a yacht anchored in the harbor one evening. The sponsor was a major American homebuilder.

Call it serendipity but I ended up having a delightful oneon-one conversation with the head of acquisitions for much of the evening. While in the moment I realized something; where else would it happen that I would have quality time with a top executive in such a setting?

It only happened because I was there, at MIPIM. Back at home I might have to make calls for six months just to connect on the phone with someone of his level of authority. And that’s only if I could make it past the gatekeepers answering the phones.

“Attending the MIPIM conference confirms that there is a serious appetite for investment property in Chicago and Illinois, but we have seen that there is tremendous global competition for that investment capital. NAR and its partner associations are raising awareness and marketing to make sure we are being considered a viable and safe investment alternative to be considered.”

— 2015 Illinois REALTORS® President Jim Kinney, Baird & Warner, Chicago

But networking opportunities are everywhere at MIPIM. NAR had an area where all of the participating associations from the U.S. were located. I visited with brokers and practitioners from all over the country. I was astonished to learn just how many I had connections with in one way or another. I value the new friends I met, entered their cards into my database and plan to stay in touch with them in the future.

My professional designations were another important link in making connections. It seemed as if there was an event sponsored by every group in one form or another. As a Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) I had the privilege to attend a luncheon for our members. It was held on the banks of the Mediterranean at Cannes restaurant with tables right on the beach. The most important aspect of the lunch, however, was the people.

I got to meet some of the most amazing people doing some incredible things in our industry; literally the titans of our trade. Even as a member of CRE the chances that I would ever meet such a collection of leaders would be very slim, but by attending MIPIM I not only got to meet them, I had a wonderful lunch and a lot of quality time with them.

While at MIPIM I did my share of booth time as well. By that I mean that as a representative of the Illinois REALTORS® I pledged, along with others, to spend part of my time in the Illinois booth. The purpose was to promote and answer questions visitors might have about Illinois or doing business in our great state.

And people did come to our booth just for that purpose. Several of our group made important contacts with international clients seeking to do business in Illinois.

So why did I go to MIPIM? I went to network, I went to learn and I went to bring my client’s properties to the international investment community. And I went to bring those investors back to Illinois!

“MIPM is the premier commercial real estate show in the world to meet and engage deal makers and industry thought leaders.

The quality of the exhibits and the depth and breadth of the knowledge of the attendees that I met at this conference far exceeded my expectations.”

— REALTOR® Steven W. Moreira, 2016 President of CCIM Institute, Longwood, Florida

REALTOR® Alex Ruggieri, CCIM, CIPS, CRE, SEC, MBA, is a senior investment advisor with SVN-Ramshaw Real Estate in Champaign. He is currently serving on the Illinois REALTORS ® Global Working Group and the Commercial/Industrial/Investment Committee. He is also a member of NAR’s Insurance Committee and is a past member of the Commercial Committee. Alex can be reached at alex.ruggieri@svn.com

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ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

29

6/2/2016 2:30:15 PM

Mike Scobey | Assistant Director, Advocacy and Local Issues

ILLINOIS REALTORS® RAMP UP INVOLVEMENT IN MARCH PRIMARY The March Illinois Primary Election provided Illinois REALTORS® with an opportunity to provide a high level of support to candidates for the Illinois legislature as well as local offices. With both RPAC donations and Independent Expenditures, we were involved in several races throughout the state. Support was given to candidates — both newcomers and incumbents — who understand and appreciate real property rights.

In addition to direct RPAC contributions, Illinois REALTORS® provided Independent Expenditure support to 10 candidates. This is support that is not coordinated with the candidate’s campaign and involves direct outreach to likely voters. Independent Expenditure support goes to candidates who strongly support REALTOR® positions and who are in closely contested races. Eight of the 10 were state legislative candidates and two were county board candidates (in Winnebago and McHenry counties).

Result: Seven of the 10 candidates with Independent Expenditure support from Illinois REALTORS® WON. The bulk of these Independent Expenditures goes for direct mail and online advertising on behalf of the REALTOR®-supported candidates.

One of the victorious candidates was Illinois REALTORS® Past President Jean Crosby who won her county board race in Winnebago County in a very close election.

“I found the RPAC dollars and the Independent Expenditure dollars provided by the REALTOR® Party to my campaign for Winnebago County Board District indispensable. The RPAC funds provided me the opportunity to launch a multi-dimensional campaign; from print media to direct mail to social media and walk lists. Without the support of RPAC dollars and the REALTOR® Party I do not believe my election would have prevailed,” Crosby said.

Learn more about Illinois REALTORS® RVOICE program at www.illinoisrealtors.org/RVOICE

Independ ent Expe nditure m Jean Cro ailer sup sby por

mailer suppor dent Expenditure

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, in the elch, D-Chicago ting Rep. Chris W

Video: Help Your Clients Understand Property Taxes New homebuyers — and even existing homeowners — may have questions about the property tax process in Illinois. Share this video explaining how Illinois property taxes are calculated and what homeowners can do if they feel their property has been assessed incorrectly.

Watch and share: http://bit.ly/IL-Understanding-Property-Taxes

30 www.illinoisrealtors.org

GO

ting REA

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candidate

WHY I INVEST “I invest to fight for issues like the Marketplace Fairness Act and 1031 Exchanges.

I am proud to be a ‘YPN 10 for 10’ and feel that it’s vital we all invest in our industry.“

The “YPN 10 for 10” aims to encourage 1,000 YPN members to pledge to invest a total of $10,000 over a 10-year period.

Deena Zimmerman Vice President, SVN Chicago Commercial 2016 RPAC Pacesetter

RPAC always has your business interests in mind. www.RPACnow.com Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The amounts indicated are merely guidelines and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. The National Association of REALTORS® and its state and local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed or decision not to contribute. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Up to thirty percent (30%) may be sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website www.elections.il.gov or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.

ETHICS HEARINGS In September 2014, the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors approved publishing the results of ethics hearings throughout the state. These are the conclusions of ethics hearings and are not part of the Ethics Citation Program.

TIME PERIOD: Oct. 10, 2015 to March 31, 2016

Articles found by a Hearing Panel to have been violated and ratified by the Board of Directors

Discipline and fines imposed

Previous violation(s) in last three (3) years?

Complaint #1

Articles 1 and 3

$1,000 fine, Letter of Reprimand and one continuing education course

No

Complaint #2

Article 16

$250 fine

No

Complaint #3

Article 12

$250 fine

No

Complaint #4

Article 1

Letter of Warning

No

Complaint #5

Article 1

$1,000 fine and one MLS training course

No

Complaint #6

Articles 4 and 16

$500 fine and one continuing education course

No

Complaint #7

Article 3

$500 fine and one continuing education course

No

Complaint #8

Articles 1, 2 and 12

Letter of Warning and one continuing education course

No

Complaint #9

Article 9

One continuing education course

No

Complaint #10

Article 1

$500 fine

No

Complaint #11

Articles 1 and 2

One continuing education course

No

Complaint #12

Articles 2 and 11

$3,000 fine and Letter or Reprimand

No

Complaint #13

Article 3

$2,500 fine

No

Complaint #14

Article 2

One continuing education course

No

Complaint #15

Articles 1 and 2

$500 fine and one continuing education course

No

Complaint #16

Articles 15 and 16

$500 fine, one continuing education course and Letter of Reprimand

No

Complaint #17

Article 3

$1,250 fine, one continuing education course and Letter of Reprimand

No

Quick tips to help protect your buyers against wire fraud It’s an online scam that could end up costing your clients thousands of dollars. A hacker gains access to your email accounts and finds information about an upcoming property closing. The hacker then sends a fake email to the buyer posing as a title company or REALTOR® and asking that money be wired to the hacker’s account. This sophisticated hacking has ensnared some unsuspecting consumers but there are things you can do to protect your buyers.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offers these tips: • Immediately contact all parties to all of your upcoming transactions and inform them of the possibility of this fraud.

Attorneys, escrow agents, buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and title agents have all been targeted in these schemes.

• If possible, do not send sensitive information via email. If you must use email to send sensitive information, use encrypted email.

32 www.illinoisrealtors.org

• Do not trust contact information in unverified emails. The hackers will recreate legitimate-looking signature blocks with their own telephone number. In addition, fraudsters will include links to fake websites to further convince victims of their legitimacy.

• Clean out your email account on a regular basis. Your emails may establish patterns in your business practice over time that hackers can use against you. In addition, a longstanding backlog of emails may contain sensitive information from months or years past. You can always save important emails in a secure location on your internal system or hard drive.

• Find the rest at www.realtor.org/articles/urgent-alert-sophisticated-email-scams-targeting-the-real-estate-industry

NAR also offers these additional resources: • “The Threat of Wire Fraud Is Real” – REALTOR® Magazine realtormag.realtor.org/for-brokers/network/article/2016/05/ threat-wire-fraud-real • Video: Wire Fraud Alert for Buyers - www.realtor.org/videos/ wire-fraud-alert-for-buyers

MARKET WATCH POSITIVE TRENDS TO CONTINUE FOR SUMMER HOUSING MARKET As the summer weather begins to heat up, Illinois home sales and median prices are also expected to rise with mild to moderate growth in both home sales and median prices through July, according to the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) at the University of Illinois.

“The housing market news for the next three months indicates a continuation of the positive trends in both sales and prices,” said REAL Director Geoffrey J.D. Hewings in the May forecast.

Hewings Seller confidence is higher, buyer demand is strong and foreclosures are accounting for a smaller share of overall home sales. At the same time, Illinois home prices are expected to see steady gains in the coming months and sales should experience mild to moderate growth on a monthly and annual basis.

Find monthly and quarterly REAL housing forecasts at www.illinoisrealtors.org/marketstats/forecasts

WHAT OTHER ECONOMISTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE MARKET: “The building momentum from the over 14 million jobs created since 2010 and the prospect of facing higher rents and mortgage rates down the road appear to be bringing more interested buyers into the market.”

– Lawrence Yun, chief economist of NAR (May 26, 2016) “The U.S. housing market is poised to have its best year in a decade and the spring home buying season is off to a strong start. Pent up demand for homes and near record-low mortgage rates are bolstering housing markets across the country. The National Multi-Indicator Market Index (MiMi) currently stands at 83.8, the highest since September of 2008. Home purchase applications are up nearly 14 percent from one year ago, mortgage delinquencies continue to trend down, and robust employment growth are all positive signs.”

– Len Kiefer, deputy chief economist at Freddie Mac (May 25, 2016) “Rising home sales combined with tight inventory will translate into increased housing production as we move onward in 2016, especially as job creation continues and mortgage rates remain low.”

– Robert Dietz, chief economist of NAHB (May 24, 2016) “Delinquencies and foreclosure rates are now at pre-crash levels as the benefits of higher home prices, improving economic fundamentals and years of cautious underwriting are being felt across the country. Longer term, as loans made since 2009 account for a larger share of outstanding debt, we anticipate that the serious delinquency rate will have further substantive declines.”

– Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic (May 10, 2016)

Source: Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) at the University of Illinois, “Housing Price Forecasts Illinois and Chicago PMSA, May 2016”

“Lenders have been taking advantage of the strong seller’s market to dispose of lingering foreclosure inventory over the past year, evidenced by 12 consecutive months of increasing bank repossessions ending in February and now evidenced by these numbers showing a sharp drop in vacant zombie foreclosures compared to a year ago” – Daren Blomquist, senior vice president at RealtyTrac (May 17, 2016)

ILLINOIS REALTOR® July 2016

33

REALTOR® COMMUNITY FOLLOW US:

WAGNER CHOSEN AS 2017 TREASURER-NOMINEE

Wagner

Dan Wagner, senior vice president for government relations for The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies in Oak Brook, has been named the 2017 Illinois REALTORS® treasurer-nominee. The Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors is expected to approve his nomination later this year. Wagner, an Illinois REALTORS® board member and the 2016 president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, will join the association’s 2017 leadership team upon board approval.

Guzmán, Zimmerman Named to NAR Leadership Roles

Guzmán

Three Rivers Donates $3,000 Grant for Pocket Parks The Illinois village of Diamond will benefit from small “pocket” parks thanks to a REALTOR® Party Placemaking Grant donated by the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® this spring.

The parks, which will include benches donated by a local Eagle Scout, are expected to be completed this summer.

Deena Zimmerman, broker and vice president with SVN Chicago Commercial, was named NAR commercial liaison Zimmerman and said her goal for the year is to enhance the visibility of commercial REALTORS® within NAR.

ILLINOIS REALTORS® CONFERENCE & EXPO HIGHLIGHTS

Hundreds of Illinois REALTORS® attended the association’s Conference & Expo in Collinsville in March. This year’s two-day event featured sessions with Craig Grant, Tom Lundstedt, John Jamieson, Terry Watson and more.

Tom Lundstedt spoke of working with real estate investor s.

Members read

y to learn and

be inspired.

Left: Kyle Anderson, Illinois REALTORS® Local GAD and Regional Manager for Member Outreach, shows his bipartisanship with Donald and Hillary cutouts.

34 www.illinoisrealtors.org

Mabél Guzmán, a broker with @properties in Chicago and the 2011 president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, has been named an NAR vice president for 2016-17.

She will be a part of the NAR president’s cabinet.

Illinois REALTORS® Honored for Volunteer Efforts The Illinois REALTORS® was honored at the city of Springfield’s Good as Gold Business Honor Roll.

The award recognizes businesses and organizations that support charities and non-profits and encourage employee volunteerism.

Oldenettel Named to State Real Estate Panels REALTOR® Michael D. Oldenettel, CRS, GRI, a managing broker at RE/MAX Professionals in Springfield and the 2013 president of Illinois REALTORS®, has been appointed to the serve Oldenettel on the Illinois Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board and the Illinois Real Estate Education Advisory Council.

Anaya and Doyle Inducted into NAR RPAC Hall of Fame Congratulations to Illinois REALTORS® Sonia Anaya and Judy Doyle, who were inducted into the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame in May in Washington, D.C. Anaya, who is the broker/owner of America Real Estate in Chicago, and Judy Doyle, the managing broker of RE/MAX Preferred Holden Realty in Swansea, bring the number of Hall of Fame members from Illinois to 43. Hall of Fame honorees are recognized for making at least $25,000 in lifetime contributions to RPAC.

Anaya

Doyle

Capital Area and RASI Honored

Kudos to Capital Area REALTORS® and the REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois (RASI) for being honored by NAR for excellence in RPAC participation and fundraising.

Take your real estate career to the

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Complete the NEW online GRI program with the Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center • • • •

increase your productivity reduce your risk maximize your resources find solutions to your toughest challenges

GRI coursework is designed to challenge you and stretch your thinking. The advanced-level courses build upon knowledge you attained through prelicense and post-license studies.

“Best designation I’ve received and has given me great tools to take my business to another level.”

— Erin Weber, GRI

www.illinoisrealtors.org/GRI All course work must be taken through the Illinois REALTORS® Licensing & Training Center except the ePro Designation Course. All course work must be completed in less than 5 years. All courses require a 70% passing score on the exams.

Most courses are licensed for CE credit. All on-line courses will have the option of either on-line proctoring or at one of our approved proctor locations. There is a $15 fee to retake and exam, with a maximum of two test attempts before being required to re-take a course. No renewal fee is required for the GRI designation. GRI is a lifetime designation.