In 2024, we continued to work together to make Chicago a vibrant place to live, work and play. Here’s what we accomplished together.
Amplifying Our Voice as Chicago Real Estate Experts
We shared our expertise with news publications, radio, TV stations and more to continue to showcase that we are the voice for real estate in Chicago. Check out some of our top stories below:
- Chicago REALTOR® Ri Prasad discussed the potential implications of the real estate transfer tax on Chicago communities with ABC 7 in March.
- President Erika Villegas and President-Elect Lutalo McGee shared insights on practice changes in real estate and its impact on homebuying and selling with the Chicago Sun-Times.
- 2024 Public Policy Coordinating Committee Chair Staci Slattery shared the importance of advocacy and using your voice with Chicago Agent Magazine.
- President-Elect Lutalo McGee shared his predictions for the 2025 residential real estate market with Chicago Agent Magazine.
Navigating a Changing Market
This year, a variety of practice changes went into effect due to NAR’s settlement agreement. We continued to meet the needs of clients in a changing market by:
- Offering the Accredited Buyer’s Representative Designation for free. This class is being offered again, for a fee, this March. In 2024, this class was also offered in Spanish.
- Releasing several new and updated forms & contracts to meet the changes from the settlement agreement.
- Creating a resource guide to help navigate changes.
- Hosting broker information sessions to discuss changes and what they mean for Chicago REALTORS®.
Strengthening Networks & Business Success
Throughout the year, we created ways for you to connect with your peers and learn about association benefits.
- We hosted our signature events, including the Market Outlook, Sales Awards, Inaugural Gala, Casino Royale, Summer Soiree and Golf Outing.
- We also provided opportunities to meet with peers and form new connections during networking events.
- We hosted D77 Community Meetups to connect with your peers and share business ideas at local businesses.
- The association came to you during our Pop-Up events at local library branches so you could get your questions answered, learn more about your member benefits, get MRED training and career consultations.
Check out all of our upcoming events here.
Elevating Professionalism & Industry Standards
We celebrated our successes in a variety of ways.
- We honored your fellow REALTORS® who are making a difference in our industry and communities through the REALTOR® Awards.
- The Global Real Estate Council received NAR’s Global Achievement Program Diamond Award.
- A variety of your peers were featured in NAR’s “First-Time Buyer” show, which focuses on the relationship between REALTORS® and homebuyers, giving viewers an authentic portrayal of the buying process.
- The association was included on the Inclusive Workplace list by Best Companies Group & COLOR Magazine.
Protecting Businesses & Property Rights
We advocated for property owners and real estate businesses through the following issues:
- We supported the Affordable Housing & Homeownership Bond Program, which was approved by City Council in April.
- We advocated against the real estate transfer tax referendum, also known as Bring Chicago Home, which was defeated on the primary ballot in March.
- We spoke out against Mayor Johnson’s proposed property tax increase, which was not included in the final 2025 city budget.
- We advocated for changes to the Northwest Housing Preservation Ordinance. Many of these changes were included in an amendment to the ordinance that was introduced in December.