Chicago REALTORS® Blog & News

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Illinois Is a Top Destination For Foreign Buyers: How to Expand Your Business Globally

Over the last few years, Illinois has consistently found its way to the top of all US states that attract foreign buyers of real estate. So, what does this mean for REALTORS® in Illinois today? A REALTOR® who starts to work on expanding their international client base now will only benefit in the long run. […]

How to Be A Partner During the Appraisal Process

Did you know, in 2023, 42% of REALTORS® had a transaction fall through due to an appraisal? According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR’s) Appraisal Survey, this was most influenced by the ultimate appraised value or use of incorrect comps. Appraisals can be one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the transaction for REALTORS®, […]

Your Key to Thriving in a High Interest Rate Market: Become A Home Finance Resource for Your Clients

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, today’s REALTORS® are navigating a perfect storm of challenges. The scarcity of available properties, transformative impact of workplace migration patterns triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertain mortgage markets have created a dynamic, demanding environment like never before. Understanding the 2024 Market Environment The landscape of real estate […]

Hall of Fame: Marion Valle, Real Estate Regulator and Leader, Co-Founder of Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation

When it comes to real estate not only in Illinois, but also throughout the country, there’s one person who has had a significant hand in how we do business: Marion Valle of Valle Realty. Valle’s impressive real estate career has spanned over 50 years and has had a marked impact on real estate. Valle’s impact […]

Meet the 2023-2024 Board Of Directors

RAFAEL ALVARADO, SHIELD REAL ESTATE What makes you most proud to be a REALTOR®? We have the opportunity to make a difference for the customers we serve. We help create generational wealth as educational and advocacy resources for the communities we serve. What is your favorite association member perk or benefit, and why? Forewarn. This […]

2024 President Drussy Hernandez

“Real estate happened to me,” 2024 Chicago Association of REALTORS® President Drussy Hernandez said during her installation at the 140th Inaugural Gala. Even though she inadvertently fell into real estate, Hernandez found her passion in this industry and is now aiming to make a big impact during her time as president. Born in Puerto Rico, […]

Winter 2024: From the CEO

We are facing challenging times. The value of a REALTOR® is being challenged. However, I’ve seen the value of a REALTOR® first-hand – through meeting and connecting with all of you and also through my personal real estate experiences. When I first decided I wanted to buy a home, I was unsure of where to […]

Winter 2024: President’s Perspective

Not all leadership paths look the same. As the 140th president of the association, I know my journey looks different than those who came before me. In fact, my leadership journey came about in a rather unexpected way. Many years ago, a fellow Chicago Association of REALTORS® member visited the office I was working at […]

Nominate Your Peers for a 2024 REALTOR® Award

REALTORS® make a difference in our communities. They are rising stars, changemakers and community advocates who work to make our neighborhoods thriving places to live, work and play.  It takes all of us working together to make a difference. Honor someone who’s making a difference in our communities and industry with a REALTOR® Award nomination. The […]

December 2023 Market Snapshot

*The City of Chicago Market Snapshot represents the residential real estate activity within the 77 officially defined Chicago community areas as provided by the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. STATE OF THE MARKET INVENTORY DOWNLOAD AND SHARE THESE GRAPHICS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES! Download Download Download Download Download

Introducing The 2024 Leadership Accelerator Class

Congratulations to the following Chicago REALTORS® who have been chosen for our Leadership Accelerator class. This program will help attendees prepare for the next steps in their leadership journey in their careers and the association. Attendees strengthen their leadership skills, learn from REALTOR® leaders, develop relationships with peers and participate in monthly activities focusing on executive […]

New 2024 Residential Lease & Security Deposit Interest Rates Now Available

The 2024 Chicago Residential Lease is now available on our Forms & Contracts webpage. The City released its 2024 Bilingual Security Deposit Interest Rate Flyer on January 8th this year, which delayed the release of the Chicago Residential Lease. There were no new laws that went into effect in 2024 that would impact the lease however […]