Chicago REALTORS® Blog & News

Welcome to the Chicago Association of REALTORS® blog and news hub. Explore magazine articles, industry updates and more. You can filter by category or tag based on your interests.

Source of Income Now a Protected Class in Illinois

As of Jan. 1. 2023, source of income (SOI) has been added to the list of statewide protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Act. The new law bans discrimination in housing based on source of income, including housing choice vouchers. The definition of SOI means “the lawful manner in which an individual supports or […]

5 Best Practices When Showing Units in Managed Buildings

Showing a property in a managed building, such as a condominium, apartment or co-op, can present unique situations that often don’t exist when showing single-family homes. These situations require different protocols to be followed by both the listing REALTOR® and cooperating REALTOR®. Review these five best practices to ensure you’re set up for success for […]

Winter 2023 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

The latest issue of Chicago REALTOR® is now available. Enjoy the content in the format of your choice.  You can find the digital PDF flipbook below, with links to blog-format articles. CAR members will receive a printed copy in the coming weeks!

Meet the 2023 Board of Directors

RAFAEL ALVARADO, SHIELD REAL ESTATE What is your favorite CAR member perk or benefit, and why?Safety has always been a big concern for me. FOREWARN is one of my favorite membership perks. This app has helped me identify and verify callers to better prepare myself and reduce personal risks. What is your favorite phone app, […]

Winter 2023: Editor’s Picks

Hello, 2023!I always find the new year exciting – it’s a time to set new goals, explore new opportunities and position ourselves to have a successful year. In this issue, we’re sharing tips on showing units in managed buildings, looking at your social media strategy and more. We hope these tools will help set you […]

Winter 2023: President’s Perspective

Years ago, I attended my first Inaugural Gala, and had my first exposure to this association, thanks to my friend, and past president, Zeke Morris. That event was the jumping off point for me, and I’ve beeninvolved with the association ever since. At the time, I knew very little about the association or what it […]

Winter 2023: From The CEO

Just like many of you, we’re focusing on business planning for both the year ahead and the years to come. This year, we’re proud to unveil our new strategic plan for 2023 to 2025. This strategic plan, developed by volunteer leaders and staff and approved by our Board of Directors, will be our roadmap for […]

Make Social Media Marketing Work For You

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that digital marketing is imperative for success. In a world where the majority of people are spending time in front of their digital screens, social media marketing ranks as one of the most effective methods for growing audience engagement, developing a strong brand voice and […]

Where Comfort Meets Style: Upcoming Kitchen Trends

If home is where the heart is, the kitchen may be the lifeblood of a house. It’s a place to congregate, cook and converse. According to the Houzz 2022 Kitchen Trends Study, many homeowners who are renovating their kitchens are utilizing the space for more than just cooking: they’re also using it as a work […]

Welcome to Auburn Gresham

Close your eyes and think about a neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. The first places that come to mind might be Beverly, Douglas or South Shore. But there is a neighborhood where residents are passionate about their community and where investments are creating exciting opportunities. Welcome to Auburn Gresham. THE HISTORY According to […]

Building Trust with Clients Using Market Data

The real estate market is constantly changing, especially over the last few years. As REALTORS®, you’re the trusted advisors for your homebuyers and sellers, so it’s vital that you’re armed with the knowledge you need to earn your client’s trust and to help them make informed decisions during the transaction. One of the best ways […]