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.

Three Small Black-Owned Businesses Awarded CAR Grants

During the month of February 2021, we awarded $1,000 grants to three Black-owned small Chicago businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations to Absolutely Anything Essential, GILDA Designer Thrift Boutique and Male Mogul Initiative Inc. These grants honor their lasting and significant impact on their communities. On Friday, February 26, President Nykea Pippion McGriff, CEO […]

Final Illinois Real Estate License Act Approved

On Tuesday, February 23, the proposed rules to the Illinois Real Estate License Act (RELA) were approved and adopted by the Illinois Administrative Code, which is the state’s body of administrative law. The rules went into effect immediately. Our guide to the proposed rule changes can be found here. Stay tuned for a final draft of […]

New Program Connects Homeless with Vacant Units, Rental Assistance

Chicago Rents, a new program by All Chicago, connects families who need homes with landlords who have vacancies. Households will receive rental assistance and case management for 12 months. Tenants pay a portion of their income to All Chicago, who pays 100% of the rental amount to landlords if the tenant cannot pay. Landlords who […]

Make the Most of Your Membership this March with Our Benefits!

This March, we have the tools to help you make the most of your membership: Upcoming Events This March, we are continuing some of our popular virtual events, as well as hosting some specialty topic webinars, including: Celebrate Your Accomplishments at the 2020 Sales Awards! Join us for an evening of celebration and inspiration on […]

Don’t Miss These Business-Boosting Tips From the YPN February Breakfast: Top Producer Panel

On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, we hosted our monthly YPN breakfast virtually through Zoom. Even though our get-togethers at Manny’s Deli were put on hold, we couldn’t wait to devour advice from local industry experts. You can stay up-to-date on upcoming YPN virtual events by following the YPN Facebook page! WATCH THE ZOOM WEBINAR RECORDING: […]

Your Guide to Appealing Cook County Property Tax Assessments

The first installment of Cook County property taxes were recently mailed out to homeowners with a deadline of March 2. If you or a client are interested in appealing their property tax assessment, we have the steps you need to take to go through the appeals process. For more information, we have and will continue […]

Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon Aguilera, Golf Outing Advisory Committee Vice Chair

Get to know our members who share their expertise to help shape the future of our association and industry! We chatted with our 2020-2021 Golf Outing Advisory Group Vice Chair Sharon Aguilera, Gentium Properties LLC, to find out more about her career path, why she volunteers and more. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE […]

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A Statement from CAR on Zillow and ShowingTime

As many of you are aware, last week the Zillow Group announced that it plans to acquire Chicago-based ShowingTime. Zillow’s potential acquisition of ShowingTime may have a significant impact on the real estate industry. We recognize that our members have a variety of views on this potential transaction. Regardless of one’s opinion on this news, […]

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City Council Housing Committee Pauses ARO Discussion at REALTORS® Urging

On Tuesday, February 16, a meeting was held by the Housing Committee for public comments on the Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO). The City of Chicago’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance requires residential developments that receive city financial assistance including upzoning or involve city-owned land to provide a percentage of units at affordable prices. The city and industry […]

January 2021 Market Snapshot

MARKET SNAPSHOT — CITY OF CHICAGO *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

Black Homeownership Policies and Their Impact

February is Black History Month. This week, we are taking a look at policies that have impacted Black homeownership, and how they continue to impact Black homeowners today with current statistics. Find out more below. These statistics were gathered from NAREB’s 2020 State of Housing in Black America report. Read the full report here.

Coffee With Your GADs February 2021 Recap

Each month, the Chicago Association of REALTORS® hosts Coffee With Your GADs to keep you updated on what is happening in the government that affects your business. Watch the playback from our February 4 meeting where we discussed the current legislative issues affecting the Chicago real estate market.