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.

Winter 2020: President’s Perspective

RISE UP — a simple phrase that can have many different interpretations. To rise up in this industry, you need to show up, do the work and be actively involved in all facets of the industry. I have been rising up in a variety of ways throughout my career. I experienced my own issues when […]

Download Customizable Graphics With Our New Member Benefit: Photofy

We’re pleased to introduce our newest member benefit to you: professionally-designed customizable social media graphics! We’ve partnered with Photofy to allow you to easily personalize and share consumer-facing social media campaign assets on your social media accounts. With Photofy, you can easily demonstrate the value you bring to the real estate transaction and beyond – […]

Register for Illinois REALTORS® Winter Meetings

Illinois REALTORS® Winter Meetings (formerly Public Policy Meetings) is moving online. If 2020 is any indication, the Winter Meetings will help you prepare for a successful 2021! From business outlook projections to expected legislative issues and legal pitfalls to avoid, you’ll find valuable solutions and insights to provide a roadmap for revitalizing your business. Registration […]

Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance Passes City Council

This blog was updated as of January 2021. First deemed illegal in 1957, the City of Chicago has reversed course – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also referred to as Accessory Conversion Units (ACUs), are now legal, following the passage of the ordinance in City Council. While the Ordinance is currently effective, permits won’t be issued […]

Everything You Need to Jumpstart Your 2021 Goals

Start your new year off on a strong note by making the most of your CAR membership. We put together the tools, resources, upcoming events and more that are designed to help you reach your 2021 goals! REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT REFRESH YOUR BUSINESS PRACTICES WITH SOME LIGHT READING It’s never too early or […]

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New 2021 Residential Lease & Security Deposit Interest Rates Now Available

The 2021 Chicago Residential Lease is now available on our Forms & Contracts webpage. The 2021 version includes the 2021 Security Deposit Interest Rate Sheet published by the City of Chicago, and the lease has been updated to reflect the new Fair Notice Amendment to the CRLTO. The Chicago Residential Lease is an excellent member […]

New Member Benefit: Free Fair Housing Continuing Education Course

Chicago REALTORS® who renewed their membership for 2021 now have access to a free Fair Housing CE course as a member benefit! This opportunity will help reinforce the importance of building ethical, socially-mindful business practices into your business plan and refresh your knowledge of Fair Housing in real estate. Ensure your business practices comply with […]

Proposed 2021 Real Estate License Act Changes

The Secretary of State has proposed new administrative rules to the Real Estate License Act, which can be read in full here. Here are the top proposed rules that you should be aware of: Virtual Offices. Section 1450.610; pages 68-72 of the proposed rules. Tips to follow when you consult with legal counsel about being […]

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Congress Approves New COVID-19 Relief Package Including Rental Assistance

On Sunday, December 20, Congress approved a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill. The agreement includes rental relief, additional funding for loans, simplified forgiveness for SBA loans and direct payments to Americans. The full package includes the following:

November 2020 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

2021 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Applications Open Jan. 11

The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a program that allows property owners to share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. Thousands of Chicagoans have been a part of this popular program, and applications for the 2021 program will be open to new applicants on January 11, 2021 from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. […]

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Governor Pritzker Extends Eviction Moratorium Until January 9

Governor Pritzker announced on Friday, December 11 that the eviction moratorium would be extended another month until January 9, 2021. The modifications include specific language regarding a minimum of 5-day notice for eviction actions. Also, the order specifically prohibits an eviction action against “a tenant who does not owe rent” and an exception is offered. […]