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SPRINGFIELD, IL - October 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Statewide Illinois home sales increased year-over-year in the month of September for the first time since March 2006 with first-time buyers driving the rebound in sales. According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS® latest report, statewide total home sales (which include single-family and condominiums) in September 2009 reached 10,350 homes sold, up 3.3 percent from September 2008 sales of 10,018. The Illinois median price in September 2009 was $160,000 down 9.3 percent from $176,450 in September 2008. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half sold for less.

SPRINGFIELD, IL - October 20, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of the deadly disease for non-smokers. Yet many people in Illinois have no idea if their homes have high levels of this health hazard. That’s why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people throughout Illinois to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Week October 18-24.

October 19, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today was joined by local citizens and realtors in Moline, Canton, and Macomb to call for an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. The credit is set to end on December 1, 2009.

Washington, DC - October 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today introduced legislation, the Suspend ACORN Certification (SAC) Act, aimed at preventing the misuse of public resources designated for federally-approved housing counseling activities

WASHINGTON, DC - October 15, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced a commitment to insure a mortgage loan to Mendota Community Hospital in Mendota, Illinois. The $34,220,000 loan is made possible through the Federal Housing Administration’s Section 242 Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program.

CHICAGO, IL - October 15, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn today announced that approximately $242 million in additional Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) funding is available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to assist with low-income home weatherization efforts over the next two years.

WASHINGTON, DC - October 14, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Last week, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) voted to extend the First-Time Homebuyer tax credit for members of the Armed Services who served abroad this past year. H.R. 3590, which extends the credit for qualifying military personnel through November 30, 2010, passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly by a 416-16 vote. The current tax credit is set to expire on November 30, 2009.

Must Close Before December 1, 2009 to Qualify for Advance Loan on Federal Credit. CHICAGO, IL - October 12, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- With the federal tax credit deadline fast approaching, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) reminds potential first-time homebuyers to take advantage of the Home Start Tax Advance Loan. The deadline for the loan, which offers up to $6,000 in down payment assistance, is December 1, 2009.

Washington, DC - October 9, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Continuing his efforts help military service members and their families, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) voted in favor of the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009, which would extend the deadline for utilizing the first-time homebuyer tax credit of $8,000 for qualifying service members that was included in the stimulus. The bill passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 416-0.

Washington, DC - October 8, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today introduced two related measures aimed at promoting economic recovery by strengthening the housing sector, boosting homes sales, and stabilizing property values. Both bills are fully offset to remain budget neutral and would extend or amplify the popular first-time home buyer (FTHB) tax credit, which is set to expire at the end of November

Home Modification Grants Enable IL Residents to Maintain Indepence. CHICAGO, IL - September 29, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Low-income seniors and residents with disabilities in Illinois can continue to live independently and with family under a new round of $2.2 million in state funding through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). Families and individuals with special needs can apply for Home Modification Program grant money to install ramps, chair lifts, wider doors and other accessible improvements to their homes

Grants to Create Jobs and Expand Supply of Decent, Affordable Housing. Washington, DC - September 24, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Today, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Kane County with two different grants, a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) worth $1,210,514 and a HOME program grant worth $805,428

September 23, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the city of Rock Island $306,026 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act though the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

September 23, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded Decatur $623,309 and Springfield $516,191 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the new Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP).These grants offer communities a resource to provide short- and medium-term rental assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or to quickly re-house those who are experiencing homelessness.

CHICAGO, IL - September 21, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Members of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) board today appointed Gloria L. Materre, former deputy chief of staff under Governor Pat Quinn, as executive director. IHDA is the state agency dedicated to financing affordable housing across the state. Materre succeeds DeShana L. Forney, who resigned to pursue other career opportunities.