Illinois RealEstateRama

REALTOR® Sonia Anaya, broker-owner of America Real Estate in Chicago, has received the 2016 Illinois REALTORS® Political Involvement Award. The award is given to individuals for outstanding political and legislative service to the REALTOR® organization.

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $284,200 in federal funding for projects in Fulton and Knox Counties to support rural community development projects. Today’s funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Community Development Initiative Grant, will provide assistance to construct a new township building and install a new storm siren

As part of a multi-prong marketing initiative to advance the image and promote the reputation of West Chicago as a dynamic city in which to live, work, play and invest, the City of West Chicago has launched a new website that provides a fresh, visually appealing design in addition to increasing its functionality through improved navigation and other user friendly features

U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) issued the following statement during an Energy Subcommittee Hearing on “Modernizing Energy and Electricity Delivery Systems: Challenges and Opportunities to Promote Infrastructure Improvement and Expansion”, where he serves as Ranking Member. The Congressman noted that the federal government must embark on a path of upgrading the nation’s energy infrastructure that it is done “in a way that is responsible, environmentally-conscious, and takes into account the rights and interests of impacted communities.”

Congresswoman Robin Kelly will host a Housing Expo on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lan-Oak Park District, 2550 178th Street, Lansing. Participants will have the opportunity to apply for a loan modification and to learn about foreclosure prevention, first-time homebuyer programs, and how to appeal property taxes. Banks and agencies, including Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), Wells Fargo, Chase, BMO, and more will be on hand to assist homeowners and tenants.

This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) hosted a teletown hall on the Trump Administration’s recent executive orders on immigration, refugees, and the construction of a wall on the Mexican border. Over 4,000 people from the 11th District participated in the discussion

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) introduced the Buy American Improvement Act of 2017 to create American jobs, promote the domestic manufacturing industry, increase transparency and accountability in government procurement, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in the U.S. whenever practicable.

REALTOR® Sue Miller, ABR, BPOR, CRS, GRI, ePro, PMN, SFR, SRS, of McHenry, has been named the 2017 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year by the Illinois REALTORS®. She is the managing broker of Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell in McHenry

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $4,198,600 in federal funding for projects in Clay, Crawford, Edgar, Marion, Moultrie, Richland, and Pulaski Counties to support rural community development projects. Today’s funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Community Development Initiative Grant, will provide assistance to benefit public safety, water infrastructure, local VFWs, mental health facilities, and more.

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC), released the following statement on Congress’ consideration of House resolutions that would revoke existing federal rules that protect the environment and support American businesses

Governor Bruce Rauner today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) has awarded the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) $4.173 million dollars to reimburse funds spent for the new water treatment facility at the Illinois Veterans' Home in Quincy (IVHQ). The scope of the work included repair, replacement and upgrades to the domestic water system at the Illinois Veterans Home in order to treat the water with chemicals and heat, and to eliminate non-circulating plumbing.

Real estate professionals and home sellers in Illinois have a new tool to help them meet state legal requirements regarding radon in homes. A three-minute video developed by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois (ALAIL) is now available to ensure home buyers receive information about radon as required by the Illinois Radon Awareness Act.

U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), member of the House Financial Services Committee, today was named to the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance which has jurisdiction over flood insurance including the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, public and private housing, urban development and terrorism risk insurance. Rep. Hultgren was also elevated as Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Securities and Investment.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that Illinois continues to lead the nation in LEED green building. The 2016 national rankings placed Illinois third on the annual list, making Illinois one of only two states to remain in the top ten since the list began in 2010. The annual list highlights states throughout the country that made significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and transformation over the past year.

Despite a dip in home sales in December, both sales and median prices finished in positive territory in 2016, closing out a year marked by tight housing inventories and continued strong consumer demand, according to Illinois REALTORS