Illinois RealEstateRama

Washington, D.C. - November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to extend two economic stimulus provisions championed by Congresswoman Melissa Bean to aid struggling small businesses and support the recovering housing market.

November 5, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today voted for legislation that will extend both unemployment benefits and the first-time homebuyer tax credit. The bill now heads to the President’s desk. Hare has been a strong supporter of extending unemployment benefits during this recession. In September, Hare voted to extend these benefits for 13 additional weeks. After being amended by the Senate, today’s bill would extend benefits in Illinois by 20 weeks, where the unemployment rate is currently over 10 percent.

Radon Poster Contest launched to increase awareness of radon hazards. SPRINGFIELD, IL - November 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people to check their homes this month for a radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon gas, which comes from the decay of naturally-occurring uranium in the soil, has been found in homes in every county in Illinois.

CHICAGO, IL - November 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn today urged eligible Illinois households to apply for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The state received $174.6 million in federal funds to assist low-income families for this winter season.

SPRINGFIELD, IL - October 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn today recognized hundreds of volunteers for their hard work and dedication towards improving their communities. The Governor’s Home Town Awards were given for 46 projects during a ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Springfield

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.

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 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.