CHICAGO - April 23, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that will reduce property tax bills for seniors across Illinois. Senate Bill 1894 raises the senior homestead exemption from $4,000 to $5,000 – potentially saving seniors up to more than $200 annually. This new exemption for seniors takes effect for Cook County this year

MARSEILLES - April 22, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn continued to survey devastation caused by last week's heavy rains and flooding, today traveling to Marseilles, Ottawa, North Utica and Morris along the Illinois River. Governor Quinn also added Ogle and Stark counties to his state disaster declaration, bringing the number of counties that can now get expanded access to state emergency resources to 44 and allowing the state to pursue federal relief and support. Marseilles has seen some of the worst damage in the state, including evacuation of more than 60 residents at a nursing home, over 200 voluntary home evacuations and the closure of a 700-student elementary school

SPRINGFIELD, IL - April 22, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Illinois home sales increased 13.6 percent over previous-year levels in March and median prices increased 3.6 percent, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS

CHICAGO, IL - April 18, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) today announced it received a $2.7 million National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program (NFMC) grant, the second-highest award in the nation. In addition, IHDA received notice it will receive $270,270 in U.S. Department of the Treasury funds under the Making Home Affordable (MHA) program to raise awareness about loan modifications.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 18, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) announced today that the Garden Homes Fire Protection District, serving portions of unincorporated Cook County near Alsip, Merrionette Park and Chicago, has received a $34,043 grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase new equipment to assist firefighters responding to fires and incidents involving hazardous materials. The grant will allow the fire protection district to purchase a new compressor and filling station for self-contained breathing apparatus

EUGENE, OR - April 16, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Orland Park, Illinois Realtor Mary Jean Andersen has joined forces with IDX, Inc. to create a unique and comprehensive online real estate solution. As a member of the Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), Andersen has long had access to the ease and efficiency of a MRED hosted property search. The revolutionary IDX technology Andersen now hosts on her Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage website gives potential Orland Park buyers the same accessibility to detailed listings once reserved for real estate professionals only.

EUGENE, OR - April 15, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. is pleased to announce Realtor Lisa Meegan of RE/MAX Preferred has been added to the growing network of agents and brokers who are dedicated to establishing reliable and efficient online real estate websites by integrating IDX Broker software. Meegan has enabled a customizable IDX solution for her website, making it easier than ever to manage and giving her clients and other Swansea, Illinois buyers a comprehensive database of listings to search. As a member of the Southwestern Illinois Regional MLS (SIRMLS), Meegan has long had access to thousands of detailed Swansea listings. Now, home seekers can experience the same level of accessibility to these listings by searching for their dream home on the IDX-synced website Meegan hosts.

EUGENE, OR - April 5, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. has enabled an IDX solution on the professional website of Michael Scholl, synchronizing thousands of detailed Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) listings instantly with the search page Scholl hosts. Chicago, Illinois potential buyers can access a comprehensive database of up-to-the-minute property listings with the online solution IDX Broker supports on Scholl’s website. Apartment People and Scholl now host one of the most helpful online real estate websites available online.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 27, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Officials from Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation (NYSE: CDE, TSX:CDM) today joined Governor Pat Quinn’s administration and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to announce that Coeur will move its corporate headquarters to downtown Chicago

CHICAGO, IL - March 25, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Approximately 130 families who attended the first-ever State of Illinois Homebuyer Expo over the weekend are now on the path to homeownership. After pre-qualifying for safe and affordable mortgage products featuring thousands of dollars in down payment and closing cost assistance, the next step for these families is to find their dream home

EUGENE, OR - March 25, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Phone-enabled property searches are now possible on the website of agent Sue Rush, thanks to IDX, Inc. and the amazing and innovative IDX Broker software. Rush can now display thousands of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) listings on her website, which is now synced with an application to make searching for Joliet, Illinois homes on-the-go monumentally easier. The IDX solution Rush now employs has forever revolutionized the online property search for home seekers and real estate professionals alike.

EUGENE, OR - March 25, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. welcomes Smithton, Illinois real estate agent Chad Fuhrhop of Tri County Realty Inc. to the growing network of professionals choosing to integrate an IDX solution on their websites. Home seekers can explore thousands of Southwestern Illinois Regional MLS (SIRMLS) listings directly on the convenient IDX-enabled website of Fuhrhop. He not only gives his clients the ability to search through an immensely comprehensive database of property listings, he also simplifies the real estate game for himself.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 21, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Senate Banking Committee voted earlier today 12-10 along party lines in favor of the confirmation of Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Cordray’s nomination now goes to a vote by the full Senate. Unfortunately for Illinoisans, Senator Mark Kirk voted against Cordray, who has earned widespread, bipartisan praise for his work leading the CFPB

SPRINGFIELD, IL - March 21, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- Illinois home sales increased 16.2 percent over previous-year levels in February and median prices increased 5.1 percent, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS®.

CHICAGO - March 21, 2013 - (RealEstateRama) -- As part of the “Year of Homeownership” in Illinois, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the expansion of Illinois Building Blocks, an innovative program that creates affordable homeownership opportunities for buyers of vacant homes and helps revitalize communities. Homebuyers in 10 additional municipalities may qualify for $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance as part of the Illinois Building Blocks program. The program is now available in 15 Illinois communities. Today’s announcement is part of the governor’s commitment to strengthen communities across Illinois.