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Protect your rep! Illinois REALTOR® Magazine’s Professionalism Issue

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Cover of July 2013 Illinois REALTOR MagazineThis year as the National Association of REALTORS® celebrates 100 years of the Code of Ethics. Illinois REALTOR® magazine takes a look at why the Code is still relevant today and the importance of maintaining your professional image and managing your e-reputation in the digital age.

You Have an Online Rep to Protect

  • In this article you’ll learn about the importance of protecting your online reputation, the key areas of the Web to keep an eye on, and what to do if and when someone sullies your digital rep. Read more.

Living by the Code

  • The National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics has set the standard for the real estate industry. Recent changes reflect the impact of the Internet, social media and emerging technology. Read more.

Image is Everything…

  • Illinois REALTORS® share tips for what they do to make themselves a trusted and credible expert. That includes staying current with what is happening in the industry, being respectful and paying attention to detail. Read more.

Check out these articles and more online at www.illinoisrealtor.org/magazine. IAR members be on the lookout for your print copy with additional content and highlights of member community involvement.

Tell us what you think! We welcome your comments, suggestions and story ideas.

 

2013 tax changes could affect your bottom line

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A number of tax-law changes could make 2013 a challenging year for commercial REALTORS® and others who are in upper-income tax brackets.

“These are probably the most significant tax law changes in my career,” said Chris Bird, a former IRS agent turned trainer who conducts more than 125 seminars a year for real estate and tax professionals nationwide.

Two federal mandates have created this new business environment: The American Tax Relief Act of 2012 and The Affordable Care Act of 2010 otherwise known as the federal health care bill. “Fiscal Cliff” negotiations have also added uncertainty and relief to the mix.

Learn about some tax breaks that have been extended through the end of 2013 as well as tax changes that could reduce the profit margin for commercial practitioners or upper-income earners in the April issue of Illinois REALTOR® magazine.

REALTORS® Committed to Fair Housing

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REALTORS® build communities and believe people have a right to live wherever they can afford to live. This month marks the 45th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event and reconfirm their commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as their commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property.

Fair housing is a serious matter.

It is extremely important for licensees to be aware of local ordinances as well as federal and state fair housing laws. IAR Legal Hotline Attorney Betsy Urbance answers one fair housing-related question in the April issue of Illinois REALTOR® magazine. She also points out NEW fair housing rules relating to “disparate impact” or “discriminatory effect.” These rules became effective on or around March 17, 2013. The rules were drafted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to give landlords and tenants a clearer picture of what could constitute illegal discrimination in housing when there is a “disparate impact” or “discriminatory effect” even if the initial limitation is facially neutral. There does not have to be an intent to discriminate to violate the rules. Read more online: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=discriminatoryeffectrule.pdf and members can download the IAR Legal Webinar on this topic.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® fully supports and advocates the practice of equal opportunity in fair housing. It is our pledge to uphold the spirit as well as the letter of the law, through programs, activities and training designed to promote and further the right of equal opportunity in housing for all. We believe equal opportunity exists only where there is complete freedom of choice in housing and we oppose any attempt to interfere with this freedom of choice.

Financing Programs to Get Your Buyers Into a Home

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Financing ProgramsThe spring homebuying season is upon us and there are a number of Illinois homebuyer assistance and mortgage financing programs available that could help get your buyers into a new home. From programs geared toward first-time buyers or veterans to federal loans for consumers buying in rural Illinois communities, there might be a financing option that fits your buyer. Learn about the following programs and more in the April Open House Issue of Illinois REALTOR® magazine and send your potential clients to YourIllinoisHome.com for more Illinois home buying and selling information.

SmartMove Trio

The SmartMove mortgage financing program now features expanded benefits under changes announced by Governor Pat Quinn in late February. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) program has been expanded to offer a third benefit to qualifying borrowers – an optional mortgage credit certificate to reduce federal income tax liability. SmartMove Trio is one of the most lucrative homebuyer packages offered by IHDA. Since January 2009, SmartMove has assisted around 2,700 Illinois families in buying a home.

USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

This federal program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assists low to moderate income consumers buying homes in eligible rural areas, including many counties in Illinois.

Welcome Home Heroes

This Illinois Housing Development Authority program helps Illinois veterans and military personnel finance a home through affordable mortgages and down payment and closing cost assistance.

Finally Home

A mortgage guarantee program offered through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office offers borrowers a 10 percent mortgage guarantee to help them qualify for an affordable and sustainable loan.

Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program

A targeted financing program offering up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to buyers who purchase vacant properties in five Illinois communities hit hard by foreclosures: Berwyn, Maywood, Park Forest, Chicago Heights and South Holland. The program is administered through the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

Coming to your mailbox: The Open House Issue

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This week members of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® will receive their April issue of Illinois REALTOR® magazine.

April 2013 Illinois REALTOR coverWhat you’ll find in our Open House Issue:

Opening Doors & Business Opportunities – Open House Tips From Five Illinois REALTORS®

Holding open houses is part of being a REALTOR®. You can increase the service you bring to your customers by being more familiar with the area, neighbors, and features of the house.

On April 20-21, the spotlight will be on open houses as REALTORS® from around the country hold the events as part of the National Association of REALTORS®’ Nationwide Open House Weekend. Gear up for the event with these tips.

Read this and more articles of interest including:

Congratulations to Greg Zanger at Zanger & Associates in Quincy, winner of the Illinois REALTOR® magazine survey prize drawing! Thanks to all who participated in the reader survey. Your opinions are important, and your input in the survey will help shape the future magazine issues and topics.

As we look ahead, Illinois REALTOR® will provide information based on your survey responses. You’ll see magazine articles that highlight commercial real estate, professionalism and ethics, tech tools, plus continued coverage of housing market trends and legal issues — just to name a few of the popular responses from our survey participants. If you have a story ideas or comments, please send an e-mail to IARnews@iar.org.