Winter 2024 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

CR 

Chicago REALTOR ® 


Magazine 

ILLINOIS IS A 

TOP DESTINATION FOR 

FOREIGN BUYERS: 

HOW TO EXPAND 

YOUR BUSINESS 

GLOBALLY 

V o l u m e 3 3 | Winter 2 0 2 4 

Meet 

2024 PRESIDENT 

DRUSSY 

HERNANDEZ 

& THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

YOUR KEY TO 

THRIVING IN A 

HIGH INTEREST 

RATE MARKET 

The Official Publication of the Chicago Association of REALTORS ®

Chicago REALTOR ® Magazine — Volume 33, Winter 2024 

PAGE 

26 

Contents 

FEATURES 

10 2024 President Drussy Hernandez 

14 Meet the 2023-2024 Board of Directors 

18 Chicago REALTORS ® Leading the Way 

20 Hall of Fame Inductee Marion Valle: Real Estate Regulator 

and Leader, Co-Founder of Chicago Association of 

REALTORS ® Foundation 

22 Your Online Membership Experience Is Easier Than Ever 

24 Your Key to Thriving in a High Interest Rate Market: 

Become A Home Finance Resource for Your Clients 

26 How to Be A Partner During the Appraisal Process 

31 Illinois is A Top Destination for Foreign Buyers: 

How to Expand Your Business Globally 

34 A Look at the Year Ahead with Public Policy Coordinating 

Committee Chair Staci Slattery 

How to Be A 

Partner During the 

Appraisal Process 

UPDATES 

36 Industry Partners 

48 Association News 

IN EVERY ISSUE 

4 President’s Perspective 

6 From the CEO 

8 Editor’s Note 

38 Photo Albums 

49 The Buzz 

50 Education Calendar 

140 th 

th 

Inaugural 

Gala 

PHOTOS 

Faith Washington, EXIT Strategy Realty, 

Elisha Sanders, Cook County Land Bank, 

& Darnisha Mckinnis, EXIT Strategy Realty. 

PAGE 

44 

Page 10 


DRUSSY 

HERNANDEZ 

www.ChicagoREALTOR.com 3

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE 

Not all leadership paths look the same. As the 140 th 

president of the association, I know my journey looks 

different than those who came before me. In fact, my 

leadership journey came about in a rather unexpected way. 

Many years ago, a fellow Chicago Association of REALTORS ® member visited 

the office I was working at to meet with a friend. She stopped me to say hello 

and she asked me if I heard about a house bill that was a hot topic at the time. 

At the time, I hadn’t heard anything about it and was encouraged to go to a 

meeting at the association to learn more. 

At the meeting, I got all the details on the house bill and asked myself, “Where 

have I been?” When I went back to my office to discuss the bill with my fellow 

agents, none of them were aware of it, either. It was in that moment that I 

realized I needed to use my voice as a leader to amplify the message of important 

topics like these not only to my team, but also to all of my fellow REALTORS ® . 

From there, I got heavily involved with the association, specifically through 

government affairs. I was then tapped on the shoulder to sit on the Forms & 

Contracts Committee and the RPAC Fundraising Work Group. I worked my 

way up as a volunteer to a vice chair, then a chair and finally onto the Board of 

Directors, where this year I will serve as your president. 

Watch Drussy’s presidential speech 

from the 140 th Inaugural Gala. 

This year, I want you to get involved and use your voice to make a difference 

in our industry. This association has so many opportunities for you to do so. 

From simply attending an event to voice your opinion to volunteering your 

time on a committee or growing through our Leadership Accelerator program, 

there are options for everyone’s passions and levels of experience. 

This association is the voice for real estate in Chicago. I am the voice for 

real estate in Chicago. We all are the voice for real estate in Chicago, and 

we especially need your voice to make a positive impact on real estate, 

homeownership and Chicago. 

DRUSSY HERNANDEZ 

2023-2024 President 

Chicago Association of REALTORS ® 

4 Chicago REALTOR ® Magazine

event 

We're excited to bring you 80+ events 

this year. Here are a few highlights. 

Visit our website for a full list. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

register today 

6 February Coffee With Your GAD 

Join us for this virtual meeting to discuss 

legislative issues affecting the Chicago real 

estate market. Come and share what you’re 

seeing in the market and issues of concern! 

8 

February 

YPN 2024 Kick-Off Mixer 

Kick off the new year with YPN! We’re 

celebrating the start of a new year of business 

success with networking, music and cocktails. 

29 

Renewable Real Estate 

February 

Connect with your fellow sustainability- 

sustainability hot topics. 

minded peers for a virtual event to discuss 

5 March Open House 

Join us at the Open House to connect with the 

association resources and people to help you 

along your professional journey. 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/Events 


FROM THE CEO 

W 

e are facing challenging times. The value of 

a REALTOR ® is being challenged. However, 

I’ve seen the value of a REALTOR ® first-hand-- 

through meeting and connecting with all of you 

and also through my personal real estate experiences. 

When I first decided I wanted to buy a home, I was unsure of where to turn. 

My brothers both owned homes but were new to the process. One was, 

in fact, the victim of predatory lending during his homebuying experience. 

I’ve known my personal REALTOR ® for 24 years; she and I are Delta Sigma 

Theta sorority sisters, and I knew that she was a REALTOR ® . 

So, I turned to her for help. I said, “I want to buy a house. What do I do?” 

and she immediately helped me start the process. She walked me through 

what to expect from the transaction, helped me clean up my credit score, 

found a lender for me and was by my side through the multi-year process 

of finding my perfect home. And I know this wasn’t special treatment; for 

as long as she’s been my REALTOR ® , I’ve seen her provide this exact level 

of expertise and care to many of her clients. 

Since my first homebuying experience, my REALTOR ® was the person 

I called when I experienced major life changes. She helped me rent my 

house when I moved to Seattle. When I moved back to Chicago and knew 

the house wouldn’t be sufficient for my larger family, including my husband and son, she helped me sell my first home and find us a new 

one that met our needs. 

My REALTOR ® has essentially been part of my family. She assisted my brother with a short sale that was a result of predatory lending, 

and she helped multiple other family members with buying and selling their homes over the years. Now I, and all of my family, view her 

as an extension of our family. The trust we have in her to help us through some of the biggest financial decisions of our lives is invaluable. 

I’ve seen how all of you go above and beyond for your clients and our city. I have confidence that we will continue to show why REALTORS ® 

are vital to the real estate industry, our communities and those who live within them. Let’s continue to make Chicago a vibrant place to 

live, work and play. 

MICHELLE MILLS CLEMENT, fasae, cae, rce 

Chief Executive Officer 




CR Magazine 

2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

PRESIDENT 

Drussy Hernandez 

PRESIDENT-ELECT 

Erika Villegas 

TREASURER 

Lutalo McGee 

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT 

Sarah Ware 

DIRECTORS 

Rafael Alvarado 

Gaspar Flores Jr. 

Mabél Guzmán 

Moses Hall 

Lyle Harlow 

Linda Hattar 

Marki Lemons Ryhal 

Megan Oswald 

Ayoub Rabah 

Deanous Reid 

Rachel Scheid 

Erik Schwab 

Linda Scott 

Vicky Silvano 

Staci Slattery 

Amy Wu 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Michelle Mills Clement, fasae, cae, rce 

Housing Statistics at 

Your Fingertips 

Be the local market expert with our market statistics. We offer ready-to-use Chicago 

real estate statistics that are an exclusive member benefit for all members. 

FastStats 

FastStats’ ready-to-use reports are 

released both weekly and monthly. 

They include monthly 

indicators, neighborhood 

reports, lender-mediated 

reports and weekly market 

activity reports. 

Quarterly & Annual Spreadsheets 

Our statistical spreadsheets are a great resource for housing 

market trends in Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods and 293 

suburbs dating back to 1995. Statistics consist of average 

sales price, median sales price, market time, units sold and 

percent changes. 

The Chicago REALTOR ® Magazine is published by the 

Chicago Association of REALTORS ® for its members. 

Advertising is purchased and does not necessarily 

represent the position of the Chicago Association of 

REALTORS ® . 

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 

Michelle Mills Clement, fasae, cae, rce 

michelle@chicagorealtor.com 

EDITOR 

Jessica Kern, rce 

jkern@chicagorealtor.com 

MANAGING EDITOR 

Cory Hall 

chall@chicagorealtor.com 

ART DIRECTOR 

Jim August 

jaugust@chicagorealtor.com 

For advertising information please contact 

Mary Beth Durkin 

(312) 214-5530 or mdurkin@chicagorealtor.com 

Monthly Snapshots & 

Shareable Social Media Graphics 

The market snapshot provides an in-depth look at monthly homebuying and selling 

statistics for the city of Chicago. Included with the data are talking points and social media 

graphics for you to download and share on your channels. 


430 N. Michigan Avenue 

Suite 800 

Chicago, IL 60611 

Ph: (312) 803-4900 

Fax: (312) 803-4905 

www.ChicagoREALTOR.com 

NOTICE TO MEMBERS 

Under long established policy of this Association, the Illinois REALTORS ® 

and the National Association of REALTORS ® : 

1. The broker’s compensation for services rendered in respect to any 

listing is solely a matter of negotiation between the broker and his or her 

client, and is not fixed, controlled, recommended or maintained by any 

persons not party to the listing agreement. 

2. The compensation paid by the listing broker to a cooperating broker 

in respect to any listing is established by the listing broker and is not 

fixed, controlled, recommended or maintained by any persons other 

than the listing broker. 

Want More Statistics Training? 

Sign up for: 

Utilizing Statistical Data To Enhance Client And Customer Engagement 

Self-Paced, Online Training | Just $ 29 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/skill 


EDITOR’S PICKS 

JESSICA KERN, rce 

Chief Communications Officer 

jkern@chicagorealtor.com 

Another year has begun! I have no doubt that 2024 will call for elevated 

levels of leadership and peer-to-peer support. For nearly 20 years, I have 

had a front-row seat to the many changes our members have experienced. 

However, the one constant I have seen is the value REALTORS ® bring to 

their clients, peers and our communities. I've witnessed the care and pride 

you take in being a trusted advisor—and the way many of you pour into 

each other by sharing inspiration, insights and knowledge. 

Once again, we are experiencing changes in our industry, and the 

association is working hard to provide you with the resources you need. 

Our Forms and Contracts Committee painstakingly reviews documents 

line by line to create a comprehensive set of forms and contracts for our 

members. They recently rolled out a new Exclusive Right to Sell Listing 

Agreement to adapt to industry changes. 

Our Public Policy Coordinating Committee works with our Government 

Affairs Directors and leadership to fight against legislation that will hurt you, 

your clients and your communities. Read more on page 34 from chair Staci 

Slattery on what’s in store for 2024 and how you can get more involved. 

Our education team has put together a robust schedule of courses to help 

you hone your skills in buyer and seller representation. They have also 

launched the first three of twelve new skill-builder courses built for longterm 

REALTOR ® success. Many REALTOR ® members have provided their 

knowledge and skills to shape the content of these courses. 

Our leadership team has ensured we bring in speakers to share with you 

the most up-to-date information. It’s through this peer-to-peer support 

that we hosted our fall Managing Broker Forum where we discussed 

buyer representation and our January Market Outlook where we bring 

in economists to share what is in store for Chicago real estate in 2024— 

including a session on buyer representation. Visit page 5 for a quick list 

of upcoming events, or our website at ChicagoREALTOR.com/events for 

a full list. 

These are just a few of the ways our members ensure we are best prepared 

for the future. Our association isn’t some unknown entity, rather it is all of 

you coming together to ensure you are the best, trusted advisor you can be 

to make the dream of homeownership possible. 

The industry will always change and adapt. I am confident in the value of 

REALTORS ® in the homeownership process and in ensuring our association 

continues to provide the tools and resources you need. As always, don’t 

hesitate to reach out — I’d love to hear from you. 


Continue to Be An Asset for 

Your Homebuying Clients 

Take the Accredited Buyer’s 

Representative (ABR ® ) Designation 

Hone your skills in representing the needs of homebuyers by taking the Accredited Buyer’s 

Representative Designation. During this course, you will: 

• Gain valuable real estate education that elevates your skills and knowledge in the eyes 

of homebuyers. 

• Learn what kind of services and fidelity buyers expect from their broker. 

• Create a comprehensive guide to help you become an effective, efficient and profitable 

buyer’s representative. 

Save your spot at the REALTORS ® Real Estate School to earn this designation! 

SIGN-UP FOR THE NEXT ABR ® COURSE 

Attend in-person at the Chicago Association of REALTORS ® classrooms, 

or stream in over Zoom. 

August 26& 27 

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Hybrid Classroom & Live Webinar 

Includes 12 Hours Elective CE 

Scan with your 

smart phone camera 

to open link. 

CHICAGOREALTOR.COM/DESIGNATIONS


DRUSSY 

Hernandez 

“Real estate happened to me,” 2024 Chicago Association of 

REALTORS ® President Drussy Hernandez said during her installation 

at the 140 th Inaugural Gala. Even though she inadvertently fell into 

real estate, Hernandez found her passion in this industry and is now 

aiming to make a big impact during her time as president. 

Born in Puerto Rico, she moved to the Chicago area as a teenager, and her family put down roots 

in Evanston. Her parents have always been supportive of whatever she chose to do in her life. 

Sadly, her dad suffered from a stroke last year, right around the same time she found out she 

would be serving as president this year. 

“I told him he needed to get better, because I was going to be president of the association 

and needed him as my date to the Inaugural Gala. Although I’m not quite sure he understood 

what being the president of this association meant, he proudly told every nurse and doctor 

who came into his room that his daughter was going to be president. To say they were confused 

is an understatement. I wouldn’t be here without my parents' support,” she said during the 

Inaugural Gala. 

p h o t o s b y KIRSTEN MICCOLI PHOTOGRAPHY 

L o c a t i o n c o u r t e s y o f CIRRUS CHICAGO 



After graduating college, Hernandez moved to Chicago and began a 

career in social work. From her time in social work, Hernandez learned 

the importance of listening rather than hearing and always putting 

herself in her clients’ shoes – all of which are skills that would serve 

her well decades later as a managing broker. 

She transitioned into real estate in the 80s, beginning as a 

receptionist, then earning her real estate license and becoming a 

managing broker. Since then, she has managed six offices and has 

been active in a variety of ways in our industry. 

Hernandez stresses the importance of using your voice and creating 

collaboration within our industry. This impassioned plea stems from a 

pivotal point in her career—where the power of collaboration from her 

association helped her overcome a difficult time in her life. 

It was 2011. Hernandez was immersed in managing a local office 

and guiding her agents through transactions and dispute resolutions 

when, unexpectedly, her husband went into a coma. She dropped 

everything to be by his side—but it left her office and her team still in 

need of guidance and leadership. 

The Chicago Association of REALTORS ® president at the time, Mabél 

Guzmán of Coldwell Banker Realty, stepped in to guide her team 

and provide advice in Hernandez’s absence. She was gratefully able 

to direct her attention where it was needed—with her husband. 

Hernandez could not be more grateful for the support. 

Weeks later, when Hernandez’s husband recovered and she returned 

to work, Guzmán paid her a visit. "She took time out of her schedule 

to hear my voice as a managing broker member. All these years later, I 

still remember how much that meant to me. For the president to take 

time to meet with me and hear my voice,” Hernandez said. 

This experience is at the heart of Hernandez’s goals this year as 

president. “My goal this year is to hear from as many of you as 

possible, to hear your thoughts, concerns and ideas. As I said, we are 

the voice for real estate in Chicago, and that 

includes your voice." 

“I want to hear all of your voices. We have 

over 17,000 members. Members who are 

engaged in their neighborhoods, brokerages, 

communities, schools and so much more. That 

is a lot of talent. Talent that can ensure we 

meet our mission: To unite all facets of the 

industry as a leading advocate for real estate, 

to drive REALTOR ® business success, and to 

support the economic development of our 

diverse communities,” Hernandez added. 

So, what does this look like for the year 

ahead? Hernandez plans to carry the legacy 

of compassion and listening forward by 

visiting managing broker members to hear 

their insights, concerns and more. As she has 

emphasized, we are the voice for real estate in 

Chicago, and we need all our members to use 

our voices to affect change. 


One of the most impactful ways to share your voice is to get involved! 

It’s important, Hernandez shared, that we have a seat at the table. We 

need to continue to establish our industry as a leader in the city of 

Chicago. And, as an association, we can’t continue to grow unless our 

members and leaders are willing to step up. 

Hernandez encourages members to use their voices for government 

affairs and advocacy purposes because she knows the importance 

of getting involved all too well. Her leadership journey in the 

Chicago Association of REALTORS ® began in 2006 as a volunteer 

on a committee focused on House Bill 4050, which addressed 

predatory lending in Illinois. This involvement spurred her interest 

in government affairs, and she’s been actively involved in our 

advocacy efforts ever since, where she uses her voice to amplify the 

importance of real estate issues. 

This year, she is putting her focus on hot topic advocacy issues like 

appraisal biases and inventory shortages. “We need to engage in 

intentional conversations with the city’s new administration on 

issues like affordable housing and transfer taxes. Each of you have 

experiences and talents you can bring forward to help find unique 

and collaborative solutions to these issues,” she said. 

Following her involvement with the House Bill 4050 committee, she 

further expanded her involvement with the association by joining 

the Forms & Contracts Committee, and then volunteered on the 

Grievance Committee, Finance Committee and RPAC Fundraising 

Work Group. From there, Hernandez began serving on our Board 

of Directors in 2016. She was also recognized with the association’s 

Managing Broker of the Year award in 2017. 

Hernandez also uses her voice to unite. Not only does she volunteer 

with us, but she is also involved in many different organizations 

within our industry, such as the National Association of REALTORS ® , 

Illinois REALTORS ® , Women’s Council of REALTORS ® , Asian Real 

Estate Association of America, Dearborn REALTIST ® Board and 

National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. 

At the end of the night at the Inaugural Gala, 

Hernandez left the audience with a reminder 

of the importance of coming together. 

“Together, we can accomplish so much. We 

are the voice for real estate in Chicago. Your 

voice matters.” 

So, how will you use your voice this year? 

Watch Drussy’s presidential speech 


Left: Immediate past president Sarah Ware, Ware Realty 

Group, with newly inducted Chicago Association of 

REALTORS ® president Drussy Hernandez, Coldwell 

Banker Realty. 

Inaugural photo by Marcello Rodarte, Marcello Rodarte 

Photography 


Meet the 2023-2024 

BOARD OF 

DIRECTORS 

l 

14 Chicago REALTOR ® Magazine 

Inaugural photo by Marcello Rodarte, Marcello Rodarte Photography

RAFAEL 

ALVARADO 

SHIELD REAL ESTATE 

What makes you most proud to 

be a REALTOR ® ? 

We have the opportunity to make 

a difference for the customers we 

serve. We help create generational 

wealth as educational and advocacy 

resources for the communities 

we serve. 

What is your favorite association 

member perk or benefit, and why? 

Forewarn. This program allows me 

to reaffirm the people that I am 

speaking to are who they say they 

are. It’s a time saver. 

GASPAR 

FLORES, JR. 

SU FAMILIA REAL ESTATE, INC. 



The advocacy that the association 

does to benefit our REALTOR ® 

community and industry. This is 

what protects our industry. 

What is one tool you cannot live 

without in your professional life? 

MLS and SentriLock. 

MABÉL 

GUZMÁN 

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY 

What advice would you give your 

fellow REALTORS ® for success 

this year? 

Stick to the fundamentals. It's tough 

out there, so stay connected to past 

clients and other sources of referrals. 

Plus, now is the time to implement 

new strategies and network with 

others for solutions to tough 

business cycles. 

What does your perfect day in 

Chicago look like? 

Walking my neighborhood and 

stopping in the shops as I go along. 

MOSES 

HALL 

MOHALL COMMERCIAL AND 

URBAN DEVELOPMENT 

In the year ahead, what are you most 

excited to work on with the Chicago 

Association of REALTORS ® ? 

Our shared commitment to reshaping 

the urban landscape of Chicago is 

a venture that ignites a passionate 

fire within me. As the chair of the 

CommercialForum Committee I 

want to make sure our commercial 

member voices are heard within 

the association. 



I would choose the extensive 

networking opportunities as a 

personal favorite. The association 

provides a vibrant platform for 

connecting with fellow professionals, 

thought leaders and visionaries 

in the real estate industry. These 

interactions are invaluable, serving 

as catalysts for innovation and 

collaborative ventures. 

LINDA 

HATTAR 

ACO COMMERCIAL 

continued on page 16 

LYLE 

HARLOW 

KALE REALTY 



Being part of an organization and a 

group of people who serve the public 

at the highest possible standards. 



this year? 

Work your sphere of influence 

- basics never go out of style in 

our business! And expand your 

knowledge base - learn about 

ChatGPT and AI! 



My favorite member benefit is the 

discounts at the different vendors! 

I appreciate a good deal. 



Trust. 

DRUSSY 

HERNANDEZ 





The market readjusted this year, 

but the year ahead should be a 

market that will bring back buyers 

with more available inventory. I am 

excited about how we will be able 

to improve our clients’ lives through 

our dedication and commitment to 

their success. 



this year? 

Be patient! Continue to work your 

database, take advantage of 

educational opportunities so that 

you are the expert in any situation 

and network whenever possible. 


continued from page 15 

MARKI 

LEMONS RYHAL 

EXIT STRATEGY REALTY 



We are protecting the buying and 

selling public. 



Warm weather, lighting up the grill 

and having our friends over for a day 

of good eating, laughter and jokes. 

LUTALO 

McGEE 

ANI REAL ESTATE 



I have always loved the numerous 

forms and contracts we provide. As 

an owner of a small business, these 

are invaluable for me. 



Google Calendar. 

MICHELLE 

MILLS CLEMENT 

CHICAGO ASSOCIATION 

OF REALTORS ® 



Photofy. It makes social media easy! 

And our team creates amazing 

graphics! 



My iPhone calendar #teamiphone. 

MEGAN 

OSWALD 




Stats! The weekly and monthly 

reports that we have access to 

on the Chicago Association of 

REALTORS ® website are great to 

share with our clients! 



The conscious effort that we are 

making to serve and give back to our 

communities in a way that creates 

change and opportunities. 

AYOUB 

RABAH 




this year? 

Continuously invest in yourself 

and focus on articulating your 

value proposition. 



A sunny summer day driving down 

Lake Shore Drive. 

DEANOUS 

REID 

F.J. WILLIAMS REALTY 



I like the REALTOR ® toolkits, because 

they help me with marketing ideas. 



It makes me proud to be a REALTOR ® 

when I help someone get into a home 

when it did not seem like it would be 

possible. 

RACHEL 

SCHEID 

@PROPERTIES | CHRISTIE’S 

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE 



I am a sucker for a great fall Chicago 

day! Mid-50's, sun shining, wind 

blowing, leaves falling...you can't 

beat that in Chicago! 



My car. It's transportation and 

an office all in one! 

ERIK 

SCHWAB 

CORCORAN URBAN 

REAL ESTATE 



Seeing all the work the association 

does on the public advocacy side to 

protect private property rights and 

our industry as a whole. 



A stress ball that's shaped 

like a grenade that I got from 

another broker. 


LINDA 

SCOTT 

WINTRUST MORTGAGE 

VICKY 

SILVANO 

REAL BROKER LLC 

STACI 

SLATTERY 

NORTH CLYBOURN GROUP, INC. 

ERIKA 

VILLEGAS 

RE/MAX IN THE VILLAGE 




I am excited to contribute a voice 

to help shape the future of housing 

in Chicago. 



I am a proud affiliate member. 

Chicago is a diverse market with 

many housing needs. I love being 

able to provide the best financing 

options whether purchasing a 

primary residence, second home 

or investment property. 




It's exciting to work on membership 

benefits. During this challenging year 

ahead, it will help our members if we 

cater to their needs and sustain their 

professional development to increase 

their business. 



Social media. 




I am focused on and excited about 

the Public Policy Committee; 

specifically, how to elevate member 

engagement on critical issues that 

affect our profession. I hope to be 

able to bring greater awareness 

to our membership so we can 

truly represent the voices of our 

community. 



this year? 



I love that we have our own 

real estate school that offers 

everything from continuing 

education to designations, so take 

advantage and take a class! 



We are so much more than the word 

REALTOR ® ; we are ambassadors for 

our city and all 77 neighborhoods 

of Chicago! 

This year will not be without its 

challenges with record low inventory 

and spiking mortgage interest rates; 

my recommendation is to stay 

focused by communicating with 

your clients, mining your database 

and finding ways to continually be 

of service. 

Check out our blog with a full list 

of the Board of Directors' favorite 

member benefits and tools! 

SARAH 

SARAH 

WARE REALTY GROUP 



The Staples copier discount. I still 

get a lot of information via PDFs that 

have a lot of pages and are better 

read printed out. This member perk 

allows me to do that at a discount. 



The Microsoft Office 365 Suite. 

AMY 

WU 

KELLER WILLIAMS 

SUCCESS REALTY 



It is so hard to pick one favorite 

association member perk. I find 

the online resources, such as the 

local market reports and statistics, 

to be especially helpful when I 

communicate with clients. 



this year? 

Have a "can-do" mindset. Be 

prepared in your business. Polish 

your objection handling skills. 

Nurture your database. Lean into 


for resources, tools and support. 

Meet the 2023-2024 

BOARD OF 

DIRECTORS 

l 


CHICAGO REALTORS ® 

LEADING THE WAY 

Thank you to those serving in local, state & national leadership positions. 

We are well represented! 

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® LEADERSHIP 

NAR DIRECTORS 

NAR Directors act as the voice for NAR’s membership. Directors participate, deliberate and vote on issues impacting the real estate industry. 

FREDERICK 

CARMEAN 

TOMMY 

CHOI 

ANTJE 

GEHRKEN 

DRUSSY 

HERNANDEZ 

MARKI 

LEMONS 

RYHAL 

LUTALO 

McGEE 

ZEKE 

MORRIS 

NYKEA 

PIPPION 

McGRIFF 

AYOUB 

RABAH 

VICKY 

SILVANO 

MATT 

SILVER 

SARAH 

WARE 

DEENA 

ZIMMERMAN 

NAR CHAIRS/VICE CHAIRS 

Each year, the incoming president-elect appoints vice chairs for all of NAR's committees, 

forums and advisory boards, who then move become chairs of their committees the 

following year. 

NAR COMMITTEE LIAISONS 

Committee Liaisons serve as a conduit for 

communication between the Leadership Team 

and their assigned 

committees, help 

committees operate 

effectively and 

help identify future 

committee leaders. 

SARAH 

WARE 

DEENA 

ZIMMERMAN 

TOMMY 

CHOI 

CHAIR 

RPAC 

Participation 

Council 

ANTJE 

GEHRKEN 

VICE CHAIR 

Broker 

Engagement 

Committee 

MABÉL 

GUZMÁN 

VICE CHAIR 

Consumer 

Communications 

Committee 

MICHELLE 

MILLS 

CLEMENT 

LOCAL 

AND STATE 

ASSOCIATION 

STAFF CHAIR 

Culture 

Transformation 

Commission 

NYKEA 

PIPPION 

McGRIFF 

CHAIR 

Business Issues 

Policy Committee 

AYOUB 

RABAH 

CHAIR 

Mega Board 

Forum 

NAR COMMITTEE MEMBER APPOINTMENTS 

NAR committees and appointed members work to provide programs, products and services that best meet members’ needs. 

Broker Engagement Committee 

DRUSSY HERNANDEZ 

Business Issues Policy Committee 

DAN WAGNER 

Commercial Committee 

MOSES HALL 

Commercial Federal Policy Committee 

LINDA HATTAR 

Commitment to Excellence Committee 

MARKI LEMONS RYHAL 

Conventional Financing & Policy Committee 

FREDERICK CARMEAN 

BRETT DECKER 

Federal Financing & Housing Policy 

Committee 

TRACEY ROYAL 

FPC Advisory Committee 

ERIKA VILLEGAS 

Global Alliances Advisory Board 

VICKY SILVANO 

Global Business and Alliances Committee 

JIM KINNEY 

VICKY SILVANO 

Housing Opportunities Committee 


Local Leadership Idea Exchange Council 

AYOUB RABAH 

Member Communications Committee 

MABÉL GUZMÁN 

Membership Policy and Board 

Jurisdiction Committee 

MEGAN OSWALD 

ZACK WAHLQUIST 

Multicultural Real Estate Leadership 

Advisory Group 

MICHELLE MILLS CLEMENT 

Professional Development Committee 

MARKI LEMONS RYHAL 

Public Policy Coordinating Committee 

ANTONIA MILLS WESSELINK 

NYKEA PIPPION McGRIFF 

Real Property Valuation Committee 

LUTALO McGEE 

RPAC Trustees Fundraising Committee 

TOMMY CHOI 

MATT SILVER 

State and Local Issues Mobilization 

Support Committee 

ZEKE MORRIS 

Sustainability Advisory Group 

NYKEA PIPPION McGRIFF 

ZEKE MORRIS 

*NAR and Illinois REALTORS ® involvement is only reflective of primary members. CAR involvement reflects both secondary and primary members. 


ILLINOIS REALTORS ® LEADERSHIP 

ILLINOIS REALTORS ® 

OFFICERS 

Illinois REALTORS ® is overseen by a leadership team of a 

28-member Board of Directors, which includes four officers: 

the president, president-elect, treasurer and immediate past 

president. Each member is elected to serve a three-year term. 

MATT 

SILVER 

PRESIDENT 

TOMMY 

CHOI 

PRESIDENT- 

ELECT 


DIRECTORS 

GASPAR 

FLORES JR. 

ZEKE 

MORRIS 

NYKEA 

PIPPION 

McGRIFF 

TRACEY 

ROYAL 

REBECCA 

THOMSON 

SARAH 

WARE 


CHAIRS & VICE CHAIRS 

Committee chairs and vice chairs work to advance the association’s goals, help shape the association’s policies and make recommendations to the board. 

TOMMY 

CHOI 

CHAIR 

Illinois REALTORS ® 

Plaza Committee 

MARIO 

DILORENZO 

CHAIR 

Ethics Citation 

Panel 

GASPAR 

FLORES JR. 

CHAIR 

Illinois Local 

Government IE 

Committee 

ANTJE 

GEHRKEN 

CHAIR 

RPAC Fundraising 

Working Group 

MICHELLE 

MILLS 

CLEMENT 

CHAIR 

Association 

Executives 

Committee 

ZEKE 

MORRIS 

CHAIR, Audit Committee, 

CHAIR, Performance/ 

Compensation Review 

Committee, & VICE CHAIR, 

Nominating Committee 

MEGAN 

OSWALD 

VICE CHAIR 

Public Policy 

Forum 

CHRIS 

PEZZA 

CHAIR 

Commercial 

and Property 

Management 

Committee 

SARAH 

WARE 

VICE CHAIR 

Business Issues 

Forum 

ALICE 

WEINERT 

VICE CHAIR 

Affordable Housing 

and Community 

Involvement 

Committee 


COMMITTEE MEMBER APPOINTMENTS 

Illinois REALTORS ® committee members play a role in association governance and provide guidance on housing policy, professional standards, 

education outreach, global business and more. 

Advisory Council 

JIM KINNEY 

JOHN C. KMIECIK 

ZEKE MORRIS 

GERALD PERLOW 

ROBERT ZORETICH 

Affordable Housing and 

Community Involvement 

Committee 

MATTHEW LITZENBERGER 

LONZETTA McKENNIE 

HUGH RIDER 

HUGO RODRIGUEZ 

Association Executives 

Committee 

NIKIA FITCH 

JESSICA KERN 

JAKEEVA LEE 

JAY TURNER 


Commercial and Property 

Management Committee 

BRUCE HELLER 

MYRA NIMCHAIYONG 

CLIFFORD PEROTTI 

Executive Committee 

TOMMY CHOI 

MATT SILVER 

Finance Committee 

GASPAR FLORES JR. 

SARAH WARE 

Grievance Committee 

SHAUN PINKSTON 

Illinois General Assembly and 

Statewide IE Committee 

TOMMY CHOI 

HUGH RIDER 

MATT SILVER 

Illinois Local Government 

IE Committee 

LUTALO McGEE 

VICKY SILVANO 

Leadership Development 

Working Group 

GASPAR FLORES JR. 


LYLE HARLOW 

VICKY SILVANO 

Local Government Affairs 

Committee 

LUTALO McGEE 

Nominating Committee 

MEGAN OSWALD 

TRACEY ROYAL 

Ombudsman Committee 


SAM POWELL 

TRACEY ROYAL 

JOAN SANDRIK 

Performance/Compensation 

Review Committee 

TOMMY CHOI 

MATT SILVER 

Policy and Programs Group 

JESSE COLEMAN 

CYNTHIA DYCE 

JOHN C. KMIECIK 


Professional Standards 

Committee 

MARIO DILORENZO 


LYLE HARLOW 

BRUCE HELLER 

SHERRI JORDAN 

JANINA KENDRICK 

KIM KERBIS 

PATRICK LYNCH 

NAJA MORRIS 

BARBARA NOVAK 

CLIFFORD PEROTTI 

SAM POWELL 

HUGO RODRIGUEZ 

TRACEY ROYAL 

JOAN SANDRIK 

MARGIE SMIGEL 

SARAH WARE 

RISA WEISS 

REALTOR ® of the Year 

Working Group 

ZEKE MORRIS 

REBECCA THOMSON 

REALTOR ® Political 

Involvement Working Group 

ANTJE GEHRKEN 

ANTONIA MILLS WESSELINK 

MEGAN OSWALD 


REEF Board of Directors 

SARAH WARE 


Working Group 

VICKY SILVANO 


RPAC TRUSTEES 

ANTJE GEHRKEN 

MICHELLE MILLS CLEMENT 

TRACEY ROYAL 

SARAH WARE 

YPN ADVISORY GROUP 

SHERRI JORDAN 

ALICE WEINERT 

CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® LEADERSHIP 

Our members’ involvement in our committees, advisory groups and forums ensures that we move forward with our mission to unite all facets of 

the industry as a leading advocate for real estate, driving REALTOR ® business success and economic development of our communities. These 

individuals lead these groups. 

CHAIRS AND VICE CHAIRS 

ALONZO 

ABRON JR. 

CHAIR 

Global 

Real Estate 

Council 

WAYNE 

BEALS 

CHAIR 

Sustainability 

Work Group 

KARA 

BOELDT 

CHAIR 

Professional 

Standards 

Committee 

MOLLY 

BOYD 

VICE CHAIR 

Sustainability 

Work Group 

LÁSHAUN 

BROWN- 

GLENN 

VICE CHAIR 


Work Group 

ANTJE 

GEHRKEN 

CHAIR 

REALTOR ® Awards 

Committee 

CARRIE 

GEORGITSIS 

VICE CHAIR 

Forms & 

Contracts 

Committee 

NADIIA 

GLAVIN 

VICE CHAIR 

YPN Advisory 

Board 

TYLER 

GREGORY 

CHAIR 

YPN Advisory 

Board 

MOSES TIMOTHY DRUSSY 

HALL HARSTEAD HERNANDEZ 

CHAIR VICE CHAIR CHAIR 

CommercialForum Property Executive 

Committee Management Committee 

Forum 

SHERRI 

JORDAN 

VICE CHAIR 

Professional 

Development 

Committee 

KIM 

KERBIS 

CHAIR 

Forms & Contracts 

Committee 

MARTHA 

KLEIN 

VICE CHAIR 

Grievance 

Committee 

MATTHEW 

LITZENBERGER 

VICE CHAIR 

Global Real Estate 

Council 

LUTALO 

McGEE 

CHAIR 

Finance 

Committee 

LONZETTA 

McKENNIE 

CHAIR 

Professional 

Development 

Committee 

CHRISTINA 

McNAMEE 

CHAIR 

Grievance 

Committee 

ANTONIA 

MILLS 

WESSELINK 

VICE CHAIR 

Chicago 

Association of 

REALTORS ® 

Foundation 

CHINONYEREM MEGAN 

ONONOGBU OSWALD 

CHAIR CHAIR, Chicago 

Member Care Association of 

Task Force REALTORS ® 

Foundation & 


Work Group 

DJ 

PARIS 

VICE CHAIR 

Member Care 

Task Force 

TERRY 

PERDUE 

CHAIR 

The 77 

STEPHANIE 

POULAKIDAS 

VICE CHAIR 

Professional 

Standards 

Committee 

RI 

PRASAD 

VICE CHAIR 

The 77 

DEANOUS 

REID 

CHAIR 

Property 

Management 

Forum 

STACI 

SLATTERY 

CHAIR 

Public Policy 

Coordinating 

Committee 

ERIKA 

VILLEGAS 

CHAIR 

CARPAC 

MICHAEL 

WILLIAMSON 

VICE CHAIR 

CommercialForum 

Committee 


HALL OF FAME 

MARION VALLE 

Marion Valle was born and raised 

in Cedar Point, Illinois, a small town in 

the central part of the state. 

Real Estate Regulator and Leader, 

Co-Founder of Chicago Association 

of REALTORS ® Marion Valle graduates from Bradley University 

1964 Foundation 

with a degree in industrial engineering. 

When it comes to real estate not only in Illinois, but also throughout 

the country, there’s one person who has had a significant hand in how 

we do business: Marion Valle of Valle Realty. Valle’s impressive real 

estate career has spanned over 50 years and has had a marked impact 

on real estate. 

lle is appointed as the first full time Real Estate 

oner for the state of Illinois and helps establish 1974 

Valle’s impact on the real estate industry is seen within the historic 

e regulation of real estate that we know today. 

appointments and positions he has held. He was the first full-time 

Commissioner of Real Estate for the State of Illinois. During this time, 

he helped to build the foundation for the regulation of real estate 

in Illinois as we know it today. He also established the educational 

requirements that prospective real estate agents must complete 

before taking their licensing exam. 

Valle is hired by the National Association of 

1980 REALTORS ® to lead the creation of their 

After his tenure as Commissioner, Valle was appointed by the Political 1980 Affairs Division and RPAC. 

National Association of REALTORS ® President Ralph Pritchard to lead 

the creation of the association’s Political Affairs Division, oversaw 

the association’s RPAC and assisted with the association’s lobbying 

efforts. During this time, Valle encouraged members to become active 

in the association’s advocacy efforts. 

lle joins Seay & Thomas as their Vice President 

Following and begins this his position, involvement Valle with became the Senior 1982 Vice President of Seay 

& Thomas. 

Chicago 

He 

Board 

became 

of 

president 

REALTORS 

of ® . 

the Chicago Association of 

REALTORS ® in 1991 and played an integral part in merging the Chicago 

Association of REALTORS ® with the North Side Real Estate Board. This 

merger was a critical step towards Fair Housing in Illinois, as it provided 

members with the same access to properties through the MLS. During 

Valle becomes President of the Chicago Board of 

its inception, our membership increased from approximately 3,500 

REALTORS ® . During 2023 Hall his of tenure, Fame he inductee oversees Marion the merger Valle, Valle Realty. 

members to over 10,000. Additionally, he brought his knowledge of 

1990 between the Chicago Board of REALTORS ® and North 

RPAC to the association and began CARPAC. 

Side Association of REALTORS ® , which created the 

Chicago Association Valle’s of dedication REALTORS and ® . determination to make all of Chicago’s 

Valle is also a founding trustee of the Chicago Association of 

neighborhoods vibrant, diverse places to live, work and play shows 

REALTORS ® Education Foundation. He worked to charter the 

throughout his career and his work. Congratulations, Marion, on your 

Foundation and provide scholarships for real estate education, as well Hall of Fame induction! 

works with as Sheldon charitable Good, grants Good for Realty organizations Group, that positively impact the city of 

tablish the Chicago. Chicago Valle’s Association involvement of REALTORS throughout ® 

the fabric of the Foundation The Hall of Fame was created in 1986 to honor professionals who helped 

dation, which 

is actively 

provides 

demonstrated 

scholarships 

through 

to current 

his valued 1991 insight, passion, strategic to shape Chicago and leave a positive and profound influence on younger 

and potential REALTORS 

input and ambassadorship. ® and gives charitable 

Without his continuous leadership, tenacity generations in real estate. 

onations to organizations throughout Chicago. 

and forethought, the Foundation would not be what it is today. 


PATHWAY TO THE HALL OF FAME 

MARION VALLE 

The newest inductee to the Hall of Fame, Marion Valle, has dedicated his 

career to making all of Chicago’s neighborhoods vibrant, diverse places to 

live, work and play. 

Marion Valle was born and raised in Cedar 

Point, Illinois, a small town in the central 

part of the state. 

1964 

Marion Valle graduates from 

Bradley University with a 

degree in industrial engineering. 

1974 

Valle is appointed as the first full time Real Estate 

Commissioner for the state of Illinois and helps 

establish the regulation of real estate that we 

know today. 

1980 

Valle is hired by the National Association of 

REALTORS ® to lead the creation of their 

Political Affairs Division and RPAC. 

1982 

Valle joins Seay & Thomas as their Vice President 

and begins his involvement with the Chicago 

Board of REALTORS ® . 

1990 

Valle becomes President of the Chicago Board of 

REALTORS ® . During his tenure, he oversees the 

merger between the Chicago Board of REALTORS ® 

and North Side Association of REALTORS ® , which 

created the Chicago Association of REALTORS ® . 

1991 

Valle works with Sheldon Good, Good Realty 

Group, to establish the Chicago Association of 

REALTORS ® Foundation, which provides 

scholarships to current and potential REALTORS ® 

and gives charitable donations to organizations 

throughout Chicago. 

2023 

Marion Valle gets inducted into the Chicago 

Association of REALTORS ® Hall of Fame. 


Your Online Membership 

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From your membership 

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navigate through the website as a 

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Through our pinned tiles, easily 

update your email, home address 

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Complete your CE, designations and 

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access your FastStats account. 

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Click on popular tags to 

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Your Key to 

Thriving in a High 

Interest Rate Market: 

Become A Home Finance Resource 

for Your Clients 

By MICHELLE BEHRENDT 

EXIT Real Estate Partners 

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, today’s REALTORS ® 

are navigating a perfect storm of challenges. The scarcity 

of available properties, transformative impact of workplace 

migration patterns triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic 

and uncertain mortgage markets have created a dynamic, 

demanding environment like never before. 

Understanding the 2024 

Market Environment 

The landscape of real estate is evolving, and so is the 

length of homeownership in the United States. The 

National Association of REALTORS ® reports that the 

median homeownership period is now over 13 years 

and steadily increasing. Many homeowners haven’t had 

to interact with the mortgage process, its pace and the 

technology associated with it. Some even remember having 

to fax document after document to get their approvals. 

Since some of these homeowners first purchased their 

homes, a staggering shift in interest rates further creates 

more complexity. In January 2021, interest rates in the 

United States plummeted to a mere 2.65%, as reported 

by Freddie Mac. However, they have since surged to over 

8% in October, marking the swiftest rate increase since 

record-keeping began. This rapid ascent has significantly 

inflated the monthly payments for homebuyers investing 

in a median-priced property, driving these costs up by over 

$1,200 per month from where they were in January 2021. 

The fallout from these rapid changes is prompting many 

sellers to retain their low-interest rate mortgages, 

effectively prolonging their stay in their homes. For those 

prospective buyers with compelling reasons to enter the 

market, options have become increasingly limited. They 

may need to explore more affordable locations beyond 

their initial target areas or consider alternative loan 

products to achieve their housing aspirations. 

Banks, in response to this unpredictable environment, 

have tightened their lending standards. According to the 

National Association of Home Builders, this trend is set 

to continue throughout 2024, putting further pressure on 

the real estate market. 

Meanwhile, many real estate professionals across the 

country are confronted with another pressing concern—a 

fundamental need for a deeper understanding of the 

mortgage process and the full spectrum of financing 

options available to their clients. 

How REALTORS ® Can 

Learn More 

As your clients’ trusted advisor throughout the homebuying 

and selling process, it’s important to be well-versed in 

all aspects of the transaction for when they, inevitably, 

come to you with questions, including the mortgage 

process. Being able to answer your clients’ questions with 

confidence will help you strengthen the trust you share as 

a steward of homeownership. 

#1: Lean Into Your Relationships 

One of the most important benefits you offer is your 

professional relationships! How are you connecting 

your clients with a trusted lender? Through the Chicago 


Association of REALTORS ® affiliate program, you have access to a 

database of Chicago-area professionals, including lenders, who can 

support your business. Make connections with these individuals so 

you have someone you can call to support your clients during the 

transaction. 

#2: Do Your Research 

A colleague recently shared a story with me about a client selling 

their Detroit home and purchasing in Indianapolis – two markets they 

don’t typically operate in. While referring the transaction to local 

REALTORS ® , the colleague remained actively engaged throughout the 

transaction. When it became apparent that the client’s initial lender 

was constrained by a large bank's limited product offerings, they 

started doing their own research. By facilitating interviews with several 

other banks and credit unions, they managed to secure a 2% reduction 

in their interest rate – which allowed the client to close on a house they 

could afford closer to their new workplace. 

Take the time to do your own research to help your clients when the 

time comes. There are a variety of grants and programs available to 

help assist homeowners with financing to save them money when 

purchasing a home. These programs are available through banks, the 

Illinois Department of Housing, the city of Chicago and more. 

Also, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have resources on their website 

that can help you keep on top of mortgage rate trends and forecasts, 

find a variety of mortgage solutions to make homebuying affordable 

to everyone and more. Visit freddiemac.com to take advantage of 

these tools. 

#3: Take the Home Finance Resource 

Certification 

Next, invest in your own education. The National Association of 

REALTORS ® (NAR) responded to the market need by creating the 

Home Finance Resource (HFR) Certification. As fiduciaries responsible 

for safeguarding their client’s best interests, the HFR Certification 

empowers REALTORS ® to add additional value by advising their clients 

about the most mortgage solutions available to them. 

The HFR class doesn’t just offer a glimpse into the lending process; 

it breaks down every facet, from the initial contact to pre-approval, 

underwriting, appraisal, title search and closing. This comprehensive 

knowledge becomes a valuable framework that REALTORS ® can use 

to guide their clients through the often-daunting path to mortgage 

approval and closing. 

Whether you are a novice in the real estate business or a seasoned 

veteran with years of experience, the HFR Certification goes beyond 

mere numbers and ratios, delving deep into the financial prerequisites 

and long-term implications of diverse loan products. 

Moreover, it empowers REALTORS ® working with investors to be 

advisors instead of merely crunching numbers and relying on lenders 

to determine the impact that financing will have on the transaction. 

HFR-certified REALTORS ® can take an active role in guiding clients to 

make sound choices that align with their investment goals. 

Ready to Earn 

Your Home 

Finance Resource 

Certification? 

In 2024, the REALTORS ® Real Estate School is hosting this 

course live, taught by Michelle Behrendt. The course will 

cover how to: 

• Guide your buyers through the mortgage preapproval 

process by, for example, creating a mortgage application 

checklist with all the documents they’ll need. 

• Share resources for addressing low credit scores, 

alternative financing options like first-time homebuyer 

assistance or low down-payment programs. 

• Avoid the most common mortgage sticking points in 

a transaction. For example, the mortgage preapproval 

— not just prequalification — has become key for buyers 

competing against multiple offers in today’s market. 

Join us in class! 

MARCH 1, 2024 

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM 

Chicago Association of REALTORS ® Office 

430 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 800 | Chicago, IL 60611 

6 Hours Elective CE 

Save Your Seat. 

Applying this Knowledge to 

Listings & Investing 

The HFR Certification isn’t limited to buyer-side transactions; it 

equips REALTORS ® with the skills to identify listing opportunities for 

homeowners with assumable low-interest rate debt, such as Veteran’s 

Administration loan. 


How to Be 

A Partner 

During the 

Appraisal 

Process 

Did you know, in 2023, 42% of REALTORS ® 

had a transaction fall through due to 

an appraisal? According to the National 

Association of REALTORS ® (NAR’s) Appraisal 

Survey, this was most influenced by the 

ultimate appraised value or use of incorrect 

comps. 

Appraisals can be one of the most nervewracking 

parts of the transaction for 

REALTORS ® , homebuyers and sellers; you 

want to ensure the value of the home holds 

up, but you are also putting your trust in 

another, entirely new party’s hands. 

However, as a REALTOR ® , you can mitigate 

some of this stress and be a partner in the 

appraisal process. As the listing broker, 

you likely know this property and the 

neighborhood better than anyone—you can 

use this knowledge! While attempting to 

influence the appraisal process is illegal, 

it may not be widely known that there are 

acceptable, actionable steps you can take to 

partner with an appraiser and help inform the 

outcome of an appraisal. 

According to NAR’s Appraisal Survey, 

about 90% of REALTORS ® interact with an 

appraiser in some capacity, but only about 

47% of those REALTORS ® say they interact 

with appraisers by providing additional 

property information. In fact, “Many of the 

other comments indicate that the member 

has not interacted with an appraiser yet, 

that they only interact with an appraiser 

when the appraiser requests it, or that they 

interact only to schedule appointments,” 

the Appraisal Report states. 

So, what can you do as a partner during the 

appraisal process? 

What To Do During 

the Appraisal 

Meet with the Appraiser 

According to the NAR Appraisal 

Survey, just 26% of the aforementioned 

REALTORS ® interact with an appraiser only 

when there is an issue with the appraised 

value of a home. But, meeting with the 

appraiser is possible before it gets to that 

point. 

According to Illinois REALTORS ® Appraisal 

FAQs, “You can meet the appraiser at the 

property and answer any questions they 

might have. Don’t get in the way of the 

appraiser but make yourself available to 

help provide the full and accurate picture 

of the property.” 


Keep reading below where we’ll outline what 

could go into an “appraisal package” that you 

may assemble for said appraiser prior to the 

appraisal. 

Ask Questions About the 

Appraiser’s Areas of Expertise 

In the NAR Appraisal Survey, of the 

REALTORS ® who responded that the most 

competent appraisers are not being selected 

for appraisals, 48% said that the greatest 

competency issue was that the appraisals 

were performed outside the appraisers’ 

area(s) of geographical expertise. 

Illinois REALTORS ® Appraisal FAQs provides 

the following guidelines for inquiring about 

an appraiser’s competence: “Reach out to 

the appraiser and ask them, ‘Are you familiar 

with the area?’ and ‘Could I provide you with 

details concerning the subject's location?’ 

Appraisers are required to determine if they 

are competent to perform the appraisal 

(type of property, market, geographic area, 

intended use). If they are not, they must 

disclose this information and either withdraw 

from the assignment or document how they 

will acquire competency.” 

Create An Appraiser’s Package 

An appraiser’s package is a packet of 

information a REALTOR ® can send to an 

appraiser before the appraisal that the 

appraiser can bring with during the appraisal. 

3. Neighborhood & Market Information 

Including property value information, 

price per square foot, supply/demand 

information, marketing time information, 

neighborhood boundaries and 

description and market conditions. 

4. Subject Property Type Information 

Including lot dimensions, zoning 

information, FEMA Flood Zone 

Information and Adverse Site Condition 

or External Factors. 

5. Subject Property Condition 

Including recent improvements made 

to the property, with the year and cost, 

and major mechanical systems ages. This 

section will directly impact the appraised 

value, so make sure any improvements 

are included, especially those the 

appraiser cannot see, such as electrical 

wiring, plumbing, insulation, etc. 

6. Above Grade Room Counts 

Including total rooms, bedrooms, full bath 

and half bath that are not in basements. 

7. Garage Information 

Including number of car spaces, 

dimensions and additional features. 

8. Condition of the Property 

Including a description of the condition of 

the property and any known deficiencies. 

The goal of the appraiser’s package is to 

share facts to inform the appraiser about the 

subject property and contract price. 

9. PUD Information 

Including homeowner’s association 

information. 

Illinois REALTORS ® provides a sample 

appraiser’s package on their website. They 

suggest that this packet should include: 

1. Subject Property Information 

Including the address, the county, 

legal description, PIN, tax information, 

neighborhood name, special tax 

assessments and HOAs. 

2. Subject Property Listing Information 

Including the MLS record number, 

list date and price, if multiple offers 

were received and the date and amount 

of any price changes. 

10. Comparable Properties 

Including a list of comparable property 

sales or CMA, specific comments as to 

why a comparable property was 

included and attach MLS listing sheets 

for comparable properties. 

11. Disclosure 

For example: Information deemed 

reliable but not guaranteed; should be 

verified. Content provided “AS IS,” 

without any warranty, express or 

implied. 


What To Do If 

There Are Mistakes 

or Errors in the 

Appraisal 

If there is missing or inaccurate information 

in the appraisal once it’s complete, there are 

options to consider. 

A REALTOR ® can request, in writing, that the 

lender request a Reconsideration of Value 

(ROV) from the appraiser. An ROV can only be 

requested by the appraiser’s client, which is 

typically the lender. 

A ROV is warranted if you can provide the 

missing information that was not taken into 

consideration during the first appraisal. If 

an ROV is pursued, the correct information 

should be presented to the appraiser. 

Benefits of Being a 

Partner During the 

Appraisal Process 

By being a partner in the appraisal process, 

you demonstrate to your clients that you are 

the trusted advisor they need by their side 

during the transaction. 

And, by providing this information and having 

conversations with the appraiser, you are 

doing everything within your power to ensure 

that the appraisal goes as smoothly as possible 

and creates a credible appraisal. According 

the The Appraisal Foundation’s Guide to 

Understanding a Residential Appraisal, 

a credible appraisal includes an accurate 

description of the property, sales that are the 

most recent and comparable, comments that 

explain important issues in the appraisal and 

an opinion of value supported by the analysis 

of the comparable sales. 

Moreover, by doing your due diligence during 

the appraisal process, you will help ensure 

there is less of a chance of the transaction 

falling through and, hopefully, mitigate the 

chances of having a biased appraisal. 

Download Illinois REALTORS ® ’ 

sample appraiser’s package and 

review its appraisals FAQs. 


Continue Your 

Appraisal Education 

THE APPRAISAL PROCESS | 3 Hours Elective CE 

This interactive course will give you a behind the scenes look at the appraisal process, 

allow you to stay current on industry changes and construct competitive CMAs. 

Find an upcoming class date at ChicagoREALTOR.com/CE. 

Reporting 

Discrimination 

If I have evidence of negligence or discrimination, 

who should I contact? 

A: According to Illinois REALTORS ® , you should report it to the lender in writing. 

In addition, the Appraisal Subcommittee, which is a Unites States Federal 

Government Agency, operates the Appraisal Complaint National Hotline 

(refermyappraisalcomplaint.asc.gov) which can refer the matter to appropriate federal 

or state authorities to complete an investigation. In Illinois, the Illinois Department of 

Financial and Professional Regulation (idfpr.illinois.gov) is the regulatory agency for 

appraisers. Fair Housing violations can be reported to the United States Department of 

Housing and Urban Development (HUD.gov). In Illinois, suspected discrimination can be 

reported to the Illinois Human Rights Commission (312-814-6269).

The Social Media Content 

App Chicago REALTORS ® 

Love: Photofy 

Have you checked out Photofy yet? This platform allows you to demonstrate what you bring to the real estate transaction and 

beyond — in our Chicago neighborhoods and in understanding the local real estate market. This free member benefit allows you 

to customize and share professional graphics that underscore your value, straight to your social media channels. 

Why do your peers love this member benefit? 

“I absolutely love how I can leverage 

Photofy on all social media platforms 

to show our communities that we, as 

REALTORS ® , are experts in our 

market. The content offered is 

consistent, cohesive and an excellent 

tool to build your brand. It is marketing 

power at your fingertips and a vital 

tool to show your value to clients.” 

CHRISTOPHER ROBLES 

Fulton Grace Realty 

“The final product is always a 

professional marketing piece 

that I’m very proud to display. 

Photofy is another real estate 

tool that allows me to make 

clear and precise content with 

just a click of a button.” 

RODESSA JOINER 

Realty Services Consortium 

Check out our Fair Housing and Sustainability assets! 

Showcase your commitment to Fair Housing and Sustainability. These graphics demonstrate your commitment to your clients’ 

well-being through equal opportunities and health through sustainable lifestyles. Happy sharing! 

Get started for free today at ChicagoREALTOR.com/photofy. 

Scan with your smartphone camera! 


It’s easy to interact with 

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Contact our Help Desk at 630.955.2755 or help.desk@mredllc.com.

ILLINOIS IS 

A TOP 

DESTINATION 

FOR FOREIGN 

BUYERS: 

How to Expand Your 

Business Globally 

MIKUS KINS, BE COMMERCIAL REALTY 

Over the last few years, Illinois has 

consistently found its way to the top of 

all US states that attract foreign buyers of 

real estate. So, what does this mean for 

REALTORS ® in Illinois today? A REALTOR ® 

who starts to work on expanding their 

international client base now will only 

benefit in the long run. 

The National Association of REALTORS ® 

recently released its 2023 rendition of 

International Transactions in US Residential 

Real Estate report, and Illinois was ranked 

in sixth place as an active market for 

international real estate transactions. 

Specifically, Illinois accounted for 4% of the 

overall transaction volume over the past 

year, which was a 25% increase from 3% of 

the overall transaction volume in 2022. 

In 2023, Illinois saw around 47% of its 

transactions coming from Asian/Oceania 

clients, while Latin American/Caribbean 

clients accounted for another 29% of the 

volume. African and European clients 

rounded out the top client regions with each 

accounting for another 12% of the overall 

volume, respectively. 

In addition to the NAR report, for the 

seventh consecutive year in a row, the 

readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine 

voted Chicago as the best big American city 

in their annual Reader’s Choice Awards. 

Illinois and Chicago are already viewed as 

top global destinations and great places to 

invest in real estate; let’s take a look at why 

our state and city consistently make the top 

of these lists, and, in turn, what makes them 

so desirable to foreign buyers. 

From A Buyer’s 

& Investor’s 

Perspective: The 

Attraction of Illinois 

and Chicago 

As the state’s largest city, Chicago is a major 

global destination with many vibrant and 

diverse ethnic communities. The city is a 

quintessential melting pot that supports a 

continued on page 32 


continued from page 31 

range of cultural festivals, centers and 

organizations across its 77 neighborhoods. 

As a result, the “City of Big Shoulders” 

(a phrase coined by the famous Chicago 

poet Carl Sandburg to describe our diverse 

community of hard-working Chicagoans) 

appeals to foreign buyers who value 

multiculturalism, strong work ethics and 

social inclusion. They feel comfortable 

in Chicago. 

The state’s broader economic opportunities 

are also attractive. Illinois is home to many 

Fortune 500 companies with globally 

recognized brands, such as Boeing, Walgreens, 

McDonald’s and Caterpillar. Moreover, 

Illinois has an excellent global reputation 

for its renowned universities, such as the 

University of Chicago and Northwestern 

University. Foreign buyers who are looking 

for employment, education or business 

opportunities may find Illinois an appealing 

destination for their real estate investments. 

As a vibrant hub for the arts, Illinois offers 

a variety of attractions and amenities for 

foreign buyers, such as museums, world 

class opera and symphony, theaters, sports, 

parks, nature preserves and restaurants. 

Chicago, as described by Condé Nast Traveler 

is “a world-class destination known for its 

impressive architecture, first-rate museums, 

brilliant chefs and massive brewing scene.” 

Consequently, foreign buyers who enjoy 

urban living or outdoor recreation will find 

Illinois as an attractive destination for their 

similar lifestyle preferences. 

Lastly, and arguably most importantly, 

Chicagoland real estate is relatively affordable 

compared to other major US cities such as 

New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco. Per 

NAR's 2023 International Transactions in US 

Residential Real Estate report, the Chicago- 

Naperville-Elgin region boasts a $ 325 per 

square foot median home price over the last 

year. This compares to a whopping $ 1,597 

per square foot in New York, $ 1,380 per 

square foot in San Francisco and $ 793 per 

square foot in Los Angeles. In fact, per the 

NAR report, the Chicago region ranks 28 th in 

median home price per square foot amongst 

US metro cities, just after Minneapolis/St. 

Paul and Atlanta and before Philadelphia 

and Indianapolis. 

Investing in Illinois-based properties also 

provides a higher return on investment on 

an annual basis compared to similar coastal 

opportunities. Many investors note that they 

can realize anywhere from 5% to 10% Cap 

Rates (a measurement of annual yield on a 

real estate investment) on their Illinois-based 

investments while only realizing near 0% Cap 

Rates on investments located on either coast. 

Thus, those investing in Illinois real estate 

assets are more likely to experience immediate 

annual revenue streams instead of waiting for 

possible future capital gain returns. 

In addition, Chicago has a strong rental market, 

with high demand and low vacancy rates. All of 

these factors combined ensure that Illinois real 

estate is a stable and profitable investment 

opportunity, especially for foreign buyers who 

plan to use their properties as vacation homes, 

rentals, or both. 

How To Expand 

Your Business 

Globally 

Given all these factors that attract foreign 

buyers to Illinois, here are several ways you 

can expand your business to these market 

demographics. 

For one thing, foreign buyers can be 

separated into two groups. The first group 

consists of foreign nationals who have 

relocated to the US for a certain period of 

time and need assistance with purchasing a 

home. The second group consists of foreign 

investors who are located overseas and are 

interested in investing in US-based assets. In 

either case, decide if your business strategy 

is focusing on just one or both groups. 

Once you have identified your target markets 

of buyers/investors, educate yourself based 

on these goals. REALTOR ® associations 

have excellent resources to expand your 

knowledge of serving foreign clients. For 

example, REALTORS ® Real Estate School, the 

Chicago Association of REALTORS ® affiliated 

school, offers a Certified International 

Property Specialist (CIPS) designation. 

Students get a strong, detailed foundation 

for conducting international real estate 

transactions while also exploring a vast global 

network of real estate brokers, each looking 

to source global deals. 

As a REALTOR ® with global reach, follow 

currency rates and stay well-versed in 

global economic and political issues. This 


is valuable information inherent to guiding 

your clients and will help you stand out from 

more domestic and locally focused peers. 

Every country has its own set of rules and 

regulations that may affect how a potential 

investor can invest. Conversely, the US has 

its own set of rules and regulations that may 

affect how a foreign buyer from a specific 

country can invest. An internationally 

minded real estate professional will know 

these details and will be able to provide 

guidance to their client. 

Diversity Certification also offers an 

in-depth, one-day education on how you 

can build culturally proficient, intentional 

practices into your real estate business. 

Your referrals depend on it. 

Read about the cultures of your target 

markets! For example, Emily Post’s “The 

Etiquette Advantage in Business” has 

several chapters on understanding cultural 

differences when conducting business 

with foreign clients from specific regions 

across the world. The more a REALTOR ® 

can understand how to respectfully conduct 

business in and with other cultures, the 

greater advantage they will have against 

any other competing broker. 

Illinois, as well as Chicago, will continue to 

hold its place amongst the top destinations 

for foreign real estate transactions for 

many years to come. Any REALTOR ® that 

educates themself on how to serve these 

eager clients can expect to diversify their 

client and revenue base. 

For example, it may not be possible for a 

foreign investor to secure financing, so all 

cash deals are more common. There may 

also be tax withholding requirements on 

the sale of a property as outlined in the 

Foreign Investment in the US Real Estate 

Act (FIRPTA). The Federal Government also 

offers programs, such as EB-5, that could 

help your client gain a US green card, if 

applicable. Keep in mind—some US states, 

such as Florida, are now adding restrictions 

on foreign investment. 

Next, build your network with other 

internationally focused REALTORS ® 

by getting involved with international 

committees or councils. For example, the 

Chicago Association of REALTORS ® brings 

like-minded members together with the 

Global Real Estate Council. 

Lastly, the world is a big place! It is critical to 

target or focus your business efforts on a few 

markets, then use that to intentionally identify 

opportunities to expand your networks. Get 

involved with one of the many consulates 

and chambers of commerce that host events 

throughout the year. Join Rotary International 

and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs 

where members can meet and network with 

possible future clients and/or leads. 

The Importance 

of Relationship- 

Building Across 

Cultures 

A successful REALTOR ® must keep in mind 

that there are likely cultural differences and 

business best practices when working with 

buyers from other countries. Designations 

such as CIPS can help to educate certain 

important differences. The At Home With 

Take Your Global Knowledge 

to the Next Level! 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/designations 

Certified International Property Specialist 

(CIPS) Designation 

12 Hours of CE Credit | September 30 - October 4 

The CIPS designation is for REALTORS ® who wish to develop or grow their international 

real estate business. It will provide you with the knowledge, research, network and tools 

to globalize your business. 

This course offers you hands-on experience with international real estate transactions, as 

well as five full days of study focusing on the critical aspects of transnational transactions. 

At Home With Diversity Certification 

6 Hours of CE Credit | April 15 

At Home With Diversity ® (AHWD) is designed to prepare REALTORS ® to work effectively 

with and within today’s increasingly diverse pool of homebuyers. 

The curriculum encompasses topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, fair housing and risk 

reduction. Gain practical skills and tools to expand business and effectively serve all clients. 

Or Connect with Like-Minded Global REALTORS ® 

Through our Global Real Estate Council 

The Global Real Estate Council supports Chicago REALTOR ® members who do business 

with global markets (inbound and outbound transactions and/or consultancy). 

Through events like the annual Global New Development Tour, which will take place this 

summer, the council also fosters strong relations with 

local organizations representing diverse ethnic and 

cultural communities in Chicagoland. 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/globalcouncil 


BEVERLY 

Austin 

East Garfield Park 

North Center 

ASHBURN 

Irving Park 

Greater Grand Crossing 

A LOOK AT THE 

YEAR AHEAD 

Kenwood 

with Public Policy 

Coordinating 

Committee Chair 

HERMOSA 

West Pullman 

CHATHAM 

NEW CITY 

FULLER PARK 

WOODLAWN 

ALBANY 

PARK 

West Town 

HYDE PARK 

Jefferson Park 

Berwyn 

Mount Greenwood 

Burnside 

Lincoln Park 

MORGAN PARK 

Lincoln Square 

Staci Slattery 

LOGAN 

SQUARE 

Norwood Park 

Bridgeport 

WEST 

GARFIELD 

PARK 

Oakland 

Englewood 

CHATHAM 

BEVERLY 


North Center 

HERMOSA 

In November, we caught up with the Public Policy 

Coordinating Committee Chair Staci Slattery, North 

Clybourn Group, Inc., to discuss what we can expect in 

the year ahead in government affairs. She shares several 

simple ways you can get involved and more. 

QUESTION: What are some of the biggest legislative issues 

that the association will be focusing on in 2024? 

SLATTERY: The Bring Chicago Home Transfer Tax 

Resolution, which just passed City Council and will now 

be a ballot question in the March 2024 primary election, 

has been and will continue to be a focus for the rest of 

the year. We are working hard to educate our members 

and voters about the impacts of the transfer tax increase on 

buyers, sellers, the struggling commercial sector and renters. 

This is a move that has rippling implications across many lines for 

Chicagoans. We are also keeping an eye on other areas of concern 

related to housing supply and affordability, efficiencies with zoning/ 

approvals, Connected Communities and ADUs. 

QUESTION: In your opinion, which of these legislative issues will have 

the biggest impact on our industry and why? 

SLATTERY: Bring Chicago Home is likely to have the most profound 

immediate impact. Besides the financial implications for the 

commercial market, I also worry that, if it passes, we will be taking 

monies that are currently collected through transfer tax and isolating 

those funds solely for efforts related to addressing the homeless 

issue. This can create shortfalls in other areas that will require 

the government to take replacement funds from somewhere 

else within the budget. 


West Pullman 

Calumet Heights 

Lincoln Park 

LAKE VIEW 

MORGAN PARK 

Clearing 

SOUTH SHORE 

Washington 

Heights 

HUMBOLDT 

PARK 

NORTH LAWNDALE 

ASHBURN 

LOGAN 

SQUARE 

South Chicago 

Austin 

McKINLEY PARK 

Near North Side 

AUBURN GRESHAM 

Douglas 

WEST 

EDGEWATER 

GARFIELD 

Roseland 

PARK 

Riverdale 

Pullman 

Lower West Side 

Irving Park 

Greater Grand Crossing 

Kenwood 

CHATHAM 

NEW CITY 

SOUTH LAWNDALE 

Avondale 

WN 

FULLER PARK 

GRAND 

BOULEVARD 

WOODLAWN 

Near South Side 

Near West Side 

Montclare 

Washington Park 

PORTAGE PARK 

Belmont Cragin 

West Elsdon 

ROGERS 

PARK 

WEST ENGLEWOOD 

Avalon Park 

T RIDGE 

ALBA 

PARK 

West Town 

HYDE PARK 

Jefferson Park 

Berwyn 

Mount Greenwood 

Burnside 


Norwood Park 

Bridgeport 

WEST 

GARFIELD 

PARK 

Oakland 

Englewood 

CHATHAM 

Calumet Heights 

Clearing 

SOUTH SHORE 

Washington 

Heights 

HUMBOLDT 

PARK 

NORTH LAWNDALE 

South Chicago 

North Park 

McKINLEY PARK 

Near North Si 

Dougl 

EDGEWATER 

Riverdale 

Pullman 

Lower West Side 

BEVERLY 

UPTOWN 

GRAND 

BOULEVARD 


North Center 

HERMOSA 

West Pullman 



PORTAGE PARK 

B 

LAKE VIE 

Kenwood 

Montclare 

ASHBURN 

Avondale 

LOGAN 

SQUARE 

Irvin 

Near South Side 

Greater Grand Crossin 

Austin 

CHAT 

West 

ROGE 

PAR 


WEST ENGLEWOO 

Roseland 

NEW CITY 

HJeff 

Moun 

Burnside 

Lincoln P 

MORG 


Norwood Park 

Bridgeport 

Avalo 

Calumet H 

South C 

WEST RI 

Oakland 

Englewood 

Wash 

HU 

PAR 

C 

SO 

NORTH LA 

R

de 

NY 

K 

g Park 

g 


elmont Cragin 

W 

HAM 

Elsdon 

RS 

as 

D 

n Park 

DGE 

QUESTION: How does the association work on members’ behalf 

to advance legislation? 

SLATTERY: The association works on members’ behalf primarily 

through the lobbying efforts of our Governmental Affairs 

Directors (GADs), the work of the Public Policy Coordinating 

Committee and educational efforts of events like Coffee with 

Your GAD. 

FULLER PARK 

WOODLAWN 

QUESTION: Can you explain what the Public Policy Coordinating 

Committee is, and the work they do? 

SLATTERY: The Public Policy Coordinating Committee is a body of 

Chicago REALTORS ® members which recommends prioritization 

and direction for public policy initiatives that the association works 

on; we also provide counsel to the Board of Directors on selected 

residential and commercial Near South public Sidepolicy issues. We facilitate and 

host Coffee with Your GAD, a virtual 

event series hosted on the first Tuesday 

of every month, where members can 

get updates and ask questions from 

our government affairs team. We 

identify experts like city officials and 

alderpersons who guest speak at the 

Coffee With Your GAD events. 

QUESTION: What made you get 

learing 

involved with public policy through 

the association? 

SLATTERY: Coffee with Your GAD was 

really my introduction to the excellent 

public policy work the association 

was doing. I have always been very 

politically curious and engaged. We 

had a Government Affairs Director 

speak at our office which introduced 

me to the association’s advocacy 

work. From there, I started attending 

Coffee with Your GAD regularly. I love 

policy and politics, so it felt very natural to be engaged in issues 

that are so important to our profession and our city. 

QUESTION: Why should other REALTORS ® get involved in our 

public policy efforts? 

ALBANY 

PARK 

West Town 

YDE PARK 

erson Park 

Berwyn 

t Greenwood 

ark 

AN PARK 

UTH SHORE 

ington 

Heights 

MBOLDT 

K 

eights 

WNDALE 

hicago 

SLATTERY: REALTORS ® have such a unique relationship with this 

city. We are experts on our 77 neighborhoods and see firsthand 

how public policy and decisions affect the citizens of Chicago. We 

are, by nature, collaborators and doers. We build consensus for a 

McKINLEY PARK 

Near North Side 

Join us for... 


Douglas 

EDGEWATER 

iverdale 

an 

GRAND 

BOULEVARD 


Avondale 

LAKE VIEW 


Montclare 


Roseland 

Belmont Cragin 

West Elsdon 

ROGERS 

PARK 

WEST ENGLEWOOD 

Avalon Park 

living and our voices matter. As the voice of real estate in Chicago, 

we need to be heard, seen and represented. 

QUESTION: In what ways can members get involved in our public 

policy efforts? 

SLATTERY: Contribute to RPAC, attend a Coffee with Your GADs, 

respond to calls for action and join us for direct action days and 

public forums are all great ways to support our legislative advocacy 

and stay on top of current issues. This year, we plan on further 

engaging with government officials by hosting membership days 

at City Hall to make our voices heard. 

"Coffee with Your 

GAD was really my 

introduction to the 

excellent public policy 

work the association 

was doing. I love 

policy and politics, 

so it felt very natural 

to be engaged in 

issues that are so 

important to our 

profession and 

our city." 

The Chicago Association of REALTORS ® Foundation offers a 

scholarship to aid members interested in attending lobby days at our 

state or national Capitols. If you’re eligible, apply for the Matt Silver 

Advocacy Endeavor Scholarship. And, 

in springtime, the association opens 

up applications for our committees and 

work groups, so if you’re interested 

in getting involved with the Public 

Policy Coordinating committee, make 

sure to apply. 

QUESTION: What advice would you 

give to members who want to spark 

more advocacy interest/involvement 

among their peers? 

SLATTERY: Lead by example and 

share what you know. Invite your team 

members to the next Coffee With Your 

GAD event! 

QUESTION: What do you hope for the 

Public Policy Coordinating Committee 

to accomplish this year? 

SLATTERY: We would love to increase 

the number of attendees at Coffee 

with Your GAD event as well as the responses to calls for action, 

when they arise. We want to see and hear from more of you. We 

are a diverse and vibrant group with so much to share. You can 

contact us by contacting our Government Affairs Director Adriann 

Murawski at amurawski@chicagorealtor.com. 

Check out our issue briefings, find an upcoming 

Coffee with Your GAD event to attend and review our 

advocacy resources on our advocacy webpage. 

FIRST 

TUESDAY 

OF THE MONTH 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/events 


INDUSTRY PARTNERS 


Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) - Greater Chicago 

areaa.org/greaterchicago/ @AREAAchicago @areaagreaterchicago 

AREAA is committed to promoting sustainable homeownership in Asian American communities. As the largest Asian 

organization in North America, its diverse family of 18,000 members across 45 chapters work together, creating a powerful 

voice in housing and real estate. The 2023 National Convention, held in Chicago, not only celebrated the association’s 20 th 

anniversary, but also became a warm milestone in its impactful journey. 

Don't miss these upcoming events: 

Lunch Seminar Series January – March 2024 | Installation Gala + A-List Event - TBD 

LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance – Chicago 

https://realestatealliance.org/ 

@TheAllianceChicago 

The Alliance is a leading advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in real estate and housing policy, working on behalf of all 

LGBTQ+ people on their housing needs. The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance has a mission to advocate, elevate and celebrate. 

National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) – Chicago 

www.nahrepchicago.org/ 

@nahrepchicago 

The installation for NAHREP Chicago took place at Morgan MFG on December 14 where more than 300 members came out 

to celebrate the new Directors. Brenda Trujillo, Upturn Properties, was inducted as President, Rubi Velazquez, MRV Financial, 

became Vice-President, Michelle Flores, Realty of Chicago, was appointed as Secretary, Tiffany Jimenez, Coldwell Banker 

Realty, was sworn in as Treasurer alongside the Government Affairs Director, Antonio Escareno, HomeSmart Connect. 


Ignite Your Vision - February 1, 2024 | The Path to Prosperity - May 2, 2024 

NAREB Chicago Chapter / Dearborn REALTIST ® Board (DRB) 

https://chicagorealtist.com/ 

@chicagorealtist 

Get to know the Dearborn REALTIST ® Board by joining one of its monthly membership meetings, which take place every 

second Thursday. DRB is excited about a year of purposeful growth, fostering integration within both the industry and the 

community and making a meaningful impact. 


The Inaugural Installation Gala - TBD | Community Wealth Building Day - TBD 

Real Estate to the Rescue (RTTR) 

https://realestatetotherescue.com/ @RealEstatetotheRescueChicago @realestatetotherescue 

Real Estate to the Rescue is growing! If you are passionate about helping animals in your community, educating fellow real 

estate professionals and clients, and giving back, then RTTR is for you! RTTR has a number of events coming up this winter 

and would love to have you and your furry friends join us. Email them at RTTRChicago@gmail.com to learn more about 

volunteer opportunities and board vacancies. 


RTTR Winter Meet & Greet – January 24, 2024 | Big & Ramona’s Birthday Bash – February 2024 

Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) – Chicago Chapter 

https://varep.net/ 

@VAREPChicago 

VAREP Chicago is thrilled to continue working with its real estate friends and professionals to offer education, networking 

and social activities in Chicagoland. 


3 rd Annual Golf Outing - June 2024 | Annual Chili Cook-Off & Tailgate - September 2024 

Women’s Council of REALTORS ® (WCR) – Chicago 

www.wcr.org/network-sites/illinois/chicago/ @WCRChicago @WCR_Chicago 

In the spirit of rejuvenation, the Women's Council of REALTORS ® - Chicago is channeling its energies into a transformative 

2024. Focused on enhancing the value proposition for members and sponsors, the council is committed to building a 

stronger foundation. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, they aim to fortify relationships, elevate 

professional growth opportunities, and foster a thriving real estate community. Join WCR in this exciting journey towards a 

brighter and more prosperous future.

AREAA Greater Chicago 

LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Chicago 

Dearborn REALTIST ® Board 

LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Chicago 

WCR Chicago 

LGBTQ+ Real Estate 

Alliance Chicago 

LGBTQ+ Real Estate 

Alliance Chicago 



NAHREP Chicago Chapter 

NAHREP Chicago Chapter 

VAREP – Chicago Chapter 

Dearborn NAHREP REALTIST Chicago Chapter 

® Board 


1 

2 

4 

3 

116 TH ANNUAL 

GOLF CLASSIC 

5 6 

On Thursday, July 13, we hosted our 116 th Annual Golf 

Classic at Cantigny Golf Course. Thank you to everyone 

who came out for a fun day on the course, and thanks 

to our sponsors for helping to make the day possible! 

1. Mallori Lockett, Coldwell Banker Realty, Linda Hattar, ACO 

Commercial, & Keisha Williams, Fulton Grace Realty; 2. Brian 

Tharp, Tharp & Associates, Ltd., Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group, 

& Danny Lewis, Dream Town Realty; 3. Marc Little, CarMarc Realty 

Group; 4. Attendees practice at the driving range; 5. Jim Delfino, 

Carmela Primavera, & Felton Ellington, Chase; 6. Linda Scott, 

Wintrust Mortgage, Michael Reyes, A.R.E. Partners, Monique 

Pierson, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, & Kelly Price, 

Wintrust Mortgage. 

SPONSORED BY: 


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2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

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1. Damon Smith, Smith Real Estate Group, Angie Hancock, 

Angie Hancock & Associates, Lauren Lowery, Finders Plus Real 

Estate, & Sidney Martin, Century 21 S.G.R.; 2. Antje Gehrken, 

A.R.E. Partners, Drussy Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Realty, 

& Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group; 3. Jerry Jackson, Coldwell 

Banker Realty, Darryl Armstrong, H&R Block, & Allan Armstrong 

& Rick Templeton, Coldwell Banker Realty; 4. Shannon Smith- 

Ross, SSR Consulting, LLC, Eve Benton, EXIT Strategy Realty, 

Lateefah Neal, NTS Realty Group, LLC, & guest Timothy Miller; 

5. Dave Kasprisin, Meagan Quinn, & Patrick McCormick, 

Wintrust Mortgage; 6. Adam Nesva, Mike Touloupakis, David 

Hermiz, & Bill Brumet, Chase; 7. Matt Farrell, Brandon Cleeton, 

& Kriss Briggs, Corcoran Urban Real Estate, Justin Oliver, 

Keller Williams Metro, & Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group; 

8. Eric Hublar, Kyle Pociask, Danny Csuk, & William Vezo, Redfin 

Corporation; 9. Sarah Ware, & Anna Marek, Huntington Bank; 

10. Margaret Hicks, MRED. 

9 10 

Photos by Jim August, Cory Hall, Dominique Hartsfield, 

Jessica Kern & Drew Morris, Chicago Association of REALTORS ® 


3 

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2023 YPN SUMMER MIXER 

Thank you to everyone who came out to Tunnel for a fun night of networking at the YPN 

Summer Mixer! 

1. Vashti Araia, @properties | Christie’s International Real Estate; 2. Chui & Davy Hwang, CENTURY 21 Realty Associates, 

& Marty Rinehart, Real Broker LLC; 3. Kierra Craig & Devin Howard, Keller Williams ONEChicago, & Deja Sneed-Harris, 

EXIT Strategy Realty; 4. Stephanie Pineda, Neighborhood Loans; 5. Nykea Pippion McGriff, Coldwell Banker Realty, Linda 

Scott, Wintrust Mortgage, Natasha Murphy, EXIT Strategy Realty, & Tiffany Jimenez, Coldwell Banker Realty; 6. Soraya 

Rendon, Neighborhood Loans, & Lourdes Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Realty; 7. Dan Kiss, Chase, John Holmes, Dream 

Spots Leasing, & Rick Williams, United Real Estate Chicago; 8. Loreal Flowers, EXIT Grace Realty. 

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6 

SPONSORED BY: 


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3 

4 

6 

5 

7 

8 9 

10 11 

1. Regina Rueda, Exit Grace Realty, & Asim Ali, EXIT Strategy 

Realty; 2. DeVontae Brooks, Guaranteed Rate, LaQuan Henley, 

HomeSmart Connect, & Dotty Dose, Echo Home Inspection Inc.; 

3. Elizabeth Elie, Kale Realty, Julie Gathman & Deniz Hedden, 

Haven Home Staging, & Linda Hattar, ACO Commercial; 4. Adam 

Kriticos, CrossCountry Mortgage, & Tanya Sinclair, Sinclair & Groat 

Law, P.C.; 5. Carmen Corona, Neighborhood Loans, & Ainhoa 

Garcia Jimenez, Realty of Chicago; 6. Ainhoa Garcia Jimenez, Realty 

of Chicago, LLC, Elizabeth Elie, Kale Realty, Tyrone Green, Keller 

Williams ONEChicago, Nadiia Glavin, COMPASS, Tyler Gregory, 

COMPASS, Amy Wu, Keller Williams Success Realty, Kinga Kiek, 

@properties | Christie’s International Real Estate, DJ Paris, Kale 

Realty, Ken Goodwin, Coldwell Banker Realty, LaQuan Henley, 

HomeSmart Connect, & DeVontae Brooks, Guaranteed Rate; 

7. Amy Wu, Keller Williams Success Realty, Ethan Nagar, Jameson 

Sotheby’s International Realty, & Kelly Ipjian, EXIT Strategy Realty; 

8. Tyler Gregory, COMPASS; 9. Rosie Pasillas, Homes R US; 

10. Sydney Marquis, Home Inspection Geeks Inc., & Alexis Evans, 

ABC Turnkey Properties; 11. Ashlei Eaton, @properties | Christie’s 

International Real Estate. 

Photos by Marcello Rodarte, Marcello Rodarte Photography 


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2023 SUMMER 

SOIRÉE 

On Thursday, August 24, we hosted our 

Summer Soiree and Annual Business 

Meeting at Fremont Chicago. Thank you to 

everyone who came out and our sponsors 

for making this event happen! 

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1. Michael LaFargue, Coldwell Banker Realty, & Bertina 

Power, Engel & Völkers Chicago; 2. Myra Nimchaiyong, 

COMPASS, Linda Hattar, ACO Commercial, Jaymi Block, 

RE/MAX Legends, & Tiffany Jimenez, Jennifer Williams, 

Megan Oswald & Mabél Guzmán, Coldwell Banker Realty; 

3. Jacob Oakely, Chase, & Marc Cervantes, Cervantes 

Chatt & Prince, P.C.; 4. Erin Ivey, Stephanie Spenner & 

Mara Woods, COMPASS; 5. Ravi Jadia & Danica Matos, 

COMPASS; 6. Yonna Banks, Keller Williams Infinity, & Kim 

Johnson, Keller Williams Realty Partners; 7. Yondi Morris- 

Andrews, Morris & Reddick Law Group, & Michelle Mills 

Clement, Chicago Association of REALTORS ® . 

SPONSORED BY: 


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1. Cary Jozefiak, Home Team Inspection Service, Dan Kiss, 

Chase, Lyle Harlow, Kale Realty, & Dione Branch, eXp Realty 

LLC; 2. Candice Wright, Wright Choice Realty, & Sherri Jordan, 

Suite 527 Realty Group, LLC; 3. Toni Lee, F.J. Williams Realty 

LLC, Vivian Taylor, EXIT True Design Realty, & Markell Bridges, 

Coldwell Banker Realty; 4. Devon Chandler, Dream Town Real 

Estate, & Nadiia Glavin, COMPASS; 5. Tanya Cochran & Jennifer 

Williams, Coldwell Banker Realty; 6. Sarah Sutton, Sutton Law 

LLC, Kelly Johnson & Christina McNamee, @properties | Christie’s 

International Real Estate, Maris Messervey, The Social Broker, 

Elizabeth Lothamer, @properties | Christie’s International Real 

Estate; 7. Tai Cotton, Chase, & Luz Renteria & Alicia Muratalla, 

Su Familia Real Estate Inc.; 8. Lauren Kaczperski, Baird & Warner, 

& Emily Yamamoto, Real Broker, LLC; 9. Megan Oswald, Coldwell 

Banker Realty, Jim Roth, Vylla Home, Kim Kerbis, @properties 

| Christie’s International Real Estate, & Jennifer Ames, Engel & 

Völkers Chicago. 

Photos by Francis Son, Francis Son Photography. 

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3 

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9 


1 2 

140 TH INAUGURAL GALA 

3 

1. Claudia Hernandez, Maribel Castillo & Marcelo Damian, RE/MAX Mi Casa; 2. 2022-2023 Board of 

Directors Lyle Harlow, Kale Realty, Marki Lemons Ryhal, EXIT Strategy Realty, Deanous Reid, FJ Williams 

Realty LLC, Linda Scott, Wintrust Mortgage, Amy Wu, Keller Williams Success Realty, Erika Villegas, 

RE/MAX in the Village, Mabél Guzmán, Coldwell Banker Realty, Drussy Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Realty, 

Gaspar Flores Jr., Su Familia Real Estate Inc., Moses Hall, MoHall Commercial & Urban Development, Megan 

Oswald, Coldwell Banker Realty, Lutalo McGee, Ani Real Estate, Linda Hattar, ACO Commercial, Sarah Ware, 

Ware Realty Group, Rafael Alvarado, Shield Real Estate, Rachel Scheid, @properties | Christie’s International 

Real Estate, Ayoub Rabah, Coldwell Banker Realty, Staci Slattery, North Clybourn Group, Inc., Michelle 

Mills Clement, Chicago Association of REALTORS ® ; 3. Drussy Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Realty, performs 

“Sevenfold Amen” with the North Shore Baptist Church Choir; 4. Drussy Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Realty; 

5. Gaspar Flores Jr., Su Familia Real Estate Inc., Myra Nimchaiyong, COMPASS, & Alice Weinert, Haven & 

Loft Realty; 6. Kimberly Evetts & Nora Hennessy, @properties | Christie’s International Real Estate. 

4 

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SPONSORED BY: 


2 

4 

3 

5 

1 

6 

7 

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1. Rachel Scheid, @properties | Christie’s International Real Estate, 

& Linda Scott, Wintrust Mortgage; 2. Michael Gobber, CENTURY 21 

Circle, & Matt Silver, Corcoran Urban Real Estate; 3. Antje Gehrken, 

A.R.E. Partners, & Drussy Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Realty; 

4. Zeke Morris, EXIT Strategy Realty/EMA Management; 5. Jessica 

Williams & Hugo Araujo, Coldwell Banker Realty, & Abdul Erinfolami, 

Loan Spot Inc.; 6. Bomberxs D'Cora of La Escuelita Bombera de 

Corazón performs the Bomba; 7. Faith Washington, EXIT Strategy 

Realty, Elisha Sanders, Cook County Land Bank, & Darnisha Mckinnis, 

EXIT Strategy Realty; 8. Amy Duong Kim, COMPASS, Chris Oswald, 

Greater Illinois Title Company; 9. Evelyn Fred, Baird & Warner, & 

Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group. 

Photos by Marcello Rodarte, Marcello Rodarte Photography 


1. Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group, & Drussy 

Hernandez, Coldwell Banker Realty; 2. Rafael 

Alvarado, Shield Real Estate, Linda Hattar ACO 

Commercial, Lyle Harlow, Kale Realty, & Megan 

Oswald, Coldwell Banker Realty; 3. Keisha 

Williams, Fulton Grace Realty, & Sarah Ware, 

Ware Realty Group; 4. Xun Del Sesto, Jameson 

Sotheby’s International Realty, Marco Marin, 

Neighborhood Loans, Tara Nwakudu, Coldwell 

Banker Realty, & Katie Campbell, Loan Spot 

Inc.; 5. Lutalo McGee, Ani Real Estate, & Gaspar 

Flores Jr., Su Familia Real Estate Inc.; 6. Sam 

Powell, Dream Town Real Estate, Marion Valle, 

Valle Realty, & Sheldon Good, Good Realty 

Group; 7. Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago 

Association of REALTORS ® , & Sheldon Good, 

Good Realty Group; 8. Michael Gobber, 

CENTURY 21 Circle, & Sarah Ware, Ware Realty 

Group; 9. Marki Lemons Ryhal, EXIT Strategy 

Realty, & Sarah Ware, Ware Realty Group. 

1 2 

3 

4 

Photos by Marcello Rodarte, 

Marcello Rodarte Photography 

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Golfers doing what they do. 


1 2 3 4 

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2023 REALTOR ® AWARDS 

At the 140 th Annual Inaugural Gala, the real estate 

community gathered to honor exceptional member 

of our Chicago REALTOR ® family. Congratulations to 

the recipients of the 2023 REALTOR ® Awards and 

the 2023 President’s Awards. 

7 8 

1. DeVontae Brooks, Guaranteed Rate, & Michelle Mills 

Clement, Chicago Association of REALTORS ® ; 2. Antje 

Gehrken, A.R.E. Partners, & Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago 

Association of REALTORS ® ; 3. Sherri Jordan, Suite 527 Realty 

Group, LLC, & Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago Association 

of REALTORS ® ; 4. Eve Benton, EXIT Strategy Realty, & 

Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago Association of REALTORS ® ; 

5. Donna Rogers, R’ Legacy Realty, & Michelle Mills Clement, 

Chicago Association of REALTORS ® ; 6. Alice Weinert, Haven 

& Loft Realty, & Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago Association 

of REALTORS ® ; 7. Jimena Sayavedra, Newmark, & Michelle 

Mills Clement, Chicago Association of REALTORS ® ; 

8. Elizabeth Goodchild, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 

Starck Real Estate, & Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago 

Association of REALTORS ® ; 9. Tommy Choi, Keller Williams 

ONEChicago, & Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago Association 

of REALTORS ® . 

9 

AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR 

DEVONTAE BROOKS, Guaranteed Rate 

COMMERCIALFORUM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

JIMENA SAYAVEDRA, Newmark 

REALTOR ® COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD 

DONNA ROGERS, R’Legacy Realty 

MANAGING BROKER OF THE YEAR 

(1-50 licensees): 

SHERRI JORDAN, Suite 527 Realty Group, LLC 

MANAGING BROKER OF THE YEAR 

(51+ licensees): 

EVE BENTON, EXIT Strategy Realty 

INDUSTRY PARTNER MEMBER AWARD 

ELIZABETH GOODCHILD, Berkshire Hathaway 

HomeServices Starck Real Estate 

POLITICAL ADVOCACY AWARD 

TOMMY CHOI, Keller Williams ONEChicago 

RISING STAR AWARD 

ALICE WEINERT, Haven & Loft Realty 

2023 REALTOR ® OF THE YEAR 

ANTJE GEHRKEN, A.R.E. Partners 

2023 PRESIDENT’S AWARDS RECIPIENTS: 

MICHAEL GOBBER, CENTURY 21 Circle 

EVELYN FRED, Baird & Warner 

EISHA WILLIAMS, Fulton Grace Realty 

2023 XAVIER O. JOY PRESIDENTIAL 

INSPIRATION AWARD 

MARKI LEMONS RYHAL, EXIT Strategy Realty 

See all the videos, photos & speeches 



Association News 

Directors Take on 

Leadership Roles 

Throughout Chicago 

McGee 

Reid 

Congratulations to 

Treasurer Lutalo McGee, 

Ani Real Estate, who was 

appointed chair of the 

Rainbow PUSH Housing 

Steering Committee and 

as a member of Chicago 

Urban League’s Appraisal 

Taskforce. Director 

Deanous Reid, FJ Williams 

Realty, was appointed chair of the Housing Committee for the NAACP 

Southside Chapter. Thank you for your leadership! 

Director Ayoub Rabah 

Honored as a Notable 

Leader in Diversity, 

Equity & Inclusion 

Rabah 

Director Ayoub Rabah, Coldwell Banker Realty, 

was named a notable leader in diversity, equity 

and inclusion by Crain’s Chicago Business. This 

list includes notable leaders who ensure their 

organizations create and maintain a workforce, 

supplier chain and ecosystem that represents 

all people, regardless of their skin tone, gender, 

age or physical characteristics. Congratulations 

on this honor, Ayoub! 

Chicago REALTORS ® 

Volunteer at True Value 

Boys & Girls Club 

In August, we partnered with True Value Boys & Girls 

Club for our annual carnival to help kick off the school 

year. We provided a fun day of games, face painting, food 

and provided students with backpacks filled with school 

supplies. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out 

for this fun day of giving back! 

1 

1. Chicago REALTORS ® pose for a photo at True Value Boys & Girls 

Club; 2. Chicago REALTORS ® distribute backpacks to students; 

3. Sonia Anaya, America Real Estate Inc., and Margaret Klein, Baird 

& Warner; 4. Harmony Zhang, @properties | Christie’s International 

Real Estate. 

2 3 4 


the buzz 

We Hear You! 

We when you check in! Here’s what you’ve been sharing. 

Tweet 

Tweet 

Tweet 

Commissioner 

Samantha Steele 

@Sam_Steele_BOR 

Thank you to the Chicago Association 

of REALTORS @ChicagoREALTORS for 

inviting me to speak today about the 

property taxes appeal process in Cook 

County! As we finish up the 2022 tax 

appeals, we are excited to begin working 

on the 2023 appeals next week! 

Out&About 

Education for Chicago REALTORS ® , 

by Chicago REALTORS ® 

BUNDLE YOUR CE and SAVE 

12 Hour bundles only $65 for CAR Members! 

Get all of your required residential or commercial CE in one purchase and complete at your own pace online for 

just $65 ($85 for non-members). The April 2024 Broker CE renewal deadline will be here before you know it! 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/ce 

SCHEDULE A CAREER CONSULTATION 

Whether you’re beginning your real estate journey or looking to hone your skills, we’re here to 

advise you on your next steps. Schedule a complimentary session with Lanora Tolliver, the 

Senior Manager of Enrollment and Advising, to discuss your goals. 

SKILL BUILDING CLASSES 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/skill 

REALTORS ® Real Estate School’s skill-building classes equip you with expertise on important industry topics and 

specialized areas to stay current and take your business to the next level. 

Harnessing AI, ChatGPT, & Bard for Success: How to increase your productivity and income in six months to 

future-proof your business. 

February 15, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Classroom & Live Webinar 

Utilizing Statistical Data to Enhance Client and Customer Engagement 

Online, Self-Study 

DESIGNATIONS + CERTIFICATIONS 

ChicagoREALTOR.com/designations 

Scan with 

smart phone 

& open link. 

ACCREDITED 

Buyer’s Representative 

(ABR) Designation 

January 18-19 

CLASSROOM & LIVE WEBINAR 

REAL ESTATE 

Negotiation Expert (RENE) 

Certification 

March 13-14 


PRICING 

Strategy Advisor 

(PSA) Certification 

February 7 

WEBINAR 

GREEN 

Designation 

March 20-21 

CLASSROOM 

HOME 

Finance Resource (HFR) 

Certification 

March 1 


SHORT-SALES 

& Foreclosure Resource 

(SFR) Certification 

April 2 

WEBINAR 


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*Any stated loan and monthly payment buying scenarios, or statements of potential tax savings are used for informational purposes only and do not reflect actual terms offered. This document should not be construed as investment 

or mortgage advice or a commitment to lend. For actual and current terms and rate information, please contact your lender directly. This data is for informational purposes only and accuracy of the figures hereinafter set forth is not 

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Winter 2024 Chicago REALTOR® Magazine

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