IAR Director of Governmental Affairs Greg St. Aubin briefs Illinois REALTORS® on key issues before they head to the state capitol to meet with legislators.

Hundreds of Illinois REALTORS® were out in force on Tuesday at the state capitol as they lobbied for private property rights and the real estate industry at the 37th annual Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) Capitol Conference.

“You make a real difference when you come to Springfield,” IAR Governmental Affairs Director Greg St. Aubin told the crowd of REALTORS® who had come from all corners of the state.

Some of the top legislative issues on their agenda this year:

• Blocking a bill that would allow county recorders to review and be the party to decide which documents can be recorded. The proposal could lead to uncertainty, confusion and delays in real estate closings.
• Fight a bill that would allow local tax assessors to file a tax liens and penalties against a homeowner who erroneously receives a homestead exemption, even if the violation was unintentional.
• Continue to oppose legislation that would give non-home-rule units authority to impose landlord licensing and “crime-free housing” measures. Such proposals can be unfair to both landlords and tenants.
• And finally, St. Aubin urged REALTORS® to remind legislators of the important issue of property taxes and how they affect consumers and property owners.