In this episode join me, Connie Vavra, your guide through the ever-evolving world of real estate, as we navigate the complexities of how government policies intertwine with our industry. Listen in as I welcome Nora Gruenberg from the Illinois Realtors Government Affairs Program to shed light on the pivotal role of Government Affairs Directors. Nora offers invaluable insights into their advocacy for real estate-friendly policies, the significance of local government engagement, and the collaborative efforts required to dissect and influence complex legislation. We explore the direct impact of these policies on housing affordability and access, underscoring the importance of a united front between realtors, elected officials, and communities to ensure a favorable environment for real estate transactions. In our conversation, we reflect on the tangible effects of realtor advocacy with a case study from Plainfield, illustrating the power of community and professional involvement in legislative matters. Hear about my eye-opening experience at the Capital Conference in Springfield and learn how every individual's participation can tip the scales in policymaking. This episode is not just a discourse but an invitation for realtor members to join the movement and bolster the government affairs department through proactive engagement. We also unveil practical steps you can take to remain at the forefront of advocacy, ensuring that your voice and the interests of the real estate sector are heard loud and clear. So tune in, as we collectively steer through the dynamic currents of today's property landscape, armed with expert advice and the shared goal of a thriving real estate community. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Real Estate and Government Affairs (0:14:04) - Realtor's Impact on Local Government (0:27:37) - Real Estate Real Talk & Insights --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS --------- (0:00:00) - Real Estate and Government Affairs Government Affairs Directors advocate for real estate policies, involving realtors, elected officials, and staff to ensure fair transactions. (0:14:04) - Realtor's Impact on Local Government Community involvement, Realtor Party, and individual participation in influencing policy discussed in Plainfield's efforts to prevent a problematic bill. (0:27:37) - Real Estate Real Talk & Insights Real estate dialogue offers expert advice and insights for professionals and home buyers, navigating market trends and utilizing resources.   Sponsored by Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® 2024 Home Expo Links: 2024 Capitol Conference: Capitol Conference REALTOR® Lobby Day - Illinois REALTORS TRAR 2024 Home Expo: Home Expo! | Three Rivers (trarealtors.net)   PLEASE NOTE: TRAR's bus to the 2024 Capitol Conference is CANCELED!

Join Connie Vavra as she interviews Eddie Ruettiger of the Ruettiger Group about the upcoming Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® Home Expo. This consumer-facing event focuses on homeownership and features vendors, classes, and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping individuals become successful homeowners. With the chance for the first 100 attendees each day to win $10,000 and a wide range of resources and information available, this free event is a must-attend for anyone interested in buying, selling, or maintaining a home. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with experts in the field and learn valuable insights about the housing market. Chapters Timestamp Summary 0:00:00 Introduction to the upcoming Three Rivers Association of Realtors Home Expo 0:00:46 Overview of the event and its focus on homeownership 0:05:07 Discussion on the relationship between realtors and affiliate members 0:06:18 Recognition of sponsors and non-profit organizations involved in the event 0:09:48 Mention of the event’s relevance for sellers as well as buyers 0:09:48 The Home Expo offers information for sellers as well as buyers 0:09:52 Buying property requires personalized advice and a tailored approach 0:10:50 The Home Expo provides an opportunity to find the right team for your real estate needs 0:13:15 The first 100 attendees each day have a chance to win $10,000 0:14:48 Various classes will cover topics like applying for a mortgage loan and credit 101 0:15:39 The Home Expo will take place at the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet 0:16:19 There is no cost to attend the Home Expo 0:17:38 A variety of vendors will be present, offering information and services 0:18:30 Conclusion and invitation to attend the Home Expo Show Notes About the Guest(s): Eddie Ruettiger is a real estate professional and a member of the Ruettiger Group with Baird and Warner Real Estate. With years of experience in the industry, Eddie has a deep understanding of the real estate market and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their homeownership goals. He is passionate about educating consumers and providing them with the necessary resources to make informed decisions. Eddie’s expertise and commitment to his clients have earned him a reputation as a trusted and reliable real estate agent. Episode Summary: In this episode your host, Connie Vavra, interviews Eddie Ruettiger of the Ruettiger Group about the upcoming Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® Home Expo. Eddie provides an overview of the event, highlighting its focus on homeownership and the various vendors and classes that will be available. He emphasizes the importance of having a team of professionals, including real estate agents, lenders, and lawyers, to guide individuals through the home buying process. Eddie also discusses the role of non-profit organizations in assisting individuals with down payment assistance programs and other resources. The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of attending the Home Expo, including the chance for the first 100 attendees each day to win $10,000 and access to valuable information and resources. Key Takeaways: The Three Rivers Association of Realtors Home Expo is a consumer-facing event focused on homeownership and will feature vendors and classes related to buying, maintaining, and selling homes.The event provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with professionals in the real estate industry, including real estate agents, lenders, and lawyers, to form a team that can guide them through the home buying process.Non-profit organizations, such as IDHA, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity, will be present at the Home Expo to provide information on their programs and other resources for successful homeownership.The Home Expo offers the first 100 attendees each day the chance to win $10,000 and access to valuable information and resources that can help them make informed decisions about homeownership. Thank you to our Sponsor, Shorewood Hugs. Shorewood Hugs   Resources: Ruettiger Group with Baird and Warner Real EstateThree Rivers Association of REALTORS® Home Expo

Recorded: January 18, 2024   Keepin’ Up With The Currents: Real Estate Real Talk   Season 1, Episode 8: All Things VA.   Summary: In this episode your host, Connie Vavra, interviews Megan Wendtland, Loan Officer and Branch Manager of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, NMLS: 1249084, Licensed in: WA, ID, AZ, IL, IN, FL.  They talk about Megan's podcast and all things VA Loans. Topic #1 – I Think You Started Your Own Podcast. [1:53]  Link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5bZmHEV8Sq9cd2N3pnEmRx?si=7U9FkeqtSr-4jMd8Xk1mjA  Topic #2 – What is the Focus/Goal of your Podcast? [2:43] Topic #3 – What is a VA Loan and what are some general requirements to qualify? [6:06] Topic #4 – How many times can a VA loan be used? Is it a one-time thing? [9:00] Topic #5 – What are the financial differences between a first-time home buyer using their VA loan benefits vs. FHA? [11:15] REALTOR® Safety tip [15:47] Topic #6 – What about refinancing as a VA loan? [16:45] Topic #7 – VA Loans are assumable? What does an assumable VA loan look like? [21:25] Topic #8 – Showing your value as a REALTOR® [25:38] Topic #9 – REALTOR® Commissions and VA Loans [29:00] Topic #10 – FHA & VA Condo Approval [36:06]                Link to check condo approval status: Loan Guaranty (va.gov) This episode sponsored by Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®   Link: Three Rivers | Association of REALTORS® (trarealtors.net)

Keepin’ Up With The Currents: Real Estate Real Talk Season 1, Episode 7: What Is Title Insurance with D.J. Johnson of Fidelity National Title. Summary: Join your host, Connie Vavra, as she sits down with D.J. Johnson of Fidelity National Title and unlocks the secrets of title insurance. Discover how a title policy can become your financial shield, guarding against the ghosts of a property's past, from mortgage mishaps to pesky probate issues. DJ's wealth of knowledge paints a vivid picture of the title insurance landscape while his personal anecdotes from high school to industry expert add a human touch to the complex jargon. Prepare to have your eyes opened to the indispensable role title insurance plays in safeguarding your real estate investments. Fidelity National Title’s website: FNT | Illinois - Home (fntic.com)

Recorded: December 28, 2023 Keepin’ Up With The Currents: Real Estate Real Talk Season 1, Episode 6: Interview with Justin McLaughlin, REALTOR® with the JLM Group eXp Realty and President of the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors. Summary: In this episode your host, Connie Vavra, interviews TRAR Board of Directors President, Justin McLaughlin about the future of TRAR. Topic #1 – You were installed as President in September how has your term been going so far. [3:00] Topic #2 – How members can volunteer for leadership [5:45) Topic #3 – How did you get into leadership at TRAR?  What was your journey? [6:30] REALTOR® Safety Tip – [12:08] Topic #4 – Tell us more about what changes have been implemented at TRAR and what can members look forward to over the next few months? [12:50] Topic #5 – Burnett v. NAR verdict – changes for TRAR moving forwarding.  New training for everyone. [14:58]             Links:              Update on NAR litigation - Illinois REALTORS                              CE at TRAR: TRAR Class Catalog | Three Rivers (trarealtors.net) Topic #6 – Winter Business Meetings [30:54]             Links: 2024 Winter Business Meetings - Illinois REALTORS             Illinois REALTORS® website: Illinois REALTORS®             There are 102 Counties in Illinois. [34:34]   This episode sponsored by Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®

December 12, 2023 Keepin’ Up With The Currents: Real Estate Real Talk Season 1, Episode 5: TRAR Leadership Development Program – The history, benefits, and why you should apply this year! Leadership Development Program application link: https://forms.gle/UCY6XJPziv9H8kyp8 Summary: In this episode your host, Connie Vavra, discusses the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® Leadership Development Program with 2 graduates of the 2023 class.  Connie herself is a previous graduate of the program. She is joined by: Ray Manuel, VP of Operations at National Title Solutions, Ray has over 14 years of experience in the real estate industry, including 10 years managing and overseeing the growth of a national title company in the Chicagoland area.Ashley Brown, is a REALTOR® with Century 21 Circle in Joliet, IL and currently serves as a Director on the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors for 2023-2024. Nancy Vallee, is a REALTOR® with Baird & Warner, Plainfield and Vice Chair of the Leadership Development Committee at Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®. Nancy is also the unofficial “TRAR Historian” and a graduate of the very first Leadership Development program at TRAR.  Topics: Three Rivers Association of REALTORS’® Leadership Development Program.   Topic #1 – The history of TRAR’s Leadership Development Program and what’s ahead for this year. [3:58] Topic #2 – What was your “Why” that made you apply? [7:40] Topic #3 Pillars of the Program – Involvement – How has your involvement with the association, community, charitable organizations changed since completing the program? [12:10] Topic #4 – What was the biggest life lesson for you after coming out of the program? (16:35)   Thank you to our Episode Sponsor (20:00): This episode is sponsored by Joe Medrano of loanDepot, 3333 Warrenville Rd., Suite 630, Lisle, IL.  Joe was voted one of the Best Mortgage Professionals in Will County in 2023.  For more information click here: loanDepot - Joe Medrano Topic #5 – How do you know it’s your time?  The time is now! [21:41}  REALTOR® Safety Tip – Open House Safety [25:41] Topic #6 – Putting your application out there – what you should know. [25:46]Topic #7 – How has the TRAR Leadership Development Program helped you personally and professionally? [30:00] Apply for the Leadership Development program here: https://forms.gle/UCY6XJPziv9H8kyp8 Listen to this episode here: https://ThreeRiversRealtors.podbean.com/e/trar-leadership-development-program-%e2%80%93-the-history-benefits-and-why-you-should-apply-this-year/ Share our podcast: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-wucvc-15249ab

Podcast Episode 4 The Leadership Journey with Immediate Past President Rhonda Altman.  Host: Connie Vavra, Managing Broker, Domin'are Guest: Rhonda Altman, Assistant Managing Broker, Baird & Warner Plainfield In this episode we have a great and candid conversation with the Immediate Past President of Three Rivers. Hear the challenges that were faced and the dedication and future of the Three Rivers leadership.    Episode Sponsored by: White Glove Building Inspections For more information on our sponsor click here: https://www.whitegloveinspections.com/   Subscribe and follow for more episodes and industry information. Follow us on Facebook Visit our Website Find a REALTOR® National Association of REALTORS® Safety: https://www.nar.realtor/safety

Podcast Episode 3 Affiliates at Three Rivers, Who are they? Why be one? Host: Connie Vavra, Managing Broker, Crosstown REALTORS® Guest: Christy Lister - AVP of Mortgage Origination at Merchants and Manufacturers Bank 990 North Essington Rd Joliet IL 60435https://www.m-mbank.com/   This episode is all about the importance of Affiliates, who they are and why become an Affiliate with Three Rivers.    Thank you to our Episode 3 sponsor:  M&M Bank, your big bank alternative.   For more information on our sponsor click here: https://www.m-mbank.com/loans-credit/Mortgage-Loan.html. Subscribe and follow for more episodes and industry information. Follow us on Facebook Visit our Website Find a REALTOR® National Association of REALTORS® Safety: https://www.nar.realtor/safety

Did you miss Septembers REALTOR® safety month sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS®?    At Three Rivers we believe, everyday should be focused on being safe and staying safe in the real estate industry. Join your host Connie Vavra as she has a candid conversation with Jennifer Viano, Broker/Owner of Town Center Realty and Eddie Ruettiger, Team Lead Ruettiger Group with Baird & Warner on how REALTOR® members can practice safe business practices.    Host: Connie Vavra - Managing Broker, Crosstown REALTORS®, Chair Communications and Technology Committee for TRAR   Co-Host: Tracy Cox - REALTOR®, Baird & Warner, Co-Chair Communications and Technology Committee for TRAR   Guests: Jennifer Viano - Broker/Owner, Town Center Realty Eddie Ruettiger - Team Lead Ruettiger Group with Baird & Warner   National Association of REALTORS® Safety: https://www.nar.realtor/safety   Beverly Carter Foundation: https://www.beverlycarterfoundation.org/   Subscribe and follow for more episodes and industry information.   Follow us on Facebook   Visit our Website   Find a REALTOR®

100 years in the making! See where the housing market has come from and where we are going! Host: Connie Vavra - Managing Broker, Crosstown REALTORS, Chair Communications and Technology Committee for TRAR Co-Host: Tracy Cox - REALTOR, Baird & Warner, Co-Chair Communications and Technology Committee for TRAR Guests: Nancy Valle - Baird & Warner, REALTOR Molly Babyak - Director of Special Events and Education for TRAR Episode Sponsored by: White Glove Building Inspections This episode is all about Three Rivers throughout the years, featuring Nancy Valle, REALTOR with Baird & Warner and Molly Babyak.   Subscribe and follow for more episodes and industry information.   Follow us on Facebook Visit our website