From the President’s Desk

New Year, New Opportunities

Kick Off 2025 with Education at CCAR

Start the year strong with an extensive lineup of CE courses in February! These classes are designed to help you meet licensing requirements, sharpen your skills, and set the tone for a successful year in real estate.

💡 Make 2025 the year you invest in your expertise! February is packed with opportunities to elevate your career—don’t miss out.

👉 View the Education Calendar

Spotlight on the Business Partner Expo – February 27

Why the Expo Matters

The CCAR Business Partner Expo is your chance to:

• Network with top industry professionals.
• Connect with business partners who offer valuable resources and services.
• Discover innovative tools to grow your business and stay ahead in a competitive market.

💬 “The CCAR Business Partner Expo is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Discover valuable partnerships that will help you succeed in 2025!”

📅 Save the date: February 27
📌 Learn More and Register Here

REALTOR® Resolutions for 2025

How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? Research shows that 80% of resolutions fail, often by February. According to real estate expert Brian Buffini, the main reasons resolutions fail include relying solely on motivation, setting unrealistic goals, and not establishing habits or systems for success.

Here are three simple steps to achieve your goals this year:

1. Break it down into smaller, actionable steps.
2. Set a clear deadline.
3. Share your goal with someone who will hold you accountable.

Tips for REALTOR® Success in 2025

• Invest in education: Start with CCAR’s February CE opportunities!
• Build stronger networks: Attend the CCAR Business Partner Expo, participate in Illinois REALTORS® events, and explore other networking activities.
• Embrace advocacy efforts: Support RPAC and stay informed on advocacy initiatives that impact your business and the industry.

Here’s to a successful and fulfilling 2025!

CCAR Member Memo – December Edition
December 20, 2024

Dear CCAR Members,

As we close out the year, I recently tuned into episode 10 of the Advocacy Scoop Podcast. This episode offered a reflective look at 2024, and I wanted to share some impactful takeaways with you.

A Year of Advocacy at a Glance:

• 5,000+ Meetings with Lawmakers: NAR’s advocacy team met with members of Congress and their staff over 5,000 times this year—an average of nearly 14 meetings per day! This unmatched effort underscores the strength and influence of our REALTOR® voice.
• 2024 Election Success: Out of 469 races in the general election, RPAC supported 452 candidates and won 439 of those races, achieving a remarkable 97% success rate. What’s more, RPAC remains the largest bipartisan PAC in the nation, evenly supporting candidates across party lines.

2024 NAR Policy Highlights:
Here are just a few of this year’s significant advocacy achievements:

• Protecting Veteran Home Loan Benefits: NAR safeguarded veterans’ ability to work with REALTORS® when purchasing homes through VA Home Loan Benefits.
• Raising the Capital Gains Exclusion: Advocated for the “More Homes on the Market Act” (H.R. 1321), which aims to double the capital gains exclusion on home sales and adjust it for inflation—unlocking more inventory for buyers.
• Encouraging Commercial-to-Residential Conversions: Supported the introduction of the Revitalizing Downtowns and Mainstreet Act, which offers tax incentives for converting underutilized commercial properties into residential units.
• Ending “Trigger Leads” Practices: Championed policy changes to eliminate “trigger leads,” protecting consumers from aggressive calls, texts, and emails after applying for loans.

These wins in advocacy, legislation, and legal efforts are a testament to the incredible work being done to protect our industry and the clients we serve.

As we reflect on these achievements, I want to ask: Are you part of the one-third of NAR members who support RPAC? If not, now is the perfect time to get involved and make a difference.

Warm regards,
Jayme

CCAR Connect – November Edition
November 22nd, 2024

Dear CCAR Members,
As we near the end of 2024, it’s natural to reflect on the challenges and triumphs we’ve faced together. If this year hasn’t gone as planned, know that you’re not alone. The real estate market has tested us all. Nationally, 2023 marked the lowest home sales since 1995, and the forecast for 2024 predicts similar challenges. RIS Media summed it up well: “This year has
been plagued by inflation, high interest rates, a scarcity of inventory, and the aftereffects of the Burnett trial outcome.” It’s been a hard year, but tough times also provide opportunities to grow stronger and prepare for what’s next.

Here’s the good news: NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, believes that “the worst of the downturn in home sales could be over.” This optimism gives us all a reason to focus on the brighter opportunities ahead.

With just a few weeks left in this tumultuous year, now is the time to look forward. Ask yourself: What skills can I strengthen to position myself for success in 2025? Whether it’s sharpening your negotiation techniques, expanding your marketing strategies, or earning new certifications, doubling down on your professional development now will pay o in the year ahead.

If you haven’t already, consider earning your Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation. It’s a great way to enhance your expertise, and NAR is offering the course free through the end of the year! Click here to learn more. Did you know CCAR offers scholarships to support your educational goals? This is a fantastic resource to help you pursue certifications and accreditations that set you apart in this
competitive market. [Learn more about our scholarship program here.] 

It’s no secret: the past couple of years have been tough. But let’s focus on the opportunities ahead. Invest in yourself, sharpen your skills, and prepare to hit the ground running in 2025.

The market will rebound, and those who are ready will reap the rewards.

Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities. Let’s make 2024 a year of growth, resilience, and success.

Warm regards

CCAR Connect – October Edition
October 29th, 2024

I’m thrilled to kick off my first article by extending a huge thank you to everyone who attended our Inaugural and Awards Gala! With over 160 people in attendance, it was our largest gathering to date—a night to remember! Congratulations to our Leadership Team and every single nominee who was honored.

A special shout-out to our award winners:

• Affiliate Choice - Lisa Rector
• Affiliate of the Year - Jenny Park
• Rookie of the Year - Mike Goebel
• REALTOR® of the Year - Diana Foltz
• Linda Green Legacy Award - Jim Waller

These individuals represent the very best of our REALTOR® community, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.

Now, let’s talk about something close to all our hearts—this year’s chosen charity, the NAR REALTOR® Relief Foundation (RRF).

Born out of the devastation of 9/11, the RRF began with REALTORS® raising $8.5 million to support victims’ families. Over the years, it has evolved into a critical force for good, raising funds for disaster relief across the country. Today, the RRF has granted over $44 million, helping more than 22,000 families recover from natural disasters. It’s sobering to realize that 90% of U.S.  counties have faced an emergency disaster declaration in the last decade. But thanks to the REALTOR® Relief Foundation, we’re often one of the first responders on the scene, delivering aid quickly—sometimes even before FEMA. In fact, FEMA often directs
people our way because we’re known for stepping in fast and effectively. The scale of disasters continues to grow, as do the needs of those affected. But with 100% of the funds collected going directly to disaster relief (thanks to NAR’s partnership with
state and local associations covering administrative costs), every dollar makes a real impact.

At our October luncheon, we heard from Jeff Borchardt from NAR, who shared powerful stories about the Foundation's work. I’m excited to announce that we officially kicked off our own fundraising efforts during the luncheon—and before it even ended, we blew past our goal of $1,500. Go team!

I hope you’ll join us in supporting this incredible cause. To check our fundraising progress and make a donation, visit the
link below and help us make a lasting difference:

[https://fundraise.givesmart.com/public/campaigns_keywords/graph2#/232801/fundraising/wall]

Finally, I’m thrilled to introduce our 2024-2025 CCAR Leadership Team with a fun twist t for the Iron Throne!

Check out the video below to get a sneak peek at the champions who will lead our association through the year ahead. Whether you're a Stark, Lannister, or somewhere in between, we know you’ll love this epic introduction. Together, we’ll conquer whatever comes our way—no dragons needed.
🐉🏰

Your 107th CCAR President,