How Would You Cook Up The Perfect Sign Code? - 06/30/07 06:02 PM
`OK, A local village has asked Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS to help them rewrite their residential sign code. Of course, I will be working with my Government Affairs Committee, brokers, and MORe leadership.
But I'd like to get a broader perspective. I want your wish list. We can edit and shape and toss out the most outlandish ideas, but I'd still like to hear them. 
Currently they officially allow four (4) square feet per sign face. That's about it.  Now, I seem to remember a sign product at the NAR MidYear meetings that had these little solar lights, nothing bright, just a soft … (4 comments)

As-Is Sales in Westchester are Threatened - 06/30/07 12:57 PM
At stake here is the right of an owner to sell their property without getting some sort of permission slip from the village.  Westchester is taking the same position that we have seen in a few other towns; they believe they can hold up the sale of a property until they get either an inspection or a transfer tax paid or a water bill or any number of things done. In essence, they are telling homeowners they need permission to sell their homes. THIS IS NOT SUPPORTED BY LAW! 
The right of alienability is a time honored legal doctrine which dates back hundreds of years. Alienability allows … (7 comments)

Gingrich once again reaffirms the Realtor Message - 06/26/07 10:36 PM
Today's Washington Post included a great editorial (http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20070626/EDITORIAL/106260011/1013) from Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House. You may love him, or you may hate him, Newt is never ignored. Realtors should be reading this editorial simply because he references property rights strongly in his arguments with the current White House war strategy. Gingrich's argument is that one of the most fundamental elements of a free democracy is the development and protection of private property rights. I can tell you that I have met Mr. Gingrich a few times in my political career. On each occasion he has clearly articulated how deeply … (0 comments)

2 Transfer Taxes Coming Your Way???? - 06/22/07 11:14 AM
Not if we have anything to say about it!
There have been two important transfer tax bills in the General Assembly this Spring Session. While they have not garnered the attention that the GRT or budget have, they are still important bills. The Mainstreet Organization of Realtors is committed to bringing the Realtor voice to our legislature and protecting a fair and open marketplace.   This morning Jeff Merrinette talked to IAR to get the latest information.
The first bill is SB445 which would enact a progressive state transfer tax on homeowners. Realtors vigorously fought this proposal to a standstill first at Capitol Conference and later in a Call to Action. While … (2 comments)

"Dad, I have to dance" - 06/08/07 05:33 PM
Children are a great excuse for taking the day and just having fun.
Yesterday was the last day of school for my eldest son (I'm still getting used to saying that). Of course, this means that he had school for an hour followed by me hanging out with the "Mom Squad" and my four-year-old daughter waiting to pick him up. The hard wooden benches outside the principal's office, the pea green painted cement block walls, the faint whiff of throw-up; let's say the memories just came rushing back to me.
The plan was to head down to the premiere museum if you have … (0 comments)

Are your Servicemen/Women Exempt? - 06/06/07 04:53 PM
DuPage County Treasurer Gwen Henry announced Tuesday that her office collected almost $1 Billion in property taxes from homeowners this year. But not from active duty servicemen.
There is a provision in Illinois law which is designed to protect our servicemen and woman who are serving overseas. Illinois Statutes (ILCS 200/21-15) states that property taxes for servicemen cannot become delinquent during the tour of duty and for 30 days afterward. In other words, if you own a home and are called to serve your country, you shouldn't worry about being delinquent on your property taxes until you return home.
In my home county … (0 comments)

Dads and Pickup Trucks - 06/03/07 10:38 PM
Do you have plates?
His father smiles at me and in broken English tells me that they have the title and will go tomorrow to apply for plates.
His father is a man who has seen things, done things, and experienced a life I hope never to encounter. He toiled years in southern Poland under the crushing grey weight of European communism. I think he is a bit too young to have survived the horrors of Nazi occupation, but his life has been no picnic.  A scar begins above his right eye and moves across his face to end just in front of … (1 comments)

4 Things to Know and Do Today - 06/01/07 12:34 PM
Pick-up that Phone - Mike Scobey reports on our Call To Action (CTA) "Please encourage your more activist members to make calls.  This is not over yet.  At this point, SB 1674(the predatory lending and 4050 provisions) is in the Senate.  The RTA transfer tax is in a larger bill, SB 572, still in the House.  The amount of e-mails from members has been terrific! The legislators can always delay the effective date of the transfer tax, put it in a different bill and a simple majority is all that's needed.  Thanks for all you've done so far!"  Please call your Reps and Senators when you have a … (0 comments)

 

Jeff Merrinette - Lobbyist for IL Realtors

Downers Grove, IL

More about me…

MAINSTREET Organization of Realtors -Suburban Chicago

Address: 6655 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL, 60516

Office Phone: (630) 324-8400 x 426

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