Illinois REALTORS® Podcast

On this week's episode we welcome two guests to talk about an important part of REALTOR® advocacy that could fly under your radar unless the community you live in or work in is directly affected. Of course, we're talking about local advocacy and the critical role it plays in your business, in the real estate market and defending the rights of private property owners. To talk about it we welcome Illinois REALTORS® government affairs Director Neely Erickson and Ashley Heilman, President of the Northwest Illinois Alliance of REALTORS® and Managing Broker for Welcome Home Northwest Illinois.

On this week's episode of the podcast we’re bringing you a message from Betsy Urbance, the General Counsel and VP of Legal Services for your Illinois REALTORS®. With the NAR Lawsuit settlement getting final approval from the overseeing judge, the practice changes the we have been adhering to since August will now officially be the standard. Still, 48 hours before the final approval the DOJ filed a statement of interest in the case indicating a concern about buyer broker agreements. To make sure you have all the facts about what this means Betsy popped into our studio to give you 5 reason why buyer broker agreements are an important consumer protection.

This week on the podcast we're bringing you the full audio of our 2025 President Tommy Choi appearing on the HOUSESMARTS Radio Show hosted by Lou Manfredini and carried on WGN Radio. In this conversation Tommy talks about the ramifications of the NAR Lawsuit getting final approval of the settlement agreement from earlier this year, how the practice changes from that suit have already been implemented in the industry, and were we can expect the market to go and how REALTORS® will continue to take a pivotal role in making the housing market thrive for all Americans.

This week on the podcast we welcome back Jimmy Clayton to give an election recap and preview the Veto Session in November.

This week on the podcast we welcome guest host Young Brockhouse, Illinois REALTORS® Vice President of Professional Development. Young hosts a special episode with longtime central Illinois REALTOR® Michael D. Oldenettel.
Michael is the designated managing broker of the Real Estate Group in Springfield, but many of you may have met him through his selfless volunteering on the local, state and national REALTOR association levels for many years. He was the 2013 Illinois REALTORS® President and the 2023 NAR Member Engagement Liaison. In addition, for many years he has played an important role in the professional development of colleagues as a classroom and online instructor for the Illinois REALTORS® school and he is here today to tell us more about why it's important to continue your education.

This week on the podcast we welcome back Senior Director of Advocacy Programs Gideon Blustein to discuss the massive amount of Let's Talk Real Estate events that have brought REALTORS® and legislators together in 2024. Gideon talks about the better understanding REALTORS® gain from these events and they earn the trust and respect of key decision makers – like state and federal legislators. NAR has even been so impressed with LTRE that it refers to the program as a best practice! Join us for a great talk about what this program offers you our members and why it is you that powers it.

This week on the podcast we welcome back Illinois REALTORS® General Counsel and VP of Legal Services Betsy Urbance to bring you some more updates on the industry-wide practice changes. Specifically, Betsy talks about recent media coverage regarding the standardized forms being offered to help REALTORS® deal with the new changes and why the media spin has been incorrect. She also offers advice on how to navigate these changes to make sure your business is protected.

This week on the podcast we have two very special guests. We have an in-depth sit-down with 2025 Illinois REALTORS® President Elect Jeff Kolbus and Treasurer Debbie Prodehl. Both of these REALTORS® have been in leadership for a while and have experiences and backgrounds that make them ready to take on the changing landscape of the industry and help lead all REALTORS® into a bright and vibrant future. Get to know their personal stories and how they plan to lead us into the future.

This week on the podcast we're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. With a little bit of history at the start we then turn it over to REALTORS® Joe Castillo and Erika Villegas to tell what the month means to them, how they celebrate and why it is important for all to celebrate the month. We also draw attention to NAHREP and the HWP's most recent State of Hispanic Wealth Report and how the information can help all REALTORS® better serve the Hispanic community.
Erika Villegas is a Designated Managing Broker with RE/MAX In The Village and the President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS in addition to being a Director with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. 
Joe Castillo is also a Designated Managing Broker and Co-Owner of RE/MAX In The Village and RE/MAX MICASA while also being a National Board Director for NAHREP.