The Real Estate Ripple

TRAR's Ignite at Joliet Slammers event PLUS more! With TRAR's Special Events Committee!

In this episode of “Keeping Up with the Currents Real Estate Real Talk Podcast,” host Connie Vavra engages in a lively discussion with Jennifer Viano and Molly Babyak about the exciting upcoming events organized by the Special Events Committee at Three Rivers Association of Realtors®. From the action-packed Ignite baseball game at the Joliet Slammers on August 2nd to the tropical-themed Installation of the Board of Directors at Embers Taphouse on September 26th, the podcast delves into the details of these events while highlighting the fun and camaraderie that define the association’s culture. Listeners can look forward to a blend of networking opportunities, educational insights, and festive celebrations as they dive into the world of real estate with a fresh perspective.
About the Guest(s):
Jennifer VianoJennifer Viano is the Secretary/Treasurer for Three Rivers, Chair of the Special Events Committee, and Broker Owner of Town Center Realty. With a passion for real estate and a commitment to community involvement, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the industry. Her leadership roles within the association showcase her dedication to advancing the real estate profession and supporting fellow REALTORS®.
Molly BabyakMolly Babyak serves as the Director of Education and Special Events at Three Rivers. Her multifaceted role involves orchestrating engaging events, fostering educational initiatives, and creating memorable experiences for members. Molly’s innovative approach and organizational skills have contributed significantly to the success of various events hosted by the association.
Key Takeaways:
Enjoy a family-friendly evening at the Ignite at Joliet Slammers event on August 2nd with a pre-game picnic, private bartender, and an opportunity to win the first pitch raffle.
Come out and join us at our Installation event on September 26th for a night of celebration, tropical vibes, and a taco bar at Embers Taphouse in Lockport.
Mark your calendars for the Christmas party on December 17th at Jacob Henry Mansion, featuring a fun-filled theme and engaging activities for all attendees.
Don’t miss out on these exciting events and experiences organized by Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®. For more insightful discussions and engaging content, tune in to the full episode of the podcast and stay updated on upcoming episodes.
Resources:
Members and their guests can register for our upcoming events on our website below.
Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® Website
 

Social Media Domination without Spending a Dime - Summer Sales Seminar

In this episode Connie Vavra, your host, talks with Joe Medrano, Chair of the TRAR Affiliates Committee about their event, Social Media Domination Without Spending a Dime which is happening on July 16th from 5pm-7pm at the Orland Park Chateau featuring speaker Alan Stern. Alan will be talking about his HEAT Method of social media domination, AI, and all things social media.  This event will have a networking happy hour with appetizers and drinks.  Tickets are $15 each and the event is open to both TRAR Members and the public.  We hope you'll come out and join us!
 
 
For more information and to register, please click this link: Social Medial Domination Event
For more information about Alan Stern, please click here: Persona Marketing Services
Checkout the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® website here: www.trarealtors.net
 

The REALTOR® Party, Legislative meetings, & RPAC with Karen Robertson

In this episode your Host, Connie Vavra and Karen Robertson, a seasoned REALTOR® with over 30 years of experience, discuss the vital role real estate professionals take in shaping community policy and advocacy efforts. From advocating for private property rights to influencing legislation at the state and national levels, Karen emphasizes the impact of REALTORS® in driving positive change. Discover how realtors collaborate, share stories, and work tirelessly to represent consumer interests effectively - a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate and community development. Tune in for insightful discussions on the Realtor Party’s mission and impactful initiatives.
Show Notes
About the Guest(s):
Karen Robertson is a seasoned managing broker at crosstown Realtors Otahomer, Glenn, and Plainfield, with over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry. With a background in building and development, Karen brings a unique perspective to her role as a realtor. She has been actively involved in the Homebuilders association at the state, local, and national levels and is dedicated to advocating for private property rights and shaping policies that benefit communities.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode, Karen Robertson sheds light on the impact of the REALTOR® Party on the real estate industry and the community. Discussing her extensive background in building, development, and real estate, Karen delves into how real estate professionals collaborate rather than compete. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy, policy formation, and community involvement in driving positive change.
Key themes explored include advocating for private property rights, shaping local policies, engaging in government affairs, and the significance of the Realtor Party in addressing housing challenges. Karen shares real-world examples, such as influencing a local ban on short-term rentals to accommodate individuals in transition and promoting veteran-friendly policies in real estate transactions.
Key Takeaways:
Advocacy for private property rights and community engagement are crucial aspects of being a real estate professional.
The REALTOR® Party plays a significant role in shaping policies that benefit homeowners, renters, and communities.
Collaborating with elected officials and government agencies can lead to positive outcomes for housing issues.
REALTORS® have a voice in advocating for fair housing practices and addressing housing challenges.
Involvement in the REALTOR® Party grants opportunities to influence legislation and support initiatives that benefit diverse communities.
REALTOR® Advocacy | Illinois REALTORS®
REALTORS® Political Action Committee | Advocacy | Illinois REALTORS®
 
 

Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® 52nd Annual Golf Outing June 27, 2024

Welcome to the “Keeping Up with the Currents Real Estate Real Talk” podcast, where host Connie Vavra discusses the latest trends and insights in the world of real estate. In this episode, Connie is joined by Matt Persicketti, REALTOR® at Oakleaf Realty, and Molly Babyak, the Director of Education Advanced for Three Rivers. They discuss the details of the 52nd annual golf outing at The Bluffs in Channahon, Illinois. They highlight the fun and networking opportunities the event offers, as well as the importance of fundraising for community support. The episode also covers the event schedule, raffle prizes, and sponsorship opportunities.
Register for our golf outing here: Three Rivers | Association of REALTORS® (trarealtors.net)
Register for Dinner only here: Three Rivers | Association of REALTORS® (trarealtors.net)
 
 
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
 

First Time Home Buyer Challenges and How to Fix Them

Show Notes
About the Guest(s):
Joe Medrano is a seasoned loan officer with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry. He has worked at various financial institutions, including big banks, small community banks, and credit unions. Joe is currently a loan officer at loanDepot, one of the largest non-bank lenders in the United States. He specializes in helping first-time homebuyers navigate the complex process of obtaining a mortgage and purchasing their first home.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Connie Vavra interviews Joe Medrano, a loan officer at loanDepot, about the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers and how to overcome them. Joe shares his personal experience as a first-time homebuyer and the mistakes he made, which inspired him to specialize in helping others avoid similar pitfalls. The main challenges discussed are the lack of funds for a down payment and credit issues. Joe provides valuable insights and advice on how first-time homebuyers can overcome these challenges and achieve their dream of homeownership.
Key Takeaways: - Lack of funds for a down payment is a common challenge for first-time homebuyers. Joe explains the concept of “cost of waiting” and how waiting to save for a 20% down payment can result in missed equity gains and higher home prices. - There are various down payment assistance programs available, such as the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA) programs. These programs offer forgivable, deferred, or repayable down payment assistance, depending on the borrower’s eligibility and preferences. - Credit issues can also be a significant challenge for first-time homebuyers. Joe emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good credit score and provides tips on improving credit, such as paying bills on time and reducing credit card balances. - Joe highlights the importance of education and personalized guidance for first-time homebuyers. He emphasizes the need for borrowers to work with loan officers who are knowledgeable about down payment assistance programs and can provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances. - Joe and Connie discuss the importance of confidentiality and trust in the client-lender relationship. They assure listeners that their conversations and personal information will remain confidential, creating a safe space for clients to discuss their financial situations.
Notable Quotes: - “The longer you wait to save for a down payment, the more you’re missing out on equity gains and tax advantages.” - Joe Medrano - “If you’re going to make a payment anyway, you may as well make the payment to the bucket that’s going to create equity for you.” - Joe Medrano - “It’s not like I go home and talk to you about your credit issues with the realtor. Yeah, no, not unless you want me to. It’s between me and the customer, you.” - Joe Medrano
 
loanDepot - Joe Medrano
   Illinois Housing Development Authority