Molly Sabatino

IAR chooses Molly Sabatino to serve on 4 committees

Written By: Judy Knaak, Baird & Warner Marketing

Molly Sabatino

Molly Sabatino, Broker, GRI, with the Baird & Warner Fox Valley office, has expanded her commitment to improving the experience and quality of service of her fellow professionals. The Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR) has selected Sabatino to serve on four of its committees through September of 2010.

"I am honored to be appointed to these working groups for the next year. I am up to the challenge each group presents to offer the best practices, education and fundraising efforts for IAR members," said Sabatino.

Sabatino will serve on the business issues/license law working group, which studies current real estate business practices and the application of these practices to the Illinois real estate license law and regulations. The committee's work includes recommendations for new legislation and regulations on issues that affect home ownership and private property rights.

Her experience at the local and state levels as a fundraiser for RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) and IMPAC (Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee) will be put to good use as she serves on the political fundraising working group. Both RPAC and IMPAC inform and influence legislators who vote on issues that directly impact home owners. Not only does the working group facilitate fundraising activities for RPAC and IMPAC, but it also educates IAR members on the benefits these lobbyists bring to the real estate profession.

Sabatino will also contribute to the IAR education working group that develops and finds products, programs, seminars and events to meet the continuing educational needs of IAR members. Today's Realtors need to stay informed on ever-changing real estate issues.

The fourth committee will be equally challenging for Sabatino and her co-workers as they plan, promote and oversee the annual IAR convention as well as the inaugural banquet for the annual installation of IAR officers.

Sabatino is not new to giving back to her profession. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Realtor Association of the Fox Valley. Her dedicated involvement with the RAFV has been ongoing for several years and includes chairing the government affairs committee and working on the grievance committee and local RPAC.

Sabatino's quest to learn more about the real estate profession is also evident in her many educational achievements as a Realtor. She successfully passed her Illinois Broker's exam, a feat comparable to a master's degree in the real estate profession. Sabatino also achieved her full GRI designation by completing three separate courses covering such topics as contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance and risk reduction.

"I find over and over that what I have learned from these programs can be applied to all my clients, whether they are buying or selling a home," said Sabatino. "My hands-on experience with the local and state associations just adds another dimension to my client service."

Sabatino has assisted first-time buyers, expanding families, downsizers, retirees and investors. She has been with the highly acclaimed B&W Fox Valley office in St. Charles for five years. Call her at 630.345.7486 or email molly.sabatino@bairdwarner.com. She knows what she's doing.

I wanted to share some good news with everyone. I was recently appointed to four Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR) Committees beginning September 19, 2009 through September 29, 2010. The committees I will be serving on are; Business Issues and License Law Working Group, Convention and Inaugural Banquet Working Groups, Education Working Group and Political Fundraising Working Group.

I am very excited to be continuing my service on the Political Fundraising Working Group. This group will develop and carry out statewide fundraising activities for RPAC. We will also help to educate members regarding the purpose and policies of RPAC.

The three new committees I will serve on sound fascinating. The Business Issues and License Law Working Group meets to discuss the current real estate business practices and the application of these practices to the Illinois Real Estate License Law and Regulations. The Group will identify issues and practices that require further interpretation or clarification of the existing law and regulations; as well as, recommend new legislation and regulation.

The Convention and Inaugural Banquet Working Group has two functions. The Convention arm shall plan, promote and oversee the IAR Annual Convention. The group assists in selection of speakers, topics, marketing and on-site management of the Convention, which provides CE, professional development and networking opportunities. While the Inaugural Banquet arm shall plan, promote and oversee the annual installation of IAR officers. The group will develop the format for the banquet and assist in obtaining sponsorship of the inaugural events.

Finally the Education Working Groups' purpose shall be to analyze and receive products, programs, seminars and educational events which fulfill the educational needs of the membership. The group oversees all educational events not having their own work group.

(Note: Group descriptions copied from the IAR web site.)

What is on my mind today...

• Getting excited for my closing tomorrow. Just have to schedule the final walk through.
• I got a new rental listing in my neighborhood that is getting good showings, but...
• One of the neighbors is getting on a high horse about the sign I put by the front door and calling me and the propertty manager about it every hour. Looks like I will have to remove it today.
• There is an event for Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay at the Cougars game tonight I am looking forward to attending.
• Wishing I had a more steady income so I would not have to worry about paying my bills next month : )

that is the question. How often to do it, the benefits of blogging and does it help grow your business?

For those who wanted to know what the market is like in Geneva, IL I pulled all Attached and Detatched sales since January 1, 2009 from Connect MLS MRED (Midwest Real Estate Data)

Sold Properties

Sold Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 3 123 $150,000 - $199,999 8 157 $200,000 - $249,999 15 120 $250,000 - $299,999 20 212 $300,000 - $349,999 17 148 $350,000 - $399,999 16 192 $400,000 - $449,999 3 351 $450,000 - $499,999 1 181 $500,000 - $549,999 1 333 $550,000 - $599,999 2 254 $600,000 - $699,999 1 1271 $800,000 - $899,999 2 261 $1,000,000 - $1,999,999 1 96

Sold Properties Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median Sold Price Avg. Sold Price Max. Sold Price Min. Sold Price Total Volume 90 191 $297,450 $322,256 $1,345,500 $84,000 $29,003,004