This episode of The Real Estate Ripple podcast, hosted by Joe Medrano and Carl McGee from Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®, features special guests Terrell and Danielle Shell, a husband-and-wife real estate duo. The discussion highlights the challenges and progress in Black homeownership, particularly in Illinois, where Black homeownership stands at around 40%, significantly lower than the 72% rate among white homeowners.

1. Personal Homeownership Journey:

   • Terrell and Danielle share their story of becoming homeowners, experiencing foreclosure during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, and eventually regaining homeownership.
   • They emphasize the importance of financial literacy and preparation, recounting how they recovered by learning from their past financial mistakes.

2. Barriers to Black Homeownership:

   • Misinformation and lack of financial education prevent many from owning homes.
   • Generational trends—many families have never owned homes, leading to a lack of homeownership knowledge being passed down.
   • The psychological barrier—many believe homeownership is out of reach, which discourages them from even starting the process.

3. Role of Education in Homeownership:

   • The Shells advocate for real estate education at the high school level, helping younger generations understand credit, savings, and mortgage processes.
   • They share their outreach efforts, where they mentor and educate students about financial literacy and homeownership.

4. Predatory Lending and Policy Changes:

   • Discussion about the predatory lending practices that led to foreclosures in the Black community during the 2007-2008 financial crisis.
   • Today’s lending landscape has improved with more regulations to prevent similar financial disasters.

5. Encouraging First-Time Homebuyers:

   • Stories of clients who overcame obstacles to become first-time homeowners, including a client who became the first in his family to own a home.
   • The importance of mentorship and support in helping first-time buyers navigate the process.

6. The Role of Veterans in Homeownership:

   • Many Black veterans are unaware of VA loan benefits that could help them purchase homes with no money down and no mortgage insurance.
   • Raising awareness about these programs is essential to increasing Black homeownership.

The conversation concludes with a call to action:

• Educate communities about homeownership.
• Encourage financial literacy from a young age.
• Support first-time homebuyers, particularly in underrepresented communities.

The hosts and guests emphasize that Black History Month is not just about reflection but also about taking steps toward economic empowerment through real estate.

Episode Sponsor:

Buy tickets at: www.trarealtors.net

This episode of The Real Estate Ripple brings you an expert-led discussion on the brand new 8.0 Multi-Board Residential Real Estate contract and its updated addendums. Join us as Attorney Gary Mueller and educator Annette Panzek walk us through the significant changes and their implications for realtors, enabling you to handle transactions confidently.

Whether you're an experienced agent or new to the field, learn about the crucial modifications in the contract and what to watch out for to avoid common pitfalls. Our hosts Christy and Megan and our guests Gary and Annette cover valuable insights into inspection processes, personal property provisions, and compensation details.

Don't miss the chance to register for an in-person training on February 5th and gain the tools you need to stay ahead in the real estate industry. Stay informed, make informed decisions, and ensure your success with this indispensable episode.

In this episode of the Real Estate Ripple, hosts Joe Medrano and Carl McGee sit down with special guest Nora Gruenberg from Illinois Realtors to explore the influential role of realtors in shaping policy and driving community impact. Nora, a Government Affairs Director, provides an inside look at how Illinois Realtors advocate for the real estate industry at local, state, and federal levels, ensuring policies that benefit realtors and the communities they serve.

Tune in to understand the critical partnerships realtors form with legislators, community stakeholders, and how these efforts ensure a strong voice for the industry. Discover how realtors can leverage collective power to drive economic and policy changes that benefit their professional and local communities. This episode is an essential listen for anyone in the real estate sector wanting to make impactful ripples in their market.

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Real Estate Ripple, where hosts Joe Medrano and Carl McGee dive into the world of real estate with expert guests. This week, they're joined by attorney Sean Robertson from Gateville Law Firm, specializing in real estate and estate planning, to discuss the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

In this episode, you'll learn about the CTA's purpose in combating money laundering and terrorism through real estate and business entities. Sean explains who needs to comply, the deadlines involved, and the potential penalties for non-compliance. Whether you're a realtor, investor, or involved in any incorporated entity, this episode provides crucial information you can't afford to miss.

Discover the implications for LLCs, S-corps, and other business structures, and how this new regulation affects privacy and ownership transparency. Sean also shares practical advice on how to navigate the registration process, ensuring you're prepared for the upcoming changes.

Tune in to stay informed and ensure your real estate ventures remain compliant in the ever-evolving landscape. Don't forget to subscribe and share The Real Estate Ripple with your network to keep the conversation going. Remember, every ripple counts!

This Episode's Guest:

The Corporate Transparency Act - Presentation - PDF of Sean's Power Point Presentation

Gateville Law Firm Link to Website

The Affiliate Committee Presents: Food for Thought On-Demand - Corporate Transparency Act Explained w/Sean Robertson

Welcome to the Real Estate Ripple, your essential podcast for insights into the dynamic world of real estate, lending, and local market trends. Tailored for realtors, mortgage professionals, and the vibrant real estate community in Joliet and surrounding areas, this episode offers invaluable tips, tools, and strategies to help you excel.

Join us as we explore the latest market trends and lending updates, featuring expert interviews and local spotlights that delve deep into the evolving property scene. Our aim is to keep you ahead of the curve with actionable advice and engaging stories, ensuring you and your clients make informed decisions.

Whether you're seizing new opportunities or tackling complex transactions, the Real Estate Ripple is here to make your journey smoother, smarter, and more successful. Subscribe today and be part of the conversations that are making waves in real estate. Let's make a splash together!

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 1 of The Real Estate Ripple, where Christy, Joe, Megan, and Carl dive into the ever-evolving world of real estate. In this episode, the hosts explore the dynamic topic of working from home, discussing both its triumphs and trials.

Join Christy Morawski, a seasoned realtor, Joe Medrano, a mortgage expert, Carl McGee, a Marine veteran and real estate professional, and Megan Wendland, an experienced loan officer, as they share personal experiences and insights. Discover how working from home has transformed their daily lives and provided flexibility, especially for those with families.

From the flexibility and productivity gains to the challenges of distractions and the struggle to maintain boundaries, the hosts candidly discuss their experiences. They also share valuable tips on setting up a conducive home office, maintaining discipline, and finding the right balance between work and personal life.

The episode wraps up with a focus on mental health, the importance of hobbies, and the value of staying connected through real estate associations and committees. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration, whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or someone navigating the world of remote work.

In this episode of “Keepin' Up with the Currents Real Estate Real Talk,” host Connie Vavra delves into the significance of diversity in the real estate industry with guests Christina Johns and Kimberley Peoples. The conversation centers around the evolution of the Diversity Committee at Three Rivers Association of Realtors, its impact on the industry, and the importance of inclusivity in creating a welcoming space for all members. From community outreach at events like Joliet Pride to upcoming initiatives like a cultural food fest and book club discussions, the committee is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of diverse backgrounds.

Christina Johns: Christina Johns is the Chair of the Diversity Committee at Three Rivers Association of Realtors. With a passion for inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for all members, Christina is dedicated to ensuring that diverse backgrounds and cultures are represented within the association. Her commitment to education and awareness drives her efforts to make Three Rivers a place where all individuals feel recognized and valued.

Kimberley Peoples: Kimberley Peoples serves as the Vice Chair of the Three Rivers Diversity Committee. Bringing a wealth of experience in community lending, Kimberley is focused on promoting diversity and inclusion within the real estate industry. She actively participates in educational initiatives and community events to foster understanding and appreciation for different cultures and backgrounds.

• The Diversity Committee at Three Rivers Association of Realtors aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members, ensuring that diverse backgrounds and cultures are represented.
• Initiatives such as community outreach at events like Joliet Pride and educational efforts, like book club discussions, are instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the real estate industry.
• Engaging in cultural events, such as a future performance cultural event, helps to celebrate and appreciate different origins and traditions, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding.
• The committee encourages diverse participation from members of all backgrounds to ensure a wide representation and to receive a variety of perspectives and ideas for future initiatives.
• Education and open communication are key to addressing assumptions and biases in the industry and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals.

• Christina Johns: “We want to make sure that everybody feels comfortable and knows that they are a part of this association.”
• Kimberley Peoples: “I think that’s the key to diversity, inclusion is education.”

• Three Rivers Association of Realtors Website

Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion on diversity in real estate. Tune in to the full episode for more enlightening insights and stay informed with “Keeping Up with the Currents Real Estate Real Talk” podcast.

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.

Jennifer Viano Jennifer 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 Babyak Molly 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.

• 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.

Members and their guests can register for our upcoming events on our website below.

• Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® Website