The Illinois Association of Realtors held its annual public policy meeting in East Peoria last week.  The group discussed priorities as state lawmakers re-convene in Springfield Tuesday.  Loretta Alonzo is President of the Illinois Association of Realtors.  She says legislators and local officials need to be sensitive to increases in property transfer taxes and the cost of building inspections before a sale:

“Even though the prices of the homes have gone down, the taxing bodies and districts have increased their tax base,” Alonzo says.

“So even though you might have a house that’s worth less and the assessed valuation has gone down, maybe your taxes are staying the same.  You don’t see that reduction in tax value.”

Alonzo says the group wants to work with the state to help boost jobs in the state.  She says the group will pay attention to any bills that could affect land use or development fees.  Alonzo says the group also helps the state secure grant money to help people going into foreclosure.