Current News

The Trick To Getting Wells

12/17/2018 10:23 AM

Adam Lofgren is on quite a roll. In just one year, the Peoria mortgage lender has managed a perfect hat trick of life milestones. He married the love of his life.

Going the Distance

12/21/2018 10:49 AM

Marathons aren't for everybody. Unlike most exercise regimens, they require Herculean levels of patience and no small amount of will. ...And Suzanne Miller loves them.

New Heights

2/1/2019 9:55 AM

A former denizen of Los Angeles, New York City, and chicago, Courtright's passion for redesign has been aimed squarely at her own homes.

The Heart of the Opportunity

3/15/2019 8:29 AM

Opportunity Zones are all the buzz in the investment world right now and will continue to gain traction for some time to come. What’s an Opportunity Zone?

The Knowing Look

4/12/2019 9:33 AM

House Hunting can be quite the adventure, and no one knows it quite like Cameron Anderson.

For house hunters, the 21st century's digital revolution has been a mixed blessing. Sure, wonders abound: with a few finger swipes in an app, a potential buyer can access a world of prices, specs, and neighborhood info.

Before the Break

7/5/2019 9:43 AM

Theft, fire, tornadoes: for many home emergencies, a solid insurance policy is the natural way to avoid costly repairs on your abode.

Goodwill: What's In A Name?

8/16/2019 3:51 PM

The name can be deceiving, but the mission is straight forward: “supporting individuals and families who are working to better their lives.”

Taking the Lead: Kendra Sipes

10/11/2019 11:45 AM

Introducing Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® President Kendra Sipes. Read her story in the October 11th 309 MLS Magazine!

Peoria Area Housing Market Conditions

10/11/2019 2:52 PM

Choosing a place to live can be difficult, and with good reason. While our phones, tablets, and laptops allow for an endless supply of useful facts they also make it easier than ever to get bad information.

Meet the PAAR Officers & Directors for 2019/2020!

Peoria Area Association of Realtors Officers & Directors 2019/2020

11/14/2019 8:21 AM

PAAR marked its 100th anniversary and installation of its 2019/2020 fiscal year officers and directors on September 26, 2019 at Venue Chisca with a celebratory gala.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home

12/6/2019 12:01 PM

In 2006, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law which requires the placement of carbon monoxide detectors in residences.

The Next Stage

12/17/2019 10:47 AM

It’s a tale as old as time: after years of striving, a young man finally earns enough money to spruce up his apartment. But as it turns out, he’s no interior decorator.

The Price of Value

1/8/2020 1:32 PM

When selling your property you need the most money you can get for it. Here are some great ideas for making sure you are on top of the REALTOR® priority list. Put together a budget for how much you would like to spend before leaving.

Winter Maintenance in Central Illinois

1/13/2020 8:07 AM

Nearly 200 people are killed every year by falling ice. This number can be eliminated by simply maintaining your gutters so the cold winter rain and sleet can flow freely to your downspout. Don’t get speared by falling ice!

When You're Loving Peoria Winter

1/21/2020 9:11 AM

Winter can be a perfect excuse to snuggle inside behind a toasty fire and catch up on our favorite shows with a big bowl of popcorn and our loved ones…. ...Or! We can enjoy the many unique things that the Peoria Area has to offer! Every Winter it seems to get tougher and tougher to find new things to get out and do. Events for the family, events with our besties, or even just a night out flying solo. Here are a few things you can keep in mind when enjoying the entertainment amenities and

Welcoming New World Realty

1/21/2020 10:12 AM

New World Realty is a growing concern that’s joining the extensive real estate community of central Illinois. “The Washington-based brokerage firm is new,” said Megan Krowlek, the Realtor® who was a co-founder of New World along with Ryan Tucker.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Your Home

1/23/2020 4:10 PM

Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more, die from CO produced by idling cars.You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is also produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned.

Marketing Your Home

1/28/2020 6:00 AM

All of us at some point will be in the real estate market buying or selling a home. Whether it’s a single-family house, a condo, or an apartment flat, we have to live somewhere and it’s not free. So how do you get your home seen by the people who are in the market to buy? We’ve asked the folks in the PAAR Marketing Department here in Peoria, IL what they’ve tried over the 36 years of listing for people in the Peoria area and this is what we’ve discovered.

Peoria Small Business Development and Real Estate

1/30/2020 8:17 AM

Choosing a place to live can be difficult, and with good reason. While our phones, tablets, and laptops allow for an endless supply of useful facts and specs, they have also made it easier than ever to get bad information. One wrong click and buyers may be scared away from a home and city they would love – or, just asbad, be convinced to invest in an areawith no growth potential. In a time of unbridled access, it can be hard to make that vital distinction between nuanced journalism and a poorly

Glorious Wedding-tine's Day

2/25/2020 2:13 PM

FEBRUARY The glorious month that brings us awards shows, the Super Bowl, National Pizza Day, and Presidents Day. February also brings about another holiday that has the power to radically change futures. That day, of course, is Valentine’s Day! According to WeddingWire.com, 10% of people will get engaged to their future spouse on February 14th. If you are part of that 10% and plan on buying a home with your sweetheart; I have some good and

Coronavirus Press Release from PAAR

3/19/2020 7:47 AM

The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® recognizes the challenges faced by all citizens these days as we cope with containing the spread of the coronavirus. At this time when families are being asked to stay home, PAAR wants to let the public know that Realtors® are ready to serve this community in a safe and productive manner.

Stay-at-Home Orders Present New DIY Opportunities

5/5/2020 3:05 PM

More homeowners are taking on do-it-yourself house projects while staying at home, which is helping to add value and appeal to their properties. Even small projects, like cleaning tile grout, can make a big difference, real estate pros say.

Home Showings Up in Peoria

5/13/2020 12:00 AM

Home Showings Up in Peoria; despite restrictions, home sales down only 6% in April. May 13, 2020 - Peoria, Illinois The Peoria-area housing market has shown resilience despite limitations dictated by the COVID-19 outbreak. Figures released this week by the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® show that the number of showings by PAAR REALTORS® steadily increased.

Diversity & Inclusion

9/22/2020 12:55 PM

Illinois REALTORS® launches Diversity Initiative – Leader in housing policy to amplify industry’s impact on promoting diversity, equality and affordability.

Q3 Stats Breaking Records

10/21/2020 2:19 PM

Despite COVID-19, Q3 Stats Prove the Peoria Region is Still Holding Strong, In Fact Breaking Records ... Despite some of the most challenging obstacles in recent history, area home sales broke records in the third quarter, totaling 2,210 closed sales; 28% increase from the third quarter of 2019. Each month of Q3 also month of the second quarter also surpassed any previous months on record.

Local Area Community Garden Expansion

4/6/2021 11:26 AM

The PAAR CARES Foundation has joined Phoenix Community Development Services, as well as other community partners, in assisting with the expansion of the Sow to Grow Community Garden.

Bras For The Cause

6/9/2021 8:25 AM

Join Us For Bras For The Cause, Thursday, August 5th! Watch for more details!

June National Homeownership Month

6/14/2021 2:39 PM

Each year during the month of June, the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® takes the opportunity to celebrate homeownership by showcasing individual homeowners, government officials, and various programs that protect and promote the American Dream of Homeownership.

PAAR President featured on News 25

6/16/2021 12:01 PM

Since July of last year, Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® President Jason Catton said since June of 2020 an average of 621 homes were sold per month. Catton said numbers like that have not been seen since 2005, which was caused by new construction.

Home Sales Up 37%

7/21/2021 7:12 AM

Home sales in the Peoria area were 37.5 percent in the second quarter this year over the same period in 2020, according to the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®.

New CEO Announced

8/17/2021 10:00 AM

Jennifer Hamm announced as the new CEO at the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®.

New PAAR President & Board Installed

9/27/2021 10:22 AM

PAAR's new President, Ryan Cannon, along with the entire leadership team were installed during the Annual Installation of Officers & Directors held Thursday, September 23rd at the Paradice Hotel.

Chili 'Koch' Off to benefit the Nancy Koch Scholarship

10/13/2021 8:14 AM

Chili 'Koch' Off to benefit the Nancy Koch Scholarship on October 20th!

Peoria-area Home Sales Up 14 Percent in 2021!

10/19/2021 12:47 PM

October 15, 2021- PEORIA, IL. Home sales in the Peoria area are up 14.4 percent through the first nine months on 2021 over the same period last year, according to the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®.

Nancy Koch Scholarship & GRI Designation

11/8/2021 9:22 AM

The PAAR CARES Foundation is accepting applications for those interested in earning the Graduate REALTOR® Institute Designation through the Nancy Koch Scholarship.

$6,000 Raised for 8th Annual Boots for Kids Campaign

12/22/2021 11:24 AM

December 21, 2021- Macomb, Illinois. Lamoine Valley REALTORS®, Chapter of the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® held its 8th Annual Boots for Kids campaign throughout the months of November and December.

2021 Topped the Billion-Dollar Mark Making History for the First Time!

1/18/2022 7:09 AM

January 13, 2022 PEORIA, IL- The year 2021 was another record-breaking year for home sales in the Peoria area. The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® reported that 7,634 homes were sold in the Peoria area last year, topping the 2020 total of 6,798 homes sold.

PAAR Welcomes New Members!

3/15/2022 2:53 PM

Please help us welcome PAAR's new members for February!

Greater Peoria 2030 Initiative

3/21/2022 1:44 PM

PAAR is excited to announce its partnership with various local organizations to better the Greater Peoria Area by 2030. Central Illinois is a special place to live, work and grow though greater affordability and connectivity that translates into a better overall quality of life for all. Greater Peoria 2030 has three life cycles: short term, 5-year and 10-year components. This initial campaign will focus on the short-term and 5-year cycles of the project.

Record Low Inventory in Q1

4/19/2022 11:00 AM

April 18, 2022 PEORIA, IL Inventory of homes on market drops to a record low level ... The inventory of homes on the market in the Peoria-area reached a record breaking low in the first quarter this year as sales decreased 12.2% compared to the first quarter of 2021.

Updated Residential Real Property Disclosure Act

5/18/2022 8:23 AM

Illinois REALTORS® was able to work with the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association on this agreed bill that the governor signed very quickly. As the guidance document explains, there are not many substantive changes, but the Act has been made more current and clarifies some common questions. The new report should be used in lieu of the former version, effective immediately.

Downpayment Assistance Program Announced!

5/25/2022 9:24 AM

PAAR is excited to announce the launch of the Down Payment Assistance Program grant made available through the City of Peoria. PAAR collaborated with our Affiliate Lenders and the Community Development department / Land Bank to work out the logistics of the release and application process for this grant.

Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® to Assist the City of Peoria

6/15/2022 12:31 PM

Peoria, IL (June 15, 2022) – The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) has been selected as one of three local REALTOR® associations nationwide to participate in the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) Transforming Neighborhoods Program. Through Transforming Neighborhoods, NAR collaborates with The Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE®) Consulting Corps to provide analysis, plans, and actionable recommendations to solve today’s top-of-mind real estate issues.

Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® announces Leadership Academy Class of ’22-’23

7/11/2022 7:48 AM

Seventeen PAAR REALTORS® have been selected to participate in this year’s Leadership Academy program. We are thrilled to bring the Academy back this year and it’s going to be better than ever!

Average sales price for the Peoria region was $168,433 in Quarter 2, up from $154,338 over the same period in 2021

7/28/2022 10:06 AM

July 21, 2022 PEORIA, IL- The lack of homes on the market in the Peoria area remains the single biggest factor in the 15.2 percent decline in home sales for the second quarter over the same period in 2021, according to the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS®.

Peoria-area home sales down 15.2 % in 3Q compared to last year

10/26/2022 10:41 AM

Oct. 26, 2022 PEORIA, IL— Despite rising interest rates and lack of inventory, 3Q is third best ever in PAAR history. Amidst a period of rising interest rates and a lack of inventory, the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® posted the third highest number of home sales in a third quarter, topped only by record sales in the period over the previous two years.

REDEVELOPING THE MCKINLEY AND HARRISON SCHOOL PROPERTIES TO ENHANCE PEORIA

3/13/2023 8:33 AM

REDEVELOPING THE MCKINLEY AND HARRISON SCHOOL PROPERTIES TO ENHANCE PEORIA PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP NEEDED NOW PEORIA, Ill. — Redevelopment of the old McKinley and Harrison school sites in the next five years could bolster the city of Peoria – if both the public and private sectors join forces and make it a priority right now, according to a new report coordinated by the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR).

Local REALTOR® of the Year

5/4/2023 7:23 AM

Ryan Cannon of Re/Max Traders Unlimited, who was recently named REALTOR® of the Year by PAAR, received special recognition during a state banquet in April. Pictured here are Ryan Cannon, left and IR President Michael Gobber, right.

Habitat for Humanity

6/12/2023 7:05 AM

PAAR Secretary/Treasurer, Keith McKeever, along with PAAR members Tim Weir and Chad Dunham, and a few core Habitat volunteers, came together to do some serious demo work and to kick off the first Habitat rehab house at 114 Mabee Avenue in East Peoria! Way to go!

Illinois Diversity Real Estate Scholarship Program

6/20/2023 12:11 PM

The Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation (REEF) administers the Illinois Diversity Real Estate Scholarship Program in partnership with the State of Illinois, which allows us to award 60 scholarships each year to qualified racial residents of Illinois pursuing courses of study that will prepare them for careers relating to real estate or enhance the skills and knowledge that they currently use as real estate professionals. There are 10 scholarships to give away by June 30th!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

10/30/2023 11:36 AM

The Holiday Party & Reverse Raffle Event "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" promises to be tons of fun! Sign up to attend the event for $40 or buy a ticket to the reverse raffle $100, which includes a chance at winning the grand prize with loads of other drawings throughout the evening! Both include food and complimentary beverages! Proceeds benefit the PAAR CARES Foundation.

PAAR Holiday Party & PAAR CARES Reverse Raffle

12/19/2023 12:53 PM

December 14, 2023. The Paradice Hotel was the location of the PAAR Holiday Party & PAAR CARES reverse raffle. The PAAR Power Partners provided complimentary beverages and a cozy winter wonderland which set the stage for the raffle. The raffle helps PAAR CARES reach their annual $30,000 goal. PAAR CARES reaches 32 local food pantries every year!

Best Places to Live in the US 2024

5/6/2024 2:13 PM

Peoria perfectly balances natural beauty and Midwestern charm. A strong sense of community, diverse recreational options and affordability contribute to the city's high quality of life. From charming neighborhoods to fun festivals, Peoria is full of character and opportunity.

Good Neighbor Days

7/17/2024 2:40 PM

During NAR's Good Neighbor Days, the PAAR Cares Committee took action to make a difference in our community! Our dedicated volunteers spent time at Midwest Food Bank, labeling cans to be delivered to local food banks.

Chili 'Koch' Off

9/19/2024 6:52 AM

Reservations are open for the Chili 'Koch' Off happening on October 17th!

Trivia Night to Benefit PAAR Cares Foundation

10/17/2024 12:31 PM

Trivia night is quickly approaching! Looking for something fun to do and win prizes too?! Join us ...

Interest rate cuts fuel consumer confidence

10/28/2024 6:49 AM

3Q sales up 8.1 percent over 2Q OCT 24 2024 PEORIA, IL— With interest rates declining, consumer confidence is growing, said Peoria Area Association of REALTORS President Chris Hilton. Third-quarter sales were up 8.1 percent over home sales in the second quarter, noted Hilton. “Sales often pick up in warmer months which contributes to the third-quarter numbers. I think it shows the resilience of our housing market and its stabilization along with renewed buyer interest,” she said.