Illinois Realtors initiative targets state's housing deficit 

Editor's note: From regional and statewide players to locals focused on a single market, multiple listings services and Realtor associations are the backbone of residential real estate. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the organizations that are shaping the future of the industry.

Illinois Realtors unveils new initiative to address housing supply crisis

Illinois Realtors today announced the launch of the Illinois Housing Supply Accelerator Program, an initiative aimed at helping communities across the state address the housing supply crisis and boost new home construction.

The association noted on its website that Illinois has a housing deficit of 142,000 homes — and with that gap still growing, a "sense of urgency" is needed to address it.

"Without action soon, the housing shortage could more than double, putting additional pressure on affordability and economic growth statewide," Illinois Realtors said. "This is not a future issue; it is already impacting workforce availability, business growth, and community stability."

The new program, which includes a playbook and assessment worksheets, creates a practical pathway for mayors, city managers, Realtors, lenders and other community leaders to unite on creating and implementing housing supply and affordability solutions. 

The program's goal, according to the Illinois Realtors website, is to address local zoning and policy requirements and help communities remove existing barriers to boost housing inventory without waiting for state or federal lawmakers to act.

Stellar MLS expands commercial listing distribution

Stellar MLS has partnered with Crexi to automatically distribute eligible commercial listings to Crexi's marketplace, expanding exposure for subscribers while allowing them to enter listings once through the MLS.

The integration gives Stellar subscribers access to Crexi's audience of more than 23 million annual users and more than 500,000 active listings at no additional cost. Eligible listings entered through the MLS can now be automatically published to Crexi, reducing the need for separate listing workflows. Listings can reach commercial buyers, tenants and investors nationwide through the distribution connection.

The partnership follows Stellar's July integration of commercial listings into Matrix, where subscribers can enter and search for commercial sales, leases and business opportunities, according to a news release.

Stellar said the partnership is intended to expand market exposure while maintaining existing subscriber workflows. Subscribers who use Crexi can "save time, increase visibility and connect with more potential buyers and tenants," according to Stellar CEO Shayne Fairley. "Our subscribers need technology that works hard for them — and streamlines the process," Fairley added.

Editor's note: AI was used in the initial drafting of this content, which was then thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and revised by a Real Estate News editor.