Real estate professionals host legal & professional update seminar for South Asians

*From left to right (front row): Pradeep B. Shukla, Laurie Murphy, John Gormley, Lynn Madison, Kantibhai Patel, Bhailal Patel, Nimesh Jani;* Second row (right to left): Phani Krishnan, Madhu Dave, Raj Patel, Late Sax, Harsha Gohil, Nick Verma, Harsha Shukla, Dipti Dave, Tanvi Gandhi, Marsha Collins, Shirin Marvi, Anjali Mohanti, Rita Shah, Vinita Nil, Ami Mehta; *Third row (left to right): Stacy Mathis, Jayesh Patel, Debajit Sirkar, and other distinguished guests. PHOTO: Courtesy ASARP*

Des Plaines, IL | June 27, 2025.The Association of South Asian Real Estate Professionals (ASARP) successfully hosted a dynamic and insightful evening event on Friday, June 27, 2025, at its Des Plaines Conference Center. Centered on the theme “Informed Professionals Build Resilient Communities,” the event brought together leading voices in the real estate sector to address emerging legal, regulatory, and technological shifts shaping the industry.

The program opened with a heartfelt welcome by Past President Shirin Marvi, who acknowledged the absence of ASARP President Sunita Kakarlapudi due to a leg injury. Marvi underscored ASARP’s enduring mission of fostering knowledge-sharing and professional growth among South Asian realtors.

ASARP Chairman Pradeep B. Shukla delivered a powerful keynote, citing Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.: “The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience.” Shukla highlighted the need for real estate professionals to stay attuned to evolving compliance standards and legal frameworks. He previewed upcoming discussions in ASARP’s July session on pivotal topics such as the One Big Beautiful Act, EB-5 & Golden Visa programs, expanded public listing access, global property platforms, and the welcome news that NAR dues will remain unchanged in 2025.

Harsha Shukla introduced Laurie Murphy, Director of the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) – Real Estate Division. Murphy shared vital state-level regulatory updates, outlined enforcement priorities, and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to promoting professionalism and public trust within the real estate community.

One of the evening’s highlights was a detailed presentation by Lynn Madison, Vice Chair of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) and a nationally respected real estate educator. Madison broke down recent changes to the NAR Code of Ethics, MLS policies, and evolving professional standards, providing attendees with actionable guidance and clarity on ethical practices.

Adding to the evening’s impact, John Gormley, CEO of the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors, unveiled new initiatives aimed at boosting member engagement and public accessibility. He introduced Chicagoland Homes, a new public-facing portal that enhances consumer listing access while emphasizing the value of working with licensed Realtors. His forward-looking vision for tech-driven, transparent communication was met with enthusiastic applause.

ASARP Treasurers Nick Verma and Raj Patel managed event logistics with seamless efficiency, ensuring a smooth and engaging program. Harsha Shukla concluded the event with a warm vote of thanks, recognizing the outstanding contributions of the speakers and the commitment of attendees. He praised the real estate community’s dedication to continuous learning and upholding the highest standards.

The evening concluded with a networking dinner, allowing guests to reflect on the insightful discussions and forge new professional connections. The collective message of the evening was clear and timely:
Being informed is no longer a choice—it’s a responsibility.