Join Mel Aclaro, the behind-the-scenes secret weapon of some of America's most successful agents on the web, as he shares with you seven powerful FREE tools you can use to increase your productivity, target your niche, and increase the quality of the leads you attract. More

Social media expert Niall Harbison has compiled a list of 25 useful tools that you should get to know better.More

How well do you know the FHA?More

The KAR "Right Track: Leadership in Motion” program was created to develop the leadership potential of REALTORS® in Kansas. 

 

Apply for a KCRAR-subsidized spot in the 2011 program by submitting an application to KCRAR's Debbie Strange by Oct. 1. 

More

Watch your driving speed when you’re headed to KCRAR!More

Chances are if you’re a blogger, you sometimes come face-to-face with blogger’s block. 

More

Two KCRAR members have reported another e-mail scam. Please be aware of this current scam and don’t become a victim should you receive a similar e-mail, even if it appears to be from "someone you know.”

 

More

What do people spend the most time doing online? You guessed it, social media. More

The Johnson County Visioning Committee has launched the first of three Online Community Workshops (from August 2-15). 

This is an opportunity for those who live and/or work in Johnson County to share their input about the future of the county.

More

The real estate business, like many pursuits these days, can be stressful since you're always on the go. But you can take steps to manage it... if you know how.

Stay on top of your blood pressure, one tried-and-true indicator of overall health, with free blood pressure screenings available now through Dec. 31 at Take Care Clinics at select Walgreens locations.

More

Despite declining home prices in some areas, 90 percent of Americans don't regret buying their current home, according to a survey for Bankrate.com.More

Even the most resourceful, resilient real estate practitioners have run into challenges lately. Are you facing any of these issues?More

If you receive an e-mail regarding inclusion in the "2010 Government Buyers Guide," please disregard. It is spam and should be deleted!

More

As of July 13, 2010, the National Association of REALTORS® started using a new system for sending e-mail from the REALTOR® Action Center.

In order to be assured you continue to receive these important announcements, it is critically important to whitelist the new NAR mail servers on your office e-mail system. More

Single women in their 20s who work in an urban setting are earning 105% of what their male counterparts are earning, according to James Chung, president of Reach Advisors.  More

You're happily blogging and engaging on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, but are you alienating potential clients without even knowing it? More

See the surprising findings of a recent survey of 1,000 house hunters released by real estate brokerage ZipRealty.

More

If you're looking for prospecting ideas and inspiration, here's the video for you.

More

Money Magazine has released its list of the best small cities in America. The list, which recognizes locales with great schools, safe neighborhoods, high employment rates, and low crime, is a coveted honor and one that can have a significant economic impact on a growing community.More

Get free tips on keeping a home sale from falling apart – ideas you can share directly with sellers or use in your marketing materials.

 

More

Join Tom Glatt, President and CEO of the REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, at a webinar to learn more about their competitive interest and dividend rates, which make it a perfect complement to your existing financial portfolio.
More

Glenna Lunceford, GRI, ABR, CRS was an honored guest at the KCRAR Board of Directors meeting on June 24, 2010 when she received the REALTOR® Emeritus Award from KCRAR President Renee Ryan Edwards.

Brian Sisney also received the REALTOR® Emeritus Award, which requires 40 continuous years of membership in a REALTOR® Association. More

For their service and professionalism, several KCRAR members have been recognized as MAR Honor Society inductees. More

Congratulations to KCRAR staff member Cristalle Bozarth, who recently received the MAR Award of Excellence for a Win in 2010! regarding RPAC fundraising efforts. More

You may already be aware of scams being reported in our area, and to give you more indications of the types of things to watch for, here’s another example.More

Do you have clients looking to purchase a home within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo.? If so, they may benefit from the KC Dream Home Program.

 

The city’s Housing and Community Development Department is now accepting applications from first-time homebuyers for the program.

More

Under the Home Ownership Purchase Enhancement (HOPE) program, MHDC provides incentives up to $1,750 to encourage Missourians to purchase homes and there is currently more than $12 million still available for qualified homebuyers.

A recent change requires a homebuyer to complete the purchase of their home by August 31, 2010.

More

Congratulations to Ann Halterman and Cindy Spicer on their selection as members of the 2010-2011 Class of the Missouri Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy! More

A few weeks ago in this newsletter you read that REALTOR® Magazine was looking for your input regarding Customer Relationship Management tools. They were working on a Buyer's Guide, which has now been published.

 

More

Within the span of one month last year, REALTOR® Ann Walter, Walter Homes and Coldwell Banker Advantage, experienced the best and worst days of her life.

A year after losing her mother to a sudden stroke, you can help Ann honor her mother's memory by donating to her Half Mary for Proud Mary campaign.

More

The Right Tools, Right Now initiative has been extended through 2010, so you can continue to take advantage of hundreds of NAR products and resources that can help your business now, for FREE or at cost. More

To go green and leverage the immediacy of the Internet, NAR has opted to replace its annual printed Member Reference Guide with an online format beginning in 2011.

To that end, the Guide and membership card you've probably already received this year will be the final printed versions.

 

More

Please remember that courteous behavior is professional behavior - before, during and after the sale.
More

You love your profession and are a member of the REALTOR^® Association for a reason! Tell everyone your story – let them know why you love being a REALTOR® - a member of the National Association of REALTORS®!More

You can download free "weekend warrior” homeowner content for your newsletters, blogs, and Web sites from the REALTOR® Content Resource, the members-only tool of NAR’s consumer-facing Web site HouseLogic. More

Several local agents have been contacted by email recently under a check kiting scheme.

You can avoid headaches and losses, or even intentional fraud, by being aware of potential scams and requiring certified funds or wire transfers for earnest money.

More

In a new video, NAR President-elect Ron Phipps and NAR CEO Dale Stinton offer an update on the REALTORS® Property Resource.

More

Real estate professionals know the value of lockboxes for their business. But it's important to keep in mind some key reminders about lockboxes in order to maintain the integrity and safety of the system.

 

More

REALTOR® Magazine is seeking nominations for the 11th annual Good Neighbor Awards. The program recognizes REALTORS® who’ve made an extraordinary commitment to community service.

More

What's the most common reason for selling a home?

Quiz yourself on data from NAR's massive survey of recent buyers and sellers.More

Two KCRAR members earned a spot in Ingram's "40 Under 40" list in April. The "40 Under 40" honorees represent a variety of industry and philanthropic interests in the KC metro area.

Congratulations to Brian Beggs, CFA, CCIM and Jay Ruf, SIOR, CCIM, LEED AP!

More

For Jennifer Flaspohler, RE/MAX Best Associates, running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Woman of the Year is a cause that hits home.

Read the full story to learn more about Jennifer's campaign and how you can contribute!More

Beginning in 2010 and beyond, KAR will no longer collect Honor Society applications.

 

More

Please remember that if you leave the real estate business, go into a referral company or return your license to the Real Estate Commission, you must return your DisplayKEY and iBoxes to KCRAR within seven days.

More

Improve your business with REALTOR® Magazine’s annual List Issue.

More

Take advantage of the Center for REALTOR® Technology's 2010 Smartphone Survey Report for FREE through the Right Tools, Right Now initiative.

 

More

Since 1988, the Kansas Association of REALTORS® Honor Society has recognized and rewarded the high professional achievement of members who seek excellence through education, who voluntarily contribute their expertise, and who voluntarily contribute their time and skills to Board and Association leadership.

Applications for the Honor Society's next class are due to KCRAR by June 15 to be considered. KCRAR will then submit qualified candidates to KAR by July 1.

More

Fran Cashion, director of relocation for Prudential Kansas City Realty, accepted two national awards during the Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services (PRERS) sales convention in March. 

In addition to these two awards, Prudential Kansas City took home additional honors at the ceremony, which honored the best-of-the-best among the PRERS network of 640 companies.

More

Recognizing that leadership development is an essential part of the process of improving our association and profession, the Missouri Association of REALTORS® (MAR) has developed a Leadership Academy.

Through this program, MAR identifies emerging REALTOR^® leaders from among its members, encourages them with motivational activities, and assists in sharpening their leadership skills so that they may exert a strong positive influence on the future of MAR, their local boards/associations and the profession. More

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) invites you to attend "Recycling Kansas – the Kansas Brownfields Program.” 

Brownfields workshops are designed to provide attendees with basic knowledge regarding property eligibility and identifying state, federal, and other financial and technical resources to assist in resolving environmental and redevelopment issues for communities.

More

This month, make the most of Fair Housing Month! With FREE resources from NAR's Right Tools, Right Now, learn more about fair housing regulations and housing discrimination issues.More

You can help support the Women's Heart Health program at Saint Luke's South by attending the third annual Books and Boutiques luncheon!

KCRAR member Gail Dicus, Reece & Nichols, is the honorary chair for this year's event, to be held this Thursday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. More

As reliant as real estate professionals are on their smartphones and netbooks, many of them still do most of their administrative work on a desktop system while at their company or home office.

For an upcoming REALTOR® Magazine buyers’ guide, we’d like to hear what you’re using and why.

More

Some cities are better than others for borrowers - and according to Forbes Magazine, Kansas City, Mo. ranks on top!


More

REALTOR® Magazine is seeking nominations for the 11th annual Good Neighbor Awards. The program recognizes REALTORS® who've made an extraordinary commitment to community service.More

Watch local REALTOR® Kristin Malfer on an upcoming episode of HGTV's "House Hunters"! More

This month, make the most of Fair Housing Month! With FREE resources from NAR's Right Tools, Right Now, learn more about fair housing regulations and housing discrimination issues.

More

"The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” recently signed by President Obama, has a number of provisions that affect REALTORS®.

This is being closely followed by NAR Government Affairs and to help keep you informed, NAR has updated the Health Reform page of Realtor.org with a summary of the new law.More

About one in every six Americans lives in a multi-generational household, up 30 percent since 2000, according to U.S. Census figures and a study released March 18 by the Pew Research Center.

More

According to the most recent REALTORS^® Confidence Index, buyers continue to be discouraged with the extended short sale process, which frequently results in foreclosures that could have been prevented.

New resources from the National Association of REALTORS® aim to help you and consumers successfully navigate the short sale process to help more home owners avoid foreclosure.

More

"The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” recently signed by President Obama, has a number of provisions that affect REALTORS®.

This is being closely followed by NAR Government Affairs and to help keep you informed, NAR has updated the Health Reform page of Realtor.org with a summary of the new law.More

Have you taken your CE?

Please remember the Missouri license renewal deadline for brokers is June 30 and for agents is September 30, 2010. With these dates coming up, it’s a great time now to take CE before classes are in very high demand this summer.

More

Recognizing that leadership development is an essential part of the process of improving our association and profession, the Missouri Association of REALTORS® (MAR) has developed a Leadership Academy.

Through this program, MAR identifies emerging REALTOR^® leaders from among its members, encourages them with motivational activities and assists in sharpening their leadership skills so that they may exert a strong positive influence on the future of MAR, their local boards/associations and the profession. More

Google has announced plans to select a city (or cities) to test its new ultrahigh speed internet. At up to 100 times faster than today's speediest connection, it will drastically improve the speeds of uploads, downloads, photo sharing, online videos, online conferencing and allow multiple users easier access.

Several cities in our area are vying to be a test location and are looking for citizens' input to help their chances of being selected!

More

If you send your license renewal to the Kansas Real Estate Commission as close to the deadline as possible, that may cost you!

 

The United States Postal Service has stopped stamping the postmark date on many applications that are received by KREC. As a result, the Commission is no longer able to verify the date a renewal application was mailed.

More

Pending home sales are down and additional declines are expected from abnormal weather conditions, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors®.More

Do you have some accomplishments to share with everyone in the Kansas city real estate community? How about an upcoming real estate-related event or a community service function? 

Maybe you have done some community service work that would make a news story in your area.More

Have you started planning for retirement yet? Whether the answer is yes or no, this article is a must read.More

Did you know that your qualified Missouri families may be able to receive an additional $1,750 ON TOP of the $8,000/$6,500 homebuyer tax credits? The state of Missouri has allocated $15 million towards the HOPE program and YOU can be the one to tell your clients.

More

According to the most recent REALTORS^® Confidence Index, buyers continue to be discouraged with the extended short sale process, which frequently results in foreclosures that could have been prevented.
New resources from the National Association of REALTORS® aim to help you and consumers successfully navigate the short sale process to help more home owners avoid foreclosure.More

Real Estate Connect is always packed with great content. Here are eight "gems" to help build your real estate business in 2010. More

Have you checked out Jan Pringle’s blog recently? Jan, KCRAR’s Education Director, regularly writes about topics of interest to REALTORS®, including safety, class follow-up notes, and licensing issues.

 

Her latest entry, which you can read here, is an updated look at safety procedures for Open Houses.

More

Please remember that courteous behavior is professional behavior - before, during and after the sale.

More

KCRAR is fired up about its mouth-watering partnership with Sambol Meats!

The partnership allows you and your friends to savor a fine steak or sausage while supporting the KCRAR Foundation, a 501(c) 3 charitable organization that helps support MAR’s Center for Education, scholarships for local college students, disaster relief and other charitable organizations. More

Common home renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. REALTORS® should make themselves aware of the requirements in this Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.

More

Did you know that by attaching your PIN Code to your Supra Key or by placing the PIN Code with your key, you can give a criminal access to over 20,000 listings? It’s true.More

REALTOR® Magazine’s Good Neighbor Society is offering two grants for REALTORS® who perform outstanding community volunteer service.

The application deadline for one of the grants is coming right up on Friday, February 19, so apply NOW!

More

The Mid-America Regional Council is working on a future land-use forecast to support the new long-range transportation plan for the Kansas City area, Transportation Outlook 2040.

 

Let your voice be heard and help accurately predict what the region will look like in 2040 by participating in this policy survey.

More

Take advantage of free NAR products and resources through its Right Tools, Right Now initiative, including two upcoming webinars on REALTOR® Safety and Energy Efficiency. More

If you send your license renewal to the Kansas Real Estate Commission as close to the deadline as possible, that may cost you!

 

The United States Postal Service has stopped stamping the postmark date on many applications that are received by KREC. As a result, the Commission is no longer able to verify the date a renewal application was mailed.

More

The winter food and fund drive for Harvesters sponsored by KCRAR and HMLS was a great success – proven by the overflowing bins in our lobby!

More

Do you have some accomplishments to share with everyone in the Kansas city real estate community? How about an upcoming real estate-related event or a community service function? 

Maybe you have done some community service work that would make a news story in your area.

More

The Missouri Association of REALTORS^®’ Honor Society was founded to recognize and reward high professional achievement of members.

If you’re interested in applying for membership to the MAR Honor Society, please be sure to have your application to KCRAR no later than noon on February 12, 2010.More

If you missed any of NAR's free 2009 webinars, view the archives courtesy of the "Right Tools, Right Now” initiative. More

According to the Wall Street Journal, a study released Tuesday by Forrester Research found that 33 percent of adults update Web sites like Twitter and Facebook once a week. More

All owners of rental dwellings located in Kansas City, Mo., must renew or establish registration of their rental properties with the City's Neighborhood and Community Services Department for 2010 before Feb 1.

More

All owners of rental dwellings located in Kansas City, Mo., must renew or establish registration of their rental properties with the City's Neighborhood and Community Services Department for 2010 before Feb 1 to avoid additional fees. More

Despite a slow market and a slight decrease in the resale value of most remodeling projects, the smartest home improvement investments may also be some of the least expensive.

Results from the 2009 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report show that small-scale exterior projects are the most profitable at resale.

More

The Missouri Association of REALTORS^®’ Honor Society was founded to recognize and reward high professional achievement of members.

If you’re interested in applying for membership to the MAR Honor Society, please be sure to have your application to KCRAR no later than noon on February 12, 2010.More

Bank around the clock with REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, NAR’s entirely virtual credit union. More

Effective 12/31/09, when you contact Supra for support, you will be able to enter your serial number and be automatically routed to the correct support representative, instead of being required to select from a menu.

This means that you will spend less time on the phone and get your questions answered more quickly!

More

The Kansas Association of REALTORS® has announced the Class of 2010 for its statewide leadership program "The Right Track." This will be the eighth year of the popular program, which identifies emerging REALTOR® leaders who possess the promise to be leaders in their communities, organizations and the Association.

Four KCRAR members are included in the Class of 2010 roster! Congratulations to Julie Baker, Brian Edmondson, Kristi Porter and Steve Rosenthal.

More

One of HGTV’s newest shows is looking for a fun, enthusiastic and knowledgeable real estate agent in the Kansas City area to feature on an upcoming episode!

 

Your job will be to tour three recently renovated basements alongside HGTV’s Design Expert, Taniya Nayak. Read the story for more details! 

More

Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® and Heartland Multiple Listing Service are teaming up with Harvesters – The Community Food Network, and will sponsor a food and fund drive through Wednesday, January 27, 2010.

We've extended it by a whole month, so there's plenty of time to contribute if you haven't already, or bring in some more if you already have!

More

The Missouri Association of REALTORS^®’ Honor Society was founded to recognize and reward high professional achievement of members who seek excellence through education and voluntarily contribute their time and skills to MAR and MAR Association leadership.

If you’re interested in applying for membership to the MAR Honor Society, please be sure to have your application to KCRAR no later than noon on February 12, 2010.

More

The Right Tools, Right Now initiative from NAR has been extended to 2010, so members can continue to take advantage of hundreds of NAR products and resources that can help their business now, for FREE or at cost. More

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a national charity that hopes to turn old cell phones into more than 12 million minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops stationed overseas. Since December 2008, KCRAR has collected more than 100 cell phones for Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This year, a special thanks goes to Rebecca Creek, an agent with Prudential Kansas City Realty! Rebecca spearheaded the collection of almost 50 cell phones from her office colleagues.

More

Marshall Stapleton was an honored guest at the KCRAR Board of Directors meeting on December 4, 2009 when he received the REALTOR® Emeritus Award from KCRAR President Chris Collins. Marshall received a certificate from NAR and a lapel pin to commemorate the special occasion.

Congratulations to Marshall for his long successful career and this honor!

More

The Show Me and Northland Regions are seeking 2010 Annual Sponsors! This opportunity is for KCRAR affiliate members only. Have a presence before other region members!More

Each June, REALTOR® Magazine features 30 rising young stars in the real estate industry.

Now's your chance to be considered for the 2010 class of "30 Under 30."

More

Let's face it – 2009 has been a tough year for almost everyone in the real estate industry. 

 

When times are tough and negative news floods the media, it can be hard to stay positive. Here are seven reasons to be grateful this holiday season.

More

Congratulations to David Nichols with RE/MAX Heartland! David won a $150 Visa gift card for his participation in a recent survey about the REALTORS® Political Action Committee.

More

Celebrate November as REALTOR® Designation Awareness Month by starting, completing or continuing the courses necessary to earn an official REALTOR® designation.

Earning a designation from NAR or one of its affiliated Institutes, Societies and Councils can help you succeed in all aspects of your business and help you earn more money.More

Add something new to your next sales meeting! Contact Debbie Strange, KCRAR executive assistant/professional standards manager, to arrange for her to discuss Procuring Cause or "Who Gets the Money.”

More

NAR is working to support its members Right Now during this challenging time.

 

November brings even more NAR products and resources to members for free or at cost through Right Tools, Right Now.

More

You can learn about almost anything in the real estate arena at one of the many publications linked to on www.kcrar.com. More

Each June, REALTOR® Magazine features 30 rising young stars in the real estate industry.

Now's your chance to be considered for the 2010 class of "30 Under 30."

More

The Show Me Region of Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® is pleased to offer its members the opportunity to receive financial aid for continuing education through the Jack King Memorial Scholarship Fund. More

In January, the Kansas and Missouri Government Affairs Committees challenged each other to raise $100 or more per committee member for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee.

The winning committee would receive breakfast in November, served by the other committee's chair.

More

As the 2009 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit nears its end on November 30, your REALTOR® associations have increased efforts to have it extended and expanded.  More

The economy is hurting. Home sales in many markets, while on the upswing, remain sluggish. Uncertainty abounds. In this kind of environment, it's easy to get discouraged.

 

But there's no reason you have to stay that way, says Jon Gordon, author of The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal With Negativity at Work (Wiley, 2008). Here's Gordon's advice on how to come out ahead in this tough market.

More

A small number of agents update their DisplayKEY through a USB connection on their PC.

More

Three KCRAR members recently completed the prestigious leadership program of the Kansas Association of REALTORS®. Steve Kornspan, Sydney Lobaugh, Michael Pierce and eight other Kansas REALTORS® were part of the sixth annual class of The Right Track: Leadership in Motion from KAR.More

You can learn about almost anything in the real estate arena at one of the REALTOR® Magazine Blogs.More

The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) is now offering a refinance program to help Missouri homeowners make their monthly mortgage payments and avoid foreclosure. The program is designed for responsible homeowners who need assistance with the closing costs associated with refinancing their existing mortgage, as well as those who need a reduction in their first mortgage principal balance in order refinance their existing home loan.  More

HGTV's hit TV series, House Hunters, is coming to the Kansas City metro area, and they're looking for homebuyers and real estate agents who want to appear on the show!More

KCRAR implemented a new RPAC program this year called the "100% RPAC Office Challenge." Seven offices participated and one - Prudential Kansas City - succeeded in collecting RPAC donations from every single person in their office!More

Twenty-five KCRAR members were recently inducted into the KAR Honor Society. The Honor Society recognizes professionalism through participation, education and service. More

Here is the final question for Practical Tips on Short Sales:

1) What has been your most unusual, rewarding or frustrating short sale experience?More

The sixth annual REALTOR^® Safety Week fell on September 13–19 this year. Although observing REALTOR^® Safety Week was a great way to kick off awareness of these issues, NAR and KCRAR encourage you to continue to build your safety awareness throughout the year. To get you started, KCRAR has shared some safety tips with you in Realeyes Online Update throughout the month of September.

Here are the final week's tips!More

KCRAR has openings for members who want to serve as Directors from our association to the Missouri or Kansas Association of REALTORS®. The qualifications are: a desire to serve at the state level; and membership in KCRAR for at least two years. More

Here are this week's questions for Practical Tips on Short Sales:

1) Describe the difference between a home loan modification, a short sale, a foreclosure and a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

2) As a listing agent, how can you establish a good relationship with the buyer's agent (or vice versa)? Why is this important in a short sale?More

How often have you been alone with a prospective client in your office or an open house?

The sixth annual REALTOR^® Safety Week falls on September 13–19 this year. Although observing REALTOR^® Safety Week is a great way to kick off awareness of these issues, NAR and KCRAR encourage you to continue to build your safety awareness throughout the year. More

The KAR "Right Track: Leadership in Motion" program was created to develop the leadership potential of REALTORS® in Kansas.

If you know of someone in your company or someone active in KCRAR that you think has what it takes to be a future leader, please forward their name to Debbie Strange at KCRAR and she will send them an application for appointment and more information. More

Here are this week's questions for Practical Tips on Short Sales:

1) Some agents say short sales are too complicated and more trouble than they're worth. How can REALTORS® make short sales worth their time and effort?

2) What's a general timeline agents should expect when working with a short sale? More

The sixth annual REALTOR® Safety Week falls on September 13-19 this year. Now is the time to focus on best practices for ensuring your personal safety as well as your clients' safety, home and office safety, and more. This includes safe Internet practices!More

Don't miss this opportunity to educate yourself for FREE!

Through NAR's "Right Tools, Right Now" initiative, REALTOR® University is offering a FREE, daylong Webinar Summit on Sept. 22.More

Here are this week's questions for Practical Tips on Short Sales:

1) Do you have to be behind in your mortgage to qualify for a short sale? What makes a seller a good candidate for a short sale?

2) What are the seller's options if a short sale is rejected by a lender?More

Have you seen the latest Kansas City Star column by KCRAR President Chris Collins?More

Here are this week's questions for Practical Tips on Short Sales:

1) Is there a "magic formula" for determining the listing price of a short sale or how much a buyer should offer? How can you determine either?

2) What are some of the most common mistakes when buying and listing short sales, and how can these be avoided?

More

Real estate professionals have unique financial and cash-flow requirements, and with the launch of the REALTORS® Federal Credit Union, REALTORS^® now have a banking resource that was designed specifically with their needs in mind.More

Norma Press was an honored guest at the KCRAR Board of Directors meeting on August 19 when she received the REALTOR® Emeritus Award from President Rob Curtis.

Congratulations to Norma for her hard work and career longevity!More

Here are this week's questions for Practical Tips on Short Sales:

1) Short sales typically take longer to close than a normal transaction. Can buyers simply walk away if they get tired of waiting? A short sale contract is still a contract, right?

2) What challenges do multiple lenders present in a short sale and how should multiple lenders be handled?More

Here are this week's questions for Practical Tips on Short Sales:

1) What and how should I disclose about the short-sale property to prospective buyers?

2) What information will the bank need to decide whether to accept a short sale? What can the seller and I do to make a short sale more attractive to a lender?

More

August brings even more NAR products and resources to members for free or at cost through Right Tools, Right Now.

NAR is working to support its members Right Now during this challenging time.

More

The KAR "Right Track: Leadership in Motion” program was created to develop the leadership potential of REALTORS® in Kansas.

If you know of someone in your company or someone active in KCRAR that you think has what it takes to be a future leader, please forward their name to Debbie Strange at KCRAR and she will send them an application for appointment and more information. More

The federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, better known as RESPA, prohibits service providers from giving anything of value in exchange for referrals of business.

It's important to keep straight what you can and cannot do regarding RESPA so as to maintain good customer relations and conduct ethical and effective business.
More

To help members get the hang of short sales, we'll be publishing a series of articles with Practical Tips on Short Sales over the next several weeks. We've partnered with members Russ Bouknight and Paul Surles, two agents well-schooled in short sales, to give all our members the lowdown on what you need to know in this growing niche.

More

Do you have some accomplishments to share with everyone in the Kansas city real estate community? How about an upcoming real estate-related event or a community service function?

Maybe you have done some community service that would be news to the public in your area.

Let KCRAR help get the word out!
More

The Kansas City Business Journal reported in its Thursday, July 30 online issue that area home foreclosures fell significantly in the first half of 2009 compared to the same period last year.

Read on for the entire article.More

Due to the economy, the number of short sales is increasing. You've no doubt had a hand in at least one short sale transaction - whether working with a buyer or seller - but if not, you've got to get familiar with at least the basics of short sales so you don't get caught short later.

More

HGTV’s hit TV series, House Hunters, is coming to the Kansas City metro area, and they're looking for homebuyers and real estate agents who want to appear on the show!More

Two KCRAR member offices snagged spots on Ingram's Corporate Report 100, a list of the Kansas City area's 100 fastest-growing companies.

Century 21 All-Pro came in at No. 29 and Contintental Title Holding Co. grabbed the No. 35 spot.More

Take advantage of additional tools and resources brought to you in July by NAR's Right Tools, Right Now program. More

KCRAR and Heartland MLS have been informed of several recent situations involving Craigslist and buying scams. Read on for details on how to protect your business.More

Two local communities are in the top one-third of Money Magazine's popular annual Best Places to Live list. Read on to see if you do business in these areas.More

These are unique times in the American real estate marketplace, and this may be one of the most important moments in the history of our industry and your REALTOR® association.More

Kathryn Thomas, a REALTOR® with Reece & Nichols in Leawood, Kan., has landed a spot on Ingram's second annual "20 in their twenties," a list of young professionals making a name for themselves in the business world "before the laugh lines set in."More

REALTOR® Magazine is looking for real estate salespeople, brokers, and appraisers to complete the 2009-10 Cost vs. Value survey.

Kansas City is one of the 80 U.S. metro areas included in the survey. More

Fannie Mae has set up an electronic newsletter targeted to practitioners.

There’s also a new resource available if you’re running into trouble collecting an agreed-to commission from lenders in a short sale transaction.

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Mike Phillips, Broker/Owner of Century 21 All-Pro in Parkville, Mo., has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal as the No. 1 real estate agent in the country by transaction sides!

Other KCRAR members were recognized by The Wall Street Journal, too.

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July brings even more NAR products and resources to members for free or at cost through Right Tools, Right Now, including the "What Everyone Should Know About Equal Opportunity in Housing" brochure.

Take advantage of these valuable tools that can help your business.More

Many of your clients are probably into the green movement, and you can help them organize a do-it-yourself home energy audit by providing this online guide.More

KCRAR is now on Facebook! Become a fan by going here - you'll need to set-up a Facebook profile to see the page, if you haven't done so already!

Simply type in "Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS" in the upper-right search tool to find the page, then click on "Become a Fan."

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If you have clients in need of residential rental services, there's a new source to find KCRAR members who can help them. Find it at http://www.kcrar.com/ under "Resources & Toolkit."More

Congratulations to Tameka Bryant and Charise King Bronson, who were selected to be members of the 2009-2010 Class of the Missouri Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy!More