REALTORS® throughout the country have been engaged in a comprehensive Value of Homeownership campaign to reinforce the benefits of homeownership to individuals, communities, and the nation's economy.More

The number of home sellers listing on Zillow.com who lowered their prices in August was unchanged from July, the first time in five months that price cuts weren’t on the rise.More

Thanks to a group of tech-enabled and wildly enthusiastic members of the KC real estate community who've teamed up, October 13 will be a day to come together for an "UNconference" that will be UNlike anything you've attended before.

Find out what's in it for you...

More

NAR has created an online mailbox, HAFA@realtors.org, for you to provide specific examples of the problems you’re facing with lenders in getting short sales processed. More

Through RE Technology, a new KCRAR no-cost member benefit, brokers and agents now have an online directory to access information and reviews on real estate products and services available through a host of vendors. More

Missouri license renewal for brokers is June 30. While you're checking your requirements to make sure you're ready, please remember that the Missouri Real Estate Commission will not count the Core class unless it was taken after October 1, 2008 and/or is titled "Representation Options in the State of Missouri."

Read the full story to find out why. More

Information from the 2010 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile gives much insight into the lives of REALTORS®, including the role of technology in your business, how you get paid and the importance of additional training.

 

Go here for more information from the study.

More

How has the wealth of current homeowners changed as a result of home ownership? To answer that question, NAR has created a snapshot of the equity individuals who purchased a home at the median price 5,10, 15 and 20 years ago would have built up if they kept that home through 2009.

See the results for the Kansas City area and more...

More

In this people-oriented business, contact management is one of the foundations of success.

For the next REALTOR® Magazine buyer's guide, editors will be looking at the latest contact management/CRM software and services. Help them out - tell them what you use and why!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

"The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," recently signed by President Obama, has a number of provisions that affect REALTORS®. To help keep you informed, NAR consistently updates the Health Reform page of Realtor.org with developments and a summary of the new law.

You can learn even more in a free webinar NAR is hosting on Thursday, May 27.

More

Mortgage insurer PMI released a report last week indicating that the housing market is recovering and predicting that prices are likely to rise in many markets over the next two years. To add to that good news, KC made the report's list of large markets with improved risk scores.More

Come see what's going on with real estate downtown! Plan now to attend the Urban Living Tour on June 5 or 6.
More

Two e-mail chains have circulated nationally among REALTORS® and are generating a lot of confusion. One claims that pending legislation in the Senate would require an energy license or retrofit for home sales, the other that the recently passed health care bill contains a 4.0 percent "transfer tax" on homes sales. Both are wrong.More

The expiration of the home buyer tax credits won’t deter optimistic households who believe the market is improving, according to a survey released by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services.

More than 90 percent of those surveyed believe the home buyer tax credits have helped both first-time buyers and the overall housing market, but 65 percent say that end of tax credits won’t reduce their personal interest in buying a home.
More

Pending home sales increased again in March, affirming that a surge of home sales is unfolding for the spring home buying season, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

 

More

Fannie Mae is extending the 3.5% incentive for homebuyers who purchase and close on a Fannie Mae-owned home by June 30, 2010.

Buyers purchasing properties listed on HomePath.com will continue to be offered an incentive of up to 3.5% of the final sales price to be used towards closing costs, the purchase of new Whirlpool® appliances, or a combination of the two.

More

Missouri license renewal for brokers is June 30. While you're checking your requirements to make sure you're ready, please remember that the Missouri Real Estate Commission will not count the Core class unless it was taken after October 1, 2008 and/or is titled "Representation Options in the State of Missouri."

Read the full story to find out why.

More

Despite the challenges facing the housing market, 65 percent of Americans would still prefer to own a home rather than rent, according to a Fannie Mae national housing survey.

More

It's not likely Congress will extend the April 30 deadline for the Homebuyer Tax Credit. 

Learn about NAR's next advocacy efforts to help improve mortgage financing...  More

Last month, the FHA announced changes to the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) and enhancements to the FHA's refinance program.

Under the HAMP enhancements, unemployed borrowers meeting eligibility criteria will have an opportunity to have their mortgage payments temporarily reduced.
More

Now that the economy is showing signs of recovery, the unthinkable - a possible housing shortage - is already on the table for discussion. More

Want to stay in contact with past clients by offering them value outside the buy/sell transaction cycle? NAR has developed a valuable resource that allows you to deliver outstanding homeowner-focused content, branded to your business, at no cost to you. Meet HouseLogic.

 

HouseLogic provides unbiased information on ways to increase, maintain and protect the value of a home. Topics range from home improvements to taxes, financing to insurance.

More

Want to stay in contact with past clients by offering them value outside the buy/sell transaction cycle? NAR has developed a valuable resource that allows you to deliver outstanding homeowner-focused content, branded to your business, at no cost to you. Meet HouseLogic.

 

HouseLogic provides unbiased information on ways to increase, maintain and protect the value of a home. Topics range from home improvements to taxes, financing to insurance.

More

Kansas home inspection regulations have been put in place and there are several questions about today’s inspection process and inspection requirements. This article addresses some of those questions.

 

For a thorough understanding of the topic, you can go to the Kansas Home Inspector Registration Board (KHIRB) website, www.ksinspectors.org, to read the State of Kansas Home Inspection Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics and other documents.

 

More

Clients who have taken advantage of the homebuyer tax credit may be calling with questions about how to claim the credit on their taxes.

 

The IRS has released IR-2010-006, providing a revised Form 5405 to reflect the changes to the tax credit made in the extension and expansion legislation enacted in November 2009.

More

REALTORS® Core Health Insurance (RCHI) is the newest insurance offering through the REALTOR Benefits® Program. It's designed to help REALTORS® who are uninsured, underinsured or struggling to afford health insurance.

 

Are RCHI's limited indemnity insurance plans right for you and your family's needs? 

More

Imagine that you're sitting in a session at NAR with five of the most talented social media experts in the business. An agent stands up and asks a simple question: "I have a Facebook account and I am on Twitter and LinkedIn. Can you tell me how I am supposed to get business from them?" The crowd applauds.

Now imagine that every panel member answers by saying, "We don't have an answer for that question."

More

FHA borrowers with credit scores below 580 will have to put down at least 10%, while those with higher scores can continue with a minimum down payment of 3.5%.

 

This is one of several changes the agency announced recently.

More

NAR Research looks at seller wants and needs in its latest Home Buyer and Seller Survey. 

 

More

Are you acting in compliance with the new RESPA rule, which took effect Jan. 1?

More

Dr. Lawrence Yun, NAR's Chief Economist, was in Kansas City on January 6 to present the 2010 Residential Real Estate Forecast. His predictions painted an overall positive picture for the residential real estate market, both nationwide and in the Kansas City area. More

Joseph Ferrara of TheClozing.com, a real estate news aggregator site, predicts increased reliance on technology in the property industry in the coming year. More

Existing-home sales rose again in November as first-time buyers rushed to close sales before the original Nov. 30 deadline for the recently extended and expanded tax credit, according to NAR.More

The IRS has spelled out guidelines for eligibility for the home buyer credit when co-borrowers purchase a property.More

The Kansas Real Estate Commission is warning real estate licensees to look out for a new scam that has been happening in other states.More

What will happen to mortgage rates if the Federal Reserve stops buying mortgage-backed securities next March?

If and when that program ends, mortgage rates will rise, but most financial observers say it is very likely they won't skyrocket.
More

HUD says it will implement a 120-day period of "restraint" on its enforcement of Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) rules that take effect Jan. 1, 2010.More

The National Association of REALTORS® in November launched a new consumer website in beta form.

HouseLogic.com is designed to help homeowners protect, maintain and enhance the value of their home and help extend the REALTOR® relationship with consumers through the entire life cycle of homeownership, not just the transaction.

More

Your REALTOR® associations are working with you to inform the public about the positive effects of the homebuyer tax credits ... and their extension & expansion!More

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

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

 

More

Seems like everyone has an opinion about Craigslist, with some people finding it to be a useful tool.

Here are some pointers that could help you get good leads if you're thinking about adding listings to Craigslist ...More

Want to help expand and extend the Home Buyer Tax Credit? Get out your video cameras!More

The sixth annual REALTOR^® Safety Week falls on September 13–19 this year. This is the perfect time to start focusing on best practices for ensuring your personal safety as well as your clients' safety, home and office safety, and more. More

New Truth in Lending disclosure requirements took effect July 30, 2009 and the timing of your closings may be impacted. A flier with the basic points about the new Truth in Lending changes has been created for KCRAR Members to use when talking with clients. More

When it comes to identifying yourself publicly via signage and other marketing, it's important to be current and accurate. After all, you want to identify with the REALTOR® marketing messages that are gaining exposure through both KCRAR and NAR campaigns. 

 

To help with this, the National Association of REALTORS® now offers banners you can easily download to use as part of your e-mail signature. For how-to's about downloading these banners, click here.

More

REALTORS® today face the challenge of technology-empowered consumers who rely on research from multiple sources in order to educate themselves sometimes months before beginning the process of buying or selling real property.

To address these issues, NAR is developing the REALTORS® Property Resource as part of the Second Century Initiatives.

More

Back to the basics is never a bad idea and here’s an example of one "basic” that may need some review.

 

Do you really know the difference between an "Exclusive Right to Sell” (ER) and an "Exclusive Agency” (EA) listing?

More

Consumer protection regulations have been put in place to ensure that homebuyers receive better information, especially regarding cost disclosures, earlier in the mortgage process.

 

New Truth in Lending disclosure requirements take effect July 30, 2009 and the timing of your closings may be impacted. 

More

In his speech at the National Association of REALTORS® Housing Summit on May 12, 2009, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced a program that allows borrowers to use the first-time homebuyer tax credit for a down payment or closing costs on a FHA-insured mortgage.

The details of the program were announced Friday, May 29.More

Earlier this month, REALTORS® from across the country visited Washington, D.C. to meet with their legislators and share the REALTORS® legislative agenda. KCRAR and Heartland MLS were well represented.More

Two REALTORS® will receive $1,000 grants and two REALTORS® will receive $200 grants for their community organizations in the 2009 Kansas Good Neighbor Awards.

The Kansas Association of REALTORS® is looking for REALTORS® who make exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their communities. Could you be a winner?More

Violations of the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, better known as RESPA, can carry serious consequences.

Understanding the law will help ensure your compliance.More

Thank you to KCRAR Affiliate member Miki Mertz from Complete Home Inspection for submitting this article about a recent national education conference attended by several members of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).More

Develop your potential through the MAR Leadership Academy! Become part of a network of leaders from across the state who are actively involved in improving the association AND the profession. This is a great career move!

Applications are available online and are due to KCRAR by May 1.

More

Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has a new product to enable first-time homebuyers to take advantage of the $8,000 federal first-time homebuyer tax credit. This program is the first of its kind in the nation.More

Whether you're interested in a summer golf league, a luau party, or joining in a game of ethics jeopardy, Metro WCR has the answer.

Read the full story for details on upcoming Metro WCR events.  More

As part of NAR's new Right Tools Right Now program, several products that once had costs attached are now free. Check it out, and see what knowledge is available to help you increase your business!

More

On February 24, 2009, Fannie Mae sent Announcement 09-03 to its servicers, instructing them not to negotiate commissions on short sales below the amount negotiated by the listing agent (unless the commission exceeds 6 percent). The requirement took effect March 1, 2009.More

Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan has acknowledged to minority journalists that "Fair Housing enforcement was neglected under the prior administration" and that the new administration will do better.  Locally, some KCRAR members are reporting being called upon by HUD in lawsuits or complaints.

Read more to be sure you're aware of and follow the provision of the Fair Housing Act...More

REALTOR® Magazine held a webinar last week with lots of good tips on working with short sales. 

If you missed it, you can still listen to the webinar online.More

The Greater Kansas City Home Show and Flower, Lawn & Garden Show is hosting an Industry Night on March 26. 

Its host organization, the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, wants to give leaders in the industry the opportunity to experience what consumers do when they visit the show at Bartle Hall.   Print your ticket to attend free of charge!More

The 2009 Public Awareness Campaign is working to help REALTORS^Ò succeed.  NAR has tools, information, and promotional materials you can use to enhance your business and educate would-be home buyers.

More

Are you feeling the financial pinch during this sluggish economy?  Well, you're not alone and WCR is here to help!  The Johnson County Chapter of Women's Council of Realtors is bringing together a panel of top REALTORS® to share tips on how to stay afloat during this challenging market.
More

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, 2009.
More

Allen Block, founder and chairman of Kansas City’s largest Commercial Real Estate firm, Block & Co. Inc. REALTORS®, died on Monday, January 19.  Services will be Thursday, January 22 at Beth Shalom Synagogue.

More

Starting next month, each call to the MAR Legal Hotline will carry a service fee of $20, invoiced to your company by MAR at the end of each month.  MAR continues to encourage your use of this service, but wants you to be aware of its cost and how they're planning for its rising expense.

Please read the full story for details, including info about the "Acknowledgment and Consent Form" due to MAR by January 1, 2009.
More

Learn more about who's buying homes today and what they're looking for in a sales professional in an NAR Research analysis based on the latest NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
More

A preliminary review by NAR of a final rule implementing changes to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act indicates HUD amended earlier versions to address many NAR concerns.
 More

With the current shortage of credit across the country, and many lenders requiring excellent credit and down payments of 5% or more, mortgage insurance programs from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are helping fill the void.

Many REALTORS® have not used FHA products in recent years.  So the National Association of REALTORS® has created an online toolkit to provide information on how to use FHA products and where to obtain them. 

More

If a buyer tries to use a "personal promissory note" or "private offset bond" to buy a home, the matter might be an attempt at fraud and you should let the U.S. Treasury Department know, a notice from the Treasury's Office of Inspector General says.

And if you have tips that could help another KCRAR member recognize potential fraud, share them at this KCRAR "Real Conversations" blog!  More

Due to a mandate from NAR, All KCRAR members must complete and report Code of Ethics training by December 31, 2008.  If it is not completed by December 31, 2008 at noon, we are required to SUSPEND YOUR MEMBERSHIP to KCRAR until you have completed this mandate. That means you will not have access to any member services such as HMLS, contracts and forms, classes or lockboxes.

Suspension will be lifted when the training requirement is met during the months of January and February 2009.  But failure to complete the requirement by March 1, 2009 will result in automatic membership termination.  

More

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, 2009.   More

Do you have a real estate-related event coming up?  How about a community service function?  If you do, let KCRAR help get the word out to the real estate community.   More

Learn to Rein In Your Dollars at the January 14 Metro WCR luncheon meeting.More

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, 2009.
More

A Kansas City judge in October sentenced a man to 25 years in prison for kidnapping a real estate agent in Grandview in August 2006.  In the previous month a jury convicted the man, Jewell Saunders, of kidnapping, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action.

Unfortunately stories of this nature continue to be reported from around the country, yet most agents still fail to revise their business models to include safety precautions.

More

The Board of Directors of the National Association of REALTORS® in its meeting Nov. 10, 2008 in Orlando, took actions to keep its members positioned for success in today's challenging real estate markets.  Here's some of what was done...

More

If the comparative strength of the greater KC market is something you discuss with your clients, you may  find this map a handy way to demonstrate our market's median pricing relative to others.  Check it out!
More

LORE Magazine this month published its annual "Top 200 Professionals" article. 

Kudos to Mike Phillips, Ellen Brewood and Jim Cady who made the list of "Top Individuals by Sides" for 2008!

More

The KC Metro WCR Chapter invites you to its Installation and Awards Luncheon on December 3.  

Plan now to Rock the Boat with WCR in 2009!

More

The homeownership tax credit that the federal government created earlier this year is a hard-won tool at your disposal to encourage your customers to jump off the fence and get into the home buying market.  It offers first time buyers a credit of up to $7,500.
More

Realtor Magazine Online is looking for outstanding young REALTORS® to feature in its annual "30 Under 30" issue.  Watch the video for more details and if you're interested in applying, click here for the how-to info.

Could be fun!

More

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, 2009.
More

The IRS properly imposed a penalty on a taxpayer for failing to include as income almost $75,000 in debt forgiveness in his 2003 tax return when he sold his property in a short sale, ruled the United States Tax Court, affirming the IRS's decision.  (Login at realtor.org to read the ruling).More

Be among the first to have your own REALTOR® specialty license plate, courtesy of the Missouri Association of REALTORS®!
More

To increase awareness of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee in 2008, association members were automatically included in a chance to win a $2,500 travel voucher with every $20 investment they made to RPAC.

Congratulations goes to the winner, Sharner Stucky from Sharner Stucky Realty!
 More

HUD is scrutinizing borrowers who put their residence up for rent and apply for FHA-backed financing for a new primary residence. "Some homeowners, given the rising price of fuel, are relocating to homes nearer their employment, or are taking advantage of other home owners, homebuying opportunities arising in the marketplace," HUD says.
More

Courtesies continue to be important after the showing...

 

More

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has appointed the five members of the newly-formed Kansas Home Inspectors Registration Board which was created by the 2008 Kansas Legislature.

Among those appointed is KCRAR Member Pat Regan, Broker at Coldwell Banker Regan REALTORS® in Shawnee.
More

"Can I purchase real estate in my IRA?”   How many times have you heard that question? And how many times has the answer from your tax professional or financial advisor been no? 

 

Well that is not the right answer.

More

The Kansas Real Estate Commission has recently announced decisions that change rules for:

    BPO and CMA Compensation,
    Short Sales, and
    Signature Stamps.

Brokers and Salespeople, be sure to read this full story for the details.

More

All KCRAR members must complete and report Code of Ethics training by December 31, 2008. This is a mandate from NAR every four years that you are a REALTOR®.

Read more about the requirement, how to fulfill it and how to check your REALTOR® records to verify whether or not you've completed this requirement.
More

Be among the first to have your own REALTOR® specialty license plate, courtesy of the Missouri Association of REALTORS®!
More

The National Association of REALTORS® has declared this week as Realtor Safety Week.

Stay informed... stay safe.
More

The KAR "Right Track: Leadership in Motion” program was created to develop the leadership potential of REALTORS^® in Kansas. The goal of the program is to identify and prepare emerging leaders through a program to improve skills and provide inside information on how to become successful as a leader in any organization, team or group.

  

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, RCE at KCRAR.  The deadline to contact Debbie is October 20, 2008.

More

Diversity will be the featured topic at the October luncheon hosted by Metro WCR.  Be there  on 10/8 to hear Ed "Doc" Golden, author, counselor, minister, REALTOR® and advocate of diverse groups in our community.
More

With the widely-reported changes in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac comes welcome news about lower mortgage interest rates.

Read the article from the Kansas City Star for insight into the local impact of recent changes.  In it, Star reporter Gene Meyer uses data supplied by KCRAR and notes the Kansas City area's favorable conditions when compared with "coastal cities."

More

The Historic Kansas City Foundation will hold its 2008 Fall Homes Tour October 11th.

Come out and tour Armour fields, an area which features some of the best examples of early 20th century residential styles in Kansas City designed by some of its most prominent architects.
 More

Over the course of any transaction, especially a complex one, the involved parties share a LOT of information. 

Some of it’s verbal, some of it’s in MLS remarks, some of it’s on signs, some of it’s in emails, some of it’s on fliers – and in the end, ALL of it should be in the Contract. 

More

The 2008 KAR Convention is Making You Better ... You Bet!

Kansas members, plan to attend the annual event, which will be held October 6-8 at the Overland Park Marriott. More

Need more talking points to address the negative national news about housing? 

Take a look at this CNBC video that crunches the numbers and helps put things into perspective.
More

There are so many sources out there to help you stay connected with real estate news and trends.  One good one is RIS Media.  Here's a link to their daily feed that you might want to put in your Favorites.

But even if you don't bookmark it, you can always find in in KCRAR's News You Can Use.  Just scroll up to see the link's permanent location on the left side of this page under Daily News Feed.
More

We have recently had various federal legislation that affects real estate and this article will bring you up to date.
 More

Metro WCR members, don't have a CONFLICT!

Come to the September 10 luncheon and learn conflict management skills from a pro.

More

If you are a Kansas REALTOR and interested in voluteering with KAR, please click here. The deadline to complete the form and become a member of a standing committee is July 31.More

On July 1, the Kansas Real Estate Commission approved changes to the language in Kansas real estate license law that specifies when a real estate licensee must make certain disclosures in the sales contract during a real estate transaction.More

HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will implement a fair and flexible premium pricing structure beginning July 14.More

The Kansas Association of REALTORS® has developed an Addendum, "Home Equity Protection Disclosure and Right of Rescission,” which can be used by licensees that are involved in the sale of a Kansas property that is in foreclosure.More

If your Code of Ethics training is not completed by December 31, 2008 (noon deadline), we are required to suspend your membership to KCRAR until you have completed this mandate.More

Please be aware of this statute, which has generally been unknown, misinterpreted or ignored by the real estate community, title companies and attorneys. More

For every $20 you contribute to Kansas RPAC in 2008, your name will be automatically included in a chance to win the travel voucher. So if you contribute $100, you get five chances to win.More

KCRAR asks you to think twice about your behavior ... and don't try to rely on your personal judgment about who can be trusted.More

The metro area Women's Council of REALTORS® will have a breakfast meeting from 8 to 10 a.m. on

May 14.

More

Several KCRAR members were recently inducted into the MAR Honor Society at the MAR April meetings in Kansas CityMore

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the historic 1968 Fair Housing Act. On April 11, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson urged Congress to approve the Fair Housing Act just one week following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a tribute to Dr. King's legacy and commitment to civil rights.More

Have you visited the National Association of REALTORS® website lately? It contains valuable information, like the following from NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

More

The Missouri Association of REALTORS^®' Honor Society was founded to recognize and reward high professional achievement of members.  The Honor Society recognizes professionalism through participation, education and service.More

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of updating flood zone maps through 2010.

Recent changes to the flood zone maps in Johnson, Jackson and Wyandotte Counties could potentially impact buyers and sellers.   Homeowners and REALTORS® alike need to know how these changes may affect a transaction early in the process.  Read this FULL STORY and then enroll for the class described in the article below.

More

The Missouri Association of REALTORS® invites all KCRAR members to join in the fun AND raise money for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) at their June 19 golf tournament right here in Kansas City.More

On May 11^th over 150 KCRAR members, along with members from the Kansas Association of REALTORS® and Heartland Habitat for Humanity, teamed up to help build a House in a Box for families rebuilding homes in the Gulf Coast region.

It was a great day!  For photos of more volunteers in action, click here.More

NAR Legal Affairs introduces its new monthly podcast series with a two-part interview of Bill Brewster, Director of Fannie Mae's Anti-Fraud Initiatives.More

WCR Chapters have news to share about meetings and events coming up soon.

 

So grab your calendar and reserve these dates…

More

National speaker & Vice President of REALTOR.com Max Pigman will be the featured speaker on May 17 when REAL ESTATE MARKETING EXPO '07 comes to Kansas City.More

"Home is an invention on which no one has yet improved" 
    - Ann Douglas, American writer

With Homeownership Month coming in June, take some time to celebrate all you do as a REALTOR® to help families realize the American Dream.More

KCRAR members are probably some of the most-connected people in the Kansas City area!  Read the FULL STORY for community service news from five busy members….More

Registration is now open for the 2007 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Economic Development to be held in Springfield on August 27-30.  The Missouri Association of REALTORS® is a major sponsor for this event, and REALTORS® from throughout the state are strongly encouraged to attend.More

The people who bring credit to the real estate industry deserve the special recognition of their peers and their community.  The Kansas Association of REALTORS® Honor Society is designed to bring them that recognition and applications are being sought now.More

The Kansas Association of REALTORS® is seeking nominations for its Good Neighbor Award. The program recognizes REALTORS^® who are making exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their communities.  HURRY – the deadline is June 1.More

REALTOR® Magazine is seeking nominees for the eighth annual Good Neighbor Awards, which recognize commercial and residential REALTORS® who impact their communities through volunteer work. The deadline for entries is coming right up on May 25!More

What if you could manipulate a home’s "feeling” to create an embracing warmth that buyer’s couldn’t resist?More

For the month of May only, NAR members can take advantage of special offers from REALTOR® Benefits Program Partner, Dell. More

April is Fair Housing Month, a great time for some practical pointers to increase your understanding of the Fair Housing Law.  Click here for information you can always find posted on www.kcrar.com and read this FULL STORY for a Q & A with Bruce Aydt on how to handle some common fair housing situations.More

Develop your potential through the 2007-2008 MAR Leadership Academy! 

Hurry - applications are due to KCRAR no later than May 1, 2007.

More

WCR Chapters have news to share about meetings and events coming up soon.

 

So grab your calendar and reserve these dates…

More

The Kansas Association of REALTORS® is seeking nominations for the KAR Good Neighbor Award. The program recognizes REALTORS^® who are making exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their communities.More

REALTOR® Magazine is seeking nominees for the eighth annual Good Neighbor Awards, which recognize commercial and residential REALTORS® who impact their communities through volunteer work.More

The people who bring credit to the real estate industry statewide deserve the special recognition of their peers and their community.  The KAR Honor Society is designed to bring them that recognition.More

REALTOR®  Katie Kwo Gerson is heading up one of Kansas City's largest and most beloved fundraisers, Jazzoo, which was voted "Best Charitable Event" by Ingram's Magazine in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.  You can get more information or purchase tickets to this year's event, to be held June 1, by visiting www.jazzookc.org.

And Jodi Danziger, who is with Reece & Nichols in the Leawood South office, wants to share information about the Overland Park/Leawood Relay for Life on July 13.  More info at www.acsevents.org/opleawoodrelay.

More

Each year the National Association of REALTORS® specifies a week in September as "REALTOR® Safety Week" to draw attention to this very important topic.  But the emphasis on safety is a year-round concern, and with the arrival of spring now's a good time to review some pointers.More

The Housing Choices Coalition of Greater Kansas City, of which KCRAR is a Founding Member, is hosting its 2^nd annual Housing Matters Forum on April 12^th, 7:30-11:00 am at the Downtown Marriott-Muehlbach Tower.  This event will bring together housing professionals, community leaders, elected officials and others to discuss the challenges of expanding housing opportunities to families throughout our area.

 

KCRAR Workforce Housing Specialists will receive three credits toward certification renewal for attending this event, and everyone concerned with the future of housing in Kansas City will benefit from this discussion.

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Missouri Business Week (MBW) is a fast-paced summer institute sponsored by members of the Missouri Association of REALTORS®.  It brings Missouri high school students together with top business people to "live and learn" the free enterprise system.

MBW '07 will be held June 24-28 on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. Student applications, due no later than April 14, 2007, are available through Missouri High Schools, at the MBW Web site, or by calling the CENTER at (800) 403-0101 ext. 126.

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WCR Chapters always have a lot going on, and the next few weeks are no exception.

 

So grab your calendar and reserve these dates…

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A two-day CRS class, presented by the Kansas CRS Chapter, is coming to Overland Park this month. The March 27-28 class will be CRS 206: Technologies to Advance Your Business. This course demonstrates the latest tools and systems that enable sales associates to become more productive, increase their profits and to differentiate themselves in the market place.More

Many phones and PDA's can serve as eKEYS, and Supra adds new ones to the list all the time. 

 

If you're thinking about a new smartphone or PDA, click here for the current list of devices compatible with the Supra system.

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Members have noticed a recent explosion in spam email that solicits experienced real estate assistance for buyers or sellers from foreign countries.  Probably the best way to handle these questionable solicitations is to simply delete the email without responding to it.More

REALTOR® Magazine is seeking nominees for the eighth annual Good Neighbor Awards, which recognize commercial and residential REALTORS® who impact their communities through volunteer work and make an extraordinary commitment to community service.

Five winners will be recognized at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo in Las Vegas and will receive travel expenses to attend the show and a $10,000 grant for their community cause.  Nominations are due May 25.

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The news is full of stories about mortgage fraud.  Missouri has become known as one of the states with a very significant problem.  And here in Kansas City, we see articles practically every day about high-profile cases of alleged fraud.

For REALTORS®, keeping informed about mortgage fraud issues requires diligence. 

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WCR Chapters always have a lot going on, and the next few weeks are no exception.

 

So grab your calendar and reserve these dates…

More

Missouri Business Week (MBW) is a fast-paced summer institute sponsored by members of the Missouri Association of REALTORS®.  It brings Missouri high school students together with top business people to "live and learn" the free enterprise system.

MBW '07 will be held June 24-28 on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. Student applications, due no later than April 14, 2007, are available through Missouri High Schools, at the MBW Web site, or by calling the CENTER at (800) 403-0101 ext. 126.

More