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Time's running out - Register for the KCRAR & HMLS Installation and Awards CELEBRATION by Jan. 17! |
Now THIS is the way to start a new year! Coming up at Harrah's on January 26 is the KCRAR & HMLS Installation and Awards CELEBRATION Party. Come and connect with your industry in style at the kick-off event of 2011!
 If you've been to this event before, you know what fun it is ... and if you haven't, make this your premiere year! Bring a friend (or two) from the office for an hour of social networking starting at 3 p.m. The program to install the Directors and Officers, to honor those who served in 2010, and to announce the 2010 REALTOR® Awards starts at 4 p.m.
Cost is $30 per person and the registration deadline is coming up fast (Monday, Jan. 17). RSVP in one of three ways: go here to make your reservation online; fax this form to Debbie Strange; or just e-mail Debbie at debbies@kcrar.com. It's that simple!
This CELEBRATION Party will be a great gathering of folks from all areas of KCRAR. Be sure to get it on your calendar and register by Jan. 17 - we'll see you there! |
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Who really claims the MID? |
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Moves to change the mortgage interest deduction continue to be contested in Washington by NAR and by REALTORS® all over the country. In this letter to the editor, NAR responds to a Washington Post story claiming the MID is for the rich.
To find out more about the proposed MID curbs, go here and watch a video from NAR Director of Tax Policy Linda Goold and NAR Deputy Chief Lobbyist Jamie Gregory for a good summary of the issue. |
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HAFA Change Increases Eligible Borrowers |
On Dec. 28, the Treasury Department released an update to the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA). The changes will increase the number of eligible borrowers who may participate in the program and should expedite approvals. Read more in NAR's Washington Report newsletter here. |
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Money-saving offer for KC residents |
 If you live in Kansas City, MO, or have clients who do, here's some good money-saving news.
The City of Kansas City, MO has announced its participation in the Coast2Coast Rx discount prescription card program. This card will offer significant healthcare savings to Kansas City's residents, regardless of age, income or health status, and without cost to taxpayers or the City. Used in many other municipalities, the program has saved cardholders an average of 45 percent on prescription drugs in 2010.
Read more >> |
Help our local Habitat for Humanity win $25,000 |
KCRAR affiliate member Rose Giguere has a personal goal to bring $25,000 to our local Habitat for Humanity! Her company, American Home Shield, is sponsoring the AHS Challenge for Change, an online voting contest that will award $10,000, $15,000 and $25,000 to the three Habitat for Humanity affiliates that receive the most online votes for their neighborhood revitalization initiatives. And all you have to do is cast your vote at www.ahschallenge.com.
"This is a fantastic opportunity and I would love to see Kansas City win the $25,000," Rose said. "It's my goal for me to make it happen!"
Cast your vote at www.ahschallenge.com through January 31, 2011. For all the details, go here. |
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Importance of energy-efficient features to buyers |
 Energy efficiency is an important feature for home buyers. NAR's 2010 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers includes some interesting data about buyers' preferences for energy efficient features in a home. Study findings show that:
Almost nine in ten buyers felt that a home's heating and cooling costs were at least somewhat important to their buying decision.
Roughly seven in ten buyers felt that energy efficient appliances and energy efficient lighting were at least somewhat important to their home buying decision.
Half of all buyers felt that landscaping for energy conservation and environmentally friendly community features had some importance to their decision.
To see the full text of the Economist's Commentary, go here. This is one in a series of commentaries by the Research staff of the National Association of REALTORS®. Read more commentaries >> |
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Reminders from Gladstone Public Safety |
Last month, the Gladstone Police Department was contacted by a Northland real estate agent who reported a recent encounter with a client whose actions made her very uncomfortable and suspicious.
Gladstone Crime Analyst Dick Cunneen offers the following safety reminders for agents to consider when in the field:
- Agents might consider obtaining as much personal information about their clients as possible, such as a photocopy of a driver's license or other picture ID.
- Obtain information about a client's vehicle, such as make, model, color, and most importantly, license number.
- Agents should consider having another agent with them when showing property.
- Agents should advise someone where they will be when showing property and what time they should be expected to return.
Make safety a priority year-round by following these simple tips. For more info on safety for real estate agents, go here. |
