Home Sellers Fare Better in Getting Their Homes Sold Using a REALTORŪ |
 HomeGain.com, a leading online real estate resource that connects home buyers and sellers with real estate professionals, announced the results of its For Sale By Owner (FSBO) vs. REALTORŪ survey. HomeGain surveyed over 1,000 homeowners asking whether they used a REALTORŪ to sell their home or whether they attempted to sell it themselves. Eighty-three percent said they used a REALTORŪ to sell their home and 17% said they tried to sell their home on their own.
Fifty-nine percent of homeowners that used a REALTORŪ to sell their home were successful vs. 39% of FSBO's, reflecting a 50% higher closing rate for those home sellers using a REALTORŪ.
See the entire story from RIS Media >> |
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"While you're working hard to help buyers and sellers, NAR is working to help your business," says 2011 NAR President Ron Phipps in a new blog post. "We're unlocking credit markets, fighting attacks on home ownership, boosting the economy, and reaching out to consumers. Is it paying off? Home sales are rising, and home ownership is still a core American value. If anyone asks what you get for your $80 dues, tell them 6 million home sales-that's what we're working to achieve; that's the value of NAR to your business."
Read the full message at NAR's Voices of Real Estate blog > |
New FTC Rule Requires Short Sale Disclosures |
 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule that may impact real estate professionals who represent clients involved in a short sale transaction. Depending on certain factors, the rules may require real estate professionals to make certain disclosures to consumers if they negotiate a short sale with a lender, advertise short sales experience, or take upfront fees from short sale sellers. The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) rules took full effect on January 31, 2011.
Read more here, including the background, final rules and disclosures required. (NOTE: login to www.realtor.org required.) |
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A tax deductions checklist for real estate professionals |
These may not be the worst of times for real estate professionals, but they certainly are not the best either. To add insult to injury, it is now tax time.
However, there's one thing you can do to help keep your head above water: Take all the tax deductions to which you are entitled. Learn more and get a checklist of deductions here. |
Realtors Property Resource™ (RPR) Introduces New Features and Enhancements |
Realtors Property Resource™ (RPR) was recently enhanced with greater flexibility for discovering and selecting the most suitable comps for any property. RPR's map enhancements include the ability for REALTORSŪ to restrict their search by school districts and school attendance zones. To learn more about these new features and more, visit the RPR blog. |
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Rivers Region Bowling Tournament |
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 You can't miss our annual bowling tournament in Kansas City, Kansas! Join us on Wednesday, March 23 at KC Bowl (formerly Ranch West Bowling), 8201 State Ave., Kansas City, KS 66112. Team registration starts at 12 p.m. and bowling starts at 1 p.m. $15 per person includes three games of bowling, shoes, bowling ball, and one beer or soft drink.
Register your team of four bowlers today! We'll have the traveling trophy for the highest scoring team, games, and door prizes! Don't have enough to fill a team? Register anyway and we'll match you up with others. Registration deadline is March 21. Please make your team's reservation online here or send in this printable registration flier. Questions? Contact KCRAR's Event Planner at 913-661-1600. |
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"Show the Buyers the Money"
A grant program panel sponsored by WCR |
Join the KC Metro Women's Council of REALTORSŪ (WCR) on Wednesday, March 9 for "Show the Buyers the Money," a grant program panel. We'll gather at 11:30 a.m. at the Pavilion at Logan Woods (14831 E. 40 Highway, Kansas City, MO 64136).
The cost is $16 and includes a catered lunch by Outback. Register by e-mail to homesteadco@comcast.net or by fax to 816-836-8241. (Make reservations ASAP to be eligible for a drawing for a free lunch next month.) |
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