Political Survival Initiative: Town Hall on April 13 |
 By now, you've probably heard about the REALTORŪ Party Political Survival Initiative. Launched by NAR last month, this initiative is designed to keep the REALTORŪ organization among the most influential advocacy groups in America. It does, however, come with a price tag; a NAR dues increase of $40. We're sure you have questions on this initiative and we've already posted much of what we know from NAR at www.kcrar.com/realtor-party-political-survival-initiative.
To get the latest information on the proposal and answers to your many questions, be sure to sign up for NAR's live virtual town hall on Wednesday, April 13 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. CST. Cathy Whatley, 2003 NAR President and Chair of the Political Survival Presidential Advisory Group, will be sharing her insights and clarifying information about the initiative.
The town hall is open to all REALTORSŪ. Please register here (login required). To learn more about this initiative and to provide comments to the three NAR Directors at KCRAR who will vote on the initiative at the NAR Midyear Meetings in May, go to www.kcrar.com/realtor-party-political-survival-initiative. |
KCRAR Events throughout the region |
 KCRAR has lots of great events coming up! Details are listed on this page. Many of them are planned by committees located in the four KCRAR regions - Rivers, Northland, Sunflower and Show Me. No matter which region your office is in, you're invited to each and every event!
Upcoming events include:
Register for these events here. We'll see you there! |
Reminder: Call for Action to defend the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) |
If you haven't already, please take a moment to respond to a Call for Action urging Congress to preserve, protect and defend the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID). If we are not successful and the mortgage interest deduction is eliminated or severely restricted, numerous studies have estimated that there could be up to a 15% reduction in home prices and an 18% reduction in home sales over the next few years. As a result, the outcome of this issue is obviously very important to the future of our industry and the recovery of the housing market.
If you have not responded to the Call for Action at this time, please go here to access the webpage for the Call for Action on the REALTORŪ Action Center. Thank you so much for your help! |
Education courses with a Guarantee* |
 We're so sure you'll benefit from these courses - your Education Director guarantees it! If you don't learn something from this lineup that will help your career, you will receive a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks from Jan Pringle, KCRAR Education Director. It's her personal guarantee.* This is her way of promoting some rare and important classes you may have overlooked, but really need to attend before it's too late.
Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) Certification on April 13
Individual & Commercial Bankruptcy (Free Friday Focus Workshop on April 22
Residential Energy Audits and Retrofits (CE) on April 20
Special Note: We're coming to your neck of the woods this month! Get em' while the gettin's good!
Catch your CE classes in the Northland, Olathe or Lee's Summit. Save your gas money and pick up some CE credits. Don't wait until it's time to renew your license. Get ahead of the game and attend now ... you'll love yourself for it. (To register for any or all of these education offerings, go here, or see the full education calendar here.)
*Any of these courses that do not meet your standards for learning something important about your business or helping your career, just say the word. If you attend more than one and didn't like either of them, you'll receive a gift card for each one. No arguments! It's guaranteed by Jan Pringle personally! |
Boost referral business with great service |
Leads and listings can be difficult to obtain in the current real estate market. Given that the National Association of REALTORSŪ reports in its 2010 Member Profile that a median 20 percent of members' business is tied to recommendations from past clients, real estate pros would be wise to grow their referral business.
The best way to do this is to offer top-knotch customer service by incorporating technology tools that make it easier for agents to manage transactions or allow clients to access transactions by e-mail or mobile device. Agents can also improve customer service by staying in constant communication with clients so that they do not experience any surprises at settlement.
Read more >> |
KCRAR Welcomes New Staff Member |
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Carrie Stricker |
Carrie Stricker joined the KCRAR/HMLS staff in March as our new Event Manager. She can be reached at 913-266-5909.
Carrie's background includes eight years with the National Auctioneers Association. She spent six years as their Conference and Show Director and was also their Sales Manager for exhibit and event sponsorship sales for two years. Additionally, Carrie was with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America for three years and United Country Real Estate, a national franchise, for two years as their Special Events and Strategic Alliance Manager.
Carrie has a 9-year-old son named Gage and enjoys watching him play sports and taking weekend trips to the lake. She's also a trained auctioneer, having done numerous benefit auctions, and is a volunteer for Animal Haven.
Be sure to say hello to Carrie in the KCRAR/HMLS offices! |
