When the founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence more than 200 years ago, they talked about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Within the pursuit of happiness is home ownership, and we are involved in making that privilege - that gift of the American experience - a reality for millions of people. We are doing the right thing for them and for our country. I wish you the best this Fourth of July weekend, and I urge you to remember to thank those in uniform who protect and defend our freedom.

 

Watch NAR President Ron Phipp's video message >> 

While nearly one-quarter of home owners owe more on their home than it's currently worth, Americans still see the value in home ownership and still consider it part of the American Dream.  

Nearly nine in 10 Americans say home ownership is an important part of the American Dream, according to the latest New York Times and CBS News poll conducted June 24-28 of 979 adults.  

 

Overall, the majority of Americans polled also said the government should do more to help improve the housing market, and they mostly blame financial institutions for the sluggish housing market.

More from REALTOR® Magazine Online >>  

  

Right now Congress is debating whether to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  It expires on September 30th.  This is the tenth time in three years this program has been set to expire.  It's time we stop the band-aid approach to flood insurance and give the program a long-term extension. For this reason we are urging Congress to reauthorize NFIP for five years. 

Do you know what happens every year when the deadline nears?  Lenders stall closings, adding more uncertainty to our already tentative marketplace. Over 20,000 communities nationwide depend on this program to in order to buy and sell real estate. You simply cannot acquire a mortgage without flood coverage and a policy cannot be issued without the assistance of this program.

Maintaining available and affordable flood insurance for all Americans that need it is vital to keeping the market running smoothly. Please take action today.

 

July 15 - Residential Leasing & Management
10-11:30 a.m. 

 

Here's the new information you've been asking for!  

 

August 5 - Lost at Sea...literally!
10-11:30 a.m. 

 

A true story of inspiration and survival    

 

August 19 - More Sales with FHA 203k Loans
10-11:30 a.m.

Just 90 minutes of your time can lead to a lot more sales. Really!  

 

Register for these workshops and more here.

Join us for the final RPAC Auction of the year hosted by the Sunflower Region (in conjunction with the Show Me Region)! We'll gather on Thursday, July 21 at the Overland Park Marriott. We'll gather for drinks and appetizers at 5:30 p.m. followed by the live auction at 7:00 p.m. Once again, we'll be joined by celebrity auctioneer Tanna Guthrie, radio host and a REALTOR® with Prudential Kansas City Auction Properties.

Members from all Regions are encouraged to attend this auction to support the REALTORS® Political Action Committee. Dollars spent by Missouri members stay in Missouri and dollars spent by Kansas members stay in Kansas. We have some new and exciting things planned for this event, so we hope to see you there!

$30 registration includes two drink tickets and heavy hors d'oeuvres. VIP tables of 10 are also available for $250. RSPV to attend - just login here to register for the event - or use this printable registration form and fax it to 913-498-1110.  

Help clients be safe, not sorry. Add to your e-newsletter a free article from NAR's REALTOR® Content Resource on conducting a do-it-yourself home security check.  

 

And don't stop there - send out all five free articles now available on creating a safe and secure home.

 

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