Don't miss your opportunity to celebrate the salesperson, manager or affiliate who exemplifies excellence in your eyes. Submit your nominations now for the 2011 KCRAR "Of the Year" Awards!

 

KCRAR includes some of the finest REALTORS® and Affiliate members in the nation, and the annual "Of the Year" Awards gives us the opportunity to honor the best-of-the-best.  

 

If you know someone who deserves to be recognized for excellence in the real estate industry, nominate them in one of the following categories: REALTOR® of the Year, REALTOR® Sales Manager of the Year, REALTOR® Salesperson of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, and Community Service Award.

Self-nominations are also encouraged. Download the applications

here.

Submit your nominations to Debbie Strange by fax at 913-498-1110, or email them to debbies@kcrar.com. Nominations are now being accepted, with final submissions due by September 15, 2011.

The majority of renters - 73 percent - who live in single-family homes say that the challenges of getting a home mortgage is one of the main culprits keeping them from home ownership. About 33 percent point to their credit history as posing the biggest challenge in qualifying for a mortgage, while others are concerned about the tightening of credit that make it too difficult to qualify in general, according to the latest Fannie Mae National Housing Survey. 

 

More from REALTOR® Magazine Online >>

REALTORS® should be aware of major changes in the reporting and delivery requirements for every mortgage lending appraisal beginning Sept. 1 - changes that could slow loan closing cycles this fall.  

 

Find out what's going on and how it will affect you by reading this blog post from KCRAR education instructor Mark Maschger, SRA, an active real estate appraiser and broker for more than 15 years and instructor for KCRAR's new CE class "Understanding Appraisers."

Two local communities are in the top half of CNNMoney's popular annual Best Places to Live list. Do you do business in these areas?

This year's survey focuses on the top small-towns in the country with populations of less than 50,000. For its rankings, CNNMoney took into account such factors as  housing, employment opportunities, the city's fiscal strength, top-notch schools, low crime, good healthcare, cultural and outdoor activities, and weather.  

 

Liberty, Mo. landed in the top 10 at No. 7, with Lenexa, Kan. following at No. 47!

On its website, CNNMoney allows users to find the best place to live near their current locations. It also introduces some subcategories, including 25 best places for affordable homes, towns where there are the most jobs, towns with quick commutes, 25 best places for singles, best places for pricey homes, 25 towns where the residents are young, and places with the cleanest air.

Join the Missouri Association of REALTORS® for "Making the American Dream Accessible for Our Veterans" -
(Understanding & Meeting the Housing Challenges of Today's Veterans) on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the KCI Expo Center, 11728 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153.

Be accessible to veterans who want to be the trusted advisors for veterans as they search for a home. You'll also earn the "Missouri Heroes Welcome Home" Certification from MAR as you hear about veteran entitlements/eligibility, housing options, family changes and more.

Get more information here. You can also register here or fax this flier to 573-445-7865. Questions? Call MAR (800-403-0101 x117 for Terry or x119 for Alika).

We have a choice each and every day in our personal and professional lives, but how often do we talk ourselves out of our possibilities? It's time for a new perspective.

Be there from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15 for an informational session hosted by the Northland Region. "A Mind by Design" is a philosophy that shifts our unconscious thoughts which determine 95% of our daily actions, allowing us to take control and eliminate excuses that can hold us back. This perspective integrates psychology and self to help you design the life you want. If you change your thinking, you can change your life.

 

Get all the details here or register online here. For more information on this or other events, contact KCRAR Event Manager Carrie Stricker at carries@kcrar.com or 913-266-5909.  

As a KCRAR member, you could qualify for an exclusive member savings opportunity with GEICO, the Association's newest Affinity Services provider.

 

 

An auto policy with GEICO is one of the smartest choices you could make; new GEICO policyholders report average annual savings of $500. GEICO is also able to help you find additional coverage such as homeowners, renters, personal umbrella, and even motorcycle insurance. Contact GEICO today by visiting geico.com or calling 1-800-368-2734. Don't forget to mention your KCRAR affiliation to see how much your membership could save you.