Update on the REALTOR Party Political Survival Initiative

Thank you for all the feedback and comments regarding the REALTOR Party Political Survival Initiative (RPPSI). The NAR Executive Committee is holding a special session on April 12 to discuss the initiative and KAR will communicate any new or updated information to you following the meeting. In addition, a town hall is being conducted on April 13 (1-3 central time) - check realtor.org for registration information or click here (login required). NAR Directors will be voting on the proposal at the NAR Midyear Meeting in May.

Learn more about RPPSI

Depending on several factors, a new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Rule requires real estate professionals make specific disclosures when representing clients involved in a short sale transaction. While NAR is currently in discussions with the FTC and instructions from the FTC may change, KAR recommends that until further notice members should use the Model Disclosure Forms developed by KAR when representing clients in short sales.

KAR hosted a webinar on this topic. Listen to this webinar for additional guidance on when and how to use the Model Disclosure Forms as well as a Q & A. 

Learn more about MARS

HB 256 enables the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the state housing finance agency, to create a new program for homeowners whose incomes are up to 175 percent of the area median income. The bill also enables KHC to refinance mortgages with affordable, fixed-interest rates for 15-year and 30-year terms and makes mortgages for second-time home buyers available through KHC.
 

with Terry Watson

 

This course will familiarize today's agents with the latest technology and social media tools to enhance business and help engage with customers and other real estate professionals.

2 locations: Madisonville (May 23) and Elizabethtown (May 24)

 Group pricing is available for as low as $75 per person.
Already have e-PRO? Refresh your skills for $75.

Approved as 3 hour CE elective credit and elective credit for CRS, ABR, GRI, CIPS and RSPS. Call KAR (800.264.2185) for more info.

Register or Learn More Here

Free registration for all KAR members
Register Here

This meeting is a great chance to network with colleagues from across the state in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while learning more about the current real estate market and what the state association is doing for you. This meeting will be the most fun you'll have all year!

Room rates are $109.95/night, cottages are $219.95/night. Call 800.325.1708 or 270.924.1131 for reservations. Reference the KAR Summer Business Meeting.

KAR is teaming up with associations across the country for one weekend of Nationwide Open Houses for the second consecutive year. The purpose is to encourage those who are thinking of buying a home to take advantage of unique home market factors and the affordability that Kentucky offers.

Be sure to include your open houses for that weekend on the MLS and in other promotions you are putting together! We'll be directing the public to our website and you can direct them to your listings on the MLS or personal sites as well. This is at no cost to you! KAR will be sending free balloons to your local association, available for you to tie to your open house signs as well as providing free graphics, flyers and ads to use in your marketing efforts.

Learn More

 

The at-large director vacancy is due to Linda Gibson Cecil resigning due to her accepting appointment with KREC. The remaining term runs through December 31, 2013. Interested candidates should complete a nomination form and return it to KAR by May 31, 2011. The delegate body will vote to fill this vacancy at the delegate body meeting on June 17, 2011 in Cadiz, Kentucky. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Susie Helm or Julie Johnson at KAR.

Read More

Deadline: May 20, 2011 

The awards recognize REALTORS� who impact their communities through volunteer work. Five winners will be recognized at the 2011 REALTORS� Conference & Expo in Anaheim and will receive travel expenses to attend the show and a $10,000 grant for their community cause. To apply, click here. 

In March, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced a one year extension of the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) to June 30, 2012. The program expands access to refinancing for qualified individuals and families who are current on their mortgage payment and who have loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac with loan-to-value ratios of between 80 percent and 125 percent. 

Read More

Although the foreclosure crisis at times appears like an all-encompassing national problem, there are states and metropolitan areas that are harder impacted than others. As suggested by the national numbers, the situation is mostly improving, at least in terms of delinquencies. In the last quarter of 2010, serious delinquencies, those 90+ days late, fell over the past year in all but four states.

Find out where Kentucky ranks