redtopper
top  Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS�


March 14, 2011 :: IN THIS ISSUE

Reverse Mortgage Ad

SF
SF
SF

delay1Delayed Opening for GCAAR Offices Tuesday, March 15

 

Due to a staff meeting, GCAAR offices will open at the following times tomorrow, Tuesday, March 15:
  • Silver Spring will open at 9:00 a.m.
  • Rockville and DC offices will open at 10:00 a.m.       

    back to top

RayCruz
TRISTAR Realty
fairfaxnew5-14
jobin
formWashington Post: Major Changes Ahead for Mortgage System as U.S. Seeks to Scale Back Role in Housing

Fundamental changes are probably ahead for the American mortgage system as the federal government pushes to unwind its unprecedented involvement in the housing market. 

These changes could significantly raise the down payments demanded by lenders, curtail the availability of long-term mortgages with fixed interest rates, and increase the cost of borrowing in general.  Read more.
anchorRegister Now to See Real Estate Legends Steve Roth and Sam Zell March 16


Join the Greater Washington Commercial Association of REALTORS for a conversation with 


Steve Roth, Chairman of the Board, Vornado Realty Trust
Sam Zell, Chairman, Equity Group Investments LLC  
  
Moderated by Peter Linneman, Wharton School of Business


Date:
 March 16, 2011   
 

Time: 4:00 p.m. 
 

Location: Warner Theater 
 

Learn more or register today!

wdcarAttend the WDCAR Speaker Series 

Join Ron Collins, Director of the District's Office of Boards and Commissions (OBC), for a special briefing as part of the next WDCAR Speaker Series. The OBC assists the Mayor in appointing citizens to over 150 boards and commissions. These independent bodies provide important advisory, regulatory, and policy-making services as part of the Government of the District of Columbia. 
 

Date: March 17, 2011
 

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
 

Where: 500 New Jersey Avenue NW, 3rd Floor,

Washington, DC
 

Speaker: Ron Collins, Director

DC Office of Boards and Commissions
 

Cost: $10 per ticket. Lunch will be provided. 


 Register here
surveyTake Our Communications Survey

Please take a moment to complete the GCAAR Communications Survey. Your comments will assist us in enhancing our communications to help you grow your real estate business.  All respondents will be randomly entered to win a $100 American Express gift card.

The survey will be accessible until March 17. 
 
Access the survey now.
 
emeritusEmeritus Applications Deadline Approaching

If you have been an active agent for at least 40 years, don't forget to apply for the Emeritus Program. NAR's submission deadline is April 1, 2011.  Please fax a completed application to GCAAR at 240-631-1917 by March 18 to ensure your application is received by NAR's deadline. Call 240-631-1913 with any questions. Access the application.
financingRegister for Non-Conforming Financing Course

This course will provide you with an in depth look at this evolving market and update you on the very recent trends taking shape to serve this important market sector. 

Date: March 23, 2011
 

Time: 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. 
 

Location: GCAAR Silver Spring Conference Center  


Instructor
: Mr. Jim Semeyn   


CEUs
: 3.0 hours of MD elective, DC Pending


Learn more or register 

rookieDon't Miss the Weatherize DC Free Workshop for Homeowners

Explore the many ways homeowners can get involved in building a sustainable and an energy-efficient community. You'll also learn ways to renovate your home to save those wasted dollars.
 

When: March 22, 2011
 

 Where: Housing Counseling Services

2410 17th Street NW, Suite 100

(Adams Alley) Washington, DC


Time: 6:30 p.m.
 

E-mail [email protected]

or call 202-667-7714 to RSVP.   

hpapAttend the REALTORS�  Forum Home Purchase Assistance Program

Learn how to boost your sales using HPAP "E": how HPAP clients can receive up to $77K to purchase foreclosed and vacant properties.

When: Thursday, March 24, 2011
 

 Where: Greater Washington Urban League
2901 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC
 

Time: 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
 

RSVP online at www.gwul.org or call 202-265-8200 x228

newsGCAAR in the News 

GCAAR President Adrian Hunnings was recently featured in the Prince George's Gazette expressing support for America's home owners and the continuance of the mortgage interest deduction. Read Adrian's comments.  
weatherSave the Date- Rebuilding Together Set for April 30, 2011 
 

GCAAR is a sponsor for 2011 Rebuilding Together� programs in Montgomery County and Washington, DC. GCAAR volunteers will be working on two houses - one in each jurisdiction.

 

Please join us by volunteering to help on Saturday, April 30, 2011. Registration details coming soon.

 

CaresREALTORS� - Tell Us What You're Doing in the Community  

The GCAAR Cares Community Service Committee wants to know about all the great work our members are doing in the community. Complete the MAR Care Award Application and send it to Debbie Bell at [email protected]. 
formfeb2011Washington, DC Rental Lease Form Update

   

Form #1221: Washington, DC Rental Lease has been updated and is posted to gcaar.com. Review the summary of changes.  

back to top 

WCRSubmit a Good Neighbor Award

REALTOR� Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards program recognizes REALTORS� who are improving the lives of others through volunteer work. Each year, five winners are selected to receive $10,000 grants for their charities, as well as national publicity to help their cause.

Learn more or complete an entry form. Entries must be received by Friday, May 20, 2011.

back to top 

leg2NAR: Social Marketing - Less Is Definitely MORE

As social marketers, real estate practitioners are taught that this business is a numbers game. The more people you meet, the better the chance that you'll get the call when someone needs help buying, selling, leasing, or managing a piece of property. When you think of it that way, Facebook and other online social networks seem like ideal tools for expanding your sphere. These networks make it faster and easier than ever to build relationships with more and more people, right?
Read more.   
legMontgomery County Board Vacancies 

The following board vacancies are currently available: 
  • Commission on Children and Youth
  • Commission on Children and Youth - Youth Members
  • Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board
  • Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

The deadline for application is March 25, 2011.

 
Access vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions.
back to top
mediateWashington Post: Military Buyers: Home Shoppers on a Mission
 
Anyone trying to sell a home in the Washington metro area would be wise to learn more about the needs and habits of military officers, enlisted people and their families. It's the season for them to begin some serious house-hunting.  Read more. 
postWashington Post: Many Still Owe Taxes on Forgiven Home-Equity Debt
 
With hundreds of thousands of homeowners having negotiated loan modifications or short sales or been foreclosed upon during the past year, the Internal Revenue Service has issued fresh guidance on how to handle canceled mortgage debt in the coming tax season. Read more. 
facebook
Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS�
8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 600 :: Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.590.2000 :: www.gcaar.com