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 Your Internal News Broadcast
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REALTOR of the Year  Frank Wehrstein, Dickerson & Nieman, was named the 2013 REALTOR of the Year. Frank was recognized at the March 12th Business Luncheon held at Giovanni's. Since becoming an Association member in 1990, Frank has served on numerous committees, several years as Board of Director and two terms as President. He was recently inducted into the National Association of REALTORS RPAC Hall of Fame. Mr. Wehrstein has always been a strong advocate of the Rockford School System and understands the importance of its success and the impact on the real estate industry. Congratutaions Frank! Top of Page
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REALTOR EMERITUS
Four members of the Rockford Area REALTORS were recognized for receiving the REALTOR Emeritus designation, Ray Hodges, Dee Premo, Carl Flood, and Ernie Hunter. To receive this honorable recognition REALTOR members need to have provided real estate service as a REALTOR for 40 years. This status exemplifies and signifies prominence in the real estate industry. Congratulations to you all! Top of Page
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Ogle County Contracts
It has been brought to the attention of the Rockford Area REALTORS that some members feel the Ogle County Real Estate Contracts do not meet current day needs. The Association attorneys have confirmed that Rockford Area REALTOR members can use Winnebago County Bar Association approved contracts for properties in Ogle county. There will be a couple of items that will not be applicable to Ogle County, such as clear water certification, however, those items can be crossed off.
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Qtrly Fees Due
Friendly Reminder- The 2nd Quarter MLS Fee invoices
were emailed  on March 4th. The payment is due on or before April 1st. Invoices can be paid online at www.raarmls.com, by mail or in person at the Association. Late fee policy: If the quarterly payment is received after the due date, a $50.00 late fee will be imposed.
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Tax Tips for Mortgage Forgiveness
Your REALTOR organization and RPAC helped extend the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act through January 1st, 2014. This helps home owners and sellers who have a portion of their mortgage debt forgiven by their lender, typically a short sale, foreclosure or mortgage modification. Without the extension, forgiven debt would be taxable. Share these 10 tax facts on mortgage debt forgiveness from the IRS.
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Making Short Sales Easier
As part of the IAR's Educational "Lunch N Learn" sessions, Jane Savern from Fannie Mae will lead a webinar at noon, March 21st, on "Improving the Short Sale Experience." Participants will get a chance to learn about how to work directly with Fannie Mae on short sales, and what the agency's role is in facilitating these types of transactions. Sessions are free, but registration is required. In addition, REALTORS Property Resource (RPR) has formed a strategic alliance partnership with Fannie Mae aimed at making the short sale process more efficient. Learn more . |
RPS 205 CREDIT RATING INCREASED
Standard & Poor's has raised the credit rating for Rockford Public Schools from 1+ to AA-. The rating puts Rockford Public School 205 in the same credit category with some of the best school districts in Illinois. The S&P credit rating is the cornerstone for determining the interest rates on the upcoming bond sale. The higher the credit rating, the lower the interest rate. The Rockford Area REALTORS played a significant role in this success by providing data that would support the presentation to Standard & Poor's. Read more.
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2013- The Year of Home Ownership
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn declared this year the "Year of Home Ownership," and it kicks off March 23rd with a home buyer expo aimed at helping low and moderate-income consumers buy a home. Quinn also annnounced earlier this year that qualified home buyers will be eligible to receive thousands of dollars in financial assistance for down payments and closing costs through a state initiative known as SmartMove Trio. Read more.
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South Beloit Ordinance Update
According to South Beloit Ordinance # 1877 properties serviced by the city sewer must have functional sewer backflow preventers and/or shut-off valves. No person or entity shall sell, transfer or convey ownership until such has been installed. This is an item that is identified when the clear water inspection takes place. Read more on ordinance.
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New Field Required 
Paragon MLSThe MLS Committee has made changes in regards to the "Estimated Below Grade Finished Square Footage" field.
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Managing Broker Renewal
IDFPR has mailed a yellow renewal card to all Managing Broker Licensees with renewal directions for the April 30th renewal deadline. Licensees can renew online at IDFPR.com. Click here for Education Matrix. |
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COMMITTEE MTGS
March 19
RPAC 1:00pm
March 20
Education 1:30pm
March 21
Board of Directors
2:00pm
March 27
Communication 10:00am
EVENTS
March 17th
Happy St. Pat's Day!
March 29
Association Closes at Noon- Good Friday
April 1st
Quarterly Fees Due
April 4&5
Broker Management Course
April 12
CE-COR1656A- 9:00am
CE- COR1682B- 1:00pm
April 16
Capitol Conference
Springfield
April 20-21
National Open House Weekend
April 23-25
Orientation
May 22
RPAC Round-Up
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Rockford Area REALTORS
6776 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61106
(815)395-6776
www.rockfordarearealtors.org |
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The REALTOR Connection, e-mailed to members of the Rockford Area Realtors, features industry news, legal Q&A and association resources intended strictly for Association members. To change your e-mail address, send an e-mail or call us. We respect your right to privacy. The Rockford Area Realtors does not give your e-mail address to third parties.
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95-6776
www.rockfordarearealtors.org |
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