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Your Internal News Broadcast
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The 2014 Crystal Ball
As you fine tune your business plans for the up and coming year, here  is a look into the NAR crystal ball of what to expect in the real estate industry.
To help you with your marketing efforts NAR will be rolling out the "Make Your Move" consumer advertising campaign which will encourage consumers to stop waiting, start considering, and make a move.
In addition to the TV and radio ads, NAR is offering you ad generators for you to use in your consumer outreach programs. Top of Page
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2014 Health Law
March 31st Deadline
NAR President Steve Brown provides a detailed video walk-through to help you better understand what you need to do between now and March 31st to comply with the new health insurance reform law.
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Reminder- System Updates
January 10th & 11th
Paragon will be offline beginning on Friday, January 10, 2014 at 8:00 PM (CST) until Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM (CST) in order for LPS MLS Solutions to complete important system updates. During this timeframe Paragon or any other related products such as IDX Smartframing, Client Connect, or RETS will be unavailable for access.
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2014 Code of Ethics Changes
Members Attend Pro Standards Training
Many of our REALTORS attended the 2014 Professional Standards Training in Oak Brook on January 8th. There were 2014 Code Changes to the 2014 Code of Ethics that they were trained on in addition to a very note worthy change on the Pathways to Professionalism regarding sellers instructions on anyone taking photographs or videographing their property, inside or outside.
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Zoning Letter Fee Increase
The City of Rockford has increased their Zoning Letter Application fee from $66 to $72.60 beginning January 1, 2014. Be sure to dispose of any previously obtained applications that you may have and use the new Zoning Confirmation Letter Request Form. Top of Page
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Medical Marijuana
2014 Illinois HB1
The Illinois medical cannabis/marijuana program took effect on Jan. 1, 2014. NAR attorneys have developed a video that highlights the changing legal environment regarding disclosure and other issues particularly in rental real estate. Other topics covered include pocket listings, IDX copyright violations and managing broker liability for actions of their brokers.
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Rental Deposit Interest
Although some municipalities throughout Illinois implemented a rate increase in 2014 for interest paid on rental security deposits, the Rockford area maintains a rate of .0005 percent for 2014. Read more on the act and statewide rates. Top of Page
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There will be eight new forms and contracts released for use sometime in February. The programming process is being completed for upload on Instanet and Paragon. It is recommended that members attend one of the training sessions scheduled in January and February to help better understand the changes implemented. See raarmls.com Calendar for dates and registration. Top of Page
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Follow Us On Twitter
In 2014 the Rockford Area REALTORS will be enhancing their  communication platform by offering more channels for you to stay informed of what is going on in the Association and the real estate industry. Start off your year by following us on Twitter at rockfordarearealtors@rkfdrealtors. Top of Page
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Hands Free
Effective January 1, 2014
Reminder- As of January 1, 2014, it is illegal to use hand-held cell phones while driving in Illinois. Julie Sullivan covers other important things you need to know before you get on the road in 2014 in her latest "At the Capitol"Reminder- IAR members can save 25% on select Verizon Verizon accessories, including Bluetooth. (Username: IARMEMBER/Password: IARBENEFIT1)
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Buyer's Responsibility to Beware
Although there is certainly a due diligence in regards to a seller's responsibility to disclose structural issues, a court recently ruled in favor of a seller in a case where rot was not disclosed. A Washington's court's reversal serves as a harsh reminder to buyers of their responsibility to "beware, inspect, and question." Top of Page
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Mapping-Bryan Trenholm, Action Appraisals, would like to offer a tip to remind REALTORS to map all of their listings. If the listings are not mapped they will not show up when the mapping feature is utilized to obtain statistical data, which is quite often. Password Keeper-It is not secret that we all have problems remembering all of the passwords needed when utilizing anything on the internet. Jackie speaks from experience when she suggests using ROBOFORM, a free tool that allows you to safely store all of your passwords so that you don't have to use them every time you log onto a frequently used site. Top of Page
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COMMITTEE MEETINGS
January 14
Communications Committee
1:00pm
Governmental Affairs
2:00pm
RPAC Committee
2:30pm
January 15
Board of Directors
2:00pm
January 28
RPAC Committee
2:30pm
EVENTS
January 10 8:00pm- January 11th 11:00am Paragon Upgrades
January 16 CE- CORB 1603- 9:00am
CE- RD916- 1:00pm
Marki Lemons Great Instructor!
January 27
CE-CORB-1606
9:00am
CE-RD922- 1:00pm
Lynn Madison
January 28th
New Contract Training
9:00-10:30am
February 6th
New Contract Training
1:30-3:00pm
February 7th
CE-TBD
Jean Crosby
February 13
Health and Wellness Expo
Giovanni's
February 25
CE- COR1615A and RB707
Lynn Madison
March 17
CE- CORB-1649
FI- 1173
Lynn Madison
April 9
Annual RPAC Event
Tebala
April 11
CE- COR1614A
RB718
Lynn Madison
 | | Click for Meeting Calendar |
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NAR
IAR
LOCAL LEADERSHIP
PUBLICATION ARCHIVES
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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.
To unsubscribe: By unsubscribing, you are directing the Association to discontinue all e-mail to your e-mail address. You will not receive any further correspondence from the Association via e-mail (including but not limited to: education course reminders, political communication such as calls to action, member service information, etc.) To unsubscribe, see below.
815-395-6776
www.rockfordarearealtors.org
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