Tax reform commission files report
After spending almost a year analyzing the state's tax code, a 16-member task force released a final report Monday that would generate about $659 million in extra revenue every year.
Some of the most controversial proposals include raising taxes on pensions, assessing a 1 percent utility tax on businesses and residents, increasing the cigarette tax by 40 cents to $1 a pack, expanding the sales tax to include more services and placing a $17,500 cap on an individual's itemized deductions.
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View the entire 453 page report here
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2013 LeadershipKAR class accepting applications
Deadline: December 31Would you like to join the ranks of some of the most successful REALTORS� from around the state? You can by becoming part of the LeadershipKAR program, offered by the Kentucky Association of REALTORS� since 2002. Recognizing that leadership development is an essential element in the process of improving your Association and profession, KAR attempts to identify emerging REALTOR� leaders in the state, encourage them with motivational activities and assist in sharpening their leadership skills in the hope they will exert a strong positive influence on the future of the Association and profession. Learn about KAR, learn about yourself and learn how to make a difference in your community and association.Apply Now
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Call for Action: Mortgage interest deduction
By now you have seen numerous news reports concerning the Fiscal Cliff. Many of these reports speculate that a change to the long-standing policy that allows homeowners to deduct mortgage interest payments from their income taxes could be part of a Fiscal Cliff deal.
The REALTOR� Party position is that the mortgage interest deduction is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy. We will remain vigilant in opposing any future plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest. Please join NAR in reminding Congress.
Take Action
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Still need CE this year? Options available
With about 5 weeks left in 2012, if you haven't completed your CE requirements (or even started thinking about it), it's not too late. KREEF has a few options to consider:
Classroom: Tuesday, December 18 in Lexington
Agents & Auctions (am, 3 hours elective CE)
Mishaps, Mistakes & Risk Management (pm, 3 hours law CE)
Register here
Online: 11 courses to choose from including ethics and designations/certifications. All count for CE credit. Available 24/7 from any computer. In fact, REALTOR U is offering a 10% discount on everything along with a days' worth of free webinars (they offer 6 designation/certification courses that are CE approved in KY). Use coupon code RU7649ALL. (click here to go direct)
Register here
Live Web: Lots of courses to choose from including ethics and CORE. All count for CE credit. Available at times that fit most schedules and there are no tests to pass at the end.
Register here
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Legislative & Business Meeting in Frankfort
Capital Plaza Hotel Frankfort, KY February 12-14Learn more and register
The Kentucky Association of REALTORS�' Legislative & Business Meeting is your premier opportunity to:
> Meet & greet your state leaders
> Share your REALTOR� concerns directly with legislators
> Support legislation & issues important to real estate in KY
> Ensure policymakers hear your REALTOR� voice
> Increase the influence & clout of REALTORS� throughout KY
New for 2013! REALTOR Rally on Wednesday
On Wednesday, February 13, KAR is putting together more events so our members can have an even bigger voice with legislators in Frankfort:
9am - REALTOR picture in front of the Kentucky State Capitol - all members are invited to attend - the more who show up, the more impact we will have.
9:30am - REALTOR Rally in the Capitol Rotunda - KAR is putting together a list of speakers that will address issues in real estate. This will be a great opportunity to pack the Capital building with members to show our support for the real estate industry.
10:30am - Hill Visits - each local association arranges visits with members of their delegation to voice their thoughts on issues important to the industry (please work with your local association to plan schedules). This is a great time to sit down in person with your legislator and let them know how important real estate is to the economy.
Members can purchase a REALTOR Rally t-shirt for a $15 (fair share) contribution to RPAC. Members are encouraged to wear these during Wednesday's REALTOR Rally at the Capitol. Shirts can be purchased by clicking here or visiting the website here. To guarantee your size, please have your order placed by Friday, January 25.
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Show your pride with a KY REALTOR license plate
KAR received approval from the state to produce an official KY specialty license plate. To start production, KAR needs to have 900 applications and fees collected. This is your chance to show off your REALTOR pride and support the real estate industry. If you want to learn more or have an interest in having your own plate, check out the instructions on the webpage.
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Interested in running for political office?
The REALTOR� Candidate Training Academy was developed to give REALTORS� interested in running for political office an introduction to and expectation of how to run a campaign. It is intended to give candidates a valuable head start in their political journeys, as well as information on how to run successful campaigns. This day-long program, held on Monday, February 11 in Frankfort prior to the Legislative and Business Meeting, will be run by two NAR provided facilitators, Chris Sinclair and Alastair Macaulay of Cornerstone Solutions. Chris and Alastair have 37 years of combined political experience.
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30 Under 30: applications being accepted
Deadline: January 15Each June, REALTOR� Magazine features 30 rising young stars in the real estate industry, and every year hundreds of real estate practitioners apply to be one of the 30 honorees. It's a big honor and members selected receive tons of publicity. To be considered, please review the FAQ and rules listed on the NAR website. Read More
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Discounts for insurance through GEICO: Get a quote
KAR and GEICO are working together to bring exclusive savings to members. Contact GEICO for a free quote on auto, homeowners, renters and motorcycle insurance to see how much you could be saving. And don't forget to mention your KAR affiliation, you could qualify for an exclusive member savings opportunity. Visit the link below for an online quote or call 1-800-368-2734 for your free rate quote by phone.
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This is the year for ethics, due by Dec. 31
REALTORS� are required to complete ethics training for the current cycle running January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012. Failure to complete the required ethics training will be considered a violation of a membership duty and could result in membership suspension or termination. REALTOR� members can verify ethics completion by checking with their primary local association and should notify the primary local association when their requirement is completed. Online: Know the Code: Real Estate Ethics (also counts as 6 hours CE) click to register
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Save up to 30% on UPS shipping
KAR members can save up to 30% off UPS Express air and international shipments. All this with the peace of mind that comes from using the carrier that delivers outstanding reliability, greater speed, more service, and innovative technology. UPS guarantees delivery of more packages around the world than anyone, and delivers more packages overnight on time in the US than any other carrier.
Members currently enrolled in the UPS Savings Program must re-enroll to take advantage of this new exclusive offer.
KAR members can save:
* Up to 30% on UPS Next Day Air� and Worldwide Express�
* Up to 23% on UPS 2nd Day Air�
* Up to 10% on business services at The UPS Store�
Sign up today |
Neighborhood DAP from KHC
Do you have clients interested in purchasing a property in foreclosure or a home that has been on the market for six months or more? Then they may be eligible for a new financing option from Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC)!
The Neighborhood Down Payment Assistance Program (Neighborhood DAP) is funded through $3 million KHC received from the National Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement, and offers a new mortgage program for down payment and closing costs assistance. Neighborhood DAP provides a repayable second mortgage up to $10,000, with an interest rate of 1 percent for 30 years. The home buyer's income must be less than $124,775 and other terms and conditions apply.
Hurry, because once the funds are gone, the program ends! To find out more, visit here. A Neighborhood DAP customizable flier is available here.
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KAR Holiday Schedule
KAR will be closed for the holidays from December 24 through the end of the year. The office will reopen on January 2.
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Need referrals? Advertise in the KY REALTOR Magazine
New for KAR members, the chance to advertise in the only state-wide real estate publication is now available. Limited space is available so act now to be included. Pricing is affordable. To learn more, email hcooper@kar.com, call 800.264.2185 or click here. |
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KAR Affinity Partners
GEICO (New Program) Contact GEICO for a free quote on insurance to see how much you could be saving. And don't forget to mention your KAR affiliation, you could qualify for an exclusive member savings opportunity.
UPS (New Program) KAR members can save up to 30% on UPS shipping. Members currently enrolled in the UPS Savings Program must re-enroll to take advantage of this new exclusive offer. Showing Suite
Get feedback on your listings, improve communication with your sellers, and set yourself apart from your competition with HomeFeedback�.
Drug CardAs a member, you, your family & friends may be able to lower your prescription drug costs. Nationwide InsuranceOffering you a special insurance program that could save you up to $500 with special rates on your auto policy. Read More
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Broker Involvement
Program
Get involved in a program that will boost Kentucky's Call-for-Action response rates. If you are a real estate broker in Kentucky, please enroll (it's free and easy), and if you are an agent, please encourage your broker to join this effective network of broker leadership in public advocacy for REALTORS� across the United States. Learn more and enroll here (to enroll, click the "Join the Program" button on the left side) |
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