Over the next week Congress will be working on a number of legislative issues in Washington, D.C. Congress adjourned for its traditional "August Recess," which represents an important opportunity for REALTORS® to directly engage with Members of Congress on our home field. The issues facing REALTORS® affect the fundamental elements of real estate: financing, taxes and property protection. FHA/Fannie and Freddie reform is tops on the list.

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KAR is conducting a comprehensive member survey to gain a better understanding of our membership demographics as well as to receive feedback to gauge our effectiveness as an association.

A drawing will be held for members who complete the survey - a $100 gift card will be given to a top prize winner and two (2) additional members will receive a $50 gift card each. The survey is over 30 questions, however, many of them are demographic questions - the whole survey should take 5-7 minutes, maybe less. You should have received an email last week with a link to the survey. If you overlooked it, no worries, KAR will be sending out a couple of reminders in the coming days.

In addition, a $100 gift card will be awarded to the local board/association that has the highest percent of their membership complete the survey. 

KAR is pleased to announce the 2013 recipients of the Professional Standards Education Seminar Scholarships.

Louise Miller, a member of the GLAR, has her broker's license and has over 31 years of experience in real estate. Louise has volunteered for professional standards at the local and state associations for the past six years and also serves as the 2013 Chair of the Professional Standards Committee for the state association.

John Elling, a member of the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of REALTORS® (LBAR), was selected as LBAR's representative. John has his broker's license and has earned his GRI and CRS designations. With over 28 years of experience in real estate, John has served on LBAR's Professional Standards committee for 22 years.

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Just as Kentucky could be facing a similar proposition in the future, Minnesota recently defeated a proposed state sales tax on real estate services which would have added $1,500 to the cost of buying and selling a $250,000 home. The success of MN in this fight (and the fact that another state is in this fight) shows why KY must stay updated with tax discussions in Frankfort. See below for the Kentucky Homes Matter campaign.

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As Kentucky continues to fight budget issues, KAR has taken a proactive approach to educating members, consumers and legislators on why home ownership is important to Kentucky. The focus begins on protecting crucial tax benefits for home ownership and keeping sales tax on services from being placed on the transfer of property. If you want to learn more, the website includes information as well as a downloadable flyer.

Visit the website 

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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Target:RPAC is being held once again during Convention (you don't have to be present to win) - darts are now available for purchase - $50 each - with the chance to win over $2,500 in cash and prizes by stepping in the "Money Machine."

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Also provides six (6) hours of law CE credit    

Deadline: Thursday, August 15, 2013

REALTOR® Community Service Award
Deadline: Thursday, August 15, 2013

KREEF offers rebate when program is completed      

KREEF is now offering online appraisal courses through McKissock Online Education. These courses include the USPAP course as well as a selection of over 20 elective courses needed to complete the annual training requirements.

The classes are approved by the Appraisal Qualifying Board (AQB) and also approved for Continuing Education by the Kentucky Real Estate Appraisers Board.

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