KAR News Update
October 2013
KAR News
"Like" the Kentucky REALTOR Facebook page - win $25
Be one of the first 500 people to "like" the new KAR Facebook page and be entered to win a $25 gift card. And you can keep up with what your association is doing in real-time - from legislative updates and technology to the newest business tools and member photos.
Kentucky Homes Matter
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 webpage includes an advocacy toolkit while the KHM website includes information as well as a downloadable flyer. Read More
In This Issue
KHC
License plate for KY REALTORS - promote your industry
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. Read More
Housing Stats
These stats represent the market conditions for the entire state of Kentucky:

July 2013 vs July 2012
Homes sold 2013: 4,750
Homes sold 2012: 3,747
% change: 27%

Median price 2013: $108,225
Median price 2012: $101,000
% change: 7%
National Issues
FHFA urged not to change loan limits by NAR, Senators  
NAR sent a letter to FHFA urging them not to lower the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae loan limits, asserting they do not have the authority to do so, and arguing against reducing mortgage liquidity across the nation. In August, FHFA announced the intention to lower the loan limits to encourage private growth in the mortgage market. Last week, 13 senators also sent a letter objecting to the lowering of loan limits. Read More 
Two week government shutdown has impact on housing 
Congress has failed to approve a Continuing Resolution (CR) providing funding for most government operations. Therefore, spending authority for most of the government expired at midnight on Sept. 30, 2013. Until legislation providing for funding is signed into law, many offices and programs of the federal government are now shut down. This means many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding. Read More 
Code of Ethics turns 100
2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the NAR Code of Ethics. Learn more about the history of the Code, how it has influenced real estate and the changes that have shaped what it is today. Read More 
Legal Matters
Trademark violation claimed against brokerage
A San Diego-based brokerage with 123 sales agents is trying to stop ZipRealty Inc. from using a domain that incorporates the brokerage's name as a referral site to direct traffic to ZipRealty.com.

Ascent Real Estate Inc. claims Emeryville, Calif.-based ZipRealty and the Web developer that has licensed the domain ascentrealestate.com to ZipRealty are infringing on the company's trademarks. Read More 
Governmental Affairs / RPAC
Two more eminent domain bills pre-filed 
KAR is closely monitoring the proposed Bluegrass Pipeline that will transport natural gas liquids through Kentucky. Williams and Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP have addressed concerns about the potential use of eminent domain along the pipeline's proposed route and stressed the fact that it is an absolute last option that is rarely used. Check the website for resources including all the bills pre-filed for the 2014 legislative session. Read More
Special elections announced for House and Senate  
Governor Steve Beshear announced a special election on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, for two empty seats: Senate District 13 (Sen. Kathy Stein (D) - Fayette County and House District 7 (Rep. John Arnold (D) - Daviess, Henderson, and Union Counties. Read More
Education
Upcoming GRI course - audit discount and you can get a freebie
That's right, if you complete your GRI designation by the end of 2014, no matter how many courses you have left to take, KREEF will reimburse you the cost of your last GRI course* (1 through 5). Even if you only have one course left to complete the program, you qualify. When you send in your completed GRI application, KREEF will send you a rebate on your last course. Call 800.264.2185 for details. *Rebate equal to the early-bird registration price.

November 14 & 15 - GRI 5: Systems for Success - Louisville, KY

Also, if you currently hold a GRI designation, you can audit any of the GRI courses (1 through 5) for only $50. By auditing a course, you not only receive updated information to help in your business, you also receive the continuing education credit associated with the course. It's a win-win!

Course Descriptions
Instructor Bios
Learn more or register for GRI courses
October CE courses
Don't wait too late and risk a $500 fine. Continuing education is available.

October 29 - Madisonville, KY - Predatory Lending and Ethics & Real Estate (6 hours CE)
October 30 - Hopkinsville, KY - Predatory Lending and You Said What? (6 hours CE)
October 31 - Murray, KY - You Before Me: Demystifying Fiduciary Duties & You Said What? (6 hours CE)

Register here

Online courses, including Core, are available - several to choose from - available 24/7 - register here
Save 10% on NAR's CE-approved certification and designation online courses
Through the end of October, a 10% discount is available on NAR's CE-approved designation and certification courses offered online. The courses available are  listed here.

Enter coupon code RUCE10 during check-out and receive a 10% discount. Offer valid through October 31st on CE-approved courses only. Click here to register.
Appraisal courses now offered online
Appraisal courses are through McKissock Online Education and 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. Learn More
SRES online course is 25% off in October
You can save 25% through the end of the month on the revised Seniors Real Estate Specialist course through NAR. The courses counts as ABR, CRS and GRI elective hours and 3 hours elective CE in Kentucky. Register Now
From the KAR Blog
For the latest headlines, click here (there are hundreds to view) or check out some of the most popular posts below: 

NAR warns of housing impacts as debt ceiling nears

5 technology tools every agent should use

Online privacy: most adults skeptical

Study shows that walkable neighborhoods are better for kids

8 kitchen remodeling ideas for under $500

Do you really need to spend a lot on home insurance?

You can subscribe to receive daily updates by clicking the links on the right hand side of the blog home page. Guaranteed at least one new post daily.
Affinity Partners
GEICO
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
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 Card
As a member, you, your family & friends may be able to lower your prescription drug costs. Simply create and print your FREE Prescription Drug Card and receive savings of up to 75% (discounts average roughly 30%) at more than 54,000 national and regional pharmacies. This card can be used as your primary plan and/or it can be used on prescriptions not covered by your insurance plan.

Nationwide Insurance
Offering you a special insurance program that could save you up to $500 with special rates on your auto policy.

Read More
Sponsors
KHC offers Conventional No MI program
Wouldn't your clients love to have up to another $1,000 a year? With the exclusive Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Conventional No Mortgage Insurance Program (No MI), they can!


KHC's No MI comes just as the Federal Housing Administration raised the monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium factors. This program enables eligible borrowers to go up to 97 percent of purchase price without having to pay upfront or monthly mortgage insurance. Based on a purchase price of $125,000, this could mean a savings of up to $1,000 a year!* Borrowers will have access to KHC's Down payment Assistance Programs, as well! For full details and terms, visit KHC's Web site, under Lenders/Realtors, Lender Services, Conventional No MI Program


*Terms and conditions apply. Please visit KHC's Web site for full details.
 
This is an advertisement
Authentisign
Authentisign is the most widely used eSignature service in real estate, and now with Authentisign2Go, you can create signings anywhere from your iPad or other tablet device. Plus, it's completely browser-based, so there's no app to install. And it works with all your previous signings. So stop running all over town for your signings. Use Authentisign and Authentisign2Go and take your real estate practice paperless. For more information, please visit www.instanetsolutions.com or call 800-668-8768 today.
 
 
This is an advertisement
Stay Connected

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   
Kentucky Association of REALTORS | [email protected] | http://www.kar.com | http://www.kar.com
161 Prosperous Place, Suite 100
Lexington, KY 40509
John May, 2013 KAR President