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.

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

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

These stats represent the market conditions for the entire state of Kentucky:

September 2013 vs September 2012
Homes sold 2013: 4,061 
Homes sold 2012: 3,199
% change: 27%

Median price 2013: $104,675
Median price 2012: $117,750
% change: -11%

Home sales are up 18.3% YTD 2013 vs 2012 and median prices are running about even for the same period.

The Power of 'R' is you and all you do to advocate for the real estate industry and the nation's 75 million property owners -- in your community, at city hall, at the state house, and on Capitol Hill. Standing one million strong, REALTORS® help build vibrant communities; they help people achieve the American Dream of home ownership; and they champion accurate, reliable data as part of a real estate transaction.

Use the #PowerofR to share all the good you do with others in the industry and with consumers. Share your stories and photos on Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr using the hashtag #PowerofR and update your Facebook cover photo with one of NAR's pre-made banners. Read More

Each May/June, REALTOR® Magazine features 30 rising young stars in the real estate industry. In determining who makes the 30 Under 30 list, REALTOR® Magazine staff looks for candidates who are successful in the real estate business and have demonstrated skill, success, creativity, and leadership in their careers. Applications are due by January 15, 2014. Read More

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 

At the request of the NAR Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee and the NAR Professional Standards Committee, an informal working group of both committees met in Chicago in September following the meeting of the Interpretations and Procedures Advisory Board.

The working group was convened to consider issues and concerns that cooperation between REALTORS® as historically mandated in the Code of Ethics was in decline, including the practices informally referred to as "pocket listings" and "coming soon" marketing techniques. Read More

Listen to a podcast by CAR attorney on the legal issues raised by pocket listings.

Visit the office of elections website - it contains resources for candidates and voters alike, including information about becoming a candidate, a current list of candidates who have filed with the Secretary of State and sample ballots.

Also, if you would like to be notified when someone files to run for an office that interests you, please sign up for the candidate filings notification service. Read More

Don't wait until the last minute to complete your education - you risk a $500 fine by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission. But don't worry, your education can be found online now. With several courses to choose - both online and live web - you have a good selection of topics that always fit your schedule.

Online CORE
Online CE
Live Web (CORE and CE)

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 is Designation Awareness Month and NAR is offering a 20% discount on all online designation and certification courses. Find a course list here.

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

For the latest headlines, click here (there are hundreds to view) or check out some of the most popular posts below: 

Janik retiring from NAR, discusses biggest legal milestones

Secrets to rocking online reviews

Loan limits will not be lowered by Freddie, Fannie

5 questions to ask your potential seller's agent

Legislation announced to delay flood insurance rate increases

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.

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

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!