KAR News Update
March 2014
Top Stories
In Memoriam: John Chandler, KAR past president 
John, past president of KAR, became heavily involved in the Cumberland Valley Board of Realtors and the Kentucky Association of Realtors and developed many lifelong relationships with his fellow Realtors. The members of these organizations were a second family to him. Funeral services for John H. Chandler will be conducted on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rough Creek Cemetery. The family of John H. Chandler will receive friends after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at House-Rawlings Funeral Home. Read More.
Broker Summit: Mark your calendar
Wednesday, April 23 - Louisville, Kentucky
Registration: $89
Register here
Attendees have the chance to win an iPad or 1 of 6 free online education courses
The only statewide broker training event in Kentucky. With the market changing rapidly, it's important to adapt, and adopt, in order to give yourself a competitive edge. As Kentucky real estate brokers, managers and owners, KAR strives to offer you the most essential and current information on industry issues and trends to help your business prosper. By attending this event, you will find answers to your questions. You can connect with the best in the industry and find ways to improve your business immediately. Now is the best time to further your real estate knowledge base.
House to vote on flood insurance
The House is scheduled to vote up-or-down on an amended version of H.R. 3370, the Flood Insurance Affordability Act, during the first week of March. The original bill text has been stripped and replaced by substitute language that considerably strengthens the bill. The substitute bill will be considered under an expedited set of "suspended rules" procedures that limits debate and amendments, and requires a 2/3 majority to pass. This is a critical vote on a top NAR member priority. Read More.
Military Relocation Professional Course
Two locations: Hopkinsville (April 9) and Elizabethtown (April 10)
These courses give attendees the knowledge and skills needed for working with military buyers and sellers. Cost is $89 and the course is approved as ABR and GRI elective credit and has been submitted for CE credit. To learn more and register, click here.
In This Issue
KHC
KAR News
KAR Award Nominations 

REALTOR® of the Year Award (Word version)
Deadline: Saturday, June 1, 2014

Distinguished Service Award
Deadline: Friday, June 14, 2014

Nat Sanders Education Award
Deadline: Friday, August 15, 2014

REALTOR® Community Service Award
Deadline: Friday, August 15, 2014
KAR Elections
Deadline is September 3
KAR is seeking nominations for several leadership positions for 2015. The information regarding the openings, terms, voting information and the form are included on the website. If you need additional information or would like to discuss, please contact Julie Johnson, Legal Affairs Director, at 800.264.2185 or by email.
"Like" the Kentucky REALTOR Facebook page
Over 500 people "like" the new KAR Facebook page - don't you want to be in on the action too?  Keep up with what your association is doing in real-time - from legislative updates and technology to the newest business tools and member photos. "Like" here
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. For a complete breakdown of housing stats, click here.

4th Quarter 2013 vs 4th Quarter 2012

Total Homes Sold 2013: 10,253
Total Homes Sold 2012: 9,481
% Change: 8%

Median Home Price 2013: $110,325
Median Home Price 2012: $105,825
% Change: 4%
National Issues
Good Neighbor Awards   
REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards recognize REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary impact on their community, or on the national or world stage, through volunteer work.

Five winners are announced each fall in REALTOR® Magazine. Winners are recognized annually at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo, and receive $10,000 grants for their charities. Winners also receive travel expenses to the conference and national and local media exposure for their community cause. In addition to the winners, five honorable mentions each receive a $2,500 grant. Read More.
The #PowerofR
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
Governmental Affairs / RPAC
Join RPAC at Keeneland for some serious horse racing excitement
Join REALTORS® from around Kentucky on Wednesday, April 9 as they gather at historic Keeneland Race Course to celebrate the pageantry and excitement of Thoroughbred horse racing. Support RPAC with your ticket purchase of $200 which includes a buffet, drinks, programs and a ticket to the prestigious and private Keeneland Room. The first 40 members signed up will receive a valet parking pass. Read More.
Legislative updates for the 2014 session
Every Friday during the legislative session, KAR publishes an update of the week's events including bills being tracked, key legislative decisions and important developments. These are sent to all members and also posted online. Be sure to check your inbox for the latest issue. Read More.
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
Legal Matters
Court disregards HUD policy statement
In Carter v. Welles-Bowen, a federal appellate court affirmed the district court's opinion that a HUD policy statement was not entitled to consideration in determining whether the defendant real estate companies ("Companies") had violated the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA"). Read More.
2014 Code of Ethics
The 2014 Code of Ethics has been posted to Realtor.org and is now available for immediate download. Click here for a copy.
Education
2014 GRI schedule  
Get started with the most popular and well-known designation in the country. Not only will you increase your professionalism but you will create a new network of referral opportunities. This is also the only designation that you don't have to pay or renew to keep on an ongoing basis - it's yours for life. Visit the website to learn more about the benefits, download a schedule or register for a course. Read More

Did you know: Those with a designation earn over $27,600 more annually than non-designees.
Save 25% on the online e-PRO course   
The e-PRO® curriculum shows you how to use the latest social media technologies to create an online presence vital to reaching today's hyper-connected consumers. e-PRO® also teaches you how to take advantage of rich media and e-office strategies to run your business more efficiently. Discount valid through March. Read More.
CE classroom scheduled in March   
Thursday, March 6
Henderson, KY
9am- 4pm: CORE Course (6 law hours)

Friday, March 7
Cadiz, KY
9am- noon: Common Problems that Lead to RE Jail (3 law hours)
1pm-4pm: Real Live Cases (3 law hours)

Thursday, March 13
Shelbyville, KY
9am- noon: Top 20 Tech Tools to Provide Better Service to Home Sellers (3 elective hours)
1pm-4pm: The Older Client & The Real Estate Agent (3 law hours)
LeadershipKAR application available - get with the program 
Would 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 our 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. Read More
Appraisal courses 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
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: 

Cost vs. Value Report: Which projects pay off?

7 tech tools everyone is talking about

Freddie Mac offers winter bonuses for REO sales

Top 10 photographic crimes real estate agents commit

Realtor.com survey reveals people have "home crushes"

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
UPS: Save up to 30% when you ship  
Click to get started online
You just may save enough over the holidays to put a little extra spending money in your pocket.
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 can save your clients money
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Kentucky Association of REALTORS | kar@kar.com | http://www.kar.com | http://www.karblog.com
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Lexington, KY 40509
Ron Hughes 2014 KAR President