KAR News Update
April 2014
Top Stories
Broker Summit: Mark your calendar
Wednesday, April 23 - Louisville, Kentucky
Registration: $89
Register here
Agenda
Attendees have the chance to win an iPad or 1 of 6 free online education courses
This is the only statewide broker training event in Kentucky. With the market changing rapidly, it's important to adapt in order to give yourself a competitive edge. By attending this event, you will find answers to questions that could potentially save you thousands in legal fees along with the following:
  • Violations in real estate practice you weren't aware existed - both legal and code of ethics.
  • Agent activities that could get brokers in trouble.
  • E&O policy coverages and endorsements that can be added to policies and things not covered.
  • New financing rules issued through the Dodd-Frank act and how those are enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
  • Legislative issues that are relevant to real estate and how they affect the state's budget process.
  • Important factors for upcoming elections and what they mean to the local real estate industry.
  • Most common complaints filed by agents and consumers with KREC.
  • Pros and cons of using the cloud in your real estate business.
  • Top security risks in document storage and securing client information when using online strategies.
KAR Summer Business Meeting 
Registration is now open and is free to all KAR members. This event, located at Lake Barkley in Cadiz, is a great chance to network with colleagues in a relaxed, casual atmosphere while learning more about the current real estate market and what the state association is doing for you. This meeting will be the most fun you'll have all year!
Click here to register for the meeting and here for the boat cruise.
Flood Insurance Affordability Act: FAQs  
Would you like to know when your clients will see rate relief under the Flood Insurance Affordability Act? NAR answers this and many more questions about what the recent amendments change in the Biggert-Waters law.

Not only will you find out what to tell your clients while FEMA implements the law over the next 8-16 months but also provides the background to the law and what the facts are surrounding the amendments. Read More
In This Issue
KHC
KAR News
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
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 - you can get 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
Housing Stats
These stats represent the market conditions for the entire state of Kentucky. For a complete breakdown of housing stats, click here.

The first two months of 2014 are picking up where last year left off with home sales remaining on an uptick and housing prices holding strong.  Complete data is still coming in from the local boards and will be reported in the next issue of the newsletter.
Governmental Affairs / RPAC
Mortgage debt cancellation tax relief
The United States Senate Finance Committee agreed to a bipartisan bill to reinstate close to 50 tax provisions that expired at the end of 2013. Among the real estate provisions included in the "extenders" package are: 1) tax relief for mortgage debt forgiveness, 2) 15-year cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements, 3) election to expense certain qualified real property, and 4) deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings. All of these provisions are retroactively extended to cover a period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015. Read More
Kentucky Legislative Session 
The 2014 legislative session of the Kentucky General Assembly will adjourn sine die today. KAR will prepare a legislative session wrap-up and share what legislation passed and how it affects your profession. Keep your eyes out on Friday for this update.
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
Independent contractor status challenged in 3 cases
Sales associates say they're employees, not independent contractors, in three pending lawsuits - two in California and one in Massachusetts. NAR Associate Counsel Lesley Walker looks at the status and implications of the lawsuits in a 6 minute video. 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 Green Designation    
Designed for residential real estate professionals, NAR's Green Designation examines the latest trends in green building technology as well as consumer demand for homes that are environmentally certified or that incorporate green features. Each course counts as 3 hours elective CE in Kentucky. 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: 

NAR, Realtor.com� team up to launch mega-campaign

The 3 biggest turn-ons for homebuyers

5 biggest turn-offs for homebuyers

10 things real estate pros need to stop telling themselves

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.
National Issues
Field guide for .REALTOR domain  
NAR is currently finalizing the process of securing the .REALTOR domain for use by members and associations. In the meantime, a recently posted Field Guide to Top-Level Domains will help you stay up to date on the latest. Read More
Committee recommendations for NAR    
Recommendations for 2015 committees can be entered through the online form from March 11-May 23, 2014. Members can submit recommendations for oneself or other members. If you have any questions please contact Adrienne Kather at 312-0329-8434. Read More (login required).
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
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
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.
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Liberty Mutual offering agents referral bonus   
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Kentucky Association of REALTORS | [email protected] | http://www.kar.com | http://www.karblog.com
161 Prosperous Place, Suite 100
Lexington, KY 40509
Ron Hughes 2014 KAR President