KAR News Update
January 2015
Top Stories
Kentucky's Legislative Session convenes today  

The 2015 Regular Session is a 30 day session, otherwise known as a short session. It convenes today and runs through March 24.  Below are several of the important dates to keep in mind: 

  • Legislature Convenes on January 6.
  • Governor Beshear State of the Commonwealth is January 7 at 7pm. Watch it live here.
  • Legislature Break from January 10, 2015 to February 2.
  • Legislature Reconvenes on February 3.
  • KAR Hill Visits on February 4 (see below).
  • Holidays: Martin Luther King on January 19 and President's Day: February 16.
  • Last day to request a new bill to be drafted is February 6.
  • Last day for Senate bills to be introduced is February 13.
  • Last day for House bills to be introduced is February 17.
  • Concurrence Days (this could change under suspension of the rules) are March 6 and March 9.
  • Veto period dates are March 10 to March 20.
  • Legislature reconvenes on March 23.
  • Legislature Adjourns sine die is March 24.

Click here to view the calendar and get other legislative information. 

KAR Legislative & Business Meeting  

February 2-5
Embassy Suites - Lexington, KY
New for this year, the Legislative Meeting will take place in Lexington with transportation provided to and from Frankfort during the Hill Visits and other legislative activities. Join KAR as we take our collective voice to the Capitol to push for home ownership and the real estate industry in Kentucky. The meeting will also feature a 2015 election preview and gubernatorial discussion, a legislative briefing for issues relevant to Kentucky real estate and a lunch with legislators. Meeting registration is free and open to all members. Learn More and Register   

Top 15 apps to get you started in 2015   

There are a variety of apps that can truly help real estate agents and brokers meet the needs of today's industry. Homes.com compiled a list of their favorites from the 2014 National Association of Realtors Expo in New Orleans. These apps will help optimize marketing and productivity efforts. Read More 

In This Issue
KAR News
KAR pursuing post-licensing education in upcoming session     

In the 2015 legislative session, KAR is pursuing legislation to require post-licensing for new licensees. This legislation would not affect current licensees as it would only apply to those who receive a license on or after January 1, 2016. It would, however, help increase knowledge and competency for those entering the profession with the goal of increasing professionalism in Kentucky real estate. To read a draft of the bill and an overview of post-licensing, click here.  

Harris named as KAR's Director of Governmental Affairs      

After a successfully completing a rigorous application and interview process, KAR is pleased to  announce that David C. Harris has been hired as the Director of Governmental Affairs. David comes to KAR with a strong and impressive background in political campaigns, governmental affairs, advocacy and non-profit associations. He has served as a field representative for a major political party and worked on local, state, and federally related political campaigns. Earlier in his career, David served as a programs and advocacy manager for the Kentucky Southeast Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and as a legislative assistant for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. He also served as the manager of government affairs for Greater Louisville Inc. - the Metro Chamber of Commerce. While working with GLI, he researched numerous political issues including tax issues and immigration policy while advocating for proposals that encouraged business leaders to take action on other local issues. His primary responsibility at KAR will be to promote and defend homeownership and private property rights statewide. David is married to Jennifer and they have two children.

"Like" the Kentucky REALTOR Facebook page
Do you want the inside scoop on all things real estate in Kentucky? Then get in on the action. 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

New for 2015 - KAR is embarking on some new social media activities to boost member engagement on the sites. Look for the updates on Facebook and Twitter, including a Throwback Thursday (#TBTKAR) post where we will take a look back at KAR's history in photos every week.
Governmental Affairs / RPAC
RPAC Major Investor event at Donamire Farm   

The REALTOR Political Action Committee is holding a special invitation-only event for major RPAC investors at the Donamire Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Invitees will be welcomed by a special guest and then enjoy the beauty of a true horse farm in the heart of the Bluegrass along with food, drinks and networking. The date is Tuesday, February 3. If you would like to learn more about becoming a major investor and getting an invite to this exclusive event, please contact David Harris at [email protected].   

Special election to fill vacant Senate seat being held in March   

Governor Steve Beshear today set a special election date to fill a vacant legislative seat in the 27th Senate district. Senator Walter Blevins resigned his office effective yesterday in order to serve as Rowan County Judge-executive. The special election will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. The 27th Senate district includes Bourbon, Fleming, Harrison, Lewis, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson and Rowan counties. 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 KHM website includes information as well as a downloadable flyer. Read More
Legal Matters
2015 Code of Ethics
The 2015 Code of Ethics has been posted to Realtor.org and is now available for immediate download. Click here for a copy.
NAR Legal Pulse released for third quarter of 2014

The Legal Pulse brings legal liability trends to life, so you can understand the risks and focus on what's important in your market . In the current edition, NAR looks at the three topics where liability is a major concern for real estate professionals: agency, property condition disclosure, and RESPA. This quarter will also review technology, antitrust, and third-party liability. Read More 

Education
Start in real estate with the online pre-licensing course       
The 96 hour salesperson pre-license course is now completely online through the Kentucky Real Estate Education Foundation (KREEF) and is approved by the Kentucky Real Estate Commission (KREC). The total cost of the program is $599, which is more affordable than most other providers, and includes all materials needed for the course including the textbook and other resources. Learn more about the program here.
Need CORE?   
Take the CORE course online and save. Available anytime, 24/7, this course requirement through KREC also counts as 6 hours of law CE credit. Don't wait until the last minute. Read More
From the KAR Blog
National Issues
Eminent domain prohibition signed into law
The Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill contained a provision which prohibits HUD, FHA, or Ginnie Mae's involvement in the eminent domain scheme developed by Mortgage Resolution Partners and considered by more than a dozen municipalities across the country. This scheme relies upon the refinancing of seized loans through FHA's short refinance program and re-securitization through Ginnie Mae. Read More
Video series from NAR: The Voice for Real Estate
In the video series from NAR called The Voice for Real Estate, a bi-weekly roundup of news that affects the industry and your business, NAR explores many issues that members may find useful in their practice and with clients. Read More
Affinity Partners
Nationwide Insurance: Save an additional 5% on auto and power sports   
Click to get started online
You can save 25% with package discounts and an additional 5% with a KAR discount on your auto and power sport (boat, RV and motorcycle) coverages. Just mention that you are a member of KAR when you call to receive immediate savings.
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�.

Prescription 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.

OfficeMax
OfficeMax provides KAR members with discounts on over 25,000 items, including free delivery with no minimum-sized order and access to its commercial catalog (unavailable to the general public), which features significant member discounts.

Read More
Sponsors
KHC can save your clients money
Wouldn't your clients love to have extra money every month? With the exclusive Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) Conventional No Mortgage Insurance Program (No MI), they can!

KHC's Conventional No MI program enables the borrower to have a lower monthly payment than a FHA program. This program allows eligible borrowers to go up to 97 percent of purchase price without having to pay upfront or monthly mortgage insurance. This could mean substantial savings over a year. Borrowers will have access to KHC Down Payment Assistance Programs, as well! For full details and terms, visit KHC's website (under Conventional No Mortgage Insurance Program).

*Terms and conditions apply. Please visit KHC's Web site for full details.
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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