WRAR's Broker Briefing - Weekly Email Newsletter

 TOP NEWS - MONDAY, MAY 6, 2013

Flood Insurance Survey and Webinar
NAR held an important webinar regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on Tuesday, April 30. You can watch the archived version of this webinar here.

This webinar described possible changes to the program that may impact your customers. If you serve an inland area and think this doesn't apply to you, think again! Non-coastal regions prone to flooding are likely to see rate increases under the reauthorization of NFIP. The NFIP has been a priority for our members to discuss with their members of Congress during NAR Mid-year meetings. We would appreciate your watching this webinar in anticipation of this year's Mid-year meetings coming up in May.

In addition, NAR has created a survey in an effort to identify the cause of flood insurance rate concerns. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey - Take Survey Now.

 LOCAL & STATE

March Jobless Rates Show Improvement
 
Browser Compatibility Notice for MLS Subscribers
Rapattoni MLS is currently compatible with Internet Explorer® 10 - the newest version the popular web browser. However, starting July 1, 2013, Internet Explorer® 8 will no longer be supported by Rapattoni MLS. Click the link above for full details.

Click the link above to download an application and APPLY TODAY to serve on the 2014 WRAR Board of Directors. Once on this page, the application links for Director Positions and Vice President are listed 4th and 5th on this page respectively. All REALTOR® members are encouraged to apply. Deadline for the submission: May 7 at 12 noon.

 UPCOMING EVENTS 

I Wanna Bee - A Good Neighbor 2013I Wanna Bee...
A Good Neighbor
Hosted by WRAR Partners for
Affordable Homeownership & the
Young Professionals Network


Volunteer with PAH, YPN and
the Wilmington Area Rebuilding
Ministry (WARM) to helpfamilies in Wilmington with homes in need of repairs. All skill levels are encouraged and welcomed!

Wednesday-Friday, May 15, 16, 17, 2013
8am-12pm or 11:30am-3:30pm (Each Day)
Questions? Like to Make a Donation or Sponsor this Event?
Contact Sarah Mebane at 910.815.2835
Like us on Facebook Like this Event on Facebook

Young Professionals Network of WRAR Spring YPN Mixer
Come relax, network, enjoy drinks & hors d' oeuvres and have some fun with friends and colleagues at the Young Professionals Network Mixer. Did we mention FREE pool? RSVP via the registration link below by May 21st at 5PM. Complimentary for WRAR Members and their guests.

Thursday, May 23rd - 6:00PM to 8:00PM
Fox and Hound @ Mayfaire

 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

NCAR Government Affairs Update 05/03/13

New Hanover County Seeking Applicants for Boards & Committees

Senate Approves Higher Boat Fees for Dredging

New Utility Rates Take Effect This Month

County Wants Site Visit to Each Property Before Revaluation

Bill from Hamilton: Municipal Sales Tax for Beach Nourishment Money

Draft for Public Comment: City of Wilmington's Annual Action Plan 2013-2014

Call for Action: Preserve Homeowner Rights on Design & Aesthetic Control
> For more Gov Affairs news, info & events, please Click Here.  

TaxReformFacts.org

Visit www.TaxReformFacts.org to learn about tax reform in North Carolina and a number of important issues facing our industry, the economy and homeowners across the state. Help preserve and protect the Mortgage Interest Deduction and property tax deductions that are critical to homeowners in NC by joining the conversation!

 MLS TRAINING VIDEO: The Toolbar

Find out how the MLS Toolbar keeps the functions you need at your fingertips. Click image below to watch & learn.

The Toolbar
 NAR's MVP PROGRAM
NAR's MVP Member Offer  
YOUR ACTION:
Take the "Midyear Adjustment to Keep Goals on Track Assessment" from Realtor.com®

YOUR REWARD:

Personalized Goals Productivity Package - Download from Realtor.com®

 NCAR PARTNER

AT&T Wireless
AT&T is offering exclusive discounts to members of the NC REALTORS®! 10% Discount off monthly access charges, Handset and Accessory Discount in AT&T COR locations. Learn More *Login required.

Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our photos on flickr  Visit our blog  View our videos on YouTube 

CONT. EDUCATION

DESIGNATION COURSES

GOV AFFAIRS

UPCOMING EVENTS

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

LUNCHEONS

CHARITY & COMMUNITY

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

WRAR STAFF

BROKER BREEZE BLOG

Featured Item: Homeowner's Book of Records

 NATIONAL

Strongest Job Markets Have Biggest Home Price Rises

Latest Real Estate Scam Has Agents on Alert

Pending Home Sales Index Up 7% Over 2012

Borrowers See Glitches as Big Banks Sell Off Mortgage Rights

HUD-Owned Homes Expected to Surge

Buyers Will Pay Extra for These Features

WIN $10,000 for Your Community Project!
Do you know someone who is deserving of REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Award? NAR wants to hear from you! Follow the link above, then fax 910-762-9860 or email lois@wrar.com a copy of your entry form. Deadline: May 20, 2013, 6:00PM EDT. If you have any questions about this award, contact Sara Geimer at sgeimer@realtors.org or (312) 329-8296.

 2013 SAVE THE DATES 

Legal Seminar - June 17
Hosted by WRAR Professional Development Committee


Annual Meeting and Election
- September 5

 

Holiday Meeting and Awards Luncheon - December 4

 

BIZ & TECH TIPS

BEST PRACTICES 
Short Sales for the
Buyers Agent  
You should have a substantive discussion with the buyer to:
b. Set realistic time expectations (up to 180 days), especially with regard to lien holder response time. If the buyer must close in a specified period of time, then he or she may not be a good candidate to purchase a short sale property.    
Best Practices Manual

 

OFFICE SAFETY

Make sure if you were to escape by the back door that you could escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that have swimming pools or hot tubs. More Safety Tips  

 

RPR  
For RPR tips and tricks as well as stories from REALTOR® Members, be sure to check out RPR's YouTube Channel.

TECHNOLOGY

If you are having difficulties adapting to Windows 8, follow these three quick ways to ease your transition to Windows 8.

SUPRA

Unauthorized use of KeyBox
Placing a KeyBox on a property that is not in the MLS will be subject to a fine of not less than $100 and/or suspension as determined by the Board of Directors.


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