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  Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS�


April 15, 2013 :: IN THIS ISSUE

Fairfax Realty (january 17, 2013 rev)



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newsFebruary Brought Good News for Sellers as Home Prices Rose, Inventory Fell

February home sales grew by double digits in ten of Maryland's twenty-four counties according to the latest issue of Maryland Housing Beat, a monthly profile of the state's housing economy. Maryland recorded a 3.1 percent annual increase in home sales in February, the highest volume for the month since 2007. Montgomery County is one of the counties that posted double-digit growth. Read more.   

 
TriStar2012FirstQtr 




rebuildVolunteer with Rebuilding Together� on Saturday, April 27

GCAAR is a proud sponsor of Rebuilding Together! Join our Community Service Committee (GCAAR Cares) on Saturday, April 27 to rebuild a home in Montgomery County, MD. Register now for volunteer opportunities.

NOHWNationwide Open House is This Weekend!

The 2013 REALTOR� Nationwide Open House, the largest-ever international open house campaign, will be held on April 20 and 21. Taking part in this international event provides a great opportunity to promote the benefits of home ownership, as well as engage in an open dialogue with consumers about the housing issues that matter most to them. Use some of the following resources: 

smartGCAAR Takes the Lead in Smart Growth - Twice!

Development in Montgomery County, MD is growing fast, and GCAAR wants to make sure it grows smart, as well. Find out how two Smart Growth Grants from The National Association of REALTORS� (NAR) have been helping it do so. Read more.

happyhourHump Day Happy Hour Series: Part 2 at Rosa Mexicano  

Join us at our upcoming Hump Day Happy Hour Part 2 for a chance to network and unwind. Complimentary appetizers are included.   

 

When & Where: Wednesday, May 1 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Mexicano Chevy Chase, 5225 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Complimentary, but you must RSVP.  

REALTORFestSave the Date: REALTOR� Fest is Tuesday, July 23!

Don't miss this year's REALTOR� Fest - a day of education and networking with dynamic instructors, exhibitors, and relevant courses designed to take your career to the next level! We hope you will join us at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center on July 23. More details to come.

GCAWCRGCA WCR: Marketing Automation and Social Media 101 

Join the Greater Capital Area Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS� (GCA WCR) for breakfast as you learn about Marketing Automation. Enjoy a bonus, Social Media 101 - the Do's and Don'ts.   

 

When & Where: Wednesday, April 17, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Norbeck Country Club, 17200 Cashell Road, Rockville, MD. Register now.  

apartmentsSimpler Accessory Apartments Legislation Goes Into Effect May 20

The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved Bill 31-12 that changes and clarifies rules allowing owners of single-family homes to create accessory apartments for renters, reducing the average application process from six to three months in many cases. Read more.

montgomeryNew Montgomery County Housing Policy Underway

The Montgomery Council Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee continues to review and discuss the Draft 2012 Housing Policy. The new housing policy will replace the current policy, which was adopted in 2001. Affordable housing availability is one of main issues of concern. Read more.

policyGCAAR Public Policy Reports

Want to learn about all of the legislative and public policy issues being reviewed by the GCAAR Public Policy Committee? You can access the reports here with detailed information on local, state, and federal real estate related legislation.

springHow to Sell More Homes this Spring

Home inventory is low, mortgage rates are still amazing and consumer confidence is looking up. This is a market that screams for help from experts like you - helping sellers with the onslaught of buyers and helping buyers get their bids accepted among crowded competition. So how are you going to capitalize on this market? Here are some tips.

FHFAFHFA Extends HARP to 2015

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to extend the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) by two years to December 31, 2015. The program was set to expire at the end of this year. FHFA determined that extending the program will provide borrowers additional opportunities to refinance, give clear guidance to lenders and reduce losses for the government-sponsored enterprises and taxpayers. Read more.     

secretsAgents Not Obligated to Keep Secrets When They Don't Get the Listing

Can a real estate agent sell information she or he obtains during a listing presentation if the homeowner chooses to list with somebody else? Continue reading.

BizzaboIs Bizzabo Right for You?

Bizzabo is a free networking app for events and conferences to help professionals discover new business opportunities, while enabling event organizers to promote their event and engage directly with their attendees. Read more.

CEopportunitiesEarly Bird Deals & CE Opportunities

 

Rockville:    

Property Condition Paragraph of the Sales Contract, Event Date: 4/26. Early Bird Deadline: Before 4/24. 3 hours elective MD and DC.   

 

Silver Spring:
Anti-Trust, Event Date: 4/26.
Early Bird Deadline: Before 4/24. 1.5 hours elective MD and DC. 
 

Military Certified Residential Specialist (MCRS), Event Date: 5/6. Early Bird Deadline: Before 5/1.  

 

DC:   
DC Fair Housing, Event Date: 4/24. Early Bird Deadline: Before 4/22. 3 hours DC required. Superpass eligible.

Financing Issues Update, Event Date: 4/24. Early Bird Deadline: Before 4/22. 3 hours DC required. VA & MD elective. Superpass eligible.

 

See complete April Calendar 

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Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS�
8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 600 :: Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.590.2000 :: www.gcaar.com