Keeping It Real: The MAR Report

Keeping It Real - The MAR Report - #22 Dec. 8, 2009 12/8/2009

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 16:16:33 -0500

Features
- Five Questions With Sean Rizzo, principal of Tiger Home Inspection, talks about his company’s decision to promote the use of REALTORS® in their radio advertising program

Highlights from the Legal Hotline
-MAR Associate Counsel Michael McDonagh answers some common member questions about the soon-to-be-enacted Massachusetts data security law. To access the legal hotline call 1-800-370-5342 or via email at legalhotline@marealtor.com
(Members need to fill out the Legal Hotline Authorization Form)

News
-Meet the new MAR leadership team that was installed at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield on Dec. 3
-Treasury Department Announces program designed to simplify and streamline use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure.
-FHA announces 2010 conventional loan limits will remain at 125% of area median income. Find HUD Mortgage Limits

Keeping It Real - The MAR Report - #21 Oct. 14, 2009 10/14/09

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:15:26 -0500

Features
-Five Questions With…Teresa Boardman, REALTOR®, blogger, photographer, speaker and columnist for Inman News.  http://www.stpaulrealestateblog.com/

Highlights from the Legal Hotline
-MAR Associate Counsel Michael McDonagh answers some common member questions about Agency Law. To access the legal hotline call 1-800-370-5342 or via email at legalhotline@marealtor.com
(Members need to fill out the Legal Hotline Authorization Form)

News
-  NAR issues major call for action to support extension and expansion of the $8,000 federal first-time homebuyer tax credit www.realtoractioncenter.com
- The 2010 MAR Conference & Tradeshow to take place October 19-20 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.  The special $149 rate has been extended to October 15!
- Georgia Association of REALTORS® Disaster Relief Fund is seeking donations to assist members who’ve been severely impacted by recent flooding.http://www.garealtor.com/MemberCenter/DisasterReliefFund/tabid/367/Default.aspx
- New MAR Benefit Partner, the REALTORS® Auto Insurance Program.  It features coverage from Travelers brought to you by MassDrive Direct Auto Insurance. http://www.marealtor.com/content/massdrive.htm

Keeping It Real - The MAR Report - #20 Sept. 2, 2009 9/2/09

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:12:28 -0500

Features

-Five Questions With Rick Deluca, national real estate instructor and speaker and 2009 MAR Convention & Tradeshow Keynote speaker.

Highlights from the Legal Hotline
-MAR Associate Counsel Michael McDonagh answers some common member questions about Agency Law. To access the legal hotline call 1-800-370-5342 or via email at legalhotline@marealtor.com
(Members need to fill out the Legal Hotline Authorization Form)

News
-The 2010 MAR Conference & Tradeshow to take place October 19-20 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.  The $99 Early Bird Rate has been extended to September 15!
-MAR now issuing pending data as part of its monthly housing reports.  Pending sales up over 2008 in both June and July.
-IRS extends tax break for “eligible small businesses” that had net operating loss in 2008.  Read the IRS Q&A for more information.
-Cellular phone discounts through two new member benefit partners: www.marealtorwireless.com and Sprint.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #19: July 1, 2009

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:02:30 -0400

Features
Five Questions With... Elad Bushari, broker-owner of the Bushari Group Real Estate and Massachusetts’ latest REALTOR Magazine 30-under-30 representative.

News
MAR Past-President David Wluka recently testified before the Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee in Washington DC. Read the NAR Press Release.
3:53PM, July 1 - This just in: House passes bill, but existing homes exempt from labeling program. Find out more from NAR.

Register for the July 21, City of Boston Housing Fair at the Harborside Community Center in East Boston. More information and registration form.

MassHousing offering two free webinars on its safe and secure 3% and 0% downpayment 30-year fixed loan programs on July 7. Register here.

Save the Date! MAR Conference & Tradeshow - October 19-20 at the DCU Center in Worcester. www.MARconvention.com

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #18: June 3, 2009

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Thu, 4 Jun 2009 09:37:14 -0400

Features
MAR Associate Counsel Michael McDonagh discusses MAR’s legislative initiatives for the 24th Annual Margaret C. Carlson REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill (Tuesday, June 9 at 9:30 am in the Great Hall, Mass. State House).

Five Questions With... Dr. Alicia Sasser, Sr. Economist within the New England Public Policy Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston gives her thoughts on the economy, the housing market and when we might just get out of this recession.

News
Proposed sales tax on services withdrawn.

Opportunity Knocks Recap

MAR social media update. Follow the MAR on Facebook, Linkedin (members only) and Twitter.

REALTOR® Federal Credit Union Launched. For more information on the credit union and the products it offers, visit http://www.realtorsfcu.org.

MAR Congratulates Past President David Peretti of Winchester was honored as one of only two recipients of the prestigious NAR 2009 Distinguished Service Award.

MAR mourns loss of Past President Edgar M. Ramey, Jr. of Plymouth, who died after a brief illness on May 22. A REALTOR® since 1976, he was MAR President in 1993.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #17: April 15, 2009

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:35:41 -0400

Features
‘Opportunity Knocks’ - MAR is again partnering with MassHousing and additional organizations to sponsor 'Opportunity Knocks: Homebuyer Fairs and Open Houses' the weekends of May 2-3 and May 9-10 at 10 mall locations across the state. Visit the ‘Opportunity Knocks’ member resource page.

Five Questions With... Steve Ryan, MAR’s General Counsel and Government Affairs Director talks about the limited-time only $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. Check out our tax credit resources page.

Updates
2nd Annual MAR Technology Conference - June 2, 2009

Next Webinar Wednesday - April 15, 2009

News
On June 2, from 8am to 4pm, MAR will be hosting its 2nd annual Technology Conference. This dynamic and cutting-edge full-day program will offer attendees a range of technology information to help you get the most from the tools you use and discover innovative new technologies to help your business soar.Click here to register!

Good Neighbor Award -Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Good Neighbor Award - Deadline is May 1. Click here for the application and more information about the award program that recognizes REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of the life in their communities through volunteer work.

Massachusetts Real Estate Educator of the Year Award - Nominate a REALTOR® who does an outstanding job promoting professionalism in the real estate industry through their personal involvement in professional development activities. The Deadline is May 1. Click here for more details and nomination forms.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #16: March 12, 2009

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:38:34 -0400

Features
Tiger Home Inspection recently launches radio Public Service Campaign that promotes using a REALTOR®. Click here to listen to the ad.

Five Questions With... Erica Ferencik, a REALTOR® and author of the book Cracks in the Foundation talks about her book and its main character Ginger Kanadoo who do anything for a sale. Visit the Cracks in the Foundation website.

Updates
2nd Annual MAR Technology Conference - June 2, 2009

Next Webinar Wednesday - April 15, 2009

News
BREAKING NEWS - President Obama signs the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that permanently prohibits banks from entering real estate brokerage and management. More information can be found at www.Realtor.org.

Good Neighbor Award -Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Good Neighbor Award - Deadline is May 1. Click here for the application and more information about the award program that recognizes REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of the life in their communities through volunteer work.

Massachusetts Real Estate Educator of the Year Award - Nominate a REALTOR® who does an outstanding job promoting professionalism in the real estate industry through their personal involvement in professional development activities. The Deadline is May 1. Click here for more details and nomination forms.

‘Opportunity Knocks’ - MAR is again partnering with MassHousing and additional organizations to sponsor 'Opportunity Knocks: Homebuyer Fairs and Open Houses' the weekends of May 2-3 and May 9-10 at 10 mall locations across the state. More information will be coming, but click here to learn more.

Fannie Mae not cutting Commissions - Fannie Mae recently sent an announcement to its servicers that as of 3/1 that the commission established by the listing agent should remain intact unless it exceeds 6 percent. Click here to learn more.

‘Right Tools Right Now’ - NAR launches Right Tools Right Now to provide members with publications, resources and services for free, at cost, or at significantly reduced pricing. Go to www.Realtor.org/righttools

$8,000 First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit - Find out the latest information on the first-time homebuyer tax credit and other programs that have been created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Go to www.marealtor.com and look under 'Hot Topics'

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #15: January 12, 2009

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:16:01 -0500

Updates
- MAR CEO Robert Authier testifies in front of administration officials at the state house in support of MassHousing.  Read his testimony.
- National Association of REALTORS® reports pending sales are down in November.  Read the full release.
- Time for MAR members to enter their personal or office website in the 3rd Annual MAR Website Design Contest.
- NAR sponsors float in the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade and wins award.  See the float and read more.

Features
- Karen Dumond, editor-in-chief of Bay State REALTOR® Magazine and manager of business development provides updates on the REALTOR Member Benefit and Discount Program
- Five Questions With... Matthew Ferrara, the principal and CEO of Matthew Ferrara & Company.  Matt talks about technology and gives his predictions on what technologies will be important - and not so important - for REALTORS® in 2009.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - Special Edition from the 2008 NAR Convention in Orlando, Florida

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:31:22 -0500

Session Highlights
- What the Obama administration might mean for the housing market
- The current economy and what NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun sees going forward
- Update on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSEs)

Interviews
- Hillary Marsh - Hillary is the managing director of Realtor.org and has extensive experience using social media tools to reach out to members. Hillary discusses social media at the conference and what's happening at the always-changing Realtor.org website.

- Dan and Kathy Sullivan - Massachusetts Realtor® members. Dan is also the North Region Vice President for Massachusetts. They tell us what they're getting out of the conference.

- Rachel Goldsworthy and Michelle Knights - Realtors® from Australia attending their first NAR convention. What it's like to be at their very first NAR Convention as well as their thoughts on the real estate market down under.

- Chris McKeever - Managing Director of the Center for Realtor® Technology. Chris talks about what the CRT does and how brokers and agents can take advantage of these free technology and education resources. Be sure to visit the CRT blog for the latest updates, technology news and expert opinion.

- Mel Martocchia - Mel is the 2008 Realtor® of the Year for Massachusetts

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #14: October 3, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 12:23:27 -0400

Updates
- 2009 MAR Leadership Team elected at Sept. 2008 MAR Board of Directors Meeting:
          -Gary Rogers, 2009 president, RE/MAX First Realty in Waltham
          -Kevin Sears, 2009 president-elect, Sears Real Estate in Springfield
          -Trish McCarthy, 2009 Secretary/Treasurer, RE/MAX on the River in Newburyport
          -Susan M. Renfrew, 2009 immediate-past president, Renfrew Real Estate in Greenfield
- 2009 installation of MAR officers to take place on December 3, 2008 at the Westin Hotel in Waltham.  For tickets click here

- Opportunity Knocks: Homebuyer Fairs and Open Houses” October 25-26 in Fitchburg, Lynn and New Bedford.  For more information go to www.marealtor.com and look under Hot Topics.

- MAR announces award winners at annual Professional Awards and Recognition dinner on September 22 at MAR Conference & Tradeshow.  Charitable Foundation grants also announced

- Social Networking classes coming to local associations across the state.  Click here for more information.

Features
- Five Questions With... MAR’s Boston Globe economics reporter Robert Gavin to talk about the proposed $700 billion Wall St. rescue plan and what it means for the average person and the housing market

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #13: August 27, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:36:41 -0400

Updates
- Charitable & Education Foundation Golf Tournament has been canceled.  However, silent auction to take place at MAR Conference & Tradeshow
- Check out the latest ‘Webinar Wednesday’ webinars: 'Housing Data, the Media, and You' from August 6, and 'Social Networking: Lead Generation in the Digital Age' from July 16.
- MAR Conference & Tradeshow Webmerical
- Still time to exhibit at Conference & Tradeshow.  Contact MAR Advertising Sales Representative Clint Baker at 978-372-3951or via email at sales@marealtor.com

Features
- Bay State REALTOR Magazine Editor-in-Chief Karen Dumond previews the September/October issue
- Five Questions With... MAR’s Anthony DeGregorio, Esq., to talk about the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit
- Ben Martin, the Communications Director and Social Media Director from the Virginia Association of REALTORS talks with Mike Cutlip from the Inman News Connect Conference

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #12: July 9, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 9 Jul 2008 12:16:43 -0400

Feature
This edition of the MAR Report, the official podcast of the MAR, features a roundtable interview with MAR members Michael Dimella, David Kres, and Jessica Ye, who were recently selected as a REALTOR Magazine '30 under 30'. Learn more about this year's winners from Massachusetts:

DAVID KRES, 29 - Broker-Owner, Buyers Brokers Only LLC in Haverhill, Mass.

XIAO HUI (JESSICA) YE, 28 - Broker-Owner, Keller Williams Realty Cambridge in Cambridge, Mass.

MICHAEL DIMELLA, 28 - Managing Partner, Charlesgate Realty Group LLC in Boston

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #11: June 25, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:14:02 -0400

Updates
- Join MAR’s Facebook and LinkedIn groups. Are you unfamiliar with social networking? Take a minute to see this easy-to-understand video. The MAR Facebook group is nearing 150 members.
- Mark your calendars: The 2008 MAR Conference and Tradeshow is taking place at the DCU Center in Worcester, September 22-23. To register online visit www.marconvention.com.

Feature
- Changes to MAR’s e-communications
- Report on “Opportunity Knocks: Homebuyer Fairs and Affordable Open Houses Statewide”
- REALTOR Day on Beacon Hill. Visit the Government Affairs section of MARealtor.com for more information on participating in the Association’s legislative activities.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #10: April 9, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 9 Apr 2008 17:28:22 -0400

News
- MAR and Mass Attorney General produce foreclosure brochure. Download the brochure and see available resources for Mass. consumers.
- House Democrats and Bush administration both announcing plans to help struggling homeowners
- Subprime Exposure Decreases Nationwide. Read the report online.
- USA Today names NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun Top 10 economic forecaster. Read the release.

Feature
- MAR General Counsel Stephen Ryan updates the recent appeals decision in the Quinlan-Clasby case and what it means for Realtors®. - It’s good news.
- Five Questions with... Kimberly Blanton, Boston Globe Residential Real Estate Reporter

Updates
- Join MAR’s Facebook and LinkedIn groups. Are you unfamiliar with social networking? Take a minute to see this easy-to-understand video.
- Deadline: May 1 - Entries being accepted for MAR’s Good Neighbor Awards. Download the entry form.
- Deadline: May 1 - Nominate Massachusetts Real Estate Educator of the Year. Download the nomination form.
- Mark your calendars: Realtor Day on Beacon Hill - Thursday, June 5.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #9: March 13, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:24:55 -0400

News
- HUD announces new conforming loan limits. See detailed information from NAR.
- Entries being accepted for MAR’s Good Neighbor Awards. Get the entry form.
- Nominate Massachusetts Real Estate Educator of the Year. Get the nomination form.

Feature
- Five Questions with... Dr. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist and Sr. VP of Research

Updates
- MAR launches advertising campaign
- MassHousing, the state’s affordable housing bank, is offering Realtors free online webinars to learn about the entire range of mortgage loans for first-time home buyers. (login info below)
- Don’t forget about the website contest. View the entry details.
- Mark your calendars: Realtor Day on Beacon Hill - Thursday, June 5.

To register for MassHousing training session:
1. Go to https://mass-housing.webex.com and click on 'Unlisted Session'
2. Enter the session number: 685960737
3. Click on 'Join Now'
4. Click on 'Register' and select the session you wish to attend. Complete the registration form
5. You will see on the confirmation page that you can download the course materials before the session
6. You will receive e-mail confirmation from Messenger@Webex.com which will include your personal registration number.

Please begin your log-in at least 5 minutes before the start of the session.

For more information, contact Kathleen Connolly at 617-854-1348 or via email at kconnolly@masshousing.com

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #8: February 13, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:18:36 -0400

Part 1: Updates
- New England REALTOR® Conference - March 2-4 at the Charles Hotel, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass. Click here for more information and to register.
- MAR’s member Technology Helpline. Don’t forget to take advantage of this free member benefit.
- MAR Website contest is open for entries.

Part 2: News
- MAR releases results from 2007 Massachusetts Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Click here for news release and links to report.
- Congress passes economic stimulus package which includes increase in FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Click here to see what NAR has to say about it.
- Countrywide extends program to help subprime borrowers. Click here for Countrywide / ACORN news release.
- Coldwell Banker survey reveals kids and adults agree on what makes the 'American Dream'.

Part 3: Features
- Kathleen Connolly from MassHousing, the state’s affordable housing bank, discusses the free webinars that MassHousing is hosting for Realtors® in March. The webinars will give Realtor® members information on the complete range of MassHousing loan products for first-time home buyers. To sign up for a free webinar, which are being held every Wednesday in March, contact Kathleen Connolly at KConnolly@masshousing.com or via phone at 617-854-1348.
- Robert Kutner, a partner at the law firm of Casner & Edwards, and MAR’s outside legal counsel for the past 30 years, discusses the recent appeals decision in the Quinlan-Clasby case and what it means for Realtors®.

Part 4: Five Questions With...
- Five Questions With... Jack Peckham, Executive Director of the Real Estate Cyberspace Society, Founder of National Real Estate Cyber Convention and Exposition, and former MAR President.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #7: January 8, 2008

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Tue, 8 Jan 2008 13:24:27 -0500

Part 1: News
- Chapter 40B continues to remain strong. Click here for Chapter 40B info from the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association.
- NAR Reports home sales up in November.
- President Bush signs phantom tax relief bill. .Fact sheet from the Office of President Bush.

Part 2: Features
- MAR General Counsel and Government Affairs Director Steve Ryan discusses MAR's January 7 Call to Action to support an amendment to Section 4 of Senate Bill 2457: Home Energy Scoring
- Bay State REALTOR® editor-in-chief Karen Dumond previews January/February issue
- MAR Associate General Counsel Margy Grant discusses MAR’s new Loss Mitigation Certification Class. Click here to register for the upcoming course

Part 3: Five Questions With...
- Linda Noonan, managing director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education - 'Just for the Kids' website on schools. http://www.mbae.org/

Updates
- Looking for members to participate in the monthly new Massachusetts REALTOR® Market Survey.
- Deadline to apply for REALTOR® Magazine’s ’30 under 30’ feature is January 14. Click here for more information
- MAR Website contest is open for entries. The Website Maximization Course on January 16th is sold out, but you can request the waitlist by writing Gail Cronin.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #6: December 14, 2007

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 14:09:27 -0500

Part 1 News:
- NAR Reports another monthly gain for pending home sales
- Mass. REALTORS® participate in bringing holiday cheer to veterans in Northampton and Holyoke.
- Remodeling Magazine’s 20th Annual Cost vs. Value Report - shows exterior and replacement projects bring the biggest return.
- Time running out for homeowners to take advantage of valuable federal income tax credits for energy-efficiency home improvements,

Part 2 Features: Installation Special - New Regional VPs, Focus Area VPs, and 2008 Leadership team

Part 3: Five Questions With 2007 MAR President Doug Azarian and incoming 2008 MAR President Susan M. Renfrew

Updates:
- Realtor Healthcare Program - Health insurance options for members who seek health coverage by the state-mandated deadline of December 31, 2007.
- MAR Night at the Celtics vs. the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30.
- MAR Website contest

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - Special Edition - November 7, 2007

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:36:58 -0500

If you haven’t heard by now, as of July 1, 2007 Massachusetts law requires that all working people in the state carry health insurance. If you fail to get coverage in 2007, you will lose your personal exemption. In subsequent years, a fine equaling 50% of the monthly cost of health insurance for each month you weren’t covered will be assessed.

What exactly does the law mandate and what options and services are available to MAR members who need help in getting insurance.  Answers to these questions and more will be available for you on this special edition of The MAR Report.

Part 1: The Law
- MAR General Counsel Stephen Ryan gives an overview of the new statute and what it means for Massachusetts residents

Part 2: Healthcare questions answered
- Kevin Garvin, Partner of the Garvin Group, Ltd. and administrator of the MAR REALTOR® Healthcare Program answers member's questions

The MAR REALTOR® Healthcare Program
Developed in April of 2007 in cooperation with Health Services Administrators and the Garvin Group to offer MAR members health insurance consulting services and access to group coverage from a vast network of health and dental care providers.

For more information click here, http://www.marealtor.com/content/member_benefit_health_insurance.htm

To speak to someone on the MAR REALTOR® Healthcare Program and the state's insurance programs, call Health Services Administrators at 781-228-2171 or 781-228-2112.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #5: November 5, 2007

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 17:13:17 -0500

Part 1: News
- Federal Reserve cuts interest rates
- Institute of Real Estate Management opposes tax increase on commercial property
- NAR launches national advertising campaign
- Charitable & Education Foundation Challenges members to contribute to California Fire Relief

Part 2: Events
- MAR Associate General Counsel Margy Grant to speak on panel at Build Boston Conference.

Part 3 Features
- Bay State REALTOR® editor-in-chief Karen Dumond previews November/December issue
- November is NAR Designation Awareness Month

Part 4: Five Questions with... Laurie Cadigan, 2007 MAR REALTOR® of the YEAR

Updates
- MAR Night at the Celtics vs. the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #4: October 9, 2007

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Tue, 9 Oct 2007 12:26:59 -0400

Part 1: News
- Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure data leak update; For more information visit http://www.mass.gov/dpl
- Fall River REALTOR® Recovering after being shot in attempted robbery - Find out ways to protect yourself on the job at http://www.marealtor.com/content/safety.htm
- House Votes to eliminate phantom tax REALTOR® Magazine Online - Read the full article at http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2007100501?OpenDocument
- Most expensive and most affordable markets in United States - Read the full article at http://www.coldwellbanker.com/servlet/News?action=viewNewsItem&contentId=1325440

Part 2: Events - Northeast Association of REALTORS® Co-sponsors Smart Growth Symposium with UMass Lowell on October 18, 2007. The event is free to attend, but you must register in advance. Visit www.MassNear.com/SmartGrowth for details.
- MAR Discount Night at the Boston Celtics. Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 7:30 vs. the Portland Trailblazers. Download the PDF to register.

Part 3: Five Questions with... Jane Saunders NAR senior political representative talks about RPAC fundraising and how to become a 'grassroots' lobbyist.

Part 4: Other Websites Mentioned on the MAR Report
- Realtor.com.mobile - http://mobile.realtor.com/
- Realtor.org’s Information Central - http://www.realtor.org/vlibrary.nsf/pages/ICHome
- The Hobson & Holtz Report; a podcast on communications and public relations. http://www.forimmediaterelease.biz/

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #3: September 4, 2007

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Thu, 6 Sep 2007 16:26:45 -0400

Part 1: News
- NAR reports existing home sales stabilize in July
- S&P Home Price Index Falls at Record-Setting Pace
- Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Comes Under Fire
- Public Hearings on Proposed New Mortgage Regulations in Massachusetts

Part 2: Features
- Bay State REALTOR Preview. Editor-in-Chief Karen Dumond gives an overview of the September/October issue and its focus on technology.
- REALTOR Safety Week - September 9-15.

Part 3: Five Questions with Robert L. Sciliano - Author and personal security expert talks about safety issues REALTORS should be concerned with and gives an overview of the session he is leading on preventing identity theft at the 2007 MAR Conference and Tradeshow.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #2: July 25, 2007

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:48:31 -0400

Part 1: News
- 2007 2nd Quarter and June housing numbers - press release and data sheets
- NAR testifies in support of National Affordable Housing Trust Fund: NAR�s Prepared Testimony
- AARP's best places to live if you are over 50
- Uxbridge fires destroys REALTOR-member office. To donate office equipment and supplies, furniture, or money, contact: Susan Joseph, broker/owner of RE/MAX American Dream at 508-278-4663

Part 2: Affinity Partner Spotlight with MAR Business Development Manager Karen Dumond: TNT Vacations - Member Benefits - Karen introduces upcoming special edition MAR Report featuring answers to your questions on the recently enacted healthcare insurance law featuring Kevin Garvin of the Garvin Group, MAR's expert insurance consultant. Call or email your healthcare insurance questions to the MAR Report comment line at 781-839-5524 or at themarreport@marealtor.com. Deadline for calls is August 10.

Part 3: Legal Hotline Highlights with MAR General Counsel and Government Affairs Director Stephen J. Ryan, Esq.

Part 4: Five Questions With Suzanne Koller, the only Massachusetts Realtor to be named to REALTOR Magazine's Class of 2007 30 under 30.

Keeping it Real: The MAR Report - #1: June 26, 2007

info@marealtor.com (Massachsuetts Association of Realtors) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:48:30 -0400

Part 1: News
- May Housing Numbers
- MAR General Counsel and Government Affairs Director Stephen Ryan, testifies before the Joint Committee on Housing in support of House Bills 1261 and 1262
- Update on RPAC participation
- Studies & Surveys: Q1 2007 national delinquency and foreclosure rates; interest rates are down for the week of 6/22; and what customers want when visiting a real estate website

Part 2: Bay State REALTOR Magazine preview and Affinity Partner spotlight - with BSR Editor-in-Chief Karen Dumond

Part 3: MAR 2007 Conference and Trade Show - Webmercial preview

Part 4: Five Questions With 2007 NAR President Pat V. Combs, interviewed by MAR CEO and Executive Vice President Rob Authier