NC REALTORS Talk

Another National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Webinar This Week!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:23:00 +0000

In conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders, NAR will be hosting a webinar on flood insurance and the NFIP on Thursday, May 23, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The presentation will focus on the significant revisions to the National Flood Insurance Program under the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, including the changes in rate structures and resulting price increases, as well as changes in rates triggered by new or updated flood maps.

A representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will make a presentation and answer participants' questions about changes to the NFIP.

To register for the event use the link below: http://www.nahb.org/meeting_details.aspx?meetingID=26816

Cady Thomas
Director of Government Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

Tax Reform

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:33:00 +0000

While the Senate has still not released any legislation explaining their tax reform proposal, Grover Norquist was in town on Thursday to promote the same. The House however, was tired of waiting and released their proposal Tax Simplification and Reduction Act in House Bill 988 on Thursday.

The House proposal does the following:

Reduces the individual income tax rate to a flat rate of 5.9.
Itemized deductions are retained for home-mortgage interest and charitable contributions BUT are capped at $12,500 to $25,000, depending on filing status. Taxpayers claiming the standard deduction would no longer be allowed to claim a credit for charitable contributions.
The $100 per-child tax credit increases to $250 for most filers, $125 for the highest wage earners.
Corporate Income Taxes would be reduced to 6.75%.
Business franchise tax rate of $1.50 per $1,000 would be decreased and not expanded to subject limited liability companies to franchise taxes.
The House would preserve film production incentives and other low-income housing and R&D credits.
Sales tax is reduced to a combined sales tax to 6.65 percent. Sales taxes would be expanded to cover warranties and service contracts and installation, repair and maintenance of tangible personal property, including personal automobiles. The sales tax exemption for nonprofit groups and prescription drugs and the exemption on the state's portion of the sales tax on food all would remain in place.

The House will consider their proposal in the House Finance Committee as early as May 28th.

Cady Thomas
Director of Government Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

Got Questions? The "Real Estate Technology Guru" Can Help You!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:16:00 +0000

Here's another technology-focused speaker that we have lined up for the 2013 NCAR Convention & Expo!

Don’t miss the opportunity to “Stump the Geek” in a total audience driven Q&A session lead by Craig Grant (@RETechGuru)!

This “Real Estate Technology Guru” will also bring you “60 Apps in 60 Minutes” that will increase your productivity.

His third session will provide customer service tech tools that are a must-have for every broker!

Get more details or register at http://www.ncarconvention.org.

Follow this event on Twitter: #2013NCARConv

Use Realtor.com App to Chat With Clients

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:50:00 +0000

Realtor.com® offers a free mobile application, branded to you, that you can share with prospective customers.

Using the app, chat with your customers as they search and discover homes on their mobile devices.

When they find something they like, they can share it with you and you can comment and follow up.

This app is available in Apple and Android versions.

Click here for more details: http://marketing.realtor.com/collaborate/

Samantha Ashburn
Electronic Communications Manager
sashburn@ncrealtors.org

NC REALTORS® Place Wreath on Tomb of Unknown Soldier

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:04:00 +0000

NCAR members convened at the Arlington National Cemetery this week to take part in a very honorable ceremony. 2013 NCAR President, Patrice Willetts, proudly joined three NC REALTOR® military veterans in placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Bob Wallen, an active member of the Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS® for the past 19 years, is a veteran of the US Air Force who served during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a flight crew member during rescue missions in Vietnam and also flew from the east coast on many trips to Vietnam to transport blood, troops and supplies. The second honoree, Priscilla Dennis, has been a member of the Fayetteville Regional Association of REALTORS® since 2004. Dennis is a Retired Master Sergeant of 20 years from the US Army.

The third honoree assisting in the ceremony was Mike Butrum, Government Affairs Director for the Asheville Board of REALTORS®. Butrum, transferred to the US Army’s Third Regiment (“The Old Guard”) in June 1965, volunteered to accept training to become a Tomb Guard that same month. After training and tests, he was accepted to the Tomb Guards in August 1965. Butrum was on duty when President Johnson laid the Presidential Wreath and made his speech in the Amphitheater in May of 1966. There have been 610 Tomb Guard Badges awarded to date (given for 9 consecutive months as a member of the Tomb Guard) and Mike’s badge number is 46. He is a life time member of the Society of the Honor Guard - Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Senator Burr attended the ceremony, along with close to 40 REALTOR® members across the state. Visit the NCAR Facebook page to see more photos from the event.

Blair Wilburn
Director of Communications & Marketing
bwilburn@ncrealtors.org

Is Your Digital Marketing a Full-Time Job?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:44:00 +0000

If you are looking to simplify your digital marketing, look no further than REALTOR® Partner VerticalResponse. VerticalResponse provides a full suite of self-service marketing solutions including email marketing and social media marketing.

Visit http://www.verticalresponse.com/ncar for more details or to sign-up.

The REALTOR® Partners Program is a program that offers discounts to NC REALTORS® on business purchases with participating companies. To learn more about our other partners, visit http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/realtor_partnerbrochure.pdf.

Sarah Beth Coggin
Partner Program Manager
sbcoggin@ncrealtors.org

Adventures Abound in Asheville This September!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:49:00 +0000

Not only is the NCAR Convention & Expo is one of the best educational and networking tools available to members, its fun, too! The NC Association of REALTORS® and Accents on Asheville have teamed up to offer the following optional group activities on Tuesday, September 17th, 2013:

Asheville Art Safari
Asheville Distillery & Brewery Tour
Biltmore Estate Day Tour
Navitat Canopy Tour
Urban Zipline Adventure
Whitewater River Rafting

Each activity requires separate registrations and space is limited so register today! Visit the convention website for activity details and to register.

Follow this event on Twitter: #2013NCARConv

Don't Miss These Tech Sessions at Convention!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:07:00 +0000

Juanita McDowell (@juanitamcdowell) is another key player in our all star line-up with two top tech sessions that you don’t want to miss!

Her “Handheld iOffice for Agents” session is a complete, comprehensive iPad and iPhone training class that will provide key tips and tricks to saving time, and increasing profits!

Her “YouTube and Video Marketing” session is a highly entertaining and informative workshop that will show you how to use videos to generate leads, grow your sales, and gain customer loyalty!

Register today to hear Juanita and other top-notch speakers: http://www.ncarconvention.org.

Follow this event on Twitter: #2013NCARConv

Tax Reform Update

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:52:00 +0000

While they still have not released an actual piece of legislation which would be considered comprehensive tax reform, the NC Senate leaders did hold a press conference to unveil more details about the plan this week. In a press conference on Tuesday, Senator Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) stated that the plan would reduce corporate and personal income taxes but was vague on providing how the state would pay for those cuts. However he said there would be an expansion of the sales tax to cover a majority of services. Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) also said the plan would eliminate “tax exemptions, deductions and loopholes”. Senator Berger also released a video promoting the plan.

Stay informed about the tax reform discussion on the NCAR advocacy website, www.TaxReformFacts.org. It is important to understand how tax reform proposals will impact our economy and property owners throughout the state. The site is part of a strategic campaign, which includes targeted online ads in key parts of the state, to engage the public in our conversation. Our Facebook page has received a lot of notice and we encourage you to stop by daily to see the discussion.

Cady Thomas
Director of Government Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

May 2013 Insight Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:38:00 +0000

The May issue of Insight magazine, the bi-monthly digital publication of the NC Association of REALTORS®, is now available online!

Articles You Won’t Want to Miss:

Lending a Helping Hand
Discover how to get homebuyers through the mortgage process and prep them for the new lending dynamics and hurdles in a changing lending landscape.

Can I Talk to the Real Estate Appraiser?
You have been told that you cannot talk to the appraiser under any circumstances because it is against the law… well, that is simply not true. Learn what types of contact are acceptable with appraisers during the appraisal process.

Strong Voice and Clear Message
Hundreds of NCAR members convened in Raleigh with a strong voice and a clear message, do no harm to housing, during tax reform discussions.

For the flipbook edition, click here.

If you would to view the magazine in PDF format, suitable for printing, click here.

For a mobile device version, click here.

Five Ways to Stay Top of Mind in Your Real Estate Market

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:56:00 +0000

Consistency is critical in setting yourself apart from the competition. In today’s changing environment, REALTORS® must remember to get their name and face recognized as the local go-to real estate resource. This article offers five helpful tips to keep you top-of-mind with your book of business.

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20130508_topofmind.htm

Blair Wilburn
Director of Communications & Marketing
bwilburn@ncrealtors.org

Ship and save with UPS!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:03:00 +0000

NCAR members can save big everyday with UPS. Through our partnership, members have exclusive access to the UPS Savings Program, which provides members with up to a 30% discount on UPS shipping.

Now through May 15, 2013, every time you ship you will be entered to win a trip for 4 to the 2014 NCAA Final Four.

Sign up now at http://www.savewithups.com/ncar and start shipping. The more you ship, the more chances you will have to win!

You Don't Want to Miss the "Why Guy"!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:57:00 +0000

We’re thrilled about this year’s educational lineup for the 2013 NCAR Convention & Expo! We work hard to bring you high-quality, national speakers to help you thrive as a successful real estate professional.

Our dynamic Keynote Speaker has been described as “one of the most innovative and inspirational” speakers around! Jared James, known as the “Why Guy”, has made quite a name for himself as the leading expert in identifying the intangibles that are necessary to take a person from where they are to where they want to be. Check him out below!

Register today to hear Jared and other top-notch speakers: http://www.ncarconvention.org.

Follow this event on Twitter: #2013NCARConv

Get ready for the Boomers!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:51:00 +0000

Join instructor Mark Given on June 5th and 6th and earn your SRES® designation. Watch the video below and Mark will explain why you should come to this class.

Click here for more information or to register: http://www.ncrealtors.org/course_detail.cfm?uid=485

Ellie Edwards

Director of Professional Development

eedwards@ncrealtors.org

Archived NFIP Webinar – Watch it Now!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:46:00 +0000

NAR held an important webinar regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on Tuesday, April 30 at 10 am. You can watch the webinar at the following link: https://realtors.webex.com/realtors/lsr.php?AT=pb&SP=EC&rID=67067207&rKey=b528ab8d3024cc9a.

This webinar described possible changes to the program that may impact your customers. If you’re a REALTOR® serving 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 NCAR 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: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VRYKHNH.

Cady Thomas
Director of Government Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

Five Housing and Mortgage Trends This Spring

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 02 May 2013 18:09:00 +0000

With low mortgage rates and home prices gaining momentum, an increasing number of buyers are expected to shop for homes this spring. This is good news for sellers as the inventory is shrinking and there is less competition on the market. Loan modifications are opening new opportunities for distressed homeowners. Home prices remain attractive, and lower rates should remain in place for a little longer.

These and other factors will impact the housing industry – read about the five housing trends you should expect to see this spring: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2013/04/29/five-housing-and-mortgage-trends-this-spring/#ixzz2S49vSzMe

Blair Wilburn
Director of Communications & Marketing
bwilburn@ncrealtors.org

Fun Activities for NC REALTORS® at The Grove Park Inn!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:46:00 +0000

The 2013 Convention & Expo is one of the best educational and networking tools available to members. Join your peers in Asheville at The Grove Park Inn this September and discover ways to communicate more effectively, reduce stress, and streamline your business!

This year, we’re offering tons of exciting Asheville Adventures, so make your stay one to learn and play! Plan on joining us and touring the Biltmore Estate, rafting down the French Broad, or embarking on a distillery and brewery tour!

For a full list of adventures, click on this link: http://www.ncarconvention.org/optionalevents.cfm

Follow this event on Twitter: #2013NCARConv

May’s Partner of the Month: Nationwide

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:37:00 +0000

NCAR members can save on auto insurance with May’s Partner of the month Nationwide. Nationwide offers a FREE insurance review for all NC REALTORS®. Take advantage of this opportunity to get a free quote to find out what other discounts you may be eligible for and are not receiving with Nationwide or your current carrier.

Visit www.nationwide.com/NCassociationofREALTORS or call 800-640-8228 to get more information or a free quote.

Kick Off Your Summer With a Discount on Education

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:57:00 +0000

SAVE 15% during the month of May when you complete your continuing education requirements, ONLINE!

Enroll TODAY at http://ncrealtors.theceshop.com/

Enter MAY15 at checkout to receive your discount!

Promotion expires May 31st, 2013

Ellie Edwards
Director of Professional Development
eedwards@ncrealtors.org

What's Going On at NCAR - May 2013

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:23:00 +0000

Details on all NCAR programs can be found at http://www.ncrealtors.org.

Nationwide: http://www.nationwide.com/NCAssociationofRealtors or 800-640-8228

GRI 301: Residential Construction - http://www.ncrealtors.org/course_detail.cfm?uid=413

GRI 304: Property Management - http://www.ncrealtors.org/course_detail.cfm?uid=414

Tax Reform Website: http://www.taxreformfacts.org/

Appraisal Laws & Rules Class: http://www.ncrealtors.org/course_detail.cfm?uid=478

Convention & Expo: http://www.ncarconvention.org

Update: Zoning/Design & Aesthetic Controls

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:07:00 +0000

House Bill 150, Zoning/Design & Aesthetic Controls, sponsored by Reps. Nelson Dollar (R-Wake), Bill Brawley (R-Mecklenburg), Tim Moffitt (R-Buncombe) and Jonathan Jordan (R-Ashe), passed the House overwhelmingly 98-18 and was heard Committee on Commerce in the Senate last Tuesday. REALTORS joined Mark Zimmerman in the Committee to show support for the legislation which passed with only one opposing vote.

This legislation would clarify that municipalities do not have the authority to regulate the appearance of single-family residential structures except under limited circumstances such as local/national historic districts, historic landmarks, restrictive covenants or limitations or requirements pertaining to structural safety and sound building.

HB 150 was scheduled to be heard by the full Senate last week but was delayed for other matters. NCAR Staff will keep you informed about this bill as the session continues.

Cady Thomas
Director of Government Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

National Flood Insurance Webinar

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:57:00 +0000

NCAR members should mark their calendars for an important webinar regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on Tuesday, April 30 at 10 am.

This webinar will describe possible changes to the program that may impact your customers. If you’re a REALTOR® serving 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 NCAR 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.

The link for the NFIB webinar is https://realtors.webex.com/realtors/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=497188384

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: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VRYKHNH.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about issues that affect our membership.

Cady Thomas
Government Affairs Directo
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

11 Tips on Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for Exposure and Engagement

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:49:00 +0000

Once regarded as a resume holder, LinkedIn has emerged as a robust network aiming to connect you with the business world. LinkedIn is so powerful for leads and opportunities that you should take it very seriously.

The first and foremost thing you should do is complete your profile. According to a recent study, just about half of all profiles are sitting incomplete on LinkedIn. These 11 tips will help you optimize your profile for maximum exposure and set you up for some serious LinkedIn engagement.

http://socialmediatoday.com/stephaniefrasco/1403626/optimize-your-linkedin-profile-exposure-and-engagement

Samantha Ashburn
Electronic Communications Manager
sashburn@ncrealtors.org

Need E&O insurance?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:20:00 +0000

REALTOR® Partner Pearl Insurance offers Errors & Omissions insurance that is a perfect fit to protect you against the inevitable risk you experience as a real estate professional.

For more information or to receive a free quote visit http://www.pearlinsurance.com/ncar or call 800-289-8170.

The REALTOR® Partners Program is a program that offers discounts to NC REALTORS® on business purchases with participating companies. To learn more about our other partners, visit http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/realtor_partnerbrochure.pdf

Sarah Beth Coggin
Partner Program Manager
sbcoggin@ncrealtors.org

State-by-State Economic Impact of Real Estate Activity

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:38:00 +0000

Recently released reports compare the total economic impact of real estate related industries on the state economy. In North Carolina, the real estate industry accounted for $53,055 million or 12.1% of the gross state product in 2011. The report compares the total economic impact of a home sale in each state.

http://www.realtor.org/reports/state-by-state-economic-impact-of-real-estate-activity

Blair Wilburn
Director of Communications & Marketing
bwilburn@ncrealtors.org