NC REALTORS Talk

How are Homeownership and Valentine’s Day Related? See For Yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:40:00 +0000

When it comes to dating, homeownership can be a huge catalyst for love. Here are a few findings linking love and homeownership on this Valentine’s Day:

In a survey of 1,000 single people, more than a third of women and 18 percent of men said they would much rather date a homeowner than a renter.
Only 2 percent of women said they preferred to date a man who rents, while only 3 percent of men said they would choose a woman who rents over one that owns her home, according to the survey.
Both sexes also clearly prefer it when there's no roommate in the picture; 62 percent of survey respondents, men and women, prefer to date singles who live alone.

Click here for more information. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications & Community Outreach Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Getting to Know...Blair Wilburn

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:29:00 +0000

In this month's edition of "Getting to Know You," members will get to know one of the NC Association of REALTORS®' newest staff members -- Blair Wilburn, Business Development Manager. Enjoy!

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Obama Administration Unveils Plan to ‘Heal the Housing Market’

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:48:00 +0000

On February 1 President Obama, speaking to a crowd in Falls Church, Virginia, detailed his plan to “help responsible homeowners and heal the housing market.” The plan calls for streamlined refinancing for potentially millions of borrowers with loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while also creating a new FHA mortgage program to re-finance non-GSE mortgages. The FHA program will require Congressional approval as will most of the reforms proposed for GSE mortgages. Most observers consider that approval to be uncertain in the current environment.

For GSE mortgages, the plan would eliminate appraisal costs for borrowers, increase competition among the GSE’s by allowing them to re-finance each other’s loans, cover closing costs, and extend eligibility to all performing GSE borrowers. The new re-fi program for non-GSE loans would include the same elements and be financed by a new Financial Crisis Responsibility Fee imposed on the largest banks.

In a statement to the news media NAR President Moe Veissi expressed enthusiasm for efforts to help troubled homeowners and the housing market while emphasizing NAR’s concerns with elements relating to disposition of REOs. Complete details on the Obama Administration plan can be found here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/02/01/fact-sheet-president-obama-s-plan-help-responsible-homeowners-and-heal-h

Cady Thomas
Director of Government Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

Candidate Announcements Abound

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:55:00 +0000

It’s been frantic in Raleigh trying to keep up with all the announcements by elected leaders who have chosen not to seek re-election.

On the heels of Gov. Beverly Perdue’s announcement that she would not run again for governor, many legislators (most of them Democrats) have said they’ve also decided not to run for re-election.

This week alone, there have been four significant retirement announcements among legislators: Sen. Linda Garrou (D-Forsyth), former House Speaker and current House Minority Leader Rep. Joe Hackney (D-Orange), Rep. Jennifer Weiss (D-Wake) and Rep. Edith Warren (D-Pitt), all of whom announced they would not be seeking another term. All, except Rep. Warren, were double-bunked with other incumbent members of the legislature in recently redrawn legislative districts. Rep. Warren's previously strong Democratic district was significantly changed, making it a “swing” district.

Meanwhile, in the Governor’s race, Erskine Bowles has said he would not run. Former Congressman Bob Etheridge has said he will run for the Democratic nomination (joining Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and Rep. Bill Faison in that race), and Pat McCrory has officially launched his campaign for the Republican nomination.

Looking at North Carolina's Congressional delegation, two representatives have unexpectedly announced that they will not seek reelection: Rep. Heath Shuler (D) in the 11th Congressional District and Rep. Sue Myrick (R) in the 9th Congressional District. Based on the NC Free Enterprise Foundation’s analysis of the congressional redistricting map, both of these districts are Leaning Republican territory with Rep. Shuler's District 11 having been drawn as the strongest Republican leaning district in the state. Rep. Shuler's decision to retire makes it even more likely that this seat will end up Republican following the 2012 election. Not unexpectedly, Rep. Myrick's retirement announcement has been met with what appears to be a developing competitive and crowded Republican primary, with three candidates having already announced and several others considering a run for Congress.

Click on the following links to download an updated copy of the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation's 2012 Election Tracker and 2012 Turnover Tracker. These documents are updated daily.

Cady Thomas
Director of Government Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

3 Apps for Mobile Technology Video

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:05:00 +0000

The Online CE Shop, NCAR's online CE provider, also provides short complimentary videos presented by some of the nation's highest producing agents and leading instructors on their site Real Life 365. "3 Apps for Mobile Technology" is presented by leading technology expert, Amy Chorew.

Click here to view the video: http://ncrealtors.theceshop.com/reallife365

Real Life 365 is the real estate industry's ultimate resource for high-impact, on-demand learning presented by some of the nation’s top producing agents and leading instructors.

Ellie Edwards
Director of Professional Development
eedwards@ncrealtors.org

States Negotiate $26 Billion Agreement for Homeowners

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:29:00 +0000

After months of painstaking talks, government authorities and five of the nation’s biggest banks have agreed to a $26 billion settlement that could provide relief to nearly two million current and former American homeowners harmed by the bursting of the housing bubble, state and federal officials said.

Many experts indicate the success of the agreement could depend in part on how effectively the program is carried out because earlier efforts by Washington aimed at troubled borrowers helped far fewer than had been expected.

Still, the agreement is the broadest effort yet to help borrowers owing more than their houses are worth, with roughly one million expected to have their mortgage debt reduced by lenders or able to refinance their homes at lower rates.

For more information, click here.

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Attend Our 2012 Conference & Expo at a Record Low Price!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:50:00 +0000

Know what “Early-Early Bird” means? It defines historic savings to attend the NC/SC REALTORS® 2012 Conference & Expo on Sept. 8-12 in beautiful Savannah, Ga. Through the end of February only, the registration fee is only $150 – the lowest rate offered since 2002!

Click here to register today!

Kevin Brafford

Director of Communications & Marketing

kbrafford@ncrealtors.org

NCAR Launches Statewide Public Issues Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:22:00 +0000

The NC Association of REALTORS® is pleased to announce the launch of a statewide public issues campaign. Named “Professionally Guiding You Since 1921,” the campaign began over the weekend and fulfills a directive in both the 2011 and 2012 Strategic Plans. Since the campaign is issues focused, it is being funded through the Issues Mobilization Fund. Below are a few key components of the campaign. For more detailed information, click here.

• The “Guiding You” campaign is broken down into phases. Measurable success in Phase I, which extends through the end of March, will be required before Phase II is funded. When we have evidence that Phase I is going to be successful, NCAR will apply for grants from NAR to assist in the funding of Phase II.

• In Phase I the primary target audience is the North Carolina legislature, the Governor and various opinion leaders. As a result, a TV commercial has been produced and will play on NC SPIN and News 14 Carolina’s Political Connections shows.

• All of our ads direct viewers to an interactive page on the NCAR site, using the URL http://www.letarealtorguideyou.com/.

• We are also using social media to ask for input from and begin a dialogue with consumers and citizens regarding how to improve the economy of North Carolina and in turn improve the quality of life of our citizens. Please “like” our “Let a REALTOR® Guide You” Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/); search for Let a REALTOR® Guide You. Our goal is to direct viewers to the many programs and good things REALTORS® and NCAR are involved in and do every day.

We want you, our members, to use this campaign in your business. As an NCAR member, you can place a link to the commercial and our new interactive website on any and all communications you feel would be appropriate to your individual business.

Top 10 Google Chrome Plugins for Small Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:36:00 +0000

Since Google launched its Chrome Web store in December, extensions have sprung up to simplify the messy world of Internet browsing. If you're a member of the club that spends more time looking at screens than people, some simple browser add-ons can streamline many of your daily processes on the job.

http://www.openforum.com/articles/10-free-google-chrome-apps-for-increased-productivity

Samantha Ashburn
Electronic Communications Manager
sashburn@ncrealtors.org

Make-Your-Business-Better-Monday: Encouraging Your Employees

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:01:00 +0000

Employees who lack enthusiasm for their jobs can pose a big hurdle. But as a manager, there are things you can do. In today's edition of Make-Your-Business-Better, the Harvard Business Review offers three tips to engage your employees every day.

They are:

Facilitate progress. Employees feel engaged when they make headway toward objectives. So, make those goals clear.
Make work meaningful. Your company doesn’t need a lofty mission to make employees care. They simply need to see how their actions contribute to company value.
Reward and recognize. Don’t wait for milestones. Show appreciation every day for the work your employees do.

Source: Harvard Business Review

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Distressed Sales: The Main Culprit Behind Falling Home Values

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:18:00 +0000

Blame it on distressed sales for falling home values, according to CoreLogic’s December Home Price Index.

Home prices nationwide dropped nearly 5 percent from 2010 to 2011, but if you exclude distressed sales, prices dropped only by 0.9 percent, according to CoreLogic.

"Until distressed sales in the market recede, we will see continued downward pressure on prices," Mark Fleming, chief economist of CoreLogic, told AOL Real Estate.

Source: NAR
Follow the link below for the complete article.
"Distressed Sales Undercut Home Prices in 2011, Study Says"

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Online CE Courses 20% off in February

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Online Continuing Education - Presidents' Day Sale!

Take 20% OFF during the month of February!

Simply visit http://ncrealtors.theceshop.com/ and enter promotional code FEB20 at checkout.

Promotion ends February 29th!

Ellie Edwards
Director of Professional Development
eedwards@ncrealtors.org

What You Should Know about the Case-Shiller Index

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:54:00 +0000

As you've probably already seen across the headlines today, the most recent Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home-price index reported that home prices fell for a third straight month in November in nearly all cities tracked by the index.

But before you get too pessimistic, follow the link below to view an article appearing in the Wall Street Journal detailing what might be a disconnect between Case Shiller’s index and the actual state of the housing market.
Click here to view the article.

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

January 2012 REALTOR Partner of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:41:00 +0000

In today’s hectic business world, who has the time to research vendors or check out how to get more for your money? Thank goodness for the REALTOR® Partner Program! Since 1994, the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® has partnered with Pearl Insurance to bring you the most comprehensive Real Estate Errors & Omissions Insurance coverage around. It is one of the best rated E&O programs and offers a wide range of programs especially designed for real estate professionals. Visit: www.pearlinsurance.com/ncar for more information.

The REALTOR® Partners Program is a program that offers discounts to NC REALTORS® on business purchases with participating companies.

Sarah Beth Coggin
Partner Program Manager
sbcoggin@ncrealtors.org

Raleigh-Cary Expected to ‘Outshine All the Rest’

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Inman News released a report highlighting metro areas that are expected to “outshine many other markets in real estate performance this year” and Raleigh-Cary topped the list!

In its report, Inman News scanned metro areas with populations over 150,000 to find where real estate sales volume is rising, job markets are growing, foreclosure activity is low, sales prices are appreciating, and home affordability is at high levels.

Follow the link below to view the other four metro areas.

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Make-Your-Business-Better-Monday: Get What You Want

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:16:00 +0000

Getting people to do what you want is difficult, especially if you lack authority. In today's edition of Make-Your-Business-Better, we focus on getting what you want -- in a subtle way.

According to the Harvard Business Review, here are three tactics:

Talk Less, Listen More
Make Them Like You
Do Something Nice for Someone

Click here for more details.

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Have a Question About Using Your zipForm Software?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:11:00 +0000

The support secton of the zipLogix website has over 30 short tutorial videos to show you how to use the software. Check them out at the link below to see if there is a video that addresses your problem or question.

http://support.zipform.com/zf6/6_videos.asp

Samantha Ashburn
Electronic Communications Manager
sashburn@ncrealtors.org

5 Social Media Management Tips for Real Estate Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Social Media platforms hold enormous potential for REALTORS to grow their business, sell and let more property and promote new listings. Its an industry that suites Social Media perfectly and there is a wealth of opportunity.

http://socialmediatoday.com/mark-paddock/432727/5-social-media-management-tips-real-estate-businesses

Samantha Ashburn
Electronic Communications Manager
sashburn@ncrealtors.org

Make-Your-Business-Better-Monday: Watch that Body Language

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:32:00 +0000

In this week's edition of Make-Your-Business-Better-Monday, we look at body language.

First, ask yourself this, are you aware of your gestures and body position when you’re with a client? Are you aware of your client’s? If you’re not – you should be.

Here are three body language tips that will help you improve your effectiveness:

Model the body language posture you wish to receive from your clients.
Maneuver your client's body posture into a more receptive position
Select office chairs that have a straight back

Follow the link below for more details.
http://rismedia.com/2012-01-16/selling-point-sit-up-straight-and-pay-attention/

Barbara West, e-PRO

Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Earn elective CE credit and satisfy your NAR Quadrennial Code of Ethics requirement in one day!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Join Bruce Aydt, a nationally-recognized real estate educator, in a day-long seminar covering the Code of Ethics and processes to enforce the Code. As an attorney and past chair of the NAR Professional Standards Committee, Bruce understands professional standards processes and the Code of Ethics. Classes will be held on February 15^th in Hickory, February 16^th in Cary, and February 17^th in New Bern. For class details and to register, log into http://www.ncrealtors.org/ and find the class on the calendar.

Ellie Edwards
Director of Professional Development
eedwards@ncrealtors.org

Join Zan Monroe and Bill Gallagher on February 13-14 for 2 NEW GRI Classes!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:01:00 +0000

Be the first to attend GRI 201: Business Planning and GRI 202: Business Ethics in Greensboro! For class details and to register, log into http://www.ncrealtors.org/ and find the class on the calendar.

Ellie Edwards
Director of Professional Development
eedwards@ncrealtors.org

NAR Calls for Expansion of FHA’s 203(k) Program

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Moe Veissi, the 2012 President of NAR, recently sent a letter to Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requesting that investors be permitted to participate in the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program to purchase vacant and foreclosed properties in need of significant rehabilitation. Amending the 203(k) Program will help restore vibrant housing markets and neighborhoods across the country and people will be put to work fixing these homes.

FHA’s 203(k) Program allows homebuyers and homeowners to a) purchase a house including the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage, or b) finance the rehabilitation of their existing home. Section 203(k) fills a unique and important need for homebuyers in another way as well. Section 203(k) insured loans save the borrower’s time and money, and also protect lenders by allowing them to have the loan insured even before the condition and value of the property may offer adequate security.

Julie Woodson
Director of Political Communications
jwoodson@ncrealtors.org

Are We Emailing Too Much?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:48:00 +0000

In this article from the Harvard Business Review, the author argues that email has fundamentally changed the way we interact – and not necessarily in a good way.

According to the article, the most important thing to remember is that email cannot replace live conversation. This especially applies when resolving a conflict or communicating an important business decision. Far too many people try to do sensitive business via email and that is problematic.

Moral of the story? Next time you have a delicate or complex issue to discuss, take your hands off the keyboard and pick up the phone.

Click here and read the complete article, “Don't Send That Email. Pick up the Phone!”

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Register by Tomorrow and Come Wine and Dine with NC REALTORS!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Don't miss your chance to wine and dine with your colleagues from across the state on Thursday, Jan. 26 for the 2012 Inaugural Gala at the Twin City Quarter in Winston-Salem. Come celebrate the inauguration of 2012 President Lou Baldwin and the start of a great year for real estate. Tickets are $75 each and include two drink tickets, an elegant sit-down dinner, and entertainment featuring The University of North Carolina School of the Arts very own Jazz Trio.

All registrations must be received by Jan. 13 -- that's TOMORROW so don't delay! For more information or to register, click here: http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/inauguralreg.pdf

Mandy Lowe, CMP, CMM
Director of Events
mlowe@ncrealtors.org

N.C. Remains a Top Destination

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

N.C. ranked fifth among the most popular states for inbound moves as more households are moving to East Coast states while leaving Rust Belt states, according to the latest Atlas Lines Migration Patterns study.

Washington, D.C. – for the fifth year in a row -- had the highest percentage of inbound moves while Ohio had the highest percentage of residents leaving. The study also showed the summer months continued to have the largest number of moves per season, according to the survey.

Follow the link below to see a list of the top inbound and outbound states.

http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2012/01/04/more-americans-are-move-survey-says

Barbara West, e-PRO

Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org