NC REALTORS Talk

What’s HOT this winter?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:25:00 +0000

REALTOR® Partner, a la mode, one of the real estate industry's largest and most mission critical technology companies, announced that Apple has listed TourNarrator in the “What’s Hot” section of the iTunes App store, solidifying the app’s position as the leader among real estate related apps. Click here for more information.

Kristin Miller
Partner Program Manager
kmiller@ncrealtors.org

Housing Outlook for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:57:00 +0000

The economy will continue to be in a state of flux in 2010 with unemployment and foreclosure rates ultimately determining whether the market improves or continues to struggle, according to Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Economy.com.

Unemployment figures, foreclosure rates, and several other factors are all figured into Economy.com's housing price outlook for 2010 -- as are local figures for income, population, interest rates, and foreclosures. The results are broken into 100 metropolitan areas. (Last year the projections were pretty accurate, forecasting a 14.5 percent decline in 2009; the actual figure is likely to come in around 13.2 percent.)

Charlotte, NC is predicted to be among the top 10 metros with the smallest projected decline in median house price, while Greensboro and Raleigh are expected to have a projected decline of 2.8 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively. All three cities are projected to have a positive price change in median house price in 2011.

Click here for more information

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

Learn the Ins & Outs of Short Sales and Foreclosures!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Register today for the upcoming “Learn the Ins & Outs of Short Sales & Foreclosures” to be held on January 19, 2010 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. For a registration and more information, visit the NC REALTORS® Website at www.ncrealtors.org.

The goal of this course is to educate REALTORS® about the process of short sales and foreclosures. The course enables students to:

· Differentiate between short sales and foreclosures
· Explain the process of a successful short sale transaction
· Identify the components of a short sale package
· Understand the processes and procedures of foreclosures
· Guide clients who want to purchase short sale or foreclosed properties
· Counsel buyers on how to prevent short sales and foreclosures.

Monica Huckaby
Legal Programs Coordinator
mhuckaby@ncrealtors.org

Happy Holidays from Pearl Insurance!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:48:00 +0000

As a sponsored provider of E&O Insurance for NCAR members since 1994, you can rely on Pearl’s experience and expertise to help protect your firm against the financial consequences of claims. Plus, you’ll benefit from their recently updated policy, providing the comprehensive coverage you deserve. Visit www.pearlinsurance.com/eo to learn more!

Kristin Miller
Partner Program Manager
kmiller@ncrealtors.org

2010 NCAR Calendar of Events

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:55:00 +0000

NCAR offers a wide variety of events throughout the year. For a complete listing of all events (including continuing education and CE courses), log into www.ncrealtors.org and click on “Events & Calendar”. There is also a printer-friendly pdf version of the calendar for your convenience. (Calendar subject to change)

Denise Daly, e-PRO
Membership Records Coordinator/Bookkeeper
ddaly@ncrealtors.org

Regulatory Recap

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Last week three of the regulatory boards that affect the real estate industry considered rule changes. On Tuesday, the North Carolina Building Code Council voted to require all newly constructed homes to have carbon monoxide detectors installed outside sleeping areas. Also on Tuesday, the NC Commissioner of Banks held a public hearing on proposed rule changes to implement legislation passed this legislative session to conform North Carolina’s mortgage licensing act to federal law. Finally, the Real Estate Commission voted on Wednesday to proceed with changes to 17 Commission rules. The draft rule changes will be published in January and include an extension in the time licensees must retain trust account records from 3 to 5 years and a requirement that sellers disclose the existence of all military installations within 1 mile of their property on the Residential Property Disclosure Form. NC Association of REALTORS® staff will be meeting with Commission staff and interested parties this week to address our concerns with these rule changes.

Rick Zechini
Director of Government Affairs
rzechini@ncrealtors.org

Impact Fee Struck Down by NC Court of Appeals

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:50:00 +0000

This week the North Carolina Court of Appeals invalidated Union County’s impact fee ordinance. The North Carolina Association of REALTORS® played a key role in this litigation as the Association’s Legal Action Fund helped pay for a “friend of the court” brief in the case and Director of Government Affairs Rick Zechini assisted in its preparation.

After years of unsuccessfully seeking impact fee authority from the legislature, Union County adopted a so-called adequate public facilities ordinance (APFO). The APFO allows the County to analyze a proposed development and determine whether it would lead to a school being over “capacity”. If so, then the development would not be allowed unless an impact fee is paid to the county.

The NC Court of Appeals found that Union County did not have the authority to adopt such an APFO. This is a great victory for the real estate community and calls into question other APFOs across the state.

Samantha Ashburn
Website Coordinator
sashburn@ncrealtors.org

Economist: N.C. Has Begun Its Turnaround

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:08:00 +0000

The N.C. economy has begun its long, slow turnaround, a UNC Charlotte economist said yesterday. Though it could take years before job and spending figures bounce back to the levels of better times. Connaughton predicted that next year, the state's economy will grow 2.8 percent, following this year's 3.6 percent decline.

N.C. businesses are expected to add nearly 33,000 jobs next year, with growth in more than half of the state's economic sectors , including finance and real estate, two of the hardest hit sectors. He expects the construction, services and government fields to post the biggest gains in 2010.

The recovery won't be rapid, however. Connaughton is most worried about banks' excess reserves, which have jumped from about $1.5 billion to more than $800 billion during the recession. That means banks aren't lending as much as they could be, either because they're concerned about a second economic dip or continued uncertainty in the financial markets, he said.

Aside from the challenges, next year will bring more hope than 2009, perhaps even sooner than many economists expected, Connaughton said.

For more information, follow the link below.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/business/story/1117172.html

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

15 Tools to Help Manage Your Social Networking Profiles More Efficiently

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Managing multiple social media profiles can take up quite a bit of your time. In order to keep up with an ever-growing group of friends and business associates across all of your Social networking sites, you might find it helpful to use some of the online social networking tools available. Most social networking tools that are designed to streamline the organization and management of your online profiles are very inexpensive or free to use, so it’s one of the best values available to social networking addicts and social media professionals alike. Read this article for a list of 15 of the most innovative and popular social networking tools available today.

http://blog.huddle.net/15-tools-to-help-manage-your-social-networking-profiles-more-efficiently

Samantha Ashburn
Website Coordinator
sashburn@ncrealtors.org

Check Out NAR’s New Consumer Website

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:58:00 +0000

HouseLogic, NAR’s new consumer website, offers everything homeowners need to increase, maintain and protect the value of their home. The site provides free information and tools to help homeowners with home improvements, maintenance projects, taxes, finances, insurance, and even community involvement. HouseLogic helps consumers make confident decisions about what is often their largest investment – their home.

HouseLogic allows you, the REALTOR®, to:

• Keep in touch with your clients and customers: HouseLogic offers a free source of ready-to-use content, through its REALTOR® Content Resource (RCR). The RCR contains top-quality content for your Web sites, blogs, and newsletters. Easily integrate this content with your communications efforts and continue the conversation with your clients long after the sale.

• Build your reputation as a housing expert: Use the insights and data on HouseLogic to position yourself with homeowners as a go-to resource to help them make smart decisions about what may be their largest investment -- their home.

• Drive your business forward: Maintain and grow your consumer relationships with information that’s valuable and relevant to current or prospective homeowners at all experience levels and stages of life.

Click here to go directly to HouseLogic

Source: National Association of REALTORS

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

The Home of the Future: Smaller, Simpler, More Affordable

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:50:00 +0000

A recent slew of surveys show that homeowners are looking to slim down, hoping for less space to heat, cool and clean, and cheaper mortgage payments. A recent CNN poll found 69 percent of respondents felt homes had gotten too big, while Kermit Baker, an American Institute of Architects economist, reported in October that while people want a home office more than ever (reflecting in part the growing number of self-employed and telecommuting workers), special-function rooms such as home theaters, exercise rooms, guest wings and three-car garages have become less popular.

Consumers are also abandoning some of the excesses that had come to define the modern home before the housing bubble burst: living rooms in addition to family rooms, big master bedrooms with big master baths, walk-in showers that are adjacent to standalone Jacuzzi tubs, pantries the size of closets and closets the size of bedrooms.

A recent Wall Street Journal article said builders have become so convinced of the downsizing trend that they are making some of the choices for consumers, drawing up blueprints without the grand foyers and staircases, forgoing fireplaces and reconfiguring garages so that cars park end to end instead of side by side.

A National Association of Home Builders survey found the downsizing trend started back in 2007, when potential buyers were asked what trade offs they would prefer if costs exceeded their budget. In 2007, 58 percent said they would choose a smaller house with high quality materials and amenities over a bigger home with fewer amenities. In 2004, only 37 percent said they would make that choice. During that period, the desired square footage dropped from 2,426 square feet to 2,292.

"The living room is the most likely to disappear when the buyer is forced to choose," Stephen Melman, the NAHB's director of economic services, told WalletPop. Also on the chopping block: giant kitchens and large master baths.

The smaller-is-better movement isn't just a passing fad, said the NAHB's Melman. Baby Boomers are now empty nesters and they simply don't need as much space. Combine that with a recession and it appears this trend has legs.

Source: Wallet Pop

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist

bwest@ncrealtors.org

Who Wants a Deal?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:09:00 +0000

For the month of December 2009, NCAR members may purchase Formulator Desktop or Formulator Online for the reduced price of $99.00 That’s a savings of $20-$60! Visit: http://www.formulator.com/

Kristin Miller
Partner Program Manager
kmiller@ncrealtors.org

NEED A HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:30:00 +0000

2010 Entertainment Books are now 55% off the regular retail price– exclusively to NAR members!

Entertainment books make the perfect holidays, closings and referral gifts.

-Business card holder on the book cover keeps your name in front of your clients
-Save on fine and family dining, family fun, shopping and travel all year

Click on the following link to order yours today!
https://www.entertainment.com/buy/realestate/?linkName=NAR

Denise Daly, e-PRO
Membership Records Coordinator/Bookkeeper
ddaly@ncrealtors.org

December Partner of the Month

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:50:00 +0000

If you already have health insurance, your rates are probably increasing in 2010. Whether you are considering canceling coverage, changing your benefits, or switching insurance companies, REALTOR® Partner, Fidelity Capital Management Inc. is here to help. Their advice and counseling is FREE of charge and they represent all major NC insurance companies! Don’t wait! The deadline to make changes for 2010 is quickly approaching. Visit: http://www.fcmrealtorbenefits.com/

Kristin Miller
Partner Program Manager
kmiller@ncrealtors.org

Industry Watch

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:38:00 +0000

These ten items will impact the real estate industry to a greater or lesser degree in 2010-- whether it's technology or what goes on in Washington D.C. -- keep your eye out for news on these topics. Click the link below for the list and more details.

http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/articles/2009/0911_reallife_lead_10towatch?&WT.mc_id=LS120209&CAT=Comm

Chris Rhodes
Professional Development Director
crhodes@ncrealtors.org

Don’t Miss the Celebration!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:14:00 +0000

The Inaugural Banquet for incoming president Mary Edna Williams will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at the Raleigh Convention Center… We want you to be there for the festivities! Registration is required so go to http://www.ncrealtors.org/ to reserve your spot. The NCAR Events Department is available to answer any questions at 800-443-9956.

Keri Epps-Rashad
Meeting Planner and Expo Manager
mailto:kepps@ncrealtors.org

Congratulations to the Carteret County Association of REALTORS®!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:23:00 +0000

The Carteret County Association of REALTORS® (CCAR) was recently honored by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) as one of 14 winners in the Game Changers Challenge, a charge given to all local boards, state associations, institutions and councils to create benefits and programs that would assist its membership during current economic conditions. The game changing ideas had to have an impact on the association, a new product, program, process or service that improves the REALTOR® organization. Winners will receive $1.7 million to undertake their chosen projects. NAR received over 200 submissions.

The Carteret County Association of REALTORS®’ project centered around the development of a program that would allow for virtual fundraisers, allowing an association to have activities such as a virtual golf outing or reverse drawing but with social media components, making it an interactive activity. The particular program would allow people to participate from home or office, and wouldn’t require the time commitment of a live event. The idea is not meant to take the place of CCAR’s regular events, but rather off a new alternative.

“The Carteret County Association of REALTORS®’ contribution signifies the opportunity one person or organization can make for NAR’s entire membership,” said Dale Stinton, NAR’s Chief Executive Officer. “In these challenging times, NAR’s leadership strives to assist its members with financial resources to help develop new programs that will ultimately enhance and improve their member’s skills. Investing in our members today will provide a return that will benefit the real estate industry and the American homebuyer.”

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

Be a Legislative Link!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Legislative advocacy is a very important aspect of the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® and we are fortunate to have REALTOR® members who reside in every district of the North Carolina House and Senate. This statewide membership provides us with a force of REALTORS® to contact legislators when the voice of the real estate industry needs to be heard.

The REALTOR® Legislative Links program was established to strengthen NCAR’s legislative grassroots network. The goal of the Legislative Links program is to secure at least one REALTOR® Legislative Link for every member of the North Carolina General Assembly. The ideal REALTOR® Legislative Link is a member of NCAR who is politically active in the community, has established a relationship with one or more local legislators, and is willing to contact legislators when issues arise before the General Assembly that require REALTOR® input. However, all REALTORS® are encouraged to volunteer for this important statewide network. For legislative districts where more than one REALTOR® is interested in serving as a link, a team of REALTORS® will be established. The time commitment required for this job is small but the importance is immeasurable.

If you are interested in becoming a REALTOR® Legislative Link for one or more members of the North Carolina General Assembly, please return the Legislative Links Interest Form via fax to the NCAR Legislative Department at 919-856-9157. For more information, contact me at 1-800-443-9956 ext. 304 or dmcgowan@ncrealtors.org.

David McGowan, III
Political Specialist
dmcgowan@ncrealtors.org

Mandatory Professional Standards Administrator Training

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Enforcement of the Code of Ethics is a privilege and responsibility of each board and association as established in Article IV of the Bylaws of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Every board and association must designate a person or entity responsible for administration of professional standards processes. Persons primarily responsible for administration of professional standards processes must have successfully completed training on professional standards administration meeting the learning objectives and minimum criteria established by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® from time to time. For more information, contact the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® at 800-874-6500.

Monica Huckaby, e-PRO
Legal Programs Coordinator
mhuckaby@ncrealtors.org

Nine Consecutive Gains for Pending Home Sales

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Pending home sales have risen for nine months in a row, a first for the series of the index since its inception in 2001, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in October, increased 3.7 percent to 114.1 from 110.0 in September, and is 31.8 percent above October 2008 when it was 86.6. The rise from a year ago is the biggest annual increase ever recorded for the index, which is at the highest level since March 2006 when it was 115.2. Sales in the South increased 5.4 percent to an index of 115.4, which is 31.6 percent above a year ago.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home sales are experiencing a pendulum swing. “Keep in mind that housing had been underperforming over most of the past year. Based on the demographics of our growing population, existing-home sales should be in the range of 5.5 million to 6.0 million annually, but we were well below the 5-million mark before the homebuyer tax credit stimulus,” he said. “This means the tax credit is helping unleash a pent-up demand from a large pool of financially qualified renters, much more than borrowing sales from the future.”

For more information, follow the link below.
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009120101?OpenDocument

Barbara West
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Construction Material Theft

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:37:00 +0000

Thieves are stealing copper piping, wire and other construction materials from homes and building sites. Learn how state governments are fighting this fast-growing crime and read about the impact on homeowners, business owners, cities and the economy in this Updated Field Guide.

http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg336?&WT.mc_id=LS112509&CAT=Comm

Chris Rhodes
Professional Development Director
crhodes@ncrealtors.org

Ban on Emailing and Texting while Driving Effective Tomorrow!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:46:00 +0000

The ban on sending and reading emails and texts while driving is effective tomorrow, December 1, 2009. This law prohibits a motorist from texting and/or emailing while driving. Motorists who are in violation of this new law face a fine of $100 plus court costs. The law includes exceptions for emergency responders, as well as people who use voice-activated technology or access global navigation systems. Be safe and don’t text and drive!

Catherine L. Thomas
Director of Regulatory Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

Give the Gift of Gab this Holiday Season!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:29:00 +0000

REALTOR® Partner AT&T is offering buy one Samsung phone, and get one FREE! Click here for more information: http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/HolidayFlyer12-25-09.pdf

Kristin Miller
Partner Program Manager
kmiller@ncrealtors.org

Service Tax News

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:33:00 +0000

The NC House and Senate Finance Committees met again last week to consider how to restructure the state tax code and their meeting focused on taxing professional and consumption services. Speakers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University were of the same mindset – that more services needed to be taxed and the overall tax rates should be lowered. Dr. Smith from UNC-CH stressed the volatility of sales tax revenues during economic ups and downs. His projections were that the uses of certain services are not as volatile and would be better revenue constants. Dr. Sawyers from NC State maintained that the sales tax on goods was a regressive tax and that NC should consider taxing at least some services to be more “fair and equitable.” He did not say what services should be taxed but said that is ultimately a decision the General Assembly would have to make.

The next meeting will take place on December 1, 2009. At that meeting, the committees will hear from officials in states that have taxed services as part of their tax structure. NCAR Government Affairs staff will continue to attend the meetings and monitor the discussions surrounding taxing services.

Cady Thomas
Director of Regulatory Affairs
cthomas@ncrealtors.org

Shop Now with GoodShop!

noreply@blogger.com (NC Assn of REALTORS) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:00:00 +0000

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, I wanted to let you know about GoodShop.com. By starting your shopping at GoodShop, you can support Homes4NC’s affordable housing efforts. More than 1,300 stores including Amazon, Toys R Us, Best Buy, Apple, Gap and more will donate a percentage of virtually every sale to Homes4NC when you designate Homes4NC as the cause you support. You pay nothing extra and you can even save money as GoodShop lists thousands of coupons and free shipping offers. Get a jump on your holiday shopping and help Homes4NC at the same time with GoodShop.com!

Diane Greene
Director of Community Outreach
dgreene@ncrealtors.org