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RELATED LINKS
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Online Newsletter
February 2012
CALL TO ACTION - SAVE THE MID!!
MD's Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID) in Jeopardy |
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Governor Martin O'Malley has recently proposed to reduce the MID for many Maryland homeowners. The Governor's proposed Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA) bill plans to scale back the most important tax benefit that homeowners receive - at a time when one out of every five homes is underwater or has lost significant equity.
If you haven't done so already,
Take Action Now by Urging Your Legislators to
OPPOSE the BRFA Bill >
For more information about the BRFA bill, and how it will affect MD homeowners,
Read the MAR Press Release and Talking Points >
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2012 Legislative Day
Thank you for showing up and making a difference! |
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On Wednesday, January 25, MAR Legislative Day was held in Annapolis. This was a time where we could meet and mingle with our legislators, join forces with other REALTORS®, and send a message that we care about homeownership in MD - especially the adverse impact the 15% HOA delinquency requirement is having on the ability to use FHA financing in purchasing a condo.
Thanks to the 30+ HCAR members who showed up and participated in this most important event!
View more photos from the event at the MAR HCAR Photo Gallery >
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Annual Affiliate Breakfast
Our Way of Saying Thank You for Your Generous Support!
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Next Thursday, February 9
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Homewood Suites, 8320 Benson Drive, Columbia, MD 21045
Join us as we kick off another year of networking and real estate industry educational events at the Howard County Association of REALTORS®.
You and a guest will enjoy a delicious breakfast, meet the 2012 HCAR committee leaders and board members, network with other industry members, and maximize your membership, education and sponsorship opportunities.
RSVP and Affiliate renewal required by Monday, February 6 for attendance.
Register Today >
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Mardi Gras Returns!
Back by Popular Demand and Sure to Sell Out |
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Tuesday Evening, March 6
5 to 9 pm at Looney's Pub
8180 Maple Lawn Boulevard,
Maple Lawn (Fulton), MD 20759
Members Only Event
Mardi Gras has fast become a popular HCAR tradition. It's a good excuse to celebrate, and gives you a great opportunity to engage with fellow real estate professionals to confidently and comfortably expand your networking. Besides, it's going to be another great party, and who doesn't like to wear silly beads!?!?!
This celebration has sold out every year.
Hurry and get your tickets today!
Register now >
Click here to become an Event Sponsor >
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| REALTOR® Emeritus Honor - Applications Due March 30 |
Have you been a REALTOR® for 40 or more years?
If so, you can have your NAR dues waived starting this November!
Anyone who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or a combination of both, for a cumulative period of 40 years in one or more Associations of REALTORS®, is eligible for REALTOR® Emeritus status.
How do I submit an application?
Complete a short online application in hcar.org Members Only by Friday, March 30, 2012. HCAR will provide the appropriate confirmations, and submit it to NAR.
In short: If you've been a REALTOR® for 40 or more years, apply by March 30 in order to have your annual NAR dues waived, beginning this November!
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| Board of Directors Meeting |
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Next Monday, February 6
9:00 am - 12 noon
Our Board of Directors meets once a month to discuss a variety of relevant topics and issues. If you have any questions or would like to submit a topic for Board discussion, Click here.
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Energy Star Tax-Free Shopping!
Presidents Day Weekend |
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Saturday, February 18 - Monday, February 20
There will be a tax-free, three-day weekend where the sales tax will not apply to the sale of any Energy Star Product, or solar water heater.
Energy Star Products are clearly labeled, showing that they meet or exceed applicable Energy Star Efficiency requirements developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Energy Star choices are available when shopping for an air conditioner, clothes washer or dryer, furnace, heat pump, standard size refrigerator, compact fluorescent light bulb, dehumidifier, or programmable thermostat.
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| Howard County Home Sales Reports |
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Did you know that county home sales information is posted online at www.hcar.org/statistics? Home sales reports for the previous month are typically available by the 6th day of every month. Check out the Market Details report for sales volume, days on market, types of financing used, listings inventory, sales price versus listing price statistics, and more.
Make www.hcar.org your home page, and you'll see a link appear under Real Estate News early each month when the new reports are released.
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Also on www.hcar.org
2012 Code of Ethics, and Email White Listing Tip |
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The 2012 Code of Ethics is now available at www.hcar.org/ethics, with a few updates from 2011. REALTOR® members are bound to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in fulfilling their duties to clients and customers, to the public, and to other REALTORS®. Our Code of Ethics is one of the many factors setting us apart, and allows the public to have high confidence that the REALTOR® they hire will protect and promote their interests. REALTORS® pledge to that. See Article 1.
Please take this opportunity to review the recent updates to the Code of Ethics, and the entire Code of Ethics. It's good business!
Other Membership Resources at www.hcar.org - Have you visited the Members Only section lately? You'll find the latest contract forms, explanations of legal changes and MREC advisories, a directory of HOA contacts, an online form to keep your contact information current, and more. A new addition is Email Update and White List Instructions. Is someone in your office not receiving this monthly email? If so, please ask them to white list us!
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Reminder - Amended Short Sale Policy
Required Changes Now in Effect |
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Changes to the Freddie Mac short sale affidavit policy became mandatory on January 1, 2012. To avoid potential liability issues, members should request that the servicer update any outdated forms, before signing them.
Background: The affidavit was created to help prevent fraud by requiring the buyer, the seller, the real estate brokers, the escrow/closing agent, and any transaction facilitator to make various certifications including: that the short sale is an arm's length transaction, and the buyer will not resell within 120 days unless there are substantial improvements.
Details >
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NAR - Government Affairs Issue Brief
2012 Federal Public Policy Priorities |
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As a follow-up to the 2012 REALTOR® Party Policy and Advocacy Conference, NAR has released its Federal Public Policy Priorities - a detailed list of the most important issues on the Agenda for 2012 - including Taxation, Real Estate Finance, Property Insurance, and Appraisal and Commercial Issues.
For more information on Federal Issues being tracked by NAR click here.
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Legislative Alert - Know the Law!
Engaging Licensee from Different Company for an Open House |
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This memorandum is being shared to bring to your attention what appears to be an evolving practice by real estate licensees. The practice to which I refer is the engagement by the listing agent of a property of another real estate licensee who is not affiliated with the same company as the listing agent to sit at and conduct an open house of a property listed by the listing agent.
This evolving practice has serious legal consequences.
A Maryland licensed real estate salesperson or Maryland licensed real estate associate broker may only provide real estate brokerage services by and through the broker with whom the licensee is affiliated.
A licensee who conducts an open house on a property listed with another broker is not providing real estate services by and through the real estate broker with whom the licensee is affiliated. A listing agent who engages a licensee to conduct an open house is, in effect, engaging an unlicensed real estate salesperson to provide real estate brokerage services on behalf of the listing agent's broker.
As a consequence of the severe liability imposed by law - not only upon the listing agent who engaged the licensee affiliated with another company - but also upon the licensee who conducts the open house, as well as the broker and manager for both the listing company and the company with whom the licensee conducting the open house is affiliated, is a matter which would certainly result in a violation of multiple provisions of the Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act and could involve criminal prosecution and, upon conviction of a first offense, a fine not to exceed $5,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 1 years, or both. For second and third violations, the fine increases to $15,000 and $25,000, respectively.
Additional such conduct could result in the suspension or revocation of licensure and a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each violation of the Maryland Real Estate Brokers Act.
Login at hcar.org Members Only for complete details >
You'll also find links to other articles and charts explaining MREC rules on agents conducting an open house, and when agency disclosures are required to be presented at an open house.
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| FREE MRIS Training @ HCAR |
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Join MRIS trainers at the HCAR Office for FREE hands-on training.
Success with Stats
Using MRIS.com and Matrix, find and gather statistical information you can use to understand and discuss the market with your clients to showcase your expertise.
Next Thursday, February 9 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Customization and rDesk for the Intermediate XactSite User
Get introduced to XactSite rDesk and learn how to further customize your personal marketing & branding efforts for XactSite Premium, Total, IDX and Office packages.
Next Thursday, February 9 • 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The Need-to-Knows of Matrix
Settings, searches, contacts or emails. This is the best place to start and learn about the multiple functions Matrix offers.
Wednesday, February 29 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Entering Listings Correctly, The Key to a Fast Sale
Learn how to add or edit a listing in Keystone. We will go over Rules & Regulations, Compliance, entering accurate information, open houses and photos.
Wednesday, February 29 • 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
To register, go to www.mris.com/training, and click on the name of a course you wish to attend. You will then see the login to register. For MRIS training questions or inquiries, please email training@mris.net.
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| Learn and Make a Difference - Volunteer! |
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HCAR committees are already in high gear for 2012, planning and delivering high-value events and community service. And with Mardi Gras and Spring Fling right around the corner, proposed legislative changes we do NOT want to become law, and so many exciting things happening in the real estate community . . . we invite you to join in!
By being involved, you will learn more about the REALTOR® education process, legislative influence and successful event organization. You'll also meet and gain valuable relationships with knowledgeable and enthusiastic REALTOR® and Affiliate members.
Sign up for a committee using our online volunteer form! (Login required.)
You'll be connected with our 2011 - 2012 Committee Leadership.
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Missed the Deadline for 2012 HCAR Membership Dues?
Don't Miss Out - Come on Back! |
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To those members who missed out on the dues renewal deadline, get your membership reinstated today at www.hcar.org >
Reinstating your membership today will ensure that you:
- Will have SentriLock access;
- Will not miss out on any of the informative and important classes we offer (such as required CEU and free MRIS classes); and,
- Will be able to attend our exciting Members Only upcoming events, including the Affiliate Breakfast (if an Affiliate member), Mardi Gras and Spring Fling.
Thank you to the large majority of members who renewed on time for 2012. We appreciate your being a contributing part of Howard County Association of REALTORS®, and saving late fee expenses for yourself and your Association.
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Presidents Day
Monday, February 20
HCAR Office Closed
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Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.
It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved.
- William Jennings Bryan
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