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RELATED LINKS
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Online Newsletter
January 2012
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The HCAR office will be closed Monday, January 2
for the New Year's Holiday.
We wish you a 2012 of good health and good friends, prosperity and peace. Happy New Year!
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2012 HCAR Membership Dues
Final Deadline is Midnight, January 2 |
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HCAR dues billing is once again paperless and green.
Click here to make your payment using our secure and easy online payment system >
Billing details:
Dues invoicing is online at www.hcar.org. The first invoice notice was emailed to members on October 6. Payment for the current membership year starting November 1, 2011 and ending October 31, 2012 was due as of November 1, 2011.
Total past due fees as of January 3, 2012 will be $150 = $50 late fee + $100 reinstatement fee. But we have been giving you plenty of notice, so it's easy to have already paid on time or renew now to avoid a lapse in membership!
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The 2012 local, state and national dues are:
| Howard County Association of REALTORS® |
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$223 |
| Maryland Association of REALTORS® |
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$170 |
| National Association of REALTORS® |
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$155 |
| Voluntary RPAC Contribution |
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$25 |
| Total |
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$573 |
Thank you to the large number of members who have already renewed!
To non-renewed members, please renew today at www.hcar.org >
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| Get on the Bus January 25 – MAR Legislative Day |
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On Wednesday, January 25th we'll get on the bus at the Meadowbrook Park-n-Ride (at the I-29 and Route 100 intersection) for Annapolis where we'll meet with other REALTORS® from around the state and our elected officials. Immediately following the Legislative Day Program is a cocktail reception.
Meet and mingle with our legislators and send a strong message that we care about homeownership in Maryland!
| 1:30 pm |
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Bus leaves for Annapolis |
| 2:15 pm |
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See your Maryland Association of REALTORS® headquarters in Annapolis!
Bus stops at MAR for a brief visit. |
| 3:00 pm |
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Maryland Association of REALTORS® Legislative Day
@ Loews Annapolis Hotel - 126 West Street |
| 6:00 - 8:00 pm |
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Cocktail Reception |
| 9:00 pm |
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Bus arrives back at Meadowbrook Park-n-Ride |
ONLY $5 to ride the chartered bus. Register HERE!
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| Tax Strategies for the Self-Employed |
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Thursday, January 19 – 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Want to save money, time and stress,
perhaps thousands of dollars, for only $10?
Only $10 for members, held at the HCAR offices
Many of us assume our accountants take care of our taxes... but forget that WE are the ones giving them the numbers and records they are using to prepare our tax return.
This seminar is guaranteed to identify between $2,500 and $27,500 in NEW deductions that can be used right away to pocket thousands in tax savings. These deductions are based in tax LAW, but presented in simple English that all of us can easily understand.
Please note this is a NON-credit class. Registration >
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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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| National Flood Insurance Gains 5-Month Extension |
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On Friday, December 16, Congress extended National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authority through May 31, 2012. This latest extension was a part of H.R. 2055, a "megabus" appropriations bills to fund the federal government's 2012 fiscal year.
NAR is urging Congress to use the additional time to complete work on a 5-year NFIP re-authorization bill (H.R. 1309) to provide certainty and avoid further disruption to real estate markets. The NFIP ensures access to affordable flood insurance for millions of home and business owners across the country.
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Freddie Mac Amends Short Sale Policy
Required Changes Effective January 1, 2012 |
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Freddie Mac has amended its short sale affidavit policy. The purpose of the affidavit is to 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).
Policy changes will be mandatory as of January 1, 2012; however, servicers were encouraged to implement the changes immediately. NAR advises members to make sure that any short sale affidavit they sign is an updated form. If presented with an old form, members should request the servicer to update the form before signing, to avoid potential liability issues. Details >
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3% Freddie Mac Incentive to Buyers
Homebuyer and $1,000 Selling Agent Bonus Now Through January 31 |
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Freddie Mac is offering a Winter Sales Promotion on offers submitted by owner-occupant purchasers between November 15, 2011 and January 31, 2012 with escrow closed by March 15, 2012.
See this and other incentives at www.homesteps.com >
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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.
Kick Off Your Career with MRIS
Get in the real estate game faster with this introduction to all the various products and topics available with your MRIS subscription.
Thursday, January 12 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Need-to-Knows of Matrix
Settings, or searches, or contacts or emails... Learn the best place to start and learn about the multiple functions Matrix offers.
Thursday, January 12 • 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Customize Matrix to Fit Your Business
Personalize Matrix to create easier navigation to better assist your advanced skills. These advanced features enable you to work more efficiently and productively.
Monday, January 30 • 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Maximize Your Productivity with MRIS
This class introduces the often overlooked tools and features available as an MRIS customer benefit that are designed to save you time and money.
Monday, January 30 • 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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30 Under 30
Apply by January 15 for Recognition! |
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REALTOR® Magazine will soon showcase 30 young real estate professionals who demonstrate innovation and leadership in their community and profession. Do you have stand-outs in your office who should apply? Speak out. Have them submit an application.
To all of our under 30 members - apply today!
REALTOR® under the age of 30 as of May 31, 2012 are eligible to apply.
HURRY - Deadline is Sunday, January 15 >
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| Learn and Make a Difference - Volunteer! |
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HCAR committees are already doing exceptional work planning high value events for 2012. 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.)
Congratulations to our 2011 - 2012 Committee Chairs.
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Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.
- Benjamin Franklin
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