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Each month, the
Suburban West REALTORS Association will provide Association Liaisons with
a question in which we are seeking member feedback on. We
urge you to discuss this question with agents at your office during a
sales meeting, through an email, or during the course of your daily
conversations when appropriate.
What
are some of the technology resources (ie. Facebook, ActiveRain, Top
Producer, ACT) that you use to stay in touch with clients and to look
for prospects? How do you decide to use one resource over another?
What is the value that you see in using your particular resource?
To view compiled
responses from last month's Discussion Question, click here.
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Suburban West
Enhances Dues Process
For a number of years,
we have received requests to seek alternatives to the membership dues
system. Earlier this year, we convened a task force of volunteers
to assist us in researching a way to make it easier for members to submit
their dues during a period that coincides with more income in the
business. Through their hard work, the task force reached consensus
on an alternative that was then submitted and approved by the Board of
Directors.
Beginning this year, all
members will receive their dues invoice electronically on October
1. We believe this will help us be "green' and contain our
costs as well as help our members allocate their funds during a period of
more settlements. Ultimately, members will have three options of
when and how much to pay, similar to paying property taxes.
For more information, access this flyer that explains our new dues process and what it
means for members. Any additional notice you can make to your
colleagues will be greatly appreciated.
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 Some
REALTORS have experienced confusion over the new Home Valuation Code of
Conduct (HVCC) for home appraisers implemented this past May. The HVCC
establishes standards for solicitation, selection, compensation,
conflicts of interest and appraiser independence. It impacts any mortgage
that will be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; Federal Housing
Administration (FHA) and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) mortgages are not
covered in the agreement. Since the HVCC took effect, many consumers are
experiencing higher home costs and lost sales due to delayed appraisals.
An NAR survey found 76 percent of REALTOR members,
representing both buyers and sellers, had experienced an increase in
appraisal time since the new HVCC rules were enacted. Similarly, 71
percent of REALTORS noted an increase in the use of appraisers who
were not from the local area. These factors often adversely affected the
sale or the sales process, which occasionally resulted in the loss of a
sale or a homeowner's inability to refinance into today's lower rates.
Recently, the Federal Housing Finance Agency has instructed Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac to take action to clarify some of these points. NAR has
asked Congress and the FHFA to immediately implement an 18-month
moratorium on the new HVCC rules to further address unintended
consequences of this new rule. Click
here to learn more about the
HVCC.
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NEW Lead Paint
Renovation Rule Compliance
The EPA"s new rules
on lead paint, repair, renovation and painting take effect April 22,
2010. REALTORS will want to be familiar with the new rules so they can
advise their client accurately. There are at least two issues that
directly affect your role as agent. If testing is done as a result of the
new rule this testing becomes part of disclosure obligations. If you
recommend contractors for work in the home you will want to know if they
are certified do perform renovation under this new
rule. Click
here to see NAR's video about the rule and frequently
asked questions for REALTORS.
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Association to Host "Ask the Experts" Forum
 The
Association will be hosting an "Ask the Experts" Forum on
September 15 from 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. This informative new
event will feature a panel of four Affiliate members from
various industries, including:
- Home Inspection
- Mortgage and Finance
- Home Staging
- Green Energy Systems
Attendees will be able to pose questions to the panel as
well as learn more about each industry and how it applies to
the Real Estate business. All this plus networking
opportunities and a FREE lunch! To view a flyer with more
information and to register, click here.
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Never Take Your
Safety for Granted
 The National
Association of REALTORS and Suburban West continues to remind all members
that safety should be your number one priority as a REALTOR.
Whether in the office or in the field, we encourage all our members to
have knowledge of potential safety issues, awareness of their surrounding
and potential dangers, and empowerment to do the right thing should a
dangerous situation arise or better yet avoid in the first place.
The National Association of REALTORS has designated the week of September
13 -19 as REALTOR Safety Week and have developed a number of revamped
resources to help you spread the word in your office (click here to
access). Additionally, Suburban West continues to make a Safety
Presentation on of our key speaking topics in our Office Meeting
Series.
For more information on this 30 to 45 minute program, please contact
Molly Garavito at 866-495-SWRA or mgaravito@suburbanwestrealtors.com.
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Association
Liaison E-Source
