|
|
|
Archive
|
08/05/10
|
Nominations for 2011 RASE Leadership are officially open! RASE will accept candidate nominations for next year’s key leadership positions through July 30, 2010. Get your nominations form now or find out more about the leadership positions.
|
|
*********
|
08/05/10
|
|
|
**********
|
08/05/10
|
|
Date: July 1, 2010
Re: NAR Update: Tax Credit Deadline Extended; Flood Insurance Program Reinstated
Dear fellow REALTOR®,
I am happy to report that Congress has passed a bill extending the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline to September 30, 2010. This is a huge win for REALTORS® and homebuyers, and NAR worked closely with members of Congress to make it happen.
The extension applies only to transactions that had ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, and have not yet closed. There will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law.
Additionally, Congress has extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 30th.
The bill is retroactive and will cover the lapse period from June 1,
2010, to the date the law is enacted. NAR will continue to work with
Congress on the NFIP Reform bill, and we will keep you posted on those
efforts.
For additional information on both the tax credit deadline and the NFIP, visit Realtor.org/Government_Affairs
Neither of these bills would have passed without your support. Nearly 83,000 REALTORS®
responded to our latest Call for Action, sending more than 250,000
letters to Congress asking them to extend the National Flood Insurance
Program. I know many of you also raised your voices in support of
extending the tax credit deadline.
On behalf of NAR, I thank you, and I ask that you visit the RealtorActionCenter.comRealtorActionCenter.com and make your voice heard on every issue.
Sincerely,
Vicki Cox Golder, CRB
2010 NAR President
|
|
|
**********
|
08/05/10
|
RASE REALTOR® Awards Banquet (06/17/2010) The
REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire, Inc. (RASE) held their annual
Awards Banquet, Thursday, June 17, 2010 at Minnehaha Country Club. RASE
would like to thank the sponsors of the event, First Premier Bank and
Argus Leader HomeFinder.com; the success of the event would not be
possible without their invovlement. RASE is proud to announce recipients
of the 2010 RASE REALTOR® Awards (right to left): REALTOR® of the Year - Doug Nelson, HJN Team Real Estate; REALTOR® Spirit - Judith Omer, Hegg, REALTORS®; Lifetime Achievement - Bill Hegg, Hegg, REALTORS®.
Special
congratulations go to Bill Hegg, recognized by the National Association
of REALTORS® and RASE, for holding cumulative membership of 40 years,
which earned him REALTOR® Emeritus status.
|
|
|
**********
|
06/28/10
|
New Chief
Executive Officer hired at RASE (4/23/10): Kristen
Gulson has joined RASE as its Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining
RASE, she served as Vice President of Human Resources for POET here in
Sioux Falls. Previously, Kristen spent the past 10 years living in the
Washington DC area in various Human Resources and Operations roles.
Kristen grew up in the Twin Cities and graduated from the College of St.
Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She also holds a Professional Human
Resources Certificate (PHR) which she earned in 2001. Kristen
appreciates the benefits to living and raising children in the Midwest
and therefore made the decision to relocate to Sioux Falls in 2008. She
has a 6 year old son who is in Kindergarten at Holy Spirit Catholic
School. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family,
attending her son's sporting events, playing golf and testing her
culinary abilities in the kitchen.
|
|
**********
|
| 05/11/10 |
Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Final Rule (5/11/10): The EPA has issued new regulations for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) activities which went into effect April 22, 2010. Compliance responsibilities for real estate professionals under this new rule are minimal. However, real estate professionals with some property management activity and property managers may face some additional compliance activities. There are no new disclosure compliance responsibilities, no new forms, or revisions to the existing disclosure forms. If any testing is done associated with any RRP activities, the results of that testing must be disclosed. The bulk of responsibility to comply with the new rule rests with contractors and remodelers. Real estate professionals should only recommend trained and certified contractors to their clients. Click here for a summary of key points. For additional information on this new rule, please go to http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/lead_paint_main. More information is also available on the EPA website.
|
|
|
**********
|
| 01-15-10 |
01/15/10) Residential Sales Available on Minnehaha County Website: Minnehaha County has listed all of the Arms Length transactions of residential homes and lots on their website. Following the site and increase the size to 200% to better see the information. They will be updating the information monhtly. Link to list. |
|
********
|
| 12-7-09 |
HUD Releases Schedule of "Live Online" RESPA Presentations: On December 3, 2009, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a scheduled series of "live online" presentations on the new RESPA rule. The dates and times for the upcoming HUD presentations are December 7h at 11:00 a.m.; December 10th at 2:00 p.m.; December 11th at 11:00 a.m. and December 16th at 1:00 p.m. (all times EST). HUD also announced that it will post a prerecorded version of the presentation on its website in the near future. In addition, HUD's RESPA website has added new "fillable" versions of the new Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1 forms.
HUD press release on live RESPA presentations >
|
|
********
|
| 11-5-09 |
First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension Passes Senate and House- Congress extends and expands home buyer credit; more information pending from NAR. Listen to NAR President McMillian's podcast here. |
|
********
|
| 10-27-09 |
The REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire (RASE) introduced a new marketing tool available to Designated Brokers called ListHub. ListHub forwards listing content from RASE MLS to over 30 destinations or websites, a.k.a. “Channels”. Only the single Designated/Managing Broker of an office can register the office with ListHub. Individual agents cannot send listing content anywhere via ListHub without the Designated Brokers express consent. That is how ListHub works! The Managing Broker will register the office on the ListHub site, and then they can pick and choose which Channels to send listing content to. These Channels can be enabled or disabled at any time by the Managing Broker. Additional permission can be extended to individual agents, but only by the Managing Broker. None of your office listings will be distributed via ListHub unless and until the Managing Broker registers on the ListHub website.
If your office has multiple branches, you can activate each under a single Account during your initial registration. Just follow the on screen instructions.
Once your office is registered with ListHub and you have chosen which Channels to send your office listings to, you can then send a request to ListHub Support to enable deep links to your own company website. Once this is enabled, consumers will be directed to your office website property pages instead of the ListHub property pages.
Please visit www.ListHub.com, or call 1-877-847-3394 x1 if you have questions or need assistance setting up the account for your office.
|
|
********** |
| 10-27-09 |
Call for Action (10-27-09) - The Congress will be addressing the extension of the homebuyer tax credit and Senator Johnson has cosponsored legislation to extend this credit in Congress. We know that Senator Thune and Congresswoman Herseth Sandlin are in support of legislation that would extend the credit. I am overwhelmed by the statement that our realtors are making in this most important Call For Action. Last week we were leading the nation at 36% and you increased that percentage to 43%-WOW!! This is a record setting event with the national response rate at 16.8%!!
The next two days our critical for you to take action if you have not-if you have, please ask everyone in your office to join in. We are attaching a link to the Call for Action page and if you have any questions I am sure your local board EO's would guide you through the process.
Thank you South Dakota Realtors!
Tom Rau
|
|
********** |
| 10-23-09 |
Press Release of Senator Johnson
Johnson Cosponsors Legislation to Extend Homebuyers Tax Credit
Contact: Julianne Fisher, 202-224-1638
Friday, October 23, 2009
Washington, DC— U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today cosponsored legislation to extend the successful first-time homebuyers tax credit through May 31, 2010. The legislation, which has bipartisan support, would help improve our struggling housing market during these tough economic times while providing up to $8,000 in tax relief to South Dakota families.
“I have heard from hundreds of South Dakota families and realtors since the initial tax credit was included as part of the Recovery Act. They are making clear the success of this round of tax relief, and the important role this extension could play in continuing to improve our economy and housing market,” said Johnson.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which Congress passed with bipartisan support earlier this year, created a new program to provide an $8,000 tax credit for qualified first-time homebuyers. The program is scheduled to expire on December 1, 2009, but passage of this legislation would extend that deadline to ensure that more families can take part while also setting the stage for a continued economic rebound.
According to a recent report by the Realtors’ Association of the Sioux Empire, during the month of August, 36 percent of home sales in the Sioux Falls region alone were a result of purchases by first-time homebuyers.
The non-partisan Congressional Research Service estimates that the homeowners in the Midwest experience the most benefit from this tax credit program. On average, families from this region who stay in their homes for at least six years are likely to see a 5.6 percent reduction in the annual cost of their mortgage as a result of this initiative.
“Washington has done a lot this year to help put our economy on a path towards additional growth during what has been a long and painful recession. This program has played an important role, and Congress should continue this tax relief for hardworking Americans,” continued Johnson.
|
|
********** |
| 10-22-09 |
Update on Extending the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit (10/22/09) --
Earlier this week Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) from twenty-nine states traveled to Washington D.C. to lobby members of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees. The FPCs urged Congress to extend and expand the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit before it expires on November 30, 2009.
In addition to the Fly-In NAR is employing a comprehensive strategy to ensure our burgeoning housing recovery grows stronger enough to help pull the economy as a whole out the recession.
-
President Charles McMillan has released a podcast highlighting the tax credit and other NAR initiatives in Congress.
-
-
NAR members have sent more than 450,000 letters to Congress with our Call for Action.
-
Additionally NAR has been running print advertising in the influential Capitol Hill Newspapers read by Members of Congress and staff.
-
NAR has also been running on-line ads in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post and on Google.
These on-line ads have been viewed more than 25 million times.
Although the current Call for Action is our most successful grassroots effort in NAR history, we are looking for an additional 40,000 NAR members to respond to the Tax Credit Call for Action. Please make sure that you respond to this Call for Action if you have not already done so.
If you have any questions about the Fly-In and the Tax Credit please contact NAR’s Tax Counsel, Linda Goold at lgoold@realtors.org or by phone at 202-383-1083.
|
|
**********
|
10-22-09 |
The Rapattoni MLS system is live again (10/14/09, 3:40 PM), but it may take a while longer to be totally restored. Some photos are not displaying at this time. Rapattoni said that the system should be fully funcational within a few hours.
Remember that the other RASE MLS system, called INTERFACE and INTERFACExpress are still available. Logon to www.interfacexpress.com to give the online side of the system a try, or to download the offline/distributed side of that system called INTERFACE.
**********
Rapattoni MLS System Down (10/14/09, 10:00 AM) - The main Rapattoni MLS system is down at the moment. Rapattoni is working on a fix, so try back in a few minutes.
Remember, RASE does offer another MLS option called INTERFACExpress. Just go to www.interfacexpress.com. Your same agent ID and password will give you access. You cannot do input or maintenance on the INTERFACExpress MLS system, but you can search for properties and more.
|
|
**********
|
| 10-22-09 |
AVERA Workplace Wisdom (08/24/09) - Identifying Addiction...
|
|
**********
|
| 10-22-09 |
AVERA Workplace Wisdom (08/11/09) - The Power of Parents...
|
|
**********
|
10-22-09
|
RASE Board of Directors To Visit Local Broker Offices Regarding HomeVIEW Website (08/03/09) - During the next three weeks, members of the RASE Board of Directors will be visiting local broker offices to discuss the HomeVIEW web site. The goal of these conversations is to gather as much information as possible about the role that HomeVIEW plays within our community...
|
|
**********
|
10-22-09
|
RASE Announces New Partnership with The CE Shop (08/03/09) - As the Real Estate world continues to evolve, we understand the importance of providing you with excellent education and we recognize the growing demand for continuing education (CE) in an on-line format...
|
|
**********
|
| 09-08-09 |
|
08-11-09
|
|
|
**********
|
AVERA Workplace Wisdom (07/06/09) - Learn how to 'Beat the Heat' with these useful tips.
|
|
**********
|
| Home Buyer Tax Credit: How To Use It (07/02/09) - This flyer will clarify how consumers can and cannot leverage the first time home buyer tax credit... |
**********
|
Myths and Facts: Home Energy Labeling (07/01/09) - On June 26, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Since then, there have been many reports about the bill and NAR's position that are based on incomplete information. Here are the facts...
|
**********
|
|
|
**********
|
|
**********
|
|
|
| 06-25-09 |
Avera Workplace Wisdom (06/02/09) - Coping with Summer Stress, Part 2. The summer months can be full of activities, parties and barbecues. All the fun can cause you to lose track...
|
Government Affairs Update (05/29/09) - In his speech at the National Association of REALTORS® Housing Summit on May 12, 2009, US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced...
|
|
|
Avera Workplace Wisdom (05/11/09) Positive Qualities of a Healthy Marriage - Several social scientists, in examining "healthy marriages", have identified a number of traits, qualities and skills...
|
NAR Response (05/06/09) - The following is a response that NAR recently sent to one of the state REALTOR® associations. It includes details and information that is valuable to all NAR members. Please take a moment to review this email to see how NAR is communicating with you and the national media...
|
REALTORS® Covered by NAR with New Limited Health Insurance Program (05/06/09) - REALTORS® without health insurance now have an affordable, guaranteed-issue, option for coverage through a new REALTOR Benefits® program...
|
|
Economic Impact of Residential Development in the Sioux Empire (posted 04-30-09) with Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, Senior Economist of the National Association of Home Builders. Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel, Washington Room. Cost is $15 per person, seating is limited! RSVP by Friday, May 15, 2009 to Home Builders Association, 361-8322. Download the printable registration form here. (This is in place of RASE regular monthly General Membership meeting.)
|
Avera Workplace Wisdon (Posted: 04/27/09) Second Annual Avera McKennan Community Weight Loss Challenge. This is a free 12-week challenge that is all supported on-line.
|
| SD Real Estate Commission Notice of Public Hearing to Adopt Rules (04/22/09) has been published through the print media and noticed to SDAR by the... |
|
| 05-06-09 |
Avera Workplace Wisdom (Posted: 04/21/09) Coping with Change - "The road of life can only reveal itself as it is traveled; each turn in the road reveals a surprise." - Anonymous
|
| 05-06-09 |
Real Estate Career Night (Posted: 04/17/09) If you are considering a career in real estate, plan to attend this one hour workshop, Thursday, April 23, 2009...
|
| 05-06-09 |
Avera Workplace Wisdom (04/13/09) What is your communication style? Knowing your style as well as the other types, can help you become a better communicator.
|
| 05-06-09 |
Avera Weekly Workplace Wisdom (04/06/09) What is Good Communication in Marriage? Communication starts with respect. It requires...
|
| 05-06-09 |
HomeVIEW Redesign (03/31/09) The HomeVIEW website, www.homeviewsiouxfalls.com, has a new look and feel. Read more...
|
| 05-06-09 |
Real Estate Career Night (Posted: 03/30/09) If you are considering a career in real estate, plan to attend this one hour workshop, Thursday, April 23, 2009...
|
| 05-06-09 |
Avera Weekly Workplace Wisdom (03/30/09) Everyone has tasks that they avoid doing. Every time we face that one item on our "To Do" list we...
|
05-06-09
|
eKEY Professional is now available on BlackBerry (03/2609) - Exciting news from GE Security! We are pleased to announce that we have released...
|
| 04/15/09 |
Avera Weekly Workplace Wisdom (03/16/09) - How easily you are able to bounce back from setbacks is a trait called... |
| 04/15/09 |
Avera Weekly Workplace Wisdom (03/09/09) - As we face an unprecedented financial crisis in our country, it is important for each of us to have a handle on... |
| 04/15/09 |
Fannie Instructs Its Servicers Not to Cut Commissions on Short Sales (03/04/09) - On February 24, 2009, Fannie Mae sent Announcement 09-03 to its servicers instructing them not to negotiate commissions on short sale... |
| 03/31/09 |
Home Valuation Code of Conduct (03/04/09) - On December 23, 2008, New York State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (government sponsored enterprises) announced... |
| 03/31/09 |
Avera Weekly Workplace Wisdom (03/02/09) - As we face an unprecedented financial crisis in our country, we are individually battling personal stress and... |
| 03/31/09 |
Fannie Mae to Increase Efficiency of Short Sale Process (03/02/09) - One of the most common and destructive practices of short sales lenders has been to condition contract approval or closing on the willingness of the listing firm to lower its commission, sometimes by as much as 3 points... |
| 03/09/09 |
First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Basics (02/26/09) - Congress has increased the credit to $8000 and made several additional improvements. This revised $8000 tax credit applies to... |
|
03/04/09
|
A message from Charles McMillan, 2009 NAR President (02/25/09) - For nearly four months, NAR has been working to deliver to you and to our nation a comprehensive plan to... |
|
03/04/09
|
President Obama Announces Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (02/25/09) -
On February 18, 2009, President Obama announced his Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan designed to help 7 to 9 million families avoid foreclosure by refinancing or modifying their mortgages. The plan also... |
|
03/04/09
|
Avera Weekly Workplace Wisdom (02/23/09) - What is Counseling? If you have never been to couseling before, you may have an opinion or... |
|
03/02/09
|
RASE Receives National Recognition for THRESHOLD program (02/20/09) - The Chairperson of the National Association of REALTORS Local Education Directors Committee, Dwayne Carte, recognizes the achievement of RASE Career Development Committee and ... |
|
03/02/09
|
Avera Weekly Workplace Wisdom (02/16/09) - Relaxation Tips for Stressful Times. Read here for more information... |
|
03/02/09
|
Economic Stimulus Bill Update from NAR Government Affairs (02/12/09) - The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1.) has been reconciled by the House and Senate. The details of the legislation have not been finalized but we expect the legislation to include a number of important housing provisions, including the remedies for the housing crisis that NAR prescribed at the annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. Read here for more information…
|
02/26/09
|
NAR announces the launch of NAR’s weekly two-hour talk radio show, Real Estate Today. The show will premier the weekend of February 14-15. Read here for more information…
|
|
02/26/09
|
February 5, 2009 the United States Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan amendment, offered by REALTOR® Champions, Senators Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) to the Economic Stimulus Bill creating a $15,000 tax credit to individuals who purchase a home in the next year. Read here for more information…
|
02/26/09
|
Deep Breathing: Relaxation Tips for Stressful Times. Deep breathing has been shown to reduce stress and create a feeling of calm and peace within. Compliments of Avera EAP. Read here for more information…
|
02/26/09
|
Sioux Falls Named in the Top 10 Tax Havens for Retirees. See what U.S. News is saying about Sioux Falls; what a great boost for our city! Read here for more information…
|
02/26/09
|
50th Annual Sioux Empire Home Show March 6-8. Sponsored by The Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire (HBASE). Opportunity is knocking! Read here for more information…
|
|
02/06/09
|
GE SUPRA Agent KIMweb Tip
Keybox Listing Feedback:
Have you assigned your KeyBoxes to your MLS listings? If not, you’re missing valuable information you could be providing your clients; and it’s difficult for REALTORS® showing the listing to provide you feedback, when requested, because they are only given the KeyBox number with no address. It’s simple to assign each KeyBox; here’s how:
Go to www.supraekey.com > Agents-Log on to KIMweb!
Once logged in, under KeyBox Inventory, click on: View Existing KeyBoxes > Click on the KeyBox Serial number to be assigned > Edit Listing (bottom of page) > enter the Listing number; all data will pull from Rapattoni and you are ready to go!
|
|
01/28/09
|
The invoices for the 1st Quarter 2009 MLS Dues were distributed in the RASE/MLS boxes or sent via mail 01/08/09. Please review the invoice(s) and if questions arise or you did not receive an invoice, please contact Lisa at 605-334-4752 or Lisa@RASE-Inc.org. The due date is Monday, January 26, 2009. Thank You. |
|
01/08/09
|
The South Dakota Association of REALTORS® has detailed information on Short Sales to help you in your business. For more information on Short Sales click here... |
|
11/23/08
|
Coldwell Banker Burnet sued for steering Customers to AfBa
A unique class action lawsuite has been filed against a Minnesota real estate firm alleging that it violated its fiduciary duty to customers by steering them to its affiliated title company, knowing that its fees were "among the highest in the state." Interstingly, the complaint alleges that although the proper RESPA disclosure was provided, that merely following the letter of the law was insufficient to satisfy fiduciary duty. Read more on this lawsuit... |
|
09/01/08
|
The REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire, Lockbox Task Force will be holding member forums to gather input on how to proceed with the choices of Supra or Sentrilock as a new lockbox provider beginning February 2009. The first forum is planned for Monday, September 8, 2008, 1:30 p.m. at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel - Crystal Room. No RSVP required - plan now to attend.
|
|
09/01/08
|
The REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire’s 2009-2014 Summary Strategic Plan sets out an ambitious road map for REALTOR® and consumer protection over the next five years. Read more on our plans...
|
|
09/01/08
|
The REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire, Inc. supports leveling off the 2% City Sale Tax increase to 6%. Read more on this controversial topic...
|
|