On Monday, June 13 NAR will launch a Call For Action to all REALTORS® urging all 100 United States Senators to pass H.R. 3700, the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016. Here’s what to expect: Monday-Tuesday: NAR will send a text message out to REALTOR® Party Mobile Alert subscribers Monday at noon asking you to take […]
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Stop Patent Trolls Tell your U.S. Representative to support H.R. 9, the Innovation Act to stop patent trolls and protect the real estate industry from frivolous lawsuits. REALTORS® across the country receive threatening demand letters and lawsuits alleging patent infringement based on the use of common business tools such as drop down menus or […]
Read More NAR launched a Call for Action today to commercial practitioners regarding the Senate vote on S. 2244, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2014. OAR supports the passage of this measure and encourages action by contacting Sen. Jim Inhofe and Sen. Tom Coburn! You can find more information about TRIA here.
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The following is NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun’s reaction to the U.S. Commerce Department release on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fourth quarter: “The economy expanded at a respectable rate of 2.3% in 2017. That’s a good comeback considering a very weak start of only 1.2% growth in the first quarter. The housing market performed […]
Read More The following is NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun’s thoughts on today’s announcement by the Federal Reserve to start unwinding their balance sheet in October, and what that will mean for mortgage rates through 2018: “As the Federal Reserve indicated today, the huge purchases of mortgage-backed securities and U.S. government bonds could not have continued and […]
Read More Below is NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun’s reaction to this morning’s U.S. Commerce report of a June rebound in housing starts: “Though a recovery in housing starts in June is welcome news, more consistent gains are needed to help rebalance the housing market. The latest 1.22 million in total housing starts is still well below the historical […]
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Realtor.com is excited to announce the completion of the new integration with Reesio and zipForm®. Beginning April 5, Reesio customers who are using zipForm will be able to fill out contracts and forms right within Reesio, saving time and making it even easier to collaborate securely and seamlessly with clients and other transaction members. New features:* […]
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Do you understand the coverage your Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance provides? Have you obtained protection for your assets with a comprehensive E&O policy? Many brokers purchase their E&O coverage without a clear understanding of the protection that is or isn’t provided. When price becomes the primary focus of purchasing a policy, you may be overlooking some important features, including policy exclusions and the possibility of adding coverage by endorsement when necessary to protect a firm’s business model. By the time you find out that you don’t have appropriate coverage, it may be too late.
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Personal safety is bright on the radar right now, and OAR fully supports all efforts to establish and follow a personal safety plan in your day-to-day real estate business. Beginning around 2010, Craigslist saw a spike in rental scams where the perpetrators would search for listings for sale in popular areas with appealing online marketing and post it as […]
Read MoreHurry! You still need to make your 2014 RPAC investment, and we’re just 300 REALTORS® away from reaching an important national goal! You have until Thursday, October 16 at 5p! That’s THIS Thursday. Click on the button at the bottom to check out quick ‘n easy online. Below we have industry visionary Mo Anderson, who spoke so […]
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You invest in and empower others. We want to invest in and empower you. In that spirit, we invite you to OAR’s Instructor Training Workshop. It’s one day of fun and focus built around YOU. We believe this workshop led by Marc Ratcliff will inspire and equip you to engage your audiences on a whole […]
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You can be anywhere because the new REALTOR® Action Center mobile app contains a host of features to help you VOTE, ACT and INVEST. As a busy professional on the go, your lifeline to clients and your office is your phone. Fewer and fewer of us are tied to a traditional desktop or laptop anymore to […]
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We identify red flags in websites that might mean its time for an update and talk about the latest website trends and tips to get you the most out of your site. Is your website outdated?
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The Internet has revolutionized our ability as individuals to reach out to the public we never thought possible even 15 years ago. But as I wrote about in a previous post, you now can position yourself as a personalized brand recognized by people looking for you. But a more important question is, “Am I not […]
Read More In one of my last posts, I recommended a few books to get the mind open and excited about the opportunities in front of you in 2013. Today this is a follow-up to talk about branding in real estate, but not what we normally think about. There are some big names in our business that […]
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This was the name of a Billy Joel song but it also could be the theme for RPAC in fighting what is going on in Washington, D.C. I understand that the latest recession and bubble burst centered on real estate, but real estate professionals didn’t start this. Real estate was used as a manipulated asset class to […]
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So you’ve been in the business a while or maybe you’ve just passed the real estate exam and now you have your real estate license, but what do you do each day to ensure you have closings (and paychecks) each and every month? If you want success in your new career as a real estate […]
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Fact: If you’re not using video in your marketing, you are behind the trend. People love video, and if your listings don’t include it, you’re missing out on an excellent–free–opportunity to promote your business. Not surprisingly, I’ve found the biggest challenge for real estate agents is getting past the shyness of being in front of […]
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Brokers Summit will be full of valuable information that helps brokers navigate their unique needs and challenges.
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Running for Office By David Chapman I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was attending one of the last Central Edmond Urban Board meetings of the year where I was simply a concerned Edmond Citizen. At the end of the meeting, our former Mayor Randal Shadid made a comment to members of the […]
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Josh Cockroft OAR Senior Director of Government Affairs ***Update: SB915 has been sent to Governor Stitt Desk for action on May 2. **Update: Governor Stitt signed SB961 on Friday, April 26. *Update: Governor Stitt signed SB104 on Tuesday, April 16. The third reading deadline just passed, meaning we’re reaching the final days of the legislative […]
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Sherry Kueffler, chief investigator at the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission joins us this week to talk about the investigations process. We talk about what happens when a complaint is filed against you and why your first reaction should not be one of panic!
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In October, a Massachusetts landlord who refused to rent to pregnant women or families with minor children was found guilty of violating the federal Fair Housing Act and fined $40,000. The same month, the Fair Housing Justice Center in New York sued a landlord for allegedly quoting higher rental rates to black prospective tenants, rejecting applicants with public rent […]
Read More The following is a submitted Letter to the Editor by NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall addressing the highly debatable claim made last week by a USA Today guest columnist that homeownership is a lousy investment. This letter to the editor in support of homeownership was published in today’s print edition of USA Today: (Click image to view readable […]
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Oklahoma’s real estate podcast brought to you by the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®, bringing you all the news, trends, industry insight and things you need to know affecting real estate in Oklahoma. Subscribe to our podcast below and leave us a review: In honor of MLK’s birthday we wanted to do a refresher […]
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Every Realtor® has run into it once or twice. Encounters with sellers who are less than forthcoming about their property’s shortcomings, including withholding facts about the outstanding mortgage. “Those kinds of surprises are detrimental to closing the deal,” says Andrew Balalovski, broker and owner of Balalovski Real Estate in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. “So before I ring a […]
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Chances are you’re a busy REALTOR® who relies on word of mouth or happenstance to learn about the latest and greatest apps. If so, the RPR team is here for you. Here are 14 top trending real estate apps that we believe will support your core business activities. The list might even include apps for tasks […]
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For new agents, it can feel like a personal defeat when a real estate deal falls apart. Here’s how one practitioner learned to pick herself up and move on after her first summer in the business was a wash. One night in June 2015, I had three transactions fall apart in one evening. I remember […]
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Consumers have a lot to think about when they’re buying a home, including wiring large sums of money, and protecting themselves from fraudsters might be the last thing on their mind. The National Association of Realtors® and the Federal Trade Commission are encouraging consumers to stay vigilant, while reminding victims that they have options. The […]
Read MoreWASHINGTON (June 21, 2017) — Existing-home sales rebounded in May following a notable decline in April, and low inventory levels helped propel the median sales price to a new high while pushing down the median days a home is on the market to a new low, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All major […]
Read MoreWASHINGTON (April 21, 2017) — Existing-home sales took off in March to their highest pace in over 10 years, and severe supply shortages resulted in the typical home coming off the market significantly faster than in February and a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Only the West saw a decline in […]
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By Alexis Craig My family hates playing board games with me. I’m really competitive. They like to say, “It’s just for fun,” but I’m not buying any of it. I play to win. That mindset is present in every aspect of my life, especially real estate. I have this obsession with becoming the best — […]
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By Brandon Doyle Tapping into the investor real estate business is a common goal among agents and brokers. While buying and selling residential property on behalf of individuals and families in search of their next home is typically an agent’s bread-and-butter, working with investor clients can open up a whole new stream of revenue and […]
Read More The National Flood Insurance Program provides affordable flood insurance to property owners across 22,000 communities, protecting homes and businesses from major flood disasters. But the program requires Congressional approval, and the clock is ticking. With just six months to go until a critical September 30 deadline, Realtors® are calling on Congress to do something about […]
Read MoreWASHINGTON (February 22, 2017) — Existing-home sales stepped out to a fast start in 2017, surpassing a recent cyclical high and increasing in January to the fastest pace in almost a decade, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All major regions except for the Midwest saw sales gains last month. Total existing-home sales 1, […]
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Young people are entering the real estate industry in waves, and among them is a new breed of tech-friendly enthusiasts who believe digital is today and tomorrow’s path to success. Yet, with new tech tools introduced almost daily to the real estate market, identifying and adopting only the most valuable digital assets becomes a challenge […]
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Sparkling new quartz countertops, polished hardwood floors, stainless steel kitchen appliances. Aren’t your buyers lucky? But when sellers are flippers, a good buyer’s rep should help clients engage in some old-fashioned sleuthing. Before the Great Recession of 2008, housing prices climbed dramatically, and homes sold faster than buyers could gush, “I love that spa bathroom.” […]
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The U.S. Senate tonight passed H.R. 3700, the “Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act,” by unanimous consent. This legislation includes reforms to current Federal Housing Administration restrictions on condominium financing, among other provisions, and is long supported by the National Association of REALTORS®. Changes include efforts to make FHA’s recertification process “substantially less burdensome,” while lowering […]
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Chandra Hall will be at the Greater Tulsa Association of REALTORS® September 19-20 to teach two, one-day CRS classes: Win-Win Negotiation Techniques and Converting Leads Into Closings. Both classes are 8:30a – 5p. In Win-Win Negotiation Techniques, you’ll learn to: Identify 13 negotiation tactics Describe the 3 critical elements that influence negotiations Review the 4 principles […]
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OAR hosts Professional Standards training seminars periodically to train members involved in the Oklahoma Professional Standards enforcement process. These seminars are intended for members who serve on the Grievance or Professional Standards committees. Attendance at one of the seminars is mandatory for members who participate in the Statewide Professional Standards Program.
Read MoreMatt Robison and Richard Phillips reflect on this past legislative year and the very active last weeks of session, including 2 very successful calls for actions! Also, see OAR’s updated Bill Tracker and other timely info on the Government Affairs section of okrealtors.com.
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The last week of legislative session contained a significant amount of action for the OAR team. By action, that meant THREE Calls For Action. And the REALTORS® responded overwhelmingly! Two calls for action urged the defeat of HB 3217, an attempt to increase the state’s “Documentary Stamp Tax” by 33%. After nearly 1,200 responses over a period […]
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Land Professionals from across the country will gather in Little Rock, Ark., from June 5-13 to attend one of the land real estate industry’s biggest educational events. The annual LANDU Education Week plus, put on by the REALTORS® Land Institute, is a unique opportunity for real estate agents to network and earn all of the education requirements […]
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Senator Robert Kennedy in a speech in Cape Town, South Africa, used the apocryphal proverb, “May you live in interesting times.” In this Internet Age of the 21st Century, we certainly do live in interesting times! Industries have been turned upside down by innovation, opportunity, and unfettered entrepreneurship. But for those who adjust, adapt and […]
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OAR has achieved greater heights in 2015, including the areas of legislative advocacy, member outreach, technology and public relations. Of paramount importance was creating a stronger RPAC culture, which is evident in Oklahoma achieving President’s Cup status for the first time ever! The President’s Cup recognizes the hard work state REALTOR® leaders and association staff perform […]
Read More The state’s homebuyers, homeowners and real estate professionals experienced a big year in 2015 marked by positive growth in many areas. Influential trends affected a variety of dimensions for Oklahomans from interior style to shifting market conditions. OAR is sharing the year’s most relevant developments as a useful overview to empower consumers as we transition […]
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We know as a REALTOR®, you’re interested in protecting, defending and promoting the American Dream of homeownership. You can also be the first to hear about federal issues that need our attention. Sign up for NAR alerts by text message! NAR will send you short text messages (only 3-5 per year) when our help is needed. It’s not […]
Read More A real estate broker entered into a new listing agreement with a seller of residential property. The home was located in a beautiful neighborhood with excellent schools and access to the commuter rail. Although it was well maintained and favorably priced, this property had been on and off the market for several years. While discussing […]
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On December 8, President Obama signed into law the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), WITHOUT using G-Fees as a financing mechanism. The funding is designed to expand highways, bridges and transit systems across the nation over the next five years. The REALTORS® Call for Action proved to have a significant impact keeping Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac […]
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Yesterday, Congress passed the $305 billion transportation funding bill designed to expand highways, bridges and transit systems across the nation over the next five years. The President is expected to sign the measure that passed the House 359-65 and the Senate 83-16. The REALTORS® Call For Action proved to have a significant impact as the measure […]
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As you may know, realtor.com® has been working on new agent profiles with RealRatings™ and a consumer-focused REALTOR® search experience to make sure you look great online and to give buyers and sellers access to reliable agent information on their terms. Today, they are expanding the beta version of their new experience nationwide to allow agents to view and […]
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3000 Insurance Group At 3iG, we make it easy for you to get all the insurance coverage you need for your business, personal life and employee benefits from one trusted source. Each of our agents and customer service representatives is a licensed Insurance Producer so you know you’re getting information you can count on. Contact […]
Read More Following the sale of a commercial building, a real estate broker received a letter from the buyer’s attorney alleging that she failed to disclose water intrusion issues. The broker was adamant that the seller outlined the problems on the property condition disclosure statement, and immediately responded by providing concrete evidence that the disclosure statement was […]
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From RealtorMag: Whether hosting a buyer or seller seminar or making a sales pitch at your next listing presentation, your speaking skills are vital to engage your audience and ignite confidence in you from those listening. “Lack of preparation is the biggest cause of failure across the board,” says Elisabeth Osmeloski, vice president of audience […]
Read MorePending home sales continued to rise in May and are now at their highest level in over nine years, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Gains in the Northeast and West were offset by small decreases in the Midwest and South. The Pending Home Sales Index,* a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, climbed […]
Read MoreFREE EVENT for all brokers/managers! Includes lunch and CE! NAR Director of Digital Engagement Nobu Hata, RPR Broker Dashboard and AMP/Project Upstream, and Leigh Brown are your all-star line up! RSVP now >>
Read More By Lisa Scoble, CIC, CRM VP of Program Business for Pearl Insurance Controlling your Errors & Omissions should be the mission of all real estate professionals. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 12 risk reductions techniques you can use to minimize your legal liability and maximize your earning potential. Tip 1: Obtain a written […]
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After the long Memorial Day weekend, VP of Government Affairs Matt Robison returned from the Oklahoma State Capitol with news about the legislature’s adjournment. Below are his thoughts on this year’s session: The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® actively represents our members on issues important to the real estate industry. Although this year’s legislative session contained many […]
Read More A real estate agent listed a stately, 4,000 square foot brick colonial on several acres of land for a couple who were relocating to another part of the country. The 35-year-old home had numerous features, including fireplaces in the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. It wasn’t long before the property went under contract, eventually […]
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Last week, the Oklahoma State Legislature met a pivotal deadline for this year’s session. In order to remain active, all bills had to be out of the house of origin (Senate Bills out of the Senate and House Bills out of the House). The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® is actively working on several measures important […]
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The Oklahoma City Metro Association of REALTORS® is offering NAR’s Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation course and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification course in October. The SRES® designation course seeks to instill knowledge and understanding of and empathy for 50+ real estate clients and customers Cost is $249 until March 13 and then will go up to […]
Read More The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2015 (TRIA) has already passed the U.S. House (416-5) and the U.S. Senate (93-4) and is headed to the President’s desk for his signature. This was a major priority for Congress. Though we were disappointed the Senate was unable to pass a re-authorization measure before adjourning at the end of […]
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Oklahoma REALTORS® improve lives and make a positive impact for countless families and businesses in the communities you serve. What we do as real estate professionals, however, is often affected by government regulation and legislation. In 2015, OAR will be looking for members who’ve shown a connection with a legislator, and if agreeable, will be recruited into the State […]
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OAR hosts Professional Standards training seminars periodically to train members involved in the Oklahoma Professional Standards enforcement process. These seminars are intended for members who serve on the Grievance or Professional Standards committees.
Attendance at one of the seminars is mandatory for members who participate in the Statewide Professional Standards Program.
Read MoreToday is the last day to receive early bird pricing for this exciting Instructor Development Workshop! Hurry to save $20! Instructor: Marc Ratcliffe Date: August 15, 2014 Location: Oklahoma REALTOR® Building, OKC Two Fantastic Workshops in One Day! Can you speak the language of the learner? Marc will provide a background on learning styles and will help […]
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The letter reprinted below was sent to education providers, including OAR. Please share with your colleagues. As you may recall, any changes to the administrative rules of the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission have to be approved by the Governor and the Legislature. This year, the process for approving administrative rules changed. The OREC has always submitted rule […]
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SESSIONS: Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business and Trinity Consultants are partnering to present the unique features associated with land and facility acquisition. The threat of litigation over alleged damage to the environment, human health impacts, and regulatory compliance is a very real concern. The potential for signifi cant remedial action costs is also […]
Read MoreGovernor Fallin’s signature on House Bill 2620, the Protect Property Rights Act, marks a historic event for the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® and Oklahoma property owners. OAR went up against a number of the most talented lobbyists at the Capitol, not to mention many cities and towns across the state who opposed a bill that would actually […]
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Governor Fallin signed House Bill 2620, the Protect Property Rights Act, into law. OAR has monitored and worked many bills this session, but this has taken a front seat. By taking on this issue for property owners across the state, the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® went up against some of the most talented lobbyists at […]
Read MoreThis week’s Capitol Insider video comes direct from Washington, D.C. where NAR hosted the REALTOR® Party Convention & Trade Expo (formerly Midyear Legislative Meetings). OAR Vice President of Government Affairs Matt Robison and RPAC Trustees Chair Kathy Fowler talk to us from outside the massive Region IX Reception hosted by RVP Elizabeth Mendenhall of Columbia, […]
Read More OAR President Mary Terry will be presenting OAR’s big ideas at the REALTOR® Party Convention and Trade Expo during the State Leadership Idea Exchange May 13 in Washington, DC. These things are happening now at OAR and we’re excited to spread the word! We are developing a new website where statewide trainers and instructors—and possibly […]
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Arkansas is going through a situation similar to what happened here in Oklahoma last May. Severe storms ripped through Arkansas on April 27 and left behind a lot of damage. Now is our time to help our next door neighbors. Hearts and Homes of Arkansas, Inc., the charitable arm of the Arkansas REALTORS® Association is […]
Read More Contact your U.S. Senator Contact your Congressman Find your Legislator If you’re in real estate, politics is your business. Legislation and regulation affect many of the things you do as a real estate agent every day. Did you use the statewide contract for one of your real estate transactions? Take a class to fulfill your […]
Read MoreIn this edition of the Capitol Insider, Manager of Government Affairs & RPAC Stephanie Carter joins VP of Government Affairs Matt Robison to talk about a plan to draw more REALTORS® into the polls with a Get Out and Vote campaign. Another item to be on the lookout for it a possible REALTOR® call for […]
Read MoreMatt and Richard talk about committee meetings wrapping up and negotiations going on outside the senate and house chambers. Of particular interest in the negotiation phase is the Protect Property Rights (HB 2620), which must be heard on the floor of the senate by April 24. Oklahoma REALTORS® may be called upon to respond to […]
Read MoreMost bills of interest to OAR have finished in the house, and now our focus turns to the senate. As you know, HB 2620, the Protect Property Rights Act was approved by the house 68-23 and now makes its way across the rotunda. Watch your email in the coming weeks in the event we make […]
Read MoreThis week OAR had an important victory in the Oklahoma House of Representatives with the passage of HB 2620, the Protect Property Rights Act. There was a tremendous response by members to OAR’s call for action when it was known the bill would be heard on the house floor, and we appreciate your quick action […]
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Every member has a voice in issues that affect the success of our industry. It’s good politics for REALTORS® and it’s good for business. Each member is asked to invest a minimum of $20.00. When we combine our dollars in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), we can make a difference in the industry […]
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The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® connects real estate professionals across the state by providing comprehensive professional resources, maintaining the highest ethical standards and giving REALTORS® a unified voice in shaping Oklahoma real estate property laws and regulations. Although officially named the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® in 1969, OAR traces its roots to 1921, when […]
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Greeting Oklahoma REALTORS®! Can you believe it is already February? I hope 2014 has started off strong for you. It has been a busy first month in Washington DC. I want to update you on a couple things RPAC has already done for you in 2014. On Thursday, January 30, the U.S. Senate passed the […]
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On December 9 and 10, OAR had its annual Leadership Retreat at The Artesian Hotel in Sulphur, Oklahoma. In attendance were the 2014 leadership team, district vice presidents, and OAR senior staff. The goal of these annual retreats is to review what has been accomplished, what still needs to be done, and the goals our incoming presidents […]
Read MoreLeading coach and speaker Jared James will be hosting a free business planning call after the New Year to help agents like you finally get what you want out of 2014. As a bonus everyone on the call is going to receive his brand new business plan template just for attending. On the call, Jared is […]
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NAR continues to ask REALTORS® to let their members of Congress know that the phase-out of some flood insurance premium subsidies is causing market disruptions, as some owners see big premium hikes and others face confusion over what their new premium is supposed to be. NAR’s recent Call for Action supports legislation that would push the pause […]
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“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it […]
Read More The answer is … it could be. I have previously talked about the debate in Washington over mortgage interest deductions, capital gains exemptions, and other home owner benefits being in danger. But Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loom at an even higher percentage that change may make the 30 year mortgage at least unaffordable or […]
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Is anybody out there? Year after year it seems like we browbeat our fellow REALTORS® into investing in their business and protecting the home owners they serve with RPAC contributions. You would think we would give up, but we never will. The stakes are too high and those who would take our rights away are yelling louder. So for […]
Read More Getting an audit notice from the IRS isn’t anyone’s idea of a party, but it’s not the end of the world. Usually the auditor just wants to make sure you’re entitled to the breaks you’ve claimed. Did you really spend as much as you reported on meals and entertainment? Did you really spend enough hours […]
Read More Thousands of people have been displaced by a massive tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, Monday. News outlets and local officials have yet to survey the full extent of the damage, but relief organizations are already scrambling to bring aid to the area. You can help right now by […]
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Recently the four states that comprise our NAR region met in Bentonville, Arkansas at the wonderful museum known as Crystal Bridges. Last year, our Region 9 Vice President Theresa Stewart resurrected this meeting after it had taken a hiatus. So for the second year, the CEOs, Presidents, Presidents-elect and other invited guests gathered to talk […]
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Still fumbling over your taxes? Even if you’ve got them tucked away, there’s so much more to learn during GRI 102 April 3-4. Join nationally recognized speaker and tax guru Chris Bird for an uncharacteristically exciting look at The Latest Real Estate Investment and Taxation. Register NOW before the Early Bird deadline to save money! Also hear from local favorites […]
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It’s almost time for OAR’s annual health insurance renewal/sign-up period in April. With today’s costs of paper, printing and mailing, we’ve decided to Go Paperless! If you opt in to receive health insurance notifications from OAR electronically, you will receive your health insurance packet in your email inbox, whether you’re renewing your office’s […]
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Today we filmed the first webisode of InSession, OAR’s weekly video blog updating you on what’s happening at the State Capitol that affects our real estate business. You’ll see new OAR Vice President of Government Affairs Matt Robison jump right in and recap the week with contract lobbyist Richard Phillips. When the video hits your inbox, […]
Read MoreOver the past few years, NAR leadership has taken the necessary steps to help our organization continue its metamorphosis from esteemed trade organization to America’s premier advocacy group. In three short years the REALTOR® Party has taken root and we have begun to fundamentally change the way we see ourselves and our role in society as […]
Read More NAR has been actively involved in shaping the debate and structure of the Qualified Mortgage (QM) Rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) created by the Dodd-Frank Reform Act. NAR achieved a significant victory in obtaining a safe harbor in the QM rule for loans underwritten to the automated standards of Fannie Mae/Freddie […]
Read More At the October 17 Board of Directors meeting of the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®, it was decided to discontinue the OAR Legal Information Line at the end of 2012. This decision was not made lightly. Based on an extensive search last year for a new provider, we know that the program we had offered the […]
Read MoreStill need GRI 301 to complete your GRI designation? Good news! We’ve extended the early bird deadline to October 19. Register now to save more than $40 and learn from Tech Goddess Amy Chorew! Amy Chorew is a technology trend expert, author, speaker, social media maven and REALTOR®. She is an expert on leveraging […]
Read MoreEvery year the National Association of REALTORS® challenges Oklahoma RPAC to meet specific goals, including major investor, fair share, President’s Circle and participation goals. This year Oklahoma RPAC has met every goal EXCEPT for member participation. Our goal for member participation is 37 percent of our membership contribute at least $1 to RPAC. We have never received the Triple Crown Award in the […]
Read More By Don and Alice Martin, Martin Consulting Solutions 1. Dismiss all the myths you have held to be gospel for years, such as: “he who writes the contract is the procuring cause of the transaction” or “he who shows the house is the procuring cause of the transaction.” It’s probable that most of the time the […]
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OAR Bylaws tell us the Secretary serves as the corporate secretary of the Association and assists the Treasurer. Ask Kacy Bell of Keller Williams Realty, Tulsa, why it’s important to her to serve in this role and she’ll emphatically answer, “It is important for all of us to give back to our industry. Together we work […]
Read More Washington, DC – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced that the winning bidders in a real estate owned (REO) pilot initiative have been chosen and transactions are expected to close early in the third quarter. Market response has been robust with strong qualified bidder interest. “FHFA undertook this initiative to help stabilize communities and […]
Read More The quarterly number of loans refinanced through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has nearly doubled since HARP 2.0 was rolled out in January, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) March 2012 Refinance Report. HARP refinances topped 180,000 in the first quarter of this year compared to approximately 93,000 in the fourth quarter of 2011. The […]
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Back in February NAR President Moe Veissi announced the Rally to Protect the American Dream to be held during the NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings in Washington in May. The response and support have been overwhelming. Members sprang into action immediately and as a result, REALTORS® from across America have heeded the call to be in […]
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The second year of Oklahoma’s 53rd legislative session is in full swing, and it’s going to be a busy one for Oklahoma REALTORS®. OAR’s three main legislative priorities are changes to the Broker Relationships Act, clarification to last year’s square footage law and municipalities who require landlord and rental property registration. Broker Relationships Act HB2524 by […]
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National Association of REALTORS® President Moe Veissi shares how REALTORS® are taking action to ensure Congress does no harm to housing. [ Watch podcast now ] “As the leading advocate for housing and homeownership, NAR is strongly opposed to elements of President Obama’s budget proposal that would limit itemized deductions, including the mortgage interest deduction, for […]
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