RSS Builder by B!Soft Colorado Association of REALTORS® RSS http://coloradorealtors.com/applications/rss/rssfeed.xml Colorado Association of REALTORS® RSS en-us CAR Calls Members to Action on Broker Lien Bill Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:46:57 -0700 http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/supporthb1288_clone_clone Join CAR in supporting HB1288- Commercial Real Estate Brokers' Commission Security Act, which provides an avenue for commercial brokers who are either not being paid their commissions or are having to wait an unreasonable amount of time to receive their compensation. Brokers, who often work for months and even years on a deal to earn a commission, deserve a mechanism that encourages resolution, not litigation. Click "read more" and support HB1288!
READ MORE]]> House Approves Amendments to the Foreclosure Protection Act Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:45:52 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2482 CAR is running legislation which seeks to make positive changes to the Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act. We are pleased to report that HB-1133, by Rep. Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs), passed unanimously out of the House last week. Click "read more" to view CAR's position statement.
READ MORE]]> Sixty Percent of Real Estate Brokers Have Not Made the AfBA Disclosures Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:27:55 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2477 The Colorado Division of Real Estate Estimates that at least 60 percent of real estate brokers have not made The AfBA Disclosure to the Division. Please remember each real estate licensee must give written disclosures to the Colorado Division of Real Estate on the form available at the Division's website. Click "read more" to learn when this must occur.
READ MORE]]> Concerns About Commercial Liquidity Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:32:51 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2476 Several state associations have expressed concerns about commercial real estate liquidity. NAR shares these concerns and has drafted a letter for state and local associations to send to your members of Congress. If you have any questions, contact Megan Booth MBooth@realtors.org at 202 383 1222 or Vijay Yadlapati VYadlapati@realtors.or g at 202 383 1090. Click "read more" to view the letter drafted by the National Association of REALTORS®.
READ MORE]]> FFIEC Issues 2009 Mortgage Fraud White Paper: The Detection and Deterrence of Mortgage Fraud Against Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:55:43 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2475 The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), released an updated edition of its white paper earlier this week on mortgage fraud detection and deterrence. The white paper defines various types of fraud, gives examples of how individuals commit fraud, provides a list of red flags, and outlines best practices. Click "read more" for additional information.
READ MORE]]> Apply now for 2011 NAR Director/CAR Officer Positions Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:54:45 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_about_main.asp?section=&module_id=143 Applications are due Friday, April 2nd, and interviews will be held on May 24 and May 25, 2010. Click "read more" to access the criteria, position description, and officer candidate application.
READ MORE]]> CAR Political Survival Fund Clarification Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:54:52 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2461 On Friday, February 12, 2010 a posting was sent out via Linkedin to many CAR members and association staff pertaining to some opinions and inaccuracies about CAR’s PSC (Political Survival Committee). In addition, this posting made some very strong accusations about CAR Leadership. Click "read more" to read CAR's response.
READ MORE]]> Apply now for 2011 NAR Director/CAR Officer Positions Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:53:45 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_about_main.asp?section=&module_id=143 Applications are due Friday, April 2nd, and interviews will be held on May 24 and May 25, 2010. Click "read more" to access the criteria, position description, and officer candidate application.
READ MORE]]> REALTOR® Day at the Capitol a Success Mon, 8 Feb 2010 16:21:14 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.shutterfly.com/ The CAR Annual REALTOR® Day at the Capitol was a huge success this year as over 250 REALTORS® convened at this sold out event. At the lunch REALTORS® were able to meet with legislators to network and discuss local issues in downtown Denver. Click "read more" to view and or order photos from this event.
READ MORE]]> Snapshot-Colorado Real Estate Industry Mon, 8 Feb 2010 16:20:07 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/applications/Economy/2010/Colorado%20Real%20Estate%20Industry%20Snapshot%20v2.pdf The Colorado Real Estate market is expected to rebound slowly with the help of the most attractive 30-year fixed rate conventional mortgages in 40 years and the homebuyer stimulus tax credit which expires April 30, 2010. Even with these attractions, painful job losses and home prices fluctuating continues to make it tough on homeowners who can refinance their mortgage and for those who want to take advantage and finance a new home.
READ MORE]]> Mortgage Industry Town Hall Meeting Mon, 8 Feb 2010 16:19:05 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/applications/Government%20Affairs/2010/American%20Southwest%20Mortgage.pdf Learn about the newest developments in FHA Lending practices featuring David Stevens, Assistant Secretary HUD, FHA Commissioner, US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington D.C. on Friday, February 19, 2010 from 1pm - 4:30pm. Click "read more" to register.
READ MORE]]> Options to Foreclosure, Buying and Selling Tips Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:11:22 -0700 http://cbs4denver.com/homehelp The Colorado Association of REALTORS® in conjunction with CBS4 and the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline has started a Foreclosure Prevention Campaign to help consumers choose the best option for their families when faced with this issue. Consumers can also get useful homebuying and selling tips. Click "read more" for information.
READ MORE]]> Case-Shiller Home Price Index Rankings Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:13 -0700 http://insiderealestatenews.com/2010/01/denver-ranked-no-3-by-case-shiller/ The Denver-area housing market ranked No. 3 of the 20 cities tracked in the closely watched S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices report.
READ MORE]]> REALTOR® Day at the Capitol Sold Out Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:49:06 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2448 The 2010 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol Lunch on February 2, 2010 is SOLD OUT! However you can still attend the update portion that will be held at the State Capitol in the Old Supreme Court room. Click "read more" for more information.
READ MORE]]> Download the REALTOR®.com iPhone Real Estate App, it's FREE Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:48:21 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2448 Get the REALTOR®.com® Real Estate Search iPhone Application! Not only can you instantly access over 4 million homes for sale with the touch of a button, whether you are driving or walking through a neighborhood, you can also see many additional features.
READ MORE]]> NAR and Lowes Team Up for Haiti Relief Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:31:24 -0700 https://secure.realtor.org/RelFundTrack.nsf/Contribution?OpenForm The National Association of REALTORS® and Lowe's, a partner in NAR's REALTOR Benefit Program, are coming together to contribute relief to Haiti and the victims of the country's recent earthquake. Together NAR and Lowe's are leading the charge as REALTORS® spread the awareness of good neighbors to those in desperate need. NAR members and others who wish to make a donation should go to www.realtor.org/relief and complete the contribution form.
READ MORE]]> FHA Raising Fees Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:30:52 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2437 It is no longer a rumor that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will increase down-payments on loans to 5 percent. This increase will have an impact on prospective first-time homebuyers as they have to pay more for their down-payment.
READ MORE]]> Pre-Registration Deadline for REALTOR® Day at the Capitol Ends Soon Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:30:05 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_events_main.asp?EventID=RDAC2010 Pre-register today for the 2010 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol on February 2, 2010! By attending you can learn about government issues affecting the way you do business and will have the opportunity to network with your fellow REALTORS® and legislators from around the state. The deadline to pre-register is Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Click "read more" for more information.
READ MORE]]> Deadline Extended To Book Room for CAR Business Meetings Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:57:30 -0700 http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dendt-denver-marriott-city-center/?toDate=&groupCode=aofaofa&fromDate=&app=resvlink The Marriott has extended the deadline to book your room for REALTOR® Day at the Capitol and the CAR Winter Business Meetings. Make your reservation today before the reduced rate expires on Friday, January 22, 2010. Click "read more" to reserve your room.
READ MORE]]> Current Status of Estate Taxes Fri, 8 Jan 2010 17:00:29 -0700 http://www.rothgerber.com/showarticle.aspx?Show=1278&Email=kkaminski@rothgerber.com&mailingId=17417 Due to the priorities of Congress last year, there are currently no federal estate or generation skipping transfer (GST) taxes. If Congress should fail to act for all of 2010, the existing law will reinstate an estate tax in 2011 with a federal tax rate of 55% and a $1 million exemption amount instead of the $3.5 million exemption available in 2009. A separate Colorado estate tax could also return in 2011.
READ MORE]]> CAR Moves Convention in 2011 Fri, 8 Jan 2010 17:00:02 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2435 CAR will be revamping its REALTOR® World- CAR Annual State Convention including moving the location it has occupied for over 85 years to downtown Denver in 2011. Click "read more" to learn why.
READ MORE]]> Participate in CAR Winter Business Meetings/BOD Fri, 8 Jan 2010 16:58:44 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_events_main.asp?section=&module_id=726 The CAR Winter Business Meetings and Board of Directors is only a couple of weeks away- February 3-4 respectively at the Denver Marriott City Center downtown. We encourage you to participate as these meetings are an important aspect in shaping the future of the Colorado real estate industry, and your local and state REALTOR® associations. Click "read more" to view the committees, task forces and forums available to attend.
READ MORE]]> Gov. Ritter & Lawmakers Announce New Plan to Protect Neighborhoods from Abandoned Homes Thu, 7 Jan 2010 09:44:42 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2426 Gov. Ritter & Lawmakers Announce New Plan to Protect Neighborhoods from Abandoned Homes

Gov. Bill Ritter and state lawmakers announced a major step forward in tackling Colorado's high foreclosure rate, unveiling legislation that will speed up the sale of abandoned homes. For more information click "read more."
READ MORE
]]> Get Hooked on Member Benefit Savings Thu, 7 Jan 2010 09:43:50 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_resources_main.asp Looking for a few ways to save some money this year? Save on your cell phone bill, overnight shipping, lead retrieval, contracts, furniture, signs, insurance and more! As a member of CAR you are eligible to receive discounts on many products and services you use everyday. Just click the "useful info" tab to find a list of benefits – our visit your local board website or the NAR website to find even more discounts.
READ MORE]]> Don't Forget to Register for REALTOR® Day at the Capitol Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:21:51 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_events_main.asp?EventID=RDAC2010 Register today for the 2010 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol on February 2, 2010! By attending you can learn about government issues affecting the way you do business and will have the opportunity to network with your fellow REALTORS® and legislators from around the state. The CAR Winter Business Meetings will be held February 3-4 following REALTOR® Day. Click "read more" for more information.
READ MORE]]> CAR Seeks to Increase Its Value for Members Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:55:46 -0700 CAR Seeks to Increase Its Value for Members

Dear member, in an effort to understand and represent member opinion of CAR across the state, in partnership with an outside research consultant, CAR will conduct a phone survey in early January 2010 with a randomly selected sample group derived from our membership. Calls will begin approximately January 6, and if you are selected the interview will take about 15 minutes. We would like to thank you in advance for your time, opinions and feedback. We will use the results to help CAR continue to provide the highest level of services.
]]> Get Tax Credit Tips and Help Your Buyers Act Now Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:19:48 -0700 http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit Learn about home buyer tax credit eligibility requirements, effective dates, and more.
READ MORE]]> Put Safety First Don't TWD- It's the Law! Wed, 9 Dec 2009 14:37:57 -0700 You can now be issued a ticket for TWD that is "Texting while Driving" in Colorado. Under the new law that went into effect on Tuesday, December 1, TWD is a primary offense. This bill is aimed at the most dangerous distraction commonly engaged in: text messaging and e-mailing while driving. It could cost you up to $50 for the first offense and $100 for repeat offenders. Put safety first and DON'T text while driving.
]]> Short Sales Program Guidelines Issued by Treasury Department Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:36:31 -0700 http://www.realtor.org/realtors/basics_short_sales?wt.mc_id=rd0041 The long awaited guidelines for Short Sales have been released by the Treasury Department. The Issue Brief contains a summary of the provisions and links to additional information. This information is also available at www.realtor.org/shortsales. We encourage you to add this link to your website.
READ MORE]]> Treasury Department Announces Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:35:31 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2413 The Treasury Department released guidelines and forms for its new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA). HAFA provides incentives in connection with a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) used to avoid foreclosure on a loan eligible for modification under the HAMP program.
READ MORE]]> CAR Brings Back Tech Helpline Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:34:40 -0700 https://coloradorealtors.com/car_resources_main.asp CAR Brings Back Tech Helpline

The Colorado REALTOR® Tech Helpline is back by popular request and even though we are unable to provide this service as part of your membership dues, at this time, we were able to secure a great negotiated rate for CAR members. Colorado REALTORS® again have the opportunity of having an expert help them with their technology needs for the discounted price of $129 per year with expanded hours on Saturdays. Sign up today, this introductory rate expires January 31, 2010.
READ MORE
]]> Beware of License Renewal Phishing Scam Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:55:38 -0700 http://www.dora.state.co.us/ READ MORE]]> NAR Invests 20 Million in Data Acquisition Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:08:54 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2385 NAR's Board of Directors had its first look at a powerful new database that will be available exclusively to REALTORS® beginning in April. The REALTORS® Property Resource will contain rich data on more than 140 million properties; the interface is made possible through the integration of technology and data, according to RPR CEO Dale Ross.
READ MORE]]> HouseLogic Launches Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:09:09 -0700 http://www.houselogic.com/ The National Association of REALTORS® unveiled a new consumer Web site —HouseLogic — designed to help home owners protect, maintain, and enhance the value of their home. REALTORS® will find special business-building tools, such as free ready-to-use information for their Web sites, blogs, and newsletters, available to them at Houselogic.com/members.
READ MORE]]> Congress Extends and Expands Tax Credit Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:08:29 -0600 http://www.realtor.org/fedistrk.nsf/files/government_affairs_tax_credit_ext_chart_110409.pdf/$FILE/government_affairs_tax_credit_ext_chart_110409.pdf You made a difference! Congress has extended and expanded the Homebuyer Tax Credit [within the Unemployment Bill]! The modifications will become effective when President Barack Obama signs the bill, which he is expected to do as early as tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who answered the highly successful Call for Action and those who support PSF! Click "read more" for more specifics about the bill.
READ MORE]]> High-Cost Loan Limits Extended Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:07:50 -0600 http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/10/commends_action Legislation extending temporary FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loan limits was signed into law last week as part of a "continuing resolution" budget bill. The loan limits, set at 125 percent of local area media income and capped at $729,750, are extended until Dec. 31, 2010. The loan limits were set to expire at the end of 2009 and would have made mortgage financing harder to get for borrowers. Read NAR President Charles McMillan statement by clicking "read more."
READ MORE]]> Fannie Mae Implements Deed for Lease Program Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:06:56 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2383 Fannie Mae (FNM/NYSE) is implementing the Deed for Lease™ Program under which qualifying homeowners facing foreclosure will be able to remain in their homes by signing a lease in connection with the voluntary transfer of the property deed back to the lender.
READ MORE]]> Xcel Proposes Usage Pay Scale Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:14:56 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2370 Xcel Proposes Usage Pay Scale

If all goes according to plan beginning in the Summer of 2010, Xcel would implement a usuag pay scale similar to the Denver Water Department.
READ MORE
]]> What's Going on with Health Care for Small Businesses? Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:14:04 -0700 http://www.realtor.org/small_business_health_coverage.nsf/pages/small_business_health_coverage?opendocument&LID=RONav0022 Read what bills are being considered by Congress, health insurance exchanges, mandates, coverage, plan details, NAR's advocacy positions, and much more.
READ MORE]]> Register for REALTOR® World Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:29:23 -0700 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_events_main.asp?EventID=State2009 READ MORE]]> FHA Proposal Hopes to Ensure Responsible Lending Policies Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:11:09 -0600 http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr09-177.cfm Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner David H. Stevens announced plans to implement credit policy changes that will enhance the agency's risk management functions.
READ MORE]]> ENERGY STAR New Homes Continue to Grow in Colorado Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:09:59 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2351 READ MORE]]> CAR Responds to Editorial Opposing Tax Credit Extension Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:18:46 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2346 READ MORE]]> Who is Lending Money? Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:17:49 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2347 Don A. Childears, CBA President/CEO addresses one of the most asked questions in the real estate industry- "Who is lending?"
READ MORE]]> Help Repeal the Home Valuation Code of Conduct Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:16:13 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_gov_affairs_main.asp?section=&module_id=48 READ MORE]]> Take Action Help Extend Homebuyer Tax Credit Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:30:58 -0600 http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/hbtc READ MORE]]> Earn Up to 10 Hours of CE at REALTOR® World Announced Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:29:36 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_events_main.asp?EventID=State2009 ]]> NAR, HUD to Meet on HVCC Wed, 2 Sep 2009 16:11:37 -0600 http://www.realtor.org/about_nar/presidents_report/_podcast_archive/mcmillan_schooltopics_20090901 READ MORE]]> eChecking for REALTORS® Wed, 2 Sep 2009 10:06:07 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2313 Created for REALTORS®, REALTORS® Federal Credit Union offers its members real value in the form of fewer fees, competitive loan rates and great dividends on savings and investments. As a new partner in NAR’s REALTOR® Benefits® Program, you can trust that your credit union is friendly to REALTORS®! NAR members can now enjoy eChecking that gives more and takes less (honest).
READ MORE]]> 4,560 Mortgage Licenses in Colorado Deactivated Wed, 2 Sep 2009 10:05:24 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2274 READ MORE]]> Application Available for 2010 LPC Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:09:09 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/applications/Government%20Affairs/2009/2010%20LPC%20Application%20Form.pdf Would you or someone you know like to serve on the 2010 LPC (Legislative Policy Committee)? Submit an application today. The deadline is Monday September 21.
READ MORE]]> Unlock a New Market (Home From Work) Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:00:04 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_edu_main.asp Many often cannot afford to live near their places of work or are uninformed about the range of homeownership options available to them. The Home From Work™ program encourages and promotes employer-assisted housing (EAH) benefits employers can offer to help strengthen their employees' potential to purchase their own home. CAR is offering the course three days in three different locations- Denver, Grand Junction and Pueblo. Click "read more" to register.
READ MORE]]> Good News for Commercial Brokers Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:50:36 -0600 http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=35147 The U.S. Federal Reserve said on Monday it will extend to mid-2010 an emergency program aimed at boosting lending in the ailing commercial real estate market.
READ MORE]]> Colorado Foreclosures Take a Leap Again Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:14:11 -0600 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111494514&sc=nl&cc=bh-20090807 READ MORE

]]> New Class on Short Sales and the Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:29:44 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/applications/ShortSales.pdf Come hear about the new Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act Contract to Buy and Sell. There’s a lot of confusion on when and how the Act applies to short sales and transactions involving “residences in foreclosure.” The Colorado Real Estate Commission has created new contract forms for use to comply with the Act. Learn when and how to use the forms and earn three hours of CE credit!

Click here for details

]]> FIABCI Comes to Denver Thu, 6 Aug 2009 15:37:35 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2290
 
We invite you to join us at our upcoming FIABCI-USA national meeting in Denver, September 11-13.  FIABCI-USA is the largest national chapter of FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation.  The FIABCI members in 65 countries represent all specialty areas (such as brokerage, development, appraisal, property management, etc.) and handle all types of property. 
 
Our goal is to provide increased business opportunities for our members on the local, national, and international levels.  Thus, our conference schedule has been especially designed to allow you to make the most of your time and money - all of the real estate business and prime networking events are on one day: September 12 (with a reception the evening before).   
 
The Networking Lunch & Marketing Session on September 12 is your opportunity to promote your expertise, properties, and services.  Because of the sponsorship of the Colorado Association of Realtors (CAR), the Colorado RLI Chapter 5, and the Colorado Council of Residential Specialists (CRS), you can take advantage of this benefit, which is usually only available to FIABCI members! 
 
There’s even more benefit to you because of their Luncheon sponsorship!  In addition to offering you the opportunity to present at the Marketing Session, we’re offering a discounted conference registration fee to members of CAR and the Colorado CRS and RLI Chapters.
 
Finally, to show you how much we’d like to welcome you as a member, we’ll deduct the entire membership application fee – a $250 savings - if you join by 10/11/09 and come to our Denver meeting.  A membership application is attached for your convenience.  If you join before you come to Denver, you’ll receive the member discount pricing. 
 
Whether you have attended a FIABCI-USA national meeting lately or not, you will feel welcome.  Our unique size makes networking and relationship-building easier.  Our members willingly share their knowledge and expertise, creating practical tips and take-home value.  You are welcome to purchase a ticket and bring your guest(s) to the evening functions.
 
Our evening functions combine business and fun.  On Friday evening, we will tour a new development in Denver and enjoy their hospitality.  Saturday night, the FIABCI Scholarship Foundation dinner and auction promise to offer you top-rated food and a fun and interesting auction.  If you attended the spring auction, we know you will not want to miss this one!
 
To review the schedule and all the details, go to www.fiabci-usa.com and click on the Events Calendar and then the listing or banner for the Denver conference.   To go directly to that page, click here: http://www.fiabci-usa.com/fallmeeting2009.html.

Be sure to register by August 18 in order to take advantage of the early-bird rate.  Reserve your room at the Ritz-Carlton Denver by August 18 to receive the discounted group rate.

Take advantage of this special opportunity to promote your properties, services, and expertise to a new audience, with a global reach.

I hope to greet you in Denver at the FIABCI-USA Fall Business Conference, Sept. 11-13!

Sincerely,
Judy Shenefield, MBA, CBR, GRI 2009-2010 FIABCI-USA President
]]> Applications Sought for Political Survival Committee Mon, 3 Aug 2009 11:09:40 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2286 Applications are being sought for the newly created Political Survival Committee (PSC). The PSC was created by the Board of Directors at the Summer Board Meeting.  The PSC will be comprised of 17 members appointed by the CAR President. It consists of at least one member from each CAR District plus eleven at-large appointments. In general, the PSC will aid the local boards in providing political contributions to local candidates and issues. The PSC will also make endorsements and political contributions to state-level candidates and issues; except that the PSC will only provide a recommendation to the CAR Board of Directors for statewide constitutional officer candidates.
 
These members are charged with distributing funds for local and state candidates and issues; supporting grassroots and lobbying efforts; and educating local and state members on REALTOR® matters of public policy concern. The PSC will achieve its objectives, in part, by transferring funds to the REALTOR® Small Donor Committee and the REALTOR® Political Committee. Additionally, the PSC will manage and distribute some mandatory dues.
 
President Dorsey has also created a Transition Team (TT) that will help promulgate a working set of policies and procedures to assist with the initial development and long-term execution of the Political Survival Committee. The TT will also help establish guidelines for the PSC appointment process to help recruit and select the most qualified members to serve.  Additionally, the TT will help review applications and assist President Dorsey in the appointment process.
 
For additional information, please contact Rachel Nance at 303-790-7099 or rnance@coloradorealtors.com.
]]> NAR Action Plan on HVCC Issue Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:08:56 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2281 NAR Action Plan
 
NAR has received member feedback through their HVCC member survey and is currently attempting to deal with the consequences of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) issue in several ways.  NAR is seeking help from state REALTOR® associations to execute their plan.

  1. NAR is looking for co-sponsors for H.R. 3044, which would place an 18 month moratorium on the HVCC.  Currently H.R. 3044 has 37 co-sponsors but NAR is hoping to grow that number to 100 or more.  CAR will be sending a letter to each member of our congressional delegation in the House of Representatives, urging them to sign on as co-sponsors to H.R. 3044.
  2. CAR will also be sending a letter to Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, requesting him to both write to the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and urge them to look at this issue, and to sign on to an existing letter urging Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and FHFA Director James Lockhart to implement a moratorium on the HVCC.
  3. Finally, CAR will send a letter to the DRE and the CREC, asking them to send a letter to the House Financial Services Committee Chair, Barney Frank, urging him to hold hearings on the HVCC and its impact on the real estate industry.
  4. CAR will also meet with regulators, appraisers and other industry stakeholders to discuss any legislative remedies that might be available at the state level – ie. Regulating Appraisal Management Companies (AMC), which are not federally regulated.  Some states have already moved to regulate AMCs and others are attempting to do so.
]]> Why Wait? Buy Now! Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:08:13 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2216 First Time Homebuyer Tax-Credit 
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers. Click the link above for more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

CHFA Jump Start Program
Take advantage of the Federal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit program by using the CHFA JumpStart program for down payment and/or closing cost assistance.  Repay this zero percent (0%) second mortgage loan when you get your tax credit refund.

 

]]> CREC Adopts New Forms After Emergency Hearing Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:57:55 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/car_news_viewarticle.asp?ArticleID=2273 Colorado Real Estate Commission
Reinstates NEW Contracts for Use
Under the Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act
 
Last week the Colorado Real Estate Commission held an emergency hearing and reinstated NEW forms to be used when your client is subject to the Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act.  The new forms are posted on the CREC website at:    http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/contracts/contracts.htm.
 
These are NEW forms and are not the same as the old contracts which included the Foreclosure Property Addendum.  Those contracts remain repealed.  The New contract is titled: (CBSF1-7-09) (Mandatory 7-09) Contract To Buy And Sell Real Estate (Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act) .  The forms are substantially similar to the current forms with the exception of Section 30. COLORADO FORECLOSURE PROTECTION ACT.  This section should be reviewed carefully when using the new form.
 
These forms are mandatory when preparing a contract for your client who is subject to the Act.  The Commission requires you to use the approved forms and does not permit you to use any other forms, including those prepared by an outside attorney. CAR recommends that you only use the CREC approved forms to be sure you are in compliance with the Commission’s rules.

Note: The reinstatement of the new forms has created some conflicting language with Section 10.5 of the Seller’s Listing contract which states, “…if the Act applies, Seller agrees that Broker is not authorized to prepare such a contract for the sale of the Property.”  The Commission moved to authorize brokers to strike or delete that phrase as they see fit until the Commission makes the change.

Our Government Affairs division worked closely with the Real Estate Commission and Forms Committee to get these forms back for your use. CAR is now in the process of scheduling several educational classes around the state this fall on Short Sales and the Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act.  With all the changes recently implemented by the Commission, it has created a lot of confusion in the marketplace on the applicability of the Act.  The classes will cover when and how to use the new forms, and how to consult your client on the Act.  We will notify you as these classes are scheduled.

It is our hope that the Act will be amended next during the next legislative session to eliminate confusion created by the inconsistent interpretation of when and who the act applies to. We will be counting on your support next year as we work to make this happen!

]]> New Discount for Members - American Furniture Warehouse Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:55:10 -0600 mailto:realtors@afwonline.com New Discount for Members - American Furniture Warehouse

Looking for the perfect closing gift? AFW will give CAR members a discount of $25 for each increment of $100 when purchasing a gift card up to $500! The following is the break down: $25 off $100 Gift Cards, $50 off $200 Gift Cards, $75 off $300 Gift Cards, $100 off $400 Gift Cards, and $125 off $500 or above Gift Cards. To purchase your closing gift cards please send an email with your contact info and quantity desired to realtors@afwonline.com or call 303-799-9044.
]]> CAR Implements RSS Feed to Website Thu, 6 Aug 2009 08:30:37 -0600 http://coloradorealtors.com/applications/rss/rssfeed.xml CAR is pleased to announce the addition of RSS feeds to our website. It can be viewed and subscribed to at: RSS.ColoradoREALTORS.com. RSS also provides means to see updated information without having to navigate to CAR website, the news comes straight to your browser, RSS reader, email client or can be added as a gadget to your IGOOGLE or MYYAHOO homepage. Click "read more" to subscribe to CAR's RSS feed.
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