BCAR Sept 2010 Newsletter

ASSOCIATION INSIGHTS

September 2010

In this issue:

• MLS News & Notes

• MLS Statistics - RESI & LAND
Reported to NCAR

2Q 2010 NAR Stats for BCAR *NEW*

• New Subdivisions

• New Members/Transfers

• New Affiliates/Transfers

• New Offices

• BCAR Affiliate Directory
PRINTABLE!!!

• Education News

• Education Calendar

• BCAR Calendar

• Member Services *NEW *

FOR MEMBERS ONLY!

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

ELIMINATE PRIVATE TRANSFER FEES ON A MAJORITY OF LOANS

On August 12, 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) proposed a regulatory guidance for public comment that would restrict Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks from investing in mortgages with private transfer fee covenants. This guidance would extend to mortgages and securities purchased by the Federal Home Loan Banks or acquired as collateral for advances, as well as to mortgages and securities purchased or guaranteed by government sponsored enterprises (GSEs). This action would end the use of private transfer fees in 60 to 70 percent of the real estate market.

CLICK HERE to read more Legislative Update!

President's Message

Mary Ann McCarthy

On August 31^st and September 1^st, 16 members of the Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss and refine the Strategic Plan, or Business Plan, for BCAR for the upcoming year. This was a very difficult process. The plan originated from last year’s meeting, and this year the efforts were put into refining and further improving the existing plan focusing on the changing needs and the changing environment of our industry. This plan will be put forth to the Board of Directors for approval and the final version will be presented to you, by your 2011 President, Pete Frandano at a time to be determined. The dedication of all of our volunteers is the backbone of our Association and they are to be applauded for the amount of time they are willing to give for the benefit of all.

Most pressing with regards to some of the legislative issues that we face is the fact that once again, NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) is due to expire on September 30^th – yes, of this year. It’s hard to believe that Congress continues to play games with such an important piece of legislation, especially in the middle of a very active ...

(click here to continue reading)

The banquet center is looking very promising for 2011 bookings. There are several yearly fundraisers that have been confirmed for next year along with several local residents booking their 2011 weddings.

The SBI BNI Chapter has signed a year contract to host their weekly meeting on Tuesday mornings at 101 Stone Chimney Place. If you are a member of an organization that meets weekly, monthly or quarterly and is open to the idea of possibly moving the meeting location please inquire about what service we can provide for your organization.

IT IS THE PERFECT TIME TO START PLANNING FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Don't forget that as a member, you receive a discount on bookings!

If you have not had a chance to see the facility or have questions, please do not hesitate to stop by when you are in the area or contact Sabrena Reinhardt, Director of Banquet Services, to schedule an appointment to find out more about the facility. She can be reached at 910.754.7050 or sabrena@bcarnc.com.

Don’t forget that there are membership discounts on the room rentals.

Click here for the discount rates.

2010 Premium Rates

Locked for 2011!

The first year success of this new REALTOR® benefit has allowed the insurance carrier to extend the initial premium rate for the second year of the program.

Click here for more information!

INFO CENTRAL

• NEW Offer to Purchase & Contract (OTP&C)

Implementation date 1/1/11

Click here to view a sample OTP&C form

More info at NC REALTORS® Convention in Myrtle

Beach - 2 sessions planned!

• NAR Collecting Short Sale Info

YOUR INPUT IS VALUABLE & NEEDED!

Report your experiences & problems (specific

examples are needed) with lenders. These will be used

by NAR in ongoing discussions with lenders and

Treasury Department. HAFA@Realtors.org

(no special forms - just send an email)

• CommercialSource.com Gets a New Look

NAR's commercial property listing website - ALL BCAR

COMMERCIAL LISTINGS ARE BEING FORWARDED TO

THIS SITE ALREADY!

• FREE Commercial Analytics Tool

NAR Members use free until December 31 ($350 value)

scroll to bottom of page select STDBonline FREE

• Fannie Mae Reaching Out

Help for home owners to understand their options

when struggling with payments.

CURB APPEAL

The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® recently received communication from the City of Boiling Spring Lakes requesting REALTOR® assistance in emphasizing to their clients the importance of "curb appeal" when selling property. As we all know, property that is well maintained is more likely to attract buyers. Please keep an eye on your listings and either contact your clients, or do what you can to ensure the curb appeal of these properties is pleasant.