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Now is the winter of our discontent here in the Twin Cities. With temperatures remaining stubbornly arctic, there is a very real possibility that we'll stay below freezing for the entirety of January. After a steady rise for the first two weeks of 2009, the Twin Cities housing market is reflecting the cold, with new listings down by 18 percent when comparing the week ending January 17 to the same week last year. If new listings continue to taper off, the market's supply balance can handle it, as we are still tilted generously in favor of the buyer.
For the same time period comparison, pending sales are up 13.2 percent over last year, and January 2009 has steadily outperformed January 2008. Total active listings trail last year, down by at least 10.5 percent. An ideal situation would be for listings overall to hold steady and for pending sales to keep rising...hopefully bringing temperatures up as well.
"And all the clouds that low'r'd upon our house, in the deep bosom of the ocean buried." – WS, R3
 The Weekly Market Activity Report is sponsored by the largest real estate commission advance company in the U.S., Commission Express.
Click the logo below or click here for this week's full report. Visit Market Info for more research reports.
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 The January Monthly Skinny Video is online now!
YouTube version | High-Quality MPG version
Please feel free to share this whenever and however you'd like. And don't forget to visit our market insight blog, also called "The Skinny," by clicking here.
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 Are you a page flipper or a mouse clicker? Would you prefer reading MAAR's publication, The REALTOR®, in a print format or in an online, interactive flip publication that looks like this?
Same info. Different format.
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Broker Support Series
MAAR is pleased to host a successful series of broker monthly meetings on managing your broker business. The broker support meetings are held every second Friday of scheduled months from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the MAAR office in the Ed Anderson Conference Room. Events are free unless otherwise noted. Register with Linda Stoeckicht at lindas@mplsrealtor.com or 952.988.3157. Next three meetings:
February 13: Sales Meeting Topics and Training
We will begin our series this year with topics and ideas for your office meetings combining training and other motivation techniques to get your agents into the office.
March 4: Broker Summit with Key Note Speaker Stefan Swanepoel | SEE BELOW
You must PRE-REGISTER to attend this event. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch included. Marriott Southwest, Opus Center Minnetonka. Cost: $25.
April 10: Implementing What We Learned at the Summit
A follow-up to the March 4 Broker Summit and will be moderated by Mark Allen, MAAR's CEO.
New Broker Orientation Program Requirement
As of January 1, 2009, all new applicants for Broker and Designated REALTOR® membership are required to participate in a 3-hour Broker Orientation Program within 90 days of application. All membership services will be terminated for new brokers/designated brokers who fail to complete the program within 6 months of application.
There is no cost for the Broker Orientation program and 3 CE credits will be distributed to all attendees upon completion. Broker Orientation will be available once each quarter beginning March 11, 2009. Broker and Designated REALTORS® who became members prior to January 1, 2009 are grandfathered and are not required to participate in the new Broker Orientation Program. | READ MORE
Note: the Broker Orientation Program is open invite and available to all current MAAR Brokers, Office Managers and Office Administrators at no additional cost with 3 hours of CE credit if applicable to the attendee. Please contact MAAR's membership department at 952.933.9020 or donnab@mplsrealtor.com for registration.
Next Orientation Opportunity
March 11, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to noon
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"Every person is a new door to a different world." – from the movie Six Degrees of Separation
 Looking for Love – or At Least Clients – Online
Do you wonder what Facebook and social networking are all about? Want to learn what social networking can do to help you grow your business? Hear true stories from your colleagues who have had success using online social networking as part of their prospecting plan.
 Enjoy speaker Chelsie Foty, Marketing Specialist at the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR). Chelsie is responsible for handling the online social network initiatives at MAAR. One hour of continuing education credit is pending.
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – networking
- 11:30 a.m. to Noon – lunch
- Noon to 1:00 p.m. – program
 Feel free to pass this invitation on to others! Bring a guest! The WCR meeting includes lunch and program afterward. Cost is $20 for WCR members and $30 for nonmembers. You can join at the meeting.
Date: Wednesday, February 11
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: REAL Financial Center
Address: 4450 W 76th St, Edina, MN 55435
WCR is an organization open to all real estate agents and real estate-related affiliates such as mortgage companies, title companies, etc., both men and women. ALL ARE WELCOME! To reserve your spot at our meeting, contact Jan Jakobitz at jan@WeDeliverHomes.com or 952.270.2617. We hope to see you there! For more information about WCR, check out our local and national websites at www.twincitieswcr.org and www.wcr.org.
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*
 The Yo Pro professional networking group is having its second Squaretables event on Thursday, February 12.
Event: Yo Pro Squaretables
Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(happy hour option to follow at Scoreboard Bar & Grill in Minnetonka)
Location: MAAR Office, 5750 Lincoln Drive, Edina, MN 55436
Cost: Open Source (i.e., Free)
Squaretables Topics:
Nobu Hata – "Your Listings and You Tube, Flickr and other FREE Rich Media"
Jessica Monroe – "Greening Up Your Business"
Heidi Peterson – "Legal Update"
Ryan Henke – "Benefits of an S-Corporation for a Real Estate Agent and Passive Loss Rules for Rental Properties"
Friend us on Facebook for further details about Yo Pro. Existing Yo Pros will hear about this via the usual online methods. You can preregister or receive more information about this event and other Yo Pro activities from Aubray Olson at aubrayo@mplsrealtor.com or 952.988.3120. Seating is limited, so if you want to participate, contacting Aubray sooner is better! Membership in this group is open to all.
* Because we don't have round tables.
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 Real Estate Insights (REI) is produced by NAR Research and is chock full of timely real estate market research information. In addition to NAR's economic summary (page 4), page 7 begins an article detailing activity in the commercial office market, while pages 9–11 present a summary of NAR's research on financing the home purchase.
Real Estate Insights: Web version | PDF version
Source: National Association of REALTORS®
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"The 100+," our community level market tracking tool has been updated with data through December 2008. All real estate is local—even from block to block. "The 100+" was built with this micro-level geographic truism in mind. go there now
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 City of Bloomington
The city of Bloomington would like to remind all members about the Time-of-Sale Housing Inspection Program. All properties for sale in the city, including single-family, two-family, and multiple dwellings, townhouses, condominiums and mobile homes, are required to have a time-of-sale housing evaluation prior to listing the property for sale, and have a copy of the resulting evaluation report available for review by all potential buyers. view letter to REALTORS® and closers
Source: City of Bloomington
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
NAR recently surveyed a sample of its members to test their perceptions of the $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit. The results showed that most first-time buyers are unaware of the credit. When they learn about the credit, the majority do not find it to be an incentive, largely because of the repayment feature. Most REALTOR® respondents indicated that the repayment feature was the biggest obstacle to consumer interest because consumers perceive the credit as an additional debt and not as an incentive. | VIEW SURVEY RESULTS
Part of the Obama economic stimulus bill includes provisions that would eliminate the repayment feature of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. At present, the June 30, 2009 expiration for the credit remains intact, but NAR is working to have the effective date extended through the end of the year so that the more robust credit can have an impact. A congressman from Georgia has introduced a bill that would extend the tax credit through December 31, 2009. NAR has sent the attached letter to every member of the Ways and Means Committee urging members to support his effort to move the effective date. | READ NAR LETTER
Source: National Association of REALTORS®
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New in '09 – Unlimited CE for $99!
The Education and Professional Development (EPD) team is excited to announce a way to make earning your CE less expensive. For $99, you can purchase our Unlimited CE Pass* which allows you to take an unlimited number of classes during 2009. That's right, you can take as many classes as you want! In addition, you will receive the following benefits:
- 10% discount on NAR courses (ABR, Green Designation, etc.)
- First notice of new courses as they are announced through the year
- Periodic discounts on MAAR store items
- And more!
You can purchase the $99 Unlimited CE Pass* at any time during the year. But those who purchase one by March 1 will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gas card. Call the EPD team at 952.908.2602 to purchase your Unlimited CE Pass*.
* The only exceptions are NAR designation courses and online classes.
You Have the Unlimited CE Pass, Now Where Are the Classes?
The 2009 course catalog, The Source, is nearly complete and will be mailed to you in/as part of the Spring 2009 issue of The REALTOR®. We understand that you are eager to see what the course schedule will be (and you ought to be—we are adding 75+ CE credits in new classes!), but please be patient. Classes don't begin until March. Additionally, to reduce costs and be good stewards of our members' dues dollars, we now only mail out one catalog per year. If you simply cannot wait, check our website next week. Classes should be posted by then.
 Do You Still Need to Take Your Code of Ethics?
While our members made heroic efforts to complete the Code of Ethics by the December 31, 2008 deadline, we are still not at 100 percent compliance. Only 10 percent or fewer of our members still need to complete the 2008 Code of Ethics requirement. If you have not met the NAR Code of Ethics requirement, your membership is now suspended and will be until you notify MAAR that you have completed the training. As a suspended member, you still have access to the NAR website to complete your Code of Ethics training online for FREE. Get it done and get it over with! Complete the training here! To expedite the change from suspended to active status, please forward your proof of course completion to the Education and Professional Development team via fax to 952.908.2612.
If you have not completed the training by March 1, your membership status will change from suspended to terminated (in accordance with NAR guidelines). We currently have a list of those who STILL NEED TO MEET the Ethics requirement on our website.
 Winter Keeping Indoors? Work on Your
CE Requirements Online From Home!
A number of our members are taking advantage of our online classes. Save gas money and reduce your risk of getting stuck in a snowbank. Earn continuing education credits in the comfort of your own home at hours convenient to you. Work on your continuing education anywhere with an Internet connection.
All Hondros Learning online courses are approved for Minnesota CE credit.
Click here to get started (select "Real Estate Continuing Education").
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 Some Senior Citizens Feeling "Houselocked" by Economy
In this difficult market, many older people now feel trapped in their homes. They want to move into easier senior housing but may not be able to afford to sell at depressed prices.
MAAR member Lisa Dunn, was interviewed for a Star Tribune housing story on Sunday that focused on the situation that some seniors are finding themselves in. The story has attracted a lot of debate in the online comments about the article. | READ ARTICLE
If you are interested in learning more about the senior housing market, consider MAAR's REALTOR® Senior Advisor Certification program, A MAAR exclusive designation.
Source: Star Tribune
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"Never Ending Change – Be Aware! Be Prepared!"
More than 3,000 industry leaders and thousands of additional REALTORS® rely on the annual Trends Report to give them a clear vision of how to operate their businesses going forward. Learn about the top 10 business trends in real estate—live and in person with Stefan Swanepoel! The 2009 Trends Report will be available for purchase at the event, and Stefan will be available for book signing.
Date: March 4, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Marriott Southwest
Cost: Only $25.00! Three speakers, 5 CE credits!
PRINTABLE FLYER | REGISTRATION FORM
 On the Undercard:
The State of the Real Estate
presented by MAAR CEO, Mark Allen
A local and national outlook of market indicators, the role of the progressive REALTOR® and how the industry is responding to today's consumer options. Answering the what and where of a changing housing market.
Shift Happens
presented by MAAR Research Manager, Jeff Allen
Local market statistics and how to work with the tools by which we track them. Answering the how and why of residential real estate, from the history of the boom and the reasons for the bust.
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 WebForms™ Now Available!
WEBForms™ are now available to all NorthstarMLS subscribers. WEBForms gives you access to online versions of the NorthstarMLS and Minnesota state real estate forms, with auto-pop of fields across forms and from the MLS.
Here's how to get started:
- Access WEBForms in one of two ways:
- Click the WEBForms link in the submenu (right below the tabs) on the Matrix Home/News page.
- From any Property Full Display, click the WEBForms link/icon below the primary photo.
- Create a New Transaction Kit or Template, select your forms and start filling them in.
- Online resources to help you get started:
- Quick Start Guide
- User Guide
- FAQs
- Online Demonstrations (see below for dates and times)
- Click the "Help" link in the upper right corner of the WEBForms screen for these and other Help documents
Tax Data Added to NorthstarMLS from 8 Additional Counties
Blue Earth (Mankato), Kanabec (Mora), McLeod (Hutchinson/Winsted), Meeker (Litchfield), Mille Lacs (Milaca), Nicollet (North Mankato/St. Peter), St. Louis (Duluth/Hibbing) and Wabasha have all been added. This brings our total to 28 counties (25 Minnesota and 3 Wisconsin) where the most complete tax data available is obtained directly from the counties. Open the tax record by clicking the PID Number directly from the Property Full Display for any listing in these counties. Also searchable through the Tax tab.
Source: NorthstarMLS
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 About Heading Home Minnesota
Heading Home Minnesota is a statewide initiative to end the cycle of homelessness. The strategy includes Minnesota's Business Plan to End Long-Term Homelessness and regional "Heading Home" initiatives. These initiatives represent innovative, unprecedented, coordinated partnerships with the support of the public, business, nonprofit, faith and philanthropic sectors. This forum will provide an overview of the statewide progress of Heading Home Minnesota and specific work through the Hennepin and Ramsey County plans. For more information about Heading Home Minnesota and regional plans, visit www.headinghomeminnesota.org.
Event: Heading Home Minnesota
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009
Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Hanson Hall, Room 1-106
1925 4th St S, Univ. of Minnesota, West Bank
Presenting Speakers:
Matthew Ayres, Heading Home Hennepin
Kit Hadley, Heading Home Minnesota
Laura Kadwell, Minnesota Business Plan
Carol Zierman, Heading Home Ramsey
RSVP required by January 29 to Leah Gardner at 612.625.2086 or curahf@umn.edu.
CURA Housing Forums are free of charge and open to the public. To sign up for CURA Housing Forum notices, visit www.cura.umn.edu or email your request to curahf@umn.edu.
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Attend the next InternetCrusade® Technology Workshop featuring the e-PRO® Certification course, the only technology course offered and endorsed by NAR.
- Discover the four essential elements of a successful website strategy.
- Learn easy ways to differentiate yourself from the competition.
- Find out how to leverage the power of a permanent email address.
You don't have to be a technology expert to attend this program. Get in tune with the wants and needs of today's Internet-empowered buyers and sellers. Start working smarter. Enroll at this FREE workshop and receive a $25 discount from the normal $359 fee and an 8-month enrollment (instead of 6 months) for this online course.
Click here to sign up or call 1.866.377.0627 (toll free).
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 What: Minnesota Housing and HUD/FHA will host a Webinar for single-family lenders and appraisers about the following:
- Recent legislation that has updated FHA programs
- FHA program changes and recent mortgagee letters
- Status of FHA resource and communication centers
- The program most sought by real estate agents – Streamline (k)!
Date and Time: Thursday, February 5, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Credits: 2 hour continuing education credits awarded
Cost: Free! | REGISTER NOW
Registrations are limited to 100 people. The registration deadline is 3:00 p.m. on February 4. If you are unavailable to sign up for the webinar, the presentation will be available on the Minnesota Housing website on February 4.
Source: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
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Designing and Building Affordable Sustainable Housing Throughout the Twin Cities Region
Presenting an important keynote presentation and panel discussion on rethinking housing in our region. The current regional and national economic challenges require us to rethink how we can deliver affordable and sustainable housing for the region now and in the future. It's time to examine the assumptions and terms under which we have all been operating for the last 40 years. The presentation will help reimagine how to:
- Re-examine notions about housing design, finance, regulation, and implementation.
- Look at the design of living environments and how they can be connected to supportive physical, social, and natural environments and linked to civic and economic systems.
- Explore new ways for developers, funders, designers, city officials, and community residents to work together.
RSVPs ARE REQUIRED and SPACE IS LIMITED. Registration and event details are at www.fhfund.org.
Event: "Rethinking Housing: Designing and Building Affordable,
Sustainable Housing Throughout the Twin Cities Region"
Date and Time: Monday, February 9, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Minnesota Room, Suite 1500
50 S 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402
Source: Family Housing Fund
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