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 As we celebrate Groundhog Day, new listing numbers continue consistently at a slower pace than 2008. New listings for the week ending January 24 were 10.3 percent less than this same week last year. Total active listings are significantly down, reflecting the steady decline of supply that occurred over the previous 12 months. There are currently 24,993 active listings on the market, down about 11 percent and 3,000 units since this time last year.
There is additional good news. Pending sales are showing an increase of 8.1 percent compared to one year ago. It should be noted, however, that much of this increase is foreclosures and short sales.
The Supply-Demand Ratio (SDR) for February is projected to be 7.67, painting a picture of falling supply in further detail. The SDR reflects the number of homes for sale per buyer in the Twin Cities.
These positive signs are methodically leading us on a journey toward a healthier regional real estate market and not on an endless repeat of sameness like in the movie named for today's holiday.
 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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We are pleased to announce the release of the Q4 2008 Update to "Foreclosures and Short Sales in the Twin Cities Housing Market." | VIEW REPORT
 Foreclosures and short sales are showing early signs of slowing. During the fourth quarter of 2008, there were 4.3 percent fewer new lender-mediated listings than in the third quarter. That's the first quarter-to-quarter decrease since 2003.
As an added bonus to this report, we have released a new interactive data tool that allows you to sort neighborhoods and cities within the Minneapolis/Saint Paul region.The effects of lender-mediated properties on the submarkets within our larger metropolitan area are quite varied. | TAKE A LOOK
We talk more about the interactive tool on our blog | VIEW BLOG POST
ACCESS INTERACTIVE DATA TOOL | VIEW Q4 2008 UPDATE
We welcome your feedback. Please contact Jeff Allen, MAAR Research Manager, at jeffa@mplsrealtor.com to share your thoughts.
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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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 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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"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 has been approved.
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 $25 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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 MAAR hosts a successful series of broker monthly meetings on managing your broker business. These 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. Events are free unless otherwise noted. Register with Linda Stoeckicht at lindas@mplsrealtor.com or 952.988.3157.
February 13: Sales Meeting Topics & 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.
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 Visit with representatives from more than 100 nonprofit organizations and find the perfect fit for you or your group. Discover opportunities to give as little as two hours or as much as two years. You'll find it all at the Volunteer Expo.
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 House Passes Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Last week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, otherwise known as the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act." This bill includes many provisions supported by NAR, including increases to the loan limits for FHA and Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The legislation would reinstate the 2008 loan limits in those counties where the loan limits went down between 2008–2009. In most areas, the loan limits decreased dramatically because of the statutory reduction from 125 percent of median home price to 115 percent, but in addition the agencies recalculated the median home prices, which resulted in a large decline. The legislation would reinstate the limits at the 2008 limit. For those 50 or so counties where the limit went up, they would keep their 2009 limit. Similar legislation is not yet in any Senate drafts.
Source: National Association of REALTORS®
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 EPD Watch
It's time to start watching MAAR's education page for regular updates. We're putting the finishing touches on MAAR's 2009 education catalog, The Source, and the first place it will appear is online. Probably a little later this week.
This year you can purchase our Unlimited CE Pass* for $99. The pass allows you to take an unlimited number of classes during 2009. 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, online classes and MAAR special events.
The Source
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!). Classes begin in March.
 Do You Still Need to Take Your Code of Ethics?
We are still not at 100 percent compliance. 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. 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 You 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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"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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 "Rally in the Rotunda"
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel - 11 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul & The State Capitol
Cost: $50 in advance, $65 at the door
It's back to the basics this year! With so many issues to be covered, it's time to get back to the Capitol to have our voices heard. If you or your business are affected by foreclosures, land use reforms, mortgage registry and deed tax issues, or sales tax on services—just to name a few—you may want to join REALTORS® from around the state at Legislative Impact Day!
The day will begin at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for a 2-hour Legislative Update from the MNAR Staff. Then REALTORS® will bus up to the Capitol for a "Rally in the Rotunda" and a visit with legislators. Then it's back to the Crowne Plaza for a Debriefing Reception.
LID Schedule of Events
9:30 am: Arrival, check-in, coffee & rolls – Crowne Plaza Hotel, 11 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul (carpooling encouraged)
10:00 a.m.–Noon – 2009 Legislative Update (2.0 hours of CE pending) presented by:
Chris Galler, Chief Operating Officer, MNAR
Christine Berger, Vice President of Governmental and Regulatory Affairs, MNAR
Heather VanValkenburg, Director of Governmental Affairs, MNAR
Noon–1:00 p.m. – Lunch on your own & buses to the Capitol
1:00-2:00 p.m. – Rally in the Rotunda – Legislative leaders & the Governor are invited
2:00-3:00 p.m. – Visit with Legislators
3:00-4:00 p.m. – Buses back to the Crowne Plaza Hotel
4:00-4:30 p.m. – Reception & Capitol Debriefing
To register for this event, go to www.mnrealtor.com. You will need to know your NRDS number to register. Advance registration is required. Walk-ins will be taken on a "space available" basis. Registration includes 2.0 hours of CE (pending), morning coffee and rolls, buses to the Capitol, reception with appetizers and cash bar.
Contact Carrie Andersen at candersen@mnrealtor.com with further questions.
Source: Minnesota Association of REALTORS®
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 Le Sueur & Winona County Tax Data
We now have tax data on NorthstarMLS directly from Le Sueur and Winona counties. This brings our total to 30 counties (27 Minnesota and 3 Wisconsin) where we obtain the most complete tax data available directly from the counties. Open the tax record by clicking the PID Number directly from the Property Full Display or search from the Tax tab.
Source: NorthstarMLS
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 The Minnesota Association of REALTORS® Forms Committee has just adopted a Short Sale Contingency Addendum. The form is ready to be released and has a date of February 2009.
Contact Erica Forman at eforman@mnrealtor.com or Heidi Peterson at hpeterson@mnrealtor.com if you have any questions pertaining this form.
Source: Minnesota Association of REALTORS®
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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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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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Designing & 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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The event is intended to spur excitement and positive energy in the challenging real estate industry that we are in. And hopefully someone might even be able to do a deal. | NEWS RELEASE | REGISTER
Source: Real Estate Communications Group; Minnesota Real Estate Journal
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