News and Updates

Weekly Market Activity Report

When compared to the previous week's dive, pending sales held strong during a time of typical seasonal swoon.

For the week ending November 21, there were 604 purchase agreements, a 5.2 percent increase over the same week in 2008 and the first time in a month not to show a week-over-week plunge in sales activity.

Although sales are up over last year, they have slowed considerably from October's tax credit gold rush.

With the winter season before us, sales will likely continue their respite into 2010.

VIEW FULL REPORT | VIEW MORE RESEARCH REPORTS

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2010 Membership Renewals are Due on Tuesday, December 1, 2009

We've reached that fateful time when we must issue a final reminder that membership dues must be received at the the MAAR office by close of business on December 1 to avoid a $50 late renewal payment fee.

Our policy on suspension, termination and applicable late dues renewal and reinstatement fees is pretty clear cut. We sincerely try to avoid these unpleasantries by making you aware of our policy throughout the annual dues renewal process.

Many of you have paid, and we thank you for your prompt attention. Those that haven't paid their dues yet were sent a second notification last week.

CLICK HERE to view all information on the 2010 dues renewal, including policy on terminations and reinstatement fees, foundation contributions, RPAC contributions and bylaws.

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The REALTOR® – Winter 2009 Issue

The latest issue of The REALTOR® is now available.

VIEW FLIPBOOK | VIEW PDF (18.6 MB)

Will this be the last issue of The REALTOR® as a printed magazine? If you want to have a say, fill out the 2009 MAAR Membership Survey. Did you know that most of the material in the printed magazine can be found in enotes and on our website up to three months ahead of the printed info? How's that for leading the witness?

If you no longer need a print copy in the mail, send a message to notice@mplsrealtor.com that says "no print magazine" in the subject line.

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Enforcement "Restraint" Promised on New GFE, HUD-1

HUD says it will implement a 120-day period of "restraint" on its enforcement of Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) rules that take effect January 1, 2010. Restraint will be shown for FHA-approved lenders acting in good faith to comply with the new mandatory Good Faith Estimate and HUD-1, among other provisions. For more info contact Scott Rinn at srinn@realtors.org or 202.383.7508.

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

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Short Sales in a Changing Environment

In the latest free webinar from REALTOR® Magazine on short sales, a Bank of America executive will talk about what his company is doing to speed short sales. Also participating is Lynn Madison, a veteran broker and trainer who helped develop the curriculum for NAR's Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification.

Date: Thursday, December 10
Time: 2:00 p.m. Central Time
REGISTER NOW

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

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2010 National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Team

The annual convention and expo that was held in San Diego is fading in the rearview mirror, further blind-spotted by mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. And yet an entire year of activity awaits a new round of volunteer leaders. We depend on our REALTORS® to lead us through the local real estate landscape. These are the names that are leading the way on the national stage.

President: Vicki Cox Golder, CRB, Tucson, AZ
President-Elect: Ron Phipps, CRS, GRI, Warwick, RI
First Vice President: Maurice “Moe” Veissi, Miami, FL
Treasurer: James Helsel, Jr., CRB, CCIM, Lemoyne, PA
Vice President and Liaison to Committees: Brooke Hunt, Flower Mound, TX
Vice President and Liaison to Government Affairs: Vince Malta, San Francisco, CA

2010 National Association of REALTORS® Regional Vice Presidents
Region I: Barbara Harlib Schmerzler, Westport, CT
Region II: Gregory S. Herb, Gilbertsville, PA
Region III: Paula J. Miller, Shepherdstown, WV
Region IV: Jewell A. McKinney, Kingsport, TN
Region V: Barbara B. Kennon, Columbus, GA
Region VI: Darlene Breen, Dayton, OH
Region VII : Jeffrey C. Kitchen, Beaver Dam, WI
Region VIII: Andrew Mahowald, Watertown, SD
Region IX: Larry W. Keating, St. Louis, MO
Region X: Lance S. Lacy, San Angelo, TX
Region XI: Jaren L. Davis, Salt Lake City, UT
Region XII: Timothy Lund, Hamilton, MT
Region XIII: Ann L. Pettijohn, Orange, CA

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Survey

2009 MAAR Membership Survey

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

It's been 3 years since we've surveyed members to see where you're at with us, where you want us to focus, and what you've been up to. Please take a few minutes to fill out the 2009 MAAR Membership Survey to help direct us and, as a bonus, to help yourself to one of three cash prizes ($100, $50, $50). Please fill out the survey by January 8 to be eligible for the prizes.

Your opinions and privacy are important to us. All individual responses and emails will be kept confidential. We will not sell, share or lease this information with third parties. We didn’t in 2006, we won’t in 2009.

NOTE: IF YOU COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE, PLEASE DISREGARD THE PRINTED SURVEY THAT WILL ARRIVE WITH THE WINTER 2009 ISSUE OF THE REALTOR®, MAAR'S PRINTED QUARTERLY MAGAZINE.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

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Departments

Public Affairs

Minnetonka Leadership Opportunities
If you're looking for a way to become more involved in the city of Minnetonka, consider applying to serve on a board or commission. In January 2010, openings will be available on the community commission, park board and the police advisory committee.

Applications are due Friday, December 18, with interviews taking place in January 2010. Accepted applications are kept on file for one year to fill any unexpected vacancies, with interviews taking place as necessary.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND MORE INFO

Source: City of Minnetonka

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Education and Professional Development

Earn the Designation That Gives You the Edge: NAR's Green Designation
With NAR's Green Designation program you'll gain an in-depth education on green real estate principles and practices, be able to access new markets, increase your customer base, get help with referrals and prospecting, and receive ongoing marketing support. You will have the answers to some of the most pivotal questions in today's real estate market.

To earn the designation, you will need to attend the 2-day Green Core Course and a 1-day elective. Choose from the Green Residential Elective or the Green Commercial Elective (offered Spring 2010).

December 7 – 8, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Green Core Course, 12 CE
Cost: Early Bird Discount: $249, valid through December 1. Regular Price is $299
If you have a 2009 $99 Unlimited CE Pass, call to register and receive an additional 10% discount!
VIEW FLYER

December 15, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Green Residential Elective Course, 6 CE
Cost: Early Bird Discount: $69, valid through December 8. Regular Price is $99
If you have a 2009 $99 Unlimited CE Pass, call to register and receive an additional 10% discount!
VIEW FLYER

Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification Program
New class nearly sold out! Less than 15 seats available!

Earn NAR's Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource certification in just four simple steps:

1. Attend the class "Foreclosure Opportunities" on Friday, December 18,
   9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m at the Westin Edina Galleria. Cost $69 for 6 CE
2. Listen to three 1-hour free prerecorded webinars available at www.realtorSFR.org
3. Download, complete and submit the application form available at www.realtorSFR.org
4. Be a member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS®

There are no other courses or designations focused on short sales or foreclosures that are recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®.| LEARN MORE

REALTOR® Senior Advisor (RSA)
Lunch & Learn for those interested in elder care housing issues

December 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tradition Independent and Assisted Living
8500 Tessman Farm Rd N, Brooklyn Park
There will be a tour after lunch.

The speaker is Kathleen McGonagle, who will talk about hoarding.

Hoarding is becoming a hot topic; there's even a television show on A&E that addresses the condition.

Learn what to expect when working with a senior afflicted with hoarding and where you can get help.

Please RSVP by calling Delores at 952.988.3153. Lunch will not be provided; please bring your own.

VIEW FLYER

VIEW FULL FALL CALENDAR

CALL EPD AT 952.908.2602

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News from NorthstarMLS

WEBForms Now Includes Lines for Free-Form Text Fields
By popular user demand, WEBForms was upgraded so that lines now appear on all multi-line sections. The lines remain when you type into the field or print. This is especially helpful to keep the forms looking neat forthose who wish to print the forms and write in those sections.

This upgrade includes all Minnesota state and NorthstarMLS forms, and those forms that include your broker logo (with no other changes to the form). NorthstarMLS will work on the Wisconsin state forms next.

Proprietary broker forms (and standard forms altered by the broker) are not included with this upgrade. Brokers who want a quote for applying this upgrade to their broker forms should contact WEBForms at helpdesk@webforms-us.com.

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Events

Let MAAR Come to You, Shakopee! Two Free Classes, December 3

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Distressed Real Estate Summit – Part II

Friday, December 4, 2009 | Golden Valley Country Club , 7001 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley, MN 55427

7:15 a.m. Registration | 7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast | 8:00 a.m. – Noon Program

$99 In Advance, $129 Day of Event | MORE INFO & REGISTRATION

4 hours of real estate CE credits have been applied for

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REALTORS® Give Back Opportunity – Project Homeless Connect

Project Homeless Connect | Monday | December 7
Volunteers are needed to serve as guides to connect homeless individuals and families with more than 100 community agencies which will be available to address their needs. The Minneapolis Convention Center will serve as a one-stop shop service center on the day of the event. If you are a REALTOR® who has a passion to serve others in our community, This event takes place at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Orientation is required to volunteer. To register for this important event, please go to www.homelessconnectminneapolis.org.

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Changing the Face of Housing Event – Wednesday, December 9

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Broker Support Series

Friday, December 11, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Defining Your Direction for 2010
Where do you want to position yourself in the marketplace in 2010. This workshop will walk you through the steps to determine your direction, and you will leave with an action plan for 2010.

MAAR is pleased to host a successful series of broker monthly meetings on managing your broker business. This free event will be held at the MAAR office. Register with Linda Stoeckicht at lindas@mplsrealtor.com or 952.988.3157.

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Yo Pro Presents Toys for Tots

Yo Pro is organizing their second annual Toys for Tots donation! If you would like a decorated donation box personally delivered to your office, please contact Aubray Erhardt at aubraye@mplsrealtor.com. She will connect you with a friendly Yo Pro member who will drop off the box and pick it up at a later date. They will handle transporting the gifts to KARE-11 TV on December 11. The Yo Pro who supplies the most toys will speak on behalf of MAAR on KARE-11 TV. Last year the winner was Matt Loskota.

Event: Yo Pro Toys for Tots
Date: Friday, December 11
Time: 9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Location: KARE-11 TV, 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN

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