News and Updates

Weekly Market Activity Report

The Twin Cities housing market in early 2010 looks pretty much like it did in early 2009. How similar? Over the last three months, there have been 7,189 signed purchase agreements; there were 7,186 a year ago during the same time period. Eerie, no? Robotic precision.

For the week ending February 13, there were 711 pending sales, down 2.7 percent from last year, and new listings posted 1,764 units, up 4.9 percent from a year ago. The only thing that's really changed much is the supply of available homes, which continues to dwindle relative to a year ago. The current stock of 22,271 available homes represents a 12.4 percent decline from a year ago.

VIEW FULL REPORT | VIEW MORE RESEARCH REPORTS

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February 2010 Monthly Skinny Video

The new Monthly Skinny video is online and ready for you to share with whoever you think should see it. We make these videos so that you can stay up to date on the local housing market and provide your clients with the same info in an engaging, visual manner.

WATCH THIS MONTH'S VIDEO

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2009 Residential Real Estate Activity Report (a.k.a., "The Ruh-REAR")

Our annual publication is bursting with research and analysis for the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area housing market—clean charts, organized tables, quick analysis and easy-to-read maps. We know you've been waiting patiently for it!

This online version includes "Historical Average Sales Price by Area" along with the stronger metric "Historical Median Sales Price by Area." The "Average" tables won't be in the print edition.

Did we just say something about a print edition? Yes. You told us in the member survey that this is one of the most important things we produce for you, so we will make it available as part of the Spring 2010 issue of The REALTOR®. Thanks to those of you who took the time to opt-in and those of you who were prepared to go electronic-only.

VIEW THE REPORT

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You Asked, We Listened. Direct Agent Billing has Arrived!

Effective April 1, 2010, the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® will implement Direct Agent MLS billing. Agents with access to the MLS are now responsible for paying their individual MLS bill directly to MAAR. Agents will receive their first-ever "individual" statement on April 1.

Important dates for Second Quarter MLS billing cycle:

April 1, 2010 | Agents are directly ebilled for second quarter (April, May and June) MLS services. Payment is due April 30. A summary billing statement listing all active agents in the broker's office will be emailed to brokers. The statements should be reviewed for accuracy. Notify MAAR of any roster changes using a REALTOR® Change Form immediately.

May 1, 2010 | Agents and brokers will receive a second ebill with notice that a $10 late fee per agent will be issued if not paid by May 15.

May 15, 2010 | Unpaid agents are re-billed with the $10 late fee and MLS service is suspended. Brokers will receive an email summary statement listing which of their agents have not paid MLS fees. Brokers have until May 30 to complete one of the following to avoid office wide suspension:

• Encourage the agent to pay immediately.
• Pay on behalf of the agent.
• Terminate the agent's affiliation with their company (and inactivate their license with the Department of Commerce).

June 1, 2010 | MLS service for offices with agents who still have outstanding April 1 MLS fees will be suspended. Brokers will receive an email summary statement with notice of office termination if suspension status is not resolved by June 15.

June 15, 2010 | Suspended offices are terminated. Past due MLS fees are sent to collections. A $100 MLS reinstatement fee will be required to reactivate office membership.

July 1, 2010 | Rinse and Repeat. MLS billing cycle is repeated for third quarter (July, August, and September) MLS fees.

We Need Correct Email Addresses for Agents
All payment invoices are ebilled. No paper billing. To ensure that you receive your bill, please verify that the address we have on file is correct:

• Go to mplsrealtor.com
• Click the "My Account" tab (at the top)
• Log in and select "Review or Change Member Personal Information" to check and update your email address

If you have questions about Direct Agent Billing, please visit www.mplsrealtor.com, email accounting@mplsrealtor.com or call 952.933.9020.

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February 2010 Issue of Real Estate Insights

Real Estate Insights (REI) is produced by NAR Research and is full of timely real estate market research information. The NAR economic summary starts on page 4; page 8 begins the NAR report on foreclosures, delinquencies and negative equity; and page 10 is a report on increasing good news regarding the residential real estate market.

Real Estate Insights: Web version | PDF version

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

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NAR's Economic & Market Watch Report – 4th Quarter 2009

Have at it!

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

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Supra iBox Transfer Form

When a member transfers an iBox to another Supra participant (buy, sell, gift), they must fill out the Supra iBox transfer form.

The form needs signatures from both parties and the serial numbers of the iBoxes.

This form can be faxed (952.933.9021) or emailed (info@mplsrealtor.com).

If the transferee wants to change the shackle code, they can bring the iBox to MAAR during business hours or use an eKEY.

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Departments

Public Affairs

Affordable Loan Product Matrix (Updated February 2010)
Produced by the Minnesota Home Ownership Center, Affordable Loan Product Matrix is intended to inform housing counselors and industry professionals of affordable loan programs available to their clients. Loan programs included in the Matrix generally have flexible underwriting guidelines, allow higher LTV limits, lower buyer investment and require homebuyer education and/or counseling. | DOWNLOAD THE AFFORDABLE LOAN PRODUCT MATRIX

Entry Cost (Downpayment) Assistance Matrix (Updated February 2010)
Produced by the Minnesota Home Ownership Center, this tool is designed to inform housing counselors and industry professionals of entry cost programs available to their clients. Programs include downpayment, closing cost assistance and funds to reduce the principal loan. The tool includes programs available statewide, countywide and for the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. | VIEW ENTRY COST MATRIX

This Matrix is updated by the Center on a quarterly basis. Please note programs may change or funds may run out prior to the next scheduled update. Questions regarding programs should be directed to the contact listed for the program. If you have specific questions about the Matrix or would like to include your entry cost program, please contact Brooke Walker at 651.659.9336 x 106 or by email at brooke@hocmn.org.

Source: Minnesota Home Ownership Center

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Education and Professional Development

Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification Program
NAR extends the application waiver deadline

REALTORS® can still earn the SFR Certification without paying extra bucks for it! NAR has extended the time period for waiving the $175 application fee for the SFR certification to March 31. So, watch those webinars, sign up for class, and get your application turned in soon!

MAAR will be holding more classes to allow our members to earn this certification and learn about this oh-so-relevant topic in a very inexpensive manner. Class is still only $69 for 6 hours of CE.

We now have two class dates—take your pick!

Date: Monday, March 8 – JUST ADDED!
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Country Inn & Suites, 591 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Date: Tuesday, March 16 – SEATS STILL AVAILABLE!
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN

Check mplsrealtor.com for more additions and changes or call 952.908.2602 to have your name put on a waiting list. We are currently trying to reserve more locations for the course depending on demand.

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

1. Attend one of MAAR's "Foreclosure Opportunities" classes. 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®

Do all this prior to March 31, 2010 and you don't have to pay the $175 application fee. It's all part of NAR's "Right Tools Right Now" program.

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...

Date: Monday, March 8
Location: St. Therese Southwest (The Towers)
Address: 1011 Feltl Ct, Hopkins, MN 55343
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP to 952.908.2602.

Guest Speaker: Carla Sutter, MSW/LISW, Program Director at Care Management and Coordination, a program of Fairview. Carla will cover the elderly waiver program, Medicaid, subsidized housing programs and other topics.

NEW Courses in the Spotlight

The Market in Plain English, Tuesday, March 2 from 1–4 p.m. (3 CE pending)
"How's the market?" It's the question every REALTOR® is asked at cocktail parties. The key to answering it lies in providing proof to back up your intuitions and explaining it in a way that's easy to grasp. Learn how to quickly understand and talk about the market, as well as find the latest tools and learn how to use them. This will be the only course our popular instructor, Jeff Allen, will be teaching this spring.

Waconia Public Schools: Take a Closer Look, Tuesday, March 9 from 8 a.m.–noon (4 CE pending) held at Waconia Senior High School, 1400 Community Dr, Waconia, MN 55387
This is a fast-paced, informative session to familiarize real estate professionals with Waconia school academics, athletics and community education. You will become more familiar with the district's elementary, middle and high schools and there will be an open discussion about the district's strengths and weaknesses.

MLS Matrix Classes Scheduled for March!
As mentioned, new classes will keep appearing on our calendar as we schedule them. The most recent additions are hands-on MLS classes on March 3 (Matrix) and March 10 (Matrix CMA). VIEW MAAR'S ONLINE CALENDAR and advance to March to learn more. Or sign up online (see instructions below).

2010 Courses Revealed!
You can now register for all spring classes online! Keep checking because we will add new classes as they are prepared. How to register online:

1. Go to the MAAR website at www.mplsrealtor.com
2. Click "My Account (top of web page)
3. Enter your "Logon ID" (MAAR/MLS number) and "Password" (if you have never accessed IMS your password is up to the first 8 letters of your last name, all lowercase)
4. Under the "Education" heading, click on "Education Calendar and Registration"
5. Click on the class you wish to register for
6. Click on "Proceed to Registration"
7. Click "Add to Cart" (at this point, the class is just in your cart; you are NOT registered yet!)
8. You can "Register for More" or you may complete registration by paying for the class or classes OR charging your education card.

Only once your education card or credit card has been charged will you be registered for the class or classes. You will automatically be emailed a receipt for your classes. If you don't receive a receipt, you did not complete the registration process.

Limited Supply of 2010 Unlimited CE Passes
With the course schedule now available, you will want to snatch up your very own $99 Unlimited CE Pass for 2010. There are only 300 left available for purchase, on a first-come, first-served basis. You can purchase it online, over the phone, or at the MAAR office. You will need to wait until approximately 9:00 a.m. the next business day for your card to be activated which allows you to register. Get yours now while supplies last!

Please be aware of the most important change in terms for the 2010 Unlimited CE Pass: After three course "no shows" (not attending a class for which you are registered), your CE pass will be terminated.

As always, please call or cancel your registration online if you know you won't be able to attend a class.

FOR ALL YOUR EDUCATION NEEDS,
CALL US AT 952.908.2602

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News from NorthstarMLS

Expanded 1-Page Showing Reports
Due to popular demand, you now have two lengths of Showing Report available:

•  the half-page length released last week, and
•  a new one-page length.

Use the one-page length when you want to take more detailed information to the showing, including Remarks and Room Dimensions. One listing per page also makes it easier for you to sort them in the order of your appointments. Both lengths are available in both Agent and Customer versions and include spaces for notes and BookAShowing feedback.

Bring them along on your next showing appointments and try them out!

1. Select the properties you are showing from your search results.
2. Click the blue "Reports" button at the bottom of your search results.
3. Select one of the Agent or Customer Showing Reports. They are at the top of the list.
4. Click the "Create Report" button.

Fob-U-Less SafeMLS Security Update
NorthstarMLS is getting closer to going key fob token-free for login! They will test the new tokenless SafeMLS security system in early March. The vendor is completing the infrastructure and software set-up. Assuming there are no major issues during the testing phase, they expect to be ready for release by the end of March.

When they release, changing over your user ID to token-free will be a simple online process that you can complete anytime at your convenience over a 30-day period. Once you changeover, your key fob token will automatically be deactivated, and you will log on with your User ID and a single password that you create and use each time you login. You will no longer need the key fob token or a PIN number. The new password you create for yourself will be 8 characters, case sensitive, and will include at least one number but no symbols. You will be able to keep it as long as you wish and not have to change it every 90 days.

The switch to tokenless SafeMLS access will NOT reduce the security of NorthstarMLS access. In fact, the new tokenless technology provides improved security with much less inconvenience for you. Also, you can continue to be assured that NorthstarMLS' convenient Single Sign On and administrative support logins will continue to offer you the benefits to which you have become accustomed.

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Events

YPN Webinar: Smart Marketing for 2010 and Beyond – February 11

YPN Webinar: Smart Marketing for 2010 and Beyond
Date and Time: Thursday, February 25, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CST
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

2010 is the year to move strategically and leave your competition behind. Institute for Luxury Home Marketing CEO, Laurie Moore will share ideas for moving your properties to the top of the desirability list—so YOUR listings are the ones that sell. She'll offer tips for differentiating yourself and being the agent of choice for the market segments you target (regardless of price range). And you'll learn a few power words, magic questions and fresh scripts designed to help you in today's market. Tune into this information-packed webinar with plenty of note taking material—you'll need it!

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Yo Pro Squaretables – Speed Learning at the MAAR Office – March 4

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at MAAR office
5750 Lincoln Dr, Edina, MN 55436
(happy hour to follow at Cooper)

Squaretable Facilitators and Topics:

Bill Gerst | MAAR Public Affairs Director,
"Exploring Truth and Housing"

Dave Potts | Accountant, Boyum & Barenscheer,
"Choosing to Incorporate or Not"

Rob Mehta | REALTOR®, "The Politics of Real Estate"

"Squaretables" is the name of our quick-hit information and networking event geared toward young professionals (and welcome to all). The format is fast and fun. Check out one table for about 20 minutes, take what you need, ask what you want, move to next table, take more, and so on.

Why Squaretables? Because our tables aren't round. Attendance is limited by the size of our room. Register early with Aubray Erhardt at aubraye@mplsrealtor.com or 952.988.3120 or find us on Facebook. This free event tends to fill up fast.

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e-PRO® Workshop – Newly Designed Certification Course – March 12

The much-anticipated, fully redesigned e-PRO® course—with a new, interactive, Web 2.0 platform and updated content about social media—is now available to REALTORS®.

March 12, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | SIGN UP
MAAR Office, 5750 Lincoln Dr, Edina, MN 55436

Learn more about e-PRO®, the ground-breaking course that is the only technology certification course offered and endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®. The all-new e-PRO® will be offered at the special event price of $334 for members, a $25 savings on the regular member price of $359. This includes complimentary access to NAR's Web 2.0 & Social Media Course.

By attending this complimentary workshop, attendees will walk away with valuable technology tips that can be put to use immediately, including:

• An in-depth look at Web 2.0 concepts and how they apply to your online real estate presence, including social networking, blogging, RSS, widgets, and much more.
• How social media can allow you to access the next generation of home buyers and sellers.
• Best practices for email communication and online marketing
• How to create and maintain your Internet Marketing and Practices Plan.

Get in tune with the wants and needs of today's Internet-empowered buyers and sellers. Start working smarter. Act now to become one of the first to explore the totally redesigned e-PRO® certification course.

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Legislative Impact Day – Thursday, March 18

The Minnesota Association of REALTORS® is packing another valuable day of activity into Saint Paul's Crowne Plaza and under the Capitol dome. You will receive great education at the hotel, be part of a rally at the Capitol and get an opportunity to spend time with your legislators to discuss the issues affecting your real estate business. The association will provide you with key talking points and the information you need to make the most of your meeting.

The measure of success for this event is YOUR attendance! In order to raise the bar in real estate, we need active involvement, and we're counting on you! The event is FREE again this year, but you do need to register to attend at www.mnrealtor.com. 2.0 hours of CE (approval pending)

Schedule
8:30 a.m.: Registration/Check-In
9:30 a.m. – noon: Legislative Update and Issues Overview
noon – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch (on your own)
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Rally at the Rotunda with Legislative Leaders
1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Visits with Legislators at the Capitol
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Special RPAC Program (for RPAC contributors only)
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Hall of Fame / Major Donor Reception (Sterling R or more in 2010)

(schedule is subject to change)

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Sign Up Now to Attend Real Estate BarCamp Minneapolis / Saint Paul

RE Barcamp MSP is actively looking for sponsors starting at $150, $250, and $500. | SPONSOR INFO

The Twin Cities is hosting its first Real Estate BarCamp on Tuesday, April 6. Be part of the impromptu, freeform learning trend sweeping the industry. The agenda will be set the morning of the event—by you for you.

Real Estate BarCamp is open to anyone wanting to learn about topics in social media, technology, branding, marketing, and what's happening now and next in the industry. The learning focus will lean particularly toward real estate professionals such as REALTORS®, brokers, lenders, title pros and the like.

This is a can't lose event! It's free, you will learn things and you will be surrounded by a hive of forward thinkers in your industry. Registration is now open and limited to 400 registrants. Engage. Learn. Share.

Date: Tuesday, April 6
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Location: Spill The Wine, 1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

It's gonna be live, y'all. Check out this video from a similar event in Phoenix, AZ.

Register Online  | View Website | View Informational Flyer | Facebook Page

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2010 Broker Summit — Change Has Arrived

Save the date for an exclusive event for brokers and managers. 4 speakers, 5 CE credits for $25 | MORE INFO

SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, April 7
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hotel Sofitel, Bloomington, MN

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Stefan Swanepoel, Real Estate Speaker, Best Selling Author

REGISTRATION FOR MAAR MEMBERS: E-FORM* | PRINT FORM

REGISTRATION FOR NONMEMBERS: E-FORM* | PRINT FORM

* NOTE: E-FORMS ARE PDFs AND MUST BE SAVED & EMAILED TO AMYR@MPLSREALTOR.COM.

ON THE UNDERCARD

Maureen Tubbs | Incorporating a little improv into your leadership strategy.
Marketing Director
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Greg Sax | Discussing best practices in a peer-to-peer social sphere.
Communications Manager
Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®
10K Research and Marketing

Mark Allen | Assessing the state of the real estate market for 2010.
Chief Executive Officer
Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®

Purchase the Swanepoel 2010 Trends Report for 33% off the retail price. Use the MAAR2010 promo code to receive the discount at www.realestatebooks.org. The discount will show up when you click the "Checkout" button.

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