News and Updates

Weekly Market Activity Report

Warming weather, affordability and approaching deadlines are activating the housing market. With less than 60 days left until the home buyer tax credit expires, buyers and sellers appear to be kicking it into a new gear. There were 1,715 new listings for the week ending February 27, an increase of 5.3 percent from a year ago and the fourth consecutive week of year-over-year increase. The $6,500 tax credit for move-up buyers appears to be stimulating some sellers to place their homes on the market in an attempt to sell them before the credit expires.

For the same reporting week, there were 868 accepted offers, which is a bump of 13.9 percent from a year ago. After several months of relatively flat home buying, the last two weeks have seen a jump as the credit deadline nears.

Days on Market continues to decrease, landing at 142 days in February. That was a 9.7 percent decrease from a year ago.

The Percent of Original Price Received at Sale stood at 92.3 percent in February, a 3.4 percent increase over the year prior.

VIEW FULL REPORT | VIEW MORE RESEARCH REPORTS

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Submit Your Application for 2012 Leadership Position at NAR

Applications for NAR 2012 elected office and regional vice presidents are due to NAR by April 15. | CLICK HERE TO APPLY

You'll have to login at realtor.org after you click the link, but when you do that, you can also see a little video we produced here at MAAR for NAR (under the auspices of 10K) that should help you through the process of applying for leadership.

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Supra is Purchased by UTC Fire & Security

UTC Fire & Security has acquired GE Security, including the Supra business. UTCFS says it will invest in Supra's product portfolio and innovative research and development. They will also invest in the Supra brand and claims, "Membership will notice an improvement. Effective immediately, when a real estate agent phones, we will answer as Supra." | MORE INFO

Source: UTC Fire & Security

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Monthly Skinny | En Español: February 2010

Our second Spanish version of the 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, our members, can stay up to date on the local housing market and provide your clients with the same info in an engaging, visual manner.

Click on the video to view it. Feel free to send us your comments via YouTube.

WATCH THIS MONTH'S VIDEO En Español

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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 30.

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. Or you can view a detailed policy statement here.

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The Modern Website: Cloudy, Fluid, Siteless

The guys at 1000 Watt Consulting often say interesting things, and last week they touched on a website that we were talking about a few weeks ago around the water cooler called Flavors.me. What's cool about it, other than the brightly colored logo, is that it captures all of your various social media personalities in one simple place. No more sending folks to separate blogs, Facebooks, Twitters, websites, and LinkedIns.

It's an idea so pure and simple that we're happy to tell you about it in case you want to set up your own personal flavor. | CHECK IT OUT

Like many wonderful things on the web, it's free. If you want to tie it to your own domain and add features like forms, it's still cheaper than a two-person lunch in Eden Prairie.

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Answer Your Customers' Tax Credit Questions

Make sure your buyers have the latest information about how to claim the extended home buyer tax credit. | MORE

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

Photo by YM  

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No Insurance? This May Help

Do you know someone who has lost their health insurance? Unfortunately, in this economy tens of thousands are without jobs and many no longer have affordable access to insurance. In addition, a number of fraudulent "insurance programs" are preying on these individuals. While the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce cannot provide health insurance, they do have a program that can assist with part of the burden: the cost of medicine.

The chamber is now supporting a free discount drug card available not only to members, but to anyone regardless of age, income or health condition. By showing this card, people can save up to 75 percent on the cost of generic medications and as high as 50 percent on name brand medications.

Participating pharmacies include Target, CVS, Cub, Walgreen's and more. One member without insurance recently told the chamber that their monthly medication was reduced from $400 to $125 by using this card. Additionally, for those with a prescription plan, you can still use the card to receive a discount on non-formulary medications which are not covered by your insurance provider.

No personal information is required and again there is no cost.

The card can be downloaded at www.minnesotadrugcard.com. | LEARN MORE

Source: Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce

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Nationwide REALTOR® Open House: April 10–11

What It Is
The Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®, the North Metro REALTORS® Association and the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® have teamed up with associations across the country for one weekend of Nationwide Open Houses. The purpose is to encourage those who are thinking of buying a home to take advantage of unique home market factors and the federal first-time home buyer tax credit that expires on April 30. This is the first event of its kind nationwide. The National Association of REALTORS® will be promoting the event on a national level.

Your Part
Be sure to include your open houses for that weekend on the MLS! We’ll be directing the public to the MLS to view the open houses for that weekend. This is at no cost to you!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS WILDLY AMBITIOUS BIT OF REALTOR® TEAMWORK!

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Departments

Public Affairs

Revised Maplewood Sign Ordinance

The City of Maplewood has revised its temporary and offsite sign ordinance. They sent out a notice for real estate agents. | SEE IT

You can visit MAAR Public Affairs for all ordinance information, including sign and time of sale. | GO TO THERE

Source: City of Maplewood

Make Heights Your Home
Columbia Heights has a downpayment assistance program for homes purchased with a 203K loan, MHFA Fix up Fund or HOP, Lakes Area Mortgage Renovation Loan or other similar financing. The goal of this program is to help increase homeownership and encourage reinvestment. Make Heights Your Home funds must be used for downpayment. The property must be a single-family detached dwelling and located in Columbia Heights. There is no sale price limit. For more information call 763.706.3675 | CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

Source: City of Columbia Heights

FHFA Extends Refinance Program By One Year
Federal Housing Finance Agency Acting Director Ed DeMarco today announced the extension of the Home Affordable Refinance Program, (HARP), a refinancing program administered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to June 30, 2011. The program is a key component of the Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program announced last February. The HARP program expands access to refinancing for qualified individuals and families whose homes have lost value. The program was set to expire on June 10 of this year. | MORE

Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency

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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. Only ONE class left!

Date: Tuesday, March 16 – ONLY THREE SEATS LEFT!
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

Courses in the Spotlight

March 16, 1 – 4 p.m., 3 CE
Inspections: All You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask
The inspection can make or break a home sale. Learn the skills needed to guide your buyers (and sellers) through this step in the process so you can properly advise them about any potential issues. Learn directly from an experienced inspector about choosing the right home inspector, the scope of the home inspection, preparing your clients for the home inspection, the top 10 home defects, and how an inspection can be a deal closer rather than a deal killer.

March 19, 9 a.m. – noon, 3 CE
Home Buyer Seminars That Work
Have you ever hosted a home buyer seminar? There may be more to it than you think! If you are new or veteran to hosting home buyer seminars, our seasoned instructor will make you laugh while you learn: advantages for the consumer, understanding agency relationships, different types of seminars, finding buyers to attend.

– Check Our Website for More Classes –

You can register for all spring classes online! 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 275 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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Events

Broker Support Series

Friday, March 12, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Hands-On Social Media Training
Bring your laptops and netbooks! We've been espousing the benefits of social media at office visits for the last year. But with each visit, we're hearing agents and brokers tell us they're wanting more. Well, this is more.

MAAR is pleased to host this 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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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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3rd Annual Minnesota BUILD GREEN Conference – Friday, March 26

3rd Annual Minnesota BUILD GREEN Conference
Strategies and Leadership for Sustainable Design and New Technology
Date: Friday, March 26, 2010
Location: Golden Valley Country Club
Address: 7001 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Time: 7:30 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast; 8:00 a.m. – noon Program

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTATION AND MORE INFO
$99 Registration, $129 Day of Event
4 HOURS OF REAL ESTATE CE CREDITS HAVE BEEN APPLIED FOR

SPEAKERS
Wade Anderson, Gray Plant Mooty
Paul Dvorak, Egan Company
Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland, City of Apple Valley
Anne Hunt, City of St. Paul
Emily Nicoll, CB Richard Ellis
Peter Klein, St. Paul Port Authority
Ken Potts, McGough Companies
Gayle Prest, City of Minneapolis
Jennifer Stokes, CenterPoint Energy

PROGRAM TOPICS
Green Cities and Sustainable Communities
Green Operation and Maintenance: Improving Existing Building Performance
What is New in Renewable Energy: Costs are Down and Technology is Up
Legal Challenges and Consideration for Building and Retrofitting Green
Developing and Building Green: LEED Certification
LEED for Real Estate Brokers: Leasing Green

To sponsor this event, contact Jeff Johnson, jjohnson@rejournals.com, 952.405.7780 or Jay Kodytek, jkodytek@rejournals.com, 952.405.7781. For registration questions, contact Stephanie Awe, sawe@recg.com, 952.405.7785.

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Real Estate BarCamp Minneapolis / Saint Paul – Tuesday, April 6

Only 40 spots remain among 400 available! | RSVP TODAY!

RE Barcamp MSP is actively looking for sponsors 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. Some of you have expressed a desire for more structure. That's sort of against the grain of an unconference, but we can give you a little bit more definition here, and we can tell you that there will be about 6 concurrent sessions at any given moment, each lasting 45 minutes, creating about 36 unique learning opportunities throughout the day (not to mention the fab networking). We will also have various tracks for different levels of understanding as regards social media, technology and marketing trends in the two-tens. Tracks will be labeled as Newbie, Intermediate, Advanced, Broker, Sponsor, and Grab Bag (because everyone loves a grab bag). Some content will be established ahead of time, and we'll continue to share updates in enotes.

The event is free, you will be fed, and you will certainly learn things within this hive of forward thinkers.

Date: Tuesday, April 6
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Note: Register promptly at 8:30 a.m.; last sessions end at 4:15 p.m.; happy hour from 4:15 to ?
Location: Spill The Wine, 1101 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

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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Minneapolis • St. Paul Home Tour

The Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour, in its 23rd year, is a celebration of city living within the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and shows, through real-life examples, what can be done to remodel and expand existing housing stock. Tour organizers report 13 percent of visitors surveyed last year were looking to buy homes. So, consider holding open houses during the tour near tour locations. See the front page of www.MSPHomeTour.com for a sneak peek.

The Tour offers an exclusive: Be the "highest and best" to arrange your sponsorship of the April 24–25, 2010 tour and be the only real estate company in the tour's promo! Call Margo Ashmore at 612.673.5103 or 612.867.4874 or email her at mfashmore@aol.com this week.

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25, 2009 (rain or shine!)
Times: Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sunday, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More Info: www.MSPHomeTour.com

Source: Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program

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