Blogs

Can Technology Take the Headache Out of HOA Transactions?

By Brittany Rhoades posted 2 days ago
From NAR Homeowners associations can add another layer of complexity to a real estate transaction. Missing documents, unclear rules, unexpected fees, and last minute surprises can create frustration for REALTORS®, buyers, and sellers. New technology is looking to make that process easier. Association Online, a proptech company selected for NAR's 2026 REACH program, is working to give REALTORS® access to reliable HOA information earlier in the transaction. The goal is to help identify potential issues sooner, set better expectations, and reduce surprises that could delay a closing. The article also highlights why accurate information matters. Every HOA ...

KREC Public Portal Scheduled for Temporary Downtime

By Brittany Rhoades posted 2 days ago
The Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) has announced scheduled maintenance for its Public Portal (ACA). The portal will be unavailable beginning Friday, August 14, at 5:00 p.m. through Monday, August 17, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time. During the downtime, users will not be able to log in, create an account, or submit records through the Public Portal. Educators will also be unable to upload course completion credit and should save their files to upload once the system is back online on Monday. KREC has confirmed that course completion credits delayed because of the scheduled downtime will not be considered late submissions or violations. However, educators ...

July 2026 Kansas Housing Market Stats: Sales and Inventory Rise

By Brittany Rhoades posted 2 days ago
Kansas home sales continued to move in a positive direction in July, with 3,727 homes sold across the state. That is a 2.2 percent increase compared to July 2025, while total sales volume climbed 4.3 percent to more than $1.36 billion. Home prices also continued to rise. The median sale price reached $304,500, up 3.2 percent from a year ago. Homes that sold in July were typically on the market for just 10 days and sold for 100 percent of their list price. Buyers are also seeing more options. Active listings increased 8.4 percent from last July to 8,232 homes, bringing statewide inventory to 2.6 months of supply. While that is an improvement, inventory remains ...

REALTORS® Invited to Garden City Fundraiser

By Brittany Rhoades posted 2 days ago
The Kansas High Plains Association of REALTORS® invites all REALTORS® to Garden City for an RPAC/REALTOR® Relief Fundraiser on Tuesday, August 18. The evening begins with happy hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:15 p.m. and will include a silent auction, games, leadership presentations and a guest speaker. REALTOR® Relief funds raised during the event will be donated in the name of Sandy Keller . The event will be held at the Jon Forts Shop, 5975 Koehn Ave. in Garden City . REALTORS® from across Kansas are encouraged to attend, connect with colleagues and support the REALTOR® community. See Flyer

Stay Alert: How to Spot AI Real Estate Scams

By Brittany Rhoades posted 9 days ago
From NAR As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, scammers are finding new ways to use it to target consumers and real estate professionals. Deepfakes, AI generated voices, fake documents, and convincing emails can make fraudulent activity more difficult to detect. In real estate, these scams may involve impersonating clients, lenders, title companies, or even fellow REALTORS® to trick people into sharing sensitive information or wiring funds. Taking a few extra moments to verify identities and confirm instructions can help prevent costly mistakes. For REALTORS®, awareness is one of the best defenses. Verify unexpected requests by calling a trusted ...

How Taxes Can Influence Housing Markets

By Brittany Rhoades posted 9 days ago
From NAR As more communities consider or implement mansion taxes, new housing data is offering insight into how these policies may affect local real estate markets. While the goal is often to generate revenue from high value home sales, the impact can extend beyond luxury properties. NAR economists found that changes in tax policy can influence when buyers and sellers choose to enter the market, sometimes leading to a surge in transactions before a tax takes effect and slower activity afterward. These shifts can create short term fluctuations in sales and inventory. For REALTORS®, understanding how policy changes influence consumer behavior is just as ...

Earn Your AHWD Certification and 6 Hours of Free CE

By Brittany Rhoades posted 9 days ago
Take your business to the next level while expanding your knowledge of today's diverse real estate market. The Lawrence Board of REALTORS® is offering a free At Home With Diversity® (AHWD) Certification course for Kansas REALTOR® members on Wednesday, September 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Led by REALTOR® Traci Terrell, this course provides practical strategies for working effectively with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds while strengthening your understanding of fair housing principles and inclusive business practices. Participants will also earn 6 hours of Kansas elective continuing education credit . Whether you're looking to grow ...

Turn Rental Leads Into Future Buyers – Free Webinar August 19

By Brittany Rhoades posted 9 days ago
Renters are more than just short term clients. They can become your next homebuyers with the right strategy. Join Kansas REALTORS® member benefit partner Rental Beast for an upcoming webinar on Wednesday, August 19 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time to learn how to turn rental activity into long term business growth. The webinar will cover how to capture and manage rental leads, access rental inventory beyond the MLS, streamline the leasing process, and build a pipeline of future buyers. You'll also learn how Rental Beast Pro can help you stay connected with renters so you're the first REALTOR® they call when they're ready to purchase a home. Whether you're looking ...

Kansas REALTORS® Invests in the Future of Housing Through 2026 Trade School Scholarships

By Brittany Rhoades posted 16 days ago
Kansas REALTORS® is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Trade School Scholarship , an initiative designed to strengthen Kansas' housing industry by investing in the skilled trades workforce. A strong housing market depends on more than buying and selling homes. Electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, carpenters, and other skilled professionals are essential to building new homes, maintaining existing properties, and ensuring Kansas families have safe, quality places to live. Through this scholarship program, Kansas REALTORS® is helping encourage the next generation to pursue these in-demand careers. This year, Kansas REALTORS® awarded scholarships ...

Webinar: Plant the Seed. Work the Lead.

By Brittany Rhoades posted 16 days ago
Generating new leads is only the first step. The real success comes from staying connected and building relationships over time. In this month's Domii Sales Series webinar, you'll learn practical strategies to nurture your pipeline, stay top of mind with prospects, and turn today's conversations into tomorrow's clients. The webinar will cover how to identify opportunities worth pursuing, create a consistent follow up routine, use Domii's tools to uncover valuable insights, and build meaningful connections without feeling overly sales focused. Join the webinar on Thursday, August 20, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time to discover simple, actionable techniques that ...

AI Is Reshaping Real Estate. Are You Ready?

By Brittany Rhoades posted 16 days ago
From NAR Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword. It's becoming part of the everyday business of real estate. From smarter document review and marketing automation to lead management and workflow improvements, AI is helping real estate professionals spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time serving clients. As AI tools continue to evolve, the focus is shifting from simply experimenting with new technology to integrating it into daily business operations. At the same time, REALTORS® should remain aware of the challenges AI brings, including data privacy, cybersecurity, misinformation, and the importance of maintaining human oversight ...

Q2 Kansas Housing Update with Dr. Stan Longhofer

By Brittany Rhoades posted 16 days ago
Kansas' housing market continued to gain momentum during the second quarter of 2026, with home sales increasing 5.8 percent compared to the same time last year. Buyers are adjusting to today's mortgage rate environment, making this the strongest first half of the year the state has seen since 2022. According to the latest Kansas Housing Report by Kansas REALTORS® Consulting Economist Dr. Stan Longhofer, mortgage rates have stabilized around 6.5 percent, while housing inventory remains limited at just 2.5 months of supply. Well priced homes continue to move quickly, with nearly half of all homes sold during the second quarter going under contract in less than ...

Turn Small Market Interest into Big Opportunities

By Brittany Rhoades posted 19 days ago
From NAR More buyers are looking beyond major metropolitan areas in search of affordability, flexibility, and a higher quality of life. For brokers, this trend presents an opportunity to position your brokerage as the go-to resource for buyers exploring smaller communities. This NAR Broker News article shares strategies for helping your agents capitalize on the growing interest in smaller markets—from highlighting local amenities and lifestyle benefits to refining your brokerage's marketing and recruiting efforts. It's a timely read for brokers looking to stay ahead of changing buyer preferences and expand their reach. READ MORE

Gain a Competitive Edge with NAR's Local Market Assessments

By Brittany Rhoades posted 19 days ago
Understanding your local market is one of the best ways to build credibility with clients and identify new business opportunities. NAR's Local Market Assessments provide a deeper look at the economic and demographic trends shaping real estate across the country; including Kansas and the Region IX market . For agents, these reports offer valuable talking points to help educate buyers and sellers, demonstrate local expertise, and stay informed on the factors influencing housing demand. For brokers, they provide market intelligence that can support recruiting, business planning, office strategy, and agent training. Whether you're preparing for ...

5 Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade a Home’s Curb Appeal

By Brittany Rhoades posted 23 days ago
From NAR First impressions matter, and when it comes to selling a home, curb appeal can make all the difference. The good news is that creating an inviting exterior doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Small, affordable updates can help a property stand out before buyers even step inside. Simple improvements like adding fresh mulch, planting colorful flowers, updating the front door with a fresh coat of paint, replacing worn house numbers, or giving walkways and siding a good cleaning can instantly refresh a home's appearance. These inexpensive projects often deliver a strong return by making a home look well cared for and move in ready. For REALTORS®, ...

Using Retirement Savings to Buy a First Home

By Brittany Rhoades posted 23 days ago
From NAR Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles facing first time homebuyers, and many are surprised to learn that retirement accounts may offer options to help bridge the gap. Depending on the type of account and individual circumstances, some buyers may be able to access retirement savings for a first home purchase, though it is important to understand the tax implications, penalties, and long term financial impact before making that decision. While tapping into retirement funds can make homeownership more attainable, it is not the right solution for everyone. Buyers should carefully weigh the benefits against the potential effect on their ...

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun Predicts Brighter Days Ahead For Housing Market

By Brittany Rhoades posted 23 days ago
From NAR There may be good news on the horizon for the real estate market. According to NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, home sales are expected to improve during the second half of 2026 as housing inventory continues to grow and buyers gain more options. Existing home sales are forecast to increase this year, while home prices are expected to continue their steady climb. Yun also noted that homeowners are expected to build significant equity, reinforcing the long term value of homeownership. While mortgage rates and affordability remain challenges, expanding inventory and a stable economy could create more opportunities for both buyers and sellers in the ...

New Housing Law Marks a Win for Real Estate

By Brittany Rhoades posted 23 days ago
From NAR After nearly two years of advocacy efforts, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act has officially become law, marking an important step toward addressing housing challenges across the country. The legislation is designed to encourage more housing development by reducing barriers to construction, modernizing outdated regulations, and supporting efforts to increase the nation's housing supply. Expanding available housing is a key part of improving affordability and creating more opportunities for buyers. NAR applauded the bipartisan effort behind the legislation, emphasizing the importance of policies that make it easier to build homes and strengthen ...

From Coffee Shops to Parks: What Buyers Really Want

By Brittany Rhoades posted 30 days ago
From NAR When homebuyers picture their dream home, they're often imagining more than what's inside the front door. A new NAR survey found that neighborhood walkability continues to be a top priority, with many buyers looking for easy access to restaurants, parks, shopping, schools, and other everyday destinations. A walkable neighborhood offers convenience, but it also creates a lifestyle. Being able to grab a coffee, take an evening stroll, visit a local park, or run errands without a long drive is becoming increasingly important for buyers of all ages. For REALTORS®, this is a great reminder that the neighborhood can be just as important as the home ...

Kansas Housing Market Shows Continued Stability in June

By Brittany Rhoades posted 30 days ago
Kansas' housing market continues to demonstrate resilience, with the latest June 2026 data showing encouraging signs for both buyers and sellers. While affordability and mortgage rates remain top of mind, the market is finding a healthier balance as inventory continues to improve across the state. More homes on the market are giving buyers additional options, while stable home prices continue to reinforce the long term value of homeownership in Kansas. These conditions are creating opportunities for buyers who may have struggled with limited inventory in recent years while still supporting a strong market for sellers. For REALTORS®, staying informed on ...