Blogs

From NAR Here are eight points from NAR Legal Affairs about how to have transparent conversations about compensation. On the Buyer Side: Emphasize your value proposition. Highlight the benefits of a written agreement. Explain the compensation in terms of a written agreement and the fact that compensation is negotiable. Emphasize that you will inform the buyer before showing a property whether there is an offer of cooperative compensation and whether that offer covers the agreed-upon compensation. Educate the consumer that offers of cooperative compensation help make professional representation more accessible and increase fair housing opportunities. ...

From NAR Buying a single-family home for the first time is challenging, but even more so in a time of inventory shortages and affordability issues; help ease anxiety with these useful steps. Consider the financial pieces. Understand the timeline. Prioritize location. Weigh curb appeal. Factor in condition. Consider new construction. READ MORE

From NAR The way global real estate markets interact with technology ecosystems is undergoing dramatic change. Multiple listings services (MLSs) and brokerages across continents are modernizing markets and data systems that were formerly analog and fragmented. READ MORE

The Kansas Association of REALTORS® leadership is excited to announce Maranda DeSanto as its new Chief Executive Officer, beginning June 10, 2024. DeSanto brings nearly 20 years of real estate and association management experience to KAR previously serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Superior Area REALTORS® in Duluth, Minnesota and most recently serving as the Director of Member Experience for the National Speakers Association (NSA). She holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives and the REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE) designation from the National Association ...

From NAR Aim for long-term success rather than short-term profitability by being prepared to communicate your worth—but maintaining an openness to buyer and seller needs. Compensation discussions require a blend of transparency, confidence and adaptability. Here are some key points to keep in mind. Understand your value. Have real-life examples. Explain the value of cooperative compensation. Take lessons from commercial real estate. Play the long game. Know when to walk away. Communicate clearly and often. Consider risk. READ MORE

To say that ransomware is a growing cyber threat is an understatement. Ransomware—cyberattacks in which cybercriminals use malicious software to seize control of computers and network systems, encrypt data, and then demand payment to release control of the data and computer systems—is driven by low prosecution rates and the willingness of many victims under extreme duress to pay ransoms. Here are things REALTORS® can do to make their businesses less vulnerable to attacks and more resilient should they be targeted. To defend against an attack: Allocate an IT security budget. Maintain secure, effective, off-site data backup systems. Update systems, software ...

“Sale prices during the first quarter of the year were up 7.6 percent compared to 2023,” said KAR president Jon Fort with Arc Real Estate in Garden City. “The limited inventory of homes available for sale continues to be an issue as we enter the Spring selling season.” March 2024 Market Highlights Home sales in Kansas fell by 7.0% in March 2024 compared to the same period last year. National sales fell with sales falling 3.7% over 2023. Home prices continue to increase across the state. The statewide average sale price in March was $299,217 a 8.0% increase compared to last year. Midwest prices rose 7.5% and US prices rose by 4.8%. Mortgage rates are ...

From NAR The smart lock landscape in 2024 showcases an array of options tailored to enhance security and convenience in modern homes. The criteria for choosing the best smart lock remains consistent: Multi-platform Connectivity Diverse Access Methods Enhanced Security Features User-Friendly Installation and Management Smart Home Integration READ MORE

“There was just an 1.8 months’ supply of homes available for sale across the state at the end of August,” said KAR president, Marsha McConnell with Plaza Astle Realty in Hutchinson. “This is tightest inventory ever recorded for the State of Kansas.” August 2020 Market Highlights Home sales in Kansas fell by 2.8% in August 2020 compared to the same period last year. National sales rose with sales rising 10.5% over 2019. Home prices continue to gradually increase across the state. The statewide average sale price in August was $248,727 a 11.9% increase compared to last year. Midwest prices rose 10.7% and US prices rose 11.4%. Mortgage rates continue ...

In this week's Buzzworthy news... U.S. Senate passes deal to provide additional funding for Coronavirus (COVID-19) relief programs Two weeks after the applications opened, the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans funds were exhausted. The US Senate has taken action to replenish the funds to offer aid to more businesses. Now is the time to apply for stimulus funding. Action steps to securing stimulus money If you missed the CARES Act Live Event on Monday, you can still reap the benefits of the webinar by watching the recording. Dale Carlton and Chris Bird, with the Residential Real Estate Council, walk through all of ...

Love the weekly E-news? Now you can find the same great content on The Buzz. Can a buyer get an inspection on an "as is" property? Find the answer to this question and more in the January 2020 Legal Hotline summary. Daily habits are the stepping stones to your future. Where is your path heading? Check out these nine Ninja Success Habits from Larry Kendall, author of Ninja Selling and Chairman Emeritus of The Group, Inc. New year, new campaign, but the R still stands for reliable guidance to property ownership. Check out the 2020 That's Who We R campaign video. And just in case you missed it, check out this article about our Capitol Conference ...

Did you miss the 2020 KAR Capitol Conference? Check out this Capitol Conference recap and be in the know about how KAR advocates for you and your business. https://kansasrealtor.com/2020-capitol-conference-recap/