Blogs

KAR's Brandon Fenton Appointed to NAR Government Affairs Directors Advisory Group

By Brittany Rhoades posted 4 days ago
We're proud to announce that Brandon Fenton, KAR Public Policy Field Director, has been appointed to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Government Affairs Directors (GAD) Advisory Group. His term, which begins October 4, 2024, and runs through July 31, 2026, was appointed by GAD Advisory Group Chair Lacey Everett. As a member of the GAD Advisory Group, Brandon will help shape and guide the development of educational and professional development programs for GADs across the nation, in partnership with NAR staff. This includes his involvement in the GAD Institute, where he will take on roles such as facilitating sessions, public speaking, and presenting. ...

How Technology Can Help You Win Over More Investor Clients

By Brittany Rhoades posted 4 days ago
From NAR Investors give real estate professionals a chance to grow their business because they make quick, data-driven decisions. However, agents need to provide the right information to help investors evaluate potential returns. Proptech tools, like Privy, make it easier by automating property research, rental comparisons, and market analysis. This technology helps agents find profitable deals faster, build stronger relationships with investors, and stand out in the market. By using proptech, real estate professionals can boost business growth and become trusted advisors. READ MORE

NAR Announces New "Consumer Guide" Series

By Brittany Rhoades posted 4 days ago
From NAR The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has launched a series of consumer resources aimed at helping Realtors® guide home buyers and sellers through recent changes in real estate practices. These resources, available in both English and Spanish, provide clear guidance on topics like written buyer agreements, ethical duties of Realtors®, compensation offers, and resources for veterans. The goal is to make the buying and selling process more transparent and client-focused. So far, the following six guides have been released, with more to come. Why am I being asked to sign a written buyer agreement? Open houses and written agreements ...

Free Webinar! "Mastering Difficult Renters"

By Brittany Rhoades posted 19 days ago
Join Rental Beast for this upcoming Rental Expert Series webinar with Dr. Shenetta Malkia-Sapp, a property management expert with over 20 years of experience, as she shares practical tips and tools for handling difficult residents. Learn how to reduce escalations, support your team, and prevent problems before they arise. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that will help you and your team manage resident issues with confidence and care. Reserve your spot today! Registration Link: https://go.rentalbeast.com/RESOctober2024RegistrationPage.html Date: Wednesday, October 2nd Time: ...

Kansas Housing Market Stats – August 2024

By Brittany Rhoades posted 21 days ago
“Inventories across the state have still not recovered to pre-pandemic levels,” said KAR president Jon Fort with Arc Real Estate in Garden City. “As a result, home prices continue to rise even as sales activity has leveled off.” August 2024 Market Highlights Home sales in Kansas rose fell 4.7% in August 2024 compared to the same period last year. National sales fell with sales falling 4.2% over 2023. Home prices continue to increase across the state. The statewide average sale price in August was $322,024 a 4.5% increase compared to last year. Midwest prices rose 3.8% and US prices rose by 3.1%. Mortgage rates fell slightly. The national average ...

Kyle Niemann Appointed to INK by Governor

By Brittany Rhoades posted 21 days ago
Congratulations to Kansas REALTOR® Kyle Niemann on his appointment to the Information Network of Kansas (INK) Board of Directors by Governor Laura Kelly! INK was established to ensure all Kansans have equal electronic access to state, county, and local public information. It offers a wide range of services to Kansas agencies, including more than half of the executive branch agencies and over 400 local government entities. With over 1,300 eGovernment services, websites, and secure payment processing options, INK strives to improve online interactions for Kansans accessing public information and services. Kyle will serve a three-year term on the INK Board following ...

Jennifer Wright Celebrates 3 Years at KAR

By Brittany Rhoades posted 09-12-2024
KAR would like to recognize Jennifer Wright on an incredible three years as Director of Member Engagement. Balancing events, keeping members engaged, raising six kids, and taking care of goats; Jennifer is practically a superhero! Her energy and personal touches to her work make everything brighter and more fun. Here’s to more years of fantastic events and goat stories! 🎉🐐 ...

Handling Scammers, Squatters and Trespassers

By Brittany Rhoades posted 09-05-2024
From NAR In a competitive real estate market, be on the lookout for scammers posing as property owners with a false listing. Agents should beware of common red flags when they suspect fake documentation and counterfeit deeds. How can agents and brokers help combat against fake real estate listing schemes? Here are some tips: Always rely on government records, such as tax forms, to verify property ownership. Require identity verification before listing the property. Encourage clients to set up a Google alert so they get early warnings if their address gets added to a syndicated real estate website. Have a conversation with the property owner whose ...

KAR Recognizes Brandon Fenton for Two Years of Service

By Brittany Rhoades posted 09-05-2024
KAR would like to recognize Brandon Fenton for two years of service. Though Brandon hails from Missouri, he came to Kansas two years ago to serve KAR as Public Policy Field Director. After serving 6 years in the Marines, Brandon traded in the camo for his suit and represents his Country at the Capitol as part of the KAR Advocacy Team. Let’s all say a big ooh rah for Brandon!

Make Your Online Listings Shine

By Brittany Rhoades posted 09-05-2024
From NAR Homeowners continue to shop for homes online, and many still buy without stepping foot on the property. Here are some key tips to optimize online listings: Make photos a priority. Facilitate virtual walkthroughs. Use a variety of digital tools. Consider narrative style for descriptions. Include financial facts. READ MORE

Top 8 Reasons REALTORS® Call Tech Support

By Brittany Rhoades posted 09-05-2024
From Tech Helpline - a FREE Member Benefit! Every year, Tech Helpline, the number one tech support service for real estate agents known for its helpful and friendly team of experienced analysts, and a FREE KAR member benefit, receives thousands of calls, emails, and chats. Here is a list of the top 8 reasons REALTORS® reach out to Tech Helpline: Zoom Issues Windows Pop-Up Scams Transferring Assistance Email Issues Wi-Fi Connections Recommendations for Tech Devices Software Glitches Organization of Files READ MORE

Market Stats - July 2024

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-29-2024
"Sales were up across most of the state in July," said KAR president Jon Fort with Arc Real Estate in Garden City. "The recent drop in mortgage rates should help keep sales activity strong through the Fall." July 2024 Market Highlights Home sales in Kansas rose by 3.4% in July 2024 compared to the same period last year. National sales fell with sales falling 2.5% over 2023. Home prices continue to increase across the state. The statewide average sale price in June was $324,992 a 4.2% increase compared to last year. Midwest prices rose 4.5% and US prices rose by 4.2%. Mortgage rates fell slightly. The national average commitment rate on 30-year conventional ...

KAR Recognizes Heather Gray for 8 Years of Service

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-29-2024
KAR is happy to recognize Heather Gray for eight years of service. Heather is the mother of two humans and three canines. As Director of IT, Heather is the knower of all things technological. When staff has tech issues, they must first ask themselves, “What would Heather do?” The answer is usually, turn the computer off and back on again. Or sometimes she can simply walk into the room and scare the technology into working. When she’s out of the office, KAR staff glued Heather’s face onto sticks to attempt to persuade the technology to work in the event of her absence.

A Retirement Account Made for REALTORS®

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-28-2024
From NAR As independent contractors, most REALTORS® lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k) or pension plan. The responsibility for your long-term financial well-being rests solely on your shoulders. Fortunately, being a small business owner gives you access to certain financial mechanisms that help you save more money and grow your nest egg. A self-directed IRA is a retirement account that enables you to take complete control of your investments. You can move beyond the preselected investment options that come with traditional 401(k)s and actively select, buy and sell the assets within your SDIRA account. These assets can ...

Survey: Pets Drive Homebuying, Renovation Decisions

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-28-2024
From NAR There are more American households with pets than children, and studies show that home buyers’ furry friends increasingly influence the type of home or remodeling project buyers choose. So, real estate pros need to be tuned in to the needs of their clients’ pets. An entire home design movement, called “barkitecture,” has been inspired by pets. The most common considerations include choosing pet-friendly materials and a design or functionality specific to their pet, such as an animal bed or feeding station. Common projects for remodeling pet-owners include: Scratch-resistant flooring. Landscaping. Custom areas such as outdoor enclosures, ...

Answering Your Clients’ Questions About Compensation

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-22-2024
From NAR A written agreement is a prime opportunity to explain all the services you provide and the value you bring to the transaction. Keep in mind that selling the value of an intangible service, such as what you offer to buyers and sellers, may take extra thought, patience and explanation. Chris Blocker, professor of marketing at Colorado State University, who studies value positioning for industries like real estate, says agents need to communicate their value in three main areas: Outcomes, such as how an agent will help clients sell or acquire a home The process, such as how the agent will clarify the homebuying or homeselling journey ...

Nykia Wright Named Permanent CEO for NAR

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-22-2024
From NAR The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has named Nykia Wright its permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. “I am thrilled Nykia is staying on board to lead us through this time of transformation,” said 2024 NAR President Kevin Sears , broker-associate of Sears Real Estate/Lamacchia Realty in Springfield, Mass. “She has been instrumental in leading us up to this point, and her unwavering commitment to our members makes her the ideal steward for guiding our association through the evolving real estate landscape." READ MORE

Setting Clear Goals for Successful Paid Marketing Campaigns

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-22-2024
From Housing Wire In the complex world of paid marketing, setting clear and measurable goals can be the difference between a thriving campaign and a wasted budget. By defining specific objectives, understanding your audience, choosing the right platforms, setting clear metrics, ensuring compliance, and continuously testing and optimizing, you can maximize the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and achieve your business goals. READ MORE

KAR Recognizes Kevin Schmidt for 10 Years of Service

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-22-2024
KAR would like to recognize Kevin Schmidt for his 10 years of service with KAR! Kevin is a born and raised Topekan, with an Irish heritage and heart. When he’s not busy as the father of five children; he spends his time golfing, organizing Irish Fest, or serving his time as Grill Master. For those that are inevitably interested in obtaining one of the KAR 100 th anniversary ties in this photo, you’re out of luck. There was only one created, and it is reserved for this Master of Finance and Grilling! Though in consolation, you can catch a glimpse of it when you see Kevin at KAR's Annual Conference in October!

6 Items to Consider Before Practice Changes Take Effect

By Brittany Rhoades posted 08-07-2024
From NAR With the Aug. 17 deadline approaching to implement practice changes in our business, t hese are some of the business decisions you may need to think about as the date approaches. Changing Your Compensation Model Countering Objections to a Written Buyer Agreement Mastering the Compensation Conversation Aiming Higher for Referrals Helping First-Time Home Buyers How to Approach Negotiating Compensation READ MORE