Latest News

Latest News

A Simple Mortgage & Financing Cheat Sheet for Clients

By Brittany Rhoades posted 7 days ago
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From NAR NAR’s Consumer Guide: Mortgages and Financing explains the basics buyers need to understand before choosing a loan, and it’s a great handout to reinforce your advice. It covers what a mortgage is and what impacts loan options (credit, income, debts, employment history, down payment, interest rates, and lender guidelines). It also breaks down common loan types, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) , and explains how down payments work (including that higher down payments often mean lower monthly payments and that assistance programs may be available). The guide also compares conventional vs. government-backed loans ...
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Real Estate Firms Say Affordability and Rising Costs Are the Biggest Headwinds

By Brittany Rhoades posted 7 days ago
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From NAR A new NAR report shows real estate firms are being squeezed by two major challenges: housing affordability for consumers and rising costs of doing business . In the report, 56% of firms said affordability is their top concern, followed by industry costs (36%) and local economic conditions (35%) . Even with those pressures, some firms are feeling more optimistic. 38% expect profitability to increase in 2025 , up from 30% in 2023 . For REALTORS®, the message is clear: be prepared to guide clients through tougher affordability conversations while also running a tighter, more efficient business as operating costs continue to climb. READ ...
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Ditch the Hustle: A 12-Month Road Map for 2026

By Brittany Rhoades posted 7 days ago
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From NAR This article argues that most real estate pros don’t fall short because they lack ambition. They fall short because urgent daily work crushes long-term goals. The solution: a 12-month strategic roadmap built around structure, data, and technology , so growth becomes repeatable instead of reactive. It focuses on three drivers of sustainable growth: Systems (documented processes and automation), Leverage (support help + integrated tools to reclaim time), and Intelligence (tracking key metrics with dashboards so you can optimize what’s working). It also maps the year into quarterly themes to keep momentum: build the foundation, grow, add ...
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NAR Economists Reveal 2026 Real Estate Market Expectations

By Brittany Rhoades posted 8 days ago
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Join NAR’s top economists — Dr. Lawrence Yun, Dr. Jessica Lautz, and Nadia Evangelou — for the Real Estate Forecast Summit: The Year Ahead on Dec. 9 from 2:30–4 p.m. CT. This free, 90-minute virtual event will break down the latest economic data and what it means for the 2026 real estate market. What to expect: • Residential market outlook — a look back at 2025 and projections for 2026 • Demographic shifts — how evolving buyer and seller trends are shaping demand • Regional perspectives — deep dives into key U.S. markets and what to watch Get the strategic insights you need to plan for the year ahead. Reserve your spot today ...
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The 50-Year Mortgage: Pros, Cons, and Client Guidance

By Brittany Rhoades posted 19 days ago
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From NAR The idea of a 50-year mortgage is gaining attention as a way to make homeownership more accessible by lowering monthly payments through a longer loan term. While it can help certain buyers qualify more easily, it comes with significant long-term trade-offs. Key Opportunities: Extending the term from 30 to 50 years can moderately lower monthly payments and help more buyers enter the market. It may be especially appealing to younger buyers or those struggling to afford high-cost markets. Important Trade-Offs: Homeowners pay far more interest over the life of the loan compared to a standard 30-year mortgage. Equity builds much more ...
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Help Clients Navigate the Contract-to-Closing Journey

By Brittany Rhoades posted 19 days ago
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From NAR NAR’s Consumer Guide outlines the key steps buyers must complete after signing a purchase agreement—and your support during this period can make all the difference. Core Steps Covered in the Guide: Escrow and earnest money are secured. Loan approval, appraisal, and title work move forward. Inspections and insurance help protect the buyer. Closing day finalizes paperwork, payments, and key transfer. By sharing and explaining NAR’s guidance, REALTORS® can give clients a clear roadmap, reduce surprises, and ensure a smoother transition from contract to closing. READ MORE
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KAR Healthcare Member Benefit Program: Open Enrollment Ends December 12

By Brittany Rhoades posted 19 days ago
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The Kansas REALTORS® Healthcare Member Benefit Program gives REALTORS® access to high-quality, affordable health-care options designed specifically for independent professionals. Members can take advantage of nationwide PPO access, competitive rates, and flexible coverage choices that support their personal and family health needs. This program helps REALTORS® gain stability and peace of mind—something especially valuable in an industry where traditional employer benefits aren’t always available. Open enrollment ends December 12 , so members are encouraged to explore their options now and secure coverage for the coming year. READ MORE
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Show Off the KAR Logo: Updated Merchandise Now Available

By Brittany Rhoades posted 19 days ago
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It’s a great time to show your REALTOR® pride by sharing and wearing the Kansas REALTORS® logo. Reliant has updated the KAR-branded merchandise in the online webstore, making it easy for members to browse and order items that feature our official logo. From apparel to everyday accessories, the store offers a variety of ways to represent the association and help keep our branding strong and consistent across the state. Ordering is simple: · Pick up your order for free downstairs in Townsite Tower in Topeka at Reliant, or · Choose affordable shipping to have items delivered right to your door. Check out the refreshed merchandise ...
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First-Time Homebuyers Drop to Record Low

By Brittany Rhoades posted 26 days ago
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From NAR New NAR data shows first-time homebuyers now make up just 21% of all buyers , the lowest share ever recorded. Their median age has risen to 40 , reflecting how high prices, elevated interest rates, and a lack of affordable inventory are pushing homeownership further out of reach. Many first-time buyers are also facing higher down payments and longer savings timelines, adding to the challenge. Meanwhile, repeat buyers—often armed with strong equity and cash—are continuing to drive much of today’s market activity. For REALTORS®, this shift means first-time buyers need more education, support, and strategy than ever, while outreach to move-up buyers ...
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A Smart Remodeler Makes Your Listing Shine

By Brittany Rhoades posted 26 days ago
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From NAR When clients decide to remodel, they turn to you for leadership—and this guide equips you to be that trusted advisor. Key takeaways: Encourage clients to secure three written estimates , compare scope and materials, and avoid choosing solely by lowest cost. Stress the importance of checking licenses, insurance, permits , and verifying references—especially when subcontractors are involved. Highlight the need for a detailed written contract that spells out timelines, payment schedules, materials, change-order processes, and cleanup. Remind clients to monitor the process , keep thorough records, take final walk-throughs, and don’t make ...
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Right Track Applications Close in Just 2 Days — Don’t Miss Your Chance!

By Brittany Rhoades posted 26 days ago
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There are only two days left to apply for the 2026 Right Track Leadership Academy , and we don’t want you to miss this opportunity. The program is designed to help emerging REALTOR® leaders strengthen their skills, build valuable industry relationships, and gain the confidence to make an impact at the local, state, and national levels. If you’ve been thinking about applying, now is the time. The deadline is quickly approaching, and spots are limited. Submit your application by November 15, 2025 , to be considered for the upcoming class. Take the next step in your leadership journey— apply today! https://kansasrealtor.com/the-right-track-leadershi ...
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Building Homes. Building Careers. Building Kansas.

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-06-2025
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Kansas needs more homes — and more skilled workers to build them. That’s why the Kansas Association of REALTORS® created the Trade School Scholarship Program , helping invest in the next generation of builders, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals who keep our communities growing. Through this program, KAR is awarding $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing high-demand fields like carpentry, construction management, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing . By supporting skilled trades education, REALTORS® are helping expand housing opportunities and strengthen communities across the state. The deadline to apply is quickly approaching — November ...
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KAR Presents: Jake Thompson!

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-06-2025
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Get ready for an inspiring morning with leadership coach & Chief Encouragement Officer of Compete Every Day — Jake Thompson ! 💪 Join us in Topeka on Tuesday, December 9 from 9–10:30 AM as Jake shares his powerful C.O.M.P.E.T.E. framework for building grit, productive habits, and lasting impact. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a world-class speaker featured in Forbes and Inc. Magazine ! Sign Up Today! ...
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Develop Your Leadership Skills — Apply Before It’s Too Late

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-06-2025
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Time is running out! Take your career to the next level by developing leadership skills, building connections, and gaining insider knowledge to make an impact in your community and the real estate industry. Through the Right Track Leadership Academy , you’ll gain: Practical strategies to lead with confidence Tools to grow your business and expand your influence Skills to communicate and present effectively Insights into leadership at the local, state, and national levels Techniques to manage conflict and energize your team Confidence in handling media and public meetings This program includes five sessions (1–2 days each) and is open ...
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Free Webinar for KAR Members: Unlock the Power of Rental Beast

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-05-2025
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As a Kansas REALTORS® member, you get free access to Rental Beast — your all-in-one platform for rental listings, leads, and client growth. Join our live webinar on November 19, December 3, or December 11 to discover how top agents are using the renter-to-buyer strategy to stay busy, profitable, and top-of-mind through every market season. Learn how Rental Beast can help you: Access exclusive rental listings Capture and qualify more leads Build long-term relationships that turn renters into buyers Register now: https://go.rentalbeast.com/WBN-2025RBPro.html
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Software That Simplifies Property Management

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10-30-2025
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From NAR Managing properties or advising clients who own rentals goes far beyond showing houses. Advanced property-management software is streamlining everything—from rent collection and lease signing to tenant screening, maintenance tracking and financial reporting. These platforms help landlords work leaner, protect investments, and deliver better tenant experiences. Knowing the right systems means you can guide investor-clients, bridge listing and management needs, and position yourself as a tech-savvy advisor in today’s rental-/investment-market crossover. READ MORE
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Homebuyers Interest in Energy Efficiency Is Increasing

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10-30-2025
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From NAR More homebuyers today are making energy efficiency a top priority , and it’s not just about saving money on utility bills. According to recent data from the National Association of REALTORS®, buyers are viewing efficient homes as more comfortable, higher-quality, and better long-term investments . Features like Energy Star-rated appliances, high-performance windows, smart thermostats, and solar panels are increasingly influencing decisions. Buyers also see value in home energy audits and clear disclosures on energy costs. For REALTORS®, this growing demand means adapting how you market and present listings. Highlighting a home’s efficiency ...
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Kansas REALTORS® Serving at the National Level

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10-30-2025
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We’re proud to recognize these outstanding Kansas REALTORS® who have been appointed to serve on National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) committees for the upcoming year. Your leadership and dedication help strengthen our profession and ensure that the voice of Kansas REALTORS® is heard at the national level.
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Robots Are Reshaping Real Estate

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10-23-2025
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From NAR Robots are moving from factory floors to construction sites—and even into property tours. From automated bricklayers and drone inspectors to AI-driven maintenance bots, these innovations are changing how homes are built, marketed, and managed . For REALTORS®, this transformation means faster build times, smarter property insights, and new ways to wow clients with tech-savvy listings. Understanding how robotics fits into the real estate ecosystem isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead. The future is being built right now—sometimes, quite literally, by robots. READ MORE
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Hometown Learning Offers REALTORS® a Full Day of Education

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10-23-2025
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Join us November 6, 2025 , at the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City for Hometown Learning with instructor Vern Jarboe . Complete up to 12 hours of CE credit in one focused day of professional development and networking. Schedule: 9–11 AM: Kansas Required Core (4 hrs CE) 11 AM–1 PM: Fair Housing (4 hrs CE, NAR Mandate) 2–4 PM: License Law & Code of Ethics (4 hrs CE, NAR Mandate) Lunch sponsored by the Kansas High Plains Association of REALTORS®. Register by November 4, 2025. Don’t see a session near you? The Hometown Learning program brings CE opportunities directly to communities across Kansas. If your area would ...
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