Latest News

New AI CMA Tool Makes Pricing Conversations Easier for REALTORS®

By Brittany Rhoades posted 17 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
From NAR NAR’s Realtors Property Resource RPR Mobile app now includes an AI powered Comparative Market Analysis CMA tool in beta. It is designed to help REALTORS® generate pricing insights directly from their phone. The tool uses artificial intelligence to score and compare comparable properties, suggest pricing strategies, and support clearer and faster conversations with buyers and sellers. REALTORS® remain fully in control. They can select or remove comparable properties based on their local expertise while the AI handles the data analysis. The result is a more efficient pricing process that supports professional judgment rather than replacing it. The ...
0 comments

Sustainability Is Driving Commercial Real Estate Decisions

By Brittany Rhoades posted 17 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
From NAR Commercial real estate clients are placing growing importance on sustainability, with a strong focus on utility costs, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency when choosing properties. These factors are increasingly shaping how buildings are evaluated, marketed, and valued. Many commercial real estate professionals report that highlighting energy efficient features and building performance helps attract clients and can positively impact property value. Green certifications and sustainability focused improvements are also gaining traction as long term cost savings and healthier environments become priorities. Adaptive reuse is another emerging ...
0 comments

Helping Buyers Prepare for Homeownership

By Brittany Rhoades posted 17 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
From NAR NAR’s Consumer Guide on preparing for homeownership walks buyers through the key steps they should take before starting the home search. It covers evaluating future needs such as location and lifestyle, building financial readiness through credit and savings, and understanding the importance of mortgage preapproval. This guide supports clearer expectations, more confident buyers, and smoother transactions by ensuring buyers are prepared before making offers. READ MORE
0 comments

Federal Political Coordinator Vacancy: Apply by December 19

By Brittany Rhoades posted 18 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
Are you passionate about advocacy and strengthening REALTOR® relationships with elected officials? The Kansas Association of REALTORS® is seeking applicants to serve as the Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall. Beginning January 1, 2026, current FPC Steve LaRue will transition to serve as the FPC for 1st Congressional District U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, creating this important leadership opportunity. The FPC plays a vital role in building and maintaining strong connections between REALTORS® and our federal lawmakers, ensuring our industry’s voice is heard on Capitol Hill. KAR Leadership encourages all members who are interested ...
0 comments

A Simple Mortgage & Financing Cheat Sheet for Clients

By Brittany Rhoades posted 28 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

Real Estate Firms Say Affordability and Rising Costs Are the Biggest Headwinds

By Brittany Rhoades posted 28 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

Ditch the Hustle: A 12-Month Road Map for 2026

By Brittany Rhoades posted 28 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

NAR Economists Reveal 2026 Real Estate Market Expectations

By Brittany Rhoades posted 29 days ago
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

The 50-Year Mortgage: Pros, Cons, and Client Guidance

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-20-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

Help Clients Navigate the Contract-to-Closing Journey

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-20-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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
0 comments

KAR Healthcare Member Benefit Program: Open Enrollment Ends December 12

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-20-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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
0 comments

Show Off the KAR Logo: Updated Merchandise Now Available

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-20-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

First-Time Homebuyers Drop to Record Low

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-13-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

A Smart Remodeler Makes Your Listing Shine

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-13-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

Right Track Applications Close in Just 2 Days — Don’t Miss Your Chance!

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-13-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

Building Homes. Building Careers. Building Kansas.

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-06-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

KAR Presents: Jake Thompson!

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-06-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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! ...
0 comments

Develop Your Leadership Skills — Apply Before It’s Too Late

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-06-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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 ...
0 comments

Free Webinar for KAR Members: Unlock the Power of Rental Beast

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11-05-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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
0 comments

Software That Simplifies Property Management

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10-30-2025
Be the first person to recommend this.
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
0 comments