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Home Staging Boosts Sale Prices and Reduces Time on Market

By Brittany Rhoades posted 3 days ago
From NAR Home staging continues to prove its value in real estate. According to the National Association of REALTORS®' 2025 Profile of Home Staging, nearly 30% of agents reported that staging increased offers by 1% to 10%, and almost half observed that it reduced time on the market. Key Takeaways: Higher Offers : Staging led to a 1%–10% increase in home value, as reported by 29% of agents. Faster Sales : 49% of agents said staging decreased time on the market. Top Rooms to Stage : Living room (91%), primary bedroom (83%), dining room (69%), and kitchen (68%). Buyer Expectations : 83% of buyer agents noted that staging helped buyers visualize ...
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Protecting the Transaction: REALTORS® Respond to Growing Real Estate Scams

By Brittany Rhoades posted 3 days ago
Scams targeting the real estate industry are becoming more advanced and harder to detect. Denise Humphrey from the Sunflower Association shared real examples of how fraudsters are deceiving buyers, sellers, and even professionals involved in transactions. REALTORS® play a key role in protecting their clients by staying informed and helping educate others about common scam tactics—from fake listings to wire fraud. By working together, the industry can help keep real estate transactions safe. Watch the full story: https://www.wibw.com/2025/05/07/these-are-sophisticated-scams-kansas-realtor-shares-real-stories-recent-scams/?utm_source=taboola&utm_mediu ...
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2025 Kansas Legislative Session Wrap-Up: Advocacy in Action for REALTORS®

By Brittany Rhoades posted 3 days ago
That’s a wrap on the 2025 Kansas legislative session! Throughout the session, KAR remained hard at work—reviewing proposed legislation, shaping public policy, and standing up for REALTORS® and property owners across the state. Our advocacy team monitored hundreds of bills and worked directly with lawmakers to protect private property rights, support housing affordability, and strengthen the real estate industry. From testifying in committees to helping draft REALTOR®-friendly language in key pieces of legislation, KAR was at the table every step of the way. Check out the numbers from this year’s session in the graphic! We’re proud to be your voice at ...
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Consumer Guide: Understanding the Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction

By Brittany Rhoades posted 3 days ago
From NAR Homeowners may reduce their taxable income by deducting interest paid on qualifying home loans. This benefit, outlined in NAR’s Consumer Guide, can lead to significant tax savings. Key Points: Eligibility – Must itemize deductions; applies to mortgages up to $750,000 on a primary or secondary home. Qualifying Loans – Includes loans used to buy, build, or improve a home. Deduction Amount – Based on loan size and interest paid (check Form 1098 from your lender). Knowing how this deduction works can help clients make smarter mortgage and tax decisions. READ MORE
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Celebrate Excellence: Nominate a REALTOR® for a KAR Award

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10 days ago
Every industry has its standouts — let’s make sure ours get the recognition they deserve. Know someone who goes above and beyond? It’s time to recognize them. The Kansas Association of REALTORS® awards honor outstanding REALTORS® who make a difference in their communities and our industry. Nominations are due by July 1 , so don’t wait. View past award winners and submit your nomination here: https://kansasrealtor.com/award-winners/ Take a moment to help us spotlight the individuals who exemplify excellence in real estate.
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Save the Date: Exclusive Rate on May 6! – One Day Only!

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10 days ago
Circle May 6 on your calendar! One day. One price. One chan ce. Registration for the 2025 KAR Annual Conference opens soon — and for one day only , you can sign up for just $199 ! 💥 📍 Wichita Marriott, Wichita, KS 🗓️ October 7–9, 2025 🎟️ $199 early bird rate — May 6 only! Don’t miss your chance to lock in the lowest rate for three days of networking, learning, and leadership with REALTORS® from across Kansas. Conference Details here: https://kansasrealtor.com/events/2025-kar-annual-conference/ Stay tuned for the special rate on May 6! ...
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Consumer Guide: Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership

By Brittany Rhoades posted 10 days ago
From NAR Many prospective homebuyers face obstacles like high prices, rising mortgage rates, and limited inventory. Understanding these challenges is crucial for REALTORS® to assist clients effectively, as outlined in NAR's Consumer Guide to Overcoming Barriers to Homeownership . Key Barriers: Affordability : High home prices and mortgage rates limit affordability. Down Payment : Saving for a down payment is challenging for many buyers. Debt : Existing debts, like student loans, affect mortgage eligibility. Strategies to Assist Clients: Educate on Financing Options : Share info on government-backed loans like FHA and VA. Promote ...
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Kansas Housing Market Stats – March 2025

By Brittany Rhoades posted 11 days ago
“The market has clearly softened through the first three months of the year,” said KAR president Jamie Sauder with Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate in Emporia. “Nevertheless, tight inventories are continuing to put upward pressure on home prices.” March 2025 Market Highlights Home sales in Kansas fell 6.2% in March 2025 compared to the same period last year. National sales fell with sales falling 2.4% over 2024. Home prices continue to increase across the state. The statewide average sale price in March was $320,579 a 7.2% increase compared to last year. Midwest prices rose 3.5% and US prices rose by 2.7%. Mortgage rates increased slightly. The ...
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Why do REALTORS® Contact Tech Support?

By Brittany Rhoades posted 17 days ago
From Tech Helpline - a KAR Member Benefit Tech issues can strike at the worst times—like when you're about to send a contract or access the MLS. Instead of wasting precious time troubleshooting, turn to Tech Helpline, a service designed specifically for real estate professionals. Common Problems Solved: Scanners blocked by antivirus software MLS access issues due to outdated browsers Phones malfunctioning after accidents Tech Helpline's U.S.-based analysts understand the real estate industry's unique challenges. They're known for their friendly, judgment-free support, helping you get back on track quickly. As a KAR member benefit , you can ...
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Consumer Guide: Protect Yourself From Title Fraud

By Brittany Rhoades posted 17 days ago
From NAR Title fraud is a growing concern in real estate, where scammers illegally transfer property ownership without the owner's knowledge. As a REALTOR®, you can play a crucial role in helping clients safeguard their property rights. ​ Warning Signs: Missing property tax bills Receiving mail addressed to someone else at their property Unexpected notices from banks or government agencies ​ If Title Fraud is Suspected: Advise clients to report the issue to their county recorder's office Contact the title insurance provider, if applicable File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Consult a real estate ...
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Focus on the Right Fixes Before Listing

By Brittany Rhoades posted 17 days ago
From NAR When clients ask, “Should I remodel before selling?” —you know the answer isn’t always a clear yes. Here’s a quick rundown to help guide that conversation. Projects That Deliver: Steel front doors – 100% cost recovery and big curb appeal Closet renos – Around 83% return New windows or fiberglass doors – Solid ROI, especially for energy-conscious buyers Basement or attic conversions – Up to 71% return Lower-Return Upgrades: Major kitchen and bath remodels typically only recoup 60% of the cost—smaller updates often go further. Quick Wins: Fresh paint, basic roof repairs, and cosmetic touch-ups help listings show well without ...
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Celebrating a Career of Commitment: Maura Dingman at 24 Years

By Brittany Rhoades posted 18 days ago
Please join us in celebrating Maura Dingman on her 24th anniversary with the Kansas Association of REALTORS®! As our Special Projects Coordinator, Maura plays a key role in supporting member services and keeping our education programs moving forward. Her attention to detail, steady presence, and commitment to the REALTOR® community have made a lasting impact over the years. When she’s not supporting our members, Maura’s pouring just as much heart into the Topeka community—restoring historic homes with her husband Bud. And let’s not forget her furry sidekick, Zeke, who’s never far from her side and brings joy to everyone who meets him! Thank you, Maura, ...
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44 Real Estate Social Media Content Ideas to Boost Engagement

By Brittany Rhoades posted 24 days ago
From RealTrends Struggling to keep your social media fresh? Here are 44 creative content ideas tailored for REALTORS®, helping you connect with your audience and stand out online. ​ Top Content Ideas: New Listings : Combine professional photos with personal walkthrough videos to showcase properties effectively. ​ Success Stories : Share client testimonials and moments of joy to build trust and relatability. ​ Myth Busting : Debunk common real estate misconceptions using real-life examples and clear data. ​ Home Staging Tips : Provide before-and-after visuals to demonstrate the impact of staging. ​ Interactive Posts : Engage your ...
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Top Remodeling Projects That Pay Off

By Brittany Rhoades posted 25 days ago
From NAR A new report highlights which home upgrades bring homeowners the most joy and the best return on investment. This info can be super helpful when advising sellers on smart pre-listing improvements—or helping buyers see a property's potential. Projects with the Highest Joy Scores (10/10): Adding a primary suite Kitchen upgrades New roofing Top ROI Projects: Steel front door (100% return) Closet renovation (83%) Fiberglass front door (80%) Most Recommended by REALTORS®: Full interior paint Fresh paint in one room New roofing Many homeowners are remodeling for comfort, not just resale—but knowing what pays ...
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Consumer Guide: Buying Land and Building a New Home

By Brittany Rhoades posted 25 days ago
From NAR More buyers are considering building from the ground up—but it's not as simple as buying an existing home. As a REALTOR®, you can help guide clients through the complexities with confidence. Key Things to Keep in Mind: Zoning & Permits – Make sure the land is zoned for residential use and that clients know what permits are required. Utilities & Access – Is the land ready for water, electricity, sewer, or internet? These details can impact timelines and budgets. Topography & Soil – Help clients understand how the land’s layout and soil quality affect buildability. Budget Expectations – Building costs go beyond the ...
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Three-Part Buyer Webinar Series

By Brittany Rhoades posted 25 days ago
KAR is excited to share the details of the next Rental Expert Series webinar, a three-part series on navigating the homebuying process with clients. Three-Part Buyer Webinar Series Join us for a three-part webinar series crafted to strengthen your knowledge of the homebuying process and expand your value as a real estate professional. From understanding lending basics to leveraging down payment assistance programs and building a pipeline of qualified buyers, each session is designed to help you better support your clients and grow your business. April 30 – Lending 101 with Florida Real Estate Attorney Racole Jackson May 6 – Down Payment Assistance ...
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Start Renting Smarter Today

By Brittany Rhoades posted 04-10-2025
In today’s fast-paced rental market, staying competitive means embracing technology that simplifies your workflow and delivers results. Online applications are the key to faster, more secure rentals. Rental Beast’s Apply Now is your go-to solution.
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Get Involved: Apply for a KAR Committee!

By Brittany Rhoades posted 04-10-2025
Ready to make a difference in the real estate community? Volunteering on a Kansas Association of REALTORS® (KAR) committee is a great way to grow your skills, connect with peers, and shape the future of real estate in Kansas. Why Volunteer? Build Skills : Improve your leadership and teamwork abilities. Network : Meet other professionals and industry leaders. Make an Impact : Help shape policies and initiatives that benefit the industry. How to Apply Applications are open now! To be considered for 2026 appointments, submit by June 10, 2025 . Check out committee options and submit your application online. ( Apply Here ) For questions, ...
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AI in Real Estate: Balancing Innovation with Caution

By Brittany Rhoades posted 04-10-2025
From Tech Helpline - a FREE Member Benefit! Artificial intelligence is transforming real estate with efficiency and automation—but it comes with risks. Understanding its limitations helps protect your business and clients. Key Considerations: Bias in AI – AI learns from data, which can lead to biased decisions. Privacy Risks – AI tools collect sensitive data, requiring strong security measures. Misinformation – AI-generated content may contain errors—always fact-check. Over-Reliance on Automation – AI streamlines tasks, but human expertise is essential. Use AI responsibly to maintain trust, accuracy, and professionalism. READ ...
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Understanding Deeds and Titles: A Consumer Guide

By Brittany Rhoades posted 04-10-2025
From NAR When buying a home, it's important to understand deeds and titles. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has a helpful guide to make these concepts clearer. Key Points: Deed vs. Title : A deed transfers ownership, while a title shows your legal right to the property. Types of Deeds : Warranty deeds offer the most protection, while quitclaim deeds offer the least. Title Search : Makes sure there are no legal issues, like liens, with the property. Title Insurance : Protects you from future disputes over ownership. Knowing these basics helps ensure a smoother and safer home-buying process. For more details, check out NAR's ...
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