August 29, 2003
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE ISSUES CONTACT US AT 859-344-8400

 

BUSINESS ISSUES

How Do You Handle Multiple Offers? 

In response to this question and due an increase in the number of multiple offer situations REALTORS are finding themselves in,  the NKAR forms committee has developed a guideline sheet that is an excellent reference for REALTORS, Brokers, customers and clients.  Many REALTORS are giving this form to their customers and clients right up front to explain to them what could happen if there is a multiple offer situation.  They have found that this form helps the buyer or seller understand the process and it reduces their frustration and mistrust of the REALTOR when they are in a multiple offer situation. For a copy of this form, send an e-mail to cdobias@nkar.com.  This form will also be posted on our website early next week.

 

MEMBERSHIP 

Membership Directories Now Available

We are pleased to announce that the new membership directories are now available and can be picked up at the Association Office.  A special thank you to our affiliate members who helped make this publication possible.  Through their efforts we were able to produce this publication at no cost to our members.  If you would like to receive a copy of the directory you can e-mail dbrownfield@nkar.com or call Debbie Brownfield at 859-344-8400.  Sorry, but this publication is for members only.  Non-members may purchase the directory for $50. 

 

LEGAL

Attorneys Not Required at Closings                                                                                                                           In a decision that industry groups are calling a victory for consumers, the Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that attorneys do not have to attend real estate closings, during which time payments and titles usually are transferred to  buyer from seller.  The court vacated a 1999 opinion by the Kentucky  Bar Association designating closings handled by non-lawyers as "an unauthorized practice of law." http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/All/D8A4C385C

ETHICS
ARTICLE 9 -- REALTORS, for the protection of all parties, shall assure whenever possible that agreements shall be in writing, and shall be in clear and understandable language expressing the specific terms, conditions , obligations and commitments of the parties.  A copy of each agreement shall be furnished to each party upon their signing or initialing.

We put this article in here because we are hearing more and more complaints with issues whereby counter offers are not put in writing.  This is a very dangerous practice.  Let me ask you, when you are in a counter offer situation and doing everything verbally, and another offer comes in and the seller signs the second offer before there is a written acceptance of the first offer, which offer will stand?  The second offer. 

SPECIAL NOTICE
 Technology Back to school special
 From now until September 8th, you can take advantage of NKAR's technology servicing program at a 10% discount.

At $45 an hour this is an unbeatable price for quality computer repair services. If your machine is severely bogged down, just needs a clean up, or you want to upgrade, call Greg Given to make an appointment  at 859-344-8400.

This service is for home and business use and can be utilized by all members of NKAR including affiliate members.  The true benefit to this service is that Greg understands your business, which is something you can't get from other technology servicing companies. 

BUSINESS ISSUES
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE GOLF OUTING AND KAR CONVENTION!
The Northern Kentucky Association of REALTORS® in conjunction with the Kentucky Association of REALTORS® is proud to announce the 2003 NKAR Golf Outing. These events will kick-off weeklong activities at the KAR Convention being held September 15-18 in Covington Kentucky. Registration forms are available at the NKAR office or by going to www.KAR.com.  If you have any questions or to register by phone, contact KAR at 1-800-264-2185. 

Hole Sponsorships are $150 ($125 for those registered for or sponsoring the Convention). The deadline for golf outing registration is September 1st. note: Affiliates must sponsor to participate.
Golf Outing:
Monday September 15th
Shotgun start at approx. 10:00 AM
Lunch at approx 11:30

Golf should finish approx 4:30 PM
Short reception and awards ceremony to follow
For all non-golfers: There will be a Euchre Tournament ($15 fee including lunch) in the clubhouse.
The deadline for Euchre registration is September 3rd.

MLS ISSUES
SUPRA- JAMMED KEYBOXES-Important FYI!

When putting keys into keyboxes, please don't tie keys together with twist ties, rubber bands, string or other materials. This will jam the box and no one will be able to open the box causing a big headache for you and anyone who tries to show your listing. The keyboxes should be able to hold 2 keys only, and we don’t recommend putting keys with a rubber coating in the electronic keybox.

 

LEGISLATIVE

NAR Secures Stay To Clarify Do-Not-Fax Rule

In response to petitions for stay filed by the National Association of Realtors® and other associations, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took action yesterday in ordering an unprecedented 18-month delay in the implementation of its do-not-fax rule in order to give businesses more time to comply with the rule. The do-not-fax provisions will now take effect on January 1, 2005.

Last month the FCC reversed its long-standing interpretation allowing for an "established business relationship" exception from the pre-existing unsolicited fax rule. The new rule, which was scheduled to take effect August 25, 2003, requires companies to obtain written permission before sending unsolicited faxes even if there is an established business relationship.

NAR and several other groups, including the American Society of Association Executives, National Federation of Independent Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, filed petitions earlier this month requesting the FCC stay the effective date of the new interpretation for one year to clarify how businesses can get written consent and set a realistic timeframe for compliance. The U. S. Small Business Administration also supported the stay.

NAR is supportive of the intended consumer protection and privacy objectives of the FCC's new rule but believes that this new interpretation would interfere with day-to-day business relationships between Realtors and their clients as well as unfairly limit communications between state, local and national associations and their members. NAR continues to work at helping its members comply with the new requirements.

AFFILIATES CORNER

Please welcome our newest Affiliate Member:

 

Stephen Collier

Safeway Mortgage

211 Grand Avenue

Ft. Mitchell, KY  41017

859-341-2400

Topp98@aol.com

 

“USE AN AFFILIATE FIRST!”

for a list of affiliate members click here

Reminder to all Affiliates who have registered for the golf outing:
 please make sure your sponsorship checks are in the mail as soon as possible.
Send your check to:
KAR ATTN: Golf Outing, 161 Prosperous Place, Lexington, KY 40509.

 

EDUCATION

“Let the MLS Be Your Advantage” will be offered on September 4, 2003 from 9 to noon in the computer lab.  Three hours of elective continuing education for Kentucky will be given for this class.  Fee is $25 for members and $50 for non-members.  Call 344-8400 to make your reservation.  Space is limited to 12. 

“Fair Housing” will be offered on September 5, 2003 from 1-4 p.m. at the NKAR office.  Three hours of law continuing education for Kentucky and three hours of civil rights credit for Ohio will be given for this class.  Fee is $25 for members and $50 for non-members.  Call 344-8400 to make your reservation. 

Do you need to take the Kentucky Core Course?  If your birth month is January, February or March you will need to take the Kentucky Core Course by the end of December.  The next course offered at the NKAR office will be on September 12th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  There are about 10 seats still available.  Call 344-8400 to make your reservation.