NCAR Holds Attorney Seminar

The North Carolina Association of REALTORS® hosted its annual Local Association Attorney Seminar for attorneys representing local boards/associations of REALTORS® on November 6th. Approximately 25 local association attorneys and Association Executives attended the seminar. NC REALTORS® General Counsel Will Martin covered legal topics relating to association administration as well as legal developments during the past year that impact associations and their members.

Monica Huckaby, e-PRO
Legal Programs Coordinator
mhuckaby@ncrealtors.org

REALTORS Core Health Insurance

NAR is pleased to announce REALTORS Core Health Insurance...An affordable and guaranteed acceptance limited medical insurance program designed exclusively for REALTORS under 65.

Learn more by clicking on the following link:
https://secure.sas-it.com/realtorcore/launch.aspx?roi

Denise Daly, e-PRO
Membership Records Coordinator/Bookkeeper
ddaly@ncrealtors.org

NAR Leadership Academy Application Process Opens

The National Association of REALTORS Leadership Academy is seeking volunteer leaders for its 2010 program, which aims to foster future national association leaders. Online applications are due March 31, 2010 and can be accessed from www.realtor.org . Applicants are asked to supply references from a state association officer or state association executive, a local association executive, and a local association officer. For more information, contact Bobbie Albrecht, balbrecht@realtors.org or by phone: (312) 329-8275.

Pam Haire, CAE
Director of Leadership Development
phaire@ncrealtors.org

Congress Votes to Extend Homebuyer Tax Credit

Congress took further steps to right the staggering economy by expanding a popular tax credit for homebuyers and extending unemployment checks for the growing legions of people running out of benefits with few job prospects.

The White House said the legislation builds on its efforts to spur job creation and President Barack Obama would sign it into law Friday morning.

The House passed the bill on a 403-12 vote today, a day after the Senate ended a monthlong stalemate with a 98-0 vote. With some 7,000 people exhausting unemployment benefits every day and the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers set to expire at the end of November, there was a sense of urgency in getting it to Obama's desk.

The $24 billion package also contains tax credits aimed at struggling businesses.

For more information, follow the link below.
http://m.wral.com/w/main/story/7604443/

Julie Woodson
Director of Public Affairs
jwoodson@ncrealtors.org

Help Us Set the Record Straight!

In an effort to dispel any mistruths and unsubstantiated facts about the housing market in North Carolina, NC REALTORS®’ November/December issue of 'For the Record,' a bi-monthly one-page document, is now available. Read and pass it along!

http://www.ncrealtors.org/uploads/FortheRecord11-09.pdf

Barbara West, e-PRO
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org

Home Inspector Legislation and Rules

The NC Assn. of REALTORS® crafted and successfully sought the enactment of legislation that will improve home inspection reporting, raise the general liability insurance requirements for inspectors and increase the professionalism and educational standards of the home inspection industry. This legislation passed unanimously and among other things deleted the requirement that an inspector include items that “adversely affect the habitability of the dwelling” on the summary page, as this phrase is highly ambiguous and proved to cause interpretation and enforcement issues. The bill also prevents a home inspector from trying to require that a home be “brought up to Code.”

The Home Inspector Licensure Board, the licensing board for home inspectors, must now change the Board’s rules to bring them into compliance with the requirements of the recently enacted legislation. Cady Thomas, NCAR’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, is closely monitoring and reviewing all proposed rule changes to ensure the intent of the legislation is followed.

Rick A. Zechini
Director of Government Affairs
rzechini@ncrealtors.org

NC REALTORS®: Are You Linked? LinkedIn, That Is.

Are you presently a member of LinkedIn? If so, we want to hear from you! Email Barbara West at bwest@ncrealtors.org and let us know what you think!

Barbara West
Communications Specialist
bwest@ncrealtors.org