Northern Virginia/REALTORS® Political Action Committee: Making Connections That Work For You
Few professionals are better at building relationships than Realtors®. This is a fact well known to home owners. It is also a trait that equips Realtors® to be effective advocates with elected officials for public policies. This creates a climate conducive to our business that is also beneficial for our communities. (Read more)
President Signs Economic Recovery Bill with Billions for Green Initiatives
Following weeks of negotiations, and in the face of continuing job losses nationwide, President Obama signed into law a $787 billion economic recovery plan designed to put millions of Americans back to work. Emphasizing investment in projects that can be deployed quickly and create jobs, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes billions of dollars that may be used for green building, retrofitting, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including those in federal facilities; states, localities, and tribal areas; schools; and housing. Energy efficiency in existing buildings can generate $160 billion in savings by 2030, according to a report by McKinsey and Co. (Read more)
Economic Indicators Show Ray of Light at the End of the Tunnel
By John McClain, Senior Fellow, George Mason University, Center for Regional Analysis
The greater Washington economy, as well as Northern Virginia, is impacted by national economic conditions, but the presence of the federal government and the region’s underlying economic strengths continue to buffer the region. A new federal administration has taken the reins of government and has launched several parallel efforts to right the economy and the housing market. (Read more)
Dual or Variable Rate Commission:
What Is It & Why Must It Be Disclosed To Cooperating Brokers?
By Sarah Louppe Petcher, Professional Services Manager & Associate General Counsel
Question
A listing agent called me recently to express her frustration about the lack of understanding among her fellow Realtors® regarding the ethical requirements for dual or variable rate commissions. She had listed a property in the Metropolitan Regional Information System (MRIS) and had affirmatively disclosed the existence of a dual or variable rate commission. After receiving multiple purchase offers from cooperating brokers she realized that none of the agents ever called to check the differential.
(Read more)
Is Real Estate Like Riding a Bike - Can You Ever Forget? Practice Makes Perfect
By Anne Gardner, CAE, RCE, Vice President, NVAR Education and Business Specialties
The weather is getting warmer and naturally our thoughts turn to spending time outdoors, hopefully for both work and play. A favorite pastime for enjoying this warmer weather is riding a bike, an activity that tradition tells us, “Once you learn, you can never forget.” After more time than I care to admit, I dusted off my bike to get a little exercise, and realized that, in fact, you can forget. More accurately, it was not the riding that I forgot, but it was controlling the bike that escaped me: how to steer, change gears and brake before pedaling off the curb. (Ouch!)
(Read more)
Reaching Closure with Foreclosures and Short Sales
Understanding the Requirements To Service, Manage, Market These Complex Listings
By Michele Lerner
When David Houghtaling, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Reston, arrives at a newly foreclosed-on property with a “cash for keys” offer, he is careful to arrive in daylight for added safety and to proceed as calmly as possible to explain the situation to the residents. (Read more)
Technology Tools To Help You “Work Green”
Save Paper, Save Power, Save the Environment
By Ainsley S. McDougal, Online Communications Manager
Most people associate the term “being green” with recycling aluminum cans and plastic milk jugs. Beyond that you can actually make a significant contribution to the environment by changing the way you operate your real estate business every day. (Read more)