Archive

Archive for the ‘Resources’ Category

Real Estate Provisions in “Fiscal Cliff” Bill

January 2nd, 2013
2 comments

NAR Issue Brief
Real Estate Provisions in “Fiscal Cliff” Bill

On January 1, 2013 the Senate and House passed H.R. 8, legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff,” the bill will be signed by President Barack Obama on January 2, 2013.  Below are a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill.

Real Estate Tax Extenders

  • Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to January 1, 2014
  • Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
  • Leasehold Improvements: the 15 year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.
  • Energy Efficiency Tax Credit: the 10% tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.

Return of the “Pease” limitations on itemized deductions for high income filers.

Under the agreement so called “Pease Limitations” that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be reinstituted for high income filers.

“Pease” limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning above $300,000. The thresholds are indexed for inflation so will rise over time.

Under the formula, filers gradually lose the value of their total itemized deductions up to a total of a 20% reduction.

First enacted in 1990, and named for the Ohio Congressman Don Pease who came up with the idea, the limitations continued throughout the Clinton years. The limitations were gradually phased out starting in 2003 and were completely eliminated in 2010-2012. NAR has never had an official position on Pease limitations. The reinstitution of these limits has far less impact on the mortgage interest deduction than a hard dollar deduction cap, percentage deduction cap, or reduction of the amount of MID that can be claimed.

Capital Gains

Capital Gains rate stays at 15% for those the top rate of $400,000 individual and $450,000 joint return. After that, any gains above those amounts will be taxed at 20%. The 250/500k exclusion for sale of principle residence remains in place.
Estate Tax

The first $5 million dollars in individual estates and $10 million for family estates are now exempted from the estate tax. After that the rate will be 40 percent, up from 35 percent. The exemption amounts are indexed for inflation.

Education, Marketing Tips, Resources

Real Estate – the process explained

December 4th, 2012
No comments

Real Estate – the process explained

If you’ve landed here from an article, through a recommendation or by a random stroke of luck, you’re probably wondering what dotloop is all about.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to draw it out for you.

You see, dotloop is a unique solution with a unique proposition. More than just aiding in the process, we’re fundamentally changing the way real estate transactions take place.

“So, you’re a transaction management system?”

Not exactly.

“An e-Signature solution?”

Not quite.

dotloop eliminates the paperwork in real estate transactions, provides a streamlined process and allows agents to spend more time better serving their clients. But it’s more than just a place to keep your transactions organized.

It’s a place to keep the documents, see the process in action and do the work.

It’s a place to fundamentally change the way you get a deal done. So no more bouncing around from system to system, no more leaving clients stranded in the process.

Just real estate, plain and simple.

At dotloop, we know that real estate technology doesn’t have to be segmented, broken and inefficient.

Watch the video above for a walk-through of the dotloop difference.

Published on December 4, 2012

Education, Marketing Tips, Resources, Tech Tips, Technology

Congress passes 5-year national flood insurance program extension

June 30th, 2012
1 comment

On June 29, 2012, both the Senate and House passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 as a part of H.R. 4348, the Surface Transportation Conference Report.  The President will sign the measure in a few days.  This is the culmination of a successful multi-year REALTOR campaign and a final push at NAR’s Midyear Legislative Rally and Meetings in May 2012.  Congress had been extending the National Flood Insurance Program a few months at a time since 2008.  Twice this led to shut downs, including one that stalled more than 40,000 home sales in June 2010 alone.  Passage of this 5-year reauthorization will bring certainty to real estate transactions in more than 21,000 communities nationwide where flood insurance is required for a mortgage.  The bill ensures the program will continue long-term for more than 5.6 million business- and homeowners who rely on it, achieves one of NAR’s top priorities for the year, and means taxpayers will spend less on federal assistance for flood disasters over the long run.  NAR will continue to monitor the legislation as it is implemented.

Education, Resources

QR Codes ~ How to make your own

December 8th, 2010
No comments

QR Codes ~ How to make your own

I keep getting asked about how to make a QR Code so I thought I’d record this screen cast  showing how to make one. It’s really easy to do, so sit down turn your volume up on your computer (so you can hear me talk) and take some notes!  Oh, and please don’t laugh at me…as this was my very first attempt at screen casting!

If you need a QR code scanner or reader for your smart phone, just go to your app center and search for Bar Code scanners or key in  Zxing and you’ll find the one we use.

This is what a finished QR code can look like. This one has all my contact info but you can create one for just about anything. A listing, an open house…let your imagination fly!

Education, Resources, Technology , , , ,

Loss Mitigation Certification course June 23

June 4th, 2010
No comments

To see and hear more about the benefits of NHAR’s
Loss Mitigation Certification course, click the image above.
June 4, 2010

Know your clients’ options: Loss Mitigation Certification

When: June 23, 2010, 8:30-9 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. class
Where: NHAR office, 115 Airport Road, Concord
Instructor: Linda Kody

NHAR will host a one-day course, approved for three CE credits, that will provide information and guidance on the complicated transactions involving foreclosures, short sales, properties at auction or banked owned, and give attendees useful ways to protect their commissions while assisting buyers, sellers and mortgage companies through the process.  The program will also address the human element of these transactions, as consumers potentially face losing their homes.

The course is now $99, discounted from the normal rate of $295 thanks to a grant from the National Association of REALTORS®.

In addition to the Continuing Education credits, participants will earn their official certification, allowing them to use the LMC logo, gain admission to the exclusive LMC LinkedIn networking group and receive a 55-page manual and library of resource materials.

To register online, click here.  To register by fax, click here.

Note:  There will be no refunds after June 14 .

This designation program is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Education, Resources , ,

REPS anew: half now, half later

May 21st, 2010
1 comment

Convenience and cost: REPS courses now offered individually

Wiith an eye toward providing more flexibility to REALTORS®  in terms of both scheduling and cost, the Real Estate Professional Series (REPS), which includes Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI)  modules 101 and 102, may now be taken as two individual courses, rather than as a single, four-day class.

Previously, it was required that REPS 101/102 be taken as part of the same unit, with four particular days required in order to earn the first two modules (GRI 101-102) of the GRI designation. Now, students may break the unit up and take each seperately.

The REPS program is an investment in a strong educational foundation for real estate professionals, offering a comprehensive base for new and seasoned agents alike.

REPS 101, which provides GRI 101 credit toward the GRI designation, offers training in: income chain; business development; marketing tools; creating a partnership with the seller; technology in managing transactions. Students can choose between June 1-2 with Roger Turcotte or Sept. 23-24 with Anita Hill. To register online, click here. To register by fax, click here.

REPS 102, which provides GRI 102 credit toward the GRI designation, provides training in: creating a partnership with the buyer ; negotiating the transaction; and success planning and profitability. Students have the option of taking the course June 16-17 with Roger Turcotte or Oct. 6-7 with Anita Hill. To register online, click here. To register by fax, click here.

Education, Resources , , ,

REALTORS are talking… all about NHAR REPS

March 9th, 2010
No comments

REALTORS are talking… all about NHAR REPS

Curious as to why some REALTORS are successful even in a down market?  Curious about all the buzz about NHAR REPS?

Are you a new Agent?  Experienced Agent?   An Agent who wants to take advantage of all the tools available?

Do you know what your fellow REALTORS are doing and how they are taking advantage of the “NHAR Advantage” and the New Hampshire Real Estate Professional Series!

REALTORS are talking… all about NHAR REPS and so are Gail Athas, Marsha Foden and George Skilogianis!

REALTORS are talking! Now you can listen to Gail, Marsha and George in their own words!


Did you know that NH REPS qualifies you to test out for GRI 101 and 102?

Are you ready to sign up and take your career to the next level? It’s as easy as following this link to >>>  NHAR.org

Education, Resources , , , , , , ,

How to get a Gravatar

March 2nd, 2010
No comments

Creating your own Gravatar

Many people ask how to get a gravatar, that little picture of you that shows when you comment on Blogs.

I’ve included a link that will take you to a site to create your own gravatar.  All you need to do is enter your e-mail address and a link will be sent to you. Follow the link and create a password then upload an image you’d like to use. While some people may use images of pets or signs, it is recommended that you actually use a picture of yourself.

Creating your own personal gravatar can be fun and it can also be changed when ever you want to. I change mine during a holiday or seasonally.  You may have to reduce the size of the image if you use one that is too big.

http://en.gravatar.com/site/signup

Cool Photo Editing at Picnik

A neat place to check out for easy and free photo editing is Picnik.com so if you need help it’s an easy place to learn some cool photo techniques.

Enjoy creating your own gravatar and we hope to see you commenting on the Blog!

Education, Resources ,

2010 Professional Standards Seminar

February 25th, 2010
No comments

New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Seminar

The New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards seminar presented by Dianna Brouthers on February 10th and 11th was by all accounts a fantastic program!  If you were not in attendance this year be sure to put it on your schedule for 2011.

Roger Turcotte, Chair of NHAR’s Legal Committee had this to say about the seminar:

NHAR members often suggest that our association do more to enhance the reputation of REALTORS® in NH. Certainly an advertising campaign is helpful but nothing can take the place of REALTORS® taking matters into their own hands. The over 450 NHAR members who attended the 2010 professional standards seminar gained a significant point of difference over their competitors by acquiring up to date NAR ethics information from a national expert. If you didn’t attend this year’s program make sure to attend the 2011 program – your clients will be glad you did!

Video Highlights of the 2010 Professional Standards Seminar

Below are some video highlights of this years event… see and hear for yourself what fellow REALTORS® who attended the program thought about it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uop6uY0UHKQ[/youtube]

Education, Professional Standards, Resources , , , ,

Right Tools Right Now

February 22nd, 2010
No comments

RIGHT TOOLS RIGHT NOW

Are you taking advantage of them?
Have you seen these Webinars? Some amazing resources… many totally free and others at a reduced cost!  REALTOR webinars, education, surveys, buyer  & seller handouts to name just a few.  If you haven’t visited REALTOR.Org lately you’re missing some excellent tools.

Education, Resources, Short Sales , ,