NAR Convention 2010

Having recently returned from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Meeting in New Orleans, I wanted to pass along some information and insight of the meeting to our membership.

Besides all the entertainment and keynote speakers, I must say that the Trade Show portion of the meeting is quite impressive. There was over 400 Exhibitors present on the Expo floor showcasing their real estate resources, including mobile computing, wireless communications, first time home buyer programs, listing services, marketing tools, and specialized software.

Speaking with Realtors from across the country, I must say that our Association and MLS stands at the forefront of technology and Board resources available to members. Our own Dawn Kennedy, CE of OKCMAR/MLS was chosen to make a presentation to all Association Executives across the nation, and was appointed to the NAR AE RCE Sub-committee. This is the group that puts together the course materials and the tests for Assn Execs to get their Realtor Certified Executive (RCE) designation.

I was able to attend many seminars that were offered by NAR. I brought back information on the 3.8% Home Sale Tax that Congress voted on in the last minutes of the Health Care debate, and was never introduced, discussed or reviewed. This will begin January 1, 2013 unless changed. I have scanned this information and will be glad to email it to anybody desiring this information.

Other interesting seminars that I attended were:
• Green Labels Sell Homes
• Developing Successful Luxury Home Marketing Plans
• Lead, Empowerment, Accountability, and Development of Realtors
• Negotiating the Commercial Lease
• Data Security and Privacy
• Emerging Technologies
• The Evolution of Real Estate Marketing
• Short Sales: Is HAFA the answer?
• RESPA Guidance: Home Warranties, GFE, and HUD1

I also brought back a packet of Committee Recommendations from the Board of Directors meeting.

One seminar that was very informative, as well as entertaining and humorous, was Mid-Term Elections-What just happened? It was a packed room to listen to Paul Bogala, a CNN commentator, and Tucker Carlson, a FOX News commentator.

It is amazing how much work goes on behind the scenes in all of OKCMAR, OAR, and NAR that helps us in our daily activities. It is nice to know that it all fits together.