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The TRID Effect: One Year Later

2016-11-14T16:53:34-05:00November 14th, 2016|

A little more than a year ago, the controversial TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule, or TRID, went into effect. According to a study done by The National Association of Realtors, the impact has been mixed. Take a look at the following infographic to learn more. In response to issues associated with TRID, the CFPB has issued proposed changes to help clarify and streamline the process. Visit https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-proposes-updates-know-you-owe-mortgage-disclosure-rule/ for more information regarding these proposed changes. Click image for full infographic.  

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Direct Mail: Return to Basics for a Boost to your Marketing Plan

2016-11-01T11:13:16-04:00November 1st, 2016|

The real estate industry is obsessed with digital marketing. Potential clients are bombarded by messages through social media and e-mail. Often overlooked, direct mail can be a reliable marketing method that uses time-tested practices to generate surprising results. It can be a fantastic way for Realtors® to reach audiences that include seniors, email users who apply filters, and people who appreciate getting real mail. A study done by the Direct Marketing Association found that the response rate for direct mail to an existing customer averages 3.4 percent, compared to 0.12 percent for email. Here are some tips to help Realtors® create [...]

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Create a Facebook Business Page: A Beginner's Guide

2016-10-25T11:50:36-04:00October 25th, 2016|

Increasing traffic to your business website is just a few clicks away Facebook has a staggering 700 million users worldwide – almost 350 million users in North America alone. To capitalize on the popularity of Facebook, all real estate agents and brokers need to build a strong presence with an account dedicated to your business – especially if you are just breaking into the real estate business. Facebook can put your business in front of thousands or millions of targeted users who may become future leads and clients. The first critical step is to set up a Facebook Business Page (aka fan page) and optimize [...]

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2017 Leadership Development Academy

2016-10-24T16:41:35-04:00October 24th, 2016|

Application Due Tuesday, November 8 The Richmond Association of REALTORS announces the formation of the 2017 Leadership Development Academy. This unique six-month program identifies and mentors emerging REALTOR® leaders. Participants are exposed to a variety of important, relevant topics through lectures, seminars and leadership exercises. RAR provides selected participants with the instruction, means and resources to effect change and make a difference in their respective professional, personal and civic areas of interest. Goals of the Leadership Development Academy: Identify strong, dynamic leaders from among our membership Develop and promote an appreciation for the relevance and value of RAR and CVR MLS Cultivate [...]

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2016 Member Benefits

2016-10-04T09:58:54-04:00October 4th, 2016|

Highlights of 2016 As a member of RAR, you have made a wise investment in your career.  The benefits your annual dues purchase far outweigh the costs. Your local, state, and national associations (RAR, NAR, and VAR) are all at work for you year-round. Here’s how we stretch your dollars each year: In return, you’re connected to a powerful network of real estate professionals—gaining access to outstanding continuing education; friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive member services staff; ongoing lobbying efforts to protect your business; ample networking events; a wealth of information and tools to help you navigate the industry; and ongoing communications, [...]

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Safety Apps for Realtors® — Arm yourself against danger

2016-09-22T11:40:20-04:00September 22nd, 2016|

September is National Realtor® Safety Month. That smartphone that you carry everywhere with you can become one of your greatest weapons in protecting you against danger. There’s some seriously impressive safety technology out there that all Realtors® should know about. Apps will never replace vigilance. They will give you the tools you need to alert your loved ones or the authorities and get you help faster when you need it. However, it is up to you to remain alert and aware of your surroundings. At all times. Below, a list of 4 simple apps that will have your back if you [...]

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Get Organized With Apps That Track Your Mileage

2016-09-01T15:50:56-04:00September 1st, 2016|

September is here and we are more than halfway through the year. It is not too late to start thinking about tax deductions. One of the top tax deductions for real estate pros is car expenses (mileage). The cost of all the driving you do for your real estate business – showing properties, purchasing supplies and meeting clients – is tax deductible. In other words, every drive is worth money. Here are three popular mileage trackers that will automatically capture your drives. They are all very different in terms of pricing, features, interface, etc. These are by no means the only [...]

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RADON Quick Tips

2016-08-19T15:02:42-04:00August 19th, 2016|

EPA Radon Risk Map for VA Home buyers are wary when it comes to radon. Many real estate transactions go south after elevated levels are discovered. Ryan Paris, Radiation Safety Specialist & Radon Coordinator for the VA Department of Health, taught a Radon in Real Estate Class during RAR’s World Series Education Week.  Here are some key takeaways from that class: What is radon and how does it get into homes? Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive decay product of Uranium. It can be found in many types of rocks, soils and ground water. In Virginia, common culprits are [...]

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CFPB proposed updates to TRID: What you need to know

2016-08-04T12:03:30-04:00August 4th, 2016|

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), has proposed changes to the Know Before You Owe mortgage disclosure rule that went into effect on October 3, 2015. The proposed updates are intended to clarify parts of the mortgage disclosure rule to make for a smoother implementation process. Also known as TRID, the Know Before You Owe disclosure rule created two streamlined disclosure forms: The Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. The Loan Estimate is provided by the lender within 3 business days of the loan application. The Closing Disclosure contains the actual terms and costs of the transaction and must be provided [...]

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Real Estate’s Up and Coming Tech Trends

2016-07-26T13:51:51-04:00July 26th, 2016|

Technology is all the talk in business. To stay current and relevant in today’s market, REALTORS® must keep an eye to the horizon and watch for emerging technology trends. Recent articles published by Inman, reveal several that are impacting the real estate industry in a big way. Here are three that you might be able to use right now:   Tech Trend Put it to work for you More Information Virtual Reality o   Put 3-D representations of homes online for prospective buyers to explore on their own time. o   Use virtual reality goggles for a fully immersive home-showing experience without setting [...]

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