WeMAR News & Topics

President’s Roundtable and Sales Awards Luncheon WeMAR invites you to attend the 2009 President’s Roundtable and Sales Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 9, 2010. We will celebrate WeMAR’s top producing REALTORS® at the Hilton Garden Inn (11460 West Hilton Way * Avondale 85323) from 11:30 – 1:30 PM. Invite your peers and your family.  Reserve your seat for just $20. Reserve your seat by Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Awards Luncheon Registration Form... Read More

Sun City and the Recreation centers of Sun City (RCSC) are charging heirs the $3000 Capital Improvement fee and a $300 Transfer Fee unless the homes are in a trust. More information can be found at  www.sunaz.com. Read More

WeMAR Announces 2010 Candidate Endorsements for the Town of BuckeyeMaricopa County (February 5, 2010) - The West Maricopa County Regional Association of REALTORS®  (WeMAR) has made its town council endorsements for the upcoming March election in the town of Buckeye.  “This is a difficult time for government, residents and REALTORS®,” stated Roberta Davidson, Chairperson of the WeMAR Government Affairs & Public Policy Committee.  “We look... Read More

It is quick and easy… Click here, log in to your realtor.org account and you will see an option to pay your 2010 membership dues. Although dues are due by January 1, 2010, you have until January 31 to pay. Keep in mind payments not received by January 31 will incur a late fee of $40. Remain an active WeMAR member with continued access to MLS by making late payments by February 15. In order to reactivate your membership after February 15, a reconnect fee of $25 plus the $40... Read More

Capital preservation fees top list of concerns. January 22, 2010 12:05 PM (YourWestValley.com) The Recreation Centers of Sun City reached out to local real estate agents Thursday and they responded, with dozens showing up to work with the RCSC to improve communication between the two groups. Diane Worth, chair of the Membership Communication Committee, said the meeting was planned in hopes that the RCSC and local REALTORS® could work together. Read complete article Read More

On January 20, 2010, FHA announced four important changes that will help it manage risk and strengthen its capital reserves. The up-front mortgage insurance premium (MIP) will increase to 2.25% (from 1.75%) this spring. Homebuyers with FICO scores below 580 will be required to have a minimum 10% down payment starting in early summer. FHA will reduce allowable seller concessions from 6% to 3% in early summer. HUD will enhance monitoring of FHA lenders and increase enforcement. ... Read More

The IRS Form 5405 allows homebuyers to claim the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. Assist your clients by providing the form. Download IRS Form 5405. Want to learn more about the tax credit? Get the filing requirements direct from the IRS.  Click here. Read More

Capital preservation fees top list of concerns January 22, 2010 12:05 PM Jeff Dempsey Daily News-Sun The Recreation Centers of Sun City reached out to local real estate agents Thursday and they responded, with dozens showing up to work with the RCSC to improve communication between the two groups. Diane Worth, chair of the Membership Communication Committee, said the meeting was planned in hopes that the RCSC and local REALTORS® could work together. "We thought hearing... Read More

With the rise of social media sites members should take note of NAR’s Trademark guidelines when creating usernames on such sites as Twitter and Facebook. NAR recently developed a Social Media Toolkit to help AEs ensure that their members are not improperly using the term REALTOR®. To find out if your user name falls within NAR’s guidelines, read NAR’s article “What’s Your Username?” For more information visit:... Read More

First-time homebuyers may be able to take advantage of a tax credit for homes purchased in 2008 or 2009. The credit: Applies to purchases that close after April 8, 2008, and before Dec. 1, 2009. Applies only to homes used as a taxpayer's principal residence. Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar. Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than... Read More