WeMAR News & Topics

Call for Action: Prevent New Tax Burdens on Real Estate Congress is considering changes to the tax code in order to pay for a number of tax provisions expiring in 2010. Two of these provisions would impact real estate. The first would require all owners of rental properties to file IRS 1099 forms for all contractors they do business with if they pay that contractor $600 or more in any given year. This onerous provision would apply to even the smallest landlord. In addition,... Read More

We all look forward to our summer vacations. But whether you are going on a cruise, staying at a resort or just heading to the next state, you must take precautions before you leave and while you're away from home. Securing Your Home Install motion sensor lights around the outside of your home. Put indoor lights on timers so they come on at different times, making it appear as if someone is home. Have a trusted neighbor or friend collect your mail and newspapers. Pay... Read More

Washington, D.C., May 24, 2010 WASHINGTON (May 24, 2010) – Existing-home sales rose again in April with buyers motivated by the tax credit, improving consumer confidence and favorable affordability conditions, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. read the article... Read More

Wednesday, May 12, 2010Prepared by Meghaen DugerVP Government Affairs Arizona Association of REALTORS® HB2045: Legislative council; continuation- This bill adds in Title 33 that the state or a subdivision of the state cannot deny reasonable access to private property. SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR HB2345: HOA; Condos; For sale signs- Homeowners' associations or condo association are prohibited from banning the display of temporary open house signs, except in common areas.... Read More

The election results from Government Affairs & Public Policy efforts in both the City of Litchfield Park and the Town of Youngtown are in.  Congratulations to each of you for your efforts in each community.  This is a big win for WeMAR and affordable housing.I would like to also give a big thank you to the chair and vice chair of each effort, particularly Litchfield Park.  Fred Cleman and Dan Gardner received a number of calls trying to “trip them... Read More

Share your personal story about why you love being a REALTOR® and how being a member of NAR has made a difference to you, your clients and your community. Once your story is posted to the “Gallery,” you will be able to easily share your story via your personal Facebook page, Twitter and e-mail. You will also be mailed an “I Love Being REALTOR®” pin. Why I love Being a REALTOR® Read More

May 3, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Public Comment Meeting set for Sun City’s Water & Wastewater Rate Increase & Consolidation Our Arizona Corporation Commissioners will be coming to Sun City on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 6pm to the Sundial Auditorium to hear what Sun City residents have to say about the proposed water and wastewater rate increase and consolidation.  It is vital that every Sun City resident possible show up and speak up at this meeting to inform... Read More

Lead paint poisoning affects over one million children today. Adverse health effects include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech delays. If not done in a lead-safe manner, renovations and repair activities that disturb lead-based paint can expose children, as well as adults, to harmful levels of lead dust. On April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe work practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning in children. On April 22, 2010, the rule... Read More

Sierra Montana Parcel 14 residents - street lights go dark May 15 Surprise, AZ (April 28, 2010) Arizona Public Service (APS) has notified the City of Surprise that the street lights in the Sierra Montana (Parcel 14) neighborhood will be disconnected on May 15, 2010.  This is due to non-payment, which is the result of a Street Light Improvement District (SLID) not being formed in this area. The city continues to work with Beazer, APS, and the Sierra Montana HOA in an effort to... Read More

How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft By Andrew Wooten, President of S.A.F.E. Your credit score has significantly increased. You receive a bill for a credit card you don't have. You go to apply for a car loan and are denied because of poor credit. You notice $0.01 charges in your checking account. What happened? Most likely, you've had your identity stolen. Identity theft is when, by trickery or using publicly available date, someone obtains personal information... Read More