WeMAR News & Topics

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

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act generally excludes income realized as a result of modification of the terms of the mortgage, or foreclosure on a principal residence in years 2007 through 2012. Even though the forgiven debt is excluded from income, it still must be reported on a Form 982.   There are other times when cancellation of debt is not taxable: Bankruptcy Insolvency: If total debts are more than the fair market value of total assets. Non-recourse loans: The... Read More

As of November 1, 2009, the Arizona Environmental Services Department’s Onsite Wastewater Program implemented fees for septic system records searches. Under the new fee structure, commercial-purpose septic search requests—those made by parties NOT the owner of the property parcel—are charged a flat fee of $30, which must be paid prior to the release of records. (If no record is found, no fee will be charged for the search.) Non-commercial septic search... Read More

Every year the city of Glendale hosts “Glendale Glitters” featuring over 1.5 million lights covering the 12 blocks of downtown Glendale. Activities include live entertainment, food, shopping, craft booths, visits with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides. Festivities occur Friday & Saturday Nov 27th through Jan 16th and each weekend has its own theme. “Giving Back” – Dec 11-12.Charities such as St. Mary’s Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Clubs of... Read More

New Rules of the Credit It’s official! As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that: Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010. Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Read the Full Article: Source:... Read More

WeMAR is excited to announce the launch of our new website at WeMAR.org. Our new website offers enhanced tools and resources for our members.  We invite you to take a tour. The Membership Directory allows the public to search for real estate offices and REALTOR® members of WeMAR.  Every member has the ability to upload a professional picture and create a profile. Check out the education and event calendar.  You can now register online, purchase merchandise from... Read More

Valley of the Sun YPN is all about Y-O-U! As a member-driven group, we need REALTORS’® input to plan a year full of lively roundtable discussions, expert speakers, exciting social events and REALTOR® involvement within our communities. Join us Thursday, December 10 11:00 – 12:00 PM WeMAR Glendale Classroom 5830 West Palmaire Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301 Visit ValleyoftheSunYPN.com for more information. Read More

Pro-Series 25 planners are available in your REALTOR® Store. Start using the planner right away. The calendar begins November 30. You may also keep track of: •    Daily Expenses •    Things To Do •    Leads •    Transaction progress for your buyers & sellers •    Closed Sales •    Contact Information Choose black, blue or red. Purchase in either... Read More

Your WeMAR Affiliates invite you to Celebrate the Holidays with them. Network with fellow REALTORS® and Affiliates. Bring your business card to enter the Holiday Gift drawing. Help decorate our Holiday Tree by participating in the Holiday Ornament Exchange. Bring a new or gently used ornament and place it on the tree when you arrive. Remember to pick an ornament to take home with you before you leave. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages at... Read More