Updates

Session Update: MNR To Present To Senate On Barriers To Homeownership

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New Senate committee tackles housing affordability and availability The Legislature has been in Session for three weeks and, although committees have been meeting at a frantic pace, it has focused on holding overview hearings to educate members, particularly newly elected members, about state agency programs and other issues. Only a few non-controversial bills have received hearings. In the coming weeks, it will begin shifting from overview hearings to bill hearings. Last week, Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) was invited to provide the Senate Housing Finance and Policy Committee (SHFPC) with a housing market update at their January 26 th meeting. The SHFPC is a ...
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Minnesota Realtors® showed 35% increase in GRI Designations in 2020

posted 2 days ago
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More than 120 Minnesota real estate professionals earned their Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI) designation in 2020. That number reflects a 35% increase over 2019. Offered by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the curriculum is designed to help agents become more competitive by increasing their professionalism and expertise. In Minnesota, GRI training is administered exclusively through Minnesota Realtors®. “Of the 24 residential real estate designations offered by NAR, the GRI is the most comprehensive, providing a broader scope and depth of training,” said Laurie Ganz, director of Professional Development at Minnesota Realtors®. “Using materials ...
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The Minnesota Realtor®: Optimize Your Database Marketing

posted 2 days ago
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B uilding a database of clients and potential clients is critical to growing your business and working smarter—not harder. Whether your list is a manual spreadsheet, or you use a customer relationship management (CRM) tool, cultivating a database for leads and referrals is invaluable as you market your services and expertise. If you don’t have a plan to consistently reach out to your past clients, leads, and referrals – start now. Consistency builds trust, and communicating valuable information helps ensure that you are the Realtor ®  people turn to when they want to buy or sell.  Referral business can account for 50% of your annual revenue, and you don’t ...
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The Minnesota Realtor® - What Marketing Tool Will You Try This Year?

posted 3 days ago
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Jason Miller  AHWD, C2EX, CRS, ePRO, GRI, PSA   Premier Real Estate Services “I recently purchased a DJI Mavic Air 2 drone  and took the classes and exam to receive my commercial drone pilot’s license. I’m excited to learn how to use the drone and add this tool to our marketing campaigns in 2021!”   Amy Murphy Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty   “I like to keep things fresh and authentic in my marketing, utilizing as many channels for communication as possible. On the technology side, I’m excited to push myself and incorporate  video content  in 2021!   Becky  Schomberg Coldwell Banker Burnet ...
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The Minnesota Realtor®: January/February 2021 Edition

posted 7 days ago
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The first edition of 2021 is here! In it, you'll find: Staff Spotlight: Tracy Wehner Letter from The President  Optimize Your Database Marketing Minnesota Realtors® Celebrates 102 Years Q & A With T.J. Simon - 2021 President Of Minnesota Realtors® Code Of Ethics Revisions To Guide Personal Conduct Of Realtors® What's Hot On The Hotline Sneak Peek At The 2021 Legislative Session Upcoming Events And Education Things You Shouldn't Be Doing During A Zoom Class What Marketing Tool Will You Try This Year? Meet A Member: Azureya Blair Read it all here
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Three Tips For Meeting Your Sales Goals In 2021

posted 9 days ago
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The real estate market is ever changing. Despite this, there are some Realtors ® who meet their sales goals whether the market’s running hot or barely has a pulse. The key to success is building a good plan from sound strategies and solid numbers. Here are three tips to help you get there. 1.    Define how many leads it takes to close a transaction You won’t find this magic number in any book, video or podcast. No real estate guru will whisper it in your ear. The good news is that it’s already in your hands—or more specifically, your data. By reviewing a few years of lead lists and closed transactions, you’ll find patterns that are unique to your practice ...
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December Capped 2020 With Big Rise In Closed Sales, Marking Strong End To Year

posted 10 days ago
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Seven straight months of double-digit increases in pending sales MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 12, 2020) – Home sales in Minnesota continued to outpace normal trends through the end of 2020. Closed sales in December rose +21.9% versus December 2019 with a total of 7,300 transactions across the state. Pending sales were also riding high with 5,118 in the pipeline, up +19.2% over a year ago. Although new listings increased in December 2020 by +14.9%, the number of homes for sale dropped -46.1% compared to December 2019. As buyers competed for scarce inventory, the median sales price increased +10.4%, and properties averaged 43 days on the market, down -21.8% or 12 days ...
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December Capped 2020 With Big Rise In Closed Sales, Marking Strong End To Year

posted 10 days ago
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Seven straight months of double-digit increases in pending sales MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 12, 2020) – Home sales in Minnesota continued to outpace normal trends through the end of 2020, according to Minnesota Realtors ® , the membership organization supporting all 21,000 Realtors in the state. Closed sales in December rose +21.9% versus December 2019 with a total of 7,300 transactions across the state. Pending sales were also riding high with 5,118 in the pipeline, up +19.2% over a year ago. Although new listings increased in December 2020 by +14.9%, the number of homes for sale dropped -46.1% compared to December 2019. As buyers competed for scarce inventory, ...
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5 Plants To Make Your Home Happy & Green

posted 14 days ago
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As we settle into the dark Minnesota winter months, it’s essential to bring a little extra light & joy into your home - and what a better way than to add plants!  Plants help brighten any space and studies show they reduce stress, boost your mood , and increase your productivity! On this national houseplant appreciation day, bring some happiness into your home with a plant or two! Not sure where to start? Here are some good starter plants that are nearly impossible to kill & will help turn your space into a mood-boosting plant sanctuary!     Money Plant ( aka Pilea peperomioides )   These circular buddies are a winter ...
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SSTS Rule Update: Septic Tanks Need To Be Pumped Complete Inspection

posted 14 days ago
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On November 1, 2019, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published a dual notice of intent to adopt changes to MN Rules governing subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) – septic systems. Included among these rule modifications, was a requirement for septic tanks to be pumped empty in order to complete a compliance inspection. Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) participated in every step of the rule-making process and submitted comments expressing our opposition to this rule modification. The MPCA followed all proper rule making procedures including obtaining final signature by the governor. Subsequently, the rule became effective on January 11, 2021. ...
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Homeowner Checklist – 5 Easy Home Projects To Upgrade Your Space!

posted 17 days ago
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Move over puzzles and bread making, home projects have become the stay-at-home trend.   And with so many spending   more time at home, it’s essential that those spaces bring comfort and joy.   Here are a few easy home projects anyone can do to make improvements with a big return on investment.     Paint Your Front Door   Be the envy of your neighborhood by adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door! Adding a pop of color is also a quick & easy way to boost curb appeal.      Modernize Your Kitchen - One Handle At A Time   Looking for a quick & easy way to update your kitchen? Add a modern twist to your kitchen ...
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30% Of Millennials Who've Never Owned A Home Are Actively Looking

posted 25 days ago
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The Millennial generation (ages 24 to 39) is looking for a place to call home. The pandemic has played an outsized role in transforming urban-dwelling, apartment-renting professionals into homeowners. As countless businesses sent employees home to work, restaurants, pubs, cafes, shops and entertainment venues closed. Apartment life felt increasingly cramped. Millennials want out—but not necessarily out of the city. In Minneapolis, a significant portion of home buyers in the city’s hot market are apartment dwellers looking for more space, a yard, and quick access to natural attractions like lakes and parks. “Most homes are within six blocks of city parks along ...
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MN Realtors® Spread Joy & the Holiday Spirit This Holiday Season ❤🎄🎅

posted 30 days ago
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Time and time again, Minnesota Realtors ® generously give their time, talent, and energy to help those in need, and strengthen their communities. Though 2020 presented many challenges, Realtors® were resilient and showed up. Realtors® have been hard at work volunteering in their communities to ensure a bright & happy holiday for Minnesota families everywhere. From bell ringing to writing letters to donating time, money & resources, Realtors® touched the lives of so many Minnesotans this year. Here are a few of their stories:   Natalie Webster – Sending Holiday Joy to Minnesota’s Essential Workers Realtor® Natalie Webster wanted to show ...
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MNR's Leadership Team Thanks You

posted 12-22-2020
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From the 2020 MNR Leadership Team Immediate Past President Matt Loskota, Treasurer Jason Miller, President-Elect TJ Simon, and President Bob Clark, to all of you, Happy Holidays and a big thank you for all the work to keep our industry going this year.
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December Legal Download: The Code of Ethics Gets Personal

posted 12-21-2020
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In this month's  The Legal Download , the MNR Risk Management Team takes an in-depth look at NAR's new ethical Standard of Practice and its impact on Realtors® on and off the job. READ HERE #LegalDownload #RiskManagement #CodeofEthics
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MNR New Member Survey Results

posted 12-18-2020
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MNR Survey Reveals Why New Realtors Are Entering Real Estate Now Minnesota Realtors has seen a 30% year-over-year increase in new members since June 2020. We recently surveyed those new members to learn more about their entrance into real estate.   Summary of MNR New Member Survey Results 51% are under 50 years old / 49% over 50 years old 70% of new members plan to make real estate their full-time career 73% in the metro / 27% in greater MN Top 3 professions: Before they joined real estate… 33% were in management/business/corporate 18% were in sales/retail 18% were in the service industry Why did they choose real estate at this ...
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Four Policies that Could Impact Realtors® in 2021

posted 12-16-2020
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NAR Pushes Congress to Crack Down on Money Laundering  Globally, real estate is one of the “laundromats” of choice for criminals  seeking  to legitimize their ill-gotten funds. Using shell companies and other shady venues, they  annually funnel more than $1.6 trillion into real estate investments around the world. Despite federal efforts to crack down on the illegal transactions in the United States, money launderers continue paying top-dollar for purchases, driving up real estate prices in many cities.  NAR and other housing groups are urging Congress to  stem the tide of dirty money by passing effective anti-money-laundering legislation. The organization ...
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5 Can’t Miss Holiday Light Tours in MN

posted 12-15-2020
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Looking for holiday fun for the family that is Covid-safe AND warm? Then get into the holiday spirit and visit one of the many holiday light tours! With over 80 options across the state, there are so many fun ways to experience the magical, colorful lights - right from your car! Nature Illuminated Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN Where: Dec. 3 - Jan 17 Tickets: Sunday – Thursday: $25/vehicle for Zoo members; $50 for non-members Friday & Saturday: $35/vehicle for Zoo members and $60/vehicle for non-members. Bentleyville Tour of Lights Where: Duluth, MN When: Nov. 21 - Dec. 27 Tickets: $10/vehicle Christmas In Color Where: ...
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Broker Broadcast Replay: Code of Ethics Changes & NAR-DOJ Settlement Impact

posted 12-11-2020
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December's Broker Broadcast explores changes to NAR's Code of Ethics that expands applicability to all of a Realtor's® activities and NAR's settlement with the DOJ and implications for Realtors®
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November Closed Sales Continue Record Pace

posted 12-10-2020
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Winter Market Looks Like Spring: November Closed Sales Continue Record Pace Pending sales rise double digits for the sixth consecutive month MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 10, 2020) – In November, closed home sales were up +15.8% versus year ago, with 7,898 total real estate transactions taking place across the state. Pending sales demonstrated unseasonably strong growth, climbing +10.6% higher than November 2019. In a sign of continuing high demand, properties spent an average of 38 days on the market, which is 13 fewer days than at this time last year. While buyers aggressively chased scarce inventory, the median sales price went up +13.6% year-over-year to $284,000. ...
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November Closed Sales Continue Record Pace

posted 12-10-2020
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Winter Market Looks Like Spring: November Closed Sales Continue Record Pace Pending sales rise double digits for the sixth consecutive month MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 10, 2020) – In November, closed home sales were up +15.8% versus year ago, with 7,898 total real estate transactions taking place across the state. Pending sales demonstrated unseasonably strong growth, climbing +10.6% higher than November 2019. In a sign of continuing high demand, properties spent an average of 38 days on the market, which is 13 fewer days than at this time last year. While buyers aggressively chased scarce inventory, the median sales price went up +13.6% year-over-year to $284,000. ...
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Congrats to these MNR-RPAC Hall of Famers

posted 12-09-2020
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The NAR Hall of Fame recognizes dedicated members who have made a significant commitment to RPAC over the years by investing an aggregate lifetime amount of at least $25,000. MN-RPAC would like to recognize and congratulate the following individuals who were inducted into the NAR Hall of Fame in 2019! $50,000 Jim Cormier $25,000 Rod Helm Susan Juneau Michael Olsen Len Sarvela Patty Zuzek MN-RPAC would like to recognize and congratulate the following individuals who have surpassed $10,000 in lifetime contributions to RPAC and were inducted into the MN-RPAC Hall of Fame in 2019! $10,000 Bob Clark Wayne Gilbert Gregg Hartos Michael Hunstad Matt ...
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Four Unlikely Real Estate Trends of 2020

posted 12-08-2020
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2020 has been a year like no other. Although an end may be in sight for COVID-19, its impact will shape the real estate industry for a long time to come. Here are four trends that show how the pandemic, changing work habits, and shifting demographics are creating new opportunities for Realtors ® in Minnesota and across the country. 1.    Moving to a retirement paradise (before retiring) After workers were untethered from offices and daily commutes in mid-March, many started thinking about where they’d like to live if distance no longer mattered. For older employees, the allure of retirement playgrounds catalyzed moves they wouldn’t have considered for years. ...
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FSBOs Typically Sell for Less than Homes Sold by Realtors®

posted 12-04-2020
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For Sale by Owner (FSBO): What could possibly go wrong? (hint: plenty) It’s a hot real estate market. For Sale signs seem to pop up on lawns in the morning and come down by late afternoon. Everyone knows someone whose house sold over a weekend or in a day. For some consumers, choosing to list their property on their own may seem like a good idea. Just take a few pictures, throw up a listing, and stick a sign in the yard. The buyers will come rushing in, right? As most homeowners quickly learn, there’s much more to a real estate transaction than putting a house on the open market. From pricing and marketing to showings and negotiations, there are a lot of moving ...
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Minnesota Experiences a Strong Growth in New Realtors®

posted 12-03-2020
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MNR Survey Uncovers Career Shifts Amidst Pandemic   MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 3, 2020) – A rapidly growing number of people are entering the real estate profession since August according to Minnesota Realtors ® , the organization that licenses Realtors in the state. Most recently, newly licensed Realtors were up 82% year over year. “The real estate market is booming, and demand for Realtor services is high,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “In the midst of the pandemic and an uncertain economy, a rapid influx of new Realtors see an opportunity to have a flexible career in a growing sector of the economy.” Last month, Minnesota Realtors surveyed ...
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Meet MNR's 2021 Committee Leadership

posted 12-01-2020
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We welcome and congratulate the Realtors® who will be helping to lead the organization and its important committees in 2021! Bob Clark, C2EX, ePRO Nominating Committee Chair, Risk Management Committee Vice Chair Aarica Coleman Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Brandon Doyle Member Engagement Committee Vice Chair Wayne Gilbert Public Advocacy Committee Chair, RPAC Trustees Vice Chair Wendy Giles Forms Committee Chair Emily Green, C2EX, CRS, ePRO, GRI, PSA, SFR Finance Committee Chair Charles Holland, GRI, SRS Strategic Issues Forum Chair Susan Jackson, AHWD, CIPS, GRI Professional Development Committee Chair LeeAnn Lehto Strategic ...
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2020 Election Update

posted 11-30-2020
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Election 2020 was historic, and with all of the drama of the Presidential, Senate, and Congressional races, it was hard to focus on the state and local levels. MNR's advocacy team gives a breakdown on the 20 out of 25 Realtor® wins. READ MORE
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NAR Virtual Conference Recap by Emily Green

posted 11-24-2020
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I serve on the NAR Meetings and Conference Committee and I can tell you we had some exciting events planned for this year’s Relators® Conference and Expo that sampled all that New Orleans has to offer from jazz and historic sites, to pralines and beignets. It was going to be an experience to remember. However, this year’s conference did what everything did in 2020 – it went virtual. Did it work? Umm…Yes! The governance meetings were held in early November and ended with the board of director’s meeting on the 13 th . The board welcomed the incoming association leaders including NAR President Charlie Oppler, President-Elect Leslie Rouda Smith, and our very own ...
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October Booms with Strong Finish in Closed Sales

posted 11-23-2020
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Pending sales and new listings are up in robust fall market MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 24, 2020) – In October, closed sales surged to 10,290 homes sold, which is a +29.8% increase versus a year ago. Pending sales also showed strong growth, up +22.4% over last October as consumers purchased properties at rates typically seen in the spring. The unusually strong fall housing market is straining housing inventory in most regions of the state. Motivated by low interest rates and a desire for more space, consumers are competing for scarce stock and driving up prices. “In 2020, fall is the new spring in terms of market activity,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. ...
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October Booms with Strong Finish in Closed Sales

posted 11-23-2020
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Pending sales and new listings are up in robust fall market MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 24, 2020) – In October, closed sales surged to 10,290 homes sold, which is a +29.8% increase versus a year ago. Pending sales also showed strong growth, up +22.4% over last October as consumers purchased properties at rates typically seen in the spring. The unusually strong fall housing market is straining housing inventory in most regions of the state. Motivated by low interest rates and a desire for more space, consumers are competing for scarce stock and driving up prices. “In 2020, fall is the new spring in terms of market activity,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. ...
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A SRES Designation Helps Cater to Seniors During Life Transitions

posted 11-23-2020
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For far too many Minnesotans, the “golden years” are fraught with health issues, fear, and insecurity. Lack of affordable housing often tops the list of worries for the elderly. “It all starts with an illness that lands them in a care facility,” said Lisa Dunn, a Realtor ® with ReMax Results in Edina, and founder of Silver Closet, a non-profit organization that helps older people re-establish households during difficult transitions. “After they’re released, many of them have no place to go. They stay in motels or with family and friends, couch-jumping while they wait for an apartment to open in state-subsidized housing for the elderly.” But the waitlists are ...
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Marketing Monday: Planning Your Business for 2021

posted 11-22-2020
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Many of us are ready to say goodbye to 2020, and with 2021 just around the corner, it’s essential to take time and plan for the new year. Though creating a business plan may seem challenging, it is a rewarding effort that can actually be fun. Here are some helpful tips to get started on your objectives:   Setting Goals 2020 has been a tumultuous year, but it also has a powerful reminder of how resilient, hardworking, and essential Realtors ® are for Minnesota. As we look ahead, it may feel daunting to create goals for the year but creating short and long-term goals is an essential part of marketing planning. Check out this helpful list from Inman of ...
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The Legal Download: NAR Code of Ethics, Arbitration, and Purchase Agreements

posted 11-20-2020
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Read the November 2020 Legal Download Don't Litigate. Arbitrate! Realtor® By Day, Night...At All Times. Where Purchase Agreements Go Off the Rails
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NAR Code of Ethics Updates

posted 11-19-2020
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Realtors® who engage in hate speech or discriminatory conduct even outside of their real estate practice could face disciplinary action under the Code of Ethics. The National Association of Realtors®’ Board of Directors approved a proposal intended to hold members to a higher standard of ethics in everything they do on Friday, November 18 th , 2020. The changes go into effect immediately but do not retroactively apply to members’ past activities or actions. Realtors® who make discriminatory remarks, on their business or personal social media accounts, can be subject to disciplinary action. T he new rules extend Article 10 of the Code, which already prohibits ...
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Open Enrollment for the Individual Health Insurance Market and Medicare

posted 11-19-2020
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Individual Health Insurance Market:       Open Enrollment goes from November 1 st to December 22 nd . Ucare has the lowest premiums and the largest network in 2021 If you want to review your options or need help with MN Sure, please contact us with any questions. Medicare:                                                      Open Enrollment goes from October 15 th to December 7 th .                                                                      Zero-dollar premiums are available, with several no-cost add-on benefits. Humana dropped their Fairview network access in 2021, call for replacement.    If you are turning 65 in 2021, contact ...
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Realtor® Brenda Mehr is making people smile in Minnesota and across the globe.

posted 11-17-2020
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As a dental hygienist and a Realtor ® at Edina Realty, Brenda splits her time helping her clients find the perfect home and giving her patients great dental care. Brenda also volunteers with Project Haiti Dental, an organization that provides training, mentorship, education, and donations to a dental clinic in Pignon, Haiti. The charity is the sister mission of Project Haiti, a non-profit that has provided medical care to the people of Pignon for over 30 years. Now dentists are joining the established crew of surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to care for their community. Because Project Haiti Dental is a fairly new program, getting it up and running ...
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Broker Broadcast Replay

posted 11-13-2020
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Get the replay of the Broker Broadcast from November 7, which included a discussion of arbitration disputes, the proposed NAR Code of Ethics changes and live Q & A. WATCH
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The Minnesota Realtor®: November/December Edition

posted 11-13-2020
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Check out the highlights from the November/December edition . Letter from Chris Galler: Focused on Our Mission, Despite Obstacles Meet the 2021 Leadership Team: President TJ Simon, President-Elect Jason Miller, Treasurer Emily Green, Immediate Past President Bob Clark 2020 Award Winners: Geri Theis, 2020 MNR Realtor® of the Year; Kath Hammerseng, Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award; Matt & John Pecarich, MNR Good Neighbor Award A Year Like No Other : Bob Clark looks back on his tenure as President of Minnesota Realtors® Setting a Marketing Budget : You can't manage what you don't measure - Jessica Lamker and Brandon Johnson give tips ...
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Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Rule Change FAQ

posted 11-11-2020
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Summary of Ruling On November 1, 2019, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published a dual notice of intent to adopt changes to MN Rules governing subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) – septic systems. Included among these rule modifications, was a requirement for septic tanks to be pumped empty in order to complete a compliance inspection. Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) participated in every step of the rule-making process and submitted comments expressing our opposition to this rule modification. The MPCA’s rule-making documents, including the draft rule, comments for/against the proposal, and the MPCA’s responses to comments, can be found ...
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We are proud of our veterans.

posted 11-10-2020
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On Veterans Day we honor, acknowledge, and thank everyone who has served our country. An extra salute and thank you to our special Realtor® Veterans. With respect and gratitude, we thank you for your service and sacrifices. Not pictured: Aerica Benson - U.S. Air Force: 2002 - 2008 Kent Hartwig - U.S. Army Military Corps Chris Jacques - U.S. Navy Jason Jacobs - S. Air Force: 2000-2004    AJ Larson - U.S. Navy Phil Larson - Air Force Larry Lawrence - U.S. Air Force: 1966-1970 Chuck Omvig - U.S. Air Force: 1971-1972 Tom Sutton - U.S. Air Force
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