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September 14, 2020

The Voice for REAL ESTATE in Alaska - "No on Ballot Measure 1."


The Alaskan economy is currently experiencing the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 virus. Almost every community in the state has experienced reduced retail services, closed restaurants, and vacancies in office space or commercial buildings. These conditions have resulted in a loss of jobs, decline in the economy and decrease in economic activity. All contributing to a negative impact on the residential and commercial real estate market. 

NOW the Supporters of Ballot Measure 1 want to add salt to an open wound. As the Voice for Real Estate in Alaska, the Alaska REALTORS® are strongly opposed to the passage of Ballot Measure 1. This measure creates a disincentive for the oil industry to stay and invest in the development of Alaska's resources by increasing taxes 150%-300%. Ballot Measure 1 is a misguided attempt to "fix" our economic problems with a short-term solution, which may well result in an economic downturn with greater and more far-reaching effects than a pandemic. 

Regardless of whether voters think the oil industry should pay more in taxes, 2020 is the wrong year to implement a change of this magnitude. We simply cannot take the risk of causing industry companies to either leave Alaska, or greatly reduce their activities here. We need to encourage them to stay here, invest in our resources, and create a more positive partnership. Remember, it is not just the "big guys" who will be affected. Many of the smaller Alaskan companies providing services and support to the oil industry will be impacted as well. 

The Alaska REALTORS® objective is to strengthen our economy and communities by supporting an environment that will result in economic prosperity. Our goal is to promote and protect the rights of private property owners and the dream of homeownership for all that strive to achieve it. 

We can accomplish this is by working with our industry partners to solve our fiscal problems and find a long-term solution without jeopardizing our relationship with the industry that has created financial wealth for our state.

Vote "No" on Ballot Measure 1! 

Evelyn Arnott
2020 Alaska REALTORS® President 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HEALTHCARE—An Added Member Benefit soon to be provided by the Alaska REALTORS®


“It’s with great pleasure I share with you the Alaska REALTORS® Board of Directors, today approved a new healthcare option presented by the Small Business Agency Cooperative,” stated 2020 Alaska REALTORS® President, Evelyn Arnott. The Alaska REALTORS® has been searching for several years for  health insurance options that would benefit our members.  This option is the culmination of the work of many leaders serving your state association, as well as utilized by other state associations.
 
As you know, REALTORS® represent a large segment of independent contractors that struggle with obtaining affordable healthcare coverage – for both themselves and their families. Alaska REALTORS® made a commitment to finding solutions.  This self-funded plan is a solid and affordable option that offers several levels of basic coverage and can also protect you from unforeseen catastrophic medical expenses. “We want you to be able to serve the real estate industry and the citizens of Alaska with the peace of mind that this important detail has been planned for and is in place for you and your family.”
 

Alaska REALTORS® 2021 Leadership Academy


Apply for the 2021 Alaska REALTORS® Leadership Academy and take your career to the next level. Leadership Academy is a great opportunity to define your leadership and communication style, develop a clearer understanding of the association, and learn about tools to enhance you on a personal and professional level.

COST: $250 application fee (if accepted into Academy, fee will be applied toward full tuition)

FULL TUITION: $1,000/person – Includes five in-person training sessions, lodging and meal per diem and instructional materials.

Apply by November 20
Limited Space Available.

2021 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY OVERVIEW
“In 2019, I participated in the National Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy; it has been life-changing for me personally and professionally. As I wind up my year as the State President, I am thinking of how I want to give back to the association- Leadership Academy rises to the top.”

-Evelyn Arnott, AR President
Gold Standard Real Estate
APPLY NOW

2020 REALTORS® Conference & Expo.

Questions and Answers



Q: When is the 2020 REALTORS® Conference & Expo?
 
A: The 2020 REALTORS® Conference & Expo – also known as Annual Conference or Annual – will take place from November 2-18.
https://www.conference.realtor/about/
 
Q: When is the Communication Directors (CD) meeting?
 
A: The CD meeting will take place on Monday, November 2 from 2:30–4:30 p.m. Central. 
https://www.conference.realtor/event/communication-directors-meeting/
 
Q: How much would it cost to attend the November 2nd CD meeting only?
 
A:  CDs who want to attend the CD meeting only can register for the governance meetings only option. There’s no fee and it would allow CDs access to stream the meeting.
 
Q: How do I register for the governance meetings only?
 
A: Contact Experient for how to register for a courtesy pass to view these activities: NARAnnual@experient-inc.com.
 
Q: I’m registered for governance/affiliate meetings. Can I attend conference programs or the expo with this registration?
 
A: No. REALTORS® Conference & Expo registration must be purchased separately to attend the sessions, REALTORS® Expo and other activities. Premier Access, One-Day, Half-Day Monday Pass, Single Session Pass, and Expo-Only registrations are available. An Expo-Only registration does not include conference programs, but does allow you unlimited access to the expo during official hours on Friday – Sunday.
 
Q: How much does it cost to register?
 
A: There are several registration options to choose from:
  • Premier Access Pass ($450 for Members/$550 for Non-Members)
  • Friends & Family Pass ($350 for those attending with a Member/Non-Member)
  • One-Day Pass ($200 for Members/$240 for Non-Members)
  • Half-Day Monday Pass ($100 for Members/$125 for Non-Members)
  • Single Session Pass ($60 for Members/$90 for Non-Members)
  • Expo-Only Pass ($25 for Members/$50 for Non-Members)
https://www.conference.realtor/faq/
https://www.conference.realtor/registration-options/
https://www.conference.realtor/conference-expo-policies/
 
Q: Where can I find more information about the conference sessions, special events and speakers?
 
A: https://www.conference.realtor/conference-activities/
 
Q: Back in May, Communication Directors could not watch the Consumer Communications Committee (CCC) and Member Communications Committee (MCC) meetings during the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo like they would be able to in person. Will CDs be able to watch the CCC and MCC meetings during NAR’s 2020 Annual Conference?
 
A: Yes. All of the committee meetings are going to be available for viewing during the Annual Conference as a direct result of the feedback NAR received.
 
Q: Where can I find Annual Conference promotional assets and resources for use in my association newsletter, magazine or on social media?
 
A: https://www.conference.realtor/co-marketing-contest-promotional-materials/
 
Q: Will NAR offer Continuing Education (CE) credit with the education sessions?
 
A: In order to bring you the most timely content and broadest selection of speakers, content and speakers, clock hours will not be submitted for state specific continuing education credit approval.
 
Q: What if I have additional conference-related questions not addressed here?
 
A: If you have additional questions, please email NARAnnual@experient-inc.com.

NEWS UPDATES

National Flood Insurance Program


The Senate voted 93-2 to move forward on a federal spending bill through December 11, but a vote on the actual legislation is not expected until Tuesday. While Congress must act before Thursday to fund the federal government – including authority for the NFIP to write and renew flood insurance policies – there is currently no threat of a government shutdown or an NFIP lapse.

Included in the bill that the President is expected to sign early next week is a one year NFIP reauthorization. Although this matches the one year extension NAR helped secure last September – and in fact represents the longest such extension the NFIP has enjoyed in quite some time – a tremendous amount of work remains on a five year reauthorization and reform package.

NAR maintains vocal public support and backroom pressure on members of Congress to pass the NFIP Reauthorization Act, authored by House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters and Ranking Member Patrick McHenry This bill, H.R. 3167, includes a 5-year program reauthorization but also addresses many critical NAR priorities like strengthening mapping and mitigation and facilitating a more robust private insurance market. NAR will continue urging the House and Senate to make long-term reform a priority as the 116th Congress draws to a close and we enter into 2021.
 

Status update for Moehrl v. NAR litigation


As we continue to provide updates on the Moehrl v. NAR lawsuit, I wanted to let you know the judge denied our motion to dismiss and the case will proceed to the next phase of the litigation, discovery.
We are very disappointed in the ruling. However, this is only the first round. As the case moves forward, we intend to demonstrate how the MLS system creates competitive, efficient markets that benefit home buyers and sellers as well as small business brokerages. The MLS fosters cooperation between brokers providing the best and greatest number of options for buyers and sellers. The broker commission structure also ensures greater access for first-time, low-income and many other home buyers who otherwise couldn't afford a home purchase. We are confident that when the case is ultimately decided, we will prevail.
There have been no changes to the copycat Sitzer v. NAR lawsuit, which is also in discovery. We will continue to keep you informed as the litigation progresses.
Please consider sharing the following talking points with your members to empower them to discuss the MLS with their clients. Additional consumer-friendly materials are available at www.multiplelistingservice.org and www.cmlsintheknow.org.
 
Talking points for members
  • The MLS system and the way commissions are paid create competitive, efficient markets that benefit home buyers, sellers and small business. The MLS system creates a highly efficient residential real estate market that fosters cooperation between brokers to the benefit of consumers. Commission structures (including how the listing broker pays the buyer broker) ensure greater access for a large community of home buyers who might otherwise be priced out of the market, which also would limit options for sellers.  
  • REALTORS® are champions of homeownership, property rights and the communities they serve. Every REALTOR® adheres to a strict code of ethics based on professionalism, consumer protection and the golden rule. REALTORS® draw on their unmatched knowledge to help buyers and sellers navigate one of the most complicated financial transactions of their lives. And REALTORS® are engaged neighbors committed to building and enhancing the communities they serve.
 
  • Local, expert brokers play a crucial role in helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Given the volume of information buyers have to navigate and the complexity of this transaction, buyer brokers serve many essential, highly informed roles ranging from scheduling home tours and inspections to coordinating with lenders and appraisers to coordinating attorney reviews and closing documents. Consumers agree: 78 percent of homebuyers say their broker was an important information source, and almost 90 percent would recommend their broker to a family member or friend.
 
  • These lawsuits are wrong on the facts, wrong on the economics, and wrong on the law. Commissions are negotiable and, in fact, can be negotiated at any point during the transaction. The MLS and associated brokerage system create highly competitive markets with increased transaction volume and superior customer service. Consumers have many choices of different service and fee models among many brokers. Over 100 years, the courts have repeatedly validated this pro-competitive, pro-consumer MLS system, recognizing it increases the efficiency of the market and thus serves the best interests of sellers and buyers alike.


SBA To Begin Processing PPP Forgiveness Applications


The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that the SBA will begin processing PPP loan forgiveness applications, following a delay which left many caught in a backlog.  PPP borrowers are eligible for forgiveness if they meet the program’s requirements, which include using at least 60% of the funds for payroll costs and the remainder for other eligible uses (including rent, utility bills, and mortgage interest) during the covered period. For full forgiveness requirements, visit nar.realtor/coronavirusSBA. PPP borrowers should submit their forgiveness applications directly to the SBA lender with whom they worked, who will them pass them to the SBA for processing.  For detailed instructions on how to fill out the PPP EZ Forgiveness application form, watch NAR’s step-by-step video.

The SBA is expected to quickly approve forgiveness applications for loans less than $2 million, with reports that the backlog may be cleared in as little as two weeks.  PPP borrowers have 10 months from the end of their loan’s covered period to apply for forgiveness before any payments are due on the loans.

Judith Somers: A Celebration of Life

Judith Somers was a pillar to the Alaskan Real Estate community.  Co-founder of Somers & Associates in 1991, Judy exemplified hard work, grit and determination. She is an example to many and a leader to even more. 

Judy served as Local GFBR President, was state and local Realtor of the Year and served both the state and local boards of various committees in her over 30 years in real estate. 

Beloved wife, mother and friend, Judy loved fiercely. She will be remembered by her love of her family, her contributions to our industry and her guidance of Alaska Real estate will be felt for years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 16, 2020, from 4:30-7:30pm at the Event Center - 1288 Sadler Way, Fairbanks AK 99701. Flowers are welcome, she loves them.
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