NAR Leadership Live
Wednesday, April 8th, 12:00 Noon CT
Tune in to Leadership Live, a special Facebook Live event this Wednesday, April 8, at 12 PM CT, where NAR officers and policy experts will share business-critical updates.

This event will address the questions most important to you, your family, your business, your staff, your health, and your survival during these turbulent and uncertain times.
 
This is your chance to engage in real-time discussion with experts armed with the insights and real solutions you need to navigate the changes impacting our industry as we together confront the biggest health crisis of our lifetime. During the one-hour event, streaming on NAR’s Facebook page,
 
  • NAR policy staff will break down the CARES Act to help independent contractors and small-business owners take advantage of benefits and resources they may be eligible for.
 
  • CEO Bob Goldberg and key staff will share details about NAR’s sweeping Right Tools, Right Now program, which offers an extensive list of resources to members at no or reduced cost.

  • Staff will provide updates on the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, which will take place virtually May 12-14.
For Your Clients : Scammers Are Trying to Dupe Homeowners Who Need Help
Scam artists are reportedly using multiple methods, including spoofing tactics, to try to trick struggling homeowners with offers of financial aid.

Freddie Mac warned this week that it learned of a scam where borrowers were receiving fraudulent calls impersonating the mortgage financing giant in offering low interest rates and other false promises.

As some homeowners struggle from the economic toll of the COVID-19 outbreak, scammers are looking to take advantage of those looking for help. They may call owners offering immediate relief from foreclosure or relief from making mortgage payments.

Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and many lenders are offering programs to help homeowners at this time, but those calls need to be initiated by the owner.

Here are some tips from Freddie Mac to help homeowners avoid being scammed:
  • If a call comes from an unknown number, let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
  • If you answer and receive a robocall, don’t press any numbers. Hang up.
  • Never give out any personal, financial, or other sensitive information unless you’ve verified the caller is a legitimate source.
  • Be cautious of numbers on your caller ID since scammers can make any name or number appear.

More resources for your clients: “ Avoiding Fraud: Call Spoofing ,” Freddie Mac (March 25, 2020) and “ Avoid Getting Caught Up in Coronavirus Scams Involving Your Mortgage ,” Forbes.com (March 26, 2020)

NAR's COVID-19 Response Hotline
Available for REALTORS®
The National Association of REALTORS® announced a new hotline that members can call if they have questions about the association’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members also can call the hotline for the latest information on what programs and services are being developed to help them in their business during this time.

“Our members’ well-being and their businesses are of paramount importance to us at this unprecedented time,” NAR said in a statement announcing the hotline.

The hotline number is 800-874-6500.

After calling that number, members will be asked to follow specific prompts before being connected to a Member Support Representative to assist them with their questions or concerns.

NAR has also released several resources online for its members. NAR’s Outbound Member Engagement Program is sharing resources at nar.realtor/coronavirus .


For Your Clients : Coronavirus: Mortgage
and Personal Finance FAQs
Since Congress passed three relief packages to respond to COVID-19, bank regulators have adopted new policies in light of needs resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.

NAR has assembled a list of those provisions and actions that are designed to address homebuying, homeowner/landlord, and personal finance issues.

Explore NAR's "Right Tools, Right Now"
In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19 , and its impact on the real estate industry, NAR is taking steps to support members through these uncertain times.

The "Right Tools, Right Now" initiative, which was activated once before in 2009, makes new and existing NAR products and services available for FREE or at significant discounts – right now, and is available to REALTORS® and REALTOR® Associations.


Other Items in the News:
Connect With GMAR's Social Media & Stay In The Loop
In addition to special emails, our weekly Thursday eNewsletter, the GMAR will be utilizing its social media pages to keep members informed and up-to-date during the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.

Please connect with us through the links to our social platforms below.


Stay Healthy!