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Dear Members,
In case you missed it, news broke last week regarding the resignation of another NAR President, Tracy Kasper. As you may recall, 2023 President Kenny Parcell resigned last year in the wake of harassment allegations. Kasper, then-President-Elect, stepped into her role as President a few months early; but as of last week, she has stepped down due to what’s been reported as threats of blackmail from an unknown party. Once again, the sitting President-Elect, Kevin Sears, has stepped up to lead America’s largest trade association.
The reason I wanted to put this information at the top of this week’s newsletter is because it’s important that we talk about these monumental, industry-rocking events. It’s also important to us that you have accurate information, which you will find every Sunday at 9 AM, right here in your inbox. That’s a promise.
I’d also like to say that I still have faith in the REALTOR® brand, and I hope you feel the same way. NAR is facing a lot of change – change in how its leadership is structured and change in its internal operations. But the importance of what you do every day as REALTORS® will not change. Your clients need you; the economy needs you; and HCAR needs you. We remain wholly committed to your success. We are here for you, and that also will not change.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at sarah@hcar.org or at 410-980-0443.
Thank you for your continued membership and support.
Sarah Rayne, CAE, RCE, AOC, AHWD, ePRO, C2EX
Chief Executive Officer
Howard County Association of REALTORS®
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HCAR Office Closure Notice: Martin Luther King Day Observance
Please be advised that the HCAR Office will be closed on Monday, January 15th, in observance of Martin Luther King Day. This day is an important time for reflection and honoring the significant contributions of Dr. King.
We will resume our normal hours of operation on Tuesday, January 16th, opening at 9:00 AM and closing at 5:00 PM.
We appreciate your understanding and wish you a thoughtful and meaningful Martin Luther King Day.
Best regards,
HCAR Staff
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This section of our weekly newsletter is dedicated to ensuring you receive vital information pertaining to ongoing national anti-trust litigation and challenges at NAR, and how it affects you in manageable, bite-size chunks. Look for it every week to stay updated on the latest developments and on information you need to navigate the outcome of these trials. For a comprehensive resource of the latest news, FAQs, and more, visit: https://www.nar.realtor/competition-in-real-estate.
NAR announced last week that it has taken an important step in formally challenging the flawed Burnett verdict by filing motions asking the Court to vacate the verdict and enter judgment as a matter of law in favor of NAR or order a new trial. These motions are part of the post-trial process that occurs prior to the filing of an appeal.
NAR believes it has solid grounds for its continued objections to this verdict. At trial, NAR presented evidence that the policies in place – including the cooperative compensation Model Rule – promote competition and pro-consumer local MLS broker marketplaces that ensure equity, efficiency, transparency and market-driven pricing options for home buyers and sellers.
The plaintiffs, on the other hand, presented no evidence to support their allegations of a conspiracy and did not substantiate their claims that home sellers were harmed. NAR strongly believes that the jury’s verdict was driven by improper legal instructions that limited the evidence the jury could consider in coming to their decision.
According to the schedule set by the Court, the motions filed by NAR will be fully briefed by mid-March, and the Court will rule on them sometime after that.
In the meantime, educate yourself on the ins and outs of this trial and how it affects you:
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🌟 HCAR Cares Gala: A Night of Giving
Tickets are now on Sale! 🎟️
📅 February 12th, 2023 | 6 PM - 8 PM
📍 At Cured 18th & 21st, Columbia, MD
🎉 Join us for a Moulin Rouge-themed masquerade ball from the 1920s! 🎭✨
💃🕺 Highlights:
- A vibrant 1920s masquerade atmosphere
- Stunning venue at Cured 18th & 21st
- Celebrate community and giving
Ticket Price: $125 - Your key to a memorable night!
Dress Code: 20s glamour (optional)
🌟 Sponsorships Available: Be a part of something special. Support our cause while gaining visibility.
👉 Get Your Tickets Now! Don't miss this extraordinary evening.
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Danielle Jacob
Membership Administrator
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WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP VALUE & HIGH-LEVEL SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
Calling all innovators! We are excited to launch soon the HCAR Big Idea Contest where you can showcase your brilliant ideas to add value to our membership and take our Association to new heights of excellence.
This is your chance to shine and make a real difference in the lives of our members. We are open to a diverse range of ideas, whether it's groundbreaking technological innovation, novel ways of community interaction, instant value additions for REALTORS®, or other service-oriented initiatives. We encourage you to start brainstorming and get ready, as the contest will open shortly.
The winner of this contest will receive more than just recognition; they will be honored at our annual Installation & Awards Ceremony and will also win an impressive grand prize! With the BIG Idea Contest, HCAR aims to significantly enhance our value proposition.
Stay alert for more details on how to submit YOUR Big Idea. We are eager to see the innovative solutions you bring forward!
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Discover the power of connections with HCAR’s Preferred Partner Directory! Visit www.hcar.org/membership to unlock a treasure trove of trusted industry professionals. Find the perfect partners to streamline your business, boost productivity, and drive growth. | |
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RPAC - the REALTORS® Political Action Committee - works to affect legislation and initiatives that affect homeownership. RPAC pools the contributions of fellow Realtors® in Howard County, in the state of Maryland, and from across the country to elect candidates who understand you and your business. These candidates recognize the important role homeownership plays in our society, defend private property rights, and oppose costly mandates that keep buyers from realizing the American Dream. RPAC's success comes only through the continued participation of HCAR members like you. Protect your business in 2021 by investing in RPAC today!
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please check the calendar to see what CE classes are available. A full calendar is available HERE. | |
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New Member Orientation
Jan. 19 | 9:30am to 11am
CE Hours: 0
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Maryland Mortgage Program
Jan. 22 | 1:30pm to 3pm
CE Hours: 1.5
Instructor: Latoya Harris
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Building Your Business & Demonstrating Your Value-Right Start pt 1 (NEW AGENTS ONLY)
Jan. 24 | 9am to 5pm
CE Hours: 0
Instructor: Brenda Kasuva
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Fair Housing
Jan. 25 | 1:30pm to 3pm
CE Hours: 1.5
Instructor: Kathleen Dartez Esq.
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Tax Seminar
Jan. 30 | 10am to 11:30am
CE Hours: 0
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MREC Required Supervision
Feb. 6 | 9:30am to 12:30pm
CE Hours: 3.0
Instructor: Kathleen Dartez Esq.
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Real Estate Relationships and Disclosures - Evening Class (Virtual)
Feb. 6 | 6pm to 9pm
CE Hours: 3.0
Instructor: Mary Chieppa
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Converting Buyers & Building Your Buyer Side Business-Right Start pt 2 (NEW AGENTS ONLY)
Feb. 7 | 9am to 5pm
CE Hours: 6.0
Instructor: Brenda Kasuva
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Legislative and Legal Update
Feb. 13 | 9:30am to 12:30pm
CE Hours: 3.0
Instructor: Erika Madden
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Is my class in-person or online?
- CE Credit classes, Designation courses, and New Member Orientation classes held during business hours are in person.
- CE Credit classes and New Member Orientation classes held in the evening are online.
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Need SentriLock Training?
Check out our Classes & Events Calendar for dates. If you have any questions, contact Danielle Jacob at danielle@hcar.org
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Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events happening at HCAR!
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Join the HCAR Realtor® Members Only page to discuss Industry Ideas, Brainstorm, Post Questions, and Share Local Industry Related Information. | |
Howard County Association of REALTORS®
8600 Snowden River Parkway, Suite 104
Columbia, MD 21045
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