Become Involved. Serve on a 2012 GFWAR Committee.
The Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® is looking for volunteers to serve on its committees in 2012. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/2012-gfwar-committee-sign-up.
REALTORS® Now Receive $500 Cash Allowance with Chrysler Group
The National Association of REALTORS® has selected Chrysler Group LLC as the Association’s official automotive manufacturer. Thanks to this new partnership, REALTORS® can receive significant benefits, including a $500 cash allowance on the purchase or lease of select new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram model vehicles. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/chrysler-program-for-realtors.
New Law Requires Licensees to Provide TREC with Contact Information
A new law went into effect Dec. 1 that requires licensees to provide the Texas Real Estate Commission with their current contact information and notify the agency within 10 days of any changes. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/contact-info-to-trec.
New Requirements for Application for Property-Tax Homestead Exemption
As of Sept. 1, Texas added new requirements for homestead-exemption applications. Homeowners must now include a copy of their driver’s license or state-issued ID card and their vehicle registration receipt that has an address matching the property for which they are seeking an exemption along with the application. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/homestead-exemption.
Proposed Revisions to Association Forms
The Texas Association of REALTORS® Forms Revision Task Force has proposed form amendments. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/proposed-revisions-assoc-forms.
Free Bike Racks Available to Business Owners!
Fort Worth businesses can apply for up to three free bike racks as part of the city’s effort to encourage bicycling. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/free-bike-racks.
Careity Realty Group Day
The Careity Foundation has appointment slots available on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 for REALTORS® in Tarrant, Parker and Johnson Counties to get free mammograms. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/careity-realty-group-day.
Just Dues It!
The 2012 GFWAR membership dues are in the mail. Members have the option to pay dues online by visiting the Members Only portion of www.gfwar.org or mailing in their payments to GFWAR. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/membership-dues-in-the-mail.
Trinity Habitat ReStore Looking for Donations!
Did you know that Trinity Habitat for Humanity has discount building material stores in Fort Worth called ReStores? Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where used and new building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. These stores offer a free pick-up service and donations are tax deductible. The stores accept most working appliances and building materials. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/habitat-restore.
Ever Considered the REALTORS® Federal Credit Union?
The REALTORS® Federal Credit Union understands your loan needs better than any other financial institution. With convenient, 24-hour access and comprehensive online banking, REALTORS® FCU is a great addition to your current financial portfolio. Join now for only $25! For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/realtors-federal-credit-union.
FTC Clarification on Short Sales
The Federal Trade Commission has decided that if you help a client sell his home and end up involved in a short sale, you’re exempt from the provisions of the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services rule. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/ftc-clarification-short-sales.
New Laws Affecting Property Managers
Several bills with consequences for property managers were passed into law during the regular session of the 82nd Texas Legislature, including control of rent, pauper’s affidavit, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers and certificate of occupancy. In addition, the change to the Fair Credit Reporting Act affects property managers. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/new-laws-for-property-managers.
TREC Clarifies SOP 12-5
SOP 12-5 now allows members to omit the firm name in social media advertising forums if the social media tool allows limited characters. The omission of firm name is permitted so long as there is a link in the post that directs users to a page where the requisite firm name is included. This is sufficient under Texas statutes and regulations as well. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/trec-clarifies-sop-12-5.
Changes to the Real Estate License Act
Several Texas Association of REALTORS®-supported reforms were made to the Texas Real Estate License Act. These changes increase consumer protections, better prepare licensees to represent consumers, and improve education for applicants and licensees. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/re-license-act-changes.
New TREC Rules
The Texas Real Estate Commission has adopted many amendments to TREC rules. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/new-rules-trec.
Update TAR Member Profile
The Texas Association of REALTORS® has redesigned its consumer site. This site includes an enhanced search that enables people to find a Texas REALTOR®. While all Texas REALTORS® are included in search results, those with complete member profiles are displayed first. Complete your today! For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/update-tar-member-profile.
New Database for Homebuyer-Assistance Programs
The Texas Association of REALTORS® has created a searchable online database of homebuyer-assistance programs. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org/homebuyer-assistance-database.
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