Give NAR Your Opinion

You have an opportunity to give NAR your opinion about the important federal policy issues that will affect you and your clients in 2011. If you’ve already responded, thank you. At the federal level, the National Association of REALTORS® is monitoring a number of public policy issues encompassing housing, real estate finance, tax and environmental policy that impact residential and commercial real estate. NAR hopes you will take a few minutes to give them your opinion about the importance of these policy issues for their 2011 public policy agenda. The link below will take you to a survey that asks about your views. http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BLQX7ZHB4/ With your help, NAR can make sure that their public policy resources are targeted appropriately on the issues that matter most to you and your clients. To show our appreciation, you also will have an opportunity to enter a sweepstakes drawing for a $100 gift card before submitting your survey responses. Please be assured that your individual responses will remain confidential - only summaries of survey results will be made available. Thank you. Ron Phipps, ABR®, CRS, GRI, GREEN, e-PRO® 2011 NAR President Dale Stinton, CAE, CPA, CMA, RCE NAR CEO

The Pros of NAR RPAC

The National Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), supports pro-REALTOR® Congressional and Senate candidates from both political parties. Decisions on which candidates to support are made based on the level of support an elected official or candidate has for our REALTOR® Public Policy Advocacy Agenda. Local and State Associations make recommendations to the National RPAC Trustees using Real Estate Issues as the single most important factor for support of a candidate for election or re-election

· NAR is one of the most effective lobbying forces on Capitol Hill. The results from yesterday’s election have not diminished our ability to promote and protect the real estate industry.

· The New York Times, in the October 30, 2010 edition, singled out RPAC as “One of the few large outside spenders that has supported candidates from both parties…”

· Like most political action committees RPAC typically supports incumbent candidates with a strong level of support for our public policy agenda.

· RPAC has a long tradition of making our “friends” before we need them on Capitol Hill.

· Many Members of Congress come to Washington with a good understanding of real estate issues based on close relationships started on the local and state level.

· By cultivating these relationships over the long haul, NAR will not be scrambling to play “catch-up’ because the party in power changed.

· NAR has been well positioned during previous changes in Congress and will be again this time.

· We recognize that many REALTORS® will use non real estate criteria to evaluate candidates.

· NAR encourages political involvement by all members.

If you have detailed questions about specific candidates or the results of a specific race, please feel free to contact NAR's Managing Director of Political Programs, Scott Reiter at sreiter@realtors.org.

MIke Lipsey Coming to TCAR

Systems for Success

Systems for Success is The Lipsey Company’s most comprehensive training program for the commercial real estate industry and will be in Cary October 28th at 111 Realtor Way from 8am to noon. Based on the successful DVD video training series of the same name, the program focuses on the key components of commercial real estate - selling, leasing, presenting, negotiation and closing - and provides the practitioner with a systematic approach to achieving lasting success in a highly competitive industry.

Topics include:

• Beyond Needs Analysis: Partnering with your Clients
• Developing, Implementing and Managing a Sales/Leasing Plan
• Getting to and Selling to the Decision Maker
• Real Estate Negotiation: Techniques of the Industry's Best
• Best Practices for Tours and Presentations
• Closing Techniques: Proven Closing Tactics for Brokers

In order to ensure that lessons taught are reinforced each day, Lipsey has developed a Systems for Success textbook which provides volumes of additional, useful and relevant information designed to help today's practitioner succeed. These, plus the DVD video series, are all invaluable additions to any training library and can be purchased by calling The Lipsey Company at 1-800-677-1002. For more information on Lipsey go to http://www.lipseyco.com/ .

If you take this class and the Mandatory Update on the same day, members get both for just $99! You must register before the 15th of October in order to get this deal. Regular price for members is $65 for Lipsey, $55 for the Mandatory Update. Non-members are $85 for Lipsey and $75 for Mandatory.

Go to the new http://www.tcar.com/ or contact the office at 919-228-2588 to register.

Joint Event: Great Prizes, Great Fun

Working on your hat for the Mad Hatter Party coming up on September 1st??

Register now to attend the 5th Annual Commercial Real Estate Networking Event to mix and mingle with members from TCAR, TCREW, TRAOBA, BOMA, IREM, CCIM-NC, AAREPNC, IFMA and NAIOP. Proceeds from the event will go to Interact.

Everything you need to know is in the attached flier. The event is Wednesday, September 1st. Cost is only $15.00 which includes food and two drink tickets. What a deal!! Registration deadline is Wednesday, August 25th.

Note: You must register on the TCAR website and pay your $15.00 via credit card in advance of the event deadline. Website is www.tcar.com. Call the TCAR office at 919-228-2588 or email kimb@tcar.com if you have any questions or problems with registration We cannot take registrations the night of the event.

Lots of raffle items are starting to come in to include:
• $1,000 Disney gift card (Can be used to purchase your favorite Disney merchandise and entertainment for Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise or Disney stores.)
• Apple iPad
• Apple iPad, courtesy of TCAR & Tacquire
• Week at Myrtle Beach in ocean front, 3-bedroom condo, courtesy of General Building Management
• $500 gift certificate to Best Buy, courtesy of TCREW
• $300 gift certificate to Crabtree Mall, courtesy of TCREW
• $100 gift certificate for Moe’s Southwest Grill Catering, courtesy of Ralph Nelson
• $100 gift certificate to Ruth Chris Steak House, courtesy of Triangle CREW
• $100 gift certificate to Sullivans, courtesy of Triangle CREW
• $100 CASH, courtesy of BOMA
• $100 gift certificate to Best Buy, courtesy of Anthony & Co./Oncor International
• $100 gift certificate to the Museum Spa
• Signed Carolina Hurricanes hockey stick
• $100 value flower arrangement, courtesy of Ambius
• More to come!!

By the way, it’s not too late if you want to donate a raffle item. Just send me an email (ksaunders@naicarolantic.com). Minimum value of the donated item must be $100. (CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF SPONSORS ON THE ATTACHED FLIER!!!!!)

This was a great event last year and DJ Joe Bunn will be back to play your favorite tunes. Be sure to sign up as soon as possible!! AND don’t forget to wear a hat to get one free raffle ticket with the purchase of your first $10 raffle ticket. (After all, it is a Mad Hatter party!)

Cheers,
Kerry Saunders
NAI Carolantic Realty

New Commercial Book Club

Accredited Associations have the opportunity to promote the NEW book club to members before the official NAR Commercial launch!

Announcing the NAR Commercial Virtual Book Club! The first read in the new club features Bob Potter, an NAR Commercial Signature Series Speaker, and expert on third-level selling. In his book, Bob shares why you should stop competing on price and find out why clients will choose a winner – you! To participate –first, purchase the book, Selling Real Estate Services: Third Level Secrets of Top Producers at the REALTOR® store. Second, visit the book club launch on August 15 at http://go-to.realtor.org/r/3OS1G5/CM/ZCSK/XL/25KB5/CK/h for instructions on joining the book discussion and free pre-recorded webinars from the author. Finally, join Bob on Friday, September 10th at 1 p.m. CST for LIVE Q&A. Preview the first webinar now!
http://tinyurl.com/ThirdLevel

If you have any questions about NAR Commercial, any of their current programs or just about TCAR, give us a call at 919-228-2588 or email me at kimb@tcar.com .

NAR Comments on Proposed Commercial Lead Paint Rule

On May 6, 2010, EPA issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) concerning the Renovation, Repair and Painting Program for Commercial and Public Buildings. The purpose of this ANPR was to solicit feedback and comments on a proposed program that would be similar to the one promulgated for homes, which aims to reduce children's exposure to lead dust during renovation activities. In this most recent ANPRM, EPA has requested comments on a variety of issues specific to the regulation of RRP activities in commercial and public buildings.

NAR, in coalition with several other impacted organizations, submitted comments on July 6, 2010 to express a variety of concerns regarding this proposed regulation. In the comments, the Coalition emphasized that EPA must consider the scope of its authority before proceeding with any regulations. The Toxic Substances Control Act limits the Agency's authority to promulgate regulations that govern RRP activities in commercial and public buildings. Among other things, EPA must complete a congressionally-mandated study of RRP activities in commercial and public buildings and the extent to which they create lead-based paint hazards before it can proceed with any regulations. In addition, EPA must consider a variety of factors in any rulemaking efforts related to RRP activities in commercial and public buildings. For example, the Agency should take into account the fact that RRP activities in commercial and public buildings may present very different patterns of exposure to lead-based paint hazards than the RRP activities in residential settings on which the Agency has previously focused.

In addition, EPA should take into consideration the very limited use of lead-based paint in commercial buildings since 1978. EPA must also consider the potential impacts that the imposition of regulatory requirements may have on other national priorities such as increasing energy efficiency. Indeed, the many questions concerning the extent to which RRP activities in commercial and public buildings actually present lead-based paint hazards and the potential consequences of any regulations strongly suggest that the Agency should continue to seek the input of key stakeholders such as the Coalition's members as this rulemaking proceeds. Visit NAR's Homepage on Lead-Based Paint.

REALTORS® DENTAL INSURANCE

NEW! Announcing an exclusive member benefit available through NAR’s REALTOR Benefits® Program--
REALTORS® DENTAL INSURANCE

The Marketing and Business Development of NAR is pleased to announce an exciting new benefit available exclusively to NAR members and REALTOR® Association staff-- REALTORS® Dental Insurance (RDI). This benefit is offered through NAR's REALTOR Benefits® Program in partnership with Ameritas Insurance Company and SASid (Smart And Simple insurance development).

NAR understands the unique needs of its members who, as independent contractors and small business owners, often do not have access to quality and affordable health and welfare insurance. Following the successful launch of a limited medical insurance offering (RCHI), the Association has continued to work with experts in the insurance industry to develop unique offerings to meet this need. REALTORS® Dental Insurance has been custom-designed to offer affordable and valuable large group Dental insurance benefits to NAR members and their families nationwide. Plans provide coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental expenses with the dentist of your choice. There are 4 plans to choose from, and most plans include bonus benefits like orthodontia, cosmetic, dental rewards, and more. The plans are available today in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam and in every state except NH, where state law prohibits it, and NC, where the plan has been filed by the carrier and is pending approval by the state’s Department of Insurance. As soon as North Carolina has been approved, we'll let you know. In the mean time, check it out.
For more information click here

Latest INFO from NAR

President's Podcast: What's Coming Up in Congress

Fresh off of victories in getting the tax credit closing deadline and flood insurance extended, NAR President Vicki Cox Golder outlines what major legislative issues are looming for the real estate industry. These include the financial reform bill, the 502 single-family rural housing loan guarantee program, and carried interest, which impacts commercial real estate. Listen to the podcast

Small Business Lending Bill Advances to Senate Floor

NAR is urging the Senate to OK legislation that would create a $30 billion small business loan fund. NAR also wants the bill to allow credit unions to increase loans to commercial real estate. Similar legislation has passed the house but Senate prospects are unclear. For more information, contact Vijay Yadlapati at 202-383-1090 or vyadlapati@realtors.org

Webinar: How REALTORS® FCU Can Help You

The REALTORS® Federal Credit Union (REALTORS® FCU), created by the National Association of REALTORS®, serves the unique financial needs of REALTORS® and Associations. Join Tom Glatt, President and CEO, to learn more about their competitive interest and dividend rates, which make it a perfect complement to your existing financial portfolio. In addition, REALTORS® FCU has a Partner Program designed to enhance the benefits you already provide to your members. Register for the webinar at 10 a.m. CDT on Tuesday, July 20, and for instructions on accessing the one-hour session.

New REALTORS(R) Land Institute Course

“Beyond Property Lines: What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know About Land” is a course for practitioners who are interested in jump-starting their knowledge about land. Land transactions are complex and require specialized knowledge—from survey methodology to mineral rights. Members can attend the premiere of this new half-day course on Nov. 3, 2010, at the NAR Conference & Expo in New Orleans. Keith Morris, Accredited Land Consultant with Farmers National Company, will serve as instructor.

Governor Perdue Signs Final State Budget into Law

Governor Perdue signed into law Wednesday (June 30th) the $19 billion final state budget package that passed the NC House and Senate this week. The House passed the budget with a vote of 66-50 and the Senate passed the budget with a vote of 28-15. This was the first time the General Assembly approved a budget on time, before the start of the state’s fiscal year (July 1st), since 2003.

Upon signing, Governor Perdue predicted that the state budget would create and/or retain 20,000 jobs over the next three years through a small-business tax credit and new transportation funding.

House and Senate Democrats who negotiated the final budget stated that this state budget closes an $800 million budget gap by reducing spending by more than 3 percent. Republicans argued, however, that the state budget spends too much during an economic recession and does not prepare for the potential $3 billion budget shortfall in 2011 when federal stimulus funds will run out and temporary tax increases passed last year are set to expire.

As previously reported, one of the final major provisions remaining for budget negotiators last week involved an anticipated $490 million from Congress for state Medicaid funding. Given the recent stall in Congress to pass the bill containing the state Medicaid funding, budget negotiators had to develop a contingency plan to close the Medicaid funding gap. The contingency plan contained in the final budget will take effect January 1, 2011 if necessary, giving Congress additional time to pass the bill supplying state Medicaid funds. If applied, the contingency plan would first take $30 million from the special fund to pay for disaster relief and $35 million in the lottery funds. After those funds are exhausted, the state would cut Medicaid provider rates by 1 percent, withhold up to $139 million in pension contributions and cut state government across the board by 1 percent, which would total $178 million.

With the budget completed it is likely that the legislative session will conclude next week. Many expect the General Assembly will adjourn by next Friday, July 9th.

NCAR Partner of the Month

Think BIG and save along the way! Your NCAR membership entitles you to discounts on UPS ground, air and international shipping every time you ship. Whether you send 50 shipments a month or two shipments a week, the savings add up. With UPS, even small businesses save big! Click here to sign up: www.savewithups.com/enroll/ and enter the promotional code: SER213!
Take advantage of the discounts and remember it is possible to pay for your membership if you take advantage of what NCAR offers to their members.

*Video*
Also, in 2007 the Partners Program released an interactive DVD-ROM to increase member awareness of the REALTOR® Partner Program. The DVD is now slightly dated as they have acquired and dropped partners since the release. However, NCAR is working to take parts of the DVD and use them on their social media sites and website. Check out the first clip: http://www.youtube.com/user/ncrealtors

Capital News Update

Legislative Leaders Predict Final Budget Will Pass This Week!

House and Senate budget conferees continued to meet last week in joint conference committee, working out the differences between the House and Senate versions of state budget proposals, preparing a final package to present to the Governor by July 1st, the start of the state’s fiscal year.

House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman (D-Davidson) indicated last week that the final budget bill could be up for a Senate and House vote early this week. Senate leader Marc Basnight (D-Dare) followed this concurring, saying his goal was to adjourn this legislative session by July 2nd.

One of the major provisions remaining for negotiation among budget conferees involves the anticipated $490 million from Congress for state Medicaid funding. As mentioned, the budget proposals passed by both the House and Senate assumed that North Carolina would receive the pending $490 million from Congress for Medicaid funding, and it had appeared that the final compromise budget would do the same. The U.S. Senate, however, is stalled in its efforts to pass the bill containing this state Medicaid funding. In the last several weeks, the U.S. Senate has not had sufficient votes for the full package. This week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled a substitute amendment after negotiations that would trim the Medicaid funding from $24.2 billion to $16.2 billion. Just last night (June 24th), the negotiated version also failed on the Senate floor. Senator Reid indicated that the measure is officially stalled.

Given what has been happening in Congress in regard to the Medicaid funding for states, Governor Bev Perdue called on legislative leaders last week to create a section of the budget that assumed North Carolina would not receive the federal Medicaid dollars, forcing budget negotiators to cut an additional $525 million from their proposed budget. While there has not been a clear indication as to where the cuts will occur, House Speaker Joe Hackney (D-Orange) stated this week that he expected state employee furloughs to be discussed among the options. Additionally, other cuts could possibly be set to take effect in January 2011, giving the state time to see if Congress eventually passes the Medicaid funding.

2010 Joint Event Needs Sponsors

It’s a MAD HATTER Party and you’re invited! It’s that time of year again: the 5th Annual Joint Networking Event when commercial real estate organizations get together to have fun, network, win raffle items and give to a worthy cause. But to be successful, we need your help!

We would like for your company to be a sponsor for the event to be held on Wednesday, September 1st. If you have participated in the past, you know that over 400 people attend the event each year. Benefits of your $500 sponsorship include: having your company name publicized in multiple email blasts to members of all of the commercial real estate groups (TCAR, TCREW, TRAOBA, BOMA, IREM, CCIM-NC, AAREPNC and NAIOP)…that’s over 1,200 people! You’ll also have a 6ft. table at the event for display, get two free tickets to the event; and essentially be contributing to a very worthy cause: Interact. (At past events, you may recall we have given $10,000 to each of the following organizations: Pretty in Pink, Hilltop Homes and the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. $5,000 was given to the Women’s Center of Wake County at our first event.)

Please let me know if you are interested in sponsorship. Remember the earlier you sign up, the more exposure you will have to all the industry professionals! For the details contact Kim Brennan at kimb@tcar.com or call 919-228-2588.

Special thanks to Tri Properties for being our Gold Sponsor.

Cheers,
Kerry Saunders
On behalf of TCAR & TCREW

P.S. Two major raffle items: A $1,000 Disney gift certificate- good for any one of their parks, resorts, hotels, or stores; and an Apple iPad. More to come!!

RCA Info and Affiliate News

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS
Listen to the current Technology and Intelligience interview as Jan Fiola, Business Development Director at Bedford Cost Segregation, shares her thoughts about current industry direction, her impressions from years in commercial development and her plans for 2010 as CREW Chicago’s president. http://go-to.realtor.org/r/XTDRUV/7ZKLQ/D4O3IF/HVZR9/QGUXD/KI/h

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Throughout the year, NAR works to keep commercial real estate issues before members of Congress. Almost 50% of these efforts pertain to commercial real estate. Click http://go-to.realtor.org/r/XTDRUV/7ZKLQ/D4O3IF/HVZR9/ZZOJN/KI/h to read an overview of the many issues addressed this year and the specific activities.

MEMBER EDUCATION
The newest free Commercial Webinar just posted. "Building Client Relationships with a Whole New Clientele" is being presented by Duke Kuehn, a well-known consultant who has helped commercial practitioners improve performance. Go to http://go-to.realtor.org/r/XTDRUV/7ZKLQ/D4O3IF/HVZR9/ZZOJ3/KI/h


AFFILIATE NEWS

CRE Launches New Library on Web Site
The Counselors of Real Estate launched the CRE Library, http://go-to.realtor.org/r/XTDRUV/7ZKLQ/D4O3IF/HVZR9/R81K9/KI/h to its Web site! It includes books and monographs, and features articles on real estate, finance or related business topics—all written by Counselors of Real Estate. Browse brief descriptions of the books and purchase a copy through a link to its publisher or Amazon.com. Recent articles from the CRE Real Estate Issues journal written by CRE members are also available on the site. “The CRE Library is one of the most important new features to enhance our organization in recent years,” said CRE President and CEO Mary Walker Fleischmann. “Through the library, we are able to showcase the thought leadership, expertise and diverse backgrounds of our membership through products of their own creation.”

IREM’s Fair & Effective Lease Administration Guide
Simplify the process of accurate and efficient lease administration; it’s critical to every building’s tenant relations program. When leases are poorly administered, properties can be robbed of some of their cash flow and value and tenants can lose trust in the landlord and the property manager. Lease Administration Simplified – A Real Estate Manager’s Guide to Fair and Effective Lease Administration, available from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®). Authors Richard Muhlebach, CPM®, SCSM, and Alan Alexan provide lease administration basics that simplify the process for all commercial property types. Click on this link http://go-to.realtor.org/r/XTDRUV/7ZKLQ/D4O3IF/HVZR9/L1R7D/KI/h

New Taxes, New Tactics
The REALTORS® Land Institute can help you reduce the pain of new tax initiatives. Tune in to this webinar and hear top advisors Linda Goold, NAR Washington Representative; H. Quincy Long, President, Entrust Retirement Services; and James Miller, Attorney, VP of Investment Properties Exchange Services, who will share their knowledge on proposed health insurance taxes, treatment of capital gains, 1031 exchanges and much more. The seminar is on June 23 at noon-12:30 CT. For more information and to register go to http://go-to.realtor.org/r/XTDRUV/7ZKLQ/D4O3IF/HVZR9/EJYOM/KI/h or call Michele Cohen, Education Manager, 312.329.8837.

Land: What REALTORS® Need to Know
New REALTORS® Land Institute Program – Land: What REALTORS® Need to Know
Land transactions are complex, and require specialized knowledge – from survey methodology to mineral rights and a host of other issues. If you do land, you need to know the dirt. Article 11 of the NAR Code of Ethics explains that REALTORS® should not provide professional services concerning a type of property outside their field of competence — unless they either engage the assistance of a competent expert in that discipline, or fully disclose to their client that they do not possess particular expertise. Jumpstart your understanding of land, plan to attend this new program, Beyond Property Lines: What REALTORS® Need to Know about Land. It’s scheduled for Nov. 3, 2010 in conjunction with NAR’s Conference & Expo in New Orleans. Early bird registration is only $59. Call 1.800.44l.LAND (5263) for more information and to register.
All NAR Affiliates have numerous events and educational opportunities. To learn about current offerings, click: http://recentral.org/index.php?date=2009-09-01

5th Annual Joint Event: Sponsors Wanted

TCAR Members!

It’s a MAD HATTER Party and you’re invited! It’s that time of year again: the 5th Annual Joint Networking Event when commercial real estate organizations get together to have fun, network, win raffle items and give to a worthy cause. But to be successful, we need your help!

We would like for your company to be a sponsor for the event to be held on Wednesday, September 1st from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Carlisle Place at Imperial Center, 4721 Emperor Blvd, Durham. If you have participated in the past, you know that over 400 people attend the event each year. Benefits of your $500 sponsorship include: having your company name publicized in multiple email blasts to members of all of the commercial real estate groups (TCAR, TCREW, TRAOBA, BOMA, CCIM-NC, AAREPNC, IREM and NAIOP)…that’s over 1,200 people! You’ll also have a 6ft. table at the event for display, get two free tickets to the event; and essentially be contributing to a very worthy cause: Interact. (At past events, you may recall we have given $10,000 to each of the following organizations: Pretty in Pink, Hilltop Homes and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. $5,000 was given to the Women’s Center of Wake County at our first event.)

Please let us know if you are interested in sponsorship by contacting Kim Brennan of TCAR at kimb@tcar.com or calling 228-2588. Remember the earlier you sign up, the more exposure you will have to all the industry professionals!

Registration is already up at http://www.tcar.com/ and is $15 a person.

Special thanks to Tri Properties for being our Gold Sponsor.

Cheers,
Kerry Saunders
TCAR Networking Committee Chair

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle Needs You: Hunger is Unacceptable

Last year the 4th Annual Joint Event raised $10,000 and 600 pounds of food for the Inter-Fatih Food Shuttle. Like many non profits, they're needing to raise more money to help the increasing number of people in distress due to tough economic times.

91,000 children in the Greater Triangle are on the free or reduced school lunch program- 10,000 more than last year.

Family budgets and cupboards that are already stretched thin during turbulent economic times are now faced with the added pressure of providing wholesome nutritious food for their children three or more times a day- meals they used to eat at school.

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle can help provide wholesome nutritious food for these additional 10,000 children. The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle needs to raise $200,000 this summer- that’s just $20 per child! They can meet this need through:

• Mobile Markets with free deliveries to low income neighborhoods
• Summer Lunch Program in housing authority communities
• Community Gardens that offer fresh fruits and vegetables just steps from their door.

The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is on the front lines of this need and will work hard all through the hot summer because Hunger Is Unacceptable.
To donate go to https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=2560 . For more information on the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle go to http://www.foodshuttle.org/

NCAR's June Partner of the Month

If your unaware of this,your membership to the North Carolina Association of REALTORS gives you discounts through their REALTOR Partner Program. Seriously, if you took the time to look over the deals that you can get through the National and State Programs, your savings could end up paying for your membership.

This months featured vendor will have you rethinking 10%! AT&T wireless is offering exclusive discounts to NC REALTORS®. They're willing to give REALTORS a 10% discount off monthly access charges, will waive Activation Fee with a two year contract, and accessory discounts at any AT&T owned stores. To sign up for their service, visit any AT&T Company Owned Retail location. Make sure to provide the following to get your discounts: Foundation Account Number (FAN) - 2017074 and NCAR Verification Letter. If you have questions, or need a letter of verification please email kmiller@ncrealtors.org . You can also contact me at kimb@tcar.com or call the office at 919-228-2588 and I'll help you out in whatever way I can.

For more information on the REALTORS Partner Program and the REALTORS VIP program, please feel free to drop me a line at the information above. Thanks again for your membership.

So Many Apps, So Little Time

Dick Betts is a National Speaker specializing in Smartphone’s, Business Building Skills, Customer Relationship Management programs, Web Marketing, and Management Technology. I took a class from him while at the AE Institute and he frequently writes articles regarding the new technology available to REALTORS. Below is his latest article:

There’s an app for that! I am beginning to think I use those four words more then any other four words in my life. We are in the middle of an explosion of applications for Smartphones and no one person has the time to review them all. Take a few minutes and visit the iPhone or Droid apps store and you will be amazed at what’s out there to help with your business and life. Oh you need to go back tomorrow and look again iPhone is adding 559 apps a day not sure about the Droid and other platforms but I think it’s safe to say about a thousand per day.

Life has changed from how do I repeat an event on my Treo to I want to build a nuclear reactor is there an app for that? Folks the bar has been raised and we all have been a part of the change in the way we do business. I meet people when I am out speaking that I just stare in amazement at how much they are getting from their Smartphone.

With the changes and apps happening so fast we need a clearing house or a central point to wade through the apps and find what really helps us. I am not volunteering to look at each app but together we can find what apps are available to help us live our life and help us with our career.

Since 2008 I have hosted an online group dedicated to Smartphones which is free to join. I am proud to say I have some of the best people available who belong to the group and freely give their time and advice. Whether you want to join in and add your two cents or do like some and just read what others are saying join in!

I started a new thread in this group “Smartphone App Sharing” for agents to share what apps they are using and maybe ask for help finding an app. The more people participating the better for us all.

To view my outSmart Your Smartphone group, go to http://outSmartYourSmartphone.RealTown.com . Note that in order to participate in my outSmart Your Smartphone group, you must be a member of RealTown.com-- To Join (it’s free), go to http://www.RealTown.com/signup and complete the sign up form. If you are already a member, make sure you are logged in. Next, visit my group at http://outSmartYourSmartphone.RealTown.com and click the Join Group link just below the group description. Choose your subscription preferences and you are done. It’s that easy.

Commercial Vacancies

Commercial Vacancies to Peak Near Early 2011

Vacancy rates continue to rise in most commercial sectors and are not expected to level out in most markets until the end of this year or early 2011, NAR says. The bright spot is the multifamily sector, which can expect increased demand as the economy creates jobs and new households are formed, likely in the second half of this year. "The office, warehouse, and retail sectors continue to experience the delayed effects of the recession," says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "These sectors should see gradual improvement after jobs pick up and create additional demand for space, meaning a broader improvement in commercial real estate is likely in 2011."

A Message From Networking Chair, Kerry Saunders

The time is fast approaching for our 5th Annual Joint Networking Event with the proceeds benefiting a local charity. You may recall, last year we were able to give The InterFaith Food Shuttle a check for $10,000 along with lots of canned goods.

This year, our event will be held on Wednesday, September 1st and we are looking at potential location options. The space would need to be approximately 10,000sf, fully air-conditioned, wide-open and centrally located with adequate parking. It does not need to be carpeted, etc. We had approximately 400+ commercial real estate related professionals from TCAR, TCREW, BOMA, IREM, CCIM, NAIOP, and AAREPNC attend last year at 3600 Glenwood Avenue with a theme of SHOW US YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT. The committee members from each of the organizations have already started meeting to plan an even better event this year!

If you have an building owner interested in exposing his office or flex space to over 400 professionals and pay the Gold Sponsorship level of $5,000, please notify Kim Brennan with TCAR at kimb@tcar.com or Kerry Saunders with TCREW at ksaunders@naicarolantic.com. We will need to make a final decision within the next few weeks.

Thanks for your help!

Kind regards,
Kerry

NCAR Legislative Meetings

2010 NCAR Legislative Meetings - June 7th through 9th

The 2010 North Carolina Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings will be held June 7-9 in Raleigh. This is an important opportunity for REALTORS® from across the state to provide a unified voice for the real estate industry in North Carolina. The Legislative Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 8th from 2 pm -3:30 pm and the Legislative Forum will be earlier in the day from 12:30 pm – 2 pm. The Legislative Reception, from 6 pm – 7:30 pm on Tuesday, will be at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and is a great opportunity to rub elbows with North Carolina legislators. Prior to the Museum Reception there will be a North Carolina REALTORS® Commercial Alliance mixer. Location and time will be announced at a later date so be looking for that information.

Of course, the highlight of both days is the REALTOR® Day on Wednesday as REALTORS® from across the state walk the halls of the General Assembly and visit with their legislators. This is an opportunity to discuss issues of importance to our industry with your elected officials and we welcome all that are interested to participate.

Please contact the TCAR office at 919-228-2588 if you have any questions.

New NCAR Member Discount, Community Service Workday

Members of the NC Association of REALTORS® could receive a special discount on car insurance from REALTOR® Partner, Nationwide®. Nationwide offers a FREE insurance review for all NC REALTORS®. Take advantage of this opportunity to get a free quote to find out what other discounts you may be eligible for and are not receiving with Nationwide or your current carrier. Click here to learn more and receive a free quote, your discount will be automatically applied: www.ncrealtorsauto.com .
This is just another way you can save money to help pay for your membership. All you need is your NRDS number so give us a yell if you don't know what that is.

Those of you signed up for the Golf Tournament at River Ridge tomorrow, make sure you get your mulligan package at $25 or purchase additional raffle tickets for $10. We're raffling off an Apple i-Pad and a Barnes and Noble Nook. Registration and breakfast starts at 7:30 with a shot gun start at 9:00. All beverages, and lunch are also included in the day.

Registration is now online for the TCAR Community Service Workday scheduled for May 21st from 9-1 at the Raleigh Rescue Mission. Go to www.tcar.com for more information and to sign up. You can tweet us at tcarkim or call the office at 919-228-2588 if you want to volunteer that way as well.

Lastly, if you're interested in the CCIM designation, the CCIM Calculator Class is still taking registrations for their class on May 18th from 9am to noon. The class is being held at 111 Realtor Way in Cary. To register go to www.ncccim.org .

The 1031 Tax Free Exchanges Class

For those of you that are trying to get those last courses in before the requirement with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission runs out, you might want to check out the residential boards schedule. On May 13th the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS, located at 111 Realtor Way in Cary, has a whole day of Continuing Education that may be of interest.

The first class is the Mandatory Update with Tom Mahlum from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Yes, it's a residential class but unless you're going to travel to see Cindy Chandler teach the commercial examples class, that's all that is left. We had our last commercial version back on April 1. Topics included in this class are Agency Disclosure Requirements, selected Property Management Issues, "Due Diligence" in residential transactions, licensing and education issues and North Carolina Real Estate agent safety.

The second class, the four hour elective course, may be of some interest to commercial brokers. It is the 1031 Tax Free Exchanges from 1:30 to 5:30 and is also being taught by Tom Mahlum. This course explores the history, evolution, rules and forms of the strategy used to defer tax liability until a later date. This class has tons of real-life examples and math calculations. Agents will learn the vocabulary and application of tax free exchanges so they are better able to answer client questions.


You can register online at www.rrar.com . You can also contact RRAR at 919-654-5400 or email CaraM@rrar.com with any questions you might have in regards to their continuing education classes.

May: Save the Dates

There are several things going on this month so I thought I might throw out some dates for you to put into your calendar for this month.

First, on Tuesday May 11th is the 15th Annual Commercial Classic at River Ridge Golf Course in Raleigh. The cost is $65 per player with registration and breakfast starting at 7:30AM. You will have the option to spend some time at the driving range to practice your skills prior to tournament. Shotgun start is at 9:00AM.
There is a hole in one grand prize of $25,000, with three other hole in one prizes on the course. There also will be a Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive contest.
Afterwards, there will be a BBQ lunch and drinks will be provided throughout the day. You will have a chance to win great raffle prizes through the purchase of the Mulligan package and raffle tickets! Go to http://www.tcar.com/ or call the office at 919-228-2588 to register.
After you register, please call the number above or email Kim, kimb@tcar.com, with your handicap or average score.
Mulligans packages can be purchased for $25 prior to the event either online, by calling the office or on the tournament day.

The Triangle Community Coalition has a Luncheon Learn at 111 Realtor Way on Thursday May 13th called “You Know the Neuse…You Think You Know Jordan Lake…. Welcome to Falls Lake – The New Frontier in Watershed Protection.”
Water Quality, Land Development, and You: Why you should care about the future of Falls Lake. The State Environmental Management Commission is developing new rules to reduce nutrient loading from development and other sources within the Falls Lake Watershed.
The Commission is proposing far-reaching measures aimed at improving water quality in one of the region’s primary water supply watersheds. This program will provide insight into what owners and developers can do to influence the process and steps to take now to try to protect themselves from , or plan for, the impact of these changes.
Learn why everyone should be concerned about the outcome of this effort and the potential impacts to development, the environment, and regional politics.
Keynote speakers and panelists include:
 Steven Levitas, Kilpatrick Stockton LLP Partner
 Todd St. John, P.E./ LEED AP, Kimley-Horn and Associates Senior Environmental Engineer
 Frank Thomas - HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties Director of Government Relations
You'll need to call TCC at 919-228-2599 to register at this point. The event is sponsored by Kimley-Horne and Associates.

Tuesday, May 18th, NC-CCIM and TCAR are bringing the CCIM Financial Calculator Class to Raleigh. Class is from 9amto Noon and will be held at 111 Realtor Way in Cary with instructors Sam DiFranco, CCIM and Bo Winn,CCIM.
This course is designed to provide an understanding of financial analysis tools, concepts and calculations necessary for commercial real estate. It will prepare the student for the calculations used in the CCIM Intro course and beyond. Students will be provided with an invaluable excel workbook that they will retain. An introduction to the CCIM designation and the process to obtain it will be presented.
Cost is $25 to all residential/commercial REALTORS®, CCIM designees/candidates, and NCCCIM members. Register at: http://www.nc-ccim.org/ .
Students will need a Laptop loaded with A FULL VERSION (activated) of Microsoft Excel, a basic understanding of NOI, discounting,compounding, and general commercial real estate knowledge. Macs with the most recent version of Excel will NOT be able to run the financial calculator spreadsheet.

Lastly, TCAR is holding their first Community Service Day at the Raleigh Rescue Mission on Friday, May 21st. We will be sorting items at the warehouse and possibly helping with warehouse set-up, sanitizing dishes, chairs, etc., in the kitchen, washing walls and washing vehicles. Register at http://www.tcar.com/ . For more information on the Raleigh Rescue Mission go to http://www.raleighrescue.org/about-us .

Whew! We'll be pretty busy this month. Hope to see everyone there.

NAR Legislative Advocacy for Commercial Real Estate Issues

Below are Legislative Advocacy that has ben done for Commercial Real Estate by NAR over the past two months.

April 27, 2010
Monthly Commercial Update
NAR Treasurer Jim Helsel discussed the upcoming NAR Mid-Year Meetings. Commercial real estate will be one of the five main talking points Realtors will discuss with members of Congress on their visits to the Hill. NAR members will be asking for three specific points: (1) increase the cap on credit union business lending from 12.5 percent to 25 percent of total assets; (2) urge the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to encourage simple loan extensions for properties that can support their current debt; and (3) hold a congressional hearing very soon specifically on the problems plaguing commercial real estate.

April 21, 2010
NAR Testified on the National Flood Insurance Program
Moe Veissi, NAR 2010 First Vice President, testified at hearing titled "Legislative Proposals To Reform the National Flood Insurance Program" before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity. NAR supports at minimum a five-year NFIP reauthorization to provide certainty to a recovering real estate market as well as to the millions of taxpayers and businesses that depend on the program for flood insurance.

April 21, 2010
NAR Provided Input on Several Pieces of Legislation
NAR submitted a letter to Representatives Barney Frank (D-MA) and Spencer Bachus (R-AL) on several property insurance-related pieces of legislation to be marked-up. NAR stated its support for a comprehensive solution that ensures the availability and affordability of natural disaster, flood, and wind insurance for property owners.
A “mark-up” refers to the meeting of a Committee held to review the text of a bill before reporting it out.

April 12, 2010
Commercial Roundtable Meeting with U.S. Georgia Congressman David Scott
Members from the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® met with Rep. Scott to discuss liquidity issues facing the commercial real estate industry. Members provided anecdotal stories regarding the difficulty of obtaining new commercial loans as well as refinancing existing loans. Specifically, members discussed the challenge of refinancing commercial properties that are performing. Additionally, members presented a variety of ways that Congress can help jumpstart the commercial markets, which included: relaxing mark-to-market accounting rules, incentives for banks to make loans, and foreclosure mitigation. The Congressman was very attentive and grateful for the members’ input.

April 12, 2010
Commercial Roundtable Meeting with U.S. Texas Congressman Kevin Brady
Members from the Houston Association of REALTORS® attended a Roundtable meeting with Rep. Brady to discuss the ongoing problems in the commercial real estate industry. Also included in this meeting were representatives from the FDIC, Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the currency, and leaders in the banking & commercial real estate community. Rep. Brady and the federal regulatory agencies were very appreciative of the input from members.

March 30, 2010
Commercial Roundtable Meeting with U.S. Georgia Congressman Tom Price
Members from the Atlanta Board of REALTORS® and Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® met with Rep. Price to discuss liquidity issues facing the commercial real estate industry. Members shared their stories regarding their difficulties in obtaining credit for capital as well as for refinancing of performing loans. Members also discussed the proposed tax treatment of carried interest as ordinary income, renewal of the 15-year depreciation schedule on leasehold improvements, and new FASB proposals to change to mark-to-market rules. Price was very appreciative of the information provided by commercial roundtable meeting attendees. Members from ICSC, NAIOP, and ACBR were also present during the meeting.


March 24, 2010
NAR Urged for an Extension of TALF in Letter to Lawmakers
As the Federal Reserve Board unwinds its emergency liquidity programs, NAR urged members of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services to continue to address the tremendous challenges facing the commercial mortgage market. Specifically, NAR encouraged the extension of the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) for legacy and newly issued commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) through the end of 2010.

March 17, 2010
NAR Opposed Medicare Hospital Insurance Premium
In a letter to Congress, NAR expressed its opposition to the proposal in the health care measure that would, for the first time, impose the Medicare Hospital Insurance premium in unearned income, including rents.

March 10, 2010
NAR Testified on Natural Disaster Insurance
Charles McMillan, NAR Immediate Past President, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity and Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government-Sponsored Entities at hearing titled "Approaches To Mitigating and Managing Natural Catastrophe Risk: H.R. 2555, the Homeowners' Defense Act."

March 3, 2010
NAR Signed onto the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC)
NAR cosigned letter to U.S. House /Senate leaders, urging passage of estate tax reform legislation. Also, urged raising cap on Credit Unions and asked U.S. House Reps to cosponsor H.R. 3380, “Promoting Lending to America’s Small Business Act of 2009.”

March 2, 2010
NAR Submitted Statement on Small Business Lending
Re: “Restoring Credit to Main Street: Proposals to Fix Small Business Borrowing and Lending Problems.” NAR asked Congress to improve lending through the various measures.

March, 2010
Commercial REALTORS® Continue to Set Up Roundtable Meetings With Lawmakers Addressed liquidity problems with Reps. Scott (D-GA), Price (R-NC), and Meeks (D-NY).

February 26, 2010
NAR Submitted Statement on Small Business and Commercial Real Estate Lending
Participated in joint hearing on “Small Business and Commercial Lending.” NAR presented a variety of policy measures to improve lending access for small businesses.

February 25, 2010
NAR Urged Financial Regulatory Reform in Letter to Senators Dodd & Shelby
The letter asked policymakers to ensure that reforms aimed at the securitized credit markets are customized and applied appropriately for commercial real estate finance that create liquidity, promote sound practices and transparency.

February 25, 2010
Fed Responds to Lawmakers’ Concern Regarding Commercial Real Estate Loan Workouts
The Federal Reserve (Fed) responded to a joint letter from 79 members of Congress, which urged the U.S. Treasury and Fed to take a more active role in commercial real estate credit markets. The Fed stated that the assessment of commercial real estate exposures is one of its “highest priorities.” The Fed also intends to continue to analyze commercial real estate markets as well as the effectiveness of its supervisory guidance. Furthermore, the Fed also believes its ongoing industry and examiner outreach will be critical as regulatory agencies and the industry work through challenging issues in the commercial real estate credit markets. NAR and Commercial REALTOR leaders worked with Congress on the letter to the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve and encouraging cosigners.

February 24, 2010
Commercial Real Estate Webinar
NAR hosted a webinar for all commercial affiliates, large commercial real estate firms, and real estate-related organizations. The purpose of the webinar was to update groups on NAR’s policy priorities and to receive input on additional possible solutions to the commercial liquidity crisis.

TCREW Champion Awards and Upcoming TCAR Events

We hope you are planning to be among the 400+ attending the Triangle CREW Champion Awards luncheon on April 29th at the Sheraton Imperial in Durham. The TCREW Champion Awards is an annual program that honors leaders, deals and projects in the Triangle commercial real estate industry.

Also coming up is the 15th Annual TCAR Commercial Classic on Tuesday, May 11th. Again, this year's tournanment will be held at the River Ridge Golf Club, 3225 Auburn Knightdale Road, in Raleigh. Registration and breakfast begins at 7:30am with a shot gun start at 9:00. The Hole in One prize is $25,000 cash, with additional hole in one prizes that include an electronics package and airline tickets. Price is $65 a golfer and $25 for the mulligan package that includes two raffle tickets for the drawings during the barbecue lunch after the tournament. Go to http://www.tcar.com/ to register for both or call the office at 919-228-2588.

On Tuesday, May 18th, TCAR is partnering with the NC CCIM chapter to bring the Calculator class. Classes will be held at the residential board, 111 Realtor Way, in Cary. This course is designed to provide an understanding of financial analysis tools, concepts and calculations necessary for commercial real estate. It will prepare the student for the calculations used in the CCIM Intro course and beyond. Students will be provided with an excel workbook that they will retain. An introduction to the CCIM designation and the process to obtain it will be presented. Classes are $25 a person to all residential/commercial REALTORS®, CCIM designees/candidates, and NCCCIM members. Register at http://www.nc-ccim.org/ . Students will require a laptop loaded with A FULL VERSION (activated) of Microsoft Excel. You'll also need a basic understanding of NOI, discounting,compounding, and general commercial real estate knowledge. Macs with the most recent version of Excel will NOT be able to run the financial calculator spreadsheet.

Lastly, on Friday May 21st, TCAR will hold it's first Community Service Day with the Raleigh Rescue Mission from 9:00 to 1:00. We'll be sorting items at the warehouse and possibly helping with warehouse set-up, sanitizing dishes, chairs, etc., in the kitchen, washing walls and washing vehicles. The Raleigh Rescue Mission is located at 314 East Hargett Street in Raleigh. For more information on the Raleigh Rescue Mission go to http://www.raleighrescue.org/aboutus . Registration will be posted online at www.tcar.com this coming week. You can also tweet tcarkim or email kimb@tcar.com to register.

TCAR looks forward to seeing everyone at all the events. Thank you for your membership and keep checking the website, twitter, the blog or your email box for updates and more information.

NC REALTORS Government Affairs Update

Legislative Commission on Global Climate Change

Last week’s meeting of the Commission on Global Climate Change centered on its final report to be submitted to the General Assembly before the start of the 2010 legislative session. The draft report is a lengthy combination of findings on climate and environmental matters which could affect North Carolina in the future. There are many findings in the draft which pertain to every aspect of the environment but one recommendation of note is to direct the General Assembly to study the policy of requiring disclosure of potential hazards to purchasers of coastal property. The Commission will hold its final meeting on May 5th and NCAR staff will be in attendance.

Finance Committees Discuss Corporate Tax IssuesBusiness taxes were the focus of the sixth meeting of the House and Senate Finance Committees, held this week in Raleigh. Presentations were given by several General Assembly staff members detailing the corporate income and franchise tax structures in North Carolina and how taxes and economic development are interrelated. Another staff member and Jason Jolley, a Senior Research Director with UNC’s Center for Competitive Economies, also presented information regarding North Carolina’s economic development incentives program and the use of business tax credits to promote economic development. Click here to access the meeting presentations. The final meeting will take place on April 28th and this discussion is expected to continue.

NAR Requests TALF Extension in Letter

Last week, the National Association of REALTORS submitted a letter before the House Financial Services Committee hearing on "Unwinding Emergency Federal Reserve Liquidity Programs and Implications for Economic Recovery." Specifically, NAR asked policymakers to extend the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) for legacy and new newly issued commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) through the end of 2010.

Last November, the first CMBS in over eighteen months was sold with the assistance from TALF. Additional loans are now in the program's pipeline. However, due to the long-term nature and complexity of putting together CMBS deals-often taking between six months and two years to complete - potential investors will be excluded from participation as a result of the March 31, 2010 and June 30, 2010, sunset dates for legacy and newly issued CMBS, respectively. Given additional time, TALF will continue to help thaw the nearly frozen private commercial mortgage markets.

TALF was created last year in an effort to thaw the frozen $900 billion CMBS market, which has been a significant source of funding for the commercial real estate industry in the past decade. Under the program, the Federal Reserve provides investors with low-cost loans to buy securities backed by commercial real estate debt. It is estimated that roughly a dozen more CMBS deals are in the works, with most investors hoping to tap into TALF.

From NAR: Commercial Real Estate Liquidity

I received this email from NAR Government Affairs and thought it was important to pass along. I also think it is important that not only should our association send this letter, but commercial brokers as well. The letter is as follows:

" Several state associations have expressed concerns about commercial real estate liquidity. NAR shares these concerns and have drafted a letter for state and local associations to send to their members of Congress. Please use this letter as you see fit. The letter can be signed and should be on association (company) letter head. If you have any questions contact Megan Booth MBooth@realtors.org or Vijay Yadlapati VYadlapati@realtors.org ." The letter is as follows and a link will be provided at the bottom so that you might download it and send it off.

February 22, 2010

Dear Representative (Insert member of Congress. You can google that information)

A crisis is looming in the commercial real estate market. This will not just be a disaster for commercial real estate investors and property owners - but for the entire economy. Commercial real estate supports more than nine million jobs and generates billions of dollars in federal, state and local tax revenue. ( Company or your name) is very concerned about this growing problem, and believes that solutions are needed to avoid this potential crisis.

We support H.R. 3380, the "Promoting Lending to America's Small Businesses Act of 2009" introduced by Reps. Kanjorski (D-PA) and Royce (R-CA) that would increase the cap on credit union commercial lending to 25% of total assets. During previous crisis' consumers and businesses have relied on credit unions to fill in the gaps where banks cannot serve them. But today they are hampered by a lending cap of 12.25% of total assets.

We also believe there are a number of other proposals that are worthy of serious consideration. These include solutions to the equity gap which prevent properties with an otherwise performing loan from refinancing when the property has a value of less than the current debt. Improved cash flow for investors/owners of commercial real estate would help to fend off some of the challenges the market faces. The most effective means of improving cash flow on real property is to provide more generous depreciation allowances. We believe that some combination of accelerated depreciation (or shorter recovery periods) and passive loss relief would be significant investor incentives.

In addition, we urge an extension of the Troubled Asset Loan Facility (TALF). TALF assisted with the first issue of new commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) in more than 18 months just last November. TALF authority for legacy ( previously issued ) CMBS expires March 31st, 2010. The authority for new issues expires June 30th, 2010. TALF has played a valuable role in restoring investor confidence. We believe that TALF should be given additional time so that it may continue to jumpstart the private commercial mortgage markets.

There is no easy solution to the commercial liquidity crisis and there is no silver bullet to address all types of properties. However, doing nothing will certainly spell disaster. We urge Congress to look at all viable solutions and take immediate steps to address this serious problem that can impact every community in our nation.

Sincerely,

Now, to download this letter go to http://go-to.realtor.org/r/GKGA4R/B528B/S3Y2HC/CHCNF/NL9DE/LE/h/
Sign and send it to your Congressional Representative today

REALTORS Core Health Insurance Information

Did you know that 30% of all NAR members are without health insurance? It's true according to a recent survey conducted by the Association. NAR has teamed up with SASid (Smart and Simple insurance development) and created the REALTORS Core Health Insurance (RCHI) program. The program not only features guaranteed coverage , but also offers affordable plan options and members have the freedom to choose their provider.

Here are the most frequently asked questions:

How can RCHI help?
RCHI provides opportunities to those who have struggled to gain coverage by providing guaranteed-acceptance and accessible medical insurance. It also makes existing coverage more affordable by allowing members to adjust their current deductible and supplementing it with an RCHI plan.

What is the difference between Major Medical and Limited Medical Insurance?
It is important to understand the difference between Major Medical (comprehensive coverage) and Limited Medical Insurance. Major Medical provides catastrophic coverage and high limits of coverage (typically $1 million or more). Limited Medical (RCHI) provides the guarantee of affordable insurance but limits its its coverage to everyday illnesses and accidents. In addition, the maximum benefits paid in each medical situation are capped.

What is a PPO and what doctors does it include?
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a network of doctors and hospitals that contract with an insurance company or employer to provide employees with services at competitive rates. Covered members and dependants can use any licensed medical provider. Those who attend a medical provider who is a part of the Beech Street Network will be available for additional savings. To check if a medical provider is part of a Beech Street Network, go to www.beechstreet.com .

Are medications covered?
All plans include a discount prescription drug card. Members can save up to 50% on generic brands and up to 15% on brand names.

When does coverage begin?
Coverage becomes effective the next day (12:01am) following the date the completed enrollment form is received and approved, or a specified date in the future, provided that full premium for the coverage has been received.

Who is eligible for the RCHI plans?
All NAR members, and their eligible dependants, can obtain a plan. the following are qualifying dependants:

1. their lawful spouse; and
2. their unmarried child or children who:

• Reside in their home for more than six months a year
• Chiefly relies on you for support and maintenance; and Who is under 19 years of age (the Limiting Age).

For a full list of FAQ's please visit www.RealtorsCoreHealthInsurance.com/AE and click on the top right of the screen.

Interface Carolina Conference

On April 29th there will be a new, one day, real estate networking conference for North and South Carolina held at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge in Charlotte. TCAR members will get a $75 discount off of the $175 fee.

Headline speaker will be Mark Vitner, Managing Director and Senior Economist for Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. His commentaries have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Business Week. He was recently named one of 2009 North Carolina Power Players 50 most powerful people in business, by Business Leader Media.

Mr Vitner will discuss the overall state of the national economy in 2010 and how it will effect the local economies in North and South Carolina. He will look at each individual state and answer questions such as:

- What are the primary drivers behind each state's economy and how are these impacting the local commercial real estate market?
- What is the outlook for commercial construction in 2010?
- What is the projected job growth in our region this year?
- When should we really expect a full recovery?

Other topics include the current state of the market, office and multifamily markets, InterFace Up-Close-a converstaion with industry icons and the next big thing- what the region's economic drivers of tomorrow will be.

Go to www.interfaceconferencegroup.com to register and make sure you enter the TCAR promotional code: tcar100 in order to get your discount. If you need more information, contact Lindsey Marcec at 404-832-8262 or email lindsey@francepublications.com .

Frontier Awards Earlier This Year

Every year TCAR celebrates the successes of it's brokers with the Annual President's Frontier Awards. Planning started back in November and we feel like we have a really exciting program set up.

First, we were tired of competing with the ACC Tournament and because we know how much everyone loves basketball in these parts, the date has been changed. We have decided to do the awards a bit earlier, Thursday, March 4th, to be exact.

We're always trying to find the best format for this particular awards and this year we have decided to do a buffet breakfast at the Carolina Country Club, 2500 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. You may not be on the golf course but you sure will be close to it. If you have never been to the Carolina Country Club, check out their site at http://www.carolinacc.net/ . Check in and breakfast start at 7:30am and the program will begin at around 8:00ish.

This year's speaker is David Glenn, radio personality, award winning editor and afternoon host of the North Carolina Sports Talk Network. He's supposed to have a "thinking mans approach" when he's talking about sports. We at TCAR sort of felt like it's that time of the year and let's have some fun with the whole ACC thing. For more information on David Glenn, check out these two sites www.accsports.com/about-us.php and www.ncsportstalk.com/NC-Sports-Talk-Network/Meet-David-Glenn.aspx. As we get closer, we'll announce his topic.

Nomination forms are already online and there isn't a whole lot of time to fill them out and get them in. Go to www.tcar.com/resources.cfm and about half way down the page are the awards. Keep in mind that this year we have lowered the requirements, given the current economic climate for commercial. And don't think that because you're with a smaller firm that you can't get an award, check out the Trailblazer Award, new as of last year. Nomination forms are due as of Saturday, February 6th but call us at the office if you can't get them in by then.

Lastly, and the best part of all, is we have lowered our prices. TCAR members pay $30 a person and tables are available for just $300! Non-members, contact the office and it's just $55. Online registration will go up this week, so reserve your space today. For those that would like to purchase tables, please contact me at 919-228-2588 or kimb@tcar.com .

We hope you're as excited as we are and I look forward to seeing everyone there. Send in those nominations today and good luck!