You get a number of benefits from NAR’s Commercial Division because TCAR is an Accredited Board.
The commercial real estate market remains challenging, so you're looking for the most value from your membership. To support members, we’d like to focus on several commercial benefits NAR provides. We would like to share with our members these seven benefits.
1. Member Development Services - Education Tools
Since there are so many to choose from – Signature Series, educational opportunities and custom programs -- this month we highlight just one: Top Dogs Webinars. With the NAR discount (not widely published) members receive a $40 discount. On August 20 the topic is "Commercial Property Financing: How to get a Deal Done,” and on August 21, "Impressive Presentations – How to Win Every Assignment." Each session is only $49 for members. Read more details and register at: http://tinyurl.com/TopDogsWeb
2. Events - Commercial Connect in San Diego
Every year the commercial programming evolves. This year, commercial professionals can choose from a beginner or professional track to suit their experience level. A special Commercial block on the trade show floor will feature commercial-specific products, programs and services. With over 2,000 Commercial attendees, the NAR Conference is no residential-only show. Look for regular updates about each commercial event and encourage members to create their own Conference Planner at: http://www.realtor.org/convention.nsf/pages/registration.
3. CommercialSource.com: Becoming a Major Player
This popular commercial property-listing web site continues to grow! This month we welcome the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, the newest data content provider with thousands of listings. Whether listings are done through an MLS, CIE, or need to be manually input on CommercialSource, the website has a solution for your local market. We encourage members to make CommercialSource.com a "favorite" on their browsers. http://www.commercialsource.com/Home/Default.aspx.
4. Commercial Social Networking – we’ve got you covered
Not a day goes by where you don’t hear about social networking and its applications to the business world. NAR Commercial has a growing and dynamic presence on major sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. This month we’d like to highlight the RCA Accreditation community on Facebook. It’s an excellent member resource for posting questions and networking.Go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21668983957.
5. Commercial Research – High Quality, NO Charge!
You know about NAR’s excellent Research Tools, but a friendly reminder will lead you to usable information and data on http://www.realtor.org/
6. Publications - Six Newsy Commercial Communiques
Various publications keep members apprised of breaking news, NAR advocacy, industry events, business development and management tips. Print and electronic communications are free and are received when members indicate "Commercial" as a primary or secondary business in their NRDS profile.
http://www.realtor.org/commercial/rca_publications.
7. Legislative/Regulatory Updates
Well over 50% of all advocacy in Washington D.C. is conducted on behalf of commercial real estate. More than 80 topics can be found on REALTOR.org under Leg/Reg on the Government Affairs page. Topics range from Alternative Minimum Tax to Banks in Real Estate to Commercial Lending to TALF. Members can build their expertise by regularly reading these updates. Go to http://www.realtor.org/fedistrk.nsf/LegRegIss?openview&ExpandView&Count=500
AFFILIATE NEWS TO USE:
Facilitated Online and All Home-Study Courses from IREM® Now Discounted 25%!
Expand your professional skills to include real estate management and get a stream of supplemental income. IREM®, the premier provider of real estate management education, offers a wide variety of home study and facilitated online courses. Register at https://www.irem.org/sechome.cfm?sec=education, during August or September for any of 16 home study and 19 facilitated online courses and get the discount. Enter code IAE25 to get the discount.
Of course, if you have any questions you can always contact the office at 919-228-2588 or email me at kimb@tcar.com and I can certainly point you in the right directon.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The LLC Fight Goes On
So the saga continues in regards to the LLC tax. Friday we got an update from Rick Zechini, Director of Government Affairs for NCAR. I thought I would just copy and past what he wrote to us, so for the update, please feel free to read below.
"Well, there is a tentative budget agreement (just like the last three weeks). And it’s very similar to the tentative agreement last week. Here is part of our description of the deal from our weekly update that goes out later today:
The $19 billion budget will increase taxes by approximately $1 billion, and includes increases a penny increase in the sales tax, increases in so-called “sin taxes”, as well as a 2 or 3% surcharge on individual and corporate income taxes based on income level. Legislative leaders have also agreed to come back for a special session and look at restructuring the tax code.
Governor Beverly Perdue is again expressing concerns regarding the surcharge and her desire for additional taxes. And some House Democrats are bothered by the sin taxes (taxes on tobacco and alcohol).
So, in summation we have another tentative deal that does not include a new LLC tax. That’s the good news. The bad news is that there appears to be some sort of agreement to have a special legislative session on restructuring the tax code. If that happens, a franchise tax on LLCs will most certainly be on the table."
NCAR will continue to update us on what is going on and as I get the information, I will pass it on to you. This is just another example of how your membership to NCAR/NCRCA is benefiting you.
"Well, there is a tentative budget agreement (just like the last three weeks). And it’s very similar to the tentative agreement last week. Here is part of our description of the deal from our weekly update that goes out later today:
The $19 billion budget will increase taxes by approximately $1 billion, and includes increases a penny increase in the sales tax, increases in so-called “sin taxes”, as well as a 2 or 3% surcharge on individual and corporate income taxes based on income level. Legislative leaders have also agreed to come back for a special session and look at restructuring the tax code.
Governor Beverly Perdue is again expressing concerns regarding the surcharge and her desire for additional taxes. And some House Democrats are bothered by the sin taxes (taxes on tobacco and alcohol).
So, in summation we have another tentative deal that does not include a new LLC tax. That’s the good news. The bad news is that there appears to be some sort of agreement to have a special legislative session on restructuring the tax code. If that happens, a franchise tax on LLCs will most certainly be on the table."
NCAR will continue to update us on what is going on and as I get the information, I will pass it on to you. This is just another example of how your membership to NCAR/NCRCA is benefiting you.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The LLC Tax Roller Coaster Ride
So last Wednesday I stood up at the end of our Showcase program and announced that the LLC Tax was off the table in regards to the most recent budget agreement as per Rick Zechini at NCAR.
Well, things are always changing and especially on the budget front, that's for sure. On Monday I received an email from Rick stating that things are ever changing with the General Assembly. God bless Rick Zechini because his head must constantly be swimming with all the things that NCAR is trying to get done from a legislative standpoint. Seriously, it makes me tired just thinking about it.
Well here is the latest issue. When Governor Perdue took a gander at the the budget proposal she was less than excited. She's not crazy about the income tax surcharge and she wants an additional $200 million dollars. Hence basically the budget deal fell apart. I'm thinking someone figures that LLC franchise tax must be looking like it has some sort of potential in finding some of that $200 million.
So after reaching the bottom of our roller coaster ride we're climbing that hill again and NCAR is now back to fighting this franchise LLC Tax. I'l keep you posted as we continue the ride. Stay tuned.
Well, things are always changing and especially on the budget front, that's for sure. On Monday I received an email from Rick stating that things are ever changing with the General Assembly. God bless Rick Zechini because his head must constantly be swimming with all the things that NCAR is trying to get done from a legislative standpoint. Seriously, it makes me tired just thinking about it.
Well here is the latest issue. When Governor Perdue took a gander at the the budget proposal she was less than excited. She's not crazy about the income tax surcharge and she wants an additional $200 million dollars. Hence basically the budget deal fell apart. I'm thinking someone figures that LLC franchise tax must be looking like it has some sort of potential in finding some of that $200 million.
So after reaching the bottom of our roller coaster ride we're climbing that hill again and NCAR is now back to fighting this franchise LLC Tax. I'l keep you posted as we continue the ride. Stay tuned.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Why Are You a Member of TCAR?
You know every once in a while I get these comments that commercial brokers don't get the value of their membership and what does NAR,RCA, NCRCA, NCAR and TCAR do for me. So I am, on this occasion, going to write what you get for your money.
Well, first off for less than $36 a month, you're a member of five associations, 2 of them national, two of them state and one that is local. Now you get a lot of things from each part BUT you have to use them and in some ways participate. I have always told folks you only get out of a membership what you put into it. But there are a lot of things your state and national associations do that you simply can not put your hands on that effects how you do business every day and that is in the way those associations are constantly involved in legislative issues.
NCAR is currently trying to fight this LLC tax, they have been successful in fighting the transfer tax,they have done work on slope issues in the mountains and issues out at the coast. All of this effects and protects your client, your hard work and the money that comes out of your commission checks.
And then there is what's happening on a national level. Did you know that if it were not for NAR, banks would be in the real estate business? Can you imagine what kind of mess that would be given our current situation. I mean NAR has a great big LEEDS certified building in Washington DC. If you don't think NAR is out their fighting for the commercial consumer and REALTOR, you would be very much mistaken. The truth is NAR is one of the largest lobbying groups with the goal of protecting the consumer and helping you guys help your clients. That includes commercial issues. Think about it, if your company had to invest in lobbyists and lawyers you would never be able to afford what your state and national associations have sunk into the many issues that they have assisted in getting changed or passed by them.
Then there are all the other things your dues pay for like commercial contract forms through NCAR and Fast Forms. Lastly, is the tons of information, online classes and certifications available at realtor.org through NAR. I won't go into the almost monthly networking and educational opportunities your local TCAR board does.
So in the end you have membership into five different associations, a wealth of industry knowledge at the click of a mouse and someone fighting for your business at all levels of government. Quite honestly, if you ask me, that's a lot of bang for your buck.
Well, first off for less than $36 a month, you're a member of five associations, 2 of them national, two of them state and one that is local. Now you get a lot of things from each part BUT you have to use them and in some ways participate. I have always told folks you only get out of a membership what you put into it. But there are a lot of things your state and national associations do that you simply can not put your hands on that effects how you do business every day and that is in the way those associations are constantly involved in legislative issues.
NCAR is currently trying to fight this LLC tax, they have been successful in fighting the transfer tax,they have done work on slope issues in the mountains and issues out at the coast. All of this effects and protects your client, your hard work and the money that comes out of your commission checks.
And then there is what's happening on a national level. Did you know that if it were not for NAR, banks would be in the real estate business? Can you imagine what kind of mess that would be given our current situation. I mean NAR has a great big LEEDS certified building in Washington DC. If you don't think NAR is out their fighting for the commercial consumer and REALTOR, you would be very much mistaken. The truth is NAR is one of the largest lobbying groups with the goal of protecting the consumer and helping you guys help your clients. That includes commercial issues. Think about it, if your company had to invest in lobbyists and lawyers you would never be able to afford what your state and national associations have sunk into the many issues that they have assisted in getting changed or passed by them.
Then there are all the other things your dues pay for like commercial contract forms through NCAR and Fast Forms. Lastly, is the tons of information, online classes and certifications available at realtor.org through NAR. I won't go into the almost monthly networking and educational opportunities your local TCAR board does.
So in the end you have membership into five different associations, a wealth of industry knowledge at the click of a mouse and someone fighting for your business at all levels of government. Quite honestly, if you ask me, that's a lot of bang for your buck.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Town of Cary's Site Design Standards Project
Every so often I get notification from Meredith Chandler, Urban Designer and Senior Planner from the Town of Cary Planning Department, regarding different things that are going on down there. They have been working on a Site Design Standards Project for Cary and have asked that folks from the commercial community that have an interest in Cary get involved.
The Town of Cary has apparently come up with thte first draft of the Site Design Stanadards document and would like to get some input on what they have thus far. There will be a community workshop on Tuesday, July 28th from 6 to 8 pm at the Page Walker Arts and History Center.
This will be what they call an "open house" style meeting with the purpose of allowing those interested to review and comment on the first draft of the Site Design Project. If you're interested and would like to be a part of this meeting, basically all you do is show up and participate.
I think that it is an oppportunity for commercial people to get a feel for what they have in mind for Cary and possibly have an influence on the change that occurs.
So attend if you're interested and maybe I'll see you there.
The Town of Cary has apparently come up with thte first draft of the Site Design Stanadards document and would like to get some input on what they have thus far. There will be a community workshop on Tuesday, July 28th from 6 to 8 pm at the Page Walker Arts and History Center.
This will be what they call an "open house" style meeting with the purpose of allowing those interested to review and comment on the first draft of the Site Design Project. If you're interested and would like to be a part of this meeting, basically all you do is show up and participate.
I think that it is an oppportunity for commercial people to get a feel for what they have in mind for Cary and possibly have an influence on the change that occurs.
So attend if you're interested and maybe I'll see you there.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Calling All Sponsors
We're still looking for Sponsors for this year's Annual Joint Networking Event. This is a great opportunity to get exposure for your company over the remaining weeks prior to and the day of the event. Last year we had over 400 people attend the beach party themed event and were able to donate $10,000 to Hilltop Home.
This year we want to know who your favorite team is and all for a worthy cause, The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. But we need $500 sponsors. With the sponsorship you will have your name publicized in multiple email blasts to all of the commercial real estate groups (BOMA, CCIM-NC, IREM, NAIOP, TCAR, TCREW and TRAOBA); have a table at the event for display; two free tickets to the event and in the end, contributed to a worthy cause.
So contact the TCAR office at 919-228-2588 or email Kim Brennan at kimb@tcar.com if you are interested. The earlier you sign up, the more exposure you will receive to over 900 industry professionals.
Special thanks to Highwoods Properties, Hagersmith Design and Shelco for being our Gold Sponsors this year.
This year we want to know who your favorite team is and all for a worthy cause, The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. But we need $500 sponsors. With the sponsorship you will have your name publicized in multiple email blasts to all of the commercial real estate groups (BOMA, CCIM-NC, IREM, NAIOP, TCAR, TCREW and TRAOBA); have a table at the event for display; two free tickets to the event and in the end, contributed to a worthy cause.
So contact the TCAR office at 919-228-2588 or email Kim Brennan at kimb@tcar.com if you are interested. The earlier you sign up, the more exposure you will receive to over 900 industry professionals.
Special thanks to Highwoods Properties, Hagersmith Design and Shelco for being our Gold Sponsors this year.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
LLC Update
If you have not read about the LLC tax proposal you might want to scroll down to the blog on June 26th. If, however, you have read the LLC installation, I received an update from Rick Zechini, Director of Government Affairs for NCAR, yesterday.
There's good news and bad news in regards to the LLC tax. We'll take care of the bad news first. Governor Bev Perdue recently released her ideas on a tax package. It seems the tax on LLCs is included and appears to be the same version of what appeared in the House's version. The Governors proposal is in an N&O story that also has the link to her actual proposal. Check out http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/perdue_wants_1_cent_sales_tax_hike. So I guess the bad news is this LLC thing is in the House budget, the Senate finance package and now the Governor's tax package.
There's good news and bad news in regards to the LLC tax. We'll take care of the bad news first. Governor Bev Perdue recently released her ideas on a tax package. It seems the tax on LLCs is included and appears to be the same version of what appeared in the House's version. The Governors proposal is in an N&O story that also has the link to her actual proposal. Check out http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/perdue_wants_1_cent_sales_tax_hike. So I guess the bad news is this LLC thing is in the House budget, the Senate finance package and now the Governor's tax package.
Okay here is the "good" news. Senator Clodfelter wants to elimanate the 55% of the appraised value part of a three part franchise tax evaluation. If you will recall the original LLC tax provision would require the payment of taxes at a rate of $1.50 for every $1000 of value of the greatest of the following: 1.) the apportioned capital base of the business entity; 2.) 55% of the appraised value of tangible real and personal property in North Carolina or 3.) the total actual investment in tangible property in the state. (phew!) Apparently, by eliminating that 55% appraised value piece it would "dramatically reduce" the impact of this new tax. Rick Zechini (rzechini@ncrealtors.org) would love your opinion on that one, so feel free to shoot an email in his direction.
Again, NCAR is working with a wide group of people and NAIOP has recently acquired a lobbyist that Rick has touched base with on this issue. If you feel strongly enough about this issue, I would suggest you contact Rick and see what you can do to influence how this will turn out.
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