January 2016

January 2016
A Voice
at
the
Table
A candid chat with KCRAR’s 2016
Board President Christian Zarif
page 4
Inside:
4 PR Trends Shaping
Up for 2016
page 9
URGENT ALERT
Sophisticated Email Scam
Targeting The Real Estate
Industry
page 10
KCRAR’s Holiday Party
page 12
A Letter From Your KCRAR President
Happy 2016, everyone! As your new Board president for the coming year, I’d
like to foremost and publicly state just how grateful I am to have this tremendous
opportunity to serve our REALTOR® members. 2016 is going to be an active,
dynamic year, and I’m proud to help guide the Association through the challenges
and changes that lie ahead.
There are many exciting opportunities for our member to take advantage of in
2016. For example, the Recharge Technology Conference, which will once again
be held in the gorgeous Uptown Theater and include amazing speakers to jump
start your business. Another annual favorite is the RPAC Party and Auction, which
is always a lively time. Stay tuned, as Connect will contain all the information you’ll
need about these amazing events and more.
By Christian Zarif,
2016 KCRAR President
I’m also thrilled about some new directions that KCRAR will be headed in
2016, chiefly in the way we communicate with our members. One of my personal
projects for the year will be to adjust the manner and style in which we reach out
with news and information. We’re in the process of implementing some major
back-end changes that will allow us to get information to you in a more timely,
efficient and effective manner.
We’re also working on giving our members the concierge-type service they
want when they walk through KCRAR’s doors. Be sure to look for changes in
efficiencies when you visit the Association offices in the coming year. In 2016,
we will be putting our members front and center in an enhanced local media
ad campaign that will be going out via television and various avenues of digital
engagement. The campaign will focus on the benefits and value of using a
REALTOR®, specifically the REALTORS® of the KC metro area.
In a matter that’s very close to my heart, KCRAR is working diligently on
partnering with a local non-profit to enhance the communities our members
serve and live in. This will be an all-hands-on-deck project with many different
opportunities to let our members get involved in meaningful projects that will
enhance our communities while showing what huge hearts our REALTOR® family
can have.
I’m looking forward to making 2016 a year that everyone in the Association will
remember. I hope your new year is packed with opportunity and success.
Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®
11150 Overbrook Road Leawood, KS 66211 | 913-661-1600
About the KCRAR
Please contact us with any suggestions or questions. You’ll find rosters and contact
information for both the KCRAR Board of Directors and the KCRAR Staff online at
www.kcrar.com under the “About KCRAR” tab. We’re here to serve you!
In January 2001, the Metropolitan Kansas City Board of REALTORS® in Missouri and the Johnson County Board of REALTORS® in Kansas merged to become the Kansas City Regional
Association of REALTORS®. Today, the Association is one of the largest and most respected real estate trade organizations in the country. It is the mission of the Kansas City Regional
Association of REALTORS® to be the advocate for REALTOR® members; to advance the professionalism, integrity and competency of members, and to promote private property rights.
To learn more, visit www.kcrar.com.
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CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
A Letter From Your HMLS President
As your 2016 Heartland MLS President, I am excited about serving my fellow
REALTORS® and representing such a phenomenal organization. Many agents do
not know that Heartland MLS is a well-respected across the country. There
are some excellent MLS organizations across the nation; some are leaders in
their innovation, while others are resilient in their efforts to fight the battles that
protect REALTORS®.
By Janice Lindberg
2016 Heartland MLS Board President
It is my vision that we continue to make Heartland MLS the greatest
organization it can be. We are ahead of the curve and up to date with the
REALTOR® issues of the day. We are dedicated to serving and protecting our
fine brokers and agents in the best ways possible. You can help to support our
efforts by reading, listening and watching the updates that we will be sending
out to you. With your feedback, we will continue to make you proud to be part
of one of the finest MLS organizations in the nation.
The MLS is a REALTOR®’s greatest tool. Therefore, we need to be proficient in
our utilization of the MLS and its features. In a time in which getting information
the fastest can be the difference in making a sale or not, we want to be able
to collect information in real time or instantaneously. REALTORS® need to take
advantage of Heartland MLS’ amazing tools to help ensure that we are wellinformed when it comes to properties for our clients.
HMLS is starting off 2016 with a number of amazing tools already at-hand
and freely available. Cloud CMA debuted halfway through last year, and the
Cloudstream service came along not long after. But in perhaps the first of many
pieces of exciting news to come for 2016, REALTORS® can take advantage of
deeper data sharing through RPR, now featuring listing data from St. Louis,
Lawrence and Topeka.
Hopefully, you’ll be sure to utilize these great tools this year to help you
become more efficient and productive in 2016. I look forward to sharing many
more helpful tips and information as the year progresses.
Here’s to a successful and prosperous new year!
Heartland Multiple Listing Service
11150 Overbrook Road Leawood, KS 66211 | 913-661-1600
Please contact us with any suggestions or questions. You’ll find rosters and contact
information for both the HMLS Board of Directors and the HMLS Staff online at
http://matrix.heartlandmls.com – see “Heartland Forms & Documents” under the
“External Links” section.
About Heartland MLS
Since its inception in 1993, Heartland Multiple Listing Service has strategically pursued the goal of providing the most complete and accurate source of real estate information in the Greater
Kansas City Metropolitan area.
The customers of Heartland MLS, primarily real estate industry professionals, regularly use Heartland MLS products and services to efficiently disseminate information to potential property
buyers or sellers. Supplying an access and software interface to a listing database, managing and educating users on database features, providing marketing services and evaluating the
future of real estate technology are among the current methods of achieving organizational goals and serving informational needs.
Heartland MLS is held by the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®. To learn more, visit www.heartlandmls.com.
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
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CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
A Voice
at the Table
A candid chat with KCRAR’s 2016
Board President Christian Zarif
by: Micah Gutweiler,
KCRAR Communications Manager
Micah: How long have you been a REALTOR®?
Christian: It’ll be nine years in 2016. It was four months
after my daughter was born. That’s my benchmark [laughs].
M: So, what made you decide to go with real estate?
C: My parents. You know, I grew up around it. I enjoyed and
appreciated what they did, but I don’t think I truly appreciated
what they did until I graduated college, got into corporate
sales, and realized very quickly that- while I enjoyed my
previous career- I wanted to be able to set my own schedule,
and have some flexibility and freedom. Especially when raising
kids. That was one of the drivers. Something where I could
control my own destiny. It seemed like a natural fit, going into
real estate, especially having them [my parents] as mentors.
It was amazing... I didn’t know that volunteering was optional.
It was just what we did. So, they immediately pushed me into
getting involved, kind of drop-kicking me into Association
involvement. I figured out pretty quickly the importance of it
and the value of it. Of course, I always understood it, having
grown up with them always being involved, and understood
that family dynamic we have.
M: So, that was going to be one of my questions, “what
was it that got you interested in wanting to volunteer with
the Association.” You say it’s all because of your parents.
C: It’s the example they set. And once I got a taste of it, I
realized how important it was to have a seat at the table. To
have a voice. I felt like I brought a unique perspective, being
a second-generation agent. I understood the history, and kind
of where we had come from, but also the vision on where we
needed to go. And in the last eight years, there have been so,
so many changes to our industry. I remember sitting there and
thinking “I want to have a voice in those changes. I want to be
Christian Zarif
2016 Board President
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
5
A Voice at the Table
doing this in 10 to 15 years. I want to be able to
shape the way our industry looks.”
M: As far as what’s coming for 2016, are you
then sensing a shift in the industry?
C: Short answer: yes. [laughs]. There have
been a lot of changes at the national level that
are going to start coming to fruition and tricking
down, and make changes at the local level
inevitable. I think that one of our jobs in leading
the Association is to be at the forefront of those
changes and anticipate them versus being behind
the 8-ball. In doing that, we’re going to have our
work cut out for us.
M: You know, I would think that doing what
you’ve done in eight years would make you
seem like a sort of prodigy. Do you feel like
you’ve been regarded that way?
C: A little bit, maybe [laughs]. I feel like being
a second-generation agent from a family that’s
been so involved might have put me on a fast
track, but at the same time I still had to earn my
keep, you know?
M: So, with a wave of new agents coming in
to the Association, what advice do you have
for them?
C: What excites me is that the advent of YPN
has gotten the next generation of agents excited
about being involved and engaged and realizing
it’s not as threatening as some might think. It
excites me tremendously to see some of the
young leadership start to pop up, and see the
value of being involved. One of my goals was to
show that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been
in the industry. You can have a seat at the table
and make change.
M: So, getting involved in the organization and
wanting to make a difference, would you say
that there’s a definite set of steps to take, or
is more of a jump in-type of situation?
C: It’s jump in! Figure out what you’re passionate
about, whether it’s community service, or forms?
Professional standards? Communications?
There are so many ways to get involved. The
opportunities are limitless.
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CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
It’s jump in!
Figure out what
you’re passionate
about, whether it’s
community service,
or forms...
The opportunities
are limitless.
M: So, what was the first thing you got involved
in at KCRAR?
A Voice at the Table
C: I think it was actually the grievance committee.
It was the first committee I served on. I did do the
Leadership Academy with the Kansas Association
in my first year of being licensed.
M: So, I probably shouldn’t ask if you had a
favorite committee you served on, but–
C: [Interrupting} YPN!
M: Well, tell me more about YPN.
C: So, the first awards ceremony I went to, the first
KCRAR event I went to, I looked around the room
and didn’t see many people my age. I thought, why
aren’t those people here? I know they’re licensed,
so why aren’t they involved? We need to figure out a
way to get them involved. Thus, the advent of YPN/
KC. YPN was kind of my baby.
M: You were instrumental in starting up the
chapter, right?
C: Yes. And that led to wanting to get on the
board, getting a YPN voice on the board. And that
started the whole track. We will celebrate YPN’s fifth
birthday this year, and we’re doing some things to
re-vamp and re-energize it. It’s pretty exciting. One
of the most valuable parts of being involved with
YPN was getting involved with the national network.
That was my first entre’ into any NAR involvement,
going to a YPN leadership summit. I had gone to
conventions with my parents when I was little, and I
understood how invaluable that networking was. But
to see it first hand in a network of amazing friends
and professionals that I now have at the national
level is incredible.
M: So you were going to conventions even as a
kid?
C: Oh yeah. I went to... many conventions. I feel
like all our family vacations were wrapped into some
kind of real estate conventions.
M: That’s because REALTORS® never stop
working.
C: We don’t, we don’t. I’m starting to do that a to
my daughter. Wrapping vacations around places I
have to go for real estate.
M: Is she showing any interest in real estate?
C: She does not, no, but she is fascinated by my
new gavel. She asked if I had to use it like a judge,
so I walked her through how I use it in Board of
Director’s meetings. I said, for instance, if there’s
something we have to vote on, we say “All in favor,
aye. All opposed, nay. Motion passes.” And she said
to me, “No, mom, it’s ‘motion CARRIES.’”
There are so many
other things going on
around our Association
and industry that’s
going to impact
the way we do
business in the next
two to ten years.
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
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A Voice at the Table
M: So, with the changes you see coming in
2016, what’s something you’re looking forward
to presiding over or enacting in your new role?
C: I think one of the more exciting things that
will touch every member is a media campaign that
we’ll roll out in 2016. When I got licensed in 2007, I
thought, why aren’t we doing anything to promote
the REALTOR® brand? The National Association
does a very good job of producing these amazing
commercials and promoting nationally our brand,
but we’ve never brought it down to the local level
in mass media. I’m so excited that we get to do
that in 2016. I think with the industry changes that
have happened in the last five to seven years,
with third-party companies coming in and really
threatening the value of using a REALTOR®, I think
it’s critical now for us to promote that brand, and I
think it will be a great value to our members.
Another piece that will not only help bring our
members together and help with public perception
is the community service effort we’re going to
employ. It’s really still in the works, but we’re
trying to use our member resources to really make
an effective change in the communities in which
we live and work. We’re going to partner with a
local organization that does some amazing things
within the housing community. It’s very similar to
Habitat for Humanity on a local level, but it will
really give our members the ability to be hands-on
in changing the face of some communities within
our Association, our footprint, that will positively
affect the housing market in those communities.
It’s going to be a big undertaking, and we’re going
to need the support of many of our members. I
think it will really help show the big hearts we all
have.
M: If you were to have a call to action for our
membership base for moving into 2016, what
would that be?
C: Get engaged. It’s really easy with technology
today to live with blinders on, and worry about
your day-to-day transactions. There are so many
other things going on around our Association and
industry that’s going to impact the way we do
business in the next two to 10 years. It’s important
for us to continue to educate ourselves and know
what changes are coming so we can be prepared
and continue to be professionals.
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CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
I think that one
of our jobs in
leading the
Association is to
be at the forefront
of those changes
and anticipate
them versus
being behind the
8-ball.
4 PR Trends Shaping
Up for 2016
Planning to get the word out about your business
in the new year?
Learn about a few public relations practices that are set to
be big in 2016. Forbes.com highlights a few trends:
1. The traditional press release is dead.
2. Focus on content amplification.
The standard press release has faded. “Rather
than trying to gain media coverage through
ineffective press releases of a time gone by, it’s
critical for PR professionals and marketers to
embrace new and different ways of getting news
about our offerings and accomplishments to our
audience members,” Forbes.com notes. “Take
advantage of social media, develop relationships
with industry leaders and influencers, and
incorporate quality visuals in your messages to get
the attention of journalists and outlets that can help
you spread your message.”
Explore several channels to promote your
messaging and focus on ways you can amplify
your content to ensure more people see it. The
quality of your content is key to that. “When you
start with good content, amplifying it to your
targeted audience becomes much easier, and
you’ll find even more avenues for you and your
team to distribute it,” Forbes.com notes. “In
addition to social media, including new content
in lead generation, and nurturing events — from
infographics to whitepapers and articles — the
sales process, marketing newsletters, and even
email signatures can get more of the right eyes on
your content and amplify your message.”
3. Online reputation is critical.
4. Explore paid promotion and social ads.
If you’re looking to score media attention, realize
that the first thing most journalists will do once you
pitch them a story is search who are and what your
company does online. What will they find about you
online? “When someone searches you and finds
solid content around your brand, your expertise,
and your company, you essentially pass his or her
test,” Forbes.com notes. “Thus, your chance of
acceptance to his or her publication increases. But
if there isn’t much content (or if the content you do
have is negative), a relationship with you isn’t worth
the risk.” Consistently create and publish quality
content to better manage your online reputation.
The Content Marketing Institute’s 2016 content
benchmark report says more than 50 percent of
business-to-business marketing professionals
use social ads and promoted posts to distribute
content. More marketers are turning to such paid
social efforts, and they say they’re seeing higher
returns from it too. Look for new ways to invest in
paid social distribution and to reach new audiences,
according to Forbes.com.
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
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Urgent Alert:
Sophisticated Email
Scams Targeting
the Real Estate
Industry
Criminals are hacking into the email accounts of real
estate agents or other persons involved in a real estate
transaction and using information gained from the hack to
dupe a party into a fraudulent wire transfer. The hackers
often send an email that appears to be from an individual
legitimately involved in the transaction, informing the
recipient, often the buyer, that there has been a last
minute change to the wiring instructions. Following the
new instructions, the recipient will wire funds directly to
the hacker’s account, which will be cleared out in a matter
of minutes. The money is almost always lost forever.
In the next two weeks, real estate professionals will be
contending with high transactional volumes during yearend closings. This is a busy and hectic time for real estate
professionals, and many millions of dollars will be sent
and received via wire before the end of the year. This is
exactly the environment in which online criminals seek to
operate.
Prevention
Follow this guidance to avoid becoming a victim:
•Immediately contact all parties to all of your upcoming
transactions and inform them of the possibility of this fraud.
Attorneys, escrow agents, buyers, sellers, real estate agents,
and title agents have all been targeted in these scams.
• If possible, do not send sensitive information via email. If you
must use email to send sensitive information, use encrypted
email.
•Immediately prior to wiring any money, the person sending
the money must call the intended recipient to verify the wiring
instructions. Only use a verified telephone number to make
this call.
•Do not trust contact information in unverified emails. The
hackers will recreate legitimate-looking signature blocks with
their own telephone number. In addition, fraudsters will
include links to fake websites to further convince victims of
their legitimacy.
• Never click on any links in an unverified email. In addition to
leading you to fake websites, these links can contain viruses
and other malicious spyware that can make your computer –
and your transactions – vulnerable to attack.
• Never conduct business over unsecured wifi.
The National Association of REALTORS urges its
members and state and local REALTOR® associations
to be on high alert for email and online fraud.
• Trust your instincts. Tell clients that if an e-mail or a telephone
call ever seems suspicious or “off,” that they should refrain
from taking any action until the communication has been
independently verified as legitimate.
In May 2015, NAR issued an alert regarding a
sophisticated email wire fraud hitting the real estate
industry. Since then, the incidents of online scams
targeting practitioners have continued to rise but the
advice is the same.
• Clean out your e-mail account on a regular basis. Your e-mails
may establish patterns in your business practice over time
that hackers can use against you. In addition, a longstanding
backlog of e-mails may contain sensitive information from
months or years past. You can always save important e-mails
in a secure location on your internal system or hard drive.
®
Bottom line: Do not let your guard down. Start from
the assumption that any email in your in-box could be a
targeted attack from a criminal.
• Change your usernames and passwords on a regular basis,
and make sure your employees and licensees do the same.
• Never use usernames or passwords that are easy to guess.
Never, ever use the password “password.”
• Make sure to implement the most up-to-date firewall and antivirus technologies in your business.
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CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
Damage Control
If you believe your e-mail or any other account has been
hacked, or that you or a client has otherwise been a victim of
online fraud, you should take the following steps:
•If money has been wired via false wiring instructions,
immediately call all banks and financial institutions that
could possibly put a stop to the wire.
• Contact your local police.
•Contact any clients or other parties who may have been
exposed during the attack so that they take appropriate
action. Remind them not to comply with any requests from
an unverified source.
• Change all usernames and passwords associated with any
account that you believe may have been compromised or
otherwise made vulnerable by the attack.
•Report any fraudulent activity to the Federal Bureau of
Investigations via their Internet Crime Complaint Center.
More information can be found by clicking here.
•Brokers should report any fraudulent activity to their state
or local REALTOR® association so that the associations can
send out alerts or take other appropriate action, including
contacting NAR.
This advice is not all-inclusive, and real estate practitioners
should work with Information Technology and cybersecurity
professionals to ensure that their e-mail accounts, online
systems, and business practices are as secure and up-todate as possible.
Be aware that these emails are extremely convincing.
Many sophisticated parties have been duped. No one
should assume that they are “too savvy” to recognize the
fraud. In addition, no one should assume that they are “too
small a target” to be on these criminals’ radars. This fraud is
pervasive, convincing, and constantly evolving.
5 Real Estate Trends That Will
Dominate 2016
This year may have marked the best for housing since
2007, but the market will likely get even rosier in 2016,
according to a recent real estate forecast by realtor.com®.
One of the main drivers behind the brighter 2016 is the
projection that employment will continue to grow, which will
add to consumers’ wallets and allow them to purchase their
first home or upgrade to a new one.
Realtor.com® highlights the following housing
predictions for 2016:
1. ‘Normal’ is coming.
Expect a healthy growth in home sales and prices – at a
slower pace than in 2015. “This slowdown is not an indication
of a problem—it’s just a return to normalcy,” writes Jonathan
Smoke, realtor.com®’s chief economist. “We’ve lived through
15 years of truly abnormal trends, and after working off the
devastating effects of the housing bust, we’re finally seeing
signs of more normal conditions.” New construction and
distressed sales are expected to return to more historical
levels, and home prices are expected to follow at “more normal
rates consistent with a more balanced market.”
2. Generational buying trends shape up.
Young adults’ presence on the housing market has been
largely predicted for years, but 2016 may finally be the year
they make a move in a larger way. Millennials represented
nearly 2 billion sales in 2015 – one-third of home buyers.
They are expected to continue to be a major buying pool in
2016 with the majority of buyers between ages 25 and 34
expected to be first-time home buyers next year. But two
other generations will also have a big presence in 2016:
financially recovering GenXers and older baby boomers who
are entering retirement, realtor.com® notes. “Since most of
these people are already homeowners, they’ll play a double
role, boosting the market as both sellers and buyers,” Smoke
notes. “Gen Xers are in their prime earning years and thus
able to relocate to better neighborhoods for their families.
Older boomers are approaching (or already in) retirement and
seeking to downsize and lock in a lower cost of living.”
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JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
11
KCRAR’s Holiday
Party, Awards
Ceremony and
Installation Gala
Thanks to all who came out for the annual Holiday
Party, Installation and Awards event at the Gallery
Event Space in the KC Power & Light District. The
event was a tremendous success thanks to you!
We wish you and the entire KCRAR and HMLS
readership a very happy new year.
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JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
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Congratulations to KCRAR’s
2015 Award Winners
During the annual Holiday Party, Installation and Awards Gala, five REALTOR® members were honored on stage for their
outstanding achievements. Awards were presented by the Vice-Chair of the Awards Committee, Judy Johns.
Rick Mann: Affiliate of the Year 2015
Wow, it was a thrill and a huge surprise to be recognized by KCRAR. At First Federal Bank of Kansas City, we focus
100 percent of our lending energy on homeownership. We know and appreciate the important role of the REALTOR® in
assisting people with the purchase or construction of a home. We also have great appreciation for the KCRAR staff and
leadership. We enjoy being part of the homeownership team.
Leo Sebus: Community Service Award 2015
I often reflect on all the blessings that I have received, not earned. My family, my faith, friends, career, clients, this
great country we live in, it has created more than an opportunity it is an obligation to give back.
The best part about what KCRAR does in the Community Service Award is recognizing the great organizations that
our dedicated membership supports. In this case Kickin’ For Kids where we have raised over $450,000 and all the money
stays here in Kansas City and goes to Children’s Miracle Network helping our local kids and their families. To find out
more or get involved go to our web site: kickinforkidskc.com or contact me directly LeoSebus@Remax.net
Jim Gamble REALTOR of the Year 2015
I’m humbled to be named 2015 Realtor of the Year by KCRAR. Giving back to my collective communities (philanthropic
& industry) has and will always be a key ingredient to my recipe for success. If you give back, you get back in multiples.
Thank you for this great honor!
Andrea Boeh Sheridan, Salesperson of the Year 2015
“I am humbled and honored to be the Realtor Salesperson of the Year for this great association. Being involved with
the association I have had many opportunities to grow as a leader, network with people who are passionate about our
industry & give back to our community through outreach events. I would not be the person I am today had someone not
reached out to me to say “Hey, I think you would be a great addition to the events committee.” A Big thank you to YPN,
the KCRAR staff and Diane Ruggerio for your encouragement all these years!”
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CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
Congratulations also to Aaron Crossley, winner of
Newcomer of the Year 2015
5 Real Estate Trends That Will
Dominate 2016
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3. New-home construction focuses more on
affordability.
5. Rents to go up even higher.
Builders have been faced with higher land costs, limited
labor, and concerns about the demand of the entry-level
market. As such, they have shifted to constructing more
higher-priced homes, which has caused new-home prices
to rise significantly faster than existing-home prices. In 2016,
they likely will shift to more affordable product to cater to the
entry-level buyers. “We are already seeing a decline in newhome prices for new contracts signed this fall,” notes Smoke.
“In addition, credit access is improving enough to make the
first-time buyer segment more attractive to builders.”
Rental costs are skyrocketing, and the costs are likely
to only go up in the new year. More than 85 percent of the
nation’s markets have rents that exceed 30 percent of the
income of renting households. “Rents are accelerating at a
more rapid pace than home prices, which are moderating,”
Smoke says. “Because of this, it is more affordable to buy in
more than three-quarters of the U.S. However, for the majority
of renting households, buying is not a near-term option due
to poor household credit scores, limited savings, and lack of
documentable stable income of the kind necessary to qualify
for a mortgage today.”
4. Higher mortgage rates.
Mortgage rates will likely be volatile in 2016. But the recent
move by the Federal Reserve to guide interest rates higher
should push mortgage rates higher in the new year than the
historical lows they have been at for years. The 30-year fixedrate mortgage will likely end 2016 about 60 basis points higher
than today’s level. “That level of increase is manageable, as
consumers will have multiple tactics to mitigate some of that
increase,” Smoke says. “However, higher rates will drive
monthly payments higher, and, along with that, debt-to-income
ratios will also go higher.” The markets with the highest home
prices will see the effects from the higher rates the most.
SERVICE | INTEGRITY | COMMUNICATION
Meet our Mortgage Loan Consultants
Tyler Baker
Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 225539
Tom Brassfield
Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 637704
Renee Christensen
Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 492456
Sondra Eckert
Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 492465
Hannah Herwig
Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 454654
Marnie Mitchell
Mortgage Consultant
NMLS# 545219
http://www.bncnationalbank.com/overland-park
7007 College Blvd, Overland Park KS 66211 Office 913-647-7000
600 SW Jefferson, Ste 104, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 Office 816-347-1725
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
15
TECH TIPS
New Data Sharing Regions
Available in RPR
by Kristen Kane,
HMLS Customer Support
In case you haven’t noticed…
You can now see active listing from Lawrence, St. Louis and Topeka through RPR view!
1. Click on the REALTOR Property Resource
deep link found under External Links on
Heartland’s homepage
2. Sign in to RPR (If you have not created a
login and password, please do so now)
3. Select the For Sale tab above the address
bar
4. To search all active properties in
Lawrence, enter Lawrence, KS in the
address bar
For a comprehensive list of Certified Home Inspectors
The registered non-profit Kansas Association of Real Estate
Inspectors, provides this free site as a public service.
KAREI.ORG
Nearly all previously State of Kansas Registered Home Inspectors can now
be found using our convenient “Find an Inspector” with Zip Code search
function. Certification and credentials are listed for each inspector.
16
CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
5. Click the search icon to the right or press
Enter
6. The next page should show all the active listings
in Lawrence, KS
Be sure to stay tuned to see information coming
from St. Joseph, along with more status sharing
options!
Secured Title of Kansas City’s
ALTA Best Practices Commitment to You
• We will be licensed and comply with the law
• Our bank account will be with solid financial institutions
to ensure that your money is safe
• Your non-public information will be protected
• You will be charged the correct rate for the service we provide
• Your documents will be recorded and your policy will be issued
in a timely manner
• If something should go wrong, your transaction will be
protected by our E&O and other insurance coverage
• We have adopted and maintain strict policies and procedures
to follow when you have a problem with your transaction
SECURED TITLE
o f
K a n s a s
C i t y
Missouri 816.471.1560 Kansas 913.906.9845
www.securedtitlekc.com
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
17
KCRAR’s Service Program for
Referral Associates
Did you know… agents who are leaving a firm to join a
referral firm have the opportunity to participate in the Kansas
City Regional Assocaition of REALTORS® Service Program for
Referral Associates.
The service program is available only to licensees whose
license is held by a separate referral company, or Limited
Function Referral Organization (LFRO), which is registered
with the Kansas and/or Missouri Real Estate Commission
and KCRAR. Licensees may not list, sell or perform activities
which require a real estate license, other than referring.
Licensees in a referral company will not have KCRAR
benefits such as access to the MLS, Supra keys, standard
forms, etc.
The KCRAR Service Program for Referral Associates
allows access to:
• KCRAR no-cost CE classes in our KCRAR classroom
• No-cost online CE classes
• Registration for KCRAR events at KCRAR member rates
• A subscription to the KCRAR e-newsletters
• Participation in legislative Calls to Action
The Service Program lasts from the time of your enrollment
until the end of the current calendar year.
More information, as well as the application for the KCRAR
Service Program for Referral Associates can be found online
by visiting the “Join KCRAR” button at www.KCRAR.com.
Questions? Call 913-661-1600 and ask for membership.
KCRAR Calendar
Upcoming Special Events
JANUARY
MARCH
Meet Your Board of Directors with YPN/KC
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, January 28th
The Cashew
2000 Grand Blvd, 2nd Floor
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
FREE
Recharge Tech Conference
FEBRUARY
SAVE THE DATE!
#YPN Wednesday
Wednesday, February 10th
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
KCRAR Offices
18
CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
Thursday, March 24th
Uptown Theater
You’ve helped them find their dream home.
LET ME HELP FINANCE IT.
Bailey Scheidegger
Mortgage Originator
A home might be the single largest
investment your clients will ever make.
That’s why it’s so important to work
with someone you trust.
Bailey will help your client find the best
way of getting into their dream home.
Besides giving you a great rate, she’ll make you feel comfortable
every step of the way by building a strong, personal relationship.
Contact Bailey today!
913.248.3316
Overland Park:
10307 Metcalf Ave
Shawnee:
10610 Shawnee Mission Parkway
For more information and an online application visit
www.GreatWesternBank.com/Mortgage
©2015, Great Western Bank
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
19
Market Statistics
November 2015
Residential real estate is experiencing its best year since the recession. Housing
demand is healthy, and that is expected to continue until the end of the year. Home
sales are actually set to have their best national showing since 2006. More of the same
is anticipated in 2016, but inventory and affordability challenges coupled with mortgage
rate increases will likely keep any sort of monster growth in check. This should be a good
thing for keeping home prices from increasing too rapidly to maintain economic stability.
Check out the address below to
review the entire Market Statistics
www.kcrar.com/statistics
Monthly Indicators
Closed Sales decreased 3.5 percent for existing homes and 8.3 percent for new homes.
Pending Sales increased 20.4 percent for existing homes and 8.8 percent for new homes.
Inventory decreased 28.0 percent for existing homes and 12.1 percent for new homes.
The Average Sales Price was up 5.4 percent to $186,399 for existing homes and down
2.5 percent
to $349,653 for new homes. Days on Market decreased 10.7 percent for
ovember
2015
existing homes but increased 4.7 percent for new homes. Supply decreased 34.1 percent
for existing homes and 23.9 percent for new homes. Unemployment rates across the
sidential real
estate
is experiencing
best
year
recession.
nation
changed
little last month, its
which
bodes
wellsince
for anthe
increase
in buying activity. The
ousing demand
healthy,
is expected
to which
continue
until
the end
nationalis jobless
rateand
was that
5.0 percent
in October,
was 0.7
percent
lowerofthan the
e year. Home sales are actually set to have their best national showing since
year prior. Although housing and employment data are quite positive at this juncture, it is
06. More of the same is anticipated in 2016, but inventory and affordability
still certainly
possible
for listings
sales to be will
downlikely
in year-over-year
allenges coupled
with
mortgage
rateand
increases
keep anycomparisons.
sort of Bad
weather
and
the
mix
of
housing
available
to
buyers
tend
to
have
a
greater
effect on trends
onster growth in check. This should be a good thing for keeping home
ces from increasing
rapidly
to maintain
economic
stability.
at the end oftoo
the year
than during
the midsummer
months.
osed Sales decreased 3.5 percent for existing homes and 8.3 percent for
w homes. Pending Sales increased 20.4 percent for existing homes and 8.8
rcent for new homes. Inventory decreased 28.0 percent for existing homes
d 12.1 percent for new homes.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
- 4.0%
+ 3.7%
- 32.6%
Change in Combined
Closed Sales
Change in Combined
Avg. Sales Price
Change in Combined
Supply
Residental real estate activity in Atchison KS, Bates MO, Buchanan MO, Cass MO,
Clay MO, Clinton MO, Douglas KS, Franklin KS, Jackson MO, Jefferson KS, Johnson
KS, Johnson MO, Lafayette MO, Leavenworth KS, Linn KS, Miami KS, Platte MO, Ray
MO and Wyandotte KS counties. Percent changes are calculated using rounded
figures.
Existing Homes Market Overview
New Homes Market Overview
New the
andfirst
Existing
Homes
e MedianKey
Sales
Price was
3.8 percent
$151,500
for existing homes
metrics
by up
report
monthtoand
for year-to-date
(YTD) starting from
of the
year. Combined Activity Overview
Closed
Sales
d 3.8 percent
to
$340,570
for
new
homes.
Days
on
Market
decreased
10.7
Key metrics by report month and for year-to-date (YTD) starting from the first of the year.
rcent for existing homes but increased 4.7 percent for new homes. Supply
Average Sales Price
creased 34.1 percent for existing homes and 23.9 percent for new homes.
Change
Key Metrics
Historical Sparkbars
11-2014
11-2015
YTD 2014 YTD 2015 Percent Change
Median
Sales Percent
Price
Days on Market Until Sale
nemployment rates across the nation changed little last month, which bodes
ell for an increase
buying activity. The national jobless rate was 5.0
Percentage
List
Price Received
27,349
1,983
- 3.5%
+ 10.3%
1,913 of Original
30,169
ClosedinSales
rcent in October, which was 0.7 percent lower than the year prior. Although
Pending Sales
using and employment data are quite positive at this juncture, it is still
Inventory
rtainly possible
for listings
and sales to be down in year-over-year
$176,835 $186,399
+ 5.4%
$176,850 $187,280
+ 5.9%
Average
Sales Price
Supply
mparisons. Bad weather and the mix of housing available to buyers tend to
Existing Home Market Overview
Existing Homes Market Overview
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
ve a greater effect on trends at the end of the year than during the
dsummer months.
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2015
Median Sales Price
11-2012
Days on Market
11-2013
11-2014
$151,500
+ 3.8%
$149,900
$159,900
+ 6.7%
75
67
- 10.7%
77
68
- 11.7%
93.1%
94.0%
+ 1.0%
93.5%
94.6%
+ 1.2%
1,854
2,233
+ 20.4%
27,977
31,844
+ 13.8%
10,721
7,718
- 28.0%
--
--
--
4.4
2.9
- 34.1%
--
--
--
Current as of December 7, 2015. Report Provided by the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®. All data from Heartland Multiple Listing Service. Powered by ShowingTime 10K.
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
Pending Sales
Inventory
Supply
CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
$146,000
11-2015
Pct. of Orig. Price Received
20
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Current as of December 7, 2015. Report Provided by the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®. All data from Heartland Multiple Listing Service. Powered by ShowingTime 10K. | 2
New
Overview
NewHomes
Homes Market
Market Overview
Key metrics
by reportby
month
and for year-to-date
the first of the year.(YTD) starting from the first of the year.
Key
metrics
report
month(YTD)
andstarting
forfrom
year-to-date
Key Metrics
Historical Sparkbars
11-2014
11-2015
Percent Change
205
188
- 8.3%
2,515
2,912
+ 15.8%
$358,575
$349,653
- 2.5%
$356,479
$358,949
+ 0.7%
$328,000
$340,570
+ 3.8%
$324,250
$329,900
+ 1.7%
106
111
+ 4.7%
126
145
+ 15.1%
102.0%
101.3%
- 0.7%
101.8%
101.2%
- 0.6%
181
197
+ 8.8%
2,598
3,210
+ 23.6%
1,617
1,422
- 12.1%
--
--
--
7.1
5.4
- 23.9%
--
--
--
Closed Sales
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
Average Sales Price
Median Sales Price
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
11-2012
11-2013
11-2014
11-2015
Days on Market
Pct. of Orig. Price Received
Pending Sales
Inventory
Supply
Closed Sales
YTD 2014 YTD 2015
Percent Change
Closed Sales
A count
of the actual sales that closed in a given month.
Closed
Sales
Current as of December 7, 2015. Report Provided by the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®. All data from Heartland Multiple Listing Service. Powered by ShowingTime 10K. | 3
A count of the actual sales that closed in a given month.
A count of the actual sales that closed in a given month.
Year to Date
November
Year to Date
November
1,999
1,983
1,999
1,983
30,169
27,325 27,349
1,913
30,169
Existing Homes
Year-Over-Year
Change
New Homes
Dec-2014
2,155
+3.9%
248
+14.3%
Jan-2015
Closed Sales
1,604
Existing
Homes
Year-Over-Year
+1.8%
Change
146
New
Homes
Year-Over-Year
-8.8%
Change
Feb-2015
Dec-2014
1,774
2,155
2,582
1,604
+6.7%
+3.9%
+21.6%
+1.8%
173
248
278
146
+16.9%
+14.3%
+37.6%
-8.8%
2,905
1,774
3,466
2,582
+15.3%
+6.7%
+9.7%
+21.6%
3,680
2,905
3,600
3,466
+12.1%
+15.3%
+16.0%
+9.7%
300
173
360
278
328
300
+33.3%
+16.9%
+30.0%
+37.6%
+18.8%
+33.3%
3,063
3,680
2,915
3,600
+7.8%
+12.1%
+16.9%
+16.0%
+2.5%
+7.8%
326
360
294
328
244
326
+16.0%
+30.0%
+9.7%
+18.8%
Mar-2015
Jan-2015
27,325 27,349
1,913
Closed Sales
Apr-2015
Feb-2015
May-2015
Mar-2015
Jun-2015
Apr-2015
Jul-2015
May-2015
Aug-2015
Jun-2015
Sep-2015
Jul-2015
210
2013
2014
2015
- 4.3%
- 0.8%
- 3.5%
Existing Homes
2013
2014
2015
205
2013
210
+ 15.4%
2013
188
2014
205
2015
2013
2014
2015
- 8.3%
+ 9.2%
+ 0.1%
+ 10.3%
188
- 2.4%
New Homes
2014
2,445
Existing Homes
2015
- 3.5%
- 8.3%
15.4% - 2.4%
- 0.8%
- 4.3%
Historical
Closed
Sales+by
Month
Existing Homes
New Homes
2013
2,445
+ 15.5%
2014
2,515
+ 2.9%
2,912
2015
2,912
+ 15.8%
New Homes
2013
2014
2015
2013
+ 9.2%
+ 0.1%
+ 10.3%
+ 15.5%
Existing Homes
2,515
2014
2015
+ 2.9%
+ 15.8%
Year-Over-Year
Change
Nov-2015
Sep-2015
12-Month
Oct-2015 Avg
2,694
2,667
-3.5%
+16.9%
+9.9%
+2.5%
Nov-2015
1,913
-3.5%
188
-8.3%
12-Month Avg
2,694
+9.9%
263
+15.7%
New Homes
275
294
188
244
+13.5%
+16.0%
+6.6%
+9.7%
2,667
3,063
1,913
2,915
Oct-2015
Aug-2015
263
275
Existing Homes
New Homes
Existing Homes
New Homes
-8.3%
+13.5%
+15.7%
+6.6%
4,000
Historical Closed Sales by Month
FastStats Report
4,000
3,000
3,000
2,000
2,000
1,000
1,000
0
1-2004
1-2005
1-2006
1-2007
0
1-2004
1-2005
1-2006
December 7, 2015. Report
Kansas City Regional
Association of REALTORS®.
Heartland Multiple 1-2014
Listing Service. Powered
by ShowingTime 10K. | 5
1-2007 Current as of1-2008
1-2009Provided by the
1-2010
1-2011
1-2012 All data from
1-2013
1-2015
1-2008
1-2009
1-2010
1-2011
1-2012
1-2013
1-2014
1-2015
Current as of December 7, 2015. Report Provided by the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®. All data from Heartland Multiple Listing Service. Powered by ShowingTime 10K. | 5
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
21
KCRAR
R EALTOR ®
STORE
KCRAR STORE JANUARY 2016 SALES
Whether out in the field or keeping it casual, a good REALTOR® knows they need
to look stylish while flaunting their real estate credentials. What better way, then, to
announce that you’re a bona fide REALTOR® than with a fashionable-yet-comfortable
piece of REALTOR®-branded clothing. Check out KCRAR’s online REALTOR® store
for some incredible deals on branded logo wear for the discerning professional.
Dress Shirt – $24.49 30% off,
only at the online store!
A shirt that’s as sturdy and
reliable as you are, this Van
Heusen dress shirt is woven with
a luxurious, wrinkle-free blend
that’s designed to move with you
and keep you looking sharp. Best
of all, it’s emblazoned with the
REALTOR® logo, so your clients
know you mean business.
Performance Fleece - $15.75 30% off,
only at the online store!
The weather outside may be
frightful, but REALTORS® know
that there are always things to do
outside while out on showings.
Reach, then, for this pacific full-zip
polar performance fleece. It’s light
enough to fit snugly under your coat
of choice for an extra layer of warmth
and comfort, yet stylish enough to
be worn fireside while chatting about
the market and sipping cocoa. And,
with the REALTOR® logo proudly
stamped on the chest, you won’t
have to worry about communicating
your qualifications… the vest will do
it for you.
22
CONNECT | JANUARY 2016
Unisex T-Shirt - $9.99,
only at the online store!
Life isn’t always about work.
Even the hardest working of any
of us need time to unwind and
relax. But REALTORS® don’t stop
being real estate professionals,
even when relaxing. That’s
where this handsome t-shirt
comes into play. It’s organic, preshrunk fibers hug the shoulders
and offer a generous fit for any
body type, and come in a variety
of colors. But the most eyecatching part of this piece is its
bold, confident display of the
REALTOR® logo. In those rare
moments of downtime, you can
relax comfortably, knowing you
can leap to action in a moment’s
notice and still announce
yourself as the expert you are.
Prices and availability may vary; some items available
at the KCRAR REALTOR® online store may not be
available in the store located at the KCRAR offices.
Classes
HMLS offers several classes for Participants and Subscribers, including:
• Advanced Matrix®/Stats
Advanced Matrix is a hands-on class that will get more
in-depth in the Matrix System. Adding search fields, custom
displays, expanded Contact Carts, Goggles view, market
watch widget and printing mapping options will be discussed
in this class. Stats and how to create custom stats reports
will also be discussed. This is an advanced class, so we will
not cover searching, CMA’s, or any of the basic functions of
Matrix. Heartland MLS recommends that agents first take
the Matrix Hands-on Class; however, Matrix Hands-on is not
a prerequisite.
January 7, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
January 13, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
January 25, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Matrix® Hands-On Class
The Matrix Hands-on class is for any agent wanting
additional training of the basic functionality of the Matrix
system. Searches, CMA’s, Emailing, Taxes and many other
functions will be covered in this class. This class is very similar
to the Orientation class. However, rules and regulations will
not be covered. This class is designed for any agent in the
business who does not feel comfortable with the basics of
the Matrix System or might want a refresher on the basics.
January 14, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
January 27, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• MLS Orientation Class
The Orientation class is mandatory for all new agents and
must be taken within 60 days of joining Heartland MLS. This
class covers rules and regulations, and will then follow the
same outline as a Matrix Hands-on Class. This class should
only be attended by new members of Heartland MLS.
January 4, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
January 11, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
January 20, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
January 28, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (webinar)
• Basic RPR
This class will cover the basics of RPR (REALTOR’S®
Property Resource). RPR is a website designed by NAR
to provide agents extra information when working with
buyers and sellers. The basic functionality of the site will be
covered. Heat maps, RVM, distressed property search
and other functions of the site will be discussed in this
class. Agents will need to have access to the RPR site
before registering for this class.
January 6, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
January 21, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
How to Find and Sign Up for a Class
Go to https://ims.heartlandmls.com/. To go to IMS,
click on “Member Services for Heartland Multiple Listing
Service,” then login with your ID and password. Scroll
down to Heartland MLS Matrix Training and click on
“Register for Events.”
Click on the class in which you are interested.
If you need to cancel your registration, please use
the link for IMS above, select the event you are
registered for (it will appear in red type on the
screen), click “Registration Cancellation” and click
“Submit Cancellation.” (If you are unable to attend
an Orientation class you schedule, please cancel
24 hours prior to class start time or a $50 nonrefundable fee will be charged to your account.)
To sign up for an Orientation class:
To register for the Orientation class, an agent must
be a member of Heartland MLS. Sign up online, or fax
a reservation form to Heartland MLS Education Director
John Hatfield at 913-661-1618.
• Technology Basics for the Mobile Agent
This class will discuss some basic websites and apps
available to agents that may increase the productivity of the
agent. Facebook Business, Google Business, Heartland
MLS app, and other apps will be discussed. The class will
discuss set up and the basics of each site, along with how to
use the apps to better serve the agent in the field. This class
is not hands on.
January 6, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
January 18, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
JANUARY 2016 | CONNECT
23
Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®
11150 Overbrook Road, Suite 100
Leawood, KS 66211
KCRAR REALTOR®
Core Class
• JANUARY 13TH 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Behave Yourself: The Code of Ethics
•JANUARY 13TH 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Advanced RPR
•JANUARY 27TH, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Historic Properties
•JANUARY 27TH, 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Classes