When meeting a client alone, you can minimize your risk by adopting these safety precautions

As a reminder, the requirements to use the GAR Forms have changed and only REALTORS® members will be allowed to continue using the forms at no cost. In order to access the GAR Forms as a member for FREE, you must enter your National REALTOR® Database System ID (NRDS #) to confirm your REALTOR® membership.

If you do not already know your NRDS #, you may access your NRDS number at https://reg.realtor.org/roreg.nsf/retrieveID?OpenForm.

At the request of several BABR members, Board staff spoke with Bartow County officials to clarify the impact of the new Foreclosure Registration Ordinance on real estate licensees. What are your responsibilities under this law?

While technology continues to evolve the way people buy and sell properties, real estate transactions remain largely based on relationships and trust between agents and clients. To help them connect through online networks and communities, Realtor.com® announces the beta roll out of its mobile-enabled HyperSocial™ agent search tools. Realtor.com, the #1 homes for sale web site, is operated by Move, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOVE), the leader in online real estate.

The Awards Committee would like to invite you to attend the Professional Achiever's Circle Banquet being held on Friday, March 2nd at the Cartersville Country Club. The Awards Committee has prepared an excellent program for the evening. Ticket prices are $45 for non-PAC members and FREE for the 2011 PAC recipients. PAC Members do NOT need to register again since that was a section of your PAC application.

Several local governments have adopted vacant and foreclosed property registration ordinances with varying standards, forms, fees, and fines.  Lack of uniformity has led to confusion for owners and operators of property. HB 110 would standardize these ordinances. Help protect property owners by expressing your support for this important legislation!

Identity theft is a serious and costly crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

REALTOR® University has received approval to operate from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). REALTOR® University's graduate school will offer a state-of-the-art advanced educational opportunity. REALTOR® University's graduate school will allow students to expand their education in what they know best: real estate. With our unique blend of practical and applied learning, students will be able to use this education to advance their careers and better their business and their lives.

Following the 2011 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia “Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011” was signed into law. This legislation impacts both real estate licenses and appraiser classifications.