September 2009

The move to Supra’s ActiveKEY is on the horizon. ActiveKEYs equip agents with real-time alerts when iBoxes are opened. Exchange sessions are being held October 5-9 at the ABoR offices and at the Austin Convention Center during Realty Round Up. Alternative locations are also available.

The switch to ActiveKEYs was prompted by member requests for a more technologically-advanced key system. Supra’s ActiveKEY permits real-time alerts without requiring REALTORS® to have cellular service. ActiveKEYs will cost approximately $3 per month more than dKeys beginning April 2010.

Learn more about the upcoming key exchange by clicking here.

Texas entities must comply with new legislative business requirements by January 1.  Please indicate your approval to adopt a new amended and restated certificate of formation. Vote now.

MarketLinx is expected to unveil a new MLS application that will allow Mac users to search for, print, add and edit listings without relying on the current Citrix solution. This improvement follows nation-wide demand for an MLS system that functions on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

MarketLinx reports that in 2010, MLXchange will be further enhanced with advanced platform neutrality, permitting cross-browser and cross-platform capability. Since 2004, ABoR has urged MarketLinx to identify a solution that will meet the needs of subscribers who use Web browser systems other than Internet Explorer. For more information on the upcoming MLXchange enhancements, contact the MLS Support Team at mlssupport@abor.com or follow us on Twitter @ABoR_MLS. 

Start your day with courses aimed at growing your business during Realty Round Up on Wednesday, October 7.  Then, ease into a real estate forecast with TAMU Real Estate Center’s Jim Gaines, PhD.  This year’s tradeshow, themed “Growing a Greener Austin” will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center located at 500 East Cesar Chavez Street.

All courses are included in your $10 ticket purchase and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Look for your Realty Round Up program in your September newsletter for details on courses, exhibitors and tickets.

There’s still time to recommend your colleagues for awards in one of the following categories: REALTOR® of the Year; Affiliate of the Year; Salesperson of the Year; Rookie of the Year; REALTOR® Community Service Award; and Cultural Awareness Award. Deadline is September 11.   Nominate a colleague today or contact the Education Department at 512-454-7636 for more information.

TREC has revised and renumbered the following forms, effective September 1. REALTORS® are urged to use the revised forms beginning September 1, 2009.

• TREC no. 23-8 (TAR 1603) New Home Contract (Incomplete Construction) is now 23-9

 

• TREC no. 24-8 (TAR 1604) New Home Contract (Completed Construction) is now 24-9

 

• TREC has repealed the following form, effective September 1, 2009:  TREC no34-0 (TAR 1927) is repealed.

The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) has unveiled details for its sixth annual Downtown Living Tour, showcasing the rapidly growing residential landscape in downtown Austin.

National Mortgage News recently reported that, according to the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will not implement the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) for its mortgage insurance programs. According to the article, FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens met with a delegation from NAMB and discussed a variety of topics. After talking with HUD, the National Association of REALTORS® believes it is clear that FHA supports much of what the Code has accomplished. FHA is currently reviewing its appraisal policies and may adopt changes that take HVCC into account. For more resources on the HVCC, visit NAR online.