"Congress proposing a National Real Estate license
In an effort to "clean up the real estate industry" and bring more revenue to the US and state Treasuries, Congress will propose in its next session, a National Real Estate License. The proposal will phase out state jurisdiction of real estate licensees over the next ten years. In the mobile age, licenses tied to geographic areas make no sense to the congressional leadership, or to the rank and file. It is expected that the new, National Real Estate License Fee will be $2500 per year to the federal government and $750 per state in which a licensee wants to practice. This new license will require a minimum of an Associate degree, and passing an all-day national exam. Holders of a Master's Degree in Real Estate from Realtor University (http://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2012/02/realtor-university-granted-approval-to-offer-master-of-real-estate-degree-program), will be exempt from the exam requirement. NAR Senior Vice President, Bob Goldberg comments "this new law really shows the strength and influence of our Master's program." "So while everyone is still fired up over the IDX feed/Fair Housing lawsuit........
Apparently you can get popped for having copyrighted photos on your IDX listings too.
From a fellow New Hampshire Realtor:
"I just got billed $1,065 because some agent from Southern NH included a copyrighted picture of a Mountain Climber in their NNEREN Listing.
The IDX Feed put it on my website and I get billed. At first I thought it was a scam.
Glad, I called because it was legitimate. Getty Images is real and will sue you.
After a couple minutes on the phone with their attorney I was able to explain that I didn't put the picture up and they took me off the hook. But the listing agent is still going to have to pay."
If anyone is interested. $49.99 which is a 50% discount.
Here's something to spend your money on. The folks in New York and New Jersey are hurting from lack of aid and supplies. In Portsmouth and the NH Seacoast we're gathering up supplies; bottled water, trash bags, blankets, warm clothing, batteries and other stuff for them. Several local police officers are driving down Tuesday to deliver them. If you're on the east coast within driving distance you might consider starting a similar effort from your area. From some of the reports coming out of that area it appears to be New Orleans all over again. FEMA ran out of bottled water and just put out a request to vendors for 2.6 Million gallons or so but at the speed they move our grandchildren might be the ones drinking it. Let's step up and do something NOW if we can.
I'm running Rob's survey on my wall too. Remember folks these are our customers talking to us. First answer:
"Definitely prefer pictures, I very rarely look at the videos."
