Blogs

MEASURES CUTTING INCOME TAX, RAISING SALES TAXES: The House Special Committee on Tax Reform began hearings on wide-ranging legislation that is intended to lead eventually to elimination of the state income tax, while making up billions in lost revenue through increased sales taxes. The sales taxes would include taxing services Missourians use every day, from haircuts to car repairs to REALTOR ® services. Enacting such a sales tax on services would require first repealing and replacing a constitutional protection against the taxes that was promoted to successful passage in 2016 by Missouri REALTORS ® . Repealing and replacing the current ...
ACTION ON SECTION 8, CAPITAL GAINS BILLS: There was progress this week in Jefferson City on key bills of interest to Missouri REALTORS ® . The House Committee on Commerce advanced substitute legislation dealing with Section 8 vouchers and the capital gains tax deduction : House Bills 5 9 5 and 343, which prohibit political subdivisions from requiring property owners to accept federal or other housing assistance programs, were combined into a single committee substitute bill . The substitute was voted out of the Commerce Committee and now goes to the House Committee on Rules, Administrative. ...
Missouri REALTORS ® , As your 2025 Missouri REALTORS ® President, I am honored to share highlights from our recent Winter Business Conference in Kansas City. The conference brought together REALTORS ® from across Missouri to connect, learn, and celebrate the start of a new year in real estate. This year's conference featured a modified schedule, with output groups meeting virtually January 15-17, followed by in-person committee meetings and Board of Directors sessions January 21-22. The conference officially began on Tuesday with an impactful State Political Coordinator (SPC) Training Session and the Missouri REALTOR® Party Luncheon, where we celebrated ...
Just like finding your perfect match in the dating world, choosing the right REALTOR® is all about making a meaningful connection. Whether you're buying your dream home or selling your current property, this relationship could become one of the most valuable relationships you have in your life. According to The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 88% of home purchases were made through a real estate agent or broker, demonstrating the continued importance of agents in the home buying process. The guide below can help you know the right questions to ask to help you find your perfect match. Finding "The One" When trying to find the perfect real ...
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS : The House Commerce Committee conducted hearings Wednesday on several bills supported by Missouri REALTORS ® , dealing with landlord protections and capital gains taxes. House Bill 343 and H B 595 prohibit local governments from requiring landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers. HB595 is sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown , R-Kansas City, and HB343 is sponsored by Rep. Ben Keathley , R-Chesterfield. HB508 and HB594 , dealing with an income tax deduction for capital gains , also received House Commerce Committee hearings on Wednesday. ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series aims to celebrate these dedicated members and highlight their incredible contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, Missouri REALTORS ® is proud to shine the Leadership Spotlight on Luke Willenbrock from the Bagnell Dam Association of REALTORS ® . As a passionate real estate professional and an emerging leader in the REALTOR ® community, Luke exemplifies the dedication and drive that fuel ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2025 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – Missouri REALTORS ® , the state’s largest trade association representing over 25,000 members, is pleased to announce the installation of Bobbi Howe of St. Joseph, MO., as 2025 President. On Tuesday, January 21, Missouri REALTORS ® honored Howe, along with Missouri Women’s Council of REALTORS ® President Becky Klein, during an installation banquet at the Winter Business Conference in Kansas City. With over 300 guests present, Elizabeth Mendenhall, the 2010 President of Missouri REALTORS ® , was in attendance to install Howe for this special occasion. Kevin Sears, The National Association ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2025 COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – Missouri REALTORS ® is pleased to announce Pamela Long of Springfield, Missouri, has been named recipient of the 2024 Missouri Good Neighbor Award. This announcement took place at the Missouri REALTORS ® Winter Business Conference in Kansas City on Wednesday, January 22. Awarded annually since 2011, the Missouri Good Neighbor Award recognizes a Missouri REALTOR ® dedicated to volunteer service. Each year, this recipient receives a $2,500 check for their designated charity. Veterans Coming Home Center is a day shelter for the homeless in Springfield, MO. They provide essential ...
It’s a time of transition in Jefferson City, with new statewide officials and lawmakers taking office . This week, new statewide officials were sworn into office with traditional outdoor ceremonies on the sweeping south steps of the Capitol, followed by the formal inaugural ball inside the statehouse. Lawmakers took their oaths of office a few days earlier, so the cast of key actors is set for 2025 and beyond. New House and Senate leaders are in place to guide the session. Many bills are already filed , and in the coming days, the Legislature gets down to work through the ...
Your home is likely your biggest investment, and in 2025, upgrading it could be your smartest resolution yet. Whether you're trying to prepare for the upcoming sale of your home, add general value, or improve your home's functionality for you and the rest of your family, renovating can add significant value . With the right approach, these upgrades can transform both your living space and your home's market position. Resolution-Focused Improvements Energy Efficiency Goals If one of your resolutions is to become more energy conscious, consider applying that to your home. Investing in upgrades that help support ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series aims to celebrate these dedicated members and highlight their incredible contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, Missouri REALTORS ® is proud to shine the Leadership Spotlight on Isabelle Jimenez Walker from the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS ® . As a 2017 graduate of the Missouri REALTORS ® Leadership Academy and with over 15 years of membership with the association, Isabelle has ...
The holiday season is a time of warmth, connection, and giving—and an excellent opportunity for REALTORS ® to strengthen relationships with current clients and attract new leads. With the right strategies, you can showcase your expertise, spread a little holiday cheer, and set yourself up for a successful new year. Here are some creative and festive marketing ideas to try this holiday season: 1. Host a Holiday-Themed Open House Turn a traditional open house into a festive event! Add seasonal touches like holiday decorations, warm beverages, and themed treats to create a cozy atmosphere. Consider offering a small gift, like branded ornaments, to visitors ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series aims to celebrate these dedicated members and highlight their incredible contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, Missouri REALTORS ® is proud to shine our Leadership Spotlight on Liz Bruch, an accomplished real estate professional and leader from St. Louis. With MRP, AHWD, ABR, and e-PRO certifications, Liz is committed to her professional excellence. Her dedication to her clients and community ...
Missouri REALTORS ® , The November 2024 general election has come to a close! We’re excited to share some outstanding results. Thanks to the strategic investments made by the REALTOR ® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and the hard work and dedication of our members, #REALTORChampion candidates achieved significant victories across the ballot. Together, we’ve secured a future with strong advocates in office who share our commitment to private property rights, economic growth, and the vitality of Missouri’s real estate industry. Key Results REALTORS ® Win : A remarkable 78% of REALTORS ® who ran for office were victorious! Congressional : Wesley ...
Election Day is fast approaching, and this is an opportunity for Missouri REALTORS ® to make a profound impact on the real estate industry. Voting up and down the ballot is essential to ensure we’re represented at all levels of government, from city councils to state offices. After all, many of the decisions that most affect our clients, businesses, and communities are made at the local level, where issues like zoning, property taxes, and housing regulations are decided. As champions of the American Dream of homeownership, our collective vote is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of real estate in Missouri. Missouri REALTORS ® ...
Missouri REALTORS ® are more than just real estate professionals. They are community leaders, educators, volunteers, and philanthropists who make a meaningful impact in their local areas and beyond. Our Leadership Spotlight series aims to celebrate these dedicated members and highlight their incredible contributions to both the real estate industry and their communities. This month, Missouri REALTORS ® is proud to shine our Leadership Spotlight on Jeremy Ritchie, a dedicated and inspiring real estate professional from the Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS ® (OGAR). Throughout his real estate career, Jeremy has been focused on serving his clients ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  October 17 , 202 4 Columbia, Missouri – Missouri REALTORS ® , the state’s largest trade association representing over 2 5 ,000 members, is pleased to announce the election of Antwann Rhodes of Waynesville , M issouri, as 202 6 Treasurer. Rhodes was elected to this position during a Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, September 2 6 in Branson , Missouri. As Missouri REALTORS ® 202 6 Treasurer, Rhodes will serve as 202 5 Treasurer-Elect beginning January 1 . “ I am incredibly honored and thankful for the continued trust ...
Missouri REALTORS ® , We recently wrapped up another fantastic Fall Business Conference, and I’m excited to share highlights with you! The week officially began on Tuesday with governance meetings and educational opportunities. That afternoon, members participated in the Opening General Session, where they heard from keynote speaker, Melissa Majors. Melissa revealed how thriving leaders accelerate team performance by incorporating inclusive practices. Watch the recording of this exciting session here ! On Wednesday, following output group and committee meetings, we hosted our Annual Meeting and Awards where we highlighted our 2024 award recipients ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  September 2 5 , 202 4   C olumbia, M issouri – Brenda Oliver of Odessa , Missouri, has been named recipient of the Missouri REALTORS ® 202 4 Richard A. Mendenhall Award. Richard A. Mendenhall, a past president of Missouri REALTORS ® and the National Association of REALTORS ® , has been a role model for REALTORS ® at the local, state, and national level s throughout his entire career. This award recognizes an individual who, through career-long contributions, exemplifies Richard’s leadership skills, commitment to service, and enthusiastic “spirit ”. Oliver received ...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  September 2 5 , 202 4 C olumbia, M issouri – Denise Pittman of Bonnots Mill , Missouri, has been named Missouri REALTORS ® 20 2 4 REALTOR ® Salesperson of the Year. This award is given annually based on demonstrated commitment to REALTOR ® ethics and cooperation, activity within the local, state , and National Association of REALTORS ® , advanced education and professional designations, community service , and sales volume. Pittman was presented with this award on Wednesday, September 2 5 during the Missouri REALTORS ® Fall Business ...