Latest Blogs

Protecting the American Dream in the Primary Election

By Missouri REALTORS posted 4 days ago
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As a Missouri REALTOR ® , the upcoming primary election on August 6th presents an opportunity for you to make your voice heard. These local primary elections hold significant implications for both the state and our industry at large. Voting in the primary election isn't just about selecting candidates. It's about safeguarding the American Dream of homeownership. Why Your Vote Matters Primary elections lay the groundwork for the general elections, determining which candidates will be on the ballot in November. These candidates will shape policies that directly impact real estate transactions, taxation, property management, and more. By voting in the primary, ...
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Leadership Spotlight: Tami Smith

By Missouri REALTORS posted 4 days ago
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Missouri REALTORS ® are so much more than just real estate professionals. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards and running for elected positions. They educate, serve on panels, volunteer and facilitate industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring, and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Leadership Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members. This month, we are excited to put the Leadership Spotlight on Tami Smith, whose blend of professional expertise and community service makes her a standout member of our association. Tami Smith has built ...
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June is Homeownership Month

By Missouri REALTORS posted 06-21-2024
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For many, homeownership is more than just a milestone; it’s a cornerstone of the American dream and a vital component of financial stability and community building. As we honor Homeownership month this June, here's why owning a home is so incredibly important: Building Equity and Financial Stability Owning a home is one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth. Each mortgage payment contributes to your home equity, a valuable asset that can appreciate over time. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments benefit the landlord, homeownership ensures that your money is invested in your future. Over time, this equity can be leveraged for loans, college ...
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Leadership Spotlight: Dan Stoner

By Missouri REALTORS posted 06-21-2024
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Missouri REALTORS® are so much more than just real estate professionals. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards and running for elected positions. They educate, serve on panels, volunteer and facilitate industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring, and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Leadership Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members. This month, we are shining the Leadership Spotlight on Dan Stoner. With a career marked by professional excellence and a commitment to giving back, Dan has consistently demonstrated leadership both in his ...
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Capitol Update: May 23, 2024 | 2024 REALTORS® Session Wrap-Up

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 05-23-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , The 2024 Missouri Legislature slogged to adjournment on Friday, May 17, with the final gavel in the House falling more than three hours before the 6:00 p.m. constitutional deadline to end business. The Senate actually quit work for the session on Friday morning - eight hours early - shortly after the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin said she only waited that long to make the motion to adjourn to allow senators to let tension die from the previous day’s squabbles. The House stayed in session for a few more hours, to take final votes on a few pending Senate bills. Thousands ...
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Leadership Spotlight: Christina Merrell

By Missouri REALTORS posted 05-22-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® are so much more than just real estate professionals. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards and running for elected positions. They educate, serve on panels, volunteer and facilitate industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring, and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Leadership Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members. This month, we are shining the Leadership Spotlight on Christina Merrell. Christina Merrell, a member of the Mark Twain Association of REALTORS ® , exemplifies true dedication and leadership in the ...
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Building Communities | REALTORS® Lead the Way in Volunteerism

By Missouri REALTORS posted 05-22-2024
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There's a thread that connects all REALTORS ® together: an unwavering commitment to community. As pillars of their neighborhoods, REALTORS ® not only facilitate home sales but also champion community service initiatives. The recent release of the Community Aid and Real Estate (CARE) Report by the National Association of REALTORS ® sheds light on the remarkable dedication of REALTORS ® and REALTOR ® associations toward community service. Despite facing challenges of an ultra-competitive market, REALTORS ® always make time to prioritize giving back. According to the CARE Report, monthly volunteering and annual monetary donations have ...
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President’s Blog | A Look Back at the 2024 Spring Business Conference

By Derek Schriewer posted 05-01-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , We recently concluded a successful Spring Business Conference in Kansas City with nearly 500 Missouri REALTORS ® members, affiliates, and sponsors in attendance! Following governance meetings and educational offerings on Tuesday, members participated in the Opening General Session that afternoon, which featured keynote speaker Nick Krautter, REALTOR ® and author of the Golden Handoff. Nick discussed business planning amidst industry changes. View the recording . Wednesday began with governance meetings and additional educational opportunities, followed by the Emerging Issues Forum. During this time, members heard from Mitchell Skinner, ...
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Capitol Update: April 30, 2024 | Unfinished Business Lingers as Deadline Approaches

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 04-30-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , The Missouri Legislature is scheduled to adjourn at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17. The clock is running quickly for legislative business and lawmakers have major unfinished business with the Missouri budget for the state fiscal year that starts July 1. The budget is legally required to be passed by May 10. Senate leadership wants to debate the budget on the floor this week and advance it toward passage. But Senate members of the hard-line Freedom Caucus have a list of sometimes-shifting demands, including that they will hold up passage of a key measure that helps pay for Medicaid if their demands are not satisfied. The key measure is ...
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Leadership Spotlight: Michael Jacques

By Missouri REALTORS posted 04-29-2024
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Missouri REALTORS® are so much more than just real estate professionals. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards and running for elected positions. They educate, serve on panels, volunteer and facilitate industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring, and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Leadership Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members. This month, we are shining the Leadership Spotlight on Michael Jacques. Michael Jacques with The Jacques Company has proven time and time again his dedication to serving the Greater Springfield area as ...
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Capitol Update: April 8 | IP Reform and Foreign Ag Land Sales

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 04-08-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , Let's begin with some REALTOR ® Days Kudos: The Missouri Scout daily politics newsletter recently tipped its hat to the Capitol presence this session of REALTORS ® from across the state - another indicator of the grassroots strength of our association: “REALTORS ® Working The Halls: It’s no secret that the Missouri REALTORS ® are standing firm against SJR 74, which requires concurrent majorities to pass constitutional amendments by initiative petition. The REALTORS ® – Missouri's largest professional trade association – have twice successfully used the IP process to protect citizens from higher taxes. The REALTORS ® have been quietly ...
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Read, Watch, Listen: Fair Housing Resources

By Missouri REALTORS posted 04-01-2024
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April is Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on the importance of housing equity, as well as the challenges that continue to limit accessibility. As Missouri REALTORS ® , we have a responsibility to stay informed on the history of fair housing and to remain engaged in advancing fair housing initiatives within our communities. Quite simply: A commitment to fair housing is a commitment to the American Dream of homeownership. With National Association of REALTOR ® courses like At Home With Diversity, Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing, and Fairhaven, in addition to the Diversity & Inclusion Learning Series at this year’s Spring Business ...
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Missouri REALTORS® Business Conference Testimonials

By Missouri REALTORS posted 03-22-2024
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In January, hundreds of Missouri REALTORS ® kicked off the new year with the 2024 Winter Business Conference in St. Louis. Despite the chilly weather, attendees enjoyed a week of enlightening sessions led by industry experts and invaluable networking opportunities. Following January's conference, @Will Klein , a St. Charles REALTOR ® , sparked a discussion on The LANDING by asking: What was your favorite moment and/or take away from the conference? The flood of responses was nothing short of fantastic. As we gear up for the 2024 Spring Business Conference , we wanted to reflect on these testimonials. Whether you're familiar with Missouri REALTOR ...
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Leadership Spotlight: Kimberly Turner, Esq.

By Missouri REALTORS posted 03-22-2024
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Missouri REALTORS® are so much more than just real estate professionals. They dedicate their time to serving on school boards and running for elected positions. They educate, serve on panels, volunteer, and facilitate industry discussions. Their philanthropic efforts are inspiring, and the difference they are making within their communities is significant. Our Leadership Spotlight series highlights these efforts and introduces some of our wonderful members. This month, we are shining the Leadership Spotlight on Kimberly Turner, Esq. Kimberly Turner, with Worth Clark Realty, serves the St. Louis and St. Charles areas as both a dedicated REALTOR® and leader. ...
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President’s Blog | Join us at the Spring Business Conference!

By Derek Schriewer posted 03-21-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , Our Spring Business Conference will take place April 23-25 in Kansas City and I’m excited to see everyone in just over a month. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about anticipated and upcoming changes resulting from the National Association of REALTORS ® (NAR) settlement that was recently announced. During this time, you will also be able to attend governance meetings, hear from guest speakers, and participate in numerous networking and educational sessions. We will get the week started on Monday with “Living the Dream | Fair Housing for All.” Hosted by the Missouri Chapter of REALTORS ® Land Institute (RLI), this event ...
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Avoid Potential Pitfalls with Property Association Documents

By Lisa Scoble posted 03-14-2024
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Sellers need to provide current homeowners association (HOA) or other association documents to buyers based on the requirements in the governing Purchase Agreement. It is vital that listing agents do not obtain HOA documents for sellers from sources other than the HOA since their governing documents may have been amended to include severe restrictions impeding buyers from using the property as they intended to. Learn from this agent and ensure the HOA documents you receive and provide are accurate and updated. Situation A seller listed a high-end home in a prestigious development governed by an HOA. Recently, the HOA changed their Declaration of Covenants, ...
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Capitol Update: March 11, 2024 | Protecting Landlord Rights + Eviction Moratorium Clears Senate

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 03-11-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , Legislation barring local governments from imposing certain restrictions on landlords passed the House by a 103-33 vote after first-round perfection last week. House Bill 2385 , sponsored by Rep. Ben Keathley (R-Chesterfield), is strongly backed by Missouri REALTORS ® . Our chief lobbyist Sam Licklider was among more than 40 witnesses testifying in support of the measure in committee. Under HB2385, local governments could not require landlords to accept federal vouchers for housing, commonly known as “Section 8.” Local governments also could not bar landlords from declining to rent to a prospective tenant based upon common safeguards ...
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Now Accepting 2025 O2 Leadership Applications!

By Breanna Vanstrom posted 03-06-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , We’re still early in 2024 but it’s time to begin planning our 2025 governance structure known as  Outreach & Output  (O2). This structure was designed to align our governance work with our mission and provide a variety of opportunities for members to participate in the process of leading our association into the future. To get involved, I encourage you to  sign up for a leadership, mission committee, or output group role. You can also sign up for a statewide professional standards committee . Life Members and REALTOR ® Emeritus members may apply for State Director positions within the leadership application as well. The deadline ...
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Capitol Update: March 5, 2024 | Foreign Land Ownership + Protecting Citizens’ Initiative Power

By Missouri REALTOR Party posted 03-05-2024
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Missouri REALTORS ® , HB1957 by Rep. Mike Haffner (R-Pleasant Hill) prohibits the sale of agricultural land to non-resident aliens. The bill, while not perfect, is now more reasonable. It decreases the amount of Missouri agricultural property that non-resident aliens may own to 0.5 percent of the total agricultural land in the state. It also prohibits ownership of agricultural property by foreign adversaries, such as Russia, China, Venezuela, North Korea, and Cuba. It has been recommended “do-pass” in committee and awaits House floor debate. HB1961 by Rep. Alex Riley (R-Springfield) and HB2197 by Rep. Brad Hudson (R-Cape Fair) both require a state ...
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Agent Gets Too Involved in Sellers Property Disclosure Statement

By Lisa Scoble posted 02-21-2024
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It is imperative to double-check your work and confirm everything on the Sellers Property Disclosure Statement with the sellers. Otherwise, you and the sellers might be exposed to unwanted litigation. Situation A real estate agent listed a 4,000 square foot brick colonial home seated on several acres of land for a couple who was relocating to another part of the country. The 35-year-old home had numerous features, including fireplaces in the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom. It wasn’t long before the property went under contract that lead to an otherwise uneventful closing. Problem Turns out that the fireplaces were all in very poor ...
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