Click here for a list of upcoming events.

Do you know about Protect Our Homes?  In November, make sure you vote Yes to protect our homes from double taxation! Just how much would a transfer tax be on your home or your clients homes? How will a transfer tax effect you?  Calculate your tax and get more information at www.protectourhomes.com! We have a speakers bureau who will speak at any service club, professional organizations, civic groups, etc.

Healthcare Solutions Day at TAR, TOMORROW, Wednesday, August 13
Seeking out healthcare options? Join us for panel discussions, break-out sessions featuring different insurance providers offering various options to suit your needs and healthcare screenings including blood pressure checks. Stay tuned for more information (everyone is guaranteed to leave the program with real choices for healthcare regardless of current financial situation). Click here for more information.

2008 Real Estate EXPO- Save the Date!
The Tucson Association of REALTORS® 2008 EXPO will be held on Thursday, September 18 from 10am-4pm at the TCC. Education Courses being offered at the EXPO: Commish Meets the Code (8:30am-11:30) and Tech Saavy Real Estate Agent (9am- 12pm) see the Education section of the weekly for more information. 
2008 TAR EXPO EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, RE/MAX.  Thank you to our Sponsors: Greg Smith & Associates, Countrywide Home Loans, Bank of America, Dakota Builders and  Tucson Newspapers.

Time is Running Out! Code of Ethics Training
We are now halfway through the year with only 6 months left to complete your Code of Ethics training! REALTORS® are required to complete Code of Ethics training by December 31, 2008. Register on-line by clicking here , time is ticking! Click here for a list of class times and dates. For more information, please contact Dee Corona.

Pima County Bond Program Seminar, August 26, 10am at TAR
Are you looking for alternatives for your buyers once the down payment assistance programs like Ameridream and Nehemiah go away?  Are you interested in learning more about a program that allows first-time buyers to purchase a home with no money down at a below market interest rate on a 30 year fixed loan?  Then please attend this workshop that will cover the 2008 Pima County Bond Program. Topics covered, program details including interest rate and closing costs, Who is eligible for this program including income limits ,eligible properties, general guidelines for qualifying the buyer with regards to credit  and a list of lenders who can offer this program. Click here to register online.  Contact Annalisa Moreno at 382-8789 for more information.

Tucson Association of REALTORS® Shootout
The Tucson Association of REALTORS® is pleased to announce their title sponsorship for the annual Soccer Shootout, presented by Fort Lowell Soccer Club. The Association is proud to be the title sponsor for the Soccer Shootout. This celebrates our community’s involvement in our youth.  The Tucson Association of REALTORS®/MLS made their decision to become the Title Sponsor because of the enthusiasm, passion and community support this event has earned.

Stay Informed on the Buffelgrass Issue!
Click here (it may take a few minutes to load) to view an informative video, featuring Tucson Association of REALTORS® CEO,  Rick Hodges.

Do We Have Your Current Email Address on File?
The Association communicates primarily through email with our members. Please ensure we have your most current email address on file. Call 327-4218 to update it today!

Tucson Pima Bond Program
The new legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the President is very exciting news for the Tucson Pima Bond program.  The opportunities this legislation presents first time homebuyers and veterans in Tucson and Pima County is great.  First, with the elimination of all seller funded down payment assistance programs, the Tucson Pima Bond program remains one of the few programs with an affordable rate 5.99% (5.89% for veterans) and one that offers down payment assistance.   Lastly, the new legislation gives the Tucson and Pima IDA's additional capacity to fund future programs. More information.

Hearth Pool Tourney and "Funraiser"
The Hearth will host a fundraiser on Thursday, August 21, 6:00 to 8:45 at the Depot. 3501 E. Ft. Lowell Road. The Event includes eight ball double elimination format and is limited to 32 enthusiastic players.  Unlimited audience so bring your friends! $25 minimum donation entry fee. All proceeds go to The Hearth, providing housing for homeless women with Children. Sign up!

Are You in the TAR Loop?
Stay informed! The Association recently began distributing the following reports: A Note from the CEO (bi-weekly), Committee Digest (monthly) and MLS Report (quarterly). To get on the distribution list for any of these reports, please send an email to Rick Hodges at rick@tucsonrealtors.org.

Computer Training Video and Tips on the TAR Website!
Andy Gordon, TAR's Computer Training Specialist, has added new tips and another video to the TAR website! Check out the following new tips: Ranking Reports and HTML Codes, and the latest video: Creating a FEMA Floodplain. Check out the Computer Training Information page by visiting http://www.tucsonrealtors.org/traininfo.html.

Marketing Sessions and Home Tours- Historic Tour, Sept 5
Join us Friday, August 15, for a tour of West/Southwest Tucson! Breakfast and networking begins at 8am with the session kicking off at 8:30am. Bring your broker and join us on September 5 for a special Historic Tour! Click here for the tour schedule and for information on how to get your listing on a tour!

Call for Volunteers for the Property Management Committee
A new Property Management Committee is being formed and we are seeking interested volunteers.  The purpose of the Committee will be to: 1) educate membership on the standards of practice and competency reasonably expected in the property management discipline, 2) educate membership on the standards of care involved in property management and 3) make recommendations regarding the Rapattoni MLS system with respect to rentals.  Join us for our next scheduled meeting is August 27 from 10:00 - 12:00 at the Association office.  Should you have questions, please contact Cheri at 382-8772 or cheri@tucsonrealtors.org

Risk Tip of the Week:
The Scenario: Agent for buyer receives a personal check from the buyer for earnest money in connection with an offer to purchase. The Risk: Client confidential account information on the check should be protected from third parties to avoid identity theft. What to do: First and foremost, protect your client’s confidential information!  Keep their earnest money check in a safe, secure and private place until it is either deposited in escrow or returned to the client. Do not provide copies of earnest money checks to anyone but your client unless they expressly instruct you to do so. This risk reduction tip provided by TAR is a general statement intended to raise important issues relevant to risk reduction. This tip is not intended to be legal advice. It should not be a substitute for advice of professional counsel or the assistance provided by an agent's Designated Broker. Check out the Risk Tip Library!