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.

2008 Real Estate EXPO
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 ,Rapattoni, Bank of America, Dakota Builders and  Tucson Newspapers.

Time is Running Out! Code of Ethics Training
We are more than halfway through the year with only 5 months left to complete your Code of Ethics training! REALTORS® are required to complete Code of Ethics training by December 31, 2008. Register online. , time is ticking! Class dates and times. For more information, please contact Dee Corona.

Fall Member MIXER- Save the Date, October 23
The Tucson Association of REALTORS® would like to take an opportunity to thank you, our valued members! Join us on Thursday, October 23 from 4pm to 7pm at TAR, 2445 N. Tucson Blvd. Enjoy music, fun, food and drinks (cash bar) while you mingle with your fellow members! Please RSVP by October 20 to Cheri Meadows at cheri@tucsonrealtors.org or 382-8772.

Sign Up Now for TAR's 3rd Annual Golf Fundraiser, October 24
We need your support to make the Tucson Association of REALTORS® 3rd Annual Golf Fundraiser a success! Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity Tucson, and will support their work in creating affordable housing for those in need in our community. The fundraiser will take place on October 24 at Arizona National Golf Club. We need golfers and sponsors to support this event - we are counting on you! Click here for more information or contact Christine Sanchez at 382-8776.

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.

TAR Offers Group Rates for Umbrella Insurance
The Tucson Association of REALTORS® is offering special group rates for personal liability insurance (aka umbrella insurance) coverage up to $50 million.  The policy would be for your personal liability exposure but would extend to your automobile when you are transporting clients and errors and omissions when you serve on not-for-profit boards.  The coverage is discounted, on average,  30% off what is available to individual policy holders.  There also additional coverage benefits included in the plan.  There will be a meeting to discuss the policy and answer questions on Friday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m. in the conference center. Click here for a description of the plan.  This is the first of what will hopefully be many products offered at group prices to our members.

Marketing Sessions and Home Tours Join us THIS Friday!
Join us Friday, August 22, for a tour of Northwest 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!

Hearth Pool Tourney and "Funraiser", Thursday, August 21
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!

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!

SAMLA and MGIC Designs for Learning Power Workshops
Get more out of your career with designs for learning from SAMLA and MGIC. Come to this workshop and learn about self-employed borrower and commissioned income tax analysis and the art of evaluating the appraisal. The workshop is being held on September 23 at 8:30 a.m. at Tucson Country Club.  Click here for more information (this workshop is not sponsored by TAR).

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: Agent Safety Reminder
The Scenario: Perhaps the classic safety risk scenario occurs when an agent receives a “sign call” from somebody who says they want to see the property the agent has listed – and they want to see it now, and it is after dark and it is not in a high traffic area.  The caller says they are leaving town in the morning on business for two weeks and they don’t want to miss an opportunity to buy this house as it seems perfect for them.  The agent hasn’t had a sale in over two months and knows better than to do this, but decides to take a chance – after all, this would be a double-dip.  And anyhow, this person sounds normal enough over the phone. Full Article 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!