NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on preparing for homeownership. This guide covers what prospective buyers should consider as they kick off the home purchase process, including the importance of credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments, budgeting, and educational resources. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for… Continue Reading NAR Releases 5 Consumer Guides, More to Come
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2025/feb/boi-injunction-lifted-fincen-promises-30-day-filing-delay.html?utm_source=mnl:au&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=18Feb2025 This information is only accurate as of 2/19/25. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 2/19/25 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org) This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide… Continue Reading BOI FINCEN Filing Update from AICPA and CIMA (2/19/25)
https://ioi.realtor/ This information is only accurate as of 2/13/25. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 2/13/25 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org) This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide… Continue Reading NAR Year Round Technology, Tech, ioi
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/opinion/home-values-insurance-climate.html?unlocked_article_code=1.uk4.xmNN.dAgtcFTw3Cr6&smid=url-share "In that way, Altadena (Californian wild fires re-build) may prove to be the true harbinger ⎯ of a future in which no one but the rich owns their own homes, where insurance is a luxury good, and where renters pay a monthly toll to large private equity landowners who may be better suited to… Continue Reading NY Times on the Future of Home Insurance (increased costs, lower availability)
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ktiiQ0VuSKyTulmkTin8qg#/registration Romance scams are one of the most expensive types of scams. Even those who aren’t looking for love should know what to watch out for so they can help family and friends from becoming a victim. Learn the red flags, examples of romance scams and how you can prevent your information from being stolen.… Continue Reading Happy Valentine’s! Romance Scams! SCDCA 2/12/25 10:30 am EST
https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/nar-settlement-faqs #86 MLS Participants may not receive compensation for services from any source that exceeds the amount or rate agreed to in the buyer agreement. Does this mean that brokerages can only have one agreement with the buyer? No. The practice change empowers buyers and brokers to negotiate and agree to services and compensation that… Continue Reading NAR FAQ on Buyer Agreements
https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/consumer-guide-to-written-buyer-agreements Consumer Guide to Written Buyer Agreements Share NOTE: Consumer guides do not constitute any change in NAR policy. Real estate professionals must ensure they market properties consistent with relevant MLS rules and educate sellers on the choices available. If you’re a homebuyer working with an agent who is a REALTOR®, it means you are… Continue Reading NAR Consumer Guide: Written Buyer Agreements
https://www.al.com/news/2025/02/missing-alabama-realtor-ronald-dumas-was-abducted-huntsville-police-say-5-suspects-sought.html This information is only accurate as of 2/10/25. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 2/10/25 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org) This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide… Continue Reading REALTOR SAFETY: Missing REALTOR in Alabama, Suspected Kidnapping Suspects Sought by Law Enforcement
Please read below if you or your brokerage receives anything of value from a lender where there are buyer referrals to that lender (e.g., quid pro quo) to learn of federal laws risks from the federal RESPA (settlement laws) and the federal CFPB (consumer financial protection bureau). https://www.consumerfinance.gov/compliance/compliance-resources/mortgage-resources/real-estate-settlement-procedures-act/ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1024/14/ https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-files-lawsuit-to-stop-illegal-kickback-scheme-to-steer-borrowers-to-rocket-mortgage/ https://www.huschblackwell.com/newsandinsights/respa-revival-cfpb-sets-their-sights-on-illegal-kickbacks https://doeren.com/viewpoint/cfpb-issues-respa-kickback-penalty https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-penalizes-freedom-mortgage-and-realty-connect-for-illegal-kickbacks/ This information… Continue Reading Federal Laws on Real Estate Closings (RESPA) – Beware quid pro quo. Lender risks.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article299639094.html This information is only accurate as of 2/6/25. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 2/6/25 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org) This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide… Continue Reading The State Newspaper: Condition of Residential Property Lawsuits