Blog
What a Government Shutdown Means for REALTORS®
December 27, 2018
A Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government was not approved on Friday, December 21st, 2018 leading to a partial shutdown of some government operations. This partial shutdown, which includes some federal housing and mortgage programs, could cause settlement and financing delays. Here are a few ways loans may be impacted: Federal Housing Administration HUD’s Contingency Plan […]
Bright MLS Release Notes as of December 19th: Corrections and Improvements
December 20, 2018
The following release notes describing corrections and improvements to the Bright MLS system were made as of December 19: Importing photos and documents using Google Drive. Recently, we added a shortcut to Listing Management for importing photos and documents from OneDrive. Now you can do the same using Google Drive. Many subscribers use Google Drive to […]
Act Now to Protect Association Health Plans
December 20, 2018
Virginia REALTORS® Action Alert We need your help to protect lower cost health options for you and your family! Earlier this year, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring entered Virginia in a lawsuit against a U.S. Department of Labor ruling that expanded the definition of “employer” to include “working owner” in Association Health Plans (AHP). Virginia […]
What REALTORS® Need to Know About the New Tax Law
December 13, 2018
Changes to the U.S. Tax Code that potentially can save you thousands of dollars were enacted last year as part of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. The changes include a new deduction available to you as an independent contractor or sole proprietor for reducing your tax liability by 20 percent. How to take this […]
Important Notice: Pay Dues for SentriLock by 12/20 to Avoid Late Fee
December 12, 2018
To streamline the process for obtaining access to SentriLock keyholder services, members received an invoice directly from SentriLock for your key service renewal. Accordingly, key service renewal fees are no longer be paid directly to the Dulles Area Association of REALTORS® as it will be paid to SentriLock. Beginning in November, you received several emails from SentriLock notifying […]
Conforming Loan Limits to Rise 6.9%
November 28, 2018
The maximum conforming loan amount that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can back will increase to $484,350 from $453,100 in 2019, a 6.9 percent increase, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced today. NAR President John Smaby applauded the action, saying it will help keep homeownership within reach for many households by ensuring loan limits keep pace […]
Virginia REALTORS: Provide Your Opinion about the VREB Regulations
November 27, 2018
Now is the time to have your voice heard! The Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB) has begun the process of looking at and possibly amending the regulations that you, as a REALTOR®, are required to follow. The Virginia REALTORS has created a survey for you to take where you will have the chance to voice your […]
REALTORS: You May be Eligible for Group Health Insurance thanks to a New Virginia Law
November 26, 2018
This year, an important new law in Virginia approved expanding health insurance options for self- employed individuals, including REALTORS® who meet the self-employed eligibility definition. Effective July 1st, 2018, SB 672 , introduced by Senator Creigh Deeds, changed the definition of a group for the purposes of purchasing health insurance to allow a one-person single […]
DAAR Members Speak for Housing that is Affordable and Attainable!
November 9, 2018
Several DAAR members attended the November 7th Loudoun County Planning Commission Public Hearing and urged the county to provide housing that is affordable and attainable in Loudoun County. The hearing was held so that Commissioners would hear the public’s views on the county’s draft Comprehensive Plan – Loudoun 2040. This plan will guide the future […]
Advocates in Action: Attend the Nov. 7th Planning Commission Hearing!
November 2, 2018
We need you to join with DAAR President Holly Weatherwax and stand up for the real estate industry in Loudoun County on November 7th! That evening, the Loudoun County Planning Commission has scheduled a Public Input Session on the draft Loudoun 2040 plan and DAAR wants to make sure they know that we say YES! […]