Vote Kansas City REALTOR® Party on Aug. 4

July 24, 2020 in Government Affairs

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, voters will go to the polls to cast ballots in the 2020 Primary Election. As REALTORS®, our success depends on the ability to promote the benefits of homeownership to buyers and sellers. But too often success as an industry depends on defending those same benefits against government intervention. The Kansas City […]

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Electronic Notary Law Passed in Missouri

July 9, 2020 in Government Affairs

Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a notary modernization into law on Monday. This law allows for the use of in-person notary on paper, in-person electronic notary and remote electronic notary for the convenience and safety of Notaries Public and those who need notary services. Parson had issued an executive order earlier this year allowing for […]

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Two KCRAR Members Inducted into RPAC Hall of Fame

June 5, 2020 in Government Affairs

  KCRAR members Jeff Carson and Jeff Hill were recently honored for their achievements in lifetime contribution to the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) by being inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame. Carson has served as both KCRAR and Heartland MLS President in 2002 and 2010, respectively, in addition to serving as President of […]

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FHFA Creates ‘Payment Deferral Option’ for Borrowers, Delivering Certainty to Homeowners

May 15, 2020 in Government Affairs

On May 14, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) unveiled a new repayment option for homeowners struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the proposal, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer borrowers currently in forbearance the ability to repay missed principle and interest when their home is sold, refinanced or at […]

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Kansas Department of Labor Begins Accepting Applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for REALTORS®

May 14, 2020 in Government Affairs

After waiting for the state to open unemployment applications for the self-employed, independent contractors like real estate agents may now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in the state of Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Labor. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), recently approved by Congress, provides financial relief to […]

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COVID-19 Legislation Offers Benefits for Agents, Homeowners Alike

April 24, 2020 in Government Affairs

The CARES Act legislation offers financial assistance to many affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including small business owners, self-employed workers and independents contractors. However, many additional provisions exist that affect not only real estate professionals, but their clients as well. Housing and mortgage. The economic relief package offers mortgage forbearance of up to 360 days […]

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Missouri Begins Processing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for Self-Employed and Independent Contractors

April 20, 2020 in Government Affairs

The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced today that it is now processing unemployment claims for self-employed workers, independent contractors and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits and have been impacted by the coronavirus. Under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, those who qualify will be eligible for weekly […]

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Missouri and Kansas Enact Temporary Remote eNotary

April 17, 2020 in Government Affairs

Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an Executive Order on April 6, authorizing remote electronic notarizations in Missouri. This process will allow for the use of audio-video technology to complete the personal appearance requirement, protecting the health and safety of the notaries public and all parties to the contract. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed a similar […]

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IRS Extends Tax Deadlines

April 10, 2020 in Government Affairs

The IRS issued guidance Thursday evening to grant deadline relief for both 1031 like-kind exchanges and opportunity zone investments that are already underway. Both of these programs are designed to promote economic growth in communities, and NAR made the case that investors in these programs should not be harmed due to the effects of COVID-19. […]

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Financial Assistance for REALTORS® Through CARES Act

April 8, 2020 in Government Affairs

The federal government recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides relief to small businesses, independent contractors, sole proprietors and individuals who are self-employed. Various relief programs may be available to real estate brokerage firms and agents. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance A key provision in the CARES Act creates a temporary […]

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