CCAR NEWS
Discover the Leader in You: Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program Accepting Applications
Developed by the Texas Association of REALTORS® and implemented through CCAR, the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP) expands the opportunity for leadership development of area REALTORS®. TRLP provides participants with the opportunity to develop working and personal relationships with other REALTORS® while developing business and personal leadership skills.

The deadline to apply for TRLP's Class V is September 1. Click here to learn more about this exciting program and to download an application. For more information or to learn about scholarship opportunities, contact Gigi Loch, TRLP Administrator, at gigi@ccar.net or 972-618-3800.

Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2008, Amendment of Regulation Z
By Edward J. Stankunas, CMB, CREI, CCAR REALTOR®/Lender Committee

The main reason Congress enacted the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) was to enable consumers to make informed decisions regarding the use of their credit information. To achieve this purpose, TILA requires full disclosures about credit terms and costs. TILA requires creditors to disclose the cost of credit as a dollar amount (the finance charge) and as an annual percentage rate (APR). These baseline requirements in TILA and in the rules under Regulation Z create uniformity in creditors' disclosures so that consumers can use them in comparison shopping. To read the remainder of this article, please click here.

Update on U.S. 75
By Joe Jaynes, Collin County Commissioner

Almost everyone in Collin County lives within 30 miles of U.S. 75, a road that could be considered the spinal cord of Collin County's north-south mobility. Next year's expansion of U.S. 75 to eight main lanes and two three-lane service roads will affect the daily commutes of thousands. Quite frankly, that commute will get worse before it gets better - but better it will get. To read the remainder of this article, please click here.

CCAR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
What's in a CMA? "Comparative Market Analysis"
What is a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)? A CMA is the most accurate way for home sellers to determine their home's value, short of actual bids once the home is on the market. As part of this class, you will work on case studies, as well as learn:

• The importance of the property archive report
• What makes a good comp and what does not
• How to decide if the adjustment is a + or -
• How to explain why valuing houses by the $/SF method may not be correct
• To calculate the month's supply of inventory and the hotness factor for a market

Date and time: Wednesday, August 19, 1-4 p.m. Cost: $18 for CCAR members, $28 for non-members. MCE: Three hours (no legal). Instructor: Jim Goodrich. To register for this class, please click here.

Two-day/15 hour TREC Legal Update and Ethics + Contract and Negotiations
Day one of this two-day class includes Legal Update and Legal Ethics. Day two includes the TREC contract/addenda forms and understanding contract procedures. This class completes the 15 hours of MCE needed to renew your Texas real estate license.

Date and time: Wednesday and Friday, August 26 and 28, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $45 for CCAR members, $75 for non-members. MCE: 15 hours, including six hours TREC legal. Instructor: Bob Baker. To register for this class, please click here.

THIS WEEK'S CCAR NETWORKING MEETINGS
Plano - August 18, Networking - 8:30 a.m., Meeting - 9 a.m.
Location: CCAR - 6821 Coit Rd., Plano 75024
Host: Coldwell Banker Apex, Realtors - Plano
Speaker: Steve Nichols - Steve Nichols Appraisers, Inc.
Topic: Appraiser Update
Advertiser: K. Hovnanian Homes

Allen - August 20, Networking - 8:30 a.m., Meeting - 9 a.m.
Location: Market Street - 985 West Bethany Drive, Allen 75013
Sound Provider: A Pro Home Inspection Services

Wylie - August 20, 8:30 a.m., Networking - 8:30 a.m., Meeting - 9 a.m., Tour - 10 a.m.
Location: Woodbridge Golf Club - 7400 Country Club Dr., Wylie 75098
Host Office: Guardian Real Estate
Speaker: Jim Pearson, National Official and Instructor - National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers
Topic: The Effect of New HVCC Lending Guidelines Changes on Appraisals
Tour Sponsors: First Texas Homes and Ito Group Home Inspections

PAID ADVERTISING