Understanding How Rising Insurance Costs Impact Home Affordability in Collin County
In real estate, affordability is a top priority for buyers. Recently, however, one factor has become increasingly important in determining a buyer’s ability to secure a loan: homeowners insurance premiums. In a recent video, Shane Hartje, Loan Officer at CMG Home Loans and a member of the REALTOR® and Lender Committee at CCAR, discusses how…
Collin County Home Inventory Accelerates Sales Not Prices
CCAR reports that Collin County homeowners listed their homes at an increasing rate, accelerating sales but not prices throughout the county. In February 2025, new listings in Collin County increased by 7.1% compared to February 2024. Combined with an already growing inventory, this gave buyers 55.3% more homes to choose from year-over-year (1,821 vs. 1,700).…
1031 Exchanges: Navigating the Identification Rules and 45-Day and 180-Day Deadlines
By: Whitney Nash, Qualified Intermediary & Owner, Above & Below 1031, LLC and CCAR Affiliate Committee Member Investing in real estate can be a powerful way to build wealth, and savvy investors often leverage strategies to maximize their returns while minimizing tax burdens. One such strategy is the 1031 exchange, a section in the…
Omni MLS Brings Easy Access to Latin American Listings
Welcome to your NEW MLS member benefit, Omni Multiple Listing Service (Omni MLS)! CCAR Members are invited to a local training on March 13 led by Omni MLS CEO Ross Buck to ensure you get the most out of your NEW MLS member benefit. Learn More Omni MLS is Latin America’s largest and most recognized…
Behind the Renovations, Real Estate Tips, and HGTV Reality TV Magic
In the world of HGTV, renovations aren’t just about transforming spaces-they’re about creating drama, telling stories, and adding a sprinkle of reality TV magic. Kristin Smith, REALTOR®, investor, and speaker, knows this all too well. As a competitor on Battle on the Beach, Kristin and her wife navigated the intense pressure of flipping a home…
New NAR Fair Housing Training Requirement
As part of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the real estate industry, a new requirement has been introduced for 2025. Starting this year, all REALTORS® are required to complete at least 2 hours of Fair Housing / Anti-Bias Training every 3 years-coinciding with the Code…
CCAR Honored with 2024 Mark Lehman Governmental Affairs Achievement Award
Collin County Area Realtors (CCAR) was awarded the prestigious 2024 Mark Lehman Governmental Affairs Achievement Award at the Texas Realtors Winter Meeting in Austin. This distinguished honor is presented annually to a local Texas Realtor association that has demonstrated exceptional performance in fundraising, grassroots engagement, and local governmental affairs initiatives. The Collin County Area Realtors…
Don’t Miss CCAR Networking Meetings Near You
CCAR Networking Meetings are held throughout the county. Each meeting features industry updates and provides an opportunity for optimal networking to grow your business. Attend one (or all five) where you live, work or play! Click here to find a meeting near you. Registration is required.
Calling All Podcast Fans
We want YOUR input to shape the future of our podcast, Welcome to the Top! We’re hosting a focus group to get your thoughts, ideas, and feedback on what you love, what you want to see more of, and what we could do better. Why join? Share your thoughts on what we’re doing right (and…
VA Myths and Misperceptions
Written By Mark Alexander, Mortgage Business Development Officer at Navy Federal Credit Union and CCAR Affiliate Committee Member The VA mortgage program is a home loan option offered by lenders which is guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. It provides eligible service members, including active duty personnel, veterans, reservists, and the National Guard…