Education  Changes                                                                                                The Alaska Real Estate Commission has announced the the education requirement for pre- and post licensing will change in February, 2008.  Pre-licensing hours are set to increase to 40 hours effective February 1, 2008.  This will affect anyone applying for a real estate license after this date.  All applications received after February 1st must include 40 hours of pre-licensing instruction.  Post-licensing Education (PLE) hours are also set to increase to 30 hours effective February 1, 2008.  This applies to new salespersons or those upgrading from a Salesperson to an Associate Broker or Broker.  This education must be completed within 12 months of obtaining a new license.  Your license will lapse if you fail to complete your required PLE.

Designated CE for 2008                                                                                           The following course were approved for required continuing education in 2008-2010 license period:                                                                                                                             2 hours in Ethical Decision Making                                                                                       2 hours Licensing Relationships                                                                                            2 hours Prohibited Conduct                                                                                                  2 Hours Property Disclosure and Inspections

Leadership Conference                                                                                          The Alaska Association of REALTORS® recently held a two-day Leadership Conference at the Dimond Center Hotel in Anchorage.  Over forty attendees in various leadership roles throughout the state attended the conference.  Speakers participating in the conference included Region Vice President Mike Flynn from Washington, AAR lobbyist Wendy Chamberlain, Megan Stapleton gave a presentation on working with the media and former Senator Tim Kelly talked about being effective at the grassroots level in Juneau.  The conference also included a RPAC reception for membership contributing to RPAC and State Senators and Representatives.

Speaking of RPAC                                                                                                     The Alaska Association of REALTORS® raised over $20,000 for RPAC (REALTORS Political Action Committee) at the annual auction in Girdwood. Congratulations to the following boards that received the following awards:                                                                            Highest Over Goal: Kachemak Board of REALTORS                                                          Most Improved Board: Greater Fairbanks Board of REALTORS                                      Highest Participation: Kachemak Board of REALTORS     

Congratulations to the following members who contributed $1,000 or more to RPAC in 2007.   Helen Jarratt - Anchorage, Peter Jarratt - Anchorage, Art Clark - Anchorage, Naomi Louvier - Anchorage, Roger Floerchinger - Fairbanks, Dave Somers - Fairbanks, Judy Somers - Fairbanks, Debra Leisek - Kachemak, Judy Cloud - Kenai, Dave Feeken - Kenai, PeggyAnn McConnochie - Southeast, Uli Johnson - Valley, Janice Strong - Valley.

Post Licensing Education                                                                                       The Alaska Association has the 20-hour Post Licensing Education for Salespersons and Brokers courses approved for PLE credit. Both courses are available for $75.00 per student for local boards to host in their area.  Local boards who are interested in sponsoring the post licensing course would be responsible for lining up instructors and providing a facility.  AAR is only offering the course to local boards as a member benefit. Reminder: According to the Alaska Real Estate Commission, you must complete the 20 hours of post-licensing within 12 month of receiving your initial license. If you do not complete the required hours within the 12 month period, your license will lapse.                                                                              Salesperson Post-Licensing Requirements                                                                    Broker Post-Licensing Requirements                         

How To Deal With Multiple Offers                                                                          The National Association of REALTORS® developed this document to assist buyers and sellers when negotiating multiple offers. Multiple Offers

RESPA Dos and Don'ts For Real Estate Brokers And Agents                          Recent articles in the press indicate that some of those involved in real estate settlements may not fully understand their obligations under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) The following will educate REALTORS® about RESPA requirements. RESPA Form