News

New Radon Disclosure Requirement
December, 2009 - The new Radon Disclosure requirement is scheduled to go into effect December 23, 2009. The Iowa Administrative Rule will become effective for all transactions on December 23, 2009. As the Iowa property condition report form must be accurate prior to or at the time a purchase contract becomes binding, it is a good idea to immediately have the sellers become familiar with and utilize the Fact Sheet and the disclosure requirement. Buyers will have to acknowledge they have received the Fact Sheet. There is no requirement that REALTORS® or agents sign off on any radon disclosure. This law is similar to the lead based paint requirements but without the real estate licensee having verification responsibilities that the requirements have been met. The Radon Fact Sheet is created and available for download by the Iowa Department of Public Health. www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/common/pdf/radon/buyers_sellers_factsheet.pdf

The CRAAR MLS committee will discuss possible changes to CRAAR seller disclosure form at their December 9th meeting.

Inaugural 2009 - "Remembering the Past While Embracing the Future"
November, 2009 - The 2009 Inaugural was held on November 19th at the Cedar Rapids Country Club. Dave Bert, Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, performed the Installation of the 2010 President, Russ Nading (Iowa Realty), and Directors: President-Elect Kevin Heinbuch (WHY USA Eastern Iowa Realty), Kay Baty (Coldwell Banker Hedges), Kathy Carpenter (Gateway Access Realty), Amy Eaton (Iowa Realty), Renae Forsyth-Christy (Skogman Realty), Kathy Hall (Marian Arens and Associates), Les Marquart (Skogman Realty), Jill Monnahan (Iowa Realty), Lisa Nolan (Re/Max), and Mitch Weideman (Coldwell Banker Hedges). The evening event featured the honoring of Emeritus members and Past Presidents. Outgoing Board member, Ben Wheeler was presented with a plaque thanking him for his service and volunteerism. 2009 President Cherokee Render passed the gavel to the 2010 President, Russ Nading. Ben Wheeler, Coldwell Banker Hedges, presented the 2009 REALTOR® and Rookie of the Year Awards. The 2009 REALTOR® of the Year was awarded to Renae Forsyth-Christy, Skogman Realty. Presenting the award to Renae was 2008 REALTOR® of the Year, Gary Doerrfeld. The 2009 Rookie of the Year was awarded to Melissa Langhurst, Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty. Presenting the award to Melissa was 2008 Rookie of the Year, Angie Allebach. Congratulations to the 2009 REALTOR® and Rookie of the Year!

Online Reservations
July, 2009 - The Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS is proud to provide a new way to register for events. Our new online registration system will be live the first week of July. The Online Reservations page is located on the “Members Only” section of the website. Members can sign up for everything from the Real Estate Today Show to our National Speakers. If you provide an email address while registering online, you will receive an email confirmation for the event. You may also cancel reservations online. The intent is to make the registration process as easy as possible for the membership and CRAAR staff.