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Membership News: August 20, 2025 |
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Cultural Bites & Insights! |
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MSAR's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Action Committee invites all members to participate in the upcoming Cultural Bites & Insights. This potluck style event gives members the opportunity to celebrate cultural food traditions and share the rich stories that inspired them. In addition to attending, you may sign up to bring a dish and share what that dish means to you. Sponsorships are available starting at $50 for vendors and affiliates. |
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2026 Slate Of Officers |
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In preparation for our annual Officer and Director Election on October 9, 2025, MSAR presents to you the following Slate of Nominated Officers & Directors for 2026 (pending General Membership Approval):
(Insert slate graphic attached.)
The Process:
If you are interested in filling one of the vacant positions listed above, you may send your inquiry to msar@msarboard.com and it will be sent to President-Elect Al Hooker. All vacant positions will be filled by Presidential Appointment, subject to approval of the Board of Directors.
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NAR's New Fair Housing Training Requirement |
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REALTORS® are now required to complete Fair Housing / Anti-Bias Training upon becoming a member, and every 3 years thereafter, coinciding with the Code of Ethics training timeline. This requirement is in addition to the Code of Ethics training. Qualified training must be of not less than 2 hours of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®. This requirement began January 1, 2025, with a cycle deadline of December 31, 2027. This falls in line with the Cycle 8 of the Code of Ethics as it began January 1, 2025, with a deadline of December 31, 2027, as well. Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses or through another method, such as online or classroom courses via local/state associations. |
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Upcoming Classes & Events |
All events are updated weekly at msarboard.com > Education & Events |
RPAC / YPN Casino Night |
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Expo Through Time |
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Standing committees will meet for a workday on each of the following Wednesdays. A Chair, Vice President, or Staff will be present to record notes and document each committee's action items. If you aren't already on a committee, we encourage you to apply to join one by clicking the link below.
August 20th September 17th October 15th |
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Schedule |
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10:00am - 11:00am
11:00am - 12:00pm
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Expo Through Time |
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Expo Through Time: Step back in time and power up your present! Join us for a groovy, jam-packed REALTOR® Expo where every decade brings new connections, insights, and fun!
Expo Through Time 2025 aims to bring together a diverse array of professionals and businesses operating within the real estate industry. The event is exclusively tailored to REALTORS® and Real Estate Agents, with the primary goal of facilitating networking opportunities and fostering mutually beneficial collaborations between industry experts and service providers.
All REALTORS® and Real Estate Agents are encouraged to attend, complimentary. Vendors are encouraged to register to attend as an expositioner. |
GAR Conference & Expo |
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Expand your business and “Thrive Beyond the Finish Line” at the 2025 GAR Annual Conference & Expo this September in Charlotte, North Carolina! Register now for the most anticipated real estate conference of the year, where several CE courses will be offered to keep you on track. Wander around our Expo and explore scores of goods and services that will help your business accelerate. And finally, don’t miss our premier networking opportunities, connecting you with new friends and potential referrals from across the state! |
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2026 MSAR Dues Installment Agreement - Applications Open |
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MSAR offers all renewing Primary Members the opportunity to participate in a 3-part installment agreement, with installment fees, as an alternative to paying membership dues in one payment. The installment agreement is not a deferred payment plan and does not extend the amount of time members have to pay membership dues. Instead, it separates what would have been one payment for NAR, GAR, and MSAR dues into 3 separate installments. |
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If you elect to participate in this plan, MSAR will send you a link to provide your credit/debit card information within our secured system. When each installment is due, your payment method on-file will be auto-drafted for the total amount of each of the three installments and their corresponding installment fee of $5. For members who do not participate in the installment plan, dues will be paid via one invoice no later than December 31st, 2025. |
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To participate in the installment agreement, please complete the agreement below, along with your broker's signature, and return it to msar@msarboard.com by August 22, 2025. |
2026 Dues Invoices Coming Soon |
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We are delighted to share with you that there has been no increase in MSAR or NAR Membership Dues for 2026. GAR's dues for 2026 have increased to $125. By August 31, 2025, all members should have received an invoice for 2026 dues, which must be paid no later than December 31, 2025. The amounts due are as follows:
All invoices will be sent to the email address on file with the association. Payment may be made by:
For any payments made by check, please deduct the $5 credit card processing fee and mail / bring your payment to the MSAR office at 1671 Adamson Parkway, Suite 100, Morrow, GA 30260.
Prepare for billing today by logging in to your membership to see any store payment profiles and update your profile information. Note: Stored payment profiles will not be automatically charged to members, unless they are utilizing the MSAR Installment Agreement. |
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Late Fees / Reinstatement Fees |
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MSAR will work tirelessly to notify all agents and brokers of outstanding invoices. It is not our goal to have any balance left in arrears. If, however, a balance remains unpaid after December 31, 2025, it will be subject to the following:
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All About RPAC! |
Check That Box! |
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Each year, MSAR asks all its members to contribute $25 to the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC.) $25 is what we consider to be each member's "fair share" investment. You will see the $25 on your dues billing statement as an optional investment with your dues payment. |
RPAC Recognition! |
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As you may know, investments in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee help to keep us in business, relevant, and thriving, all while protecting private property rights. Rooted in non-partisan policy, RPAC focuses solely on candidates and issues that directly influence Pro-REALTOR®, Pro Industry, and Pro-Private Property Rights Legislation, while combating any potential legislation that would negatively impact the real estate market or homeownership in the United States.
Many of our members have contributed their "fair share" of $25 to RPAC, but a few have gone above and beyond that call to help MSAR reach its goal:
$99 Club ($99 and up)
-Cynthia Brown, Past President
-Stacy Painter
-Phillip Stewart, VP of Finance
-Stevette Dukes, Women's Council Metro South President
-Darling Joseph
-Raquel Lavender, VP of Professional Development
-David Sanders, Chief Executive Officer
-Al Hooker, President-Elect
-Kesha Kennedy, Local Director
-Jasholyn Rambeau
Capitol Club ($200 and up)
-Felicia Cook
-Kent Miller
-Jennifer Means, VP of Governmental Affairs
-Rhonda Ross, State Director
-Jevonte Hubbard
Ambassador Club ($500 and up)
-Brian O'Neal Major Investor ($1000 and up)
-Cynthia Crawford, Past President
-Karen Devonshire, Local Director
-Dodie Beauchamp, State Director
-Kim Freshwater, PresidentMSAR still has some progress to make to reach our 2025 RPAC goal. You can help us out by making your investment in your future today! Once you make your investment, please send confirmation to communications@msarboard.com if it's over $99 so we can recognize your commitment to our industry publicly!
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Welcome to our Newest Members! |
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Thank You To Our Members! |
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Over the last couple of years, MSAR has experienced growth, not only in numbers, but in programs, classes, and benefits. Members like you have shown up and shown out in every way to essentially double MSAR's annual offerings and initiatives. In a time when real estate is more challenging, you have leaned in to not only grow our association over years past, but to invest in the future of your business and the industry as a whole. We could not do it without your trust and support. Thank you! |
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New Member Orientation |
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New Member Orientation is required of all new REALTORS® within 6 months of joining an association. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSAR's New Member Orientation program, like many other programs, went fully virtual. For these years, new members were asked to meet this requirement by spending a couple hours on a computer learning about various resources connected to our membership, then were asked to take a quiz. Just like many other things in our business, this well-put together resource served its purpose well and kept us all safer, but something was missing.
For the first time since the pandemic, MSAR has brought this session back to a fully in-person experience. At its core, New Member Orientation is about more than just learning how things are done. This 2-hour interactive event gives new members the opportunity to meet the leadership team and staff at MSAR. It also gives our Affiliate Business Partners a unique opportunity to network with these new members and give them tools to help start a successful business. Further, participants in orientation build camaraderie and a support system of other new members. They learn about REALTOR® membership requirements, all the benefits associated with being a REALTOR® at MSAR, and how to get more involved in the business, MSAR, and our community. We ended last week's orientation program by administering the REALTOR® Oath and sharing a toast to all our new members and their shared success.
New Member Orientation is offered every other month, alternating between Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10:00am to 12:00pm. This essentially gives all new members 2-3 opportunities to attend the program within their first 6 months of joining.
While orientation is required for all new members, we invite our affiliates and leaders to come on out and show what they do for MSAR. If you didn't get your opportunity to get plugged into this wonderful resource in-person, we also invite you to join us for one of our upcoming orientation sessions, linked below.
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Introducing MSAR TV! |
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In this episode of Realtor Therapy Sessions, we sit down with the incomparable Alona Lacefield — a seasoned REALTOR® who knows a thing or two about burnout, boundaries, and the beautiful chaos of trying to “have it all.” Alona opens up about the hard-earned wisdom of stepping back to move forward — the power of saying no, the guilt that comes with slowing down, and the magic that happens when you finally take a minute for yourself. 🧘♀️ Expect real talk about balance in a profession that never sleeps. 📅 Learn how to stop glorifying the grind and start honoring your peace. 💬 And discover how one woman’s truth can resonate across a whole industry. Because sometimes the strongest thing you can do… is pause. A heartfelt and humorous episode for anyone who’s ever answered a client call in the middle of dinner — or a dream.
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Recording of Season 2 of Nexus Podcast Has Begun |
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Hey MSAR! We have had a great year. So many events, awards, and fun! Nexus has become an international podcast being in over 20 countries! We have laughed, cried, and laughed until we've cried. This year I want to challenge you to get more involved in your Association, and your communities, and in the Spirit of that I want to ask each of you to complete the following checklist:
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Thank you For Being a part of Season One of Nexus. We cannot wait to see you in season 2!P.s. Season Two Features a Tiger. |
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We’re thrilled to announce that The Nexus Podcast is planning to take our conversations to the next level by launching live streams on Twitch—and we need your support to make it happen! What is Twitch? Why Twitch Matters for The Nexus Podcast
We’re excited about this next chapter, but we can’t do it without you! Whether it’s following us on Twitch, sharing the news with friends, or tuning in for our first live stream, your support means everything. |
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GREC Now Requires Broker Specific CE |
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The Georgia Real Estate Commission’s Rule change regarding continuing education (CE) for brokers has been approved by the Office of the Governor.
Effective July 1, 2025, all brokers will be required to complete a minimum of 18 hours of broker CE per 4-year renewal period. The 18 hours is part of the required 36 hours of CE each renewal period. The required 3 hours of license law CE will remain in effect for all licensees.
In preparation for creating appropriate broker CE courses, please review GA license law and rules and regulations pertaining to duties and responsibilities brokers perform daily.
See the link below for resources about the new rule change from the GREC website.
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‘Should I Remodel My Home Before I Sell?’ |
Learn the home remodeling projects that offer the highest returns at resale. |
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"Real estate professionals say they often recommend potential sellers prioritize these two house projects before they sell: Painting, whether it’s the entire home or at least one interior room, and making sure the roof is up to par. Such projects can make a difference in marketing a home to potential buyers, according to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. About one-third of real estate pros also believe kitchen upgrades can make a big difference in upping a property’s appeal. Home remodeling continues to be a booming business, as homeowners flex the rapid increase they’ve seen in home equity and use it to spruce up their homes. Real estate pros are finding themselves an important ally in helping to guide remodeling decisions. " - Melissa Dittman Tracey Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine and editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog. Click the link below to read the full article by Melissa Dittman Tracey |
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Announcement from NAR: Code of Ethics Change - Article 10 |
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Dear Association Executive Committee Diversity Advisory Board Leadership and Members, I wanted to share an update about changes to the Code of Ethics that were ratified at the recent REALTORS® Legislative Meetings—specifically, Standard of Practice 10-5 (“SOP 10-5”) and Professional Standards Policy Statement 29, which fall under Article 10.
As you know, the Code of Ethics is what distinguishes REALTORS® from other real estate professionals. It is the foundation of our ability to earn and maintain consumers’ trust as we fulfill our mission to preserve, protect, and advance the right to real property for all. To ensure these guidelines are up to date, NAR’s Professional Standards Committee is tasked with continually assessing and, when appropriate, amending the Code of Ethics. NAR takes any changes to the Code of Ethics seriously, and I wanted to explain the context and rationale for these changes. Article 10 prohibits REALTORS® from denying equal professional services and employment opportunities based on protected characteristics. SOP 10-5 was adopted in 2020 to further clarify the application of Article 10 by prohibiting REALTORS® from using harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs. Like any other article of the Code of Ethics, state and local associations are empowered to enforce Article 10.
In the years since 2020, it has become clear that there has been uncertainty about the interpretation and implementation of these standards of practice. With more than a million members across the country, we need to ensure the specific articles of the Code of Ethics are clear in their language and intent and can be enforced fairly and consistently. Without this, the defensibility—and sustainability—of the Code itself is in doubt.
At RLM, the Professional Standards Committee moved to recommend changes to SOP 10-5, which were then ratified by both the NAR Executive Committee and Board of Directors, in accordance with our amendment process. The new language, which you can review here, 1) creates a more specific definition of “harassment,” aligning with the definition in the NAR Member Code of Conduct, and 2) focuses Article 10’s—along with the entire Code of Ethics’—application on instances in which REALTORS® are operating in their professional capacity, consistent with similar ethical requirements applied by other large trade associations across the country. Further, by enhancing the clarity of this language, the changes reduce risk to state and local associations and their volunteer leadership who administer and enforce Article 10.
I will conclude by emphasizing that NAR is deeply committed to upholding principles of fair housing and equal treatment for all consumers—these changes aim to make the Code of Ethics clearer while continuing to hold REALTORS® to the highest ethical and professional standards. If you have any questions about the proposed changes or NAR’s formal process for amending the Code of Ethics, please contact the NAR Member Policy team at narpolicyquestions@nar.realtor. Thank you,
Sharon White Chief Human Resources Officer, National Association of REALTORS® |
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Thank you, valued members of Metro South Association of REALTORS®, for your unwavering commitment to excellence in the real estate industry. |
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