Metro South Weekly - August 5th, 2026
One newsletter. Every Wednesday. Everything that matters.
We're retiring the daily blasts and monthly newsletter in favor of Metro South Weekly — a single, consolidated weekly email with everything you need to know from Metro South: upcoming events, member benefits, industry news, member spotlights, and more, all in one place, every Wednesday. Our belief is that less can be more - no more digging through a dozen emails to find what's relevant. If it matters to your business, it's in here.
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We aren't finished with Summer yet! Register for MSAR's Trade Show & Expo
(happening next week!)
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Kick off your flip-flops, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to soak up the sun — Sandy Shores & Sold Doors is this year's REALTOR® Expo, bringing beachy vibes and big opportunities together for a day of connection, collaboration, and closing deals! Sandy Shores & Sold Doors 2026 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.
- Location: Gallery at Hood Street, 136 Hood Street, McDonough, GA 30253
- 40+ Vendors | Prize Drawings at Each Booth | Free Food | 2 Grand Prize Drawings | Great Networking
- Complimentary for all REALTORS® & Agents
- $100 Vendor Fee for MSAR Members
- $250 Vendor Fee for Non-Members
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Follow the Money
This Week's Featured Member Benefit
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As a member with MSAR, you get exclusive access to a complimentary Tech Helpline! Having issues with a device? Need software or hardware help? Can't get your computer or printer to do what you need it to? Professionals are on standby waiting to help you at no cost!
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The More You Know
A recurring segment on all the things you need to know about being a member, from bylaws to policy, in bite-sized, weekly pieces.
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Did you know that MSAR does not currently charge an application fee or transfer fee for members who choose to join our association? That's right, new members will only pay their prorated dues, based on the month they join, and transferring members will pay the same, less any state or national fees paid at their previous or current association.
The only application fee we charge is for a new brokerage/firm that is setting up their account in NAR's system for the very first time. That is a one-time charge of $200 and is waived if the brokerage account already exists in the NAR system, (called m1).
If you know an agent who is thinking of making their association of choice here on the southside, use the link below to send them our way!
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We Need Volunteers for the C.I.A.
(Compassion in Action Committee)
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Didn't expect to see that today, did you? MSAR is proud to present the Compassion in Action Committee (formerly CarePAC) and is seeking volunteers!
Scope of Work: The purpose of this committee is to show solidarity and support when members of the MSAR family are sick, grieving the loss of a loved one, or are otherwise in need of support. Support may look like offering words of comfort, providing meals, or even just sitting with someone in their time of need.
If you are interested in volunteering for this type of work, we encourage you to follow the link below, then check "Compassion in Action" on the Committee Application Form.
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Leader Spotlight - Riki Mitchell
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You almost don't have to introduce Riki Mitchell, as she has become synonymous with South Atlanta Real Estate, but we are going to try! Riki serves MSAR as the 2026 Vice President of Governance. She is an Affiliate member with Avalon Home Inspections and also practices real estate as an agent and REALTOR® Member. Riki has been awarded the Affiliate of the Year award with multiple associations, has served as MSAR's Affiliate Business Council Co-Chairperson, and has led efforts to organize MSAR's Annual Trade Show & Expo for countless years. Most importantly, though, Riki shows up. She's always at your board event, sales meeting, legislative conference, BOD meeting, committee meeting, or wherever she needs to be to make a difference. She is the first to roll up her sleeves and get to work on whatever needs doing. Find her networking with industry professionals, serving as a volunteer, vending her heart out at events and expos, teaching a REALTOR® safety & firearms course, or building her skills as a Toastmaster, always with her smile and 'get stuff done' attitude. We can confidently say that real estate on the south side wouldn't be the same without her!
Question: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
- Riki's Answer: "Growing up, I sang for years and was cast in several plays. My first lead was as Snoopy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Question: What's on your desk that has no business being there?
- Riki's Answer: "Right now, I have a pair of gardening gloves and some flower seeds that will probably never get planted."
Question: What's your most over-used phrase?
- Riki's Answer: "My friend just told me it's - 'I'm working. Let me call you back.'"
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Young Professionals Networking Opportunities - and loads of fun!
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YPN has two showstopping events planned for the rest of 2026: Dawgs Day Out - nuff' said - and the return of Casino Royale. See the Save the Dates below and be on the lookout for more information as it is available!
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Education Committee - Designations & Certifications
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The Education Committee is excited to round off 2026 with 3 unique designation & certification opportunities that will be offered at MSAR. While we don't have dates finalized just yet, take a moment to learn about what each one can do for your business!
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Accredited Buyer's Representative
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Offered in September, the Accredited Buyer's Representative designation is for agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process.
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Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource
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Offered in October, the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification is for REALTORS® who want to hone the skills that will allow them to help buyers and sellers of distressed properties.
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Military Relocation Professional
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Offered in November, the Military Relocation Professional certification is for professionals who want to work with current and former military service members.
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Stay tuned for posted dates for all the classes listed above!
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All Upcoming Classes & Events
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Are You Interested in Becoming an Appraiser? Get started with this course.
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Joi Bostic Instruction is proud to present this course on the 90-hour basic principles and procedures of appraising real estate, taught by Wade Gaddy. Classes begin on September 21, 2026, right here at the MSAR Office, 1671 Adamson Parkway, Suite 100, Morrow, GA 30260.
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Each year, Metro South has an RPAC Goal, established by Georgia REALTORS®, that will fund legislative advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national level. Will you help us reach 100%? Click the links below to learn more about why investing in the future of your industry is more important now than ever.
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If you would like to discuss making your contribution another way or want to inquire about past giving, please email david@msarboard.com or call 770-477-7579.
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From the Georgia Association of REALTORS® News Brief:
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Events
- The Georgia Accredited Commercial Specialist (GACS) designation registration is open with the first three modules this August 17-19 at the Savannah Area REALTORS®!. Register Here. Email GACS@garealtor.com with any questions.
- SAVE THE DATE - Statewide Candidate Forum: Join GAR on September 25 in Macon, Georgia from 10:00am - 2:00pm for your exclusive opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking statewide office. This is one of the few events where you can hear from candidates from both parties on their stance on REALTOR® issues before you go to the polls. Invitations have been shared with both candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, and Agriculture Commissioner. Save the date and look out for more information to follow for this unique opportunity!
- The 2026 Broker Summit takes place September 27-28 in Atlanta at the Signia Hotel. Hear directly from NAR CEO Nykia Wright and Senior Vice President of Industry Relations Jarrod Grasso in a fireside chat led by GAR CEO Brad Mock, among other broker-specific courses. Plus, join for the networking reception. Register for only $150 at this link. Email events@garealtor.com with any questions.
- The Fall GRI Summit will take place on October 12-16 in Macon at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Learn more at this link. Email gri@garealtor.com with any questions.
2027 GAR Committee Applications Open
Let your voice be heard by answering the call to serve in 2027! Apply now for a GAR Committee and help shape the direction of your state association. The application portal is now open and will close on August 15, 2026. Click Here to Apply.
2027 GAR Leadership Academy Applications Open
GAR is seeking the next generation of REALTOR® leaders to apply for the 2027 GAR Leadership Academy for its 21st anniversary year! The program will select 25 members from across the state with a track record of volunteer service and personal integrity to receive leadership training and opportunities. Candidates who may serve as future local, state, and/or national leaders are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 15, 2026. Click Here to Apply.
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Just Dropped:
Georgia REALTORS® Magazine
Summer Edition, 2026
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The 2026 Summer issue of Georgia REALTOR® magazine is available online NOW!
Inside This Issue:
- Important homebuyer and seller data points from NAR
- Mark your calendar for the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo
- A look at the 2026 Georgia REALTOR® of the Year nominees
- An article from GAR General Counsel Seth G. Weissman on HUD reconsidering emotional support animals
- Insights on building your business and finding mentorship
PLUS! Don't miss out on exploring our expanded resources in our Commercial Corner & Broker Brief, designed to support brokers and commercial practitioners.
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How about New Orleans?!
Registration is open for the Georgia REALTORS® Annual Conference, Aug 31 - Sep 4
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Georgia REALTORS®, get ready to “Find Your Rhythm in the Big Easy,” at the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, which will take place August 31 – September 4, in New Orleans, Louisiana!
Mark your calendar for the can’t-miss real estate event of the year, where energizing CE courses will help keep your business in step. Stroll through the Expo to discover a lively mix of products and services designed to help your business move to a stronger beat. Then jazz up your network with standout opportunities to connect with new friends and potential referrals from across the state.
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Good Referrals Start With Great Partners
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Do you need a professional you can trust your clients with in any of the following industries?
GREAT NEWS! We have trusted professionals for each. Click any category above to see a list of MSAR's Affiliate Business Partners. These partners consistently look for new ways to show up for MSAR, provided value to members, and offer the best products and services. Please consider returning the favor and recommending their services to your next client, or even for yourself!
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