Metro South Weekly - Aug. 19th, 2026
One newsletter. Every Wednesday. Everything that matters.
|
From last Friday's Trade Show & Expo, where we served up hundreds of dogs, burgers, slushies, smiles, and connections to this week's New Member Orientation, where 36 members were officially sworn in, there's something going on for just about everyone. See our events and updates in this issue to get plugged in and on your way to exceeding your real estate goals!
|
Follow the Money
This Week's Featured Member Benefit
|
MSAR Facility Rentals
Did you know that members and guests can rent both the classroom and the conference room at MSAR? Members receive deeply discounted rates, and the facility is available 6 days a week. Check out the link below to see pricing and submit your request now!
|
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.
|
Before you transfer offices!
Did you know that the firm you belong to must first be a REALTOR® Firm with an Association (MSAR) before any agents can join as members of that firm?
Where this becomes an issue:
We know that agents intend to stay with one firm and build a relationship that spans an entire career. However, sometimes agents have to make a difficult decision that best serves the interest of their businesses. If an agent chooses to switch brokerages without first verifying which association, if any, their firm belongs to, they may unintentionally cause a disruption in their REALTOR® membership and benefits. For example, if an agent transfers to a firm who is a member of another association and not MSAR, that agent will then have to either 1. transfer to that other association (with no refund from MSAR) 2. ask their new broker to join MSAR (often surprisingly affordable) 3. choose to work with a brokerage who is already a member of MSAR, or 4. remain unaffiliated with a REALTOR® association and be an agent-only.
How to avoid this pitfall: Prior to joining a new firm, ask the broker which association(s), if any, they belong to. Additionally, you may contact MSAR to confirm that a prospective firm is a member with us and we will treat that inquiry with the confidentiality we know you need while making your transition.
|
Leader Spotlight - Kim Freshwater
|
It's rare that you will find a leader more committed, consistent, organized, and dependable than Kim Freshwater. Kim serves MSAR as our Immediate Past President and current Education Foundation President. She has fostered a culture of sustainability and accountability amongst our membership and sets the bar on what it means to show up with integrity. Kim believes in the REALTOR® Mission and is a Golden R Major Investor in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). In addition to investing financially in the future of our industry, Kim participates in discussions about REALTOR® priorities with local, state, and federal legislators. Beyond real estate and her position with MSAR, you'll see Kim hard at work in her community, whether it be serving as the Secretary of the Butts County Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of Butts Mutts (a local dog rescue), or as a Board Member for Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. MSAR is proud to be part of Kim's story!
Question: Tell us something interesting about yourself.
- Kim's Answer: "I'm a certified diamontologist and gemologist from my past career in the jewelry industry."
Question: What's on your desk that has no business being there?
- Kim's Answer: "A tiny bottle of Blazin' Apple Fireball."
Question: What's your most over-used phrase?
- Kim's Answer: "I'll keep you posted."
|
Don't Miss Dawgs Day Out!
|
Featured Upcoming Classes:
|
Georgia REALTORS® Statewide Candidate Forum
|
This complimentary event is a fantastic exclusive opportunity for REALTORS® to see firsthand what Georgia's statewide candidates have to say about REALTOR® business. All candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Insurance Commissioner, Labor Commissioner, and Agriculture Commissioner have been invited. All REALTOR® members are invited to get involved, stay informed, and make decisions regarding their votes in November. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so RSVP Below!
- Location: Anderson Conference Center, 5171 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA 31206
- Complimentary for all REALTORS®
|
All Upcoming Classes & Events
|
Are You Interested in Becoming an Appraiser? Get started with this course.
|
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.
|
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.
|
If you would like to discuss making your investment another way or want to inquire about past giving, please email david@msarboard.com or call 770-477-7579.
|
Just Dropped:
Georgia REALTORS® Magazine
Summer Edition, 2026
|
Good Referrals Start With Great Partners
|
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!
|
Visit us on Social Media!
|
|
