Metro South Weekly - Sep. 22nd, 2026

One newsletter. Every Wednesday. Everything that matters.

 

Our REALTORS® are Proud to Give Back!

Yesterday, MSAR members met up in Lovejoy to give their time at our annual Habitat for Humanity Build Day. Members of the Community Services Committee, the Leadership Academy, and our Board of Directors were ripe and ready to paint at 8:30am!

 

Pictured left to right: Sierra Pearson, Valencia Baptiste, Brittany Stuckey (Community Services Chair), Porshia Fowler, Shunda Fussell, President Al Hooker, Kim Freshwater, Ceci Johnson, Rachel Smith, and Riki Mitchell.

 

Give them a huge thank you on behalf of our REALTORS® when you see them!

 

Your 2027 REALTOR® Dues unlock at least $2150 worth of value!

Dues invoices will be sent to all members by October 1st.

 

Membership Dues Installment Agreement

Applications Due by October 9, 2025

2027 Membership Dues will be invoiced to all members by October 1st. 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. If you elect to participate in this plan you will be sent an invoice for the amount of each of the three installments and their corresponding installment fee of $5 each. For members who do not participate in the installment agreement, dues will be paid via one invoice no later than December 31st, 2026. Please note that the Installment Agreement does not provide any additional time to make deferred payment beyond 12/31/2026.

 

If you are interested in participating in the Installment Agreement, please click below to fill out the application, have your broker sign, and return to msar@msarboard.com no later than October 9, 2026.

 

Master the Art of Buyer's Representation

Earn your ABR Designation - and get it paid for!

With evolving client expectations and a greater emphasis on transparency, buyer's agents must go beyond the basics to clearly articulate their value and provide best-in-class service. If you are a REALTOR®, earning the ABR® designation is the best way to meet new housing market demands.

  • Instructor: Shawna Benoit
  • Location: Metro South Association of REALTORS®, 1671 Adamson Parkway, Suite 100, Morrow, GA 30260
  • Dates: Wednesday, Sep. 30th and Thursday, Oct. 1st
  • Times: 9:30am - 4:30pm both days. (12 hours CE)
  • Tuition:
    • $280 - Regular
    • $310 - Onsite
  • Getting it Paid For: Did you know that GAR offers a scholarship to reimburse for the cost of taking Designation and Certification classes just like this? You can receive scholarship funding up to twice per year! 
 

Women's Council Wellness Expo 2026

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join Women's Council of REALTORS® Metro South for the Wellness Expo 2026. Enjoy a day of Health, Wealth, Balance, & Connection [and join the Jula Joop Competition!]

  • Location: Silverock Pavilion, 600 Marimba Pike, McDonough, GA 30253
  • Dates: Thursday, October 15th, 10:00am to 3:00pm
  • Attendance:
    • Complimentary - Women's Council Members
    • $15 - Non-Members
    • $100 - Vendor Tables
 

All Upcoming Classes & Events

 

September is REALTOR Safety Month

See a Featured Safety Product Below

This week's featured tool is: the REALTORS® Insurance Place

The calls... The texts... The emails claiming to offer "NAR health plans" and special coverage for REALTORS®. It's not us! When those pitches start showing up, your best move is simple: delete, delete, delete.

 

Here's the Truth: REALTORS® Insurance Place is the trusted source for NAR member health benefits, and we won't contact you through unsolicited calls or texts. We've been helping REALTORS® navigate health coverage for nearly 20 years. Whether you're looking for flexible health insurance, year-round coverage options, or guidance during Open Enrollment, our team is here to help you find coverage that fits your life, budget, and business.

 
 

Butts County's Blueprint Begins With You

Butts County 2027-2047 Comprehensive Planning Community Survey - Give Your Feedback Below

Butts County is completing its required 5-year update to the Comprehensive Plan. This Plan is for a 20-year outlook. If you live near, work in, or visit Butts County, we welcome your input. Your feedback will help determine needs, opportunities, and priorities through 2047.

 

A National Quote from one of our Own!

Immediate Past President Kim Freshwater was quoted in the most recent issue of the Real Estate Business Magazine, by REBI (the Real Estate Business Institute.)

 

Kim's commentary was about the importance of attending and being involved in your local municipality's Planning & Zoning boards and committees. Where other agents may see too much information and not enough time, Kim see's a unique insight and opportunity to better serve her clients and customers. Go Kim!

 

GAR News Brief Highlights

GAR Salutes our Members who are Veterans

Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? If so, GAR wants to recognize YOU this Veterans Day! We are planning a special Facebook tribute on November 11 to honor members of our profession who answered the call to serve our country. To be included, please complete THIS FORM and submit all requested information and attachments by October 28th.

 

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! 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!

 

Last Chance to Support the Community Service Initiative

GAR's Community Service Committee is collecting books, beanies, and blankets for breast cancer treatment centers in Georgia with their "3B's to Kick C" initiative this fall. Members can support the drive by shopping GAR's Amazon wish list and have items shipped directly to GAR headquarters.

Additionally, save the date for Tuesday, October 13, for REALTOR® "Pink Out" Day, when REALTORS® throughout Georgia are encouraged to wear pink to bring awareness to breast cancer treatment and prevention. Read More Here

 

Upcoming Educational & Networking Events

  • The 2026 Broker Summit takes place September 27-28 in Atlanta at the Signia Hotel and is approved for 6 Broker CE Hours! 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 many other broker-specific courses. Plus, join us for the networking reception! Register here! Have questions? Email events@garealtor.com.
  • The Fall GRI Summit will take place October 12-16 in Macon at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame. Registration is open. Learn about each Core Course or Mastery Course here! Have questions? Email gri@garealtor.com

GAR Legal Helpline

The Legal Helpline was established to assist members with their questions regarding the following topics: 1) Ethics/Arbitration, 2) License Law, 3) GAR Contract Forms*. Additionally, members may inquire about basic real estate-related legal questions that do not require extensive research. To learn more about this member benefit, please click here.

 

Save your Spot Now - Statewide Candidate Forum this Friday

Join GAR this Friday, Sept. 25, in Macon, Georgia, from 10 AM - 2:15 PM 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. Only a few spots left.

 

Want More Updates?

Visit us on Social Media!

This email was sent on behalf of Metro South Association of REALTORS®, located at 1671 Adamson Parkway, Suite 100, Morrow, GA 30260. To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email, contact communications@msarboard.com or call 770-477-7579.