Metro South Weekly - Sep. 30th, 2026

One newsletter. Every Wednesday. Everything that matters.

MSAR Members Hear Directly from Statewide Candidates

On Friday, September 25th, REALTORS® from across the state met in Macon for the Georgia REALTORS® Statewide Political Candidate Forum. This 4-hour forum featured Republican and Democratic candidates who are competing for major seats in the upcoming general election. The MSAR members pictured above heard from each of the following candidates about their platform and priorities, particularly as they relate to housing and the real estate industry.

Candidates Present:

For Governor: Keisha Lance Bottoms
For Lieutenant Governor: Greg Dolezal and Josh McLaurin
For Attorney General: Brian Strickland and Tanya Miller
For Commissioner of Insurance: John King
For State School Superintendent: Dr. Lydia Powell

Georgia REALTORS® staff and leaders did such a wonderful job creating an atmosphere that was not only informative and candid, but remained respectful and bipartisan throughout the day. Members in attendance got to experience the candidates completely unscripted as they were each asked a series of industry and platform questions, guided by VP of Governmental Affairs, Maura Neill, and Advocacy Director, Betsy Bradfield.

Are you ready for Election Day?

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, is Election Day in Georgia.

Did you know that Georgia offers a one-stop-shop where you can:

Check your voter registration status
Access mail-in application and ballot status
Check your polling and early voting locations
View your elected officials
Preview your sample ballot to prepare for the upcoming election
- and more! See the link below.

Click Here to Access the GA My Voter Page

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

Dues invoices will be sent to all members tomorrow, Oct. 1st.

2027 "Primary" Member Dues Breakdown:

MSAR Dues: $185
NAR Dues: $156
*NAR special assessment: $45
GAR Dues: $123
GAR Disaster Relief Fund: $1
GAR Scholarship Fund: $1
Credit Card Processing Fee: $5
- Total before RPAC: $516
- *With optional RPAC Investment: $541

2027 "Primary" Affiliate Dues Breakdown:

MSAR Dues: $250
GAR Dues: $123
GAR Disaster Relief Fund: $1
GAR Scholarship Fund: $1
Credit Card Processing Fee: $5
- Total before RPAC: $380
- *With optional RPAC Investment: $405

Notes:

If a REALTOR® or Affiliate member pays GAR or NAR dues with another local association, they are classified as a "Secondary" member of MSAR, but retain full rights and membership benefits. For secondary members, dues invoices will not reflect the respective NAR or GAR amounts if paid at another association.
*NAR Consumer Advertising Campaign Special Assessment: To learn more about this campaign, started in 1998, please visit 2026 Campaign Assets.
RPAC Disclaimer: Contributions to RPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. GARPAC contributions are voluntary and are used for political purposes. The Georgia Association of REALTORS® and its local associations will not favor or disadvantage any member because of the amount contributed, and you may refuse to contribute without reprisal. 70% of each contribution is split between Georgia RPAC to support state and local political candidates and Georgia RIAC for issues mobilization and education. 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 52 U.S.C. 30116.
For any questions related to membership billing, contact membership@msarboard.com or call 770-477-7579.

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.

Click Here to Fill Out / Download the 2027 Installment Agreement

Get Your Certification: Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource

Build confidence handling distressed properties. Last day for earlybird pricing is today! Scholarships available.

10/8/2026 at 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Build Confidence in Handling Distressed Properties. Knowing how to manage the complexity of the short sale or foreclosure process is process is a critical skill that can increase your access to listings. If you are a REALTOR®, earning your SFR® certification will increase your credibility and give you access to a new client base of buyers and sellers dealing with distressed properties.

Instructor: Barbara Dyer
Sponsor: Kristen Westbrooks, Old Republic Home Protection
Location: Metro South Association of REALTORS®, 1671 Adamson Parkway, Suite 100, Morrow, GA 30260
Tuition:
- Early Bird: $125 (through 9/30)
- Regular: $155
- Onsite: $185

Click Here to Register

Click Here to Access the GAR Professional Education Scholarship

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

Click Here to Register

All Upcoming Classes & Events

View Full Events Calendar

Follow the Money

This Week's Featured Member Benefit

Did You Know that GAR operates a Legal Helpline just for you?

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.

Click Here to Access the Legal Helpline

September is REALTOR Safety Month

See a Featured Safety Product Below

Fake, Fraudulent, or AI?

The "Fake, Fraudulent, or AI?" webinar took place on September 9th. Topics covered include wire fraud, deepfakes, crypto scams, and the new real estate scam playbook. Tracey Hawkins, former host of an NAR safety podcast, discussed how to educate buyers and sellers, establish safer verification practices, and make cybersecurity part of your client experience.

Click Here to watch the "Fake, Fraudulent, or AI" Webinar

Are You a Veteran?

GAR wants to recognize you this Veteran's Day.

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.

Click Here to Let us know You're a Veteran