BAR - Re A L Solutions. Re A L Support. Re A L Success.
Please Thank our Outgoing Directors of the BAR Board for Their Years of Service.

As we look forward to 2019, under the leadership of President Gusty Gulas, we also say good bye to those directors who served BAR and its members.

Our deepest gratitude accompanies our farewell to: Faith Harper (2018 Past President), Juhmad Hollis (2018 GALMLS President), Chip Watts (2018 NAR Large Board Representative), Austin Blair (2018 BCRC Chairman), Kathy Gipson, Chuck Sparks, Debbie White, & Ginny Willis.
2018 BAR President, Kim Mangham-Barelare has a special message for you!
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How the Government Shutdown Can Affect Your Real Estate Business

  • FHA loans may be suspended or delayed
  • The IRS will not process requests for tax transcripts
  • USDA loans may be suspended or delayed
America Learned a Lesson-2019 Looks Promising

While some have expressed concerns about the inventory shortage and housing values increasing quickly, we are in a very different situation than the precursor to the 2008 crash. A major difference- home equity. Home equity cashed out via refinance in 2006 was 321 billion as compared to 38 billion in the first 3 quarters of 2018.Homeowners now understand the danger of using their home as a ready cash source. Chart courtesy of Freddie Mac.
Flood Insurance Extended to May 31, 2019

Congress late on Friday, December 21, passed an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program until May 31, 2019 avoiding a lapse that would have begun at midnight. The President is expected to sign the bill. 
Congratulations to BAR Member Phillip Currie,  J.H. Berry & Gilbert, who was recognized by the national Real Estate Forum as one of top 50 commercial brokers under 40 .
Monday Rewind

Last Wednesday BAR hosted NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) as they presented a panel of experts speaking to the impact of the Hispanic community on the Birmigham Metro market. The panel discussion was facilitated by BAR 2018 President Kim Mangham- Barelare. Add a NAHREP membership to your BAR membership for only $49! Add a membership by clicking here...
Need Health Insurance?

If you missed the initial census watch for the open enrollment announcement in this newsletter for the next opportunity for health insurance.BAR has you covered.
GET READY FOR THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEW ONLINE STORE- January 1st, 2019.
2019 BAR Board of Directors
The BAR Board of Directors meets every third Wednesday of the month at 9am. Please welcome the 2019 BAR Board of Directors:

President: Gusty Gulas, Brik Realty
Past President: Kim Mangham-Barelare, LAH Real Estate
Vice President: David Lucas, Lucas & Associates
Treasurer: Kelli Gunnells, Realty South
Secretary: Anna-Marie Ellison, ERA King
NAR Large Board Representative: Hal Tillman, Jr., Tillman Realty
GALMLS President: Mechelle Wilder, ARC Realty
BCRC Chairman: Tom Carruthers
BAR CEO: Dr. Dawn Kennedy
Bessemer Rep: Roz Johnson, Realty One
Bessemer Rep: Pam Segars-Morris, SeBro Realty
Abra Barnes, Barnes & Associates
Phyllis Connell, LAH Real Estate
Luciana Guin, Realty South
Senia Johnson, Arcara Residential
Jason Marquis, Realty South
Erle Morring, Realty South
Sloane Rhoden, Brik Realty
Kevin Sargent, Brik Realty
Margie Beth Shaw, Keller Williams Realty
Patti Stone, Newcastle Homes
REMINDER: BAR closes at noon on New Year's Eve, December 31st and will be closed New Year's Day, January 1st
2020 Committee Applications will open February 1, 2019.

Congratulations to all who were selected for 2019 committees. Remember if you missed the committee application process there are two (2) open committees in 2019 where all REALTORS® are encouraged to attend and participate. Government Affairs Forum & Urban Affairs Forum. Please check the member portal for meeting dates and times.
This Week's Happenings
Special Thanks to Our
Executive Affiliate Partner
Thursday, December 27, 2018 (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
C2EX is the latest self study education course for REALTORS® just go to c2ex.realtor to start the course
Remember you can always take Code of Ethics online for free by clicking here...
Thanks for your support!
Kim Mangham-Barelare
2018 BAR President
TECH TIP THE WEEK!

Want to know if your client has clicked on the link you sent in an email? Try YesWare. This cloud-based program has a free trial. This is a wonderful way to track which of your emails are actually resonating with your lead list. This program has additional productivity tools. Business plans start at $12 per month.
Did you complete your mandatory code of ethics? Check your member education record to ensure its been reported to BAR.

Don't know how to use the member portal? Call us and we will walk you through it!
(205) 871-1911
Does BAR have your most current contact information?
Please view your member profile to check , so you won't miss billing, event, class, deadline and other vital information. 

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BIRMINGHAMREALTORS.COM | 3501 Independence Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209 | 205.871.1911 | Email Us