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Broker News & Information
Information on this page is designed to give VAR broker members the information and tools they need to communicate important industry topics and events to their agents. 
MARS: New FTC Rule Impacts REALTORS®'
Short Sale Business
The FTC's Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) rule aimes to protect homeowners from mortgage relief scams but may also have an impact on real estate professionals. More
Read the MARS Rules (NRDS Login Required)
NAR Board of Directors Passes Political Survival Initiative
Members of the NAR Board of Directors voted to fund the REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative through a $40 dues increase to provide additional support for state and local advocacy. Funds will be available to state and local associations beginning in 2012.
Political Survival Initiative: Background Materials
Videos, Blogs, and other good source materials
Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) and Risk Retention
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 became law on July 21, 2010. Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires financial institutions that securitize mortgage loans to retain at least 5 percent of the credit risk.
The Dodd-Frank Act, however, exempts the risk-retention requirement securities backed exclusively by "qualified residential mortgages," or QRMs – mortgages with underwriting and product features that historical loan performance data indicate result in a lower risk of default. The proposed QRM rule would require a 20% down payment.
Understand the Issue
Learn more about QRM
Data shows QRM rule would devastate housing. Watch video
Making sure Congress gets it right
Congress responds to NAR's Call to Action
REALTORS® urge reconsideration of mortgage requirements
REALTORS® advocate mortgage liquidity for buyers
Hearing weighs impact of proposed risk retention rules
NAR expresses concern for higher down payment requirements
What exactly is a 'safe' residential mortgage?
In depth: How proposed QRM rule harms borrowers, recovery
QRM: How to shrink home sales by a third
NAR Board Amends Franchisor IDX Policy
At the 2010 NAR Annual Convention, the NAR Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy authorizing Participants to provide IDX information to their real estate franchise organizations ("franchisors") to be indexed for display on franchisors' websites. More
The 3.8 Percent Tax: Impact on REALTORS®
Beginning January 1, 2013, a new 3.8 percent tax on some investment income will take effect. See how it impacts your business and your clients.
Watch video
Download scenario brochure (PDF: 645k)
Field Guide to Code of Ethics and Professional
Standards Policy
This Field Guide provides quick links to essential information on NAR's 2011 Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Policy. Find out about the mandatory Code of Ethics training, Professional Administrator training, and applying the Code of Ethics in real life. More
View summary of changes to the Code of Ethics this year
Data Security Toolkit
This Toolkit educates brokerages about the need for data security and provides assistance in compliying with legal responsibilities. More
New Videos Aid Brokerages with Risk Management
NAR's Risk Management Committee has produced three videos coverying risk management planning, identity theft, and lead-based paint. Watch
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