As we enter the fall season, I hope you are enjoying the changing weather and the beauty of our state. At GAR, we are making progress towards inclusivity and representation. One significant development is our upcoming name change to Southwest Montana REALTORS®, which is in process with NAR and we should hear back from them by Sept. 17th.

Moving forward, I invite you to explore volunteer opportunities with GAR, MAR, and the National Association of REALTORS®. Your help is crucial to improving our organization. We will be appointing committee members later this fall, so be sure to submit your volunteer application this month. The election for open Board positions is coming on September 19th and will close at the end of day October 23rd.

As part of NAR’s commitment to help both REALTORS® and consumers navigate the new real estate landscape, NAR has started a new series of “Consumer Guides” featuring consumer-facing resources on various aspects of working with a REALTOR® in light of the practice changes. The first three resources, which can be found on http://facts.realtor/ cover the following topics:

1. Written Buyer Agreements: Explains what they are, why consumers need to sign them, and how they help create clarity and transparency at the start of a relationship between a buyer and their real estate professional.
2. Open Houses and Written Agreements: Defines key terms under the settlement in consumer-friendly language and helps to explain when agents are required to enter into written agreements with buyers and when they are not.
3. REALTORS’® Duty to Put Client Interests Above Their Own: Explains what it means for a REALTOR® to act in their client’s best interest and describes how the practice changes combat unlawful steering practices.
4. What Veterans Need to Know About Buying a Home:  Veterans and active servicemembers often have unique needs when looking for a home, and agents who are REALTORS® are committed to helping ensure those needs continue to be met following new real estate practice changes.
5. Consumer Guide to Offers of Compensation: An offer of compensation is when you—the seller—or your agent compensate another agent for bringing a buyer to successfully close the transaction. Here’s what you need to know as you consider your options related to offering compensation.

September is REALTOR® Safety Month, and it's important to look after our clients and fellow agents. Please visit https://www.nar.realtor/safety for safety tips and consider registering for the safety webinar on September 18th at 11:00. This webinar will cover essential safety protocols for in-person showings and client meetings. It's designed to help you identify potential threats, use technology for safety, and handle emergencies effectively.

Let's maintain our commitment to inclusivity and member success as we navigate through these exciting changes. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the real estate profession.