Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Oklahoma City Council Elections Bode Well for Economic Development

The Oklahoma City Council had 4 open seats in this month's election. Meg Salyer, Ward 6 and Pat Ryan Ward 8 retained their seats. David Greenwell won Ward 5 and there will be a runoff for Ward 2. Charlie Swinton, a former REALTOR®, is pro-development. We had the chance to meet with Charlie last week and he shares many of the same interests that REALTORS® do in promoting economic development. I encourage everyone to read about the two candidates and participate in the run off. According to NEWSOK.com,:

"In the Ward 2 election, the two top spenders — Swinton and Shadid — will face each other in a runoff election April 5. Swinton received 43 percent of the vote and Shadid received 35 percent. Oklahoma City Planning Commissioner Janis Powers received 16 percent of the vote but did not qualify for the runoff. None of the other three candidates received more than 3 percent of the votes. “We're celebrating a great victory,” Swinton said from his watch party. “We think our issues are the best — pro job growth, pro business and pro police. It's a matter of timing. We're confident we're going to win, it's just a matter of when.”

Read more: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-elections-two-city-council-incumbents-win-re-election-one-gets-defeated/article/3545242#ixzz1FTywRCYQ

New Short Sale Disclosure Requirements

Direct from NAR :

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has issued a final rule that may impact real estate professionals who represent clients involved in a short sale transaction. Depending on certain factors, the rules may require real estate professionals to make certain disclosures to consumers if they negotiate a short sale with a lender, advertise short sales experience, or take upfront fees from short sale sellers. The MARS rules took full effect on January 31, 2011- click here to view the MARS rule. Click on the title above to read all about the new requirements