January 17, 2017
 
2016 Annual Residential Real Estate Wrap-Up
The big story of 2016 was twofold: the median sales price reached an all-time high; while closed sales reached an 11-year high. Closed sales nearly broke their all-time record, but fell 0.3 percent short of their all-time 2004 high. Seller activity declined 1.1 percent. Near-record sales activity combined with flat-to-weaker seller activity created a supply shortage. | MORE 
2016 Annual Housing Market Report is Available
Take a look! Be sure to scroll through to the last page where you'll find the historical review. | REPORT

Be Social 
Have you liked us on Facebook? Share our page with your REALTOR friends to show them our valuable resources and communications on the housing market, upcoming events, and press releases. Our followers will have a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. The drawing will be held on Friday, January 27. Like us to enter!

Global Week 
Are you prepared to work with buyers and sellers in our ever-changing cultural landscape in Minnesota, in the Twin Cities? Join MAAR during Global Week from February 13 - 17, 2017 with various classes and activities to enhance your cultural knowledge when working with your clients.

Monday, February 13 (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
CIPS Local Markets |2011 NAR President, Ron Phipps| 7.50 CE HOURS | REGISTER

Tuesday, February 14 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
NAR's at Home with Diversity Certification | 2011 NAR President, Ron Phipps | 6.00 CE Hours | REGISTER

WEEKLY MARKET ACTIVITY REPORT
If predictions hold true – a continuing inventory crunch, moderate price gains, higher mortgage rates – 2017 will likely be in favor of the seller. On the other end of the spectrum, deals may be harder to come by if the largest potential group of buyers, the millennials, do not start wading into the buying pool with more fervor.| MORE 

HWY 169 Construction 
Upcoming construction on Highway 169 in the west metro will bring improvements in road safety and quality. In the meantime; however, you will encounter detours en route to our office in Edina. We hope that these suggestions will help minimize the inconvenience.
 
From the north: Take Hwy. 169 south to Excelsior Blvd. west, then south on Shady Oak to Smetana Rd. east, then east on Bren Rd., and north on Lincoln Dr. 

From the south: Access to Bren Road from the south will remain open during the project. 

To learn more, visit 
mndot.gov/metro/projects/hwy169hopkinswhere you can sign up for email updates and follow the project via social media. 

Jean Leake Emerging Markets Scholarship
In Jean's honor, MAAR will send two REALTOR® members who are committed to serving emerging markets communities to the National Association of REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings held in Washington, DC. All expenses are paid by MAAR. | APPLY
 
Ann Brockhouse Future Leader Scholarship
In honor of Ann's dedication and commitment to MAAR and the REALTOR® community, we are offering a scholarship to enable an individual to attend the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Midyear Meetings in Washington, DC. | APPLY

Pre-Licensing Education
This premium real estate licensing package includes Course I, II, III and the exam prep at a $99 savings. The package is created to give potential agents the most effective licensing education and exam practice possible at a discounted rate. | INFO
UPCOMING CLASSES/EVENTS
 
Tuesday, January 17 - Thursday, January 20
Pre-Licensing: 30-Hour Salesperson Course | INFO
 
Thursday, January 19 (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
AREAA Twin Cities Gala 2017 | INFO
 
Monday, January 23 - Tuesday, January 24
Pre-Licensing: Exam Prep| INFO
 
Tuesday, January 31 (1:00 - 4:45 p.m.)
Required Module: Residential Contracts | 3.75 CE Hours 
REGISTER 
 
Monday, January 30 - Thursday, February 2
Pre-Licensing: 30-Hour Salesperson Course II | INFO
Monday, February 6 - Thursday, February 9
Pre-Licensing: 30-Hour Salesperson Course III
INFO

February 23, 2017
Housing Day at the Capitol | St. Paul Rivercentre | INFO

TRENDING 
Lack of young homebuyers fuels generational wealth gap

ADVERTISING
TECHNOLOGY
If timing is not right to sell real estate, consider having your license held by a LRFO company. You will not have MLS access; however, you remain licensed to receive referral fees. | MORE
Stayin at the forefront of your market means leading with technology. NAR's REALTORmag highlights the best technology for your brokerage.MORE
 
Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS
5750 Lincoln Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55345