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Internet Giants Push to Provide Local Options

On its face most people would not consider purchasing an oil change over the Internet, but in a Wall Street Journal article from November 17th, it appears consumers are doing just that.

Three of the industry giants, eBay, Google and Yahoo, all offer an array of services from housecleaners to accountants. Speculation is that this type of advertising could signal a major shift in the way consumers shop for services and greatly affect pricing and competition.

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Continuing Education Opportunities Abound!

Providing quality education in the issues important to Minnesota REALTORS® is a major objective of your state association. Agency Law, Ethics, Fair Housing, Forms/Contracts, Industry Change, Legal Liability and Legislative Updates are a sampling of the programs Minnesota REALTOR® staff provides annually.

As a member, Minnesota REALTORS® can receive this education at a discounted price through either the state association or one of its 20 local member associations located across the state.

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NAR Code of Ethics

2006 Changes
REALTOR® members subscribe to the Code of Ethics which establish standards of conduct which govern their conduct in everyday business dealings with clients, customers and other REALTORS®. These ethical obligations are based upon moral integrity and competent service to clients and customers while protecting the public interest and welfare. The Code is amended annually to reflect the changes in the marketplace, and because failure to observe these standards can result in disciplinary action, REALTORS® must be aware of the annual changes and implement them into their daily business practices. To read about the 2006 changes to the Code of Ethics, click here.

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National Commercial Real Estate Listing Company Enters Minnesota Marketplace

If you see a black van driving through your community with the words "Commercial Real Estate Field Research" on the side, you have just passed a truck owned by the CoStar Group (www.costar.com). CoStar Group is a national real estate listing service specializing in commercial real estate that has recently launched a crew of 65 people and a fleet of vans to begin compiling a data base of information on the Twin Cites market area.

In an article in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, CoStar Group expects to have 85% of the Twin Cities as clients within two-years. The Exchange, an online multiple listing service, was started in 1997 and is used as a national model by commercial real estate groups around the country.

The Vans rolled out in early November and expect to have an official launch here in January.

Happy Thanksgiving

The Minnesota Association of REALTORS® office will be closed on Thursday November 24th and Friday, November 25th in Observance of the Thanksgiving Holidays.

We hope each and every member has an opportunity to enjoy their family and friends this weekend. REALTORS® and your Association staffs have much to be thankful for in 2005.

This newsletter was sent to [email address suppressed] at your request as a member of the Minnesota Association of REALTORS®. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you may unlist yourself immediately. You may also unsubscribe via postal mail by writing to Minnesota Association of REALTORS®, 5750 Lincoln Drive, Edina, MN 55436. Be sure to include your email address.