Don't Click Unknown Links

WARNING!

Scammers will contact you to try to help them “buy a house” (with no specifics). They will not include a phone number because we can ForeWarn the number. If you reply, they will make an excuse to set up a Zoom call where THEY provide the link. The “Zoom link” is their gateway to attack your computer.
If you KNOW it is a legitimate buyer, you should provide any Zoom link to the buyer. Never use a link provided by someone you don’t know.
This is a more dangerous version of the WhatsApp scam.

Get a GRI as your SAE

 NAR doesn't use the term "lifetime designations" as an official category, but in practice, the GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) is widely recognized as NAR's true "lifetime" designation. 

Register for classes through the MetroTex education calendar.

Here's the full breakdown:

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NAR Designations vs. Certifications — Maintenance Requirements

🏅 Designations — Require Annual Dues + Active NAR Membership

Most NAR designations must be maintained with annual dues paid to the awarding institute/council:

·         ABR® – Accredited Buyer's Representative

·         CIPS – Certified International Property Specialist

·         CRS – Certified Residential Specialist

·         GREEN – NAR Green Designation

·         RCE – REALTOR® Association Certified Executive

·         SIOR® – Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS®

·         ALC – Accredited Land Consultant

·         CPM® – Certified Property Manager

·         CRE® – Counselors of Real Estate

·         RAA – Residential Accredited Appraiser

·         GAA – General Accredited Appraiser

·         PMN – Performance Management Network

·         SRS – Seller Representative Specialist

·         SRES® – Seniors Real Estate Specialist

·         CCIM – Certified Commercial Investment Member

·         CRB – Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager

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🎓 GRI — The "Lifetime" Designation

The GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) is the one designation widely considered permanent/lifetime — once earned, you keep it as long as you remain an active NAR member in good standing. There are no separate annual dues required specifically for the GRI itself.
The SAE requirement can be fulfilled with the GRI in Texas. 

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📋 Certifications — No Annual Dues (Just Active NAR Membership)

NAR certifications function similarly to a lifetime designation in that they require no annual renewal fees — only continued NAR membership in good standing:

·         AHWD – At Home With Diversity®

·         e-PRO® – Digital Technology Certification

·         LuxuryHomes

·         REI – Real Estate Investing

·         SFR® – Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource

·         C-RETS – Certified Real Estate Team Specialist

·         HFR – Home Finance Resource

·         MRP – Military Relocation Professional

·         RENE – Real Estate Negotiation Expert

·         Smart Home

·         Digital Marketing: Social Media

·         ISA – Inside Sales Agent

·         PSA – Pricing Strategy Advisor

·         RSPS – Resort & Second Home Property Specialist

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Bottom line: The GRI is the designation most recognized as "lifetime." NAR certifications as a group also carry no annual fees beyond NAR membership. All other designations require paying annual dues to their respective institute or council to maintain active status.

Texas Real Estate License Renewal — CE Requirements

Licenses renew every 2 years and require a total of 18 hours of CE.

🎯 Check your TREC status.

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✅ Mandatory Hours — 11 Hours

·         Legal Update I — 4 hours (laws, rules, and updated forms)

·         Legal Update II — 4 hours (ethics, agency, and industry updates)

·         Contract-Related Coursework — 3 hours (TREC-approved contracts course)

These are available as Free On-Demand classes through MetroTex.

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🔓 Elective Hours — 7 Hours

Choose from any TREC-approved elective courses. Popular topics include:

·         Marketing & technology

·         Negotiations

·         Lead generation

·         Ethics

·         Property management

·         Risk reduction

See the KWNC Free CE class schedule for 2026.

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⚠️ Additional Requirement for Brokers & Supervisors

If you are a broker who sponsors agents, a designated broker for a business entity, or have been delegated supervisory authority (team leaders and coaches), you must also complete:

·         Broker Responsibility Course — 6 hours (counts as part of your 18 hours, reducing electives to just 1 hour)

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🆕 First-Time Renewal (Sales Apprentice Education — SAE)

If it's your very first renewal, the rules are different:

·         270 total qualifying real estate course hours are required

·         GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) can be substituted for the SAE requirement (same hours). GRI is the only lifetime designation from NAR.

·         Legal Update I & II must still be completed

·         Broker Responsibility course required if you've been designated a supervisor

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📌 Good to Know

·         You cannot repeat the same course for CE credit within the same renewal cycle

·         All courses must be TREC-approved

·         Online CE is fully allowed with no hour limits

·         If you miss your deadline, TREC offers a $200 CE Deferral Fee for a 60-day extension

·         Renewing on inactive status does not require CE completion

2026 IABS Update

This info is also on Facebook.

Please update your IABS immediately! New forms are in Command. You will need to replace the current link in your Command profile and on all your social media.

Command has the new version. Ensure it has all the blanks completed when you download the PDF. If any are missing, add a space to the back of the email addresses and download again to fix the bug.

If you saved your primary IABS notice to your blog, change the photo and your signatures will automatically update.

Otherwise, Save the PDF and .jpg to your Google Drive and apply it to your KW website as well as your signatures and social media. 

Here’s how to do it in Command:

Command > Profile (top left photo) > Settings > Connect Settings > Marketing Profile > “Go To Marketing Profile” > “Legal Footer / Compliance (left side) > put Google (or other) link into URL of Link 2, which should be titled “Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services” > SAVE (bottom right)

Staging Kit Items

Here are many of the items from my staging kit. The items are intended to give each room a purpose and some interest without taking too much visual space.

You'll see these items in many of my vacant for-sale listings. I paid full price for the towel set and kept it wrapped in the original marketing ribbon. I also purchased new silverware, plates, cloth napkins, and two sets of wooden spoons. Everything else was available at Goodwill.

The entire kit can handle larger houses. It also has a stick horse, a rocket play tent, a silk Ficus tree, and throw pillows for reading benches by windows.

I keep them in three plastic, stackable totes in my garage between listings. Including the totes, the kit costs about $250. It can be written off and used in almost any vacant house. It can also supplement occupied houses.

Register for BrokerBot

Please register now for BrokerBot. This is an AI-powered system to answer your broker questions. It is provided by KWNC at no additional charge. It's similar to Chat GPT, but it also has access to internal KW documents, TREC, TXR, Metrotex, etc. It's still in beta stage, but will know most of the answers you'll ask. It will answer your questions 24/7 and on holidays. It also has helpful scripts.
Please put this hotline number in your phone contacts: 972-944-5007. I'll have it on the next Easy Solutions card (we just got the number today).

New Construction Class

David Weekly Homes offers a two-part new construction class at the Parks at Wilson Creek in Celina. The class is open to all Texas-licensed real estate agents. Invite your besties from other brokerages. 

Tuesday, 20 Jan. 2026 at 10 a.m.
Meet the builder and construction principles

Tuesday, 24 Feb. 2026 at 10 a.m.
Walk the properties and see the construction phases

Meet at the model home:
The Parks at Wilson Creek
2420 Liberty Court
Celina TX 75009

Complementary lunch at 11:30 a.m.
Please RSVP to:
Rutalee Todd
575-973-0376
rtodd@dwhomes.com

Sept. Sip & Share

REALTORS,

KWNC will have a Sip & Share at the new Voodoo Brewery in Prosper on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. It’s located at 1440 W. Frontier, Ste 116 (across the parkway from Prosper High Stadium).

Here’s a tiny slideshow video of the grand opening: https://youtu.be/7CDhZUCEgM0

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, REALTOR
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #RealEstate #agents #VoodooBrewery #SipShare #Prosper #HousingMarket #drinks #food

Education Double Feature!

Please join us for a free educational double feature on Monday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon.

• 10 a.m. - Brian Guild, MLS Director and technical support (now with MetroTex)
o He will answer all of your MLS questions on the first working Monday of each month.

• 11 a.m. - Bobby Apple, Commercial & Land Director at KW North Country
o He will teach “How to accurately price land” with various scenarios this Monday only.

See the promo here:

You’re welcome to bring agent friends from any brokerage. We have lots of room. I look forward to seeing you at one or both sessions in our beautiful training room at 1212 S. Preston Rd (upstairs).

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock REALTOR
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #RealEstate #education #training #MLS #land #pricing #MultipleListingService #agents

IRS Residential Rental Property Publication

Here is a link to the IRS Publication 527 (2024), Residential Rental Property: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p527

If you intend to work with investors, get familiar with this document and its definitions. Learn the language of your craft to speak with the insiders.

If you intend to own investment properties, you absolutely must understand this information and use it to your advantage.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

Meet People & Make Friends

Modern life often requires relocation for jobs, family, health or lifestyles. Wherever you live, friends can help create a comfortable environment. If you’re new to a location or want to expand your social circle, you must interact with people before you can make friends. In short, making friends is a “contact sport.”

Humans are social. People need friends for emotional support, companionship, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. Friends help reduce stress, improve mental health, and provide opportunities for personal growth and happiness. Companionship also fulfills a human need for shared safety and basic survival.

Explore Local Events: Attend community events like festivals, farmers’ markets, and free public gatherings. Local festivals, fairs, or live music events are great places to meet people in a casual, enjoyable atmosphere.

🤝 Join Local Clubs or Groups: Whether it’s a book club, fitness class, business organization, continuing education classes, or hobby workshops, these settings offer natural opportunities to meet people with similar interests.

🤝 Attend Neighborhood Gatherings: Many communities and Home Owner Associations host social events or neighborhood meetups. These can be great opportunities to introduce yourself and connect with neighbors.

🤝 Volunteer: A fantastic way to meet others is by volunteering and giving back to your community.

🤝 Frequent Local Spots: Visit coffee shops, restaurants, parks, or libraries to become familiar with the local folks, which can naturally lead to conversations.

🤝 Use Social Media or Apps: Check out community groups on Facebook, Nextdoor, or Meetup apps where locals post about events or gatherings.

🤝 Be Friendly and Open: The simplest approach can go a long way. Smile, be welcoming, and start small talk with neighbors or people you encounter frequently.

🤝 Attend Religious or Spiritual Gatherings: Many religious institutions offer social events, study groups, and volunteer opportunities. These fellowships can be an excellent way to connect with people.

Texas is the Friendship State
The word "Texas" comes from the Caddo word táy:shaʼ which means "friend." The Spanish pronounced the word as "Tejas." Texas is also called the “Friendship State” because of its famously warm and welcoming culture.

Texans take pride in being friendly and hospitable to newcomers, whether they’re neighbors, visitors, or people just passing through. Here are a few reasons why:
• Southern Hospitality: Texas, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, has a tradition of Southern hospitality, where people go out of their way to help others, offer a smile, and make visitors feel at home.

• Cultural Influence: The state’s blend of cultures, including Native American, Mexican, European, African, Asian, Middle Eastern and South American influences, has created a diverse and open-minded community where people are often eager to connect and make friends.

• Social Traditions: Texans love to gather and celebrate, whether it is at a barbecue, tailgating at a sporting event, or a local festival. These social gatherings encourage interaction and help foster friendships.

• “Howdy” Spirit: The casual and friendly greeting “Howdy” is more than just a word in Texas; it is a reflection of the overall attitude toward others. People often approach one another with a friendly, “let’s talk” attitude.

• Texas Pride: The casual and friendly greeting “Howdy” is more than just a word in Texas; it is a reflection of the overall attitude toward others. It's a shortened form of the inquiry "How do ye?" People often approach one another with a friendly, “let’s talk” attitude.

Whether it is starting a conversation with a stranger or being invited to a local event, people in Texas are known for making new arrivals feel like they belong right away.

When you're surrounded by friendly folks in a welcoming environment, it's always a great day to meet new people and make friends.

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #IOV #InformationOfValue #friends #MeetPeople #MakeFriends #ContactSport #community #people

Launch Agent Partner Test

Launch Agents partner to test each other's systems during a weekly meeting on Wednesday, 5 Feb. 2025. It's vital to have all systems in place, standardized, operational and ready for use. It's ideal to check all systems for optimal use at the beginning of the year.

Basic systems include phones, computers, Command, MLS, Supra, contracts, physical & cyber safety, social media, email campaigns, goals, business plans, accountability, marketing, listing & buyer presentations, video, tax accounting, emergency auto repair, and other communications.

Learning and Laughing

Launch Agents work on their goal setting strategies during a weekly meeting in the KWNC Training Room on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025.

Launch Agents share a laugh during the weekly meeting in the KWNC Training Room on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. While our business is serious, we still make it fun.

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

KWNC Thanksgiving Luncheon 2024

 

Agents enjoy the annual KWNC Thanksgiving Luncheon at KW North Country office in Celina on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. © Photos / video by Mark M. Hancock

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Construction certified
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #KWNC #Thanksgiving #agents #grateful #slideshow #Celina #CollinCounty #party

KWNC Halloween Party 2024

 

Keller Williams North Country agents participate in the Halloween Party and costume contest at our office in Celina on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024.
I won the costume contest as "urban camo" or "human trash." Thanks to everyone who voted!

I've Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock
REALTOR, GRI, MRP, AHWD
214-862-7212
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #KWNC #Halloween #TrickOrTreat #decorations #CostumeContest #Celina #CollinCounty #party

Is a Property Overpriced?

KW MAPS Coaches Aaron Simons and Emily Baker share how to determine if a property is overpriced using key market metrics:

5% Overpriced: If you’re getting 3 to 5 showings per week with positive feedback but no offers, your property might be 5% overpriced. The market is showing some interest, but not enough to drive serious offers.

10% Overpriced: If there are few or no showings, no feedback, and no talk of offers, it’s a strong indicator that the property is 10% overpriced. In this case, an immediate price adjustment is crucial to attract potential buyers.

Remember, the first 7 to 10 days on the market are critical. This is when your listing will see the most online views and showing activity. After this period, if you’re not seeing the expected metrics, it’s time to reconsider your pricing strategy.

Identify Your Client by Ref# in NTREIS

 If you ar a REALTOR and get a reverse prospecting notice with a Client Ref#, here's how you identify the specific client:

• Open Matrix.
• From dashboard, hover over the “My Matrix” tab at the top of the page.
• Click on “Contacts.” A new window will open.
• Scroll to bottom of the page to locate the number of results per page.
• Click the downward arrow beside “25” and choose “100.”
• With your cursor over the names, hold down the Ctrl key and scoll the mouse wheel until the Ref#s appear on the right side of the screen.
• Hold down Ctrl + “F” at the same time to open a search box at the top of the screen.
• Type the Client Ref# into the search box. The system should highlight that reference number to identify your specific client.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
KWNC Productivity Coach, REALTOR
214-862-7212 (call or text)
DFWmark@kw.com
DFWmark.com

#DFWmark #REALTOR #ReverseProspecting #agents #HowTo #AgentCoaching #RealEstate #MLS #NTREIS #LaunchCoaching

Launch Independence

KWNC Launch Agents collaborate in small groups after the weekly meeting on 3 July 2024. Pearlyn Luke (from left to right from front), Jhoana Jackson and Sandra Sasek look at a computer. Ishu Nagpal and Wilson Johnson work on a phone application. Angela Shipley and Jim Boykin talk about a contract.

Photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Pop-By Gift Qualities

Pop-by gifts need to ideally have all these qualities:

* Practical (useful)
* Longevity (something they will keep)
* Don't have item (try to make it unique)
* Nonperishable (food isn't as memorable)
* Thematic (tied to an event or date)
* Affordable

Red Day & Listing Presentations

Thanks to all the amazing Launch Agents who helped with Red Day and still held yourselves accountable this week! I understand it was difficult with Red Day and Mother’s Day. I left notes in your columns on the group trend. There’s still time to turn in your information before Wednesday’s meeting. I probably won’t have time to leave notes for y’all. I missed my appointment goal this week, so I must double up this week. I’ve already got two appointments and need to make two more.

Even if you are not participating in the weekly activities, you MUST know how many people are in your CRM and pipeline. This is your actual income. I will ask for this information on Wednesday. Please have it ready.

I also want to see everyone’s listing and/or buyer presentations. There are step-by-step instructions on how to Make a Listing Presentation in the Launch Folder. You can easily make the listing presentation into a Brief Prelisting Video to post on YouTube and your other social media. If you don’t have the tools, you might use this shortcoming as an excuse to avoid the work. If you have the tools, you should want to use the tools. Have the listing presentation ready. Look for an opportunity to use it!