The Washington County Board of Realtors is lending their group's support to the families of the two Washington County High School students who were tragically struck by lightning.

The Washington County Board of Realtors is lending their group's support to the families of the two Washington County High School students who were tragically struck by lightning in front of a local High School on October 5th.  The two boys were transported by Life Flight Air Ambulance to a Las Vegas Extreme Critical Care Burn Unit.  The Washington County Board of Realtors is urging all Local Realtors to make donations if possible to the two families of the injured boys.  The local office of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty is assisting this donation drive by accepting donations at their 157 East Riverside Drive office.  These donations should be made payable to Snow Canyon High School.  These much needed funds will be divided equally with the two families who have been impacted by this life changing lightening strike.  Thanks again.  We all know these accidents could have happened to anyone of us.  It is at times like this when communities can come together and create bonds that last a lifetime.

Realtors Elect New Officers

Installation for 2010-2011 officers and directors for the Washington County Board of  Realtors took place at the Dixie Convention Center on Sept. 16, 2010.  UAR National Director, Jim Brihghurst of Salt Lake City installed the new officers.  He said,"your Board and its executive officer Vardell Curtis are known throughout the state and nationally for the premier organization and quality of Realtors".  The Realtors have been huge contributors to Habitat for Humanity, Coins For Kids, Dixie Care & Share and numerous other Not for Profit groups.

Outgoing president, Kathy Nielsen passed the gavel to incoming president Rand McCullough, whose theme was "Climbing to New Heights".  His optimistic speech about the future of St. George housing was enthusiastically supported by 850 Realtors in Washington County.

"Our future is bright and though home values are down from previous years, we live in a very desirable community with weather and quality of life that will fuel the desire to live in Washington County".  His challenge was to climb to new heights and every individual can be better with their individual effort.

Education Committee Still Cranking

According to Meri Crandall, chairperson for the WCBR Education Committee, they are winding down their activities after a successful "School Daze" event for the board or Realtors at Desert Hills High School.

The committee is now focusing on the GRI classes and the ABR classes for the rest of the year. 

Meri's term as chair of this committee will be up in September, and she says "We are looking for someone to head up this committee."

If you are interersted in this position, please contact Meri or one of the board of directors. ( See the list of directors at the bottom of this page) 

Realtor Golf Event A Success

A donation of $6200 was given to the Dove Center
from the Golf Event.

Armed Service Members Have Extra Year for Home Buyer Tax Credit

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) wants members of the military, foreign service, and intelligence communities to know that they may have an additional year to buy a home and claim the home buyer tax credit, which expired to most Americans on April 30.

The law provides qualified service members who served on official extended duty outside of the United States for 90 days or more at any time between January 1, 2009, to April 30, 2010, another year to buy a home and claim the credit. They have until April 30, 2011, to sign a sales contract and until June 30, 2011, to settle and close on the home. Both the $8,000 first-time and $6,500 repeat home buyer tax credits are included in the rule.

“Congress recognized that many service members may have missed out on the home buyer tax credit due to being posted overseas,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. “It is only fitting that they be given another year to take advantage of this opportunity in appreciation of the sacrifices they have made serving our country.”

“Qualified service members” are defined as a member of the uniformed services of the United States military, a member of the Foreign Service of the United States, or an employee of the intelligence community.

The rule that requires buyers to repay the credit if they move out of their home within three years has also been waived for qualified service members if they have to sell their home due to receiving government orders for extended duty service.

NAHB provides information on the home buyer tax credit, including eligibility requirements and links to home buying resources, on its consumer website http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com./