Ozark Living

18 • OCTOBER 2017 • OZARK LIVING Living REAL ESTATE NEWS Special NWA Democrat-Gazette T he Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors Luncheon took place on ursday, September 7. e meeting was called to order by board President Suzett Sparks. Ron Stinchcomb led the invocation and pledge of allegiance and then introduced the new realtors. e guest speakers this week were Russell Hill, Washington County Assessor and Roderick Grieve, Benton County Assessor, who were introduced by Richard Rolfi ngsmeyer, incoming President of the Board. ey each went over the role of the Assessor's offi ce. e assessor's offi ce determines the value on your property only. ere are two parts to the property tax system – Valuation and taxation. e Assessor is responsible for the discovery and valuation of all real and personal property by county. e Assessor does not determine the amount of your property taxes, just the value of your property. Property value can change if the changes to the property such as adding a bedroom or a garage, but most changes occur due to the change in market conditions. Taxing units include the school districts, the community college, the cities and the county. Real estate is reappraised every fi ve years and new construction is added each year. Each taxing unit determines the number of millage units to be levied on each assessment in each jurisdiction. ey work to be fair, accurate on every value placed on a property with integrity. ey took several questions from the audience. ey also noted that residential and commercial property developments are still growing strong throughout both counties. Benton County in 2018 is projected to be on pace with or to exceed 2017. A er the guest speakers completed their talks, Doyle Yates, reminded the group that the Arkansas Real Estate Commission would be holding hearings at the NABOR offi ce on September 11 starting at 9:00a.m. is will be the fi rst time that the hearing will be held in Northwest Arkansas. He encouraged them to attend some of the meetings; it will be educational for everyone. Jonathan Moore gave an ARPAC update. Suggesting that more members need to participate. ARPAC aggressively pursues the election and re-election of candidates for offi ce who stand up and support real estate professionals on key issues. Barbara Powers updated the group on the Holiday Banquet, which will be held on December 9th at the Metroplex in Springdale. She thanked the sponsors that have committed to the event and reminded everyone that the holiday skit will be coming up soon. Chance Shubert announced that the Realtor Recognition Awards Banquet would be held in February 10, 2018 at the Metroplex in Springdale. Sponsors are needed for this event. Holli Mayer discussed upcoming GRI classes for Professional Development. Scott Miller updated the membership on scholarships. Mike Warner thanked everyone for supporting the NABOR Special Olympics Casino night. $42,146 has been raised for Special Olympics so far for 2017. Realtors across Arkansas have been sponsoring Special Olympics Arkansas since 1986. Special Olympics stands as a leader in the fi eld of intellectual disability. Ron Stinchcomb auctioned off auction items to further benefi t Special Olympics Arkansas. Door prizes were handed out and a $300 drawing was held for attendance, however, there was no winner this month. e next meeting will be held on ursday, October 5. NWA Board of Realtors holds monthly luncheon Rolfi ngsmeyer Russell Hill, Washington County Assessor, left, and Roderick Grieve, Benton County Assessor, right.

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