VanEd Newslog

They found mold in your client's house. Can you save the deal?

Many of us have received the dreaded call - one of your listings has mold. But mold does not have to be a deal breaker. In most cases, mold problems can be effectively mitigated by professional mold remediation specialists. With the EcoBroker Certified(R) professional designation you can learn the basics on how to prevent mold from developing through moisture management techniques, and how to bring in the proper professionals when the problem already exists. By showing clients how to prevent costly damage to their property and adverse health effects to their family, you can save deals and show real value to your clients.

This information is brought to you by VanEd and EcoBroker. Click Here for more information about mold that you can share with your customers and clients. You can learn more about the EcoBroker designation by visiting www.vaned.com/EcoBroker.

Van Education Center celebrates our 10th Anniversary!

Today Van Education Center (www.vaned.com) celebrates our 10th anniversary, and we wanted to take just a moment to thank all of our students, members, association partners, affiliates and YOU! You have helped make VanEd a nationwide leader in distance education for real estate, appraisal and mortgage brokers.

VanEd opened in 1998 as the first online real estate pre-license school in Colorado, and was one of the first online real estate education providers in the country. VanEd followed by teaching Continuing Education online. The next few years saw the online Appraisal program develop and VanEd became the online home to the Colorado Association of REALTORS® GRI, Graduate REALTOR® Institute program.

Today VanEd offers courses in more than 30 states, and is a recognized leader in online education. We  are proud to have been able to serve the industry for the past decade, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We will continue to provide the highest quality education and service to the highest caliber students.

And from all of us who have had the privilege of assisting our students over the years, we thank you for your support and look forward to the coming decade. And remember, whether you are currently a student or are planning a career in real estate, appraisal or the mortgage industries, we want you to know that our commitment to you remains the same. As always, we are here to help!

91st Annual Nebraska REALTORS® Association Convention & Expo

                          Broadcasting Live - April 14-16, 2008
from the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel
Lincoln, NE

The Nebraska REALTORS® Association is set to hold their 91st Annual Convention & Expo April 14th - 16th in Lincoln. Attendees will be able to attend NRA business meetings, training and education events, and see more than 200 exhibitors in the expo hall.

Monday marks the opening of the annual NRA business meetings as well as a networking lunch and the opening of the exhibit hall. Tuesday offers morning and afternoon education sessions. Wednesday the exhibit hall will close at 2:00pm.

You can use the links below to find all of the information on the NRA conference and expo!

Schedule of Events   -   Registration Info   -   Hotel Information (the Cornhusker)   -   Conference Info

Ethics courses, updated online for 2008, meet NAR Quadrennial Ethics Requirements

VanEd has completed the updates to both the NAR Mandatory Ethics course as well as the Ethics and Professional Practices courses online! Both of these Ethics courses meet the NAR Quadrennial Requirements due in 2008, and both now include all of the updated information regarding the newest changes to the code of ethics.

The following sections of the code have recently changed:

• Duties to Customers & Clients Article 1, Standard of Practice 9
• Duties to The Public Article 10, Standard of Practice 10-14, and Article 12
• Duties to Fellow REALTORS® Articles 15-17

The following courses cover the most recent changes to the Code of Ethics. Click the links for info:

4-hour NAR Mandatory Code of Ethics course ~ 6-hour Ethics and Professional Practices - GRI

Notes from the Field: Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy Efficient appliances can benefit each of us. There are both direct benefits to installing energy efficient appliances, such as a reduced electric bill. There are also indirect benefits such as quieter operation of devices and energy savings in general.

But what appliances are energy efficient and will save you the most money? The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has made available a Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings online that will, among other things, list the potential savings and even rebates that may be available for trading in an older appliance. You can view the guide online using the link below. EcoBroker has also published an article designed to give brokers and customers information regarding Energy-Efficient Appliances which can be viewed online by clicking here.

>>>>> Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings

This reliable green information is brought to you courtesy of the EcoBroker Certified® professional designation, currently offered by VanEd. Find out more online at www.vaned.com/ecobroker.

Registration is open for NAR Midyear Meetings

The REALTORS® Midyear meetings are scheduled for May 12-17 in Washington D.C. with the trade expo open from May 14-16.  REALTORS® can register now for the Midyear meetings online by clicking here. The Midyear meetings key component is the ability to interact with legislators and promote REALTOR® interests.

This year the trade expo will offer over 200 exhibitors and the NAR 100 year Centennial Celebration Gala black tie dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Tony Snow, former White House Press Secretary (2006-07) will lead the Legislative and Political Forum on Tuesday May 13th.

Register now by clicking here for the NAR Midyear Meetings and Trade Expo.

Fair Housing Conference scheduled for March 25-26

The Fair Housing Conference 2008 will be held Tuesday, March 25th & Wednesday, March 26th at the Embassy Suites conference Center in Lincoln. This day and a half event is limited to only the first 300 registered attendees and is being hosted by the Lincoln Commission On Human Rights.

Sessions will cover implementation of fair housing practices into real estate business activities, avoiding complaints and landlord tenant law. Funded in part by a grant from HUD, the Fair Housing Conference also has sessions covering disability law and Fair Housing for Elected Officials. For more information and a registration form, visit the Nebraska REALTOR® Association web site, or click here for a registration form.

VanEd Presents: Accredited Land Consultant Designation course

Van Education Center is proud to offer the RLI: Land 101 course online through our Designation Information page.  This course is the first course in the ALC, Accredited Land Consultant designation program, and is available now!

The REALTORS Land Institute (RLI) is an affiliate of NAR, and is the only branch focused on land brokerage. This includes farm and ranch, subdivision and undeveloped tracts of land.  Organized in 1944 as the Farm & Land Institute, RLI is now a nationwide organization. The ALC designation is run through the education arm of the RLI.

Visit our ALC information page online to learn more about this designation and course offering! Ready to get started today? Click Here to enroll for Land 101!

NOTE: The Land 101 course is also approved for MRE, Master of Real Estate designation credit!

Ethics review course updated, includes 2008 Changes to the NAR Code of Ethics

The 2008 NAR Mandatory Ethics course is now available online at VanEd. This course is used to meet the NAR ethics Quadrennial Requirement for REALTORS®.

Every 4 years beginning in 2000, REALTORS® are required to complete minimum ethics course requirements. REALTORS® must complete the current cycle of required Ethics training by December 31, 2008.This course is designed specifically to comply with the NAR requirements, and includes all changes and updates to the Code of Ethics.

Those changes include an update to Article 12 of the Code, which requires REALTORS® to be honest and truthful in their real estate communications. There are also 2 new Standards of Practice in Article 12 that cover the improper registration and use of URLs or domain names, and the improper use of designations and certifications in communications with the public.

You can learn about these and other changes to the code by completing the course online. Click Here for more information on this course!

Nebraska Governor's Showcase Community designation accepting applications now

Now through February 20th, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is accepting nominations for the SHOWCASE COMMUNITY award. The winning community will receive the award from Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman on March 25 in conjunction with activities surrounding National Community Development week, scheduled for March 24-30, 2008.

Communities eligible to be nominated for the award must identify community development goals, and display that they can combine local, state and federal resources to complete high profile projects that have positive impacts on the community.

For more information or a Community Nomination form, click here. For information and ideas on how your community can celebrate Community Development week, click here.

VanEd Presents: e-PRO, the only internet certification for REALTORS® endorsed by NAR

In today's ever changing real estate markets, REALTORS® need to ensure that they are ahead of the competition, differentiating themselves through education and training. To help our students VanEd offers access to the e-PRO certification program online. e-PRO is the only Internet certification program endorsed by NAR, and is designed to enhance the students knowledge of online marketing and resources. Students are able to register for the program directly from either the VanEd Designations page or the e-PRO information page.

Enter Trainer Coupon Code 59003 in the space provided on the registration page to receive a $25 discount on the price of the e-PRO certification course. Click Here for more information on e-PRO!

Nebraska joins Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System beginning today

Beginning today, Nebraska mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers will be licensed using the NMLS, or Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System, database. The system was developed by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators. One of the original goals is to improve the process of licensure for mortgage brokers licensed in multiple states.

Nebraska today joins with the NMLS, allowing those seeking licensure to us a single set of standard application forms to apply for or renew a mortgage banker license online. The NMLS also allows consumer access to the site, and will allow consumers to check records and identify the license information for an individual licensee.

Information on the NMLS can be found online at http://www.ndbf.org/mb/mbforms.shtml

VanEd Presents: Our best wishes for a successful 2008

From all of us at VanEd, we wish you and yours all the best in 2008. As a reminder, we will be closing our offices at 2:00pm MDT on December 31st and will re-open on January 2nd. Instructors will still be available online for student support via email, student forums and our Q & A's.

2007 was an exciting and challenging year. As we move into 2008, all of us at VanEd are excited about the new opportunities that are in front of us, and we look forward to continuing our mission of creating and delivering quality education and training for real estate, appraisal and mortgage brokers.

There is still time to complete your Continuing Education online with VanEd

Real Estate Licensees still have 5 days to complete their mandatory continuing education online, and VanEd has the courses necessary to meet those requirements. Online courses may be completed at any time, night or day, right up to the end of the year. Also, the VanEd offices will be open so that we can answer any questions you may have about your education profile.

As the end of the year approaches, we are offering new and required courses in many states. For information on Continuing Education, click the appropriate state link below;

     >>> Colorado          >>> Nebraska          >>> Texas          >>> Oregon

VanEd offers sign up bonus for Real Estate and Appraisal Pre-License students

Van Education Center announced this week that they are offering an additional book, The Language of Real Estate, by John Reilly,  Free with their Pre-License or Qualifying Education programs. This is the desk reference of real estate terms used by successful real estate and appraisal professionals, and pre-license students who begin a VanEd pre-license program will receive a copy of this valuable desk reference included for Free.

Holiday Special!          Enroll for a package in December and receive a free copy of the Language of Real Estate, a comprehensive dictionary of real estate terms designed for real estate professionals.

VanEd continues to lead the way in online pre-license education. Enroll today for a 5-day free trail, but don't wait to get started! The Language of Real Estate books are in short supply, so this offer is a limited time offer only! When we run out of books, the offer ends!

   >>> click here for Real Estate Pre-License Education Programs

   >>> click here for Appraisal Pre-License Education Programs

All the hot water you want for less money!

Who hasn't run out of hot water at just the worst time? Thanks to greatly improved "on demand" or instantaneous water heaters, those days are over. These great new models deliver unlimited hot water while they save money and space in your home. Tell your sphere or contacts how to take advantage of this convenience by directing them to EcoBroker's article on the subject.

   >>> Water Heating - instantaneous water heaters

This reliable green information is brought to you courtesy of the EcoBroker Certified professional designation, currently being offered online by Van Education Center. To learn more or to sign up for the EcoBroker courses online, visit http://www.vaned.com/ecobroker/ today!

Nebraska to join Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System

The Nebraska Department of Banking Finance (NDBF) announced in September plans to join the NMLS, or Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System. The system was created by a joint task force with members from over 20 states. The task force met regularly for more than two years to develop the groundwork for the program. The group then contracted with the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) to develop and manage the system.

The system allows a mortgage licensee to complete one set of application forms to apply to all participating states. The forms are all uniform and include a Biographical Statement, Branch office and even an individual registration and consent form.

The new system is also web-based, which will allow Nebraska mortgage brokers and lenders to apply, update or renew their license online. Regulators will have access to all licensing information. There is a two-part process to set up a record on the NMLS for licensees, according to a press release from the NDBF. The forms and notifications are available online at the NDBF web site.

Nebraska Property Tax Credit Act amount set for 2007

The Nebraska REALTORS® Association has published a letter that discusses the Nebraska Property Tax Credit Act, which was signed into law in May. The Act provides funding to a two year property tax credit for property owners in Nebraska.

Under the Act, the amount of the credit for each owner was determined after the September 15th valuation appeals deadline and was determined to be $83.22 per each $100,000 in real property value. Agents are reminded to make certain to account for the credit at closing. Language should be included that credits prorated taxes based on the date of closing.

To read the article from the NRA, which includes sample contract language, click here.

VanEd launches new system for Pre-License students

Van Education Center Director Vann Hilty today announced that VanEd today launched a new Learning Management System, or LMS. The new administrative system includes more sophisticated instructor tools as well as a host of new features for Pre-Licensing students in Colorado. The system debuted for both the Nebraska Pre-License and Texas Pre-License students and instructors about 4 months ago with great success.

The new system is the cumulative result of more than 9 years of site development by VanEd. Students will see enhancements such as easier access to instructional support, greater ability to view resources and a new student account design that will offer students greater flexibility to manage their own accounts. Van Education Center staff and instructors will also be able to more readily update students on changing rules and laws through the new system.

Click Here to enroll in the Colorado Real Estate Pre-License program today on our new LMS!

VanEd now offers partnership opportunities to local associations. For more information on partnering with VanEd to deliver online education to your members, please contact at info@vaned.com.

NRA Fall Meetings underway

The Nebraska REALTORS® Association 2007 Fall Meetings are being held this week in Lincoln. The Meetings opened on Tuesday and Continue today through Thursday with education events and the Board of Directors meeting.

Mildred Wilkins brings her knowledge of foreclosures and a changing market to today's session while tomorrow Steve Stazel and Mark Wehner teach courses on Professional Standards and Courtesy in the Industry. The Fall meetings and continuing education sessions conclude Thursday.

Consumer advisory issued on Foreclosure Rescue Services

The Nebraska Department of Banking & Finance issued an advisory last week urging consumers to be cautious when working with foreclosure rescue companies. The advisory stems from inquiries to the Department from consumers as rescue companies offer to take ownership of a distressed homeowners property.

The deal may work like this; the rescue company (or an individual) offers to take the property over and make the payments on the mortgage, allowing the homeowner to rent back the property and purchase the home back at a later date. The distressed homeowner may feel pressure to sign documents and relinquish ownership. The rescue company then assumes the remaining equity in the property and may sell the property at any time. The promise to keep the homeowner from foreclosure and save the homeowners credit may be used to coerce the homeowner into signing the property over.

The Department advises distressed homeowners to be cautious and contact lawyers or real estate professionals before signing any agreements. The full text of the Department Advisory can be found by clicking here.

Nebraska Real Estate Commission promotes Errors & Omissions seminars

Williams Underwriting Group, Inc., the program administrator for the state of Nebraska's Errors & Omissions Insurance Program, will be conducting a series of seminars as part of the services they provide. The seminars will include a review of loss and claim records, and there will be a discussion of risk management related topics. Dick Williams, Ph.D., CPCU, Chairman of Williams Underwriting Group, Inc., will be conducting the seminars and will also discuss current issues in the industry.

The seminars are being held between September 24th and September 28th in various parts of the state. For more information or to register contact the Nebraska Real Estate Commission.

Registration is open for the Nebraska REALTOR® Association Fall Meetings, scheduled September 10-13

Registration is open for the Nebraska REALTORS® Association Fall Meetings and education events, which will take place in Lincoln September 10th-13th, with the Presidents Hospitality reception slated for Monday the 9th. The schedule of events includes all association business meetings and continuing education sessions running each day during the event. Featured speakers include Rich Casto, Mildred Wilkins, Steve Stazel and Mark Wehner.

To learn more about the Fall Meetings, visit the NRA home page. You can register online for the meetings by clicking here. For hotel information, click here.

Papillion named 6th on CNNMoney.com's "Best Places to Live" list

Money Magazine has placed Papillion, Nebraska as #6 on their annual "Best Places to Live" list. Papillion, just a few miles from Omaha, came in just behind Claremont, CA and just ahead of Milton, MA. The researchers use a combination of demographic and economic data to narrow the list down, and then combine those findings with visits to the local communities where they assess things such as the sense of community and congestion.

To see what cities and towns Papillion beat out, you can read the entire list by visiting CNNMoney.com.

Ameriquest settlement makes $1.88 million available to Nebraksa consumers

The Attorney Generals office in Nebraska released a press statement on July 12th, 2007 which announced that Ameriquest Mortgage and its related companies had made restitution payments of $1.88 million as a result of a 2006 settlement. More than 2000 Nebraskan's are eligible for restitution payments from the fund.

The settlement that was reached revolved around allegations that Ameriquest did not disclose the terms of home loans adequately and charged excessive loan origination fees and penalties. Other charges included directing borrowers to inappropriate loan types and services, as well as inflating appraisals to help borrowers qualify for the loans being offered.

The AG's office began notifying consumers in early July, and those consumers will have until September 10th, 2007 to complete the required paperwork and return it to the the settlement administrator. More information regarding the settlement and consumer eligibility for restitution is available on the web site listed below or by calling the Settlement Administrator at 800-420-5875.

Settlement Administrator’s Web site: www.ameriquestmultistatesettlement.com.

$4.5 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) announced

On Monday Gov. Dave Heineman announced that almost $4.5 million had been awarded to 29 local Nebraska communities through the CDBG program. The CDBG funding is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the process is a partnership with various agencies at both the State and Federal levels.

Projects to be funded through the program include funds dedicated to developing or updating comprehensive plans and study city water systems. The projects may also be considered for other grants or programs. To view the list of Grant recipients, click here or visit the Office of the Governor web site online.

VanEd launches Nebraska Pre-License program today!

Van Education Center Director Vann Hilty today announced the launch of the new Nebraska online Pre-License program. The first course, Principles of Real Estate, is approved and available online. Students may begin enrolling in the program today. VanEd also offers the GRI 106: Taxation & Technology course as well as the MRE Affordable Housing course for CE Credit in Nebraska. Additional courses for both Pre-license and Continuing Education are currently under development.

The 30 hour Principles course will meet the first of two courses, or part of the educational requirements for a Nebraska pre-license student. Students will also need to take a second course from the NREC approved list. VanEd is currently developing a course that will meet that requirement. Contact VanEd via email or phone with questions.

Differentiate yourself with Education, Designation programs available from VanEd

After a holiday or long weekend spent with the family, getting back to work can be difficult. Even more challenging is finding the time to complete your Continuing Education classes. VanEd offers classes online that fit your schedule and will help you gain an edge on the competition as well as earn credits towards various designations.

VanEd not only offers GRI, Graduate REALTOR® Institute courses in various states as well as the MRE, Master of Real Estate designation program, we also offer access to other designation programs that are available online. Some of the designations offered through VanEd are the CRS, Certified Residential Specialist; ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative; CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist and the ALC, Accredited Land Consultant designation courses. These programs and designations can add value to your services and are added differentiators in the marketplace. To learn more about these programs, visit the VanEd Designations page today!

Nebraska prepares for changes to licensing examination

The Nebraska Real Estate Commission is preparing for a brand new licensing exam. The exam, delivered by AMP, is known as a simulation exam. It walks students through a series of simulated situations all in one line of questioning. The exam, which was recently explained both in Nebraska to educators as well as at the Real Estate Educators Association conference in St. Louis, is already being utilized in three other states, including Georgia.

The new Broker exam in Nebraska will contain the more traditional multiple-choice exams as well as real estate simulation exercises. There will be 75 multiple-choice questions (50 general, 25 state specific) and 6 scored simulation exercises. You can view samples of the new exercises on the AMP web site. Nebraska's implementation of the new exam will take place beginning July 1st.

VanEd gets initial Nebraska Pre-License course approved

Van Education Center has recently gotten the Real Estate Principles 30 hour course approved for delivery later this month. Look for more announcements as the start date for delivery approaches!

At the launch of the Nebraska program, VanEd will be an approved provider of real estate pre-license education in 3 states, Colorado, Nebraska and Texas. VanEd is also an approved provider in 32 states for Appraisal pre-license and USPAP courses, as well as being a provider of continuing education.

And look for more exciting news from VanEd over the summer as more designation programs are added to our lineup as well as adult learning courses and our new member service products page. VanEd continues to work to bring you updated and current information along with the best programs available on-line. If you have any questions, please let us know. We are here to help!

Nebraska License Act changes

At the open of the 2007 legislative session, the Nebraska legislature passed bill LB 26 amending section 81-885.01 of the Nebraska Real Estate License Act and repealed provisions of the Act which provided that a broker, among other things, was defined as a person who charges an advance fee to promote the sale of real estate through its listing in a publication issued for the purpose of promoting the sale concerning such real estate to brokers. Repeal of this provisions eliminated a requirement that persons engaged in such a business must have a broker’s license.

This legislation eliminates language requiring a real estate broker’s license to charge an advanced fee to promote the sale of real estate in a publication issued primarily for such purpose or for the referral of such information to brokers. Due to recent court decisions the language is unenforceable and therefore is proposed for repeal. You can Click Here to read the entire legislation.

Brownfield Grants awarded by EPA to sites in Nebraska

Three sites have received more than $500,000 in EPA grants for hazardous contaminant assessment and cleanup from the EPA. The grants are designed to begin redevelopment and revitalization for brownfield projects throughout the U.S.

In Nebraska the Cities of Harvard and Valentine, as well as Creighton University in Omaha have all been awarded funding ranging from $140,000 to $200,000. The funds will help assess and cleanup soil and groundwater contamination among other issues. You can learn more about these projects by clicking here.

Nebraska Annual Conference and Expo this week

Before the annual conference begins on Thursday, the NRA Annual meetings begin Wednesday, and VanEd's Curtis Hilty will be in Omaha presenting the first on-line GRI course, GRI 106 Technology and Taxation, to the Nebraska REALTOR® Association GRI Board of Governors this Wednesday during the NRA Annual Conference and Expo in Omaha. VanEd is proud to be the home for this on-line GRI designation course in Nebraska.

This first GRI course is made up of two modules; Taxation, a CE approved 6 hour course, and Technology. The Technology course is not approved for continuing education credit, but will fulfill the GRI 106 requirement in Nebraska. For more information visit the Nebraska Continuing Education page on-line at VanEd.com.

Rally in Pueblo today; Quadrennial Ethics requirement approaches

Today VanEd's Director Vann Hilty is in Pueblo at the Southern Colorado REALTOR® Rally and will be visiting with members from that part of the state. Learn more by clicking here.

And a reminder to all REALTORS® that the Ethics and Professional Practices course and the NAR Mandatory Ethics course both meet the NAR Quadrennial Ethics Requirements, and are available on-line at VanEd (depending on state availability). Members are encouraged to complete these courses anytime. Both courses have been updated to include all the current Code of Ethics information and updates as published by NAR. Click here to get started on your Continuing Education today, or to view your states License Renewal Requirements.

VanEd Presents: Leading Pre-License program gets newly published text

This past month Director Vann Hilty announced that VanEd would begin using the newly reorganized text VanEd Presents: Modern Real Estate Practice in pre-license education. The new text is being delivered to all pre-license students now in Colorado, and will be used with the Principles course that will be taught elsewhere. VanEd is working on expanding delivery of the pre-license course to better meet the needs of the current students.

The new text has been reorganized to match the exact order that the VanEd pre-license course is set up in, making it easier for students to move through the on-line program and further reinforcing the concepts taught on-line. VanEd pre-license students still receive all other available texts, including the popular VanEd Study Guide as well as exam prep (a $99 value) and a copy of the manual with each complete pre-license course.

For questions about the VanEd pre-license courses, email us at info@vaned.com. Brokers may also partner with VanEd to deliver timely quality pre-license education to new recruits through the VanEd Broker Partners Program. Contact VanEd for information on the discounts available to your new recruits today.

2007 Nebraska REALTORS® Association convention and expo slated for April 25-27

The Registration Deadline (Monday, April 9th at 5 pm) is quickly coming for the 2007 Nebraska REALTORS^® Association convention and expo in Omaha, Nebraska. The annual meetings and convention will be held at the Omaha Hilton.

This years event will be home to Rookie Training, breakout sessions and Continuing Education sessions as well as the annual NRA business meetings. You can view all of the scheduled events on-line on the NRA site, or by clicking here.

Registration is available on-line, and closes next Monday, April 9th at 5pm. Click Here to register for the NRA Annual Conference and Expo. You can also learn more about the events, view the available hotels and see the Convention Speakers list on the NRA site, www.nebraskarealtors.com.

Nebraska bill may require expanded fees for on-site wastewater systems

Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman signed LB333, which requires that the Environmental Quality Council adopt a new fee schedule. The change in law was necessary due to Federal funding reductions for the on-site wastewater programs currently in place in Nebraska.

Holding tanks, septic systems and other engineered treatment systems that typically do not connect to municipal water treatment systems are affected. The NDEC, the Department of Environmental Quality collects fees to cover costs association with on-site certifications and registrations. The new law requires the NDEC to expand the system to included the costs of reviewing applications which were previously funded by a federal grant.

Meetings were held last week in Omaha and Norfolk to discuss possible fee structures. Meetings are also set for Scottsbluff on March 27th and North Platte on March 28th. For more information, you can view the News Release on-line.

Nebraska Real Estate Commission offers valuable consumer information on-line

The NREC, or Nebraska Real Estate Commission, makes finding consumer information easy. The NREC has posted a single page of information and resources to help the consumer understand the transaction process and where to go to get help.

On-line resources include the Consumer Guide to Buying and Selling a Home, available here or on the NREC web site. Information on buying and selling the home and the process involved are also available on the site including;

• Affordable home programs
• State information
• County and City information
• and Education information throughout the state

Visit the NREC Consumer Information page to learn more about these valuable resources for Nebraska real estate consumers. On-line at http://www.nrec.state.ne.us/consumer.htm.

Qwest to provide internet access to Nebraska students

Qwest Communications has signed a reported $15 Million deal to provide Internet Connectivity services to rural students in Northwestern Nebraska over 5 years. Reports by the Denver Business Journal and Denver Post indicate Qwest will deliver access to 80 sites that otherwise would not have had access to online educational resources.

State Police warn of out of state advertising scams

The Nebraska State Partrol is cautioning those selling commercial (or any) properties. Out of state scam artists have been working in the state.

According to a recent article, the scammers ask for an up front advertising fee. They say they will then send out an advertising package and market the commercial property nationwide for the seller. After the seller pays the up front advertising fee (in this case $5,000) the scammers dissappear and no package arrives, and no marketing takes place.

Be aware of these types of advertising scams. You can read about this one online by following this link - http://www.iqrealestate.com/ShowNews.cfm/NEWS/13194