eHeadlines, Dec. 1, 2025

Reminders: Annual Dues Have Been Posted to Your Account.
Discover 26 Reasons to Renew Your Canopy Realtor® Association Membership
Your Realtor® membership provides access to three levels of benefits. Payment is due Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026. Online payments can be made through your RAMCO Dashboard.

Do Your Holiday Shopping and make a difference at bidforcanopy.com. Canopy Housing Foundation’s Virtual Holiday Auction is LIVE. Shop now for incredible getaways, stunning art and pottery, handcrafted jewelry, dining and spa certificates, theater experiences, Realtor® classes, lockboxes and more. Start your shopping today!  
Bidding ends Dec. 12 at 9:00 p.m. The Foundation is grateful for your support.
Special Message from Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., CEO

Don't Miss Tomorrow's Realtor® Hot Topic: Why Should I be a Realtor®? What does NAR do for Me?

Attendance is limited to Canopy Realtor® Association primary and secondary members only.

As you prepare to pay your 2026 Realtor® Association dues, you may be asking yourself the following questions: Why should I be a Realtor®? What does NAR do for me?   If you're unsure of the answer, don’t miss the upcoming VIRTUAL Realtor® Hot Topic session on Tues., Dec. 2, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.  

Joe Harris, Vice President of Government Advocacy with NAR, will break down the key advocacy wins of 2025 and explain how they directly impact you and your business. 
 
Register: Why Should I Be a Realtor®? What Does NAR Do for Me?
The Zoom link will be sent to the email address you use to register.

Cast Your Vote for the Student Team to Receive the $1,000 Realtors® Choice Award 

Vote by Weds., Dec. 3!

On Nov. 10, four teams representing Central Piedmont Community College, Haywood Community College, Johnson C. Smith University and UNC Charlotte, were challenged to identify approaches in solving affordable housing problems through the concept of adaptive re-use. Each student team received assistance from mentors, and each presented the team’s concept in front of a panel of industry experts.

Learn more and Vote the Realtors® Choice Award winner!

Elevate Your Game to Win! 2-Day Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) Certification Course With CREI

Strengthen your ability to negotiate with confidence and advocate for your clients with the Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification, the first and only negotiating credential recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®.
In this dynamic two-day course, master negotiator, Robert Morris, teaches you real-world skills to navigate complex negotiations, manage competing objectives, and turn challenging interactions into successful outcomes. Whether you’re representing buyers, sellers, or investors, Robert helps you approach every transaction strategically and with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:
  • How to improve your negotiation skills and strategies
  • How to recognize and manage behind-the-scenes issues that can derail a deal
  • Ways to adapt to different personalities and communication styles
  • How to identify competing objectives and guide clients toward informed decisions
Earn your RENE and stand out as a skilled negotiator who gets results! Don’t miss this chance to elevate your business and enhance the service you provide your clients.

Register today and SAVE BIG!  Early bird pricing of $149 for Canopy members extended until Dec. 11.    
Wed., Dec. 16 and Thurs., Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Both days)
Register: Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) Certification (Virtual via Zoom)

Reset, Refocus & Rise: Build Your 2026 Success Plan, Dec. 17 

As we close out 2025, now is the perfect time to get energized and prepared for the year ahead. During December’s Broker Power Hour, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) invites you to Reset, Refocus & Rise: Your 2026 Real Estate Success Plan, a high-energy, workshop-style webinar created to help you sharpen your focus, inspire growth, and map out a powerful success plan for the new year.

The webinar opens with remarks from NAR CEO Nykia Wright, who will reflect on the progress and lessons of 2025 and set the tone for a strong start to 2026.

Followed by real estate expert and industry philosopher Matthew Ferrara, who will lead an engaging, hands-on workshop. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in sales, marketing, and leadership, Matthew will offer strategies to help you: 
  • Break through limiting mindsets that hinder progress.
  • Apply proven sales techniques to generate new business.
  • Reframe your messaging to inspire clients and your sphere to act.
Whether you're looking to reignite motivation, refresh your business strategy, or rise to new heights in 2026, this webinar promises valuable insights for every stage of your real estate career.  

Wed., Dec.  17, 1:00 p.m. (EST)
Register: Reset, Refocus & Rise: Build Your 2026 Success Plan

Stronger Communities Ahead: Voters Approve Critical Transportation Funding

On November 4, 2025, Mecklenburg County voters approved a 1% sales tax increase to fund major road, rail, and bus improvements. The measure passed with 52.13% support and is projected to generate more than $19 billion over the next 30 years. Strong outreach from the Yes for Meck campaign, backed by local businesses, council members, and community leaders, helped secure its passage. The new funding will support significant transportation upgrades across Lake Norman and the greater Mecklenburg County area.

Last Monday, the Charlotte City Council finalized its appointments to the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA). Mecklenburg County is expected to complete its appointments this week, with all positions anticipated to be in place by early December. The MPTA will hold its first organizational meeting later this month, followed by an official launch after the first of the year.   
 
This is important to NC REALTORS® PAC because we support candidates who stand with REALTORS® and property owners on policies that strengthen and grow communities. Your participation directly supports NC REALTORS® PAC’s efforts to advocate for policies that benefit the real estate industry, property owners, and homeowners throughout our state.

The Coming Buyer Wave: Why 2026 Demands Transparency You Haven’t Built Yet

This high-energy session is designed exclusively for Canopy MLS subscribers and will explore what’s ahead in the 2026 market, and how agents can prepare by leading with transparency and trust. Read more about this webinar.

Tristan Ahumada (Real Estate Coach & Chaos Whisperer) and guest speaker Christian Dwiggins (Rayse CEO) will co-host a webinar on Mon., Dec. 8 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
 
REGISTER: The Coming Buyer Wave: Why 2026 Demands Transparency You Haven't Built Yet 
Tristan Ahumada, Real Estate Coach & Chaos Whisperer, and guest speaker Christian Dwiggins, Rayse CEO, will co-host a webinar.

Understanding Canopy MLS Service Fees: Same Due Date, New Billing Schedule

Allow ample time for you to pay your quarterly MLS and Supra Key Fees (if applicable), Canopy has moved the billing invoice posting date back 15 days. The 2026 Q1 MLS and Supra Key Fee was invoiced on November 15, 2025, with the same due date of January 1, 2026.
 
Please NOTE: If payment is not received by the due date, your MLS access will be deactivated, and a late/reconnect fee will be assessed. Late/reconnect fees will not be waived.
 
Take advantage of our AutoPay draft option by signing up under Payment Information on your RAMCO Dashboard.
 
Plan ahead and follow the quarterly billing chart below to avoid any interruption in service or a late/reconnection fee.

Canopy Realtor® Association & Canopy MLS Membership Numbers

As of Mon., Dec. 1, 2025
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