Friday, October 26, 2007

Weekly Facts - October 29, 2007

We Reached Our 2007 RPAC Goal!
Congratulations and thank you to all GTAR members who contributed to RPAC this year – thanks to you, we made our goal! Now it’s time to start working on 2008.

This Week! Sales Associate Forum – Friday, November 2
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the GTAR Training Center. Find out what’s happening in surrounding communities. Representatives will be here to discuss what issues they are facing, what’s happening now and their goals for the future. The purpose of this forum is to educate the REALTOR® community about present and anticipated area growth, and increase awareness of the issues facing our communities. In this forum, Broken Arrow, Glenpool, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Skiatook, and Tulsa will be represented. This forum is free, but registration is required. Log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll in Classes, then click Register for Classes.

This Week! Sales and Marketing Council’s Economic Forecast Seminar –
Tuesday, October 30

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Forest Ridge (CafĂ© Savannah’s Veranda Room). Presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa. Cost: SMC members – free and non-SMC members $10 (lunch included). Featuring: “Mortgage Market Update” by David Laughlin, president of Bank of Oklahoma Mortgage, “Is the Housing Bust Over” by Mike Means, executive vice president of Oklahoma HBA, and “Real Estate in Tulsa” by our very own Ron Sumner, president of GTAR. If you are interested in attending, please contact Stacey Hendrickson at HBA, (918) 663-5820 or
shendrickson@tulsahba.com

CE Classes Coming to GTAR in November
When CE courses are added to the calendar, the first place you will find out about them is online at tulsamls.net; all the information you need is available right there, and it’s also the easiest, fastest way to enroll for a class. Log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll in Classes, then click Register for Classes. All CE classes are in the GTAR Training Center, unless otherwise indicated.

Thursday, November 15: Nuts & Bolts of Foreclosures, Tax Deeds and Other Distressed Property Issues
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with one of GTAR members’ favorite instructors, Monica Wittrock, Esq. This will be the fourth time this course has been offered in the last year, and it’s been a sell out every time, so don’t wait to register! OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit.

Thursday, November 15: RESPA for REALTORS®
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. with Monica Wittrock, Esq. — She’s making a day of it. If you need a RESPA refresher, this is the class for you, and if you don’t have a clue what RESPA is or why it’s important, you really can’t afford to miss this class! OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. (Last offered November 2005)

Positive News for Tulsa
Forbes.com generated their “Best Cities for Jobs” list last week and Tulsa ranked #6. To read the complete article, click on the following link:
http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/CurrentInfo/ForbesArticle.pdf

Don't forget to Register Your Open House Information to Display
www.TulsaOpenHouse.com
This is a great marketing tool for getting people to your open houses, and it's FREE, so make sure you register! Saturday, Sunday and Monday are the highest hit count days for open houses.
October statistics include the following:

Total Hits = 15,177
Total Property Searches = 1,059
Property Detail Selection = 988
Email leads Sent to Associates = 20
Visited Agent Web Site = 9
Virtual Tours viewed = 19

For instructions on entering an open house, click on the following link:
http://forums.tulsarealtors.com/viewtopic.php?t=11

2008 Dues Have Been Mailed to Your Broker!
The invoices include local, state, and national dues. Payment is due November 1, 2007, and will be delinquent December 1, 2007 at which time a $20 late payment fee will be charged. You can pay online with Visa or MasterCard by logging on to tulsamls.net; under Financial Services, click GTAR Accounts Receivables. Payment can also be made by personal check or cash. If you have not received your 2008 dues statement, please contact your broker. REALTOR® dues will be $380 and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® dues will be $350. Note: If you are planning on moving your license in the near future: Be aware, all transfers: November 1, 2007 or after will have to have paid 2008 dues prior to transferring to a new company.

Wanted! 2008 GTAR/NORES Committee Volunteers
It’s that time of year again. GTAR/NORES is looking for members who are interested in getting involved in the Association by serving on a committee in 2008. Your participation does make a difference! In 2007, everyone who volunteered was place on a committee. For a list of all committees and a volunteer form, see pages 3 and 4 of this month’s GTAR World Newsletter; you can access it by clicking on the following link:
http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/Newsletter/GTARWorld_October2007.pdf Reminder: If you are currently serving on a committee and would like to continue serving, you still need to submit the volunteer form; deadline is November 15!

REALTOR® Applications
Comments on the following REALTOR® applicants should be submitted by REALTOR® members to the Membership Committee, c/o GTAR, PO Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74147.

Linda DiMercurio, d/b/a Mercury Alliance Tulsa LLC (First Publication)
John D. Sleeper, d/b/a John D. Sleeper Agency (First Publication)
Lillian Jayne, Lillian Jayne Real Estate (Second Publication)
Loetta Sanders, Loetta Sanders (Second Publication)

Friday, October 19, 2007

Weekly Facts - October 22, 2007

This Week! GTAR/NORES Annual Business Meeting – Wednesday, October 24
3:00 p.m. in the Training Center for all GTAR and NORES voting members; hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The meeting will be preceded by the dedication of the Memorial Garden at 2:15 p.m. Voting members may request absentee ballots by emailing
NORES2007Ballot@tulsarealtors.com or GTAR2007Ballot@tulsarealtors.com; faxing a request to 663-8815 or mailing a request to the Association office at P.O. Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74147.

This Week! Sales Associate Forum – Friday, October 26
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the GTAR Training Center. Find out what’s happening in surrounding communities. Representatives will be here to discuss what issues they are facing, what’s happening now and their goals for the future. The purpose of this forum is to educate the REALTOR® community about present and anticipated area growth, and increase awareness of the issues facing our communities. In this forum, Bixby, Collinsville, Coweta, Jenks, and Owasso will be represented. There will be another forum on November 2, in which Broken Arrow, Glenpool, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Skiatook, and Tulsa will be represented. These forums are free, but registration is required. Log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll in Classes, then click Register for Classes.

CE Classes Coming to GTAR in November
When CE courses are added to the calendar, the first place you will find out about them is online at tulsamls.net; all the information you need is available right there, and it’s also the easiest, fastest way to enroll for a class. Log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll in Classes, then click Register for Classes. All CE classes are in the GTAR Training Center, unless otherwise indicated.

Thursday, November 15: Nuts & Bolts of Foreclosures, Tax Deeds and Other Distressed Property Issues
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with one of GTAR members’ favorite instructors, Monica Wittrock, Esq. This will be the fourth time this course has been offered in the last year, and it’s been a sell out every time, so don’t wait to register! OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit.

Thursday, November 15: RESPA for REALTORS®
1:30 – 4:30 p.m. with Monica Wittrock, Esq. — She’s making a day of it. If you need a RESPA refresher, this is the class for you, and if you don’t have a clue what RESPA is or why it’s important, you really can’t afford to miss this class! OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. (Last offered November 2005)

Reminder: Register Your Open House Information on http://www.tulsaopenhouse.com/
This is a great marketing tool for getting people to your open houses, and it’s FREE, so make sure you register! In the FIRST week of being online to the public, the site received 9,748 total hits! Other statistics include the following: Total Images Viewed = 3412; Total Property Searches = 731; Property Detail Selection = 661; Email leads Sent to Associates = 17; and Visited Agent Web Site = 7. For instructions on entering an open house, click on the following link:
http://forums.tulsarealtors.com/viewtopic.php?t=11

2008 Dues Have Been Mailed to Your Broker!
The invoices include local, state, and national dues. Payment is due November 1, 2007, and will be delinquent December 1, 2007 at which time a $20 late payment fee will be charged. You can pay online with Visa or MasterCard by logging on to tulsamls.net; under Financial Services, click GTAR Accounts Receivables. Payment can also be made by personal check or cash. If you have not received your 2008 dues statement, please contact your broker. REALTOR® dues will be $380 and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® dues will be $350. Note: If you are planning on moving your license in the near future: Be aware, all transfers: November 1, 2007 or after will have to have paid 2008 dues prior to transferring to a new company.

Wanted! 2008 GTAR/NORES Committee Volunteers
It’s that time of year again. GTAR/NORES is looking for members who are interested in getting involved in the Association by serving on a committee in 2008. Your participation does make a difference! In 2007, everyone who volunteered was place on a committee. For a list of all committees and a volunteer form, see pages 3 and 4 of this month’s GTAR World Newsletter; you can access it by clicking on the following link:
http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/Newsletter/GTARWorld_October2007.pdf Reminder: If you are currently serving on a committee and would like to continue serving, you still need to submit the volunteer form; deadline is November 15!

REALTOR® Applications
Comments on the following REALTOR® applicants should be submitted by REALTOR® members to the Membership Committee, c/o GTAR, PO Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74147.

Lillian Jayne, Lillian Jayne Real Estate (First Publication)
Loetta Sanders, Loetta Sanders (First Publication)
Larry Frederick, d/b/a United Country Frederick Auction & Realty (Second Publication)
Cynthia Kuhnemund, Pelican Agency (Second Publication)
Eddie R. Peters, d/b/a T & E Enterprises, LLC (Second Publication)

Friday, October 12, 2007

Weekly Facts

Weekly Facts – October 15, 2007

www.tulsaopenhouse.com

is Now Online and Live!

The general public now has access to our new tulsaopenhouse.com Web site. This is a great marketing tool for getting people to your open houses, so make sure you register! For instructions, click on the following link: http://forums.tulsarealtors.com/viewtopic.php?t=11

This Week! 2007 OAR Education Conference & Trade Show – October 15 through October 17
This year’s theme is Building for the Future. Monday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 17 at the Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel and Cox Conference Center. Among other events, there will be some CE classes offered by some very well-known instructors including Karel Murray, Pat Zaby, and Oliver Frascona. Pre-registration ended on October 10, so you may not be able to get into some of the classes. For more information, go to http://www.oarconference.com/

GTAR/NORES Annual Business Meeting – Wednesday, October 24
3:00 p.m. in the Training Center for all GTAR and NORES voting members; hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The meeting will be preceded by the dedication of the Memorial Garden at 2:15 p.m. Voting members may request absentee ballots by emailing NORES2007Ballot@tulsarealtors.com or GTAR2007Ballot@tulsarealtors.com; faxing a request to 663-8815 or mailing a request to the Association office at P.O. Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74147.

Coming Up! Two New Sales Associate Forums – Friday, October 26 and Friday, November 2
Both forums are from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the GTAR Training Center. Find out what’s happening in Tulsa and surrounding communities. Representatives will be here to discuss what issues they are facing, what’s happening now and their goals for the future. The purpose of these forums is to educate the REALTOR® community about present and anticipated area growth, and increase awareness of the issues facing our communities. On October 26 will be Bixby, Collinsville, Coweta, Jenks, and Owasso, and on November 2 will be Broken Arrow, Glenpool, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, and Tulsa. These forums are free, but registration is required. Log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll in Classes, then click Register for Classes.

2008 Dues are in the Mail!
The invoices include local, state, and national dues. Payment is due November 1, 2007, and will be delinquent December 1, 2007 at which time a $20 late payment fee will be charged. You can pay online with Visa or MasterCard by logging on to tulsamls.net; under Financial Services, click GTAR Accounts Receivables. Payment can also be made by personal check or cash. If you have not received your 2008 dues statement by October 8, please contact your broker. REALTOR® dues will be *$380 and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® dues will be *$350. (*Provided OAR does not raise their dues for 2008.) Note: If you are planning on moving your license in the near future: Be aware, all transfers: November 1, 2007 or after will have to have paid 2008 dues prior to transferring to a new company.

Wanted! 2008 GTAR/NORES Committee Volunteers
It’s that time of year again. GTAR/NORES is looking for members who are interested in getting involved in the Association by serving on a committee in 2008. Your participation does make a difference! In 2007, everyone who volunteered was place on a committee. For a list of all committees and a volunteer form, see pages 3 and 4 of this month’s GTAR World Newsletter; you can access it by clicking on the following link: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/Newsletter/GTARWorld_October2007.pdf Reminder: If you are currently serving on a committee and would like to continue serving, you still need to submit the volunteer form; deadline is November 15!

Message from the GE Security Support Team
GE Security is pleased to announce the release of a new version of the Supra eKEY software for the Windows Mobile operating system. With this release, we have enhanced the performance of Windows Mobile eKEY, including IR communication; application responsiveness; and nightly automatic eSYNCs. This new Windows Mobile version of eKEY is available for download from KIMweb.

Changes to Wood Infestation Reports
Effective November 1, wood rot will no longer be included on Wood Infestation Reports prepared by termite inspectors. Visible wood rot will continue to be reported by licensed home inspectors as outlined in their rules and regulations. If you are aware of a home inspector who is not reporting visible wood rot, please contact the Home Inspector Unit of the State Department of Health at (405) 271.5779. The Oklahoma Real Estate Contract Form Committee is aware of these changes and adjusting the statewide uniform contract. The updated version of the contract will be available to the public by the end of the year. Questions? Contact Charla Slabotsky at OAR by calling (800) 375.9944 or by emailing: Charla@OklahomaRealtors.com.

New User Forum Now Online
Want Help? Try our new NORES User Forum; go to http://forums.tulsarealtors.com/.This site contains member questions with staff answers. These are questions we receive every day and wanted to create a resourceful database of information for you to search.

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll for Classes, then click Register in Classes. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.
Realist Tax System: Monday, October 15, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
ZipFormOnline: Friday, October 19, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

REALTOR® Applications
Comments on the following REALTOR® applicants should be submitted by REALTOR® members to the Membership Committee, c/o GTAR, PO Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74147.
Larry Frederick, d/b/a United Country Frederick Auction & Realty (First Publication)
Eddie R. Peters, d/b/a T & E Enterprises, LLC (First Publication)
Cynthia Kuhnemund, Pelican Agency (First Publication)
Janet B. Abraham, associated with CB/RaderGroup (Second Publication)
Larry Frederick, d/b/a United Country Frederick Auction & Realty (Second Publication)
Patricia Gassaway, d/b/a Gassaway Real Estate (Second Publication)
Lindsay D.Hendrix, d/b/a Trademark Properties of Oklahoma LLC (Second Publication)
Sherri E. Jones, d/b/a Prospectors Real Estate, Inc. (Second Publication)
Donna Morris, associated with CB/RaderGroup (Second Publication)

Firm Affiliate:
First Fidelity Bank, Designated Individual Amy J. Sherry (Second Publication)

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Tulsa Open House

The tulsaopenhouse.com website is finally live! The site was published yesterady at about 3:00 pm. We have already received around 200 hits.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Weekly Facts

Weekly Facts – October 8, 2007

Don’t Forget to Vote! – Tuesday, October 9
If you live in Tulsa County, don’t forget to vote on “The River” issue.

This Week: Last Chance to Enroll in 45-Hour Post License Course!
Brokers and Managers: If you have associates who need to take the 45-Hour Post License Course, please let them know about the course being taught at GTAR by Ann Lloyd from Monday, October 15 through Monday, December 17. Class size is limited to 15, and will be every Monday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Deadline to enroll is October 10. If there are not 8 registered by the deadline, the course will be cancelled. The cost for members is $175 which includes course materials. For more information and to register online (with Visa or MC), log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll for Classes, then click Register for Classes.

This Week! WCR Halloween Bash and Annual Bingo Party – Thursday, October 11
5:30 p.m. at the Home Builders Association. Mexican buffet and drinks are included. Lots of chances to win! Bunches of great prizes! Super prize for best costume! Tons of Fun! Cost is $30 per ticket – Please purchase tickets in advance! For tickets, call Mary Pearce at 496-9090; for sponsorship, call Penny Roth at 637-5902.

2007 OAR Education Conference & Trade Show – October 15 through October 17
This year’s theme is Building for the Future. Monday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 17 at the Renaissance Oklahoma City Hotel and Cox Conference Center. Among other events, there will be some CE classes offered by some very well-known instructors including Karel Murray, Pat Zaby, and Oliver Frascona. For more information, go to http://www.oarconference.com/

GTAR/NORES Annual Business Meeting – Wednesday, October 24
3:00 p.m. in the Training Center for all GTAR and NORES voting members; hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The meeting will be proceeded by the dedication of the Memorial Garden at 2:15 p.m.

2008 Dues are in the Mail!
Dues were mailed on October 1; the invoices include local, state, and national dues. Payment is due November 1, 2007, and will be delinquent December 1, 2007 at which time a $20 late payment fee will be charged. You can pay online with Visa or Mastercard by logging on to tulsamls.net; under Financial Services, click GTAR Accounts Receivables. Payment can also be made by personal check or cash. If you have not received your 2008 dues statement by October 8, please contact your broker. REALTOR® dues will be *$380 and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® dues will be *$350. (*Provided OAR does not raise their dues for 2008.) Note: If you are planning on moving your license in the near future: Be aware, all transfers: November 1, 2007 or after will have to have paid 2008 dues prior to transferring to a new company.

Wanted! 2008 GTAR/NORES Committee Volunteers
It’s that time of year again. GTAR/NORES is looking for members who are interested in getting involved in the Association by serving on a committee in 2008. Your participation does make a difference! In 2007, everyone who volunteered was place on a committee. For a list of all committees and a volunteer form, see pages 3 and 4 of this month’s GTAR World Newsletter; you can access it by clicking on the following link: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/Newsletter/GTARWorld_October2007.pdf Reminder: If you are currently serving on a committee and would like to continue serving, you still need to submit the volunteer form; deadline is November 15!

Message from the GE Security Support Team
GE Security is pleased to announce the release of a new version of the Supra eKEY software for the Windows Mobile operating system. With this release, we have enhanced the performance of Windows Mobile eKEY, including IR communication; application responsiveness; and nightly automatic eSYNCs. This new Windows Mobile version of eKEY is available for download from KIMweb.

Changes to Wood Infestation Reports
Effective November 1, wood rot will no longer be included on Wood Infestation Reports prepared by termite inspectors. Visible wood rot will continue to be reported by licensed home inspectors as outlined in their rules and regulations. If you are aware of a home inspector who is not reporting visible wood rot, please contact the Home Inspector Unit of the State Department of Health at (405) 271.5779. The Oklahoma Real Estate Contract Form Committee is aware of these changes and adjusting the statewide uniform contract. The updated version of the contract will be available to the public by the end of the year. Questions? Contact Charla Slabotsky at OAR by calling (800) 375.9944 or by emailing: Charla@OklahomaRealtors.com.

New User Forum Now Online
Want Help? Try our new NORES User Forum; go to http://forums.tulsarealtors.com.This site contains member questions with staff answers. These are questions we receive every day and wanted to create a resourceful database of information for you to search.

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log on to tulsamls.net; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll for Classes, then click Register in Classes. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

MarketLinx 2: Monday, October 8, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Realist Tax System: Tuesday, October 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Wednesday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

REALTOR® Applications
Comments on the following REALTOR® applicants should be submitted by REALTOR® members to the Membership Committee, c/o GTAR, PO Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74147.

Janet B. Abraham, associated with CB/RaderGroup (First Publication)
Larry Frederick, d/b/a United Country Frederick Auction & Realty (First Publication)
Patricia Gassaway, d/b/a Gassaway Real Estate (First Publication)
Lindsay D.Hendrix, d/b/a Trademark Properties of Oklahoma LLC (First Publication)
Sherri E. Jones, d/b/a Prospectors Real Estate, Inc. (First Publication)
Donna Morris, associated with CB/RaderGroup (First Publication)

Firm Affiliate:
First Fidelity Bank, Designated Individual Amy J. Sherry (First Publication)

Backpacks for Kids

When it comes to philanthropy, everyone’s got something different to give – some people have money, others have time;

Here is the slideshow for the Backpacks for Kids party. Thanks to all of our volunteers who contributed countless hours of their time to make this event such a success.

Click the link below to view:

http://nores.net/backpacks/photoalbum.mht

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Local Housing Market Doing Okay!

Local Housing Market Doing Okay
KOTV - 10/3/2007 6:36 AM - Updated 10/3/2007 12:15 PM
Tulsa is bucking the national trend in real estate markets. Recent national headlines warn of a crumbling market and a dark future for people who invest in property. And while that may be true in some markets, News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports local numbers show Green Country investors are in a steady market.
For Steve and Kathy Quay, a one-acre plot of land in Sand Springs represents a lifetime of planning and a dream come true. The Quay's have bought and begun building a 3,000-square-foot home, made just the way they want it.
"We got to pick the lot we want. We have huge pecan trees in our yard and we're very excited about our house," says Steve Quay.
But as they're going over details of their new home, they're also beginning to think about selling their current home. They've heard the rumors about a slowing market.
"Oh it may be a situation, maybe it will take a little longer than we thought. But it'll sell. Homes sell around here," says Steve Quay.
Steve Quay is right. They are selling. According to newly-released numbers from the Greater Tulsa Realtors Association, there were 1,329 home sales in August of this year. That's up 7.3% from July of this year. But overall, home sales numbers for 2007 are 1.6% lower than last year's numbers.
"But last year was the best year we've ever had in Tulsa real estate. So if you're down just a little bit from an all-time record year then the market is still very good," says Ron Sumner.
Ron Sumner is the president of the Greater Tulsa Realtors Association. Sumner says the steady local numbers speak for themselves. But he hopes buyers and sellers will continue to do business here with confidence, despite national stories.
"We have not had the same circumstances that you're hearing reported on the national news," says Ron Sumner.
A new survey by Coldwell Banker shows the Tulsa metro area is the eighth most affordable housing market in the country.
Watch the video: Bucking The National Trend

Install complete

After a long night, the new email sever install went very smoothe. Users should now see improved speed when using the new imail interface. The application should not lock up and freeze the user's session anylonger.

NORES is averaging 625,000 emails per day, most of which are spam.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Server Maintenance

NORES will be installing a new email server tonight. We will begin the update at approx. 11 pm and are expecting the process to take several hours. Email will be UNAVAILABLE during this time.

The good news is the process should be completed by the start of business or shortly thereafter Wednesday, Oct. 3.

Mike Cotrill

New Support Site

The NORES help desk is now using new technology for users to obtain tech support. forums.tulsarealtors.com is the place to find all the answers to your tech questions. You must log in to read the posts or post a question of your own. Simply click the register link at the top of the page to create a user name and password.

Mike

tulsarealtors.mobi