Weekly Facts Blog – August 18, 2008

Be an Expert in the Fastest Growing Market in Real Estate – Earn the SRES® Designation!
Baby Boomers represent the largest and wealthiest group of buyers in the country. Understand what motivates this growing market and how to address their mature needs. The two-day SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) Designation course will be held at GTAR Monday and Tuesday, August 25 and 26, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Cost is $395, which includes the first year’s dues of $99 in the SRES® Council. Don’t miss out – seating is limited to 50! Earning the SRES® Designation is easy—complete the two-day course and pass the exam. Also, earn 16 hours elective CE credit from OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/SRES-08.pdf

Selling HUD Homes? Learn Correct HUD Procedures
Attend HUD Internet Training, Tuesday, August 19, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at GTAR. Learn how to register with HUD in Bid Select yearly, search for a HUD property, submit a HUD bid, and more. Earn 3 hours elective CE credit from OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/HUDInternet.pdf

Are You Ready for Your Next Prospect?
In today’s housing market, where client profiles are changing rapidly, earning the confidence of a potential homebuyer is more complex than it used to be. Real estate professionals who adapt to increasing cultural diversity in the market and who wisely plan to meet the needs of diverse clients gain a competitive edge and expand opportunities. The National Association of REALTORS®’ At Home with Diversity® Certification course addresses issues of diversity, fair housing, and cultural differences. The full day course teaches you to transact business in culturally competent ways. GTAR is offering At Home with Diversity® Wednesday, August 27, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Also, earn 3 hours required fair housing (FHR) CE credit and 3 hours elective from OREC. Cost for the course is $75. Don’t wait to register – space is limited to 75! Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/AHWD-Flyer08.pdf

Are YOU Safe?
Sharpen your safety skills! Showing real estate to prospective buyers and tenants who are virtual strangers can make you susceptible to becoming a victim of violent crime. Find out how you can protect yourself and your clients by attending GTAR’s Safety Seminar: Scams, Shams & Shenanigans, Thursday, September 4, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with guest speakers, KOTV News at 5 Anchor, Lori Fullbright and CEO, Rick Brinkley of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Oklahoma. Earn 3 hours required (HOT) CE credit from OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/SafetySeminar090408.pdf

Safety Tip #11: Nix the Glamour Shots!
All of your marketing materials should be polished and professional. Don’t use alluring or provocative photography in advertising, on the Web or on your business cards. There are many documented cases of criminals actually circling photos of their would-be victims in newspaper ads. (All Safety Tips are from the National Association of REALTORS®.)

Safety Tip #51: Park Smart
When showing property or meeting someone, park your car in front of the property rather than in the driveway; you will avoid having your car blocked in, have an easier time escaping in your vehicle, and you’ll attract lots of attention running and screaming to your car at the curb area. (All Safety Tips are from the National Association of REALTORS®.)

Technology Tools to Build Your Business
Increase your marketing and lead generation capabilities using Publisher and PowerPoint 2007. Technology Trainer and Consultant, Michael Tritthart will be at GTAR Friday, September 12 to teach two courses: Real Estate Marketing Using Publisher 2007, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and Real Estate Marketing Using PowerPoint 2007, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost for each class is $15 pre-registered and $20 the day of class. Both courses are currently pending elective CE credit approval with OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/TechTools.pdf

CRS 210: Building an Exceptional Customer Referral Base
This two-day Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) course is Thursday and Friday, September 18 and 19, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at GTAR. Refocus your business plan to a customer service centered, repeat, and referral business. Identify the expectations of the “new consumer,” the “new behaviors” necessary to meet those expectations, and specific systems to make your business more productive, profitable, and enjoyable. Cost is $250 through August 31, $275 after. Also, earn 16 hours of elective CE credit from OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/CRS210.pdf

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log on to tulsarealtors.com; 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, August 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Zipform Online: Tuesday, August 26, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 1: Wednesday, August 27, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Wednesday, September 3, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3 – Prospect Gateway: Friday, September 5, 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.

Nancy Ballard, associated with Pelican Agency (First Publication)
Suzanne Watson Langford, associated with McGraw, REALTORS® (First Publication)