Weekly Facts Blog – December 1, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!
The GTAR/NORES office will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

2009 Dues are DUE Now!
A $20 late fee will be added on December 1, 2008; all dues must be paid no later than December 31, 2008. Dues billing for the Local, State and National Associations of REALTORS® are as follows: REALTORS® = $385; REALTOR-ASSOCIATES® = $355. You can pay dues the following ways: online by logging on to tulsarealtors.com – under the Financial Services tab, click GTAR Accounts Receivables; in person at the GTAR/NORES office – after business hours and over the Thanksgiving holiday, you can drop payments in the mail slot located inside the front entrance foyer of the GTAR/NORES office; or mail payments to GTAR at P.O. Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74147 – as long as payments are postmarked with a November date, you will not incur the $20 late fee.

THIS WEEK!
Friday, December 5
Learn About the New Residential Leasing Tab in MarketLinx
Attend the free Residential Leasing Tab Forum, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center – sponsored by the Residential Property Management Locator (RPML) Committee. This is your chance to see a demonstration of the Leasing tab, as well as hear about the changes to the leasing forms and NORES Rules and Regulations. This forum is FREE to members but registration is required. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

GTAR/NORES Holiday Schedule
Monday, December 15: Office opens at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 24: Office closes at noon
Thursday and Friday, December 25 and 26: Office closed
Thursday, January 1: Office closed

December 24 to January 2 — Board Store Closed for Inventory
The GTAR/NORES Board Store will be closed for inventory from noon on Wednesday, December 24 until noon on Friday, January 2, 2009, so please plan ahead. This will not affect key and keybox purchases.

Congratulations New GTAR/NORES Officers for 2009!
The GTAR and NORES Boards of Directors elected new officers for 2009 during their monthly meeting. For GTAR, the new President-Elect is Jack Hodgson with Prudential Detrick; Treasurer is Don Beach with Keller Williams. For NORES, the new President-Elect is Rexiene Reynolds with Reynolds Realty; Treasurer is Mike Gray with Michael J. Gray Real Estate Appraisals.

New Community Service Campaign to Help Our Teachers
Starting in 2009, the Public Relations Committee will be partnering with the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) to provide school supplies for teachers. This will be a year-round effort where GTAR will be taking donations of consumables such as reams of paper, pencils, pens, etc. Look for more details on this project in the coming months.

According to TCTA, paper is like gold to teachers. So the next time you come to GTAR, bring a ream of paper to donate. Why are we doing this? Last year, the state education budget was cut by 4% – resulting in Oklahoma spending $1,400 per pupil below the regional average. The average teacher spends $800 per year out of their own pocket to provide school supplies for our students.

Go green to help teachers! How much paper do you throw away every day that is blank on one side? Recycle it instead! Take that paper and bring it to GTAR; teachers use the blank side for all kinds of projects. (Obviously, you do not want to include paper with any confidential information on it.)

Thursday, December 11
Water Rights, Wind Rights and Legal Issues Teleconference
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center – offered by OREC and hosted by GTAR. This free teleconference seminar will cover Oklahoma’s water plan, water rights, wind rights, and legal issues. Instructors for the seminar will be Jeri Fleming, J.D., communications manager for the Oklahoma Water Resources Institute and Shannon Ferrell, J.D., associate professor of agriculture at Oklahoma State University. Due to the nature of the broadcast, you will not be able to ask questions from any location other than Metro-Technology in OKC; however, if you have a specific question, you can email patricia.wheeler@orec.ok.gov, at least one week before the seminar, and she will try to have your question answered during the broadcast. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. This class is free but registration is required due to space limitations...and seats are going fast! Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

Friday, December 12
Ask the Tax Man
Attend the free Sales Associate Forum: Everything You Wanted to Know about Taxes but were Afraid to Ask – sponsored by the Sales Associate Committee. Certified Public Accountant, Bill Zumwalt will be here to answer questions such as: What are the most commonly overlooked deductions? What records should I keep and for how long? How do I deduct home office expenses? How do I handle gifts? How do I calculate quarterly estimated tax payments? And much more! This forum is FREE to members but registration is required. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

2008 GTAR Sales Associate of the Year
Deadline for Nominations is Friday, December 12
It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Brokers and Managers: Do you have an outstanding associate who is a good sales producer, served on a GTAR Committee or assisted with GTAR function, been involved in charitable or civic organizations, is a good example of ethical behavior and professionalism or continues to improve professionalism through educational courses? Don’t miss the opportunity to nominate him/her for GTAR’s 2008 Sales Associate of the Year. The Nominating Committee will consider all of the associates activities, contributions, and production. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here.

2008 GTAR REALTOR® of the Year
Deadline for Nominations is Friday, December 12
It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Sales associates, as well as brokers and managers can submit nominations for this award. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here.

2008 GTAR Commercial REALTOR® of the Year
Deadline for Nominations is Friday, December 12
Nominate a commercial REALTOR® for the Association’s highest honor in commercial real estate. The nominee’s time must be primarily devoted to commercial real estate with transactions at least 75% in commercial. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click on the following link: click here. The recipient will be announced at the REALTORS® Commercial Alliance Celebration January 30, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place.

Catylist Service will End on December 31, 2008
Our new vendor, Xceligent will provide a research platform that will include commercial listings by members and potential members beginning January 1, 2009. Xceligent representatives are in our market now researching and cataloging all commercial buildings 10,000 square feet and above. Xceligent will drive our market areas each quarter to identify new listings and structures below 10,000 square feet for the exchange. With Xceligent, our CIE subscribers will have the most comprehensive research and marketing tools available to the commercial real estate community from a single location.

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.

Albert “Earnie” Gilder, d/b/a Interstate Properties, Inc. (First Publication)
Michael Willis, d/b/a C21/Hale Agency (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – November 24, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!
The GTAR/NORES office will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

2009 Dues are DUE Now!
A $20 late fee will be added on December 1, 2008; all dues must be paid no later than December 31, 2008. Dues billing for the Local, State and National Associations of REALTORS® are as follows: REALTORS® = $385; REALTOR-ASSOCIATES® = $355. Call Connie at 663-7500, if you have any questions.

Catylist Service will End on December 31, 2008
Our new vendor, Xceligent will provide a research platform that will include commercial listings by members and potential members beginning January 1, 2009. Xceligent representatives are in our market now researching and cataloging all commercial buildings 10,000 square feet and above. Xceligent will drive our market areas each quarter to identify new listings and structures below 10,000 SF for the exchange. With Xceligent, our CIE subscribers will have the most comprehensive research and marketing tools available to the commercial real estate community from a single location.

Friday, December 5
Learn About the New Residential Leasing Tab in MarketLinx
Attend the free Residential Leasing Tab Forum, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center – sponsored by the Residential Property Management Locator (RPML) Committee. This is your chance to see a demonstration of the Leasing tab, as well as hear about the changes to the leasing forms and NORES Rules and Regulations. This forum is FREE to members but registration is required. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

Thursday, December 11
Water Rights, Wind Rights and Legal Issues Teleconference
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center – offered by OREC and hosted by GTAR. This free teleconference seminar will cover Oklahoma’s water plan, water rights, wind rights, and legal issues. Instructors for the seminar will be Jeri Fleming, J.D., communications manager for the Oklahoma Water Resources Institute and Shannon Ferrell, J.D., associate professor of agriculture at Oklahoma State University. Due to the nature of the broadcast, you will not be able to ask questions from any location other than Metro-Technology in OKC; however, if you have a specific question, you can email patricia.wheeler@orec.ok.gov, at least one week before the seminar, and she will try to have your question answered during the broadcast. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. This class is free but registration is required due to space limitations. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

Friday, December 12
Ask the Tax Man
Attend the free Sales Associate Forum: Everything You Wanted to Know about Taxes but were Afraid to Ask – sponsored by the Sales Associate Committee. Certified Public Accountant, Bill Zumwalt will be here to answer questions such as: What are the most commonly overlooked deductions? What records should I keep and for how long? How do I deduct home office expenses? How do I handle gifts? How do I calculate quarterly estimated tax payments? And much more! This forum is FREE to members but registration is required. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

2008 GTAR Sales Associate of the Year
Nominations are Now Being Accepted
It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Brokers and Managers: Do you have an outstanding associate who is a good sales producer, served on a GTAR Committee or assisted with GTAR function, been involved in charitable or civic organizations, is a good example of ethical behavior and professionalism or continues to improve professionalism through educational courses? Don’t miss the opportunity to nominate him/her for GTAR’s 2008 Sales Associate of the Year. The Nominating Committee will consider all of the associates activities, contributions, and production. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

2008 GTAR REALTOR® of the Year
Nominations are Now Being Accepted
It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Sales associates, as well as brokers and managers can submit nominations for this award. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

2008 GTAR Commercial REALTOR® of the Year
Nominations are Now Being Accepted
Nominate a commercial REALTOR® for the Association’s highest honor in commercial real estate. The nominee’s time must be primarily devoted to commercial real estate with transactions at least 75% in commercial. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click on the following link: click here. The recipient will be announced at the REALTORS® Commercial Alliance Celebration January 30, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

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.

Michael Willis, d/b/a C21/Hale Agency (First Publication)
Melanie Clay, d/b/a Wildflowers Real Estate, LLC (Second Publication)
Bryan Sheppard, associated with Coldwell Banker Select (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – November 17, 2008

Holiday Hours Reminder:
The GTAR/NORES office will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

2009 Dues are Now DUE!
A $20 late fee will be added on December 1, 2008; all dues must be paid no later than December 31, 2008. Dues billing for the Local, State and National Associations of REALTORS® are as follows: REALTORS® = $385; REALTOR-ASSOCIATES® = $355. Call Connie at 663-7500, if you have any questions.

THIS WEEK!
November 17 - 21:
Xceligent "Sneak Peek"
See an in-depth overview of the new commercial information exchange (CIE) before it launches January 1, 2009. Meet the CEO of Xceligent, Doug Curry, as he demonstrates a few of the many features that will boost your business. We will discuss the new pricing model and provide many opportunities for questions and answers. Choose one of five information sessions that best fits your schedule. The sessions are open to everyone no matter what area of real estate they specialize. See below for dates and times. To register, log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500 or email commercial@tulsarealtors.com.

Friday, December 5:
Learn About the New Residential Leasing Tab in MarketLinx
Attend the free Residential Leasing Tab Forum, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center – sponsored by the Residential Property Management Locator (RPML) Committee. This is your chance to see a demonstration of the Leasing tab, as well as hear about the changes to the leasing forms and NORES Rules and Regulations. This forum is FREE to members but registration is required. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

Thursday, December 11:
Water Rights, Wind Rights and Legal Issues Teleconference
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center – offered by OREC and hosted by GTAR. This free teleconference seminar will cover Oklahoma’s water plan, water rights, wind rights, and legal issues. Instructors for the seminar will be Jeri Fleming, J.D., communications manager for the Oklahoma Water Resources Institute and Shannon Ferrell, J.D., associate professor of agriculture at Oklahoma State University. Due to the nature of the broadcast, you will not be able to answer questions from any location other than Metro-Technology in OKC; however, if you have a specific question, you can email patricia.wheeler@orec.ok.gov, at least one week before the seminar, and she will try to have your question answered during the broadcast. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. This class is free but registration is required due to space limitations. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

Friday, December 12:
Ask the Tax Man
Attend the free Sales Associate Forum, Everything You Wanted to Know about Taxes but were Afraid to Ask, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. – sponsored by the Sales Associate Committee. Certified Public Accountant, Bill Zumwalt will be here to answer questions such as: What are the most commonly overlooked deductions? What records should I keep and for how long? How do I deduct home office expenses? How do I handle gifts? How do I calculate quarterly estimated tax payments? And much more! This forum is FREE to members but registration is required. Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page; you can also call (918) 663-7500.

2008 GTAR Sales Associate of the Year:
Nominations are Now Being Accepted
It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Brokers and Managers: Do you have an outstanding associate who is a good sales producer, served on a GTAR Committee or assisted with GTAR function, been involved in charitable or civic organizations, is a good example of ethical behavior and professionalism or continues to improve professionalism through educational courses? Don’t miss the opportunity to nominate him/her for GTAR’s 2008 Sales Associate of the Year. The Nominating Committee will consider all of the associates activities, contributions, and production. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

2008 GTAR REALTOR® of the Year:
Nominations are Now Being Accepted
It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Sales associates, as well as brokers and managers can submit nominations for this award. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

2008 GTAR Commercial REALTOR® of the Year:
Nominations are Now Being Accepted
Nominate a commercial REALTOR® for the Association’s highest honor in commercial real estate. The nominee’s time must be primarily devoted to commercial real estate with transactions at least 75% in commercial. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click on the following link: click here. The recipient will be announced at the REALTORS® Commercial Alliance Celebration January 30, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

The Commercial Information Exchange has a New Provider
Service with Catylist will end December 31, 2008. On January 1, 2009 we will migrate to our new vendor, Xceligent, who will provide a research platform that will include commercial listings by members and potential members. Xceligent representatives will begin driving our market in mid-September to collect and catalog commercial properties 20,000 square feet and above. We will add structures below this number over time. In addition, Xceligent will drive our market each quarter to identify new listings for the exchange. Brokers will continue to edit their listings, while Xceligent will perform routine audits of company inventories to ensure all active listings are in the commercial data exchange (CDX). Moreover, Xceligent will audit for complete and accurate listing information. Stay tuned for more information and updates.

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the new red Education Button on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab unless otherwise noted.

Xceligent-Sneak Peek: Monday, November 17, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (North Conference Room)
Xceligent-Sneak Peek: Tuesday, November 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (North Conference Room)
Xceligent-Sneak Peek: Tuesday, November 18, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (North Conference Room)
Realist Tax System: Tuesday, November 18, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Xceligent-Sneak Peek: Wednesday, November 19, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. (Training Center)
Xceligent-Sneak Peek: Wednesday, November 19, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Training Center)
What’s Your Question (WYQ): Friday, November 21, 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.

Melanie Clay, d/b/a Wildflowers Real Estate, LLC (First Publication)
Bryan Sheppard, associated with Coldwell Banker Select (First Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – November 10, 2008

THIS WEEK!
e-Buyer Course – Tuesday, November 11
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor, Ruth Fennell. There are still seats available and early-bird registration has been extended—you can still register for just $99 but you must do so before 5:00 p.m. Monday. The “walk-in” price the day of class will be $125. E-Buyer is a one-day course that explores how traditional business practices are being changed by the emerging Internet consumer, and offers strategies to apply new technologies to provide better customer service through the entire real estate transaction. Earn 7 hours of elective CE credit from OREC; it also counts as one REBAC elective course to be applied toward the ABR designation. Space is limited to 50. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the Education Button on the main page. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the Education Button on the main page. For course details, click here.

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, November 12
Reverse Mortgages and You!Dispel the myths of reverse mortgages while increasing your business and assisting the 62+ client…AND, earn 3 hours elective CE credit—all for FREE, courtesy of Freedom Financial – The Reverse Mortgage Specialist; Wednesday, November 12, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor, Ruth Fennell. Review information on seniors’ demographics, market conditions, reverse mortgage basics, the application process, and when reverse mortgages are appropriate and when they are not. This course is FREE to members but registration is required. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the Education Button on the main page. For course details, click here.

THIS WEEK!
Ethics Class – Thursday, November 13
Need an Ethics class by December 31? Don’t miss next week’s class at GTAR, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Rodger Erker. This class is FREE but you must register! Seating is limited and there are fewer than 60 seats available. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the Education Button on the main page. Can’t make the class? Go to www.realtor.org and take it online for free; this course will also satisfy NAR’s Quadrennial Ethics requirement and earn you 3 hours of required PSC CE credit with OREC. If you want a “live” class, TTC will be having two: November 18 and December 16 – call 828-5410 for details.

THIS WEEK!
Deadline for 2009 GTAR/NORES Committees – Friday, November 14
If you are interested in making a difference in the Association and the real estate industry, volunteer for a committee that best fits your skills. Your participation does make a difference! Volunteer forms and committee descriptions are in November’s GTAR World Newsletter (pages 3-5) or click here. (Reminder: If you are currently serving on a committee and would like to continue serving, you still need to submit the volunteer form.)

2009 Dues are Now DUE!
A $20 late fee will be added on December 1, 2008; all dues must be paid no later than December 31, 2008. Dues billing for the Local, State and National Associations of REALTORS® are as follows: REALTORS® = $385; REALTOR-ASSOCIATES® = $355. Call Connie at 663-7500, if you have any questions.

Xceligent "Sneak Peak" – November 17 - 21
See an in-depth overview of the new commercial information exchange (CIE) before it launches January 1, 2009. Meet the CEO of Xceligent, Doug Curry, as he demonstrates a few of the many features that will boost your business. We will discuss the new pricing model and provide many opportunities for questions and answers. Choose one of five information sessions that best fits your schedule. The sessions are open to everyone no matter what area of real estate they specialize. Register online in Member Services. click here or email commercial@tulsarealtors.com.

Reward an Outstanding GTAR Associate
Nominate him/her for GTAR’s 2008 Sales Associate of the Year! It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Brokers and Managers: Do you have an associate who is a good sales producer; has served on a GTAR Committee or assisted with GTAR functions; has been involved in charitable or civic organizations; is a good example of ethical behavior and professionalism; or continues to improve professionalism through educational courses? Don’t miss the opportunity to nominate him/her for GTAR’s 2008 Sales Associate of the Year. Just nominating your sales associate for this award will let your sales associate know that you recognize his/her efforts and reflects how highly you regard him/her. The Nominating Committee will consider all of the associates activities, contributions, and production. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

Reward an Outstanding GTAR REALTOR®
Nominate him/her for GTAR’s 2008 REALTOR® of the Year! Nominations are being accepted for REALTOR® of the Year. It’s easier than ever thanks to the new and improved nomination form. Sales associates, as well as brokers and managers can submit nominations for this award. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

Reward an Outstanding Commercial REALTOR®
Nominate a commercial REALTOR® for the Association’s highest honor in commercial real estate: Commercial REALTOR® of the Year. The nominee’s time must be primarily devoted to commercial real estate with transactions at least 75% in commercial. For a nomination form and criteria for this award, click here. The recipient will be announced at the REALTORS® Commercial Alliance Celebration January 30, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place. All nominations must be submitted to GTAR by Friday, December 12.

Public Notification of Design Guidelines, Design Forum Events
The City of Broken Arrow has begun work to create design guidelines for the East Side Development Area. They have hired Design Workshop as consultants to guide the process and create these design guidelines. The purpose of this project is to use all the work previously done on the Master Plan as a launching point to create guidelines by which new development will be shaped in order to create an environment that is vibrant and attractive within the Broken Arrow community. For more information, click here

OREC Commissioner Nominations
Nominations are being accepted to fill three positions on the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. Nominees may be considered from congressional districts one, three, and five. If you or someone you know would be interested in serving as a commissioner please complete the following questionnaires and return to Janie Bays at GTAR by December 5: For layperson criteria: click here; for broker criteria: click here For a map of congressional districts, click here. For OREC information, click here.

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the new red Education Button on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

MarketLinx 1: Monday, November 10, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Tuesday, November 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Friday, November 14, 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.

James Bigelow, associated with Coldwell Banker Select (Second Publication)
Mike Washburn, associated with Coldwell Banker Select (Second Publication)