GTAR Weekly Facts – June 25, 2012

NOTICES:                                                                             

June 26
Don’t Forget to Vote!
The RPAC Trustees encourage you to exercise your individual right to vote on June 26. Click here for the Sample Tulsa County Ballot and proposed charter amendment.   Rogers County Sample Ballots.  Check with your county’s election board for more information. Remember, your dues dollars are not used in support of candidates, and neither the GTAR nor NORES Board of Directors is involved in the decision of where the funds are distributed. If you would like to become involved in this process, you may contribute as a member to the RPAC funds and volunteer to serve on the RPAC Committee. Concerned about a proposed ordinance or issue in your area/city? Let us know by emailing GovtAffairs@tulsarealtors.com.

June 30: Deadline to Reach Our Goal!
Backpacks for Kids Update: $9,732.41=Collected; $17,500=2012 Goal to reach to provide 350 backpacks; each backpack costs about $50 to fill. Can you help? In the last six years, GTAR’s Community Relations Committee, with your support, has raised $74,184, and given more than 1,500 backpacks to children in need. This year is a challenging one. We are very aware of the challenges in our community right now and the financial demands that face everyone.  We are grateful to everyone who has already donated, and grateful in advance for any donation made to this effort—no donation is too small, and all donations are tax deductible! For more information and a donation form, visit www.BPJustforMe.com

Want to Win a GTAR Class Pass?
During the month of June GTAR/NORES will be having a contest! This contest is for GTAR members—brokers, associates, and assistants! Rules: “Like” our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gtarnores), and make a post stating who referred you (Example: Joe Bob referred me!). The person with the most referrals will win a GTAR Class Pass ($75 value)!  The winner will be announced July 1. Don’t know what a GTAR Class Pass is? You will be able to take any regular ($15 class) GTAR class for FREE for the remainder of 2012!

 

OAR REALTOR^® of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted

The OAR member selected for this incredible honor will be announced and recognized by his/her peers at the REALTOR^® Celebration Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center in Tulsa. GTAR has the opportunity to nominate a REALTOR^® member deserving of such a special honor; please contact Janie Bays at 918-663-7500 or jbays@tulsarealtor.com for nomination form and information.

EDUCATION & EVENTS:

Need OREC Required CE Hours?

July is your month to get hit all four OREC required CE categories—earn all 12 hours. For course details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. If you have a GTAR Class Pass, register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.

(FHR): Fair Housing & Ethical Practices, Wednesday, July 18, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones

(PSC): REALTOR® Ethics, Thursday, July 19, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones; this class is free, but you need to pre-register.

(BRA): OK Broker Relationships, Monday, July 23, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd

(HOT): Residential Sales Disclosures, Laws and Rules Review, Tuesday, July 24, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd

This new course was designed to highlight some of the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission’s (OREC) most common required disclosures, laws, and rules. From time to time legislation is passed, rules are written, and changes are made. All real estate licensees are required to be familiar with, and in compliance with current disclosures, laws, and rules. Click here for course details

June 28

Understand Mechanics of Reverse Mortgages

(Source: NAR) Real estate professionals can expect to see more homes on the market in which the owners have a reverse mortgage that will need to be paid off upon sale. In a REALTOR^® Magazine webinar with the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, loan experts will talk about any impact these mortgages have on buying and selling considerations. The FREE webinar is Thursday, June 28, at 2 p.m. Central Time. Click on the following link to register: registration link

MLS NOTES:

SUPRA Tip

If you are unable to login to SupraWeb or it is telling you that your key number is already assigned:

1)     Clear out your temporary Internet files when not on a Supra related page

2)     Go to http://supraweb.suprakim.com

3)     If you are unable to sign in with the user ID that you used prior to 3/21/12, click on the Register button in the lower left corner

4)     Register your user ID with the new system

Fusion Update

A full set of financial reports are now available in Fusion. Just click on Home, Financials, and the report you need. The financial reports from Fusion are just like your reports from Tempo.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:

NAR Signs Letter Supporting US REIT Act

The U.S. REIT act proposes changes in the law governing the sale of REIT assets, the distribution of dividends and other aspects. Read the NAR Commercial blog to find out what’s in this bill and how it impacts the commercial real estate industry. Link: http://blog.commercialsource.com/nar-signs-letter-supporting-us-reit-act-whats-in-the-bill/

NAR Commercial Podcast

2012 NAR Treasurer Bill Armstrong recaps the successful Rally to Protect the American Dream, and what it meant for commercial real estate. Plus, hear the exciting news about the new Xceligent partnership that will provide REALTORS^® in the commercial sector with a powerful new way to do business. Link: http://blog.commercialsource.com/nars-bill-armstrong-on-commercial-issues/

New NAR Commercial Numbers: Transactions, Income Up in 2011 for REALTORS^®

REALTORS^® who spend some or all of their activity in leasing, commercial sales, brokerage, industrial space, land development, office space, multifamily, retail and property management answered the NAR’s 2011 Commercial Member Profile survey, reporting a rise in their median gross income as well as an increase in transactions. Link: http://blog.commercialsource.com/new-nar-commercial-numbers-transactions-income-up-in-2011-for-realtors%C2%AE/

GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:

Census Data Key to Accurate Home Sales Count

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun will appear before a House Committee this week on the role of the American Community Survey and other important data sets collected as part of the Census in tabulating home sales at the national level. Funding for the data sets is at risk as lawmakers look for budget savings.  

NAR-Supported Bill Seeks REIT Tax Improvements

Legislation by Reps. Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) and Richard Neal (D-Mass.) would modify tax rules to help real estate investment trusts REITs) operate more effectively and keep up with market changes. NAR supported H.R. 5746 in a June 11 letter it sent to lawmakers with other groups. More.

FHA Revokes Controversial Credit Dispute Rule

The Federal Housing Administration has rescinded a new guideline that was widely criticized by the housing industry as shutting out too many potential borrowers from qualifying for a mortgage. More.  

INFORMATION TO USE:

Free Consumer Content: Free Post-Disaster Tax Info

The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR^® Content Resource looks at free tax information you can send consumers for after disaster strikes.

MEMBERSHIP 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.

MLS Waiver:

James Thomas, associated with Bailey Foristell, Inc. (Second Publication)

GTAR Weekly Facts – June 18, 2012

NOTICES:                                                                             

THIS WEEK! June 23

Opening the Door to Homeownership – The 2012 TAFHP Homeownership Event

June is Homeownership Month! The Tulsa Area Fair Housing Partnership is hosting an informative event to give new and potential buyers the tools they need to purchase a home. This event will take place on Saturday, June 23, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Housing Authority located at 415 E. Independence Street. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. Speakers from the lending/banking and real estate industries will be on hand to present; other topics will include fair housing laws, inspections, and home warranties. During the event, vendors will be available to answer questions about the path to homeownership. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Heather Martin at 918-581-5907 or email heather.martin2@tulsahousing.org. (GTAR is a member of the Tulsa Fair Housing Partnership.)

June 26

Don’t Forget to Vote!

The RPAC Trustees encourage you to exercise your individual right to vote on June 26. Click here for the Sample Tulsa County Ballot and proposed charter amendment.   Rodgers County Sample Ballots.  Check with your counties election board for more information. Remember, your dues dollars are not used in support of candidates, and neither the GTAR nor NORES Board of Directors is involved in the decision of where the funds are distributed. If you would like to become involved in this process, you may contribute as a member to the RPAC funds and volunteer to serve on the RPAC Committee. Concerned about a proposed ordinance or issue in your area/city? Let us know by emailing GovtAffairs@tulsarealtors.com.

June 28

RSVP Today for Experience Art in Tulsa!

Discover one of Tulsa’s hidden gems at The Gilcrease Museum. Guided tours will begin at 3:00 p.m. Chef Kurt Fitchenberg will be preparing a special dinner buffet. Dinner and cash bar will start at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, and includes admission to the museum, dinner, and 10 free guest passes to the Museum—a $100 value! Not only will you enjoy an afternoon of art and delicious food, but you will receive guest passes to give to clients and prospects as a thank you. (You must attend the event to receive the free guest passes; only GTAR members are eligible to receive the passes.) Register online at tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on Member Resources tab, then GTAR Events. Deadline to register is June 22! If you have any questions, please call Jennifer Smith at 918-663-7500 or email jsmith@tulsarealtors.com.

Want to Win a GTAR Class Pass?

During the month of June GTAR/NORES will be having a contest! This contest is for GTAR members—brokers, associates, and assistants!

Rules: “Like” our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gtarnores), and make a post stating who referred you (Example: Joe Bob referred me!). The person with the most referrals will win a GTAR Class Pass ($75 value)!  The winner will be announced July 1. Don’t know what a GTAR Class Pass is? You will be able to take any regular ($15 class) GTAR class for FREE for the remainder of 2012!

 

June 30: Deadline to Reach Our Goal!

Backpacks for Kids Update: $9,532.41=Collected; $17,500=2012 Goal to reach to provide 350 backpacks; each backpack costs about $50 to fill. Can you help? In the last six years, GTAR’s Community Relations Committee, with your support, has raised $74,184, and given more than 1,500 backpacks to children in need. This year is a challenging one. We are very aware of the challenges in our community right now and the financial demands that face everyone.  We are grateful to everyone who has already donated, and grateful in advance for any donation made to this effort—no donation is too small, and all donations are tax deductible! For more information and a donation form, visit www.BPJustforMe.com

OAR REALTOR^® of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted

The OAR member selected for this incredible honor will be announced and recognized by his/her peers at the REALTOR^® Celebration Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center in Tulsa. GTAR has the opportunity to nominate a REALTOR^® member deserving of such a special honor; please contact Janie Bays at 918-663-7500 or jbays@tulsarealtor.com for nomination form and information.

EDUCATION & EVENTS:

THIS WEEK! June 19-20

Broker in Charge Course

If your license type is a Broker Manager (BM), Proprietor Broker (BP), or Branch Broker (BB), even if only for ONE day during that license term, AND your real estate license expires on or after June 30, 2012, then you are required to complete an approved 15-hour Broker in Charge (BIC) class PLUS an additional 6 hours of required subject matter in at least two core courses (BRA, PSC, FHR or HOT) prior to your license renewal. Whether you are a one-person office or a gazillion-person office, residential or commercial—this new requirement applies to you! 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; cost is $90; class size is limited to 15. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. The next Broker in Charge Course won’t be until August 22-23.

THIS WEEK! June 21

Don’t Be Listless: The Listing Presentation

Set yourself apart and get the listing! Realize the necessity to be prepared for the listing appointment with a comprehensive CMA, Absorption Study, and marketing plan, as well as the tools to overcome any objection, answer any questions regarding the area sales, and help the seller prepare for listing and sell their home. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with Lori Morgan; OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. Class Pass Holders: Register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.

THIS WEEK! June 21

Working with Buyers: A Planned Approach

Be Prepared for the Buyer Presentation! Have the tools to overcome any objection and answer any questions regarding area sales, gain buyer loyalty and trust, and educate the buyer by explaining what can be expected during the home buying process, and problems that could arise. Understand the importance of keeping yourself (the real estate professional) on task, as well as the buyer to have a good buying experience and smooth closing.1:00-4:00 p.m. with Lori Morgan; OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. Class Pass Holders: Register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.

June 28

Understand Mechanics of Reverse Mortgages

(Source: NAR) Real estate professionals can expect to see more homes on the market in which the owners have a reverse mortgage that will need to be paid off upon sale. In a REALTOR^® Magazine webinar with the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, loan experts will talk about any impact these mortgages have on buying and selling considerations. The FREE webinar is Thursday, June 28, at 2 p.m. Central Time. Click on the following link to register: registration link

MLS NOTES:

SUPRA Tip

If you are unable to login to SupraWeb or it is telling you that your key number is already assigned:

1)     Clear out your temporary Internet files when not on a Supra related page

2)     Go to http://supraweb.suprakim.com

3)     If you are unable to sign in with the user ID that you used prior to 3/21/12, click on the Register button in the lower left corner

4)     Register your user ID with the new system

May 2012 Home Sales Stats are Now Available

http://www.tulsarealtors.com/stats/

Fusion Update

A full set of financial reports are now available in Fusion. Just click on Home, Financials, and the report you need. The financial reports from Fusion are just like your reports from Tempo.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:

Is e-Commerce Driving Industrial Sector?

The rise of e-commerce is displacing some traditional retail demand, but it's also creating new demand on the industrial and warehouse side. Learn how third-party logistics facilities have propelled industrial and warehouse demand in this blog post.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:

Lawmakers Urge FHA to Loosen Condo Rules

(Source: NAR) Reps. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Md.), and almost 70 other members of Congress in a letter last week say FHA should revisit rules on the treatment of delinquent dues, property certification, owner-occupancy, and treatment of commercial space to ease burdens on sellers and buyers.

NAR Asks VA to Try 203(k)-Like Program

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs should launch a pilot home purchase-renovation program similar to the FHA 203(k) program, NAR President Moe Veissi says in a letter. Under the pilot, veterans could use their VA guaranty to purchase single-family homes in need of renovation. The borrower gets just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property.

INFORMATION TO USE:

Yun: Has the Recovery Started?

Last week, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun gave a real estate and economic outlook at the CRE Finance Council conference, in Washington. In his remarks, Yun examines data to determine whether a housing recovery has genuinely begun. Access the slides to his presentation. 

Free Consumer Content: Smart Patio Paver Options

The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR^® Content Resource looks at smart patio paver options for weekend warriors.

Updated Guide: Due Diligence for Home Buyers

NAR has updated its guide on what buyers need to know before they begin the purchase process.

MEMBERSHIP 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.

MLS Waiver:

James Thomas, associated with Bailey Foristell, Inc. (First Publication)

Marsha Ann Lloyd, associated with Bryan Properties, Inc. (Second Publication)

GTAR Weekly Facts – June 11, 2012

NOTICES:                                                                             

May 2012 Home Sales Stats are Now Available

http://www.tulsarealtors.com/stats/

June 23

Opening the Door to Homeownership – The 2012 TAFHP Homeownership Event

June is Homeownership Month! The Tulsa Area Fair Housing Partnership is hosting an informative event to give new and potential buyers the tools they need to purchase a home. This event will take place on Saturday, June 23, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Housing Authority located at 415 E. Independence Street. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. Speakers from the lending/banking and real estate industries will be on hand to present; other topics will include fair housing laws, inspections, and home warranties. During the event, vendors will be available to answer questions about the path to homeownership. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Heather Martin at 918-581-5907 or email heather.martin2@tulsahousing.org. (GTAR is a member of the Tulsa Fair Housing Partnership.)

June 28

RSVP Today for Experience Art in Tulsa! Discover one of Tulsa’s hidden gems at The Gilcrease Museum. Guided tours will begin at 3:00 p.m. Chef Kurt Fitchenberg will be preparing a special dinner buffet. Dinner and cash bar will start at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, and includes admission to the museum, dinner, and 10 free guest passes to the Museum—a $100 value! Not only will you enjoy an afternoon of art and delicious food, but you will receive guest passes to give to clients and prospects as a thank you. (You must attend the event to receive the free guest passes; only GTAR members are eligible to receive the passes.) Register online at tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on Member Resources tab, then GTAR Events. Deadline to register is June 22! If you have any questions, please call Jennifer Smith at 918-663-7500 or email jsmith@tulsarealtors.com.

Want to Win a GTAR Class Pass? During the month of June GTAR/NORES will be having a contest! This contest is for GTAR members—brokers, associates, and assistants! Rules: “Like” our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gtarnores), and make a post stating who referred you (Example: Joe Bob referred me!). The person with the most referrals will win a GTAR Class Pass ($75 value)!  The winner will be announced July 1. Don’t know what a GTAR Class Pass is? You will be able to take any regular ($15 class) GTAR class for FREE for the remainder of 2012!

Backpacks for Kids Update
$8,553.91=Collected; $17,500=2012 Goal. The deadline to reach our goal is June 30! Can you help? In the last six years, GTAR’s Community Relations Committee, with your support, has raised $74,184, and given more than 1,500 backpacks to children in need. This year is a challenging one. We are very aware of the challenges in our community right now and the financial demands that face everyone.  We are grateful to everyone who has already donated, and grateful in advance for any donation made to this effort—no donation is too small, and all donations are tax deductible! For more information and a donation form, visit www.BPJustforMe.com

OAR REALTOR^® of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted

The OAR member selected for this incredible honor will be announced and recognized by his/her peers at the REALTOR^® Celebration Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center in Tulsa. GTAR has the opportunity to nominate a REALTOR^® member deserving of such a special honor; please contact Janie Bays at 918-663-7500 or jbays@tulsarealtor.com for nomination form and information.

NAR's 'Moving Pictures' Ad Debuts

The national airing of NAR's new Public Advocacy Campaign commercial, "Moving Pictures," started last week. With a new TV and radio spot, NAR is reaching consumers with positive messages about the benefits of homeownership to children, families and communities. Watch the video.

EDUCATION & EVENTS:

June 19-20

Broker in Charge Course

If your license type is a Broker Manager (BM), Proprietor Broker (BP), or Branch Broker (BB), even if only for ONE day during that license term, AND your real estate license expires on or after June 30, 2012, then you are required to complete an approved 15-hour Broker in Charge (BIC) class PLUS an additional 6 hours of required subject matter in at least two core courses (BRA, PSC, FHR or HOT) prior to your license renewal. Whether you are a one-person office or a gazillion-person office, residential or commercial—this new requirement applies to you! 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; cost is $90; class size is limited to 15. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. The next Broker in Charge Course won’t be until August 22-23.

June 21

Don’t Be Listless: The Listing Presentation

Set yourself apart and get the listing! Realize the necessity to be prepared for the listing appointment with a comprehensive CMA, Absorption Study, and marketing plan, as well as the tools to overcome any objection, answer any questions regarding the area sales, and help the seller prepare for listing and sell their home. 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with Lori Morgan; OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. Class Pass Holders: Register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.

June 21

Working with Buyers: A Planned Approach

Be Prepared for the Buyer Presentation! Have the tools to overcome any objection and answer any questions regarding area sales, gain buyer loyalty and trust, and educate the buyer by explaining what can be expected during the home buying process, and problems that could arise. Understand the importance of keeping yourself (the real estate professional) on task, as well as the buyer to have a good buying experience and smooth closing.1:00-4:00 p.m. with Lori Morgan; OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. Class Pass Holders: Register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.

June 28

Understand Mechanics of Reverse Mortgages

(Source: NAR) Real estate professionals can expect to see more homes on the market in which the owners have a reserve mortgage that will need to be paid off upon sale. In a REALTOR^® Magazine webinar with the National Reserve Mortgage Lenders Association, loan experts will talk about any impact these mortgages have on buying and selling considerations. The FREE webinar is Thursday, June 28, at 2 p.m. Central Time.  Click on the following link to register: registration link

MLS NOTES:

Fusion Update

A full set of financial reports are now available in Fusion. Just click on Home, Financials, and the report you need. The financial reports from Fusion are just like your reports from Tempo. The next Fusion class is Tuesday, June 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center; register online at tulsarealtors.com.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:

Congress Extends Flood Insurance

On May 30, 2012, the House of Representatives passed a 60-day extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This temporary extension enables the Senate to act on the NAR-supported 5-year reauthorization and reform bill this June. Get more information on the extension and the long-term future of the NFIP.

Regulator Slows Down on QM Rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPR) is delaying publication of its final "qualified mortgage" rule, which will set standards for lenders to ensure borrowers have the ability to repay mortgage loans they've been given. Release of the rule was expected late this summer, but the agency said it's reopening the process for comment because it wants the public to look at new data that's pertinent to the proposed "ability to repay" standards. Learn more.

NAR Backs Program to Incentivize Counseling

NAR sent a letter to Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) supporting the "Homeownership Preservation Education Act of 2012," which would direct FHA to create a pilot program that would provide first-time home buyers with an opportunity to reduce their insurance premiums by participating in home ownership counseling. The pilot program would be limited to one-year and FHA would be required to report to Congress on the program's progress.

INFORMATION TO USE:

Last Days to Enjoy Lenovo Employee Prices

Take advantage of the final days of great savings on REALTOR Benefits^® Program Partner Lenovo's entire line, including the award-winning ThinkPad^® and IdeaPad^® notebooks and all computing accessories. Plus, receive free shipping on all Internet orders. Hurry, offer ends June 18. Call (800) 426-7235, ext. 3887, or visit REALTOR.org today!

Free Vacation-Home Info for Your Clients

You can ensure your clients' vacation home is truly a relaxing getaway by branding and hand-delivering free info from the REALTOR^® Content Resource on opening and closing a vacation home. That's not members' only option. You can also add that info—or all five free articles in the "Ensure Your Vacation Home is Relaxing" package—to your e-newsletter, website, blog, Twitter, or Facebook, or email. Free to members 24/7/365 at the REALTOR^® Content Resource are nearly 1,000 home listing, selling, and ownership articles.

New in the REALTOR.org Library

• Field Guide to Due Diligence Homebuyers                                                                      
• Field Guide to Development Impact Fees                                                                         
• Field Guide to Sale Leasebacks & Synthetic Leases                                                        
• Field Guide to Short-Term Rental Restrictions 

 

MEMBERSHIP 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.

MLS Waiver:

Marsha Ann Lloyd, associated with Bryan Properties, Inc. (First Publication)

GTAR Weekly Facts – June 4, 2012

NOTICES:                                                                             

This Thursday, June 7!

Parade of Homes Kick-off Party

Annual Parade of Homes Kick-off Party for REALTORS^® and Builders only, is this Thursday, June 7 at 5:00 p.m. at the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa. To RSVP, please call 918-663-5820 or email mturley@tulsahba.com.

June 23

Opening the Door to Homeownership – The 2012 TAFHP Homeownership Event

June is Homeownership Month! The Tulsa Area Fair Housing Partnership is hosting an informative event to give new and potential buyers the tools they need to purchase a home. This event will take place on Saturday, June 23, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Housing Authority located at 415 E. Independence Street. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. Speakers from the lending/banking and real estate industries will be on hand to present; other topics will include fair housing laws, inspections, and home warranties. During the event, vendors will be available to answer questions about the path to homeownership. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Heather Martin at 918-581-5907 or email heather.martin2@tulsahousing.org. (GTAR is member of the Tulsa Fair Housing Partnership.) 

June 28 
RSVP Today for Experience Art in Tulsa!
Discover one of Tulsa’s hidden gems at The Gilcrease Museum. Guided tours will begin at 3:00 p.m. Chef Kurt Fitchenberg will be preparing a special dinner buffet. Dinner and cash bar will start at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, and includes admission to the museum, dinner, and 10 free guest passes to the Museum—a $100 value! Not only will you enjoy an afternoon of art and delicious food, but you will receive guest passes to give to clients and prospects as a thank you. (You must attend the event to receive the free guest passes; only GTAR members are eligible to receive the passes.) Register online at tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on Member Resources tab, then GTAR Events. Deadline to register is June 22! If you have any questions, please call Jennifer Smith at 918-663-7500 or email jsmith@tulsarealtors.com.

Want to Win a GTAR Class Pass?
During the month of June GTAR/NORES will be having a contest! This contest is for GTAR members—brokers, associates, and assistants! Rules: “Like” our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gtarnores), and make a post stating who referred you (Example: Joe Bob referred me!). The person with the most referrals will win a GTAR Class Pass ($75 value)!  The winner will be announced July 1. Don’t know what a GTAR Class Pass is? You will be able to take any regular ($15 class) GTAR class for FREE for the remainder of 2012!

 

Backpacks for Kids
GTAR’s seventh annual Backpacks for Kids campaign is in full swing, and your help is needed. In the last six years, GTAR’s Community Relations Committee, with your support, has raised $74,184, and given more than 1,500 backpacks to children in need. This year is a challenging one. We are very aware of the challenges in our community right now and the financial demands that face everyone. This year’s goal is to raise $17,500 to fund 350 backpacks; each backpack costs approximately $50 to fill. The deadline to reach the goal is June 30. To date, $6,942.76 has been raised. We are grateful to you in advance for any donation you make to this effort—no donation is too small, and all donations are tax deductible! For more information and a donation form, visit www.BPJustforMe.com

 

OAR REALTOR^® of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted
The OAR member selected for this incredible honor will be announced and recognized by his/her peers at the REALTOR^® Celebration Thursday, October 18, 2012, at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center in Tulsa. GTAR has the opportunity to nominate a REALTOR^® member deserving of such a special honor; please contact Janie Bays at 918-663-7500 or jbays@tulsarealtor.com for nomination form and information.

 

EDUCATION & EVENTS:

June 19-20

Broker in Charge Course

If your license type is a Broker Manager (BM), Proprietor Broker (BP), or Branch Broker (BB), even if only for ONE day during that license term, AND your real estate license expires on or after June 30, 2012, then you are required to complete an approved 15-hour Broker in Charge (BIC) class PLUS an additional 6 hours of required subject matter in at least two core courses (BRA, PSC, FHR or HOT) prior to your license renewal. Whether you are a one-person office or a gazillion-person office, residential or commercial—this new requirement applies to you! 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; cost is $90; class size is limited to 15. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. The next Broker in Charge Course won’t be until August 21-22.

June 21

Lori Morgan will be teaching Don’t Be Listless: The Listing Presentation, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Working with Buyers: A Planned Approach, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Each class is OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com. Class Pass Holders: Register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.

June 28

Understand Mechanics of Reverse Mortgages

(Source: NAR) Real estate professionals can expect to see more homes on the market in which the owners have a reserve mortgage that will need to be paid off upon sale. In a REALTOR^® Magazine webinar with the National Reserve Mortgage Lenders Association, loan experts will talk about any impact these mortgages have on buying and selling considerations. The FREE webinar is Thursday, June 28, at 2 p.m. Central Time.  Click on the following link to register: registration link

MLS NOTES:

April 2012 Home Sales Stats are Now Available

http://www.tulsarealtors.com/stats/

Fusion Update

A full set of financial reports are now available in Fusion. Just click on Home, Financials, and the report you need. The financial reports from Fusion are just like your reports from Tempo. The next Fusion class is Tuesday, June 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center; register online at tulsarealtors.com.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:

Commercial: Vacancies Down, Rents Up

Fundamentals are improving in all major commercial real estate sectors, suggesting the industry is shaking off the impact of the prolonged recession, NAR says in its quarterly commercial real estate forecast. In all sectors, vacancies are dropping and rental rates are rising. 

GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:

Flood Insurance Extension Clears Hurdle

The Senate last week approved a 60-day extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. The matter now goes before the House, which previously passed a 30-day extension. The program expires at the end of the day on Thursday. For the long-term, NAR continues to seek 5-year authorization with program reforms.

NAR Seeks Refi Help for Struggling Home Owners

NAR is supporting a bill to make it easier for home owners who are struggling but still current on their payments to refinance their mortgage and take advantage of record-low interest rates. Watch video of NAR President Moe Veissi on the legislation. "The Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act of 2012" was introduced by Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Robert Menendez, D-N.J.

Risk Reduction Podcast: Vacant Property

Attorney Thomas Gregory discusses legal risks associated with listing and leasing vacant properties in a Legal Affairs podcast. Gregory will include risk mitigation tips.

INFORMATION TO USE:

Free Consumer Content: Reducing Household Expenses

The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic’s REALTOR^® Content Resource looks at reducing household expenses like insurance costs.