Monday, July 23, 2012

GTAR Weekly Facts – July 23, 2012


NOTICES:                                                                             
June 2012 Home Sales Stats are Now Available
Help Us, Help You!
In order to provide you, our members, with the best education opportunities to meet your professional needs and interests, we need your input! Please help us by taking a few minutes to complete an important education survey. Thank you in advance for your anonymous opinion. Click Here to Start Survey
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
How was Your Commercial Market in 2012.Q2?
Please take a few moments to respond to the brief Commercial Real Estate Market Survey, covering 2nd Quarter 2012 sales and leasing activity.  The survey takes about 5-7 minutes.  Your individual responses on these important issues will remain completely confidential.  Your responses help inform members and markets about the direction of commercial markets, sales, pricing, and leasing activity.  Please go to http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22G8WRQGPKP by July 27, 2012.  The results of this survey will be emailed to respondents in an advanced report before its official release.
EDUCATION & EVENTS:
Knock Out 6 OREC Required CE Hours in July
The last week of July two OREC required CE categories will be offered at GTAR. 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.)
(BRA): OK Broker Relationships, Monday, July 23, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd (Class Pass Eligible!)
(HOT): Residential Sales Disclosures, Laws and Rules Review, Tuesday, July 24, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd (Class Pass Eligible!)
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
August 2
Photography for REALTORS®
If a picture is worth a thousand words, what’s a bad picture worth? According to the 2010 NAR Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, 98% of home buyers who searched for a home on the Internet found photos to be among the most useful features of REALTOR® websites. In this encore presentation, Dennis McFeely will help you enhance your skills utilizing digital cameras, software editing applications, and Internet hosting platforms to effectively and professionally market your listings. Class is 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For course details course 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.)
August 16
Professional Standards Seminar: Enforcing the Code and Its Standards
Are you a REALTOR® member Interested in serving on GTAR’s Grievance or Professional Standards Committee? Or, would you just like to find out what happens during an arbitration or ethics hearing without being a participant? If you answered yes to either question, then this class is for you! Through lecture, discussion, and case studies, Bruce Aydt, attorney and REALTOR®, will teach the concepts of professional conduct related to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and its enforcement processes. OREC approved for 6 hours required PSC CE credit (OREC will count 3 as PSC and the other 3 as elective); this course also satisfies NAR’s Code of Ethics training requirement. Cost is $30 for members. For course details and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education bar on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.
August 22-23
Broker in Charge Course
If your license type is Broker Manager (BM), Proprietor Broker (BP), or Branch Broker (BB), even if only for ONE day during that license term, your OREC CE requirements are no longer the same as those of a sales associate (SA) or broker associate (BA). From now on, to renew your real estate license, you will be required to complete an OREC 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). Whether you are a one-person office or a gazillion-person office, residential or commercial—this requirement applies to you!  Class is 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. both days; cost is $90; class size is limited to 15. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com.
September 6
Real Estate Agent Safety Training
This year we have a totally NEW Safety Seminar with a national safety expert who is also a former real estate agent! Tracey Hawkins understands first-hand, the dangers faced daily by real estate professionals. Her goal is to reach as many associates and brokers as she can to teach realistic ways to do your job safely. Class is 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Whether you need CE credit or not, this is a class you shouldn’t miss!  OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. For course details course 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.)
Work Smarter to Earn More
The CRS 200: Business Planning & Marketing course from the Council of Residential Specialists will help you create a strong business that will withstand any market condition—while making a profit. In this two-day course with instructor Pat Zaby, you’ll meet other top agents for prime networking opportunities. Find out what works for other pros—and what doesn’t, so you’re not stuck re-inventing the wheel. This course is open to all members whether you are a CRS designee, working on your designation, or just want the information to help you be a better agent. Class is September 17-18, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at GTAR. Course is OREC approved for 16 hours elective CE credit. Early-bird registration price is $250 through August 31; after that date, price will be $275. 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.
NAR is having a “Know Your Ethics Sweepstakes”
REALTORS® who complete the NAR Code of Ethics Training Requirement between July 1 and August 31 will have a chance to win an Apple iPad 3. To enter the Know Your Ethics Sweepstakes, simply complete either of the two NAR Code of Ethics online training programs — for new members of the association or for existing members — successfully by Aug. 31, and you’ll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be notified by phone, mail, or email. (Note: These two NAR Ethics classes do not fulfill OREC’s PSC requirement!)
MLS NOTES:
Try the New TulsaRealtors.mobi
It’s a great “all inclusive” mobile site for MLS and Realist tax data on your mobile device. TulsaRealtors.mobi works with Smartphones and Tablets of ALL kinds—Android, iPhone, iPad, etc.
Now Available: Realist® Mobile App for iPhones and Android
Access the power of Realist while on the go using your Smartphone! Get the details of all the houses in a neighborhood while on the road—instantly and with ease. The days of having to pull a report at the office are history. Realist Mobile® gives you the power to share essential market information with your clients. Download the Realist Mobile® App today: iPhones users, go to the App Store; android users, go to Google Play. Then, login to Realist desktop to create your User Name and password. For more information, click here; for FAQs, click here. Watch your email for a confirmation from realist.info@realist.com.
Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required; space is limited to 14 per class. For more information and to enroll: log on to tulsarealtors.com, click the red Education bar on the Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab, unless otherwise indicated.
Fusion Hands On: Monday, July 30, 2:00-4:00 p.m
 Fusion (Lecture in Training Center):  Tuesday, July 31, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fusion 1 – Hands On: Tuesday, August 7, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Fusion 2 – Hands on: Wednesday, August 8, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Fusion 3 – Hands on: Thursday, August 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m..
GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:
Bureau Proposes Sweeping HUD-1, GFE Changes
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed wholesale changes to the forms used in residential real estate closings. NAR is still analyzing the 1,100-page proposal. Among other things, CFPB is proposing revamping the HUD-1 Settlement Statement, Good Faith Estimate, and Truth in Lending disclosure form. Changes are also proposed to the APR, what and how items are disclosed, and when an initial disclosure must be issued. Public comments are due November 7. More.
A Look at the LIBOR Issue
What's the LIBOR issue all about? A REALTOR® Magazine Q&A can help give some context to what’s happening as regulators look into issues affecting LIBOR rates.

NAR Seeks Cooperation on Rural Eligibility
NAR asked leaders of two House committees to work together to prevent rural communities from losing eligibility for Rural Housing Services loan programs. Some rural communities are at eligibility risk because of growth in nearby metro areas. The definition of rural communities hasn’t been changed in decades and needs to be updated as metro area growth encroaches on rural communities. More.

NAR: Don't Let Rules Smother Home Lending
NAR urged Congress in testimony last week to structure rules so that lenders make safe, affordable loans. NAR Vice President and Liaison to Government Affairs Scott Louser talks about his testimony in this 3-minute video podcast.

Video: $109 Billion to Transportation
President Obama signed a $109 billion reauthorization for transportation programs in the same legislation that reauthorized federal flood insurance two weeks ago. Learn about the transportation part of the law in this 6-minute video with NAR Government Affairs. The money is key to maintaining and constructing new roads, highways, and other transportation infrastructure in states and localities. 

INFORMATION TO USE:
How to Talk About the 3.8% Sales Tax Rumor
Much of the information circulating on the Internet is grossly inaccurate – the tax is not a transfer tax and it will not be imposed on all real estate transactions.  The new tax will apply to high-income households and their “unearned” investment income, including capital gains, dividends, interest, and rents minus expenses.   The 3.8 percent tax will take effect beginning January 1, 2013.   For more talking points click here.

Earn a 2012 NAR Member Profile eProduct
You can earn a copy of the newly updated 2012 NAR Member Profile eProduct (a $19.95 value) in exchange for completing a short survey about your business by July 31 through NAR’s new Member Value Plus (MVP) program. More.
HOM: 3.7 Million Positive Impressions
Media reports and other coverage in the last week totaled 3.7 million positive impressions about home ownership. Access the latest weekly update from NAR Public Affairs on NAR's efforts to remind consumers about what matters most when it comes to home ownership.

Webinar: Help Your Clients Get Jumbo Loans – August 7
You can hear from a loan originator and other industry professionals on helping clients obtain jumbo home mortgage financing and on getting the best rate in a webinar hosted by REALTOR® Magazine and sponsored by PNC. The free webinar is one hour on Tuesday, August 7, at  3 p.m. Eastern Time. Share registration link.

Still Time for Personalized Member Cards
It's not too late for you to get  a personalized 2012 membership card from NAR. You can choose a custom background and feature up to six designations and certifications. Plastic versions are available, too. They just have to log in to the Member Guide on REALTOR.org.

Free Consumer Content: Exterior Paint Guide
The latest free content for your  websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at exterior paints and stains.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION:
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.

Angela O’Malley, Home Sweet Home OK, Inc. (First Publication)




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