Monday, January 28, 2013

GTAR Weekly Facts – January 28, 2013

NOTICES:
 
Congratulations 2012 GTAR Award Winners!
Sales Associate of the Year – Axay Parekh, Keller Williams Realty
REALTOR® of the Year – Allen Stout, OklaHomes Realty, Inc.
Committee Chairperson of the Year – Gordon Everage, McGraw, REALTORS® (Urban Affairs)
Party Pics: 2013 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet
Over 425 GTAR members attended the annual banquet on January 24 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Relive it or see what you missed—courtesy of Obeo—http://www.Obeo.com/765337. Thank you 2013 Banquet Sponsors for making this event possible.
2013 Real Estate Planners Available in GTAR Board Store
Prices range from $19.95 to $39.95. If you want one, don’t wait or you may miss out!
EDUCATION & EVENTS:
January/February CE Classes at GTAR
Don’t wait until the end of your three-year licensing period to start working on your CE hours. As CE classes are scheduled, information and registration will be available on tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, simply click the red Education bar.
TOMORROW, January 29
Residential Contract Basics: 1:00-4:00 p.m.; OREC just approved for req. HOT CE (Class Pass  Eligible)
Brush up on the basics of contract etiquette and become familiar with the intent of contract sections and learn why it is so important to complete sections accurately. This course will benefit sales associates who are new to real estate, as well as associates needing a refresher course on accurately completing the contract of sale. The latest version of the Oklahoma Uniform Contract of Sale of Real Estate and related forms will be used for this class, so the changes effective November 1, 2012 will be included. Click Here for Class Details
MLS Made Easy for Appraisers/REALTORS®: Tuesday, February 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m., elective CE OREC and OREAB (Class Pass  Eligible)
This course will provide practical applications for both appraisers and real estate professionals to use to maximize functionality of the NORES MLS system (Fusion) in conjunction with their business. Click Here for Class Details
Working in Historic Neighborhoods: Wednesday, February 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m., elective CE (Class Pass  Eligible)
Become a historic house specialist! In this encore presentation, members of the Tulsa Preservation Commission will provide you with the tools and information you need to be successful in Tulsa’s historic neighborhoods market. You will leave the class armed with the essential information that your prospective clients need to know about the value of owning and selling historic properties. This presentation will include the new HP zoning designation in process in Maple Ridge! Click Here for Class Details
The New Mortgage Process: A Lender/REALTOR® Partnership: Wednesday, February 20, 9:00 .m.-12:00 p.m., req. HOT CE (Class Pass  Eligible)
The purpose of this course is to define the massive changes to the mortgage industry and its processes over the last few years; highlight the importance of understanding the challenges; and define problems and potential solutions. Click Here for Class Details
GTAR Class Pass—Your Ticket to Learn in 2013!
GTAR's Class Pass GTAR's Class includes admission to the special REALTOR® Appreciation Day (RAD Conference) CE class with Patti Wood on Thursday, April 4, 2013, PLUS any and all regular GTAR CE classes offered during 2013—starting in January—for only $75! For more information and to purchase your GTAR Class Pass, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes, and look for GTAR Class Pass.
February 4-5
Broker in Charge Course
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. both days with instructor Ann Lloyd; lunch provided courtesy of one of GTAR affiliate members. OREC approved for 15 hours required BIC CE credit. Class size is limited to 15. Cost is $90 for GTAR members. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. Click Here for Class Details
Friday, February 8
Give Yourself a Raise!
Attend Tax Strategies for the Real Estate Professional, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the GTAR Training Center. Join us for this easy to learn, fun to apply, and FREE educational seminar presented by Bradford and Company, Inc. Many of us assume our accountants take care of our taxes...but forget that WE are the ones giving them the numbers and records they are using to prepare our tax return. This seminar will help identify between $2,500 and $27,000 in NEW deductions that can be used right away to pocket thousands in tax savings. These deductions are based in tax LAW, but presented in simple English that all of us can easily understand. This non-CE credit seminar is free but registration is required. For more details and online registration: log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes.
March 6
Help Us Shape the Future of Real Estate
GTAR has partnered with the National Association of REALTORS® Strategic Planning Committee to host an industry event called REThink: The Future of Real Estate. Along with your fellow thought leaders, we will be diving into several scenarios describing multiple future worlds, exploring and discussing insights and implications for you, your business, our industry, and beyond. Don’t let the future just happen. Register today to join the conversation. Wednesday, March 6, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel; breakfast will be provided. This FREE event is open to ALL GTAR members. For more information and to register: Log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes.
February 26-27
CRS 201: Listing Strategies
Presented by OK CRS with instructor Jackie Leavenworth, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at OKCMAR (3131 Northwest Expressway, OKC). Learn how to use your MLS to create pricing visuals that will prepare the sellers to position their homes to sell quickly, and much more. To register, contact Genie Vinson at 405-354-6233. Click Here for more information
GTAR/NORES Winter Weather Policy
We are in that time of year when the weather does not always work in our favor; therefore, GTAR/NORES has established the following inclement weather policy for all education classes at GTAR (CE, Computer, New Member Orientation, etc.): If Tulsa Public Schools are closed the day of a scheduled class due to hazardous driving conditions, the GTAR/NORES class is canceled. Depending on the type of class being canceled, the class will either be rescheduled for a future date or a full refund will be issued. In addition, for those of you who live outside the Tulsa area, if schools in your area are closed the day of class or you are uncomfortable making the drive, you can still receive a refund, but you MUST call or email us that day (day of the class). You cannot just be a “no show” and expect a refund. Please be sure to check one of the local news channels the night before and/or morning of a scheduled class for school closings.
MLS NOTES:
Please Change the Phone Number Programmed in Your Display Key
The new number is 887-840-6174. To update your key: hit enter to activate the key, scroll down to esync phone number, hit enter and choose 1.  Enter the new number (18878406174) and hit enter. Your key should show “successful.” Update the second phone number using the same information except add a 9 before the number: (918878406174). If you have any questions, please call Gloria at 918-663-7500.
Upcoming Computer Classes
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 3 (Hands-on): Thursday, January 31, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Effective February 1, 2013, NORES will Begin Selling the New iBox BT Keybox
iBox BT is equipped with both Bluetooth® and infrared technologies. Supra's infrared keys—the ActiveKEY and DisplayKEY—also communicate with the iBox BT. The price per box will be $110.00 plus tax, and it will be a warranted product. Although we will not be doing a keybox exchange at this time, we will be “phasing in” the new iBox BT keyboxes with the current member inventory prior to an exchange. We have a limited number of iBoxes for sale at the current price of $90.00 plus tax. After February 1, we will no longer sell the iBox keybox, but will continue to honor the warranty.  If you have a bad/broken iBox, it will be replaced with another iBox (not an iBox BT). 
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
January 31: Deadline for Nominations
GTAR’s 2012 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year
Do you know a Commercial REALTOR® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® who promotes the interest of the commercial real estate profession, the community, and their clients and customers? Nominate him/her for Commercial REALTOR® of the Year; it’s easy and almost anyone can do it (no self nominations are allowed). The winner will be announced at the GTAR Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update, March 13 at the Tulsa Renaissance. Fill-in nomination forms are available online at tulsarealtors.com or Click Here.
March 13—Save the Date!
2013 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update, 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. Details and registration coming soon!
GOVERNMENT/LEGAL ISSUES:
Rules Regulate High-Interest Rate Loans
Creditors will have to have a complete report on a physical inspection of the property by a licensed or certified appraiser when making high-interest rate home loans, the federal government says in final rules released by banking regulators. The rules implement changes in the big Wall Street reform act enacted three years ago and set out requirements for protecting consumers of high-priced loans. The rules exempt certain loans, and include provisions to protect against fraudulent property flipping. Effective date is January 18, 2014.
FHA Webinar on Loans for Rehab, Disaster Victims
FHA will be explaining the ins and outs of Sec. 203(h) Home Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims and 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance in a webinar on Thursday, January 24, 12:00  p.m., Central Time. The training is suitable for brokers, agents, loan officers, or anyone interested in learning more about FHA single-family insured loans. Registration.
Beware of Real Estate Practitioner Scam Site
There is a website of suspicious origin is misusing the REALTOR® trademark in what seems to be an attempt to get money from real estate practitioners. The site, REALTOR®-complaints.com, supposedly publishes consumer complaints about real estate agents, but an investigation by the New Jersey association of REALTORS® showed a string of complaints against its members, all using similar phrasing. "This leads to suspicion that these are not all public-submitted complaints," says Lauren Castellano, director of communications for the New Jersey Association of REALTORS®. More

INFORMATION TO USE:
Home Sales End 2012 Up 9.2 Percent
Existing-home sales eased in December but for the year sales ended well above a year ago, NAR says. Total sales in 2012 were the highest in five years, while the annual price rose the most since 2005. Total existing-home sales declined 1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.94 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.99 million in November, but are 12.8 percent above the 4.38 million-unit level in December 2011. The preliminary annual total for existing-home sales in 2012 was 4.65 million, up 9.2 percent from 4.26 million in 2011. It was the highest volume since 2007, when it reached 5.03 million, and the strongest increase since 2004. More
Free Consumer Content: Winter Window Care
The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at winter window care and sealing.

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.
REALTOR®:
John Rupe, Jr., NAI Petrous, LLC (First Publication)


Monday, January 21, 2013

GTAR Weekly Facts – January 21, 2013

NOTICES:
 
SOLD OUT!
The GTAR/NORES Installation and Awards Banquet this Thursday, January 24 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is officially sold out. If you made reservations, you will receive an email confirmation with details such as directions, table assignment, etc., no later than this Wednesday afternoon. 
January 24
GTAR/NORES Office Hours
The GTAR/NORES office will be closed from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the annual GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet.  
Maintenance to Tulsarealtors.com
We will be performing maintenance to the tulsarealtors.com website on January 24 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. During that time, you will not be able to access the main tulsarealtors.com site; however, you will be able to access Marketlinx Tempo, Fusion, and email. (Note: ZipForm will not be accessible from the maintenance page.)

EDUCATION & EVENTS:
GTAR Class Pass—Your Ticket to Learn in 2013!
GTAR's Class Pass GTAR's Class includes admission to the special REALTOR® Appreciation Day (RAD Conference) CE class with Patti Wood on Thursday, April 4, 2013, PLUS any and all regular GTAR CE classes offered during 2013—starting in January—for only $75! For more information and to purchase your GTAR Class Pass, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes, and look for GTAR Class Pass.
January/February CE Classes at GTAR
Don’t wait until the end of your three-year licensing period to start working on your CE hours. As CE classes are scheduled, information and registration will be available on tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, simply click the red Education bar.
Fair Housing and Ethical Practices: Wednesday, January 23, 1:00-4:00 p.m., req. FHR CE (Class Pass  Eligible)
NEW! Residential Contract Basics: Tuesday, January 29, 1:00-4:00 p.m.; OREC just approved for req. HOT CE (Class Pass  Eligible)
Brush up on the basics of contract etiquette and become familiar with the intent of contract sections and learn why it is so important to complete sections accurately. This course will benefit sales associates who are new to real estate, as well as associates needing a refresher course on accurately completing the contract of sale. The latest version of the Oklahoma Uniform Contract of Sale of Real Estate and related forms will be used for this class, so the changes effective November 1, 2012 will be included. Click Here for Class Details
MLS Made Easy for Appraisers/REALTORS®: Tuesday, February 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m., elective CE OREC and OREAB (Class Pass  Eligible)
This course will provide practical applications for both appraisers and real estate professionals to use to maximize functionality of the NORES MLS system (Fusion) in conjunction with their business. Click Here for Class Details
Working in Historic Neighborhoods: Wednesday, February 13, 1:00-4:00 p.m., elective CE (Class Pass  Eligible)
Become a historic house specialist! In this encore presentation, members of the Tulsa Preservation Commission will provide you with the tools and information you need to be successful in Tulsa’s historic neighborhoods market. You will leave the class armed with the essential information that your prospective clients need to know about the value of owning and selling historic properties. This presentation will include the new HP zoning designation in process in Maple Ridge! Click Here for Class Details
The New Mortgage Process: A Lender/REALTOR® Partnership: Wednesday, February 20, 1:00-4:00 p.m., req. HOT CE (Class Pass  Eligible)
The purpose of this course is to define the massive changes to the mortgage industry and its processes over the last few years; highlight the importance of understanding the challenges; and define problems and potential solutions. Click Here for Class Details
February 4-5
Broker in Charge Course
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. both days with instructor Ann Lloyd; lunch provided courtesy of one of GTAR affiliate members. OREC approved for 15 hours required BIC CE credit. Class size is limited to 15. Cost is $90 for GTAR members. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. Click Here for Class Details
Friday, February 8
Give Yourself a Raise!
Attend Tax Strategies for the Real Estate Professional, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the GTAR Training Center. Join us for this easy to learn, fun to apply, and FREE educational seminar presented by Bradford and Company, Inc. Many of us assume our accountants take care of our taxes...but forget that WE are the ones giving them the numbers and records they are using to prepare our tax return. This seminar will help identify between $2,500 and $27,000 in NEW deductions that can be used right away to pocket thousands in tax savings. These deductions are based in tax LAW, but presented in simple English that all of us can easily understand. This non-CE credit seminar is free but registration is required. For more details and online registration: log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes.
March 6
Help Us Shape the Future of Real Estate
GTAR has partnered with the National Association of REALTORS® Strategic Planning Committee to host an industry event called REThink: The Future of Real Estate. Along with your fellow thought leaders, we will be diving into several scenarios describing multiple future worlds, exploring and discussing insights and implications for you, your business, our industry, and beyond. Don’t let the future just happen. Register today to join the conversation. Wednesday, March 6, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel; breakfast will be provided. This FREE event is open to ALL GTAR members. For more information and to register: Log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes.
February 26-27
CRS 201: Listing Strategies
Presented by OK CRS with instructor Jackie Leavenworth, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at OKCMAR (3131 Northwest Expressway, OKC). Learn how to use your MLS to create pricing visuals that will prepare the sellers to position their homes to sell quickly, and much more. To register, contact Genie Vinson at 405-354-6233. Click Here for more information
GTAR/NORES Winter Weather Policy
We are in that time of year when the weather does not always work in our favor; therefore, GTAR/NORES has established the following inclement weather policy for all education classes at GTAR (CE, Computer, New Member Orientation, etc.): If Tulsa Public Schools are closed the day of a scheduled class due to hazardous driving conditions, the GTAR/NORES class is canceled. Depending on the type of class being canceled, the class will either be rescheduled for a future date or a full refund will be issued. In addition, for those of you who live outside the Tulsa area, if schools in your area are closed the day of class or you are uncomfortable making the drive, you can still receive a refund, but you MUST call or email us that day (day of the class). You cannot just be a “no show” and expect a refund. Please be sure to check one of the local news channels the night before and/or morning of a scheduled class for school closings.
MLS NOTES:
Please Change the Phone Number Programmed in Your Display Key
The new number is 887-840-6174. To update your key: hit enter to activate the key, scroll down to esync phone number, hit enter and choose 1.  Enter the new number (18878406174) and hit enter. Your key should show “successful.” Update the second phone number using the same information except add a 9 before the number: (918878406174). If you have any questions, please call Gloria at 918-663-7500.
December 2012 Home Sales Stats Now Available
Time to Update the Phone Number in Your Display Key
The new number is 887-840-6174. To update your key: hit enter to activate the key, scroll down to esync phone number, hit enter and choose 1.  Enter the new number (887-840-6174) and hit enter. Your key should show successful. If you have any questions, please call Gloria at 918-663-7500.
Upcoming Computer Classes
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.
Realist Tax System: Wednesday, January 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fusion 2 (Hands-on): Friday, January 25, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Thursday, January 31, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Effective February 1, 2013, NORES will Begin Selling the New iBox BT Keybox
iBox BT is equipped with both Bluetooth® and infrared technologies. Supra's infrared keys—the ActiveKEY and DisplayKEY—also communicate with the iBox BT. The price per box will be $110.00 plus tax, and it will be a warranted product. Although we will not be doing a keybox exchange at this time, we will be “phasing in” the new iBox BT keyboxes with the current member inventory prior to an exchange. We have a limited number of iBoxes for sale at the current price of $90.00 plus tax. After February 1, we will no longer sell the iBox keybox, but will continue to honor the warranty.  If you have a bad/broken iBox, it will be replaced with another iBox (not an iBox BT). 
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
January 31: Deadline for Nominations
GTAR’s 2012 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year
Do you know a Commercial REALTOR® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® who promotes the interest of the commercial real estate profession, the community, and their clients and customers? Nominate him/her for Commercial REALTOR® of the Year; it’s easy and almost anyone can do it (no self nominations are allowed). The winner will be announced at the GTAR Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update, March 13 at the Tulsa Renaissance. Fill-in nomination forms are available online at tulsarealtors.com or Click Here.
March 13—Save the Date!
2013 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. Details and registration coming soon!
Real Estate Provisions in “Fiscal Cliff” Bill
On January 1 both the Senate and House passed H.R. 8 legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff.” The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on January. 2. Read the Realtor.org summary of real estate related provisions in the bill. Read more
Commercial Intelligence Podcast: How to Obtain Successful Negotiation Skills
In this latest podcast Barry Elms, President of Strategic Negotiations International, shares real life examples to help commercial practitioners gain the knowledge needed for successful negotiation skills. Click Here for more information
RLI Classes: 1031 Exchanges, Land Brokerage
February "no-travel" classes from the REALTORS® Land Institute look at tax deferred 1031 exchanges, updated to reflect "fiscal cliff" tax changes, and how to tap into the agriculture land market. Under these no-travel "hybrid" courses, you can participate online and in optional instructor-led conference calls. More info is online or by calling 800-441-5263.
What new technologies have impacted Commercial Real Estate?
The Urban Land Institute recently asked some of their members what technologies are making an impact in commercial real estate. Some of these answers may surprise you! Read more
November Commercial Real Estate Posts 40% Hike in Sales Year-Over-Year
A Real Capital Analytics set of figures put the year-over-year increase in November 2012 at 40% against November 2011, with sales volume hitting $19.5 billion and the year-to-date total at $225 billion. Check out this blog post on The Source for more information. Click Here

GOVERNMENT/LEGAL ISSUES:
QM Rules Take Broad Approach
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its long-awaited qualified mortgage (QM) rule and while NAR has some concerns, on the whole the rule is expected to help bring certainty to the market by providing clear mortgage standards.  The QM rule takes effect in one year and takes a broad approach to defining a qualified mortgage, which is a mortgage that’s been underwritten in such a way that the borrower has a reasonable expectation of paying it back. The rule is part of the sweeping Wall Street reform law enacted about three years ago to help prevent the kind of lending excesses that led to the mortgage crisis several years ago.
One matter on which NAR will be seeking more clarification is a 3 percent cap on fees and points to lenders. More about how this cap will be implemented is needed because it could make it difficult for real estate brokerages with mortgage affiliates, independent mortgage bankers, and mortgage brokers to serve all of their clients’ needs. NAR is prepared to seek a regulatory solution as well as work with members of Congress to seek a legislative solution if the limit remains a problem after CFPB provides clarification. Access an NAR summary.
Tax Implicationsof Fiscal Cliff Law
Mark Levine of the University of Denver will talk about tax issues affecting real estate in the "fiscal cliff" law enacted two weeks ago in a REALTOR® Land Institute webinar January 23 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
INFORMATION TO USE:
Start the New Year with Great Savings from FedEx Office
Help attract more clients in 2013 with new colorful, professional printed marketing materials that leave an impression. Pass along the savings of 40 percent off on core printing and copying and 30 percent off on signs and banners and other services at FedEx Office, a REALTOR Benefits® Participant. Pricing available through May 31, 2013, and enrollment is free. More information.
Free Consumer Content: Winter Remodeling Projects
The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at how to plan winter remodeling projects.
Phipps to Discuss Generational Literacy in Webinar
NAR Past President Ron Phipps and son Matt Phipps will talk about closing the generation gap between younger and older real estate professionals in a one-hour webinar on February 19, at 11:00 a.m., Central Time. Receive a copy of "Mind the Gap," a role-playing game, with registration


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