Monday, February 18, 2013

GTAR Weekly Facts – February 18, 2013

NOTICES:
January 2013 Home Sales Stats Now Available
iBoxBT is Here!
We have received the new iBoxBT and will begin selling them on Monday, February 18. The cost of the new iBoxBT is $110.00 plus tax. Effective TODAY, Monday, February 18, we will no longer sell the iBox (old box) nor will we buy the iBox back. We will honor the warranty; if your iBox is bad, we will replace it with another iBox. You can sell your iBox to another agent, just be sure you transfer ownership at GTAR. Keybox transfer forms are online.
Win an iPad!
All you have to do is attend GTAR's REThink: The Future of Real Estate for a chance to win. REThink will be Wednesday, March 6, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel (41st and Garnett); we'll even provide a nice buffet breakfast at 8:30 a.m. We need your help to shape the future of real estate. You may have the next big idea! GTAR has partnered with the National Association of REALTORS® Strategic Planning Committee to host this event, specifically designed to encourage dialogue and to open minds about thinking big for our future. We believe this is the best way to determine what the future holds for us, and, more importantly, how we would like to shape the future for our industry. 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. This FREE event is open to ALL GTAR members—brokers, associates, affiliates—residential and commercial. Registering is EASY! Simply go to the homepage of tulsarealtors.com and click on the rethink logo at the top of the page, or CLICK HERE (All registration is through NAR not GTAR.)
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:
Upcoming 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.
THIS WEEK! Wednesday, February 20
The New Mortgage Process: A Lender/REALTOR® Partnership:
9:00 .m.-12:00 p.m., OREC approved: required HOT CE credit (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
Monday, March 4
Residential Sales Disclosures, Laws and Rules Update
1:00-4:00 p.m., OREC approved: 3 hours required HOT CE credit (Class Pass  Eligible)
This 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 Class Details
Thursday, April 4
Plan Now to Attend GTAR’s Most Popular Annual Event!
REALTOR® Appreciation Day at UMAC! Start your day with a very special CE class being taught by body language expert Patti Wood: Success Signals in Selling: Body Language and Sales Techniques, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Called “The Gold Standard of Body Language Experts” by the Washington Post, and credited in the New York Times with bringing body language to the national consciousness, Patti Wood is a true expert. The author of eight books, including her recently released book, “SNAP Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma” Patti speaks to Fortune 500 companies, law enforcement, and other businesses. You can see her regularly on CNN, Fox News, and Fox Business Network, PBS, Good Morning America, The Discovery Channel, Dr. Drew, Bravo, and The History Channel. In the past few months, you may have seen her on Nancy Grace, Entertainment Tonight, Prime Time News, and The Talk. She is quoted in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Bloomberg Business Week, Fortune, Esquire, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and People.
Pre-registration cost for GTAR members is only $25—but don’t wait to register—we expect this class to sell out! If you purchase a GTAR Class Pass, the cost is included (see details below.) After class, head over to the gymnasium for the annual free Trade Show brought to you by our wonderful affiliate members. Visit lots of booths filled with information and services, while enjoying free food, and as usual, there will be tons of door prizes given away during the show. (You do not have to attend class to attend the Trade Show!) (There is no cost to attend this special meeting.)
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.
GTAR/NORES Winter Weather Policy
If Tulsa Public Schools are closed the day of a scheduled class or committee meeting due to hazardous driving conditions, the GTAR/NORES class/meeting 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 the case of a committee meeting, the meeting will be rescheduled (check your email for a new meeting notice). 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.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
Do You Work in Tulsa’s Commercial Real Estate Market?
If you do, plan to attend the 2013 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update! Presented by GTAR’s REALTORS® Commercial Alliance; Wednesday, March 13: 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. Enjoy a buffet breakfast while brokers from area companies provide an in-depth review of activity in each commercial market segment—office, retail, industrial, land/development, and multi-family—over the last year, as well as a forecast for the coming year to help identify trends and determine growth areas. In addition, certain segments will feature an owner/investor who will highlight one specific project, either just completed or currently in development, and discuss why the Tulsa area was chosen, as well as why the specific property or building was chosen to buy, lease or develop. The program will conclude with the announcement of GTAR’s 2012 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year. GTAR members: Take advantage of early-bird savings! Pay only $40 through March 1; after, price is $60; non-member price is: $60. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. 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.
Commercial Investors Adjust to 'New Normal'
Investors are adjusting to the sluggish recovery and recognize the need to rethink expectations to maximize commercial real estate investment performance and yield in the continuing slow-growth economy, a report says. Expectations and Market Realities in Real Estate 2013: Turn the Page is an annual report published jointly by Real Estate Research Corporation, Deloitte, and NAR.
MLS NOTES:
February 25
TulsaRealtors WebMail (Ipswitch) Upgrade/Maintenance
TulsaRealtors WebMail (Ipswitch) is getting an upgrade on February 25. You may experience some downtime starting around 9:00 p.m. to midnight on that day. Some maintenance may cause downtime into early morning on February 26. If you are still using TulsaRealtors WebMail, please plan accordingly. The WebMail program will get a new look and some much needed maintenance.
Not using your TulsaRealtors email address? Consider forwarding or canceling your TulsaRealtors email address.
To Forward: Go to mail.tulsarealtors.com and log in.
Click on Preferences on the lower left.
Type in your forwarding address in the space for forwarding; click Save on the upper left.
To cancel your TulsaRealtors.com email, contact GTAR at 918-663-7500, or email wmcancellation@tulsarealtors.com.

February: 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 1 (Hands-on): Wednesday, February 27, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Fusion 2 (Hands-on): Monday, March 4, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Friday, March 8, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Realist Tax System: Tuesday, March 12, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
GOVERNMENT/LEGAL ISSUES:
Obama Puts Tax Reform, Mortgages on Agenda
President Barack Obama in his first State of the Union speech since winning election to a second term said the federal government needs to streamline rules that are making home purchases and mortgage refinances too hard for creditworthy households. He also urged Congress to tackle tax reform, despite all the other priorities on its agenda, and he said homes and commercial buildings must be part of the country’s effort to improve energy efficiency. Read REALTOR® Magazine coverage
CFPB Finalizes Loan Originator Rules
Rules on loan originator compensation published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau tracks Wall Street reform legislation closely, but in a nod to NAR concerns over seller financing, the rules provide a more flexible exemption for individuals that sell only one property in a 12-month period. They also don't require sellers to get proof of documentation of a borrower’s ability to repay. The rules take effect January 10, 2014.
Proceed Cautiously on FHA Reforms, NAR says
NAR is urging lawmakers to use restraint in any FHA changes because of the important role the agency plays in the home ownership market as they consider action to shore up the agency’s reserves, which have recently come under pressure.
Refi Legislation Will Help Market, NAR Says
NAR is supporting legislation to make it easier for borrowers to refinance their mortgage and take advantage of low interest rates. "The Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act of 2013" would also prohibit the GSEs from charging upfront fees to refinance loans they already guarantee. It also requires Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop additional streamlined alternatives to manual appraisals, eliminating a significant barrier and reducing cost and time for borrowers and lenders, among other things.
INFORMATION TO USE:  
Save up to 25% on PCs and more from Lenovo®
For a limited time, REALTOR Benefits® Partner, Lenovo is extending employee pricing to NAR members, for savings up to 25% on tablets, notebooks, PC’s, accessories and more. Free ground shipping included on all web orders. Take advantage of this opportunity to upgrade your office or home with the latest technology.
Free Consumer Content: Tips to Heat Home for Less
The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at tips to heat your home for less.


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