Weekly Facts Blog - August 25, 2008

REMINDER: The GTAR/NORES Office will be Closed Monday, September 1 for Labor Day.

This Week: Unlock Your Market’s Potential!
By 2011, minority buying power in the U.S. is expected to approach $3 trillion! Real estate professionals who adapt to increasing cultural diversity in the market and who wisely plan to meet the needs of diverse clients gain a competitive edge and expand opportunities. The National Association of REALTORS®’ At Home with Diversity® Certification course addresses issues of diversity, fair housing, and cultural differences. GTAR is offering At Home with Diversity® Wednesday, August 27, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Also, earn 3 hours required fair housing (FHR) CE credit and 3 hours elective from OREC. Cost is $75. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/AHWD-Flyer08.pdf

This Week: Last Chance to Save $25!
CRS 210: Building an Exceptional Customer Referral Base
Refocus your business plan to a customer service centered, repeat, and referral business. Identify the expectations of the “new consumer,” the “new behaviors” necessary to meet those expectations, and specific systems to make your business more productive, profitable, and enjoyable. This two-day Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) course is Thursday and Friday, September 18 and 19, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at GTAR. Cost is $250 through August 31, but jumps to $275 after. Also, earn 16 hours of elective CE credit from OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/CRS210.pdf

Sharpen Your Safety Skills!
Showing real estate to prospective buyers and tenants who are virtual strangers can make you susceptible to becoming a victim of violent crime. Find out how you can protect yourself and your clients by attending GTAR’s Safety Seminar: Scams, Shams & Shenanigans, Thursday, September 4, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with guest speakers, KOTV News at 5 Anchor, Lori Fullbright and CEO, Rick Brinkley of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Oklahoma. Earn 3 hours required (HOT) CE credit from OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/SafetySeminar090408.pdf

Safety Tip #2:“After You…”
When showing a home, always have your prospect walk in front of you. Don’t lead them, but rather, direct them from a position slightly behind them. You can gesture for them to go ahead of you and say, for example, “The master suite is in the back of the house.” (All Safety Tips are from the National Association of REALTORS®.)

Safety Tip #4: Protect Your Clients
Warn your clients that not all agents, buyers, and sellers are who they say they are. Strangers who stop by unannounced should be asked to make an appointment with the REALTOR®. Stress that your clients should never show a home without the presence of an agent. (All Safety Tips are from the National Association of REALTORS®.)

Know What a Tax Deferred 1031 Exchange is and How It Can Benefit You?
Find out on Thursday, September 11, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at GTAR. Carmine DiFulvio, senior vice president of First American Exchange Company in Las Vegas, Nevada and Certified Exchange Specialist will be teaching 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges: A Detailed Look. If you are involved in the commercial real estate market, this course is for you. Mr. DiFulvio will be discussing how 1031 Exchanges work, financial requirements, cash-out rules, timeframes, qualified intermediaries, and much more. Pending 3 hours elective CE credit with OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/1031Exchange.pdf

Technology Tools to Build Your Business
Increase your marketing and lead generation capabilities using Publisher and PowerPoint 2007. Technology Trainer and Consultant, Michael Tritthart will be at GTAR Friday, September 12 to teach two courses: Real Estate Marketing Using Publisher 2007, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and Real Estate Marketing Using PowerPoint 2007, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Cost for each class is $15 pre-registered and $20 the day of class. Both courses are currently pending elective CE credit approval with OREC. Register at tulsarealtors.com; click here for course details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/TechTools.pdf

Access Bartlesville Keyboxes with Your Tulsa Key
You can now access the Bartlesville keyboxes with your Tulsa key. Bring your Tulsa key to GTAR for programming; then take your key to the Bartlesville Association to be added to their system. Questions? Call 663-7500 and ask for Gloria.

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log on to tulsarealtors.com; under Member Resources, click Education-Enroll for Classes, then click Register in Classes. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

ZipForm Online: Tuesday, August 26, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 1: Wednesday, August 27, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Wednesday, September 3, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3 – Prospect Gateway: Friday, September 5, 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.

Terry Warren, d/b/a Oklahoma Lake and Land.com (First Publication)
Charity Wooden, d/b/a Keller Williams Realty – Bartlesville (First Publication)
Nancy Ballard, associated with Pelican Agency (Second Publication)
Suzanne Watson Langford, associated with McGraw, REALTORS® (Second Publication)