Weekly Facts Blog – March 2, 2009

Now in Effect - Increase in NORES User Fees
Attention All Residential MLS and Supra Key Users: The NORES Board of Directors approved a proposal to raise the Key User fee by $1.50 per month and the MLS User fee by $5.00 per month; this total increase of $6.50 per month will be reflected in the March 1 billing. This is the first user fee increase in nine years (since 2000). Over the last few years, NORES has absorbed the increases in the cost of doing business, as well as the cost of recently added services, such as the Realist Tax System and Mapping. The Directors felt that NORES could no longer continue to absorb the increases without compromising the services provided to our members.

THIS WEEK!
Thursday, March 5
Don’t Become a Statistic!
Attend GTAR’s semi-annual Safety Seminar: Don’t be a Victim. Protect Your Most Valuable Asset – YOU! 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Captain, Tracie Lewis of the Tulsa Police Department. The very nature of showing real estate to prospective buyers and tenants who are virtual strangers can make licensees, both men and women, susceptible to becoming victims of violent crimes. This course will include a summary of basic safety practices for real estate professionals; current scams in the Tulsa area; identity theft; computer and cell phone safety, and more. OREC Approved: 3 hours required HOT CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

THIS WEEK!
Thursday, March 5
Learn How to Work with Different Generations
Attend GTAR’s new sales Associate Forum, How to Work with Different Generations, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with special guest speaker, Rick Brinkley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau. This forum is free to members but registration is required. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. On the main Member Services page, click the red Education button. If you are interested in attending, please register! If we do not have at least 30 registered by Tuesday morning March 3, we will have to cancel the forum.

Wednesday, March 11
2009 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update - 10th Anniversary
Don't miss the premier educational event of the year for commercial real estate professionals or any real estate professionals interested in learning what’s happened and will be happening in the Tulsa area’s commercial market. This year's keynote speaker is Dr. John S. Baen, professor of Real Estate at the University of North Texas, as well as, practicing commercial real estate broker, Certified Real Estate Appraiser, Certified Right-of-Way Agent, author and expert witness/consultant. Dr. Baen has authored over 70 articles, five books/texts and is currently serving as the American Real Estate Society (ARES) representative as Director of the International Real Estate Society (IRES). New this year: Mike Craddock will give an update on the Hotel/Hospitality market segment.

The Commercial Market Update will be at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel; buffet breakfast and registration begin at 7:30 a.m. and speaker presentations begin at 8:00 a.m. Cost is $65. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit and OREAB approved for 3 hours CE credit. For more information and to register online with Visa or MC, log on to www.tulsarealtors.com; form the main Member Services page, click the red Education button, then click Register for Classes; you can also register by calling 663-7500. Click here for event details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/2009CMU.pdf

Thursday, March 12
Do You Understand How the Abstracting Process Works?
Attend GTAR’s new Sales Associate Forum, The Abstracting Process, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with special guest, Karen Burnette of FirsTitle & Abstract Services. This forum is free to members but registration is required. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. On the main Member Services page, click the red Education button.

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education Button on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

MarketLinx 1: Tuesday, March 3, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Wednesday, March 4, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WYQ? (What’s Your Question): Friday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Prospect Gateway: Monday, March 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Congratulations 2008 GTAR Award Winners!
REALTOR® of the Year – Sherry Lewis with Keller Williams Realty
Sales Associate of the Year – Cindy Read with RE/MAX Executives

For more information on the award winners, check out the March issue of the GTAR World newsletter, which will be online very soon; you will receive a link to the newsletter via email as soon as it’s available .

Thursday, April 9
Mark Your Calendars for REALTOR® Appreciation Day!
Plan now to attend GTAR’s most popular annual event! Start your day by earning 3 hours elective CE credit with a GTAR favorite—national speaker, author, and consultant, Jan Hargrave, who will be teaching Understanding the Importance of Nonverbal Communication. You won’t want to miss her presentation; 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at UMAC in the Redskin Room. After class, head on 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. Look for more information coming soon in the March GTAR World newsletter and online at tulsarealtors.com.

Green Building Low Impact Development…What’s in It for You?
Wednesday, April 1, 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. at the Home Builders Association; hosted by HBA and The Tulsa County Conservation District, Tulsa Area Conservation Foundation, and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Cost is $85 (includes lunch) if registered before March 20 and $100 after. For more information and to register, call 918-280-1595 or email tulsaccd@conservation.ok.gov

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.

Richard K. Stevenson, d/b/a Richard K. Stevenson (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – February 23, 2009

Starting March 1, 2009
Increase in NORES User Fees
Attention All Residential MLS and Supra Key Users: In the January meeting, the NORES Board of Directors approved a proposal to raise the Key User fee by $1.50 per month and the MLS User fee by $5.00 per month; this total increase of $6.50 per month will be reflected in the March 1 billing. This is the first user fee increase in nine years (since 2000). Over the last few years, NORES has absorbed the increases in the cost of doing business, as well as the cost of recently added services, such as the Realist Tax System and Mapping. The Directors felt that NORES could no longer continue to absorb the increases without compromising the services provided to our members.

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, February 25
Emerging Issues in Real Estate Finance
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Jason Oelrich. 2008 was a year of unprecedented sweeping changes in the real estate finance industry, and the U.S. economy as a whole. Be prepared for a successful 2009 by attending this informative update on emerging issues related to FHA financing, Short Sale techniques and pitfalls, proposed changes to RESPA, new appraisal requirements, new mortgage product developments, and an outlook on interest rates for the coming year. OREC approved: 3 hours required HOT CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE $$
Wednesday, March 11
2009 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update
Cost is $50 if registered by February 27; after that date, cost is $65. This is the tenth year for this event, which has become the educational event of the year for commercial real estate professionals or any real estate professionals who are interested in learning about what’s happened and will be happening in the Tulsa area’s commercial market. New this year: The Hotel/Hospitality market segment has been added. The Commercial Market Update will be at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel; buffet breakfast and registration begin at 7:30 a.m. and speaker presentations begin at 8:00 a.m. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit and OREAB approved for 3 hours CE credit. For more information and to register online with Visa or MC, log on to www.tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click the red Education button, then click Register for Classes; you can also register by calling 663-7500. Click here for event details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/2009CMU.pdf

Thursday, March 5
Don’t Become a Statistic!
Attend GTAR’s semi-annual Safety Seminar: Don’t be a Victim. Protect Your Most Valuable Asset – YOU! 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Captain, Tracie Lewis of the Tulsa Police Department. The very nature of showing real estate to prospective buyers and tenants who are virtual strangers can make licensees, both men and women, susceptible to becoming victims of violent crimes. This course will include a summary of basic safety practices for real estate professionals; current scams in the Tulsa area; identity theft; computer and cell phone safety, and more. OREC Approved: 3 hours required HOT CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

Thursday, March 5
Learn How to Work with Different Generations
Attend GTAR’s new Sales Associate Forum, How to Work with Different Generations, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with special guest speaker, Rick Brinkley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau. This forum is free to members but registration is required. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. On the main Member Services page, click the red Education button. (Note: This forum does not qualify for CE credit.)

Thursday, March 12
Do You Understand How the Abstracting Process Works?
Attend GTAR’s new Sales Associate Forum, The Abstracting Process, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with special guest, Karen Burnette of FirsTitle & Abstract Services. This forum is free to members but registration is required. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. On the main Member Services page, click the red Education button. (Note: These forums do not qualify for CE credit.)

What Does the New Stimulus Package Mean to the Real Estate Industry?
H.R. 1, the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” was signed into law by the President on February 17, 2009. In the end, the elements of NAR’s housing agenda were included. Congress and the President have announced that a finance and housing package (including tax provisions) will be the next “big” initiative, so Congress has by no means finished its work as it affects the housing industry and REALTORS®. For more information, including the provisions included in the bill, go to www.REALTOR.org or click on the following link: http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/american_recovery_reinvestment_act_home?lid=ronav0019

Pictures from the Banquet
Thanks to Obeo, we have a lot of great pictures from the 2009 GTAR/NORES Presidents’ Inaugural Banquet held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame on February 6. To view the photos, click on the following link: www.obeo.com/519469

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education Button on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

Realist Tax System: Tuesday, February 24, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 1: Tuesday, March 3, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Wednesday, March 4, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WYQ? (What’s Your Question): Friday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Prospect Gateway: Monday, March 9, 2:00 – 4:00 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.

Richard K. Stevenson, d/b/a Richard K. Stevenson (First Publication)

GTAR/NORES Inclement 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, Post Licensing, etc.): If Tulsa Public Schools are closed the day of a scheduled class, the GTAR/NORES class is cancelled. Depending on the type of class being cancelled, the class will either be rescheduled for a future date or a full refund will be issued. Please be sure to check one of the local news channels the night before and/or morning of a scheduled class for school closings.

Weekly Facts Blog – February 16, 2009

Starting March 1, 2009
Increase in NORES User Fees
Attention All Residential MLS and Supra Key Users: In the January meeting, the NORES Board of Directors approved a proposal to raise the Key User fee by $1.50 per month and the MLS User fee by $5.00 per month; this total increase of $6.50 per month will be reflected in the March 1 billing. This is the first user fee increase in nine years (since 2000). Over the last few years, NORES has absorbed the increases in the cost of doing business, as well as the cost of recently added services, such as the Realist Tax System and Mapping. The Directors felt that NORES could no longer continue to absorb the increases without compromising the services provided to our members.

THIS WEEK!
February 16 & 17
Get Answers to Your Xceligent Questions
I can’t find a listing by entering its address - what’s the deal? How do I add my listing in the CIE? How do I use my photos instead of Xceligent’s default image? How do I keep the listing associates name from showing when emailing to my client? Classes are Monday and Tuesday, February 16 and 17; click here for details and registration: CIE Training on Xceligent

Wednesday, February 25
Emerging Issues in Real Estate Finance
New course – OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Jason Oelrich. 2008 was a year of unprecedented sweeping changes in the real estate finance industry, and the U.S. economy as a whole. Be prepared for a successful 2009 by attending this informative update on emerging issues related to FHA financing, Short Sale techniques and pitfalls, proposed changes to RESPA, new appraisal requirements, new mortgage product developments, and an outlook on interest rates for the coming year. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

Thursday, March 5
Safety Seminar: Don’t be a victim. Protect your most valuable asset - YOU!
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Captain, Tracie Lewis of the Tulsa Police Department. The very nature of showing real estate to prospective buyers and tenants who are virtual strangers can make licensees, both men and women, susceptible to becoming victims of violent crimes. This course will include a summary of basic safety practices for real estate professionals; current scams in the Tulsa area; identity theft; computer and cell phone safety, and more. OREC Approved: 3 hours required HOT CE credit (If you've already taken this Safety Seminar with Tracy for credit in your current licensing period, you cannot receive credit) Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

March 5 and 12
Two New Sales Associate Forums – FREE to Members
Thursday, March 5, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – How to Work with Different Generations with special guest speaker, Rick Brinkley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau, and Thursday, March 12, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – The Abstracting Process with special guest, Karen Burnette of FirsTitle & Abstract Services. These forums are free to members but registration is required. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. On the main Member Services page, click the red Education button. (Note: These forums do not qualify for CE credit.)

Wednesday, March 11
2009 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update
This is the tenth year for this event, which has become the educational event of the year for commercial real estate professionals or any real estate professionals who are interested in learning about what’s happened and will be happening in the Tulsa area’s commercial market. The Commercial Market Update will be at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel; buffet breakfast and registration begin at 7:30 a.m. and speaker presentations begin at 8:00 a.m.; OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit, and pending approval with OREAB. Cost is $50 if registered by February 27; after that date, cost is $65. For more information and to register online with Visa or MC, log on to www.tulsarealtors.com; form the main Member Services page, click the red Education button, then click Register for Classes; you can also register by calling 663-7500. Click here for event details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/2009CMU.pdf

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education Button on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.
Realist Tax System: Tuesday, February 24, 1:30 – 4:00 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.

Firm Affiliate:
Builders Title & Escrow, LLC Designated Individual Amy O’Neal (Second Publication)

GTAR/NORES Inclement 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, Post Licensing, etc.): If Tulsa Public Schools are closed the day of a scheduled class, the GTAR/NORES class is cancelled. Depending on the type of class being cancelled, the class will either be rescheduled for a future date or a full refund will be issued. Please be sure to check one of the local news channels the night before and/or morning of a scheduled class for school closings.

Weekly Facts Blog – February 9, 2009

Starting March 1, 2009
Increase in NORES User Fees
Attention All Residential MLS and Supra Key Users: In the January meeting, the NORES Board of Directors approved a proposal to raise the Key User fee by $1.50 per month and the MLS User fee by $5.00 per month; this total increase of $6.50 per month will be reflected in the March 1 billing. This is the first user fee increase in nine years (since 2000). Over the last few years, NORES has absorbed the increases in the cost of doing business, as well as the cost of recently added services, such as the Realist Tax System and Mapping. The Directors felt that NORES could no longer continue to absorb the increases without compromising the services provided to our members.

THIS WEEK!
Thursday, February 12
Commercial Fair Housing and Other Legal Issues
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center. Instructors Dr. Kathryn Jones and Attorney Kelly Monaghan will discuss how fair housing does and does not relate to commercial real estate. In addition, other legal issues such as ADA requirements will be discussed. OREC approved for 3 hours required FHR CE credit. For course details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click the red Education button. (NOTE: This class is open to both residential and commercial members but the focus of the class will be on commercial real estate.)

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER!
SRES® Designation Course – February 17 & 18
Two days of class, one prestigious designation – all for only $325! We are keeping the cost of the course at $325, so don’t miss your opportunity to increase your business by learning how to tap into one of the fastest growing markets – Baby Boomers! GTAR will be offering the two-day SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) Designation course “live,” one time only this year in the GTAR Training Center, Tuesday and Wednesday, February 17 and 18 with national instructor Ruth Fennell; class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days. For course details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click the red Education button. For more detailed information about the SRES® Designation, including member benefits, visit www.SRES.org.

Monday, February 16
Reverse Mortgages and You!
Dispel the myths of reverse mortgages while increasing your business and assisting the 62+ client…AND, earn 3 hours elective CE credit—all for FREE, courtesy of Freedom Financial – The Reverse Mortgage Specialist; 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor, Ruth Fennell. Review information on seniors’ demographics, market conditions, reverse mortgage basics, the application process, and when reverse mortgages are appropriate and when they are not. This course is FREE to members but registration is required. (Note: This is the same class that was offered back in November) Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

MORE CIE Training – February 16 & 17
Hands-on CIE training classes are being added to the calendar for February 16 and 17. Each session will count toward the required CIE Orientation on the Xceligent system. For details, see the calendar on tulsacommercialrealtors.com or on tulsarealtors.com under Member Services.

Wednesday, February 25
Emerging Issues in Real Estate Finance
New course – OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Jason Oelrich. 2008 was a year of unprecedented sweeping changes in the real estate finance industry, and the U.S. economy as a whole. Be prepared for a successful 2009 by attending this informative update on emerging issues related to FHA financing, Short Sale techniques and pitfalls, proposed changes to RESPA, new appraisal requirements, new mortgage product developments, and an outlook on interest rates for the coming year. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

Thursday, March 5
Safety Seminar: Don’t be a victim. Protect your most valuable asset - YOU!
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Captain, Tracie Lewis of the Tulsa Police Department. The very nature of showing real estate to prospective buyers and tenants who are virtual strangers can make licensees, both men and women, susceptible to becoming victims of violent crimes. This course will include a summary of basic safety practices for real estate professionals; current scams in the Tulsa area; identity theft; computer and cell phone safety, and more. OREC Approved: 3 hours required HOT CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

March 5 and 12
Two New Sales Associate Forums – FREE to Members
Thursday. March 5, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – How to Work with Different Generations with special guest speaker, Rick Brinkley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau, and Thursday, March 12, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – The Abstracting Process with special guest, Karen Burnette of FirsTitle & Abstract Services. These forums are free to members but registration is required. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. On the main Member Services page, click the red Education button. (Note: These forums do not qualify for CE credit.)

Wednesday, March 11
2009 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update
This is the tenth year for this event, which has become the educational event of the year for commercial real estate professionals or any real estate professionals who are interested in learning about what’s happened and will be happening in the Tulsa area’s commercial market. The Commercial Market Update will be at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel; buffet breakfast and registration begin at 7:30 a.m. and speaker presentations begin at 8:00 a.m.; course is currently pending CE credit approval from OREC and OREAB. Cost is $50 if registered by February 27; after that date, cost is $65. For more information and to register online with Visa or MC, log on to www.tulsarealtors.com; form the main Member Services page, click the red Education button, then click Register for Classes; you can also register by calling 663-7500. Click here for event details: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/documents/2009CMU.pdf

Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

MarketLinx 2: Monday, February 9, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Prospect Gateway: Wednesday, February 11, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Realist Tax System: Tuesday, February 24, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

GTAR/NORES Inclement 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, Post Licensing, etc.): If Tulsa Public Schools are closed the day of a scheduled class, the GTAR/NORES class is cancelled. Depending on the type of class being cancelled, the class will either be rescheduled for a future date or a full refund will be issued. Please be sure to check one of the local news channels the night before and/or morning of a scheduled class for school closings.