Weekly Facts Blog – March 30, 2009

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, April 1
Commercial Real Estate Project Financing:
Opportunities and Options in Today’s Market
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with financial experts Evans Rector, Rose Washington Rentie, and Greg O’Donnell. The purpose of this new course is to inform commercial real estate professionals about some different project financing programs that may be available to them. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. This class is being offered free to GTAR members but registration is required. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, April 1
Brokers and Managers – You are Invited to a ListHub Marketing Seminar!
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center, hosted by NORES. Refreshments and lunch will be served. ListHub gives area brokers the latest online marketing tools and strategies, including the premier broker-controlled system for marketing property listings online. ListHub specializes in data integration and marketing metrics. Today, they manage the listing inventory for thousands and thousands of real estate companies nationwide. Find out how to put their experience to work for you. Please join us to find out how you can leverage these new tools to make the most of the Internet explosion—there are things that you can do today without spending a penny that will directly improve your results! This event is limited to brokers and their marketing or IT personnel. For details, click the following link: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/ListHub-Invite.pdf. Please RSVP as soon as possible by calling 918-663-7500 or emailing education@tulsarealtors.com

Tuesday, April 7
Exercise Your Right to Vote
To all REALTOR® and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® members registered to vote in Broken Arrow, Bixby, Coweta, Glenpool, Jenks, Sand Springs, and Skiatook: The RPAC Trustees encourage you to exercise your right to vote in the City Council general elections Tuesday, April 7.

Thursday, April 9
REALTOR® Appreciation Day!
Register Now for Jan Hargrave’s Class!
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. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Jump Start Your Real Estate Practice with the
Only Green Designation Recognized by NAR!
Consumer Demand for Green Understanding is Growing at a Phenomenal rate. GTAR is the first association in Oklahoma to be hosting the core course for NAR’s new Green Designation: Wednesday and Thursday, May 6 and 7 in the GTAR Training Center, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with national instructor Ruth Fennell. Cost is $275 if you register by April 15, and $295 after. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes. For detailed information about the NAR Green Designation, including member benefits, visit www.GreenREsourceCouncil.org.

Wednesday, April 15
Real Estate Marketing...What Works, What Doesn’t and Why
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor Dennis Creps – courtesy of Tulsa World. Survive and Thrive in a Tough Economy! In this new course you’ll discover fresh, creative ideas you’ll use. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. 10 registrants will win free advertising with Tulsa World! For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Earn All 12 OREC Required CE Credit Hours in April!
Don’t wait until the end of your three-year licensing period to start working on your CE hours. All OREC required subject areas will be offered at GTAR this month. As always, Ethics (PSC) is offered for free at GTAR almost every month; Fair Housing (FHR) and OK Broker Relationships (BRA) will be offered every quarter in 2009, and Current Trends (HOT) will be offered at least once per quarter if not more often. 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 button.

(HOT) The Low Down on Short Sales: Thursday, April 16, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with Monica Wittrock, Esq.
This is a new class that is being offered free this one time – do not wait to register if you are interested in attending.

(FHR) Real Estate and the Fair Housing Act: Tuesday, April 21, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with Thurman Miles

(PSC) Ethics: Thursday, April 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with Sherry Lewis

(BRA) OK Broker Relationships: Monday, April 27, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd

Tuesday, April 14
CIE Orientation
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Open to all current CIE subscribers. Pre-registration is required. To enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education Button on the main page. Class will be in the GTAR Computer Lab. If you have any questions, please contact Renae at 664-0505.

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: Thursday, April 16, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Tuesday, April 21, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Prospect Gateway: Friday, April 24, 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.

Sharon K. Baker, d/b/a Stone Canyon Realty, LLC (Second Publication)
Mikkie Sexton, d/b/a Act Appraisal Services (Second Publication)

Firm Affiliate:
The Real Estate Book, Designated Individual Renee Story (First Publication)
U.S. Sign, Designated Individual, Glenn Mill (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – March 23, 2009

THIS WEEK!
Tuesday, March 24
HUD Internet Training
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Mary Berry. This course is for real estate professionals interested in learning the correct HUD procedures and how to correctly submit HUD bids. Mary will also go over DHA Loans (203B, 203K), VA, and Fannie Mae REO’S (Foreclosures), as well as other REO’S. This class is OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

FREE CE – NO FOOLING!
Wednesday, April 1
Commercial Real Estate Project Financing:
Opportunities and Options in Today’s Market
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with financial experts Evans Rector, Rose Washington Rentie, and Greg O’Donnell. The purpose of this new course is to inform commercial real estate professionals about some different project financing programs that may be available to them. Just approved by OREC for 3 hours elective CE credit. This class is being offered free to GTAR members but registration is required. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Wednesday, April 1
Brokers and Managers – You are Invited to a ListHub Marketing Seminar!
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center, hosted by NORES. Refreshments and lunch will be served. ListHub gives area brokers the latest online marketing tools and strategies, including the premier broker-controlled system for marketing property listings online. ListHub specializes in data integration and marketing metrics. Today, they manage the listing inventory for thousands and thousands of real estate companies nationwide. Find out how to put their experience to work for you. Please join us to find out how you can leverage these new tools to make the most of the Internet explosion—there are things that you can do today without spending a penny that will directly improve your results! This event is limited to brokers and their marketing or IT personnel. For details, click the following link: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/ListHub-Invite.pdf. Please RSVP by calling 918-663-7500 or emailing education@tulsarealtors.com

Thursday, April 9
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. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

GET GREEN AND GET GOING!
Jump start your real estate practice with the only green designation recognized by NAR! Consumer Demand for Green Understanding is Growing at a Phenomenal rate. GTAR is the first association in Oklahoma to be hosting the core course for NAR’s new Green Designation: Wednesday and Thursday, May 6 and 7 in the GTAR Training Center, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with national instructor Ruth Fennell. Cost is $275 if you register by April 15, and $295 after. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes. For detailed information about the NAR Green Designation, including member benefits, visit www.GreenREsourceCouncil.org.

Wednesday, April 15
Real Estate Marketing...What Works, What Doesn’t and Why
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor Dennis Creps – courtesy of Tulsa World. Survive and Thrive in a Tough Economy! In this new course you’ll discover fresh, creative ideas you’ll use. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. 10 registrants will win free advertising with Tulsa World! For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Earn All 12 OREC Required CE Credit Hours in April!
Don’t wait until the end of your three-year licensing period to start working on your CE hours. All OREC required subject areas will be offered at GTAR this month. As always, Ethics (PSC) is offered for free at GTAR almost every month; Fair Housing (FHR) and OK Broker Relationships (BRA) will be offered every quarter in 2009, and Current Trends (HOT) will be offered at least once per quarter if not more often. 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 button.

(HOT) The Low Down on Short Sales: Thursday, April 16, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with Monica Wittrock, Esq.
This is a new class that is being offered free this one time – do not wait to register if you are interested in attending.

(FHR) Real Estate and the Fair Housing Act: Tuesday, April 21, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with Thurman Miles

(PSC) Ethics: Thursday, April 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with Rodger Erker

(BRA) OK Broker Relationships: Monday, April 27, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd

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: Monday, March 23, 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.

Sharon K. Baker, d/b/a Stone Canyon Realty, LLC (First Publication)
Mikkie Sexton, d/b/a Act Appraisal Services (First Publication)
Brent Head, d/b/a Guidance Properties, Inc. (Second Publication)
Peter Larsen, d/b/a Larsen Real Estate (Second Publication)
Mark Stuart, d/b/a Southern Plains Real Estate (Second Publication)

Firm Affiliate:
US Sign, Designated Individual, Glenn Mill (First Publication)
Financial Freedom, Designated Individual Dee Biggert (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts - March 16, 2009

THIS WEEK!
Tuesday, March 17
CIE Orientation
Open to all current CIE subscribers. Pre-registration is required. To enroll, log in to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education Button on the main page. Class will be in the GTAR Computer Lab. If you have any questions, please contact Renae at 664-0505.

Tuesday, March 24
HUD Internet Training
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Mary Berry. This course is for real estate professionals interested in learning the correct HUD procedures and how to correctly submit HUD bids. Mary will also go over DHA Loans (203B, 203K), VA, and Fannie Mae REO’S (Foreclosures), as well as other REO’S. This class is OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Wednesday, April 1 – FREE CE Class - No FOOLING!
Commercial Real Estate Project Financing:
Opportunities and Options in Today’s Market
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Evans Rector, Rose Washington Rentie, and Greg O’Donnell. The purpose of this new course is to inform commercial real estate professionals about the different types of project financing that is available and how to obtain it given the downturn and trouble in today’s economic environment. Topics include: Government guaranteed lending: SBA 504/7A - minority specialty financing programs; understanding USDA government programs; and the current status of bank lending, the long-term credit markets, and why. The course is currently pending OREC approval for 3 hours CE credit. GTAR’s RCA Education Committee feels this is such important information in these tough economic times that the class is being offered free to GTAR members; however, registration is required. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Thursday, April 9
Mark Your Calendars for REALTOR® Appreciation Day!
Register Now for Understanding the Importance of Nonverbal Communication with Jan Hargrave!
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. For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Wednesday, April 15
Real Estate Marketing...What Works, What Doesn’t and Why: How to Become a Consumer-Friendly Marketer
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor Dennis Creps – courtesy of Tulsa World. Survive and Thrive in a Tough Economy! In this new course you’ll discover fresh, creative ideas you’ll use; 7 rules advertisers break that waste their money; how to create your own “unique” message; how to give your brain a jolt of creativity; tips that guarantee prospects remember you when it’s time to buy or sell; the latest research on marketing; and how to make getting business easier. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. 10 registrants will win free advertising with Tulsa World! For more information and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click on the red Education button, then click Register for Classes.

Sunday, March 22
How to Market a Difficult Listing in Any Economy!
Sponsored by the Society of Exchange Counselors (www.secounselors.com), this course is geared toward commercial real estate professionals. It will be held at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost is $99. Instructor is Stephen England, SEC, ALC, AFM, EMS – Steve is an expert in Land with a specialty in Agricultural properties. For course details and registration information, contact Jackie Hellingson, executive director of the SEC by calling (858) 488-3750 or emailing sec@counselors.com.

Thursday, April 2
Commercial Real Estate Transactions Review
American Eagle Title Insurance Company is offering a free commercial real estate transactions CE course at The Silo Event Center in West Tulsa from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. The program moderator will be Randy J. Dittmann, CEO of American Eagle Title Insurance Company in Tulsa. The course is OREC approved for four hours of elective CE credit. Click on the following link for detailed information: http://ims.tulsarealtors.com/GTAR/AmEagle-April2.pdf. If you have questions about the program, please contact Briana Ross at (918) 894-4150 or at bross@ameagletitle.com.

Great News on ShowingValue!
We've been making enhancements to ShowingValue—the email and feedback notification included with your service. You will start seeing the name of the person showing your listing, and the address if the box is assigned to an address. All of this without having to log into www.supraekey.com. If you are currently getting ShowingValue email notifications, you don't need to do anything. You will get the new email format automatically. We hope you will enjoy the time savings of these enhancements. Stay tuned as we continue to improve other aspects of the service.
If you are not using the ShowingValue email notification feature, here are the simple steps to enable this feature:
Log into KIMweb at www.supraekey.com using your key serial number and PIN.

Click on "ShowingValue" on the left side of the page, under Activity Reports.
Click on the "Change Email Settings" link.
Choose the "After showing agent eSYNC" or "After keybox opening" option. This will be the first option in the list, and the wording will vary by which kind of key you have. It is important to check this first option as this is the only option that will receive the enhanced emails.
Click "Save Now" at bottom right of page.
You are now set up to get enhanced emails.

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: Monday, March 23, 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.

Peter Larsen, d/b/a Larsen Real Estate (First Publication)
Mark Stuart, d/b/a Southern Plains Real Estate (First Publication)
Brent Head, d/b/a Guidance Properties, Inc. (First Publication)

Firm Affiliate:
Financial Freedom, Designated Individual Dee Biggert (First Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – March 9, 2009

Keybox Reminder:
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8. Keyboxes will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, March 11
2009 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update
Don’t miss the premier 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. 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

THIS WEEK!
2009 Greater Tulsa Home & Garden Show
Presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa and sponsored by Andersen Windows (available at ProBuild): “The Adventures of the 2009 Greater Tulsa Home & Garden Show” runs Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 15 at the QuikTrip Center at Expo Square, featuring more than 450 home and garden exhibitors and special features for the whole family. Show hours are Thursday, March 12, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, March 13, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 10:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors. Children under 12 may attend for free when accompanied by a paid adult. The Official Guide for the 2009 Greater Tulsa Home & Garden Show will be distributed in the March 11 edition of the Tulsa World, and on sale at all area QuikTrip locations for the duration of the Show. The Guide contains a map of booth locations, a Show schedule and coupon for $1.00 off admission.

Great News on ShowingValue!
We've been making enhancements to ShowingValue—the email and feedback notification included with your service. You will start seeing the name of the person showing your listing, and the address if the box is assigned to an address. All of this without having to log into www.supraekey.com. If you are currently getting ShowingValue email notifications, you don't need to do anything. You will get the new email format automatically. We hope you will enjoy the time savings of these enhancements. Stay tuned as we continue to improve other aspects of the service.

If you are not using the ShowingValue email notification feature, here are the simple steps to enable this feature:
Log into KIMweb at www.supraekey.com using your key serial number and PIN.

Click on "ShowingValue" on the left side of the page, under Activity Reports.
Click on the "Change Email Settings" link.
Chose the "After showing agent eSYNC" or "After keybox opening" option. This will be the first option in the list, and the wording will vary by which kind of key you have. It is important to check this first option as this is the only option that will receive the enhanced emails.
Click "Save Now" at bottom right of page.
You are now set up to get enhanced emails.

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.

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 3: Prospect Gateway: Monday, March 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

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.