Weekly Facts Blog – June 29, 2009

HAVE a HAPPY and SAFE 4th of JULY!
The GTAR/NORES office will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

THIS WEEK!
July 1: Change in NORES Billing
We’ve been telling you about it for months and it’s finally here. Starting Wednesday, July 1, all NORES Participants and Users will begin receiving a quarterly bill for NORES fees such as MLS, CIE, and key fees. Bills will be sent by email, so it is imperative that your contact information on file with GTAR/NORES, especially your email address, be current and accurate. You can call for assistance with updating your email address; please contact GTAR Help Desk at 664-0505. An automatic charge option is available—if you prefer this method of payment, click on the following link, complete the Payment Authorization form, and return it to GTAR: GTAR/NORES Payment Authorization Form. If you prefer to pay by credit card online: Go to Main Menu on tulsarealtors.com, click on Financial Services, NORES – Accounts Receivables, and follow instructions to pay. Payment can also be made at the GTAR/NORES office or mailed to NORES, P.O. Box 470325, Tulsa, OK 74147. For details on the billing change, refer to page 3 of the June GTAR World newsletter online now: June GTAR World

Thursday & Friday, July 9 & 10
Out on Limb When It Comes to Technology?
The rules of business are changing—especially in the real estate industry! Today’s real estate professional must meet the needs and expectations of today’s connected consumer. Learn how to stay on top of changes and help yourself thrive in the exciting and rewarding world of online real estate. National speaker and technology guru Dick Betts will be at GTAR for two days to teach four technology classes! (Classes are listed below.) Each class will cost only $15 pre-registered and $20 day of. All four classes are currently pending elective CE credit with OREC. Don’t wait to register! Go online to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.

Thursday, July 9: Click Here for Details
Top Technology Trends
Internet Marketing: How Agents Can Avoid Train Wrecks

Friday, July 10: Click Here for Details
Client Management: “It’s a Lifelong Relationship”
Smartphone for Business Management: Creating a Mobile Office

Friday, July 24
A Day with Karel Murray!
National speaker Karel Murray will be at GTAR for a full day to teach two classes! Market Confidence for the Wary Buyer and When Interests Collide: Say What You Mean…Get What You Want. Each class will cost only $15 pre-registered and $20 day of. Both classes are OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For details and online registration, go to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Click Here for Class Details

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, July 9, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Realist Tax System: Friday, July 10, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Monday, July 13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Thursday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

July is RPAC Month
The GTAR Board of Directors have declared July RPAC Month. Have you made a contribution? Click here: RPAC Contribution Form

Weekly Facts Blog – June 22, 2009

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, June 24
Contract to Closing: The Closing Process
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with attorneys Bob and Carol Parker. Accepting a contract on a house is only the beginning—there are crucial steps between the time a contract is obtained to the time you reach the closing table that can make or break a deal, or at least slow down the process if mishandled. This course takes an in-depth look at the closing process and covers the following: Abstracts and abstract provisions in a contract; title insurance/title opinion; mortgage plat inspection; HUD-1 Settlement Statement; responsibility of the closer; and much more. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. Register Online: Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main Member Services page. For details on the class: Click Here

July 9 & 10
2 Days of Technology Training with Dick Betts!
National speaker and technology guru Dick Betts will be at GTAR for two days to teach four classes! (Classes are listed below.) Each class will cost only $15 pre-registered and $20 day of. All four classes are currently pending elective CE credit with OREC. Don’t wait to register—these classes will fill up! Go online to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.

The rules of business are changing—especially in the real estate industry! Today’s real estate professional must meet the needs and expectations of today’s connected consumer. Learn how to stay on top of changes and help yourself thrive in the exciting and rewarding world of online real estate.

Thursday, July 9: Click Here for Details
Top Technology Trends (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Internet Marketing: How Agents Can Avoid Train Wrecks (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

Friday, July 10: Click Here for Details
Client Management: “It’s a Lifelong Relationship” (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Smartphone for Business Management: Creating a Mobile Office (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

Friday, July 24
A Day with Karel Murray!
National speaker Karel Murray will be at GTAR for a full day to teach two classes! (Classes are listed below.) Each class will cost only $15 pre-registered and $20 day of. Both classes are OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. Don’t wait to register—these classes will fill up! Go online to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Click Here for Class Details

Market Confidence for the Wary Buyer (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
When Interests Collide: Say What You Mean…Get What You Want (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)

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.

Publisher: Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 1: Thursday, July 9, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Monday, July 13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Thursday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Credit Card Processing will be Unavailable
Friday, June 26 from 7:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. for online class registrations and credit card payments. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

COMING UP!
Effective July 1: Change in NORES Billing
All NORES Participants and Users: Starting July 1, users will begin receiving a quarterly bill for NORES fees such as MLS, CIE, and key fees. Bills will be sent by email, so it is imperative that your contact information on file with GTAR/NORES, especially your email address, be current and accurate. You can call for assistance with updating your email address; please contact GTAR Help Desk at 664-0505. For details on the billing change, refer to page 3 of the June GTAR World newsletter online now. An automatic charge option will be available—if you prefer this method of payment, click on the following link, complete the Payment Authorization form, and return it to GTAR: GTAR/NORES Payment Authorization Form. If you prefer to pay by credit card online: Go to Main Menu on tulsarealtors.com, click on Financial Services, NORES – Accounts Receivables, and follow instructions to pay. Payment can also be made at the GTAR/NORES office or mailed to NORES, P.O. Box 470325, Tulsa, OK 74147

Early Settlement Program SAVED!
The Early Settlement Program has been funded for another year. Thank you for your support in contacting the Mayor, City Councilors, and writing letters to the Editor.

Only 98 Backpacks to Go!
Backpacks for Kids Update: Thanks to the generosity of our members, GTAR’s Community Relations Committee has raised $$10,108.46—enough to provide 202 backpacks (one backpack costs $50). We need your support so that we can provide 300 deserving kids with backpacks filled with essentials to start school this August. The remaining $4,891.54 needs to be raised by July 1 to make this happen! All donations are tax deductible; please make checks payable to the GTAR Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74146. For more information on Backpacks for Kids and a donation form, click here: Backpacks for Kids Donation Form

New Online CE Provider
GTAR now has a new online CE provider: McKissock 100% Education. Our partnership with McKissock will provide our members with a better variety of courses more pertinent to today’s market, AND will also offer CE courses for real estate appraisers, as well as, pre-licensing and license upgrade courses for appraisers. Anyone enrolled in an online course with GTAR’s old provider, 360Training.com (Virtual University) will be able to complete the course. For more information, refer to pages 1 and 10 of the June GTAR World newsletter online now. To access: Click Here

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.

Ruth Barnhart, d/b/a Prudential Grand Lake Wistrom Realty (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – June 15, 2009

GTAR/NORES now accepts payments with American Express and Discover credit cards, in addition to Visa and MasterCard.

THIS WEEK!
Help Plan Tulsa’s Future—You Decide
PLANiTULSA’s “Which Way, Tulsa?” survey asks you how you want Tulsa to grow in the future. Read all about it online and take the survey, or if you prefer, get a printed copy of the newsletter and survey at Tulsa Kum and Go Stores, library branches in the City of Tulsa, and other public places. The newsletter will tell you how to submit the survey by mail, fax, or drop off, so your voice will be heard. Don’t miss this chance. Complete the survey by June 18. For more information, go online to www.PLANiTULSA.org or call 918-576-5684.

Wednesday, June 24
Contract to Closing: The Closing Process
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with attorneys Bob and Carol Parker. Accepting a contract on a house is only the beginning—there are crucial steps between the time a contract is obtained to the time you reach the closing table that can make or break a deal, or at least slow down the process if mishandled. This course takes an in-depth look at the closing process and covers the following: Abstracts and abstract provisions in a contract; title insurance/title opinion; mortgage plat inspection; HUD-1 Settlement Statement; responsibility of the closer; and much more. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. Register Online: Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main Member Services page. For details on the class: Click Here

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.

WYQ: What’s Your Question?: Friday, June 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Publisher: Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Effective July 1
Change in NORES Billing
All NORES Participants and Users: Starting July 1, users will begin receiving a quarterly bill for NORES fees such as MLS, CIE, and key fees. Bills will be sent by email, so it is imperative that your contact information on file with GTAR/NORES, especially your email address, be current and accurate. For details on the billing change, refer to page 3 of the June GTAR World newsletter online now. An automatic charge option will be available—if you prefer this method of payment, click on the following link, complete the Payment Authorization form, and return it to GTAR: GTAR/NORES Payment Authorization Form

New Online CE Provider
GTAR now has a new online CE provider: McKissock 100% Education. Our partnership with McKissock will provide our members with a better variety of courses more pertinent to today’s market, AND will also offer CE courses for real estate appraisers, as well as, pre-licensing and license upgrade courses for appraisers. Anyone enrolled in an online course with GTAR’s old provider, 360Training.com (Virtual University) will be able to complete the course. For more information, refer to pages 1 and 10 of the June GTAR World newsletter online now. To access: Click Here

Foreclosure Data
NORES users will be able to access foreclosure data via the Realist Tax System. To view the Foreclosures Quick Start Guide: Click Here

Only 106 Backpacks to Go!
Backpacks for Kids Update: Thanks to the generosity of our members, GTAR’s Community Relations Committee has raised $9,758.46—enough to provide 194 backpacks (one backpack costs $50). We need your support so that we can provide 300 deserving kids with backpacks filled with essentials to start school this August. The remaining $5,241.54 needs to be raised by July 1 to make this happen! All donations are tax deductible; please make checks payable to the GTAR Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74146. For more information on Backpacks for Kids and a donation form, click here: Backpacks for Kids Donation Form

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.

Ruth Barnhart, d/b/a Prudential Grand Lake Wistrom Realty (First Publication)
Terri Button, d/b/a Button Realty, LLC (Second Publication)
Jeff Hilst, d/b/a Watermark Commercial Properties (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – June 8, 2009

GTAR/NORES now accepts payments with American Express and Discover credit cards, in addition to Visa and MasterCard.

New Online CE Provider
GTAR now has a new online CE provider: McKissock 100% Education. Our partnership with McKissock will provide our members with a much better variety of courses more pertinent to today’s market, AND will also offer CE courses for real estate appraisers, as well as, pre-licensing and license upgrade courses for appraisers. Anyone enrolled in an online course with GTAR’s old provider, 360Training.com (Virtual University) will be able to complete the course but starting. For more information, refer to pages 1 and 10 of the June GTAR World newsletter online now: Click Here

THIS WEEK!
Foreclosure Data
NORES users will be able to access foreclosure data via the Realist Tax System. To view the Foreclosures Quick Start Guide: Click Here

THIS WEEK!
Tuesday, June 9
Real Estate and the Fair Housing Act
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with new instructor James Collins. OREC approved for 3 hours required FHR CE credit. (If you previously took this course at GTAR, course number FHR080, and are still in the same licensing period at the time of this offering, you cannot receive CE credit this time.) Register online at tulsarealtors.com – Log in and click the red Education button on the main page.

THIS WEEK!
Tuesday, June 9
2009 Parade of Homes Kick Off Event – Builder REALTOR® Party
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Home Builders Association. Tulsa area builders and REALTORS® working together—telling the public “Tulsa. It’s Rock Solid.” One lucky REALTOR® will win a cruise for two. Please RSVP by fax no later than Friday, June 5. For details and an RSVP form: Click Here

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, June 10
OREC Meeting in Tulsa – Earn Free Required HOT CE Credit
The next Oklahoma Real Estate Commission meeting will be in Tulsa at the Radisson Hotel (10918 E. 41st Street); 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Those not on the agenda and that do not participate in the meeting will qualify for required HOT CE credit. Don’t miss this special opportunity to observe how the complaint and penalty processes work in real life cases. No registration is required and there is no cost to attend. If you have any questions regarding this meeting, call OREC at (866) 521-3389.

THIS WEEK!
Thursday, June 11
CIE - Xceligent Basics
1:00 - 3:00 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 renae@tulsarealtors.com or call 663-7500.

Wednesday, June 17
Meth Madness: The New Epidemic
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Bill Coye, owner of APEX BioClean. Thanks largely to the new “shake-and-bake” and “one-pot” cooking methods, there’s a new meth epidemic in town. And since meth labs are most often assembled in residential areas, including houses and apartment complexes, it is more important now than ever to not only be an alert neighbor but an alert real estate professional, and education is the key. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. For more information and to register online: Log on to tulsarealtors.com and click the red Education button on the main Member Services page.

Help Plan Tulsa’s Future—You Decide
PLANiTULSA’s “Which Way, Tulsa?” survey asks you how you want Tulsa to grow in the future. Read all about it online and take the survey, or if you prefer, get a printed copy of the newsletter and survey at Tulsa Kum and Go Stores, library branches in the City of Tulsa, and other public places. The newsletter will tell you how to submit the survey by mail, fax, or drop off, so your voice will be heard. Don’t miss this chance. Complete the survey by June 18. For more information, go online to www.PLANiTULSA.org or call 918-576-5684.

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.

1004MC for Appraisers: Wednesday, June 10, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WYQ: What’s Your Question?: Friday, June 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Publisher: Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Effective July 1
Change in NORES Billing
All NORES Participants and Users: Starting July 1, users will begin receiving a quarterly bill for NORES fees such as MLS, CIE, and key fees. Bills will be sent by email, so it is imperative that your contact information on file with GTAR/NORES, especially your email address, be current and accurate. For details on the billing change, refer to page 3 of the June GTAR World newsletter online now. An automatic charge option will be available—if you prefer this method of payment, click on the following link, complete the Payment Authorization form, and return it to GTAR: GTAR/NORES Payment Authorization Form

Only 133 Backpacks to Go!
Backpacks for Kids Update: Thanks to the generosity of our members, GTAR’s Community Relations Committee has raised $8,394.66—enough to provide 160 backpacks (one backpack costs $50). We need your support so that we can provide 300 deserving kids with backpacks filled with essentials to start school this August. The remaining $6,605.34 needs to be raised by July 1 to make this happen! All donations are tax deductible; please make checks payable to the GTAR Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 470603, Tulsa, OK 74146. For more information on Backpacks for Kids and a donation form, click here: Backpacks for Kids Donation Form

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.

Terri Button, d/b/a Button Realty, LLC (First Publication)
Jeff Hilst, d/b/a Watermark Commercial Properties (First Publication)