Weekly Facts Blog – August 3, 2009

THIS WEEK!
Reminder: New GTAR/NORES Office Hours
Beginning Monday, August 3, GTAR/NORES will have new extended hours of operation Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. New Friday hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (This change will not affect classes already scheduled on Fridays.)

Avoid Suspension of Services!
If you have not paid your NORES fees (MLS, Key, Xceligent, etc.), your service will be suspended on August 1, 2009. In addition, a $30 reinstatement fee will be added to your account. Your services will NOT be reinstated until payment is received in FULL. You can view/pay your invoice online; click on the yellow View/Pay Bill button on the main Member Services page, then click NORES-Accounts Receivable. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also pay by calling 663-7500 or coming to the Association office.

Thursday, August 13
Grievance and Professional Standards Committee Training
Are you a REALTOR® member interested in serving on GTAR’s Grievance or Professional Standards Committee? If you answered yes, these classes are for you! Both classes are OREC approved for 3 hours required PSC CE credit each. For class details and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Member cost for each class is $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class. (Both classes are open to all GTAR members to attend and receive CE credit.)

Legal Aspects of Serving on the Grievance Committee: The purpose of this new course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and procedures of the operation of the Grievance Committee. National instructor and Attorney, Thomas Jacobson will provide insight on why procedures have been adopted and how actions of the committee affect the administration of the Code of Ethics. You will learn how to tell your story to the committee and learn what your role is as a committee member. (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Legal Aspects of Serving on the Professional Standards Committee: The purpose of this new course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and procedures affecting the administration of the responsibilities of the committee and panels. With national instructor and Attorney, Thomas Jacobson, you will learn your role as a panel member, and you will learn what happens during a hearing. (1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)

Friday, August 14
Legal Issues in a Changing Market
Want to avoid costly fines and stay out of jail? In this new course you will learn how to recognize the opportunity for fraud, how to protect yourself, and what your role is as a real estate professional in assisting clients. The course covers mortgage fraud, RESPA, short sales, and foreclosures, as well as agent issues in a changing market including taking listings before expiration of a current listing, withholding material information to sell a property, pre-mature closing, procuring cause, and self-dealing. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor and Attorney, Thomas Jacobson. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. For class details and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Member cost for class is $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class.

Friday, August 21
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Actions in Oklahoma
Whether you are a residential or commercial real estate professional, this new course will help you accomplish the following: correctly handle property takings using current case law as your guide; know the distinction between “for public use” and “for public benefit” so you can determine whether the taking is justified; adhere to strict federal, state, and local requirements to ensure actions are properly handled; accurately determine the fair market value of the property and calculate damages, if necessary; and reach amicable settlements using options like alternative dispute resolution or mediation. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Attorney Bob Nichols. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For class details and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Member cost for class is $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class.

NORES Property Data Form Clarification
Allow Comment/Review y or n: If “yes” is selected, comments (or reviews) of the property by persons other than the listing broker may be posted for display on a website; this includes but is not limited to, any 3rd party site such as; blogs, Facebook, Craigslist, Trulia, Zillow, YouTube, etc. Participants/Users should not post property information to those sites that allow comments by users unless the seller has selected "yes." GTAR's Facebook Application will begin filtering these listings Monday, July 27. If your seller has not selected "allow comment/review = y" then the listing will not display on your Facebook Profile.

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, August 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Monday, August 10, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Realist Tax System: Thursday, August 13, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3-Prospect Gateway: Friday, August 14, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Weekly Facts Blog – July 27, 2009

Effective August 3: New GTAR/NORES Office Hours
Beginning Monday, August 3, GTAR/NORES will have new extended hours of operation Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. New Friday hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (This change will not affect classes already scheduled on Fridays.)

NORES Payments are Late
NORES payments were due July 15. Late notices were emailed July 16. If you have not done so already, you can view/pay your invoice online at tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the Financial Services tab, then click NORES-Accounts Receivable. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also pay by calling 663-7500 or coming to the Association office. If payment is not received by Friday, July 31, a $30 reinstatement fee will be added and your MLS, commercial, and key services will be suspended until payment is received in full.

THIS WEEK!
Monday, July 27
OK Broker Relationships with Parties to a Transaction
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with instructor Ann Lloyd. If you need a broker relationships class in the next few months, here’s your chance. The next broker relationships class at GTAR will not be until October 26. OREC approved for 3 hours required BRA CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.

JULY is RPAC Month
Here’s What Your RPAC Dollars Have Accomplished…
The real estate industry is more and more dependent on the use of information technology and software products to market properties and manage businesses. An increase in patent-infringement claims can drag unsuspecting REALTORS® into expensive and time-consuming litigation putting all REALTORS® at risk. The National Association of REALTORS® monitors bills and court cases which could affect you. To contribute, click here: RPAC Contribution Form or go online to tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click Financial Services, then Contributions and use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.

NORES Property Data Form Clarification
Allow Comment/Review y or n: If “yes” is selected, comments (or reviews) of the property by persons other than the listing broker may be posted for display on a website; this includes but is not limited to, any 3rd party site such as; blogs, Facebook, Craigslist, Trulia, Zillow, YouTube, etc. Participants/Users should not post property information to those sites that allow comments by users unless the seller has selected "yes." GTAR's Facebook Application will begin filtering these listings Monday, July 27. If your seller has not selected "allow comment/review = y" then the listing will not display on your Facebook Profile.

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 Class: Friday, July 31, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 1: Thursday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Monday, August 10, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Realist Tax System: Thursday, August 13, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3-Prospect Gateway: Friday, August 14, 9:00 – 11:00 a.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.

Roy L. Lollis, associated with C21/Hale Agency (Second Publication)
James Thomas, d/b/a Bailey Foristell Agency (Second Publication)

Commercial Waiver Requests:
Montie Box, associated with Montie Box, REALTORS®
Bill Breisch, associated with Montie Box, REALTORS®

Thursday, August 13
Grievance and Professional Standards Committee Training
Are you a REALTOR® member interested in serving on GTAR’s Grievance or Professional Standards Committee? If you answered yes, these classes are for you! Both classes are OREC approved for 3 hours required PSC CE credit each. For class details and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Member cost for each class is $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class.

Legal Aspects of Serving on the Grievance Committee: The purpose of this new course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and procedures of the operation of the Grievance Committee. National instructor and Attorney, Thomas Jacobson will provide insight on why procedures have been adopted and how actions of the committee affect the administration of the Code of Ethics. You will learn how to tell your story to the committee and learn what your role is as a committee member. (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Legal Aspects of Serving on the Professional Standards Committee: The purpose of this new course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and procedures affecting the administration of the responsibilities of the committee and panels. With national instructor and Attorney, Thomas Jacobson, you will learn your role as a panel member, and you will learn what happens during a hearing. (1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)

Friday, August 14
Legal Issues in a Changing Market
Want to avoid costly fines and stay out of jail? In this new course you will learn how to recognize the opportunity for fraud, how to protect yourself, and what your role is as a real estate professional in assisting clients. The course covers mortgage fraud, RESPA, short sales, and foreclosures, as well as agent issues in a changing market including taking listings before expiration of a current listing, withholding material information to sell a property, pre-mature closing, procuring cause, and self-dealing. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with national instructor and Attorney, Thomas Jacobson. OREC approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. For class details and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Member cost for class is $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class.

Friday, August 21
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Actions in Oklahoma
Whether you are a residential or commercial real estate professional, this new course will help you accomplish the following: correctly handle property takings using current case law as your guide; know the distinction between “for public use” and “for public benefit” so you can determine whether the taking is justified; adhere to strict federal, state, and local requirements to ensure actions are properly handled; accurately determine the fair market value of the property and calculate damages, if necessary; and reach amicable settlements using options like alternative dispute resolution or mediation. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Attorney Bob Nichols. OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. For class details and to register online, log on to tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. Member cost for class is $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class.

Weekly Facts Blog – July 20, 2009

GTAR/NORES Payments are Now Late
GTAR/NORES payments were due July 15. Late notices were emailed July 16. If you have not done so already, you can view/pay your invoice online at tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the Financial Services tab, then click NORES-Accounts Receivable. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also pay by calling 663-7500 or coming to the Association office.

THIS WEEK!
Thursday, July 23
RCA Insight Social
All GTAR members (commercial and residential) are invited to attend the RCA Insight Social from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bistro at Seville (10021 S. Yale) to hear special guests Stuart McCalman, director of Governmental Affairs, City of Tulsa and Mike Lester, mayor of Broken Arrow talk about the Government Stimulus Package—how the money was granted, which projects Tulsa will apply the funds toward, how it freed up other projects to be completed, and more. Cash bar will be available for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres compliments of Commercial Title & Escrow Services, Inc. and Guaranty Abstract Company. There is no cost to attend but registration is required—space is limited to the first 100 registrants! Register online at tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. To view invitation, click here: RCA Insight Social Invitation

THIS WEEK!
Friday, July 24
Don’t Miss Karel Murray - First Time at GTAR!
National speaker Karel Murray will be teaching two classes (details below). Each class costs only $15 pre-registered and $20 day of, and both are OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit each. 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. Learn more about Karel Murray by visiting www.karel.com

Market Confidence for the Wary Buyer (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
In Karel’s new course you will learn how to bring customers back to the table; help customers assertively commit; and establish a trust-based career that inspires consumer confidence. Click Here for Class Details

When Interests Collide: Say What You Mean…Get What You Want (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
Learn to identify the elements essential to effective negotiation. This class will provide you with in-depth information and specific ways to identify behavior styles, options, interests, leverage, and communication methods that can make or break a negotiation. Here’s what other Oklahoma real estate professionals say about this class: “Karel’s negotiation training is recommended for veteran Realtors and newbies like me” “Best negotiating class I’ve ever taken in 23 years. Very useful, logical information. Also very entertaining”; “This class really gave me great insight into negotiating”; “A refreshing look at styles and strategies on negotiation.” Click Here for Class Details

Monday, July 27
OK Broker Relationships with Parties to a Transaction
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with instructor Ann Lloyd. If you need a broker relationships class in the next few months, here’s your chance. The next broker relationships class at GTAR will not be until October 26. OREC approved for 3 hours required BRA CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.

JULY is RPAC Month
Here’s What Your RPAC Dollars Have Accomplished…
Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae Reform is one of NAR’s legislative priorities: NAR works closely with the U.S. Senate to mandate strengthening regulatory oversight of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and advocates an increase in the GSE conforming loan limit to better serve homebuyers nationwide. Have you made your investment in Real Estate? To contribute, click here: RPAC Contribution Form or go online to tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click Financial Services, then Contributions and use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.

Display Your Listings on Facebook
NORES has developed a Facebook application that will display your listings on your Facebook profile page. You can post your listings in one step. Click on the following link for instructions to add the application to your profile; Facebook Application Instructions. You will be prompted to enter your MLS user ID and password.

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 Class: Friday, July 31, 9:00 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.

Roy L. Lollis, associated with C21/Hale Agency (First Publication)
James Thomas, d/b/a Bailey Foristell Agency (First Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – July 13, 2009

REMINDER: Your GTAR/NORES Bill is Due Wednesday, July 15
To pay by credit card online: Go to Main Menu on tulsarealtors.com, click on the Financial Services tab, then click NORES–Accounts Receivables, and follow instructions to pay. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Payment can also be made at the GTAR/NORES office or mailed to NORES, P.O. Box 470325, Tulsa, OK 74147.

THIS WEEK!
Wednesday, July 15
Fair Housing and Ethical Practices
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with instructor Kathryn Jones. If you need a fair housing class in the next few months, here’s your chance. The next fair housing class at GTAR will not be until October 8. OREC approved for 3 hours required FHA CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.

Friday, July 24
A Day with Karel Murray!
Don’t miss popular national speaker Karel Murray at GTAR! She will be teaching two classes (details below). Each class costs only $15 pre-registered and $20 day of, and both are OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit each. 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. Learn more about Karel Murray by visiting http://www.karel.com/

Market Confidence for the Wary Buyer (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Convinced that all housing markets are treacherous, many consumers are reluctant to even engage in a locally strong market. Real estate professionals must get buyers to focus on opportunities and reality–not threats. In Karel’s newest class you will learn how to bring customers back to the table; help customers assertively commit; and establish a trust-based career that inspires consumer confidence. Click Here for Class Details

When Interests Collide: Say What You Mean…Get What You Want (1:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
Work to get the best deals and to make your next transaction less complicated. Learn to identify the elements essential to effective negotiation. This class will provide you with in-depth information and specific ways to identify behavior styles, options, interests, leverage, and communication methods that can make or break a negotiation. Click Here for Class Details

Monday, July 27
OK Broker Relationships with Parties to a Transaction
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with instructor Ann Lloyd. If you need a broker relationships class in the next few months, here’s your chance. The next broker relationships class at GTAR will not be until October 26. OREC approved for 3 hours required BRA CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.

JULY is RPAC Month
Here’s What Your RPAC Dollars Have Accomplished…
NAR successfully convinced Congress to shelve a planned tax increase for real estate partnerships. NAR communicated the proposal’s potentially harmful effects on real estate and the economy to the Senate Finance Committee. The so-called “carried interest” proposal failed to advance. Have you made your investment in Real Estate? To contribute to RPAC, click here: RPAC Contribution Form or go online to tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click Financial Services, then Contributions and use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.

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, July 13, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3: Thursday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Publisher Class: Friday, July 31, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Weekly Facts Blog – July 6, 2009

THIS WEEK!
Thursday & Friday, July 9 & 10
Do YOU meet the needs and expectations of today’s connected consumer?
As society is moving from print media to real time information agents must be able to represent both buyers and sellers in the most popular platforms. From the buyers point of view according to NAR, 87% of buyers start their search on the Internet and by 2010 predicts 100%. Whether it be buyers searching for listings or sellers seeking more ‘listing exposure’ NAR says that 70% of customers want to affiliate with a real estate professional who equals or surpasses their knowledge of technology.

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 must-have technology classes! (listed below). Each class costs only $15 pre-registered and $20 day of! All four classes have just been approved by OREC for 3 hours elective CE credit each. Register online at tulsarealtors.com; click the red Education button on the main Member Services page, then click Register for Classes.
July 9: Click Here for Class Details
Top Technology Trends – Meeting the needs of the new e-Consumer is vital to maintain and continue building a career as a real estate professional. Learn how to communicate with the Millennium Generation – Combine conventional marketing with your technology plan – Improve your ranking with major search engines without paying fees to a company – Increase your web presence and help build your own online community leading to increased business through blogging – and much more.

Internet Marketing: How Agents Can Avoid Train Wrecks – Many agents are joining the ranks of Internet marketing with the wrong outlook on how this platform can benefit them. Many agents are not considering guidelines established by NAR, state, and local regulations. Understand the pitfalls that loom in the Internet age – learn the do’s and dont’s as to what not to post on your website or Facebook page. Also learn how the different platforms operate and how to build your Internet empire and market to the Millennium Generation.

July 10: Click Here for Class Details
Client Management: “It’s a Lifelong Relationship” – Are you spending more time working a contract management system than listing or selling? Learn the no fuss easy way to track your listings, prospects, pending contracts, and past clients without hours of data entry and expensive programs – This system works whether you use a computer, PDA or 3x5 cards.

Smartphone for Business Management: Creating a Mobile - (Palm OS) Beyond Fundamentals of the PDA’s and Treo Smartphones for REALTORS® - Learn how to use your smartphone as a “real estate” management tool. Learn valuable shortcuts and tips to get the most out of your investment.

EFFECTIVE NOW!
Change in NORES Billing
We’ve been telling you about it for months and it’s finally here. Starting July 1, all NORES Participants and Users began receiving a quarterly bill for NORES fees such as MLS, CIE, and key fees; bills were sent by email. 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 the Financial Services tab, then click NORES–Accounts Receivables, and follow instructions to pay. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. To view instructions for paying online: click here. 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 pages 1 and 3 of the July GTAR World newsletter online now – click here to access: July 2009 GTAR World Newsletter

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

JULY is RPAC Month
Here’s What Your RPAC Dollars Have Accomplished…
Saved you about $11,000 a year. The Omnibus Appropriations Bill (H.R. 1104) was signed into law, ending NAR's nearly eight-year battle to preserve the separation between banking and commerce. This new law permanently bans large national banking conglomerates from entering the real estate business by preventing the Treasury and Federal Reserve, by rule, order, or any other way, from opening the door to such activities. Have you made your investment in Real Estate? To contribute, click here: RPAC Contribution Form or go online to tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click Financial Services, then Contributions and use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.

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.