Weekly Facts Blog – January 25, 2010

LAST DAY TO SAVE!
Today, Monday, January 25 is the Last Day to Buy Tickets for $50! After today, the price of tickets for the February 5th GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet will be $60 per person. To make your reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under Member Resources, click GTAR Events, then 2010 Presidents’ Banquet. Or, return the reservation form to GTAR before January 26: Click Here for Reservation Form. Or, call GTAR at 918-663-7500 during office hours. Absolutely no reservations will be accepted after February 1.

Upcoming CE Classes
For details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. All classes are in the GTAR Training Center and cost $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class, unless otherwise indicated.

Tuesday, February 9: Commercial Fair Housing and Other Legal Issues (required FHR), 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Learn how fair housing does and does not relate to commercial real estate; this class is open to both commercial and residential members. Click Here for Course Details

Thursday, February 11: Home Inspection and the Law (required HOT), 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
New Course: Learn what will and will not be inspected, how to prepare your listing for a good inspection, and more. Click Here for Course Details

Tuesday, February 16: Basic Contracts (required HOT), 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This course will benefit sales associates who are new to real estate, as well as associates needing a refresher on accurately completing the contract of sale. The latest version of the Oklahoma Uniform Contract of Sale of Real Estate and related forms will be used for this class. Click Here for Course Details

Wednesday, March 17: RESPA (required HOT), 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Due to the high demand for "What the 2010 RESPA Changes Mean to Me and My Business" course we have scheduled an additional class with Monica Wittrock. If you are interested in attending this course, DO NOT WAIT TO REGISTER or you may miss out! Both classes scheduled for Wednesday, February 3 are FULL. (If you were registered for this class, you were notified via email that your registration has automatically been moved to the new date. If this date works for you, no further action is needed on your part. If you cannot make the new date, you can receive a full refund, but you MUST call 663-7500 or email education@tulsarealtors.com BEFORE February 3.) Click Here for Course Details

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 23 & 24
New! REO Specialist Certification
In this two-day course you will learn how to become an REO listing agent, how to manage REO properties, how to work with the buyer purchasing an REO property, how to finance your REO property, and much more. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Marlene Burkhart. Cost is $179. OREC approved for 12 hours of elective CE credit. Click on the following link for detailed course information and registration: REO Specialist Course Details

CRS205: Financing and Tax Course
Thursday and Friday, February 18 and 19 at the Marriott Oklahoma City with Dale Carlton. Register online at www.crsok.com. This course is being offered by the Oklahoma CRS Chapter and OKCMAR. Click Here for Course 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 bar on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

CIE-Xceligent: Tuesday, January 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 1: Wednesday, February 3, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Computer Basics: Monday, February 8, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Tuesday, February 9, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3 (Prospect Gateway): Friday, February 12, 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.

Jimmy L. Armstrong, Winfield Property Management (Second Publication)
Steven R. Ball, Legacy Real Estate, LLC (Second Publication)
Gregory Norris, WKM, Inc. (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – January 18, 2010

THIS WEEK!
Friday, January 22
Annual REALTORS® Commercial Alliance Celebration
Reservations deadline is TODAY, Monday, January 18! No reservations will be accepted after today! Cost is $50 per person. The celebration will be at The Silo at Redberry Farm (http://www.thesilotulsa.com/); cocktails start at 6:00 p.m. and dinner is at 7:00 p.m. For more information and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to http://www.tulsarealtors.com/; under Member Resources, click GTAR Events, then Annual RCA Celebration; or, call 663-7500.

Friday, February 5
2010 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet – A Night to Remember!
Cost is $50 per person through Monday, January 25! After this date, the cost will be $60 per person. Absolutely no reservations will be accepted after February 1. The banquet will be at the DoubleTree Hotel downtown; start with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. then enjoy a sit-down dinner and entertainment by the Jeff Shadley Band. For more information and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to http://www.tulsarealtors.com/; under Member Resources, click GTAR Events, then 2010 Presidents’ Banquet. You can also print out the reservation form and fax it to 663-8815 or mail the form to us with a check; or call 663-7500. Click Here for GTAR/NORES Banquet Reservation Form

CE Classes in January
For details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. All classes are in the GTAR Training Center and cost $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class, unless otherwise indicated.

Thursday, January 21: REALTOR® Ethics (PSC) – Free but registration is required; class is almost full
Monday, January 25: OK Broker Relationships (BRA), 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 bar on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

Realist Tax System: Wednesday, January 20, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
CIE-Xceligent: Tuesday, January 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17
Additional RESPA Class Scheduled
Due to the high demand for "What the 2010 RESPA Changes Mean to Me and My Business" course, we have scheduled an additional class with Monica Wittrock for Wednesday, March 17, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration is available online at tulsarealtors.com. If you are interested in attending this course, DO NOT WAIT TO REGISTER or you may miss out! Both classes scheduled for Wednesday, February 3 are FULL. (If you were registered for the January 7 class which was cancelled due to inclement weather, you were notified via email that your registration was automatically moved to the new date. If the new February 3 date works for you, no further action is needed on your part. If you cannot make the new date, you can receive a full refund, but you MUST call 663-7500 or email education@tulsarealtors.com BEFORE February 3.)

Tuesday, February 9
Commercial Fair Housing and Other Legal Issues
1:00 – 4:00 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 more information and to register online: Log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. You can also register by calling 663-7500.

Thursday, February 11
Home Inspection and the Law
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. with Dan LaBrake; in this new course learn what will and will not be inspected, how to prepare your listing for a good inspection, and more. OREC approved for 4 hours required HOT CE credit. For more information and to register online: Log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. You can also register by calling 663-7500. Click Here for Course Details

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 23 & 24
REO Specialist Certification
In this new two-day course you will learn how to become an REO listing agent, how to manage REO properties, how to work with the buyer purchasing an REO property, how to finance your REO property, and much more. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Marlene Burkhart. Cost is $179. OREC approved for 12 hours of elective CE credit. Click on the following link for detailed course information and registration: REO Specialist Course Details

CRS205: Financing and Tax Course
Thursday and Friday, February 18 and 19 at the Marriott Oklahoma City with Dale Carlton. Register online at http://www.crsok.com/. This course is being offered by the Oklahoma CRS Chapter and OKCMAR. Click Here for Course Details

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.

Jimmy L. Armstrong, Winfield Property Management (First Publication)
Steven R. Ball, Legacy Real Estate, LLC (First Publication)
Gregory Norris, WKM, Inc. (First Publication)
Mike Clevenger, associated with Catoosa Real Estate (Second Publication)
Elizabeth Dillsaver, associated with Keller Williams Realty (Second Publication)
Kelly Garcia, Garcia Properties, LLC (Second Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – January 11, 2010

New Date: Wednesday, February 3
What the 2010 RESPA Changes Mean to Me and My Business
The new date for the RESPA class is Wednesday, February 3; times are the same. If you were registered for this class, you were notified via email that your registration was automatically moved to the new date. If this date works for you, no further action is needed on your part. If you cannot make the new date, you can receive a full refund, but you MUST call 918-663-7500 or email education@tulsarealtors.com BEFORE February 3.

CE Classes in January
For details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. All classes are in the GTAR Training Center and cost $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class, unless otherwise indicated.

Thursday, January 14: Fair Housing and Ethical Practices (FHR)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones.

Thursday, January 21: REALTOR® Ethics (PSC)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. instructor TBA; class is free but space is limited; pre-registration is required.

Monday, January 25: OK Broker Relationships (BRA)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with instructor 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 bar on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

MarketLinx 2: Monday, January 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Computer Basics: Wednesday, January 13, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Thursday, January 14, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3 (Prospect Gateway): Friday, January 15, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Realist Tax System: Wednesday, January 20, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
CIE-Xceligent: Tuesday, January 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

GTAR/NORES Inclement Weather Policy
The GTAR/NORES Inclement Weather policy is for all education classes at GTAR (CE, Computer, New Member Orientation, 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. In addition, for those of you who live outside the Tulsa area, if schools in your area are closed the day of class or you are uncomfortable making the drive, you can still receive a refund, but you MUST call or email us that day (day of the class). You cannot just be a “no show” and expect a refund. Please be sure to check one of the local news channels the night before and/or morning of a scheduled class for school closings.

Notice: Supra Support
Effective December 31, 2009, when you contact Supra for support you will be able to enter your serial number and be automatically routed to the correct support representative; this means you will spend less time on the phone. If you have a Supra KEY, please turn the key over to locate the key serial number. If you have eKEY software on your smartphone or PDA, following are instructions on how to locate your serial number: Palm based eKey >> Open the eKEY application; the very first screen will state the key number and whether or not the key is updated. Windows Mobile based eKey >>Open the eKey Suite and select Options in the lower right hand corner of the screen and then choose “About.” Blackberry based eKey >> Open the eKey application, Press the Blackberry Menu Button (the one with the cluster of dots) and choose “About.”

Friday, January 22
Annual REALTORS® Commercial Alliance Celebration
Recognizing the achievements of Commercial REALTOR® members within the profession and the community and honoring the 2009 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year (to be announced at the Celebration); cost is $50 per person. The banquet will be at The Silo at Redberry Farm; cocktails start at 6:00 p.m. and dinner is at 7:00 p.m. For more information and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under Member Resources, click GTAR Events, then Annual RCA Celebration. Or, you can call 663-7500. (RSVP no later than January 25!)

Friday, February 5
2010 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet
A Night to Remember! This year’s banquet is going to be at the DoubleTree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown; start with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. then enjoy a sit-down dinner and entertainment by the Jeff Shadley Band. Cost is $50 per person through January 25 and $60 per person after; absolutely no reservations will be accepted after February 1. For more information and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under Member Resources, click GTAR Events, then 2010 Presidents’ Banquet. You can also print out the reservation form and fax it to 663-8815 or mail the form to us with a check or call 663-7500: Click Here for GTAR/NORES Banquet Reservation Form

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 23 & 24
REO Specialist Certification
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Marlene Burkhart. In this two-day course you will learn how to become an REO listing agent, how to manage REO properties, how to work with the buyer purchasing an REO property, how to finance your REO property, and much more. Cost is $179. OREC approved for 12 hours of elective CE credit. Click on the following link for detailed course information and registration: REO Specialist Course Details

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.

Mike Clevenger, associated with Catoosa Real Estate (First Publication)
Elizabeth Dillsaver, associated with Keller Williams Realty (First Publication)
Kelly Garcia, Garcia Properties, LLC (First Publication)

Weekly Facts Blog – January 4, 2010

If dues were not paid by January 1, 2010, your MLS services will be suspended and keys shut off TODAY, January 4.To reinstate will require a $40 reinstatement fee and new paperwork from the broker. Click Here for Required Paperwork

THIS WEEK!
Thursday, January 7:
What the 2010 RESPA Changes Mean to Me and My Business
The New RESPA changes became effective January 1, 2010. Think the changes won’t affect you as a real estate professional? Better think again! Attend the new course: What the 2010 RESPA Changes Mean to Me and My Business, with Attorney Monica Wittrock. There will be two sessions: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The morning class is almost full and the afternoon class is starting to fill, so don’t wait to register! Course will include a review of the new Good Faith Estimate and the new HUD-1 Settlement Statement; Compliance with Oklahoma State Law; Changes at the Closing Table, and more. OREC approved: 3 hours required HOT CE credit. Click Here for Course Details

Get Your Required CE Hours in January
Don’t wait until the end of your 3-year licensing period to get your CE hours! Take advantage of a slow month and knock out all 12 OREC required core CE hours; classes in all four categories (HOT, FHR, PSC, BRA) will be offered at GTAR in January. For details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; on the main Member Services page, click the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. All classes are in the GTAR Training Center and cost $15 pre-registered or $20 the day of class, unless otherwise indicated.

Thursday, January 7: What the 2010 RESPA Changes Mean to Me and My Business (HOT)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with instructor Attorney Monica Wittrock. (See information above.)

Thursday, January 14: Fair Housing and Ethical Practices (FHR)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones.

Thursday, January 21: REALTOR® Ethics (PSC)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. instructor TBA; this class is free but space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Monday, January 25: OK Broker Relationships (BRA)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with instructor 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 bar on the main page. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab.

MarketLinx 1: Tuesday, January 5, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 2: Monday, January 11, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Computer Basics: Wednesday, January 13, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MarketLinx 3 (Prospect Gateway): Friday, January 15, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
CIE-Xceligent: Tuesday, January 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

GTAR/NORES Inclement Weather Policy for Classes
We are entering 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, etc.): If Tulsa Public Schools are closed the day of a scheduled class, the GTAR/NORES class is cancelled. It doesn’t matter if it’s a morning or afternoon class. 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.

Notice: Supra Support
Effective December 31, 2009, when you contact Supra for support you will be able to enter your serial number and be automatically routed to the correct support representative; this means you will spend less time on the phone. If you have a Supra KEY, please turn the key over to locate the key serial number. If you have eKEY software on your smartphone or PDA, following are instructions on how to locate your serial number: Palm based eKey >> Open the eKEY application; the very first screen will state the key number and whether or not the key is updated. Windows Mobile based eKey >>Open the eKey Suite and select Options in the lower right hand corner of the screen and then choose “About.” Blackberry based eKey >> Open the eKey application, Press the Blackberry Menu Button (the one with the cluster of dots) and choose “About.”

TulsaRealtors.com Web-Email Upgrade
GTAR/NORES is finalizing plans for a TulsaRealtors.com Web E-Mail upgrade. This upgrade should address the Web-Email issues some users have been encountering, and will allow for a more stable email environment and less problems for the user when using TulsaRealtors Web-Email at http://mail.tulsarealtors.com. These changes will not affect users of mail clients such as Outlook or Outlook Express. This upgrade will be released the evening of January 6, 2010.

Friday, January 22
Annual REALTORS® Commercial Alliance Celebration
Recognizing the achievements of Commercial REALTOR® members within the profession and the community and honoring the 2009 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year (to be announced at the Celebration); cost is $50 per person. The banquet will be at The Silo at Redberry Farm; cocktails start at 6:00 p.m. and dinner is at 7:00 p.m. For more information and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under Member Resources, click GTAR Events, then Annual RCA Celebration. Or, you can call 663-7500. (RSVP no later than January 25!)

Friday, February 5
2010 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet
A Night to Remember! This year’s banquet is going to be at the DoubleTree Hotel Tulsa-Downtown; start with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. then enjoy a sit-down dinner and entertainment by the Jeff Shadley Band. Cost is $50 per person through January 25 and $60 per person after; absolutely no reservations will be accepted after February 1. For more information and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under Member Resources, click GTAR Events, then 2010 Presidents’ Banquet. You can also print out the reservation form and fax it to 663-8815 or mail the form to us with a check or call 663-7500: Click Here for GTAR/NORES Banquet Reservation Form

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 23 & 24REO Specialist Certification9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center with Marlene Burkhart. In this two-day course you will learn how to become an REO listing agent, how to manage REO properties, how to work with the buyer purchasing an REO property, how to finance your REO property, and much more. Cost is $179. OREC approved for 12 hours of elective CE credit. Click on the following link for detailed course information and registration: REO Specialist Course Details

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.

Steven R. Ball, Legacy Real Estate, LLC. (Second Publication)