GTAR Weekly Facts – January 30, 2012

NOTICES:

February 16

Cash Into Change

There are only two weeks left to buy tickets for the 2012 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Thursday, February 16. Seated dinner is at noon; join us in honoring the outgoing Presidents, Pete Galbraith and Gary Griffith; incoming Presidents, Rodger Erker and Anne Pollard; officers and 2011 award winners. For a special message from the Program Committee, and incoming GTAR President, Rodger Erker, watch this video. For banquet details and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under the Member Resources tab, click GTAR Events, then 2012 Presidents’ Banquet. You can also print a Reservation Form and fax it to 918-663-8815 or mail it with a check. (Absolutely no reservations will be accepted after 12:00 p.m. February 13)

EDUCATION:

February 21-22

Broker in Charge Course

Attention ALL Real Estate BROKERS: Your OREC Continuing Education Requirements are changing! If your license type is a Broker Manager (BM), Proprietor Broker (BP), or Branch Broker (BB) (even if only for ONE day during that license term) AND your real estate license expires on or after June 30, 2012, then you are required to complete an approved 15-hour Broker in Charge (BIC) class PLUS an additional 6 hours of required subject matter in at least two core courses (BRA, PSC, FHR or HOT) prior to your license renewal. Cost is $90. Class size is limited to 15. For more information and to register, go to tulsarealtors.com.

February 22

Special Event – Pat Zaby at GTAR!

Nationally acclaimed speaker, Pat Zaby will be at GTAR Wednesday, February 22, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. to teach Turn It On Automatic! Serving Repeat and Referral Customers. Repeat and referral customers account for the majority of transactions and relationships that influence agent selection. Maintaining top of mind awareness is the determining factor that results in your getting the call when your contacts or their friends are buying or selling. This session will help you develop a system for leveraging your creative efforts through direct mail and social networking. Class is currently pending CE credit approval with OREC, and is free to GTAR members, but you must pre-register! We expect the class to fill quickly. Register online at tulsarealtors.com.

Who Doesn’t Want More of a Good Thing?

Everyone looks forward to GTAR’s annual REALTOR^® Appreciation Day—it’s easily our most popular annual event—so we thought we’d make it even better. The new RAD Conference and Trade Show will include an Education Conference—a full day of education on April 4 featuring two CE class tracks—one on technology with Dick Betts, and the other on broker/managers issues with Theresa Stewart. April 5 will start with a fast-paced session covering multiple technology topics. The morning will end on a positive note with a presentation by world renowned motivational speaker and author, Jim Stovall entitled: Yes You Can. The Education Conference will cost just $50 per member; you can register online at tulsarealtors.com. But, if you want year-long, super-savings on CE classes, check out GTAR’s new Class Pass for only $25 more! (See information below.) Not to worry…we will still have the same great, Trade Show you know and love from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.—complete with valuable information, door prizes, food, and fun—and all for free thanks to GTAR’s Firm Affiliates!

Your Ticket to Learn in 2012!

GTAR's Class Pass gets you admission to the Education Conference classes and motivational speaker presentation (see description above), a $50 value, PLUS any and all regular CE classes GTAR offers in 2012—starting this month—for just $75! For more information and to purchase your GTAR Class Pass, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes, and look for GTAR Class Pass.

MLS NOTES:

Register NOW for Fusion Training

Fusion will be replacing MarketLinx in April, so be prepared! Fusion training classes begin in March—register online at tulsarealtors.com (Education – Register for Classes). There are plenty of days and times to choose from; all classes will be in the GTAR Training Center, unless otherwise indicated, and all classes are free.

eKEY and Version 7.1 BlackBerry OS Incompatibility

A small percentage of keyholders have reported that eKEY is incompatible with version 7.1 of BlackBerry’s operating system. Supra is working to correct this issue, and will release an eKEY upgrade as soon as possible. Until that time, Supra recommends that eKEY customers do not upgrade their BlackBerry to version 7.1. BlackBerry devices that may run version 7.1 include: BlackBerry Bold 9790/9900/9930; BlackBerry Curve 9350/9360/9370/9380; and BlackBerry Torch 9810/9850/9860.

Effective Immediately…

Key Boxes can be returned for exchange when the battery life is at 15%-20%. (If you are having trouble dropping the key container or opening the shackle, please return the box for exchange.)

Coming in April: Your Next Generation MLS—Fusion

You won’t need a new PC to run the Fusion MLS system; however, you might want to compare your computer and consider the recommended stats for optimum performance of Fusion. IF your computer doesn’t meet the minimum recommendations, it is likely a very old PC, and you are missing out on much more than just MLS features. The speed and reliability of a newer computer can help to alleviate the pains and struggles of program lockups, timeouts, slow opening and closing of programs, reboots… and much more. Windows (Recommended): 1.8 GHz Intel Core Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200, or equivalent processor; 3 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 4 GB of RAM if using Windows 7 or Vista. (Minimum) PC stats for running your upcoming 2012 new MLS-Fusion: 3 GHz Intel Pentium 4 (single core) or equivalent processor; 1 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 2 GB of RAM (Windows 7 or Vista). Macintosh (Recommended): 1.33 GHz Intel Core Duo, or equivalent processor; 4 GB of RAM. (Minimum) Mac stats: 500 MHz Intel PowerPC (single core) or equivalent processor; 2 GB of RAM. You can check your current system stats by right clicking on My Computer, and selecting Properties. Call the Helpdesk at 918-664-0505 if you need assistance. Watch for future GTAR communications for more upcoming info on Fusion.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:

It’s Time to Register for THE Commercial Event of the Year!

2012 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update and GTAR Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year Luncheon, presented by GTAR’s REALTORS^® Commercial Alliance: Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Tulsa Renaissance Hotel. Now in its 13^th year, the GTAR RCA Commercial Market Update is the premier event of the year for commercial real estate professionals in Tulsa and surrounding areas, including OKC. New This Year: The GTAR Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year Luncheon will immediately follow the Commercial Market Update. During this hour, a keynote address will be given by Tulsa City Councilor, District 4, Blake Ewing; Mr. Ewing will talk about development of the Blue Dome and Pearl districts in downtown Tulsa, as well as his plans as Tulsa City Councilor. Then, as the name suggests, the GTAR Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year for 2011 will be announced. This honor is awarded to a commercial member, nominated by his or her peers, who promotes the interest of the commercial real estate profession, the community, and his or her clients. Take advantage of early-bird savings! *GTAR members: Pay only $60 through March 2; non-members: $80 through March 2.Event Details and Registration Form

MEMBERSHIP 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.

REALTOR^®:

Dave Stacy, associated with Mercury Alliance Tulsa LLC (First Publication)

Firm Affiliate:

Easy Moves, Designated individual Andrew Wilson (First Publication)

Apex Title & Closings, Designated Individual Ashlie Killingsworth (Second Publication)

Emerald Falls, Designated individual Lucia Carbatto (Second Publication)

GTAR Weekly Facts – January 23, 2012

NOTICES:

GTAR 2011 Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year

Get Your Nominations in! Deadline to submit completed forms to GTAR is January 31, 2012. If you know a Commercial REALTOR^® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE^® who promotes the interest of the commercial real estate profession, the community, and their clients and customers, nominate him/her for Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year. The winner will be announced at the GTAR Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update & REALTOR^® of the Year Luncheon, March 14 at the Tulsa Renaissance. Fill-in nomination forms are available online at tulsarealtors.com or Click Here.

2012 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; seated dinner at noon on Thursday, February 16. Join us in honoring the outgoing Presidents, Pete Galbraith and Gary Griffith; incoming Presidents, Rodger Erker and Anne Pollard; officers and 2011 award winners. This year’s theme is Cash Into Change, which reflects plans for 2012, from changing the banquet format to expanding REALTOR^® Appreciation Day (RAD), to getting a new MLS system. We hope you will join us in making 2012 a year of change! Cost is $25 per person. For a special message from the Program Committee, and incoming GTAR President, Rodger Erker, watch this video. For banquet details and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under the Member Resources tab, click GTAR Events, then 2012 Presidents’ Banquet. You can also print a Reservation Form and fax it to 918-663-8815 or mail it with a check. (Absolutely no reservations will be accepted after 12:00 p.m. February 13)

EDUCATION:

January CE Classes at GTAR

Don’t wait until the end of your three-year licensing period to start working on your CE hours. 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 bar.

This Week! (FHR) Fair Housing and Ethical Practices: Wednesday, January 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)

(BRA) OK Broker Relationships: Monday, January 30, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)

Special Event – Pat Zaby at GTAR!

Nationally acclaimed speaker, Pat Zaby will be at GTAR Wednesday, February 22, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. to teach Turn It On Automatic! Serving Repeat and Referral Customers. Repeat and referral customers account for the majority of transactions and relationships influence agent selection. Maintaining top of mind awareness is the determining factor that results in you getting the call when your contacts or their friends are buying or selling. This session will help you develop a system for leveraging your creative efforts through direct mail and social networking. Class is currently pending CE credit approval with OREC, and is free to GTAR members, but you must pre-register! We expect the class to fill quickly. Register online at tulsarealtors.com.

Who Doesn’t Want More of a Good Thing?

Everyone looks forward to GTAR’s annual REALTOR^® Appreciation Day—it’s easily our most popular annual event—so we thought we’d make it even better. The new RAD Conference and Trade Show will include an Education Conference—a full day of education on April 4 featuring two CE class tracks—one on technology with Dick Betts, and the other on broker/managers issues with Theresa Stewart. April 5 will start with a fast-paced session covering multiple technology topics. The morning will end on a positive note with a presentation by world renowned motivational speaker and author, Jim Stovall entitled: Yes You Can. The Education Conference will cost just $50 per member; you can register online at tulsarealtors.com. But, if you want year-long, super-savings on CE classes, check out GTAR’s new Class Pass for only $25 more! (See information below.) Not to worry…we will still have the same great, Trade Show you know and love from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.—complete with valuable information, door prizes, food, and fun—and all for free thanks to GTAR’s Firm Affiliates!

Your Ticket to Learn in 2012!

GTAR's Class Pass gets you admission to the Education Conference classes and motivational speaker presentation (see description above), a $50 value, PLUS any and all regular CE classes GTAR offers in 2012—starting this month—for just $75! For more information and to purchase your GTAR Class Pass, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes, and look for GTAR Class Pass.

Webinar Summit Looks at Social Media Strategies

REALTOR^® University’s School of Professional Development and Continuing Education is hosting five noted real estate educators in a webinar summit on January 31. Program topics include strategies to sharpen Facebook marketing, using Google+, and building a referral network. The five sessions together cost $19.95. Register today and use the coupon code “RUWSF14” to save $5.00.  Access schedule and registration.

MLS NOTES:

Effective Immediately…

Key Boxes can be returned for exchange when the battery life is at 15%-20%. (If you are having trouble dropping the key container or opening the shackle, please return the box for exchange.)

December Home Sales Stats are Now Available

http://www.tulsarealtors.com/stats/

Coming in 2012: Your Next Generation MLS—Fusion

You won’t need a new PC to run the Fusion MLS system; however, you might want to compare your computer and consider the recommended stats for optimum performance of Fusion. IF your computer doesn’t meet the minimum recommendations, it is likely a very old PC, and you are missing out on much more than just MLS features. The speed and reliability of a newer computer can help to alleviate the pains and struggles of program lockups, timeouts, slow opening and closing of programs, reboots… and much more. Windows (Recommended): 1.8 GHz Intel Core Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200, or equivalent processor; 3 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 4 GB of RAM if using Windows 7 or Vista. (Minimum) PC stats for running your upcoming 2012 new MLS-Fusion: 3 GHz Intel Pentium 4 (single core) or equivalent processor; 1 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 2 GB of RAM (Windows 7 or Vista). Macintosh (Recommended): 1.33 GHz Intel Core Duo, or equivalent processor; 4 GB of RAM. (Minimum) Mac stats: 500 MHz Intel PowerPC (single core) or equivalent processor; 2 GB of RAM. You can check your current system stats by right clicking on My Computer, and selecting Properties. Call the Helpdesk at 918-664-0505 if you need assistance. Watch for future GTAR communications for more upcoming info on Fusion.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:

This Week!

Synergy N Tulsa

Wednesday, January 25: 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Central Center in Centennial Park (1028 E. 6^th Street, Tulsa); presented by the City of Tulsa. Commercial brokers, developers, and community organizations: Take this opportunity to communicate with City staff experts in planning, economic development, and permitting on the ins and outs of developing in Tulsa. Find out the biggest challenges with developments in Tulsa and how to avoid delays and obstacles. Hear about opportunities to streamline your projects. Gain valuable knowledge of the tools and services available at City Hall to assist you and your clients. In addition, listen as the planning team takes you on a step by step journey of the long range planning initiatives underway. Together, let’s work to build Tulsa and make the process streamlined, efficient, and safe. RSVP to Tammy Fate at tfate@cityoftulsa.org or 918-576-5561.

MEMBERSHIP 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.

REALTOR^®:

Deborah K. George, C21/Hale Agency (Second Publication)

Brenda Sand, associated with McGraw, REALTORS^® (Second Publication)

Firm Affiliate:

Apex Title & Closings, Designated Individual Ashlie Killingsworth (First Publication)

Emerald Falls, Designated individual Lucia Carbatto (First Publication)

GTAR Weekly Facts – January 16, 2012

NOTICES:

Get Your Nominations in!

GTAR 2011 Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year

Do you know a Commercial REALTOR^® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE^® who promotes the interest of the commercial real estate profession, the community, and their clients and customers? Nominate him/her for Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year; it’s easy and almost anyone can do it (no self nominations are allowed). The winner will be announced at the GTAR Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update & REALTOR^® of the Year Luncheon, March 14 at the Tulsa Renaissance. Fill-in nomination forms are available online at tulsarealtors.com or Click Here. Deadline to submit completed forms to GTAR is January 31, 2012.

Make Your Reservations Today!

2012 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet

This annual event is changing format and time: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; seated dinner at noon on Thursday, February 16. Join us in honoring the outgoing Presidents, Pete Galbraith and Gary Griffith; incoming Presidents, Rodger Erker and Anne Pollard; officers and 2011 award winners.  This year’s theme is Cash Into Change, which reflects plans for 2012, from changing the banquet format to expanding REALTOR^® Appreciation Day (RAD), to getting a new MLS system. We hope you will join us in making 2012 a year of change! Cost is $25 per person. For a special message from the Program Committee, and incoming GTAR President, Rodger Erker, watch this video. For banquet details and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under the Member Resources tab, click GTAR Events, then 2012 Presidents’ Banquet. You can also print a Reservation Form and fax it to 918-663-8815 or mail it with a check. (Absolutely no reservations will be accepted after 12:00 p.m. February 13)

EDUCATION:

January CE Classes at GTAR

Don’t wait until the end of your three-year licensing period to start working on your CE hours. 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 bar.

This Week! (PSC) REALTOR^® Ethics: Thursday, January 19, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Free, but registration required; class is almost full)

(FHR) Fair Housing and Ethical Practices: Wednesday, January 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)

(BRA) OK Broker Relationships: Monday, January 30, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)

Expanded REALTOR^® Appreciation Day

REALTOR^® Appreciation Day has been expanded to include an Education Conference featuring two CE class tracks—one for associates and one for brokers. The Associate Track will focus on technology, and be taught by nationally recognized technology guru, Dick Betts. The Broker Track will focus on issues pertaining to Brokerage Management, and be taught by strategic consultant, Theresa Stewart. All classes will be held at UMAC on April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On April 5, the Education Conference will continue with one education track for everyone focusing on technology; this will be a fast-paced session with multiple topics and speakers. The Education Conference will end on a positive note with a presentation by world renowned motivational speaker and author, Jim Stovall entitled: Yes You Can. The Education Conference will cost just $50 per member; you can register online at tulsarealtors.com. But, if you want year-long, super-savings on CE classes, check out GTAR’s new Class Pass for only $25 more! (See information below.) Not to worry…we will still have the same great, Trade Show you know and love from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.—complete with valuable information, door prizes, food, and fun—and all for free thanks to GTAR’s Firm Affiliates!

GTAR Class Pass—Your Ticket to Learn in 2012!

With GTAR's Class Pass you get admission to the Education Conference classes and motivational speaker presentation (see description above), a $50 value, PLUS any and all regular CE classes GTAR offers in 2012—starting this month—for just $75! For more information and to purchase your GTAR Class Pass, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes, and look for GTAR Class Pass.

Webinar Summit Looks at Social Media Strategies

REALTOR^® University’s School of Professional Development and Continuing Education is hosting five noted real estate educators in a webinar summit on January 31. Program topics include strategies to sharpen Facebook marketing, using Google+, and building a referral network. The five sessions together cost $19.95. Register today and use the coupon code “RUWSF14” to save $5.00.  Access schedule and registration.

MLS NOTES:

THIS WEEK!

January 18: Fusion Beta-Testing Classes

There will be two classes: 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-3:30 p.m. This is a BETA tester class for the new Fusion MLS system.  To qualify, you must be proficient with technology and the current MLS system (MarketLinx), and have the ability to be “self-taught” with new computer programs. If you are interested in being a Beta tester for Fusion, you must register for and attend one of these classes. Register online at tulsarealtors.com, under Education, Register for Classes. There is no charge for these classes. (Note: Training for all members will be scheduled at a later date—watch for details.)  

December Home Sales Stats are Now Available

http://www.tulsarealtors.com/stats/

Coming in 2012: Your Next Generation MLS—Fusion

You won’t need a new PC to run the Fusion MLS system; however, you might want to compare your computer and consider the recommended stats for optimum performance of Fusion. IF your computer doesn’t meet the minimum recommendations, it is likely a very old PC, and you are missing out on much more than just MLS features. The speed and reliability of a newer computer can help to alleviate the pains and struggles of program lockups, timeouts, slow opening and closing of programs, reboots… and much more. Windows (Recommended): 1.8 GHz Intel Core Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200, or equivalent processor; 3 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 4 GB of RAM if using Windows 7 or Vista. (Minimum) PC stats for running your upcoming 2012 new MLS-Fusion: 3 GHz Intel Pentium 4 (single core) or equivalent processor; 1 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 2 GB of RAM (Windows 7 or Vista). Macintosh (Recommended): 1.33 GHz Intel Core Duo, or equivalent processor; 4 GB of RAM. (Minimum) Mac stats: 500 MHz Intel PowerPC (single core) or equivalent processor; 2 GB of RAM. You can check your current system stats by right clicking on My Computer, and selecting Properties. Call the Helpdesk at 918-664-0505 if you need assistance. Watch for future GTAR communications for more upcoming info on Fusion.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:

Synergy N Tulsa

Wednesday, January 25, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Central Center in Centennial Park (1028 E. 6^th Street, Tulsa); presented by the City of Tulsa. Commercial brokers, developers, and community organizations: Take this opportunity to communicate with City staff experts in planning, economic development, and permitting on the ins and outs of developing in Tulsa. Find out the biggest challenges with developments in Tulsa and how to avoid delays and obstacles. Hear about opportunities to streamline your projects. Gain valuable knowledge of the tools and services available at City Hall to assist you and your clients. In addition, listen as the planning team takes you on a step by step journey of the long range planning initiatives underway. Together, let’s work to build Tulsa and make the process streamlined, efficient, and safe. RSVP to Tammy Fate at tfate@cityoftulsa.org or 918-576-5561.

How was Your Commercial Market in 2011 Q4?

Happy New Year! We hope 2012 proves to be a better year. NAR is looking for information about your commercial market activity. Your responses help inform members and markets about the direction of commercial markets, sales, pricing, and leasing activity. Please take a few moments to respond to the brief Commercial Real Estate Market Survey, covering 4^th Quarter 2011 sales and leasing activity. The survey takes about 5 minutes. Your individual responses on these important issues will remain completely confidential. Please go to http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EDSTTDJSN by January 20, 2012. The results of this survey will be emailed to respondents in an advanced report before its official release. If you have any questions, please contact NAR Research at (202) 383-1033.

GOVERNMENT ISSUES:

NAR Calls for Expansion of FHA’s 203(k) Program

Investors should be permitted to participate in the FHA Sec. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program to purchase vacant and foreclosed properties in need of rehab, NAR President Moe Veissi says in a letter to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. For more info contact Megan Booth, mbooth@realtors.org, 202/383-1222.

INFORMATION TO USE:

HOM: 1.9 Million Positive Impressions?

Media reports and other coverage in the last week totaled 1.9 million positive impressions about home ownership. Access the latest weekly update from NAR Public Affairs on NAR’s efforts to remind consumers about what matters most when it comes to home ownership.

Free Consumer Content: Finding Your New Home

The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic’s REALTOR^® Content Resource provides eight tips for finding your new home.

MEMBERSHIP 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.

REALTOR^®:

Deborah K. George, C21/Hale Agency (First Publication)

Brenda Sand, associated with McGraw, REALTORS^® (First Publication)

Linda D. Clark, associated with Keller Williams Realty (Second Publication)

GTAR Weekly Facts – January 9, 2012

NOTICES:

2012 Real Estate Planners Now in GTAR Board Store

A limited supply is available. Prices range from $19.95 to $39.95. If you want one, don’t wait or you may miss out!

Get Your Nominations in for GTAR’s 2011 Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year

Do you know a Commercial REALTOR^® or REALTOR-ASSOCIATE^® who promotes the interest of the commercial real estate profession, the community, and their clients and customers? Nominate him/her for Commercial REALTOR^® of the Year; it’s easy and almost anyone can do it (no self nominations are allowed). The winner will be announced at the GTAR Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update & REALTOR^® of the Year Luncheon, March 14 at the Tulsa Renaissance. Fill-in nomination forms are available online at tulsarealtors.com or Click Here. Deadline to submit completed forms to GTAR is January 31, 2012.

2012 GTAR/NORES Installation & Awards Banquet

This annual event is changing format and time: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; seated dinner at 12:00 p.m. Join us in honoring the outgoing Presidents, Pete Galbraith and Gary Griffith; incoming Presidents, Rodger Erker and Anne Pollard; officers and 2011 award winners.  This year’s theme is Cash Into Change, which reflects plans for 2012, from changing the banquet format to expanding REALTOR® Appreciation Day (RAD), to getting a new MLS system. We hope you will join us in making 2012 a year of change! Cost is $25 per person. For more information and to make reservations online with a credit card, go to www.tulsarealtors.com; under the Member Resources tab, click GTAR Events, then 2012 Presidents’ Banquet. You can also print a Reservation Form and fax it to 918-663-8815 or mail it with a check. (Absolutely no reservations will be accepted after 12:00 p.m. February 13)

EDUCATION:

In January at GTAR—All 12 OREC Required CE Credit Hours

Don’t wait until the end of your three-year licensing period to start working on your CE hours. 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 bar.

New! This Week! (HOT) Basic Contract: Wednesday, January 11, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., OREC approved (Class Pass Eligible)

(PSC) REALTOR^® Ethics: Thursday, January 19, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Free, but registration required)

(FHR) Fair Housing and Ethical Practices: Wednesday, January 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)

(BRA) OK Broker Relationships: Monday, January 30, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)

Expanded REALTOR^® Appreciation Day

REALTOR^® Appreciation Day will expand to include an Education Conference featuring two CE class tracks—one for associates and one for brokers. The Associate Track will focus on technology, and be taught by nationally recognized technology guru, Dick Betts. The Broker Track will focus on issues pertaining to Brokerage Management, and be taught by strategic consultant, Theresa Stewart. All classes will be held at UMAC on April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On April 5, the Education Conference will continue with one education track for everyone focusing on technology; this will be a fast-paced session with multiple topics and speakers. The Education Conference will end on a positive note with a presentation by world renowned motivational speaker and author, Jim Stovall entitled: Yes You Can. The Education Conference will cost just $50 per member; you can register online at tulsarealtors.com. But, if you want year-long, super-savings on CE classes, check out GTAR’s new Class Pass for only $25 more! (See information below.) Not to worry…we will still have the same great, Trade Show you know and love from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.—complete with valuable information, door prizes, food, and fun—and all for free thanks to GTAR’s Firm Affiliates!

GTAR Class Pass—Your Ticket to Learn in 2012!

With GTAR's Class Pass you get admission to the Education Conference classes and motivational speaker presentation (see description above), a $50 value, PLUS any and all regular CE classes GTAR offers in 2012—starting in January—for just $75! For more information and to purchase your GTAR Class Pass, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes, and look for GTAR Class Pass.

Webinar Summit Looks at Social Media Strategies

REALTOR^® University’s School of Professional Development and Continuing Education is hosting five noted real estate educators in a webinar summit on January 31. Program topics include strategies to sharpen Facebook marketing, using Google+, and building a referral network. The five sessions together cost $19.95. Register today and use the coupon code “RUWSF14” to save $5.00.  Access schedule and registration.

MLS NOTES:

We will be getting a new MLS system called Fusion in 2012; you won’t need a new PC to run the Fusion MLS system.

However, you might want to compare your computer and consider the recommended stats for optimum performance of Fusion. IF your computer doesn’t meet the minimum recommendations, it is likely a very old PC, and you are missing out on much more than just MLS features. The speed and reliability of a newer computer can help to alleviate the pains and struggles of program lockups, timeouts, slow opening and closing of programs, reboots… and much more. Windows (Recommended): 1.8 GHz Intel Core Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200, or equivalent processor; 3 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 4 GB of RAM if using Windows 7 or Vista. (Minimum) PC stats for running your upcoming 2012 new MLS-Fusion: 3 GHz Intel Pentium 4 (single core) or equivalent processor; 1 GB of RAM if using Windows XP; 2 GB of RAM (Windows 7 or Vista). Macintosh (Recommended): 1.33 GHz Intel Core Duo, or equivalent processor; 4 GB of Ram. (Minimum) Mac stats: 500 MHz Intel PowerPC (single core) or equivalent processor; 2 GB of Ram. You can check your current system stats by right clicking on My Computer, and selecting Properties. Call the Helpdesk at 918-664-0505 if you need assistance. Watch for future GTAR communications for more upcoming info on your next generation MLS—Fusion.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:

Banks Lay Groundwork for Commercial Comeback

(Dec. 30) A recent Federal Reserve Board survey of senior loan officers found that more than 13% of respondents noticed stronger commercial real estate demand in the fourth quarter, up from 1.8% a year earlier. Read more >

The Outlook for Commercial Real Estate

While commercial real estate markets have been relatively flat this year, improving fundamentals mean a more positive trend is expected in 2012. Read more >

INFORMATION TO USE:

Free Consumer Content: Home Financial Plans

The latest free content for your members’ websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic’s REALTOR^® Content Resource is about how home owners can build their wealth and their home’s value in 2012.

Free Consumer Content: Smoke-Detectors

The latest free content for your members’ websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic’s REALTOR^® Content Resource is about making sure a home smoke detector is working as it’s supposed to.

Insurance Options for Members
The New Year is a great time for your members to review their insurance options and make sure their family and business are covered. Through the REALTOR Benefits^® Program, they have access to exclusive plans and rates for auto, home, renters, errors and omissions, dental, and limited medical insurance

150-plus Sales and Marketing Solutions
Your members can start planning for a successful year with the help of the REALTOR.org Store and its more than 150 sales and marketing products. A wide selection of publications, brochures, and DVDs are available, many at special members-only pricing.

MEMBERSHIP 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.

REALTOR^®:

Linda D. Clark, associated with Keller Williams Realty (First Publication)

Nathan Garrett, Garrett & Company Realty, LLC (Second Publication)