Monday, March 26, 2012

GTAR Weekly Facts – March 26, 2012

NOTICES:
IT’S HERE – THE NEW FUSION MLS SYSTEM!
Training classes started last week, and every user is encouraged to attend. Classes are free, but pre-registration is required. Some of you may want to take the class more than once, so plan ahead!  Come to one of the first classes, then go home, apply what you’ve learned, and enroll again if needed; we have plenty of classes to select from. 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.  Video help is available for Fusion at http://tulsarealtors.com/support. (Note: This site will be functional and working, but is being updated daily.)
EDUCATION:
April 4-5
RAD Conference - REGISTER NOW!
Don’t miss out! REALTOR® Appreciation Day (RAD) has expanded to include an Education Conference all day April 4, and the morning of April 5 leading up to the annual Trade Show you all know and love.
Choose from two education tracks on April 4, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at UMAC: Technology track with Dick Betts’: Mobile Technology…The Way of the World and Agent’s Digital Footprint…Got One? Both OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit; Brokerage Management track with Theresa Stewart’s: The 360° Manager and Managing Into the Future; both pending OREC approval for CE credit.
Start again April 5 with networking and coffee at 8:30 a.m., then 9:00-10:45 merge into one fast track featuring multiple topics and speakers: Fusion Tips, Cool Apps, Social Media Marketing, and Latest and Greatest Mobile Devices. End the Education Conference on a positive note with motivational speaker, author, and Emmy award winner, Jim Stovall presenting, Yes You Can. For those that attend, Jim will be available afterwards to sign and sell his books.
Click Here to learn more about the RAD Education Conference and Trade Show April 4-5. Cost is only $50 per member; register online at tulsarealtors.com. If you want year-long, super-savings on CE classes, check out GTAR’s new Class Pass for only $25 more! (See information below.)
The annual Trade Show is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and still a no cost member benefit. Gather valuable information, win door prizes, network with fellow members, as you enjoy free food at over 60 booths—all made possible by our wonderful GTAR Firm Affiliates! (You do not need to register for the Trade show nor participate in the Education Conference to attend!)
GTAR's Class Pass gets you admission to the Education Conference classes and motivational speaker presentation, a $50 value, PLUS any and all regular CE classes GTAR offers in 2012—starting as soon as you buy your class pass—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.
April 11
Working in Historic Neighborhoods
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at GTAR; Amanda DeCort, preservation planner with the Tulsa Preservation Commission will unravel the misconceptions of working in historic neighborhoods in this encore presentation. Leave the class armed with the essential information your prospective buyers and sellers need to know. OREC approved: 3 hours elective CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. (If you want to use your GTAR Class Pass, please register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500. Don’t have a Class Pass? It’s not too late to buy one—see details above!)
April 17-18
Broker in Charge Course
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.
Other CE in April
(FHR) Fair Housing and Ethical Practices: Wednesday, April 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)
(BRA) OK Broker Relationships: Monday, April 23, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)
April 19
Avoid Costly Discrimination Lawsuits and Unwanted Investigations
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is sponsoring a “Disability Rights Awareness Training” class on Thursday, April 19, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Langston University-OKC Campus, 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd. This training is designed to provide attorneys, REALTORS®, landlords, property managers, architects, builders and/or housing authority staff, guidance on the rights of those with disability. Topics of discussion will include: Fair Housing Law and What It Means, Housing Needs for People with Disabilities and Promoting Integrated Housing, Section 504, Reasonable Accommodation, Design and Construction, Accessibility/ADA and Disability Etiquette. Register early—seating is limited to the first 100 registered! Register online at http://www.hud.gov/oklahoma.  For further information, please contact Gayla Evans, Equal Opportunity Assistant, at 405-609-8441.  (This is not a GTAR event.)
MLS NOTES:
Fusion Tutorials Available Now
Video help is available March 20 for Fusion at http://tulsarealtors.com/support. (Note: This site will be functional and working, but is being updated daily.)
February 2012 Home Sales Stats are Now Available
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
NAR Wants Bill to Add Bonds, Credit Unions
Legislation to help create a covered bond market for commercial real estate, and to increase the amount of small business loans well-capitalized credit unions can make, should be added to a jobs bill the U.S. Senate is considering, NAR says in letters to lawmakers.
2012 National Land Conference in Denver
Bring your cowboy boots and join the best in the land business in Denver, March 26-28, at the 2012 National Land Conference: Colorado Rocks!  Learn, build bonds, make deals, and bid on unique getaways and other prizes at the Cowboy Auction. For more info, send an e-mail to rli@realtors.org or call 800-441-5263. 
GTAR’s Commercial Real Estate Website Under Construction
GTAR’s commercial site, tulsacommercialrealtors.com is in the process of being updated and redesigned to provide our commercial members with more timely and pertinent resources. Right now, the presentations from the 2012 Greater Tulsa Commercial Market Update are available on the site; more information will be coming soon.

April 26
Oklahoma RCA Presents: 2012 State of the Market
This event will feature national speaker Mark Dotzour, chief economist of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, as well as an Oklahoma commercial market update from local panelists. Lunch is included, and a cocktail reception will follow the event. Cost is $50 early-bird through April 19, and $60 after. Event will be held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. For more information and to register, go to www.oklahomarca.com . (This is not a GTAR event.)
Now Available: Commercial Connections on Smart Growth
From NAR: In the most recent edition of the newsletter, smart growth—which emphasizes walkability, higher density, and transportation access as ways to more effectively use land—is discussed. Read more >
GOVERNMENT ISSUES:
Federal Plan Eases Fannie, Freddie Market Share
Details of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s strategic plan to reduce the mortgage market share of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are in a "scorecard" the agency has released. The agency’s goal is to build a new infrastructure for mortgage-backed securities while shrinking the role of Fannie and Freddie over time.
NAR Applauds Limits on Private Transfer Fees
A restriction on the use of private transfer fees on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgages proposed last year was finalized last week by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. NAR strongly supports the restriction, which limits the fees to their traditional uses, which include providing funds to neighborhood associations and cooperatives, and for financing assets such as community centers that benefit all property owners in a development. The final rule restricts the fees, which are structured as title encumbrances for a set term, for cases in which the fees are intended to generate income to the developer. FHA already bans the fees, as do almost 40 states. NAR’s statement of support.
INFORMATION TO USE:
REALTOR® Magazine Seeks Entries for Good Neighbor Awards
Five $10,000 Grants will be Awarded!
REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards recognize REALTORS® who have made an extraordinary impact on their community, or on the national or world stage, through volunteer work. Five winners are announced each fall in REALTOR® Magazine. Winners are recognized annually at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo, and receive $10,000 grants for their charities. Winners also receive travel expenses to the conference and national and local media exposure for their community cause. In addition to the winners, five honorable mentions each receive a $2,500 grant. Good Neighbor Awards entries must be received by Friday, May 18, 2012. For more details and a nomination form, call 800- 874-6500, or visit www.REALTOR.org/gna.
Free Consumer Content: MID Tax Info
The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at how to deduct loan costs on taxes and other MID info.
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®:
Brenda Gardner, associated with CB/Select (First Publication)
David E. Charney, d/b/a OLT Realty, LLC (Second Publication)
Firm Affiliate:
Iberia Bank Mortgage Company, Designated Individual, Patrick Chicklinski (First Publication)
MidFirst Bank, Designated Individual, Kevin Hawkins (First Publication)
MLS Participant Only:
Jerry Crowl, House Real Estate of Oklahoma LLC (First Publication)

Monday, March 19, 2012

GTAR Weekly Facts – March 19, 2012

NOTICES:
Coming March 20 – THE NEW FUSION MLS SYSTEM!
Reminder:  Access for ALL MLS users to the new MLS Fusion system (brokers, agents, assistants, staff) will be available March 20.  Classes begin that day, and every user is encouraged to attend. Classes are free, but pre-registration is required. Some of you may want to take the class more than once, so plan ahead!  Come to one of the first classes, then go home, apply what you’ve learned, and enroll again if needed; we have plenty of classes to select from. 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.  Video help is available March 20 for Fusion at http://tulsarealtors.com/support. (Note: This site will be functional and working, but is being updated daily.)
EDUCATION:
April 4-5
RAD Conference Update
Dick Betts’ two technology classes: Mobile Technology…The Way of the World and Agent’s Digital Footprint…Got One? OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. Theresa Stewart’s two brokerage management classes will be: The 360° Manager and Managing Into the Future; both are pending OREC approval for CE credit—Click Here to learn more about the RAD Education Conference and Trade Show April 4-5. Cost is only $50 per member; register online at tulsarealtors.com. If you want year-long, super-savings on CE classes, check out GTAR’s new Class Pass for only $25 more! (See information below.) And don’t worry…we will still have the same great, free 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! (You do not need to register for the Trade show nor participate in the Education Conference to attend!)
GTAR's Class Pass gets you admission to the Education Conference classes and motivational speaker presentation, a $50 value, PLUS any and all regular CE classes GTAR offers in 2012—starting as soon as you buy your class pass—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.
April 11
Working in Historic Neighborhoods
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at GTAR; Amanda DeCort, preservation planner with the Tulsa Preservation Commission will unravel the misconceptions of working in historic neighborhoods in this encore presentation. Leave the class armed with the essential information your prospective buyers and sellers need to know. OREC approved: 3 hours elective CE credit. Register online at tulsarealtors.com. (If you want to use your GTAR Class Pass, please register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500. Don’t have a Class Pass? It’s not too late to buy one—see details above!)
April 17-18
Broker in Charge Course
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.
Other CE in April
(FHR) Fair Housing and Ethical Practices: Wednesday, April 25, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)
(BRA) OK Broker Relationships: Monday, April 23, 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Class Pass Eligible)
MLS NOTES:
Fusion Tutorials Available March 20
Video help is available March 20 for Fusion at http://tulsarealtors.com/support. (Note: This site will be functional and working, but is being updated daily.)

February 2012 Home Sales Stats are Now Available


COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
Commercial Real Estate Website Under Construction
The commercial site is under construction and will be available soon including items from the Commercial Market Update Meeting

April 26
Oklahoma RCA Presents: 2012 State of the Market
This event will feature national speaker Mark Dotzour, chief economist of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, as well as an Oklahoma commercial market update from local panelists. Lunch is included, and a cocktail reception will follow the event. Cost is $50 early-bird through April 19, and $60 after. Event will be held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. For more information and to register, go to www.oklahomarca.com . (This is not a GTAR event.)
Now Available: Commercial Connections on Smart Growth
From NAR: In the most recent edition of the newsletter, smart growth—which emphasizes walkability, higher density, and transportation access as ways to more effectively use land—is discussed. Read more >
GOVERNMENT ISSUES:
Bill to Make Mortgage Relief Permanent Introduced
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) has introduced legislation that would make the mortgage debt forgiveness rules permanent. The rules that currently provide relief for home owners in short sales, foreclosures or loan modifications expire Dec. 31, 2012. This relief is essential to affected home owners, as they will not have to pay tax on the forgiven debt. A companion bill in the House will be introduced soon.
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®:
David E. Charney, d/b/a OLT Realty, LLC (First Publication)
Firm Affiliate:
Capital Homes, Designated Individual, Andrew Coles (Second Publication)
Chase Bank, Designated Individual, Juan Rodriguez (Second Publication)
Cox Environmental, Designated Individual, Stacy Price (Second Publication)
Envoy Mortgage, LTD., Designated Individual, Todd Johnson (Second Publication)
Oklahome Inspections, Designated Individual, Steve Allison (Second Publication)

Monday, March 12, 2012

GTAR Weekly Facts – March 12, 2012

NOTICES:
Coming March 20 – FUSION!
Reminder:  Access for ALL MLS users to the new MLS Fusion system (brokers, agents, assistants, staff) will be available March 20.  Classes begin that day, and every user is encouraged to attend. Classes are free, but pre-registration is required. Some of you may want to take the class more than once, so plan ahead!  Come to one of the first classes, then go home, apply what you’ve learned, and enroll again if needed; we have plenty of classes to select from. 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.
Keybox Reminder:
Daylight Saving Time started Sunday, March 11. Keyboxes now open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. To change the time settings using your EKey, Click Here for Instructions. If you are using a Display Key, the key box can be brought to GTAR for programming.
EDUCATION:
March 13-14
Broker in Charge Course
There are several seats still available for this month’s class; register online today at tulsarealtors.com or call 918-663-7500. 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.
April 4-5
RAD Conference Update
Dick Betts’ two technology classes: Mobile Technology…The Way of the World and Agent’s Digital Footprint…Got One? OREC approved for 3 hours elective CE credit. Theresa Stewart’s two brokerage management classes will be: The 360° Manager and Managing Into the Future; both are pending OREC approval for CE credit—Click Here to learn more about the RAD Education Conference and Trade Show April 4-5. Cost is only $50 per member; register online at tulsarealtors.com. If you want year-long, super-savings on CE classes, check out GTAR’s new Class Pass for only $25 more! (See information below.) And don’t worry…we will still have the same great, free 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! (You do not need to register for the Trade show nor participate in the Education Conference to attend!)
GTAR's Class Pass gets you admission to the Education Conference classes and motivational speaker presentation, a $50 value, PLUS any and all regular CE classes GTAR offers in 2012—starting as soon as you buy your class pass—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.
REALTOR® U Grad School Opens for Business
REALTOR® University launched its first Master of Real Estate course, Real Estate Law (RE520), on Feb. 27. The Master of Real Estate curriculum emphasizes the practical skills and concepts the real estate industry demands from real estate professionals and blends theory with real-world applications. Even if you missed the first class, five eight-week sessions remain in 2012. The next session begins April 30. Sign up now and save! The first 40 students in the Master of Real Estate program this year will receive a $2,500 grant for being part of the charter class. This will be distributed as $500 per course for the student’s first five classes. Want to learn more? Call 855/786-6546 (RUONLINE) or visit REALTORU.com.
MLS NOTES:
Fusion Tutorials Now Available
Video help is now available for Fusion at http://tulsarealtors.com/tutorials. (Note: This site is still under construction and being updated daily, but it’s functional.)
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
Rally Critical for Commercial Too
In this month’s Commercial Podcast, NAR Treasurer Bill Armstrong says, “I'm happy to share some good news about the commercial real estate sector from our just-released quarterly outlook. Good news is something we can use a lot more of. Also hear why the upcoming REALTOR® Rally in DC on May 17 is an important event for commercial practitioners—and all REALTORS®—to take part in. The Rally isn’t just about housing; we’re also there to remind Congress about how vital commercial real estate is to the economy. I hope to see everyone there.“ Listen now to NAR Treasurer Bill Armstong's Commercial Podcast
GOVERNMENT ISSUES:
Bill to Make Mortgage Relief Permanent Introduced
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) has introduced legislation that would make the mortgage debt forgiveness rules permanent. The rules that currently provide relief for home owners in short sales, foreclosures or loan modifications expire Dec. 31, 2012. This relief is essential to affected home owners, as they will not have to pay tax on the forgiven debt. A companion bill in the House will be introduced soon.
INFORMATION TO USE:
Housing Affordability Index Hits Record High
Housing affordability conditions have reached the highest level since recordkeeping began in 1970. NAR’s Housing Affordability Index rose to a record high 206.1 in January, based on the relationship between median home price, median family income, and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power. NAR projects the affordability index for all of 2012 will be at an annual high, with little movement in mortgage interest rates or home prices during the year.
Treasury Dept. to Hold Short-Sale Outreach Event
Starting in March, the Treasury Department, in collaboration with NAR, will hold Making Home Affordable "Help for Homeowners" outreach events in California. These events will include sessions for real estate agents wanting to learn more about the Treasury Department's Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program. The events are scheduled for Sacramento on March 20 and Los Angeles on March 22. These will be followed by Chicago and Indianapolis in April, Las Vegas and Phoenix in May, Atlanta and New Orleans in June, New York in July, and Maryland in August.
Fix a Leak Week
The EPA is reminding homeowners that March 12-18 is national “Fix a Leak” week – pointing out that the average American home wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water per year – enough to do 280 loads of laundry or provide 600 showers. During the week, the EPA’s WaterSense division is sponsoring plumbing repair programs for low-income residents and conducting children’s seminars on how to find leaks in homes. The agency is asking that consumers look for the “WaterSense” label when changing out bath and toilet fixtures. Read more.
Council Launches Online Database of Green Products
National do-it-yourself retailer Home Depot and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have launched an online green home products database that features products specially designed to save energy and water. Many of the products included on the site contribute toward earning LEED for Homes certification points. The USGBC says certified green homes tend to sell faster and for higher prices than conventional construction homes. Products database.
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.
Firm Affiliate:
Capital Homes, Designated Individual, Andrew Coles (First Publication)
Chase Bank, Designated Individual, Juan Rodriguez (First Publication)
Cox Environmental, Designated Individual, Stacy Price (First Publication)
Envoy Mortgage, LTD., Designated Individual, Todd Johnson (First Publication)
Oklahome Inspections, Designated Individual, Steve Allison (First Publication)

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