Monday, October 29, 2012

GTAR Weekly Facts – October 29, 2012

NOTICES:
 
LAST CHANCE!
2013 GTAR/NORES Committees
If you’re interested in serving on a 2013 GTAR or NORES committee, we need your completed volunteer form by Wednesday October 31, 2012. If you are currently serving on a committee, and would like to continue, you still need to submit a volunteer form. Review the descriptions of each committee in the October GTAR World Newsletter; then sign up by clicking on the appropriate link: REALTOR® & REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Volunteer Form  or Affiliate Volunteer Form.
2013 Annual Dues Billing
2013 local, state, and national dues invoices were emailed October 8, 2012; payment is due by November 30, 2012, to avoid a late penalty. REALTOR® members dues are $484; REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® members dues are $454.
Vote Now for the Two Oklahoma Finalists!
OAR has two nominees for the 2012-2013 GABBY Awards that have made it to the finals: The “LeadershipOAR Video Premiere” in the Best State Newsletter category, and the “RPAC iPad Giveaway” in the Best Online Fundraising Campaign category. Click here to vote today and every day until the close of business on Friday, November 2. (Tip: Finalists are listed by name and category; vote by giving the entry a five-star rating where it says “Rate This Finalist.”) Good luck to the Oklahoma finalists! (The GABBY Awards celebrate the best use of Convio to mobilize, communicate, and educate NAR members in support of the REALTOR® Party.)
EDUCATION & EVENTS:
Upcoming CE at GTAR
For course details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. (If you have a GTAR Class Pass, register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.)
OK Broker Relationships, Monday, October 29, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd; req. BRA CE (Last one of the year)
The New HUD Internet Training, Wednesday, November 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Mary Berry; req. HOT CE (Last one of the year)
Fair Housing & Ethical Practices, Thursday, November 8, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones; req. FHR CE (Last one of the year)
REALTOR® Ethics, Thursday, December 6, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones; this class is free, but you need to pre-register (Last one of the year)
November 13
Free Hot Topic Required CE Class
Home Inspection and the Law, 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the GTAR Training Center, presented by Fred Ayres, executive director of the Oklahoma Residential & Commercial Inspection Association; free to members courtesy of GTAR’s Affiliate member American Eagle Title Group. Course is approved for 3 hours required HOT CE credit. For details and to register online, go to tulsarealtors.com.
December 6
Experience Art in Tulsa!
Enjoy an evening of art at Philbrook Museum, featuring the annual Festival of Trees! Win door prizes and receive a discount on yearly membership to Philbrook. Event is 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.; cash bar opens at 4:00 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres will be available at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Register online at tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on Member Resources tab, then GTAR Events. Deadline to register is November 29!
MLS NOTES:
Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required; space is limited to 14 per class. For more information and to enroll: log on to tulsarealtors.com, click the red Education bar on the Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab, unless otherwise indicated.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Tuesday, October 30, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fusion (Lecture): Thursday, November 8, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Training Center)
Fusion 1 (Hands-on): Monday, November 12, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Fusion 1 (Hands-on): Wednesday, November 14, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Fusion 2 (Hands-on): Thursday, November 15, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Fusion 2 (Hands-on): Friday, November 17, 9:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Tuesday, November 27, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
September 2012 Home Sales Stats
eKey and iPhone5
If you have the iPhone5 and want to use it for an eKey, you will need to purchase an adaptor from Apple prior to purchasing an adaptor from GTAR. The Apple adaptors are not available in the stores at this time but can be purchased online.
FYI for iPhone5 Users
Supra has certified that the eKEY application is compatible with the iPhone5 and the Apple’s Lightning Adapter. Please note that the Lightning Adapter is required to connect the iPhone5 to Supra’s eKEY Adapter.
GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:
Fannie Mae Enhances Online REO Process
Fannie Mae is seeking to make its system for REO offers under its HomePath program easier by allowing documentation to be completed online and beefing up its online library so state and local forms and other documents are available in one place, among other enhancements.
NAR: Align Exemptions for Seller Financing
NAR wants the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to align rules on seller financing with regulatory exemptions carved out for them under the federal SAFE Act. NAR expresses other concerns to CFPB in a letter on the agency’s loan originator proposed rule. Read full letter.
Be Proactive on Online Data Privacy
Your members need to maintain the privacy of their customers' data. That's an issue that’s important now and will become more important in the future. In a blog post, NAR First Vice President Steve Brown talks about why the time for brokers and agents to be thinking about data privacy is now, and he shares links to some resources that can help. 
INFORMATION TO USE:
Free Consumer Content: Landing More Listings
The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at landing more listings.
New 2013 Vehicles Now Part of Chrysler Offer
The $500 cash allowance offer for NAR members and association staff from REALTOR Benefits® Program partner Chrysler Group LLC, now includes select new 2013 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. Also included for the first time is the popular Dodge Dart, with up to 41 miles per gallon (hwy). Chrysler is the official automobile manufacturer of NAR.
Budget Car Rental Savings Extended
A limited-time offer has been extended. NAR members and association staff can save up to 30 percent on leisure weekly and weekend car rentals from REALTOR Benefits® Program partner Budget. Use BCD #Y490611 when making your reservation. Offer applies to rentals checked out no later than December 15.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION:
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®:
Eddie Hasan, US Open Realty, LLC (Second Publication)
Mary Rodriguez, associated with Trinity Properties (Second Publication)



Monday, October 22, 2012

GTAR Weekly Facts – October 22, 2012

NOTICES:

Attention eKey Users
If you have the iPhone5 and want to use it for an eKey, you will need to purchase an adaptor from Apple prior to purchasing an adaptor from GTAR. The Apple adaptors are not available in the stores at this time but can be purchased online.
FYI for iPhone5 Users
Supra has certified that the eKEY application is compatible with the iPhone5 and the Apple’s Lightning Adapter. Please note that the Lightning Adapter is required to connect the iPhone5 to Supra’s eKEY Adapter.
September 2012 Home Sales Stats are Now Available
Volunteers Needed for 2013 GTAR/NORES Committees
Your participation does make a difference! Volunteering can help you better understand motivations and deal with difficult situations, as well as increase your knowledge about the association and real estate issues. If you’re interested in serving on a 2013 GTAR or NORES committee, we need your completed volunteer form by October 31, 2012. If you are currently serving on a committee, and would like to continue, you still need to submit a volunteer form. Review the descriptions of each committee in the October GTAR World Newsletter; then sign up by clicking on the appropriate link: REALTOR® & REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® Volunteer Form  or Affiliate Volunteer form.
2013 Annual Dues Billing
2013 local, state, and national dues invoices were emailed October 8, 2012; payment is due by November 30, 2012, to avoid a late penalty. REALTOR® members dues are $484; REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® members dues are $454.
Don’t be a News Maker
A trusting real estate agent in Colorado apparently provided two burglars with the security code for the lockbox. One of the burglars called the listing agent and pretended to be a sales associate from another company hoping to show the property. The listing agent provided the code to access the front door. When the homeowners returned, they discovered electronics, cash and jewelry missing, but no forced entry. (Source: Real Estate Intelligence Report)
MLS NOTES:
Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required; space is limited to 14 per class. For more information and to enroll: log on to tulsarealtors.com, click the red Education bar on the Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab, unless otherwise indicated.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Tuesday, October 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Wednesday, October 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
EDUCATION & EVENTS:
Upcoming CE at GTAR
For course details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. (If you have a GTAR Class Pass, register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.)
OK Broker Relationships, Monday, October 29, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd; req. BRA CE (Last one of the year)
The New HUD Internet Training, Wednesday, November 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Mary Berry; req. HOT CE (Last one of the year)
Fair Housing & Ethical Practices, Thursday, November 8, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones; req. FHR CE (Last one of the year)
REALTOR® Ethics, Thursday, December 6, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones; this class is free, but you need to pre-register (Last one of the year)
December 6
Experience Art in Tulsa!
Enjoy an evening of art at Philbrook Museum, featuring the annual Festival of Trees! Win door prizes and receive a discount on yearly membership to Philbrook. Event is 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.; cash bar opens at 4:00 p.m. and hors d’oeuvres will be available at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. Register online at tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on Member Resources tab, then GTAR Events. Deadline to register is November 29!
RLI Land Analysis Course
The REALTORS® Land Institute is offering a "hybrid" course to NAR members interested in learning about land investment analysis. The course combines self-study with weekly instructor-led conference calls. Among the topics covered: cash-flows, the time value of money, and traditional and alternative indicators for investment analysis. More.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
Commercial Intelligence Briefing: Avoiding Litigation in Leases
In the newest NAR Commercial Intelligence Briefing podcast, attorney Jim Hochmanm, a NAR Signature Series Speaker, discusses the anatomy of a lease, avoiding litigation and more. As a partner at Coman & Anderson, Mr. Hochman represents many commercial real estate brokerage firms, receivers, landlords, tenants, and real estate investors by assisting in commercial and residential real estate transactions.
EPA Lead Paint Rulemaking: Delayed Three Years
The Environmental Protection Agency has further delayed its plans to propose and then finalize a Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule for potential lead-based paint hazards in commercial and public buildings. Read The Source blog for details on NAR’s efforts thus far, including letters to EPA and oversight from the Hill which have resulted in a significant delay in EPA’s issuance of new regulations.
Commercial Real Estate Prices Rising
At least in regards to prime commercial real estate properties, prices have been making a very nice recovery. Commercial real estate prices in September were up 6.2 percent from one year ago, and are now very close to the peak prices achieved in 2007. NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun delves deeper into what this means for the industry in NAR’s Economist Outlook Blog.
GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:
Mortgage Servicing Rules on Right Track
NAR expresses its general support for efforts by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to improve mortgage servicing, including by getting servicers to take earlier intervention when a borrower runs into trouble and to give delinquent borrowers a single point of contact with the servicer. 
INFORMATION TO USE:
Free Consumer Content: Halloween Fun
The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at ideas for Halloween fun.
Xerox Direct Offer Extended
Xerox, a REALTOR Benefits® Program Partner, has extended their latest offer. Through Dec. 31, you can enjoy 10 percent off on any color printer and free standard shipping. Offer includes color printers as low as $224 after instant savings.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION:
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®:
Eddie Hasan, US Open Realty, LLC (First Publication)
Mary Rodriguez, associated with Trinity Properties (First Publication)
Julie Smith, associated with Keller Williams (Second Publication)


Monday, October 15, 2012

GTAR Weekly Facts – October 15, 2012

NOTICES:
TODAY! October 15
NORES 4th Quarter Billing
Notices were emailed October 1, and payment is due by October 15, 2012, to avoid a $20 late penalty charge on October 16. You can view your invoice and pay online at tulsarealtors.com; from the main Member Services page, click the yellow View/Pay Bill bar, then click NORES Accounts Receivables.
2013 Annual Dues Billing
2013 local, state, and national dues invoices were emailed last week, October 8-12, 2012. REALTOR® members budget $484; REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® members budget $454. These amounts are subject to change; the State Association (OAR) has not set their dues amount for 2013 at this time.
October 31
Deadline to Submit Volunteer Forms to Serve on 2013 GTAR and NORES Committees
Your participation will help make a difference in the Association. Volunteering can help you better understand motivations and deal with difficult situations, as well as increase your knowledge about association and real estate issues. Volunteering also offers you a chance to develop lasting personal and professional relationships. Review the descriptions of each committee in the September GTAR World Newsletter. To sign up click on: REALTOR® & REALTOR®-Associate Volunteer Form  or Affiliate Volunteer form. (Deadline to submit form is October 31.)
EDUCATION & EVENTS:
THIS WEEK! October 16
Techy Time with Amy Smythe-Harris
Presented by the Oklahoma CRS Chapter; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at GTAR; $60 for non-members and $50 for Chapter members. Learn “Marketing on a Dime” and have an “’App’tastic Time” learning what real estate apps you should be using, and much more. For more details: Click Here or visit www.crsok.com. (This is not a GTAR event.)
THIS WEEK! October 17-18
OAR Education Conference & Trade Show
Presented by your state association—OAR; this year’s Conference is in Tulsa at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel; a variety of CE classes are being offered during the two days at a very affordable price, so take advantage! For details and registration information: Click Here
Upcoming CE at GTAR
For course details and online registration, log on to tulsarealtors.com; from the Main Menu, click on the red Education bar, then click Register for Classes. (If you have a GTAR Class Pass, register by emailing education@tulsarealtors.com or calling 918-663-7500.)
OK Broker Relationships, Monday, October 29, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Ann Lloyd; req. BRA CE (Last one of the year)
The New HUD Internet Training, Wednesday, November 7, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Mary Berry; req. HOT CE (Last one of the year)
Fair Housing & Ethical Practices, Thursday, November 8, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones; req. FHR CE (Last one of the year)
REALTOR® Ethics, Thursday, December 6, 1:00-4:00 p.m. with Kathryn Jones; this class is free, but you need to pre-register (Last one of the year)
It’s a “Sellout”
Debra Jones’ class “Street Savvy Selling” on October 24 at GTAR is completely full. There may be cancellations between now and the day of class; you can check online. We will not be keeping a waiting list, and we will not be able to accommodate “walk-ins” the day of class.
RLI Negotiations Class Begins November 1
REALTORS® Land Institute announces the return of The Essentials of Negotiation on November 1—a "no-travel," on-demand course with instructor and student interaction. The course covers theories, strategies, and tactics of bargaining and negotiation. More online or call 800-441-5263.
MLS NOTES:
Upcoming Computer Classes at GTAR
Pre-registration is required; space is limited to 14 per class. For more information and to enroll: log on to tulsarealtors.com, click the red Education bar on the Member Services page, then click Register for Classes. All classes are held in the GTAR Computer Lab, unless otherwise indicated.
Fusion 2 (Hands-on): Monday, October 15, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Fusion 2 (Hands-on): Tuesday, October 16, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Realist Tax System: Thursday, October 18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Tuesday, October 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Fusion 3 (Hands-on): Wednesday, October 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE:
October 25
OKCMAR 2012 RCA Bus Tour
The OKC Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® is hosting an RCA Bus Tour on October 25. Check-in for the bus tour will start at 11:00 a.m. at OKCMAR (3131 NW Expressway), and the bus will leave promptly at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be on the 50th floor of the new Devon tower in downtown OKC; tour will end at 5:00 p.m. Cost is $50. If any GTAR RCA members would like to attend, you can register through this link: OKCMAR RCA Bus Tour. (This is not a GTAR event.) 
Low-cost Financing for Commercial Retrofits
Several investor-owned California utilities are developing a program for using third-party capital to finance energy efficiency retrofits in commercial properties. Property owners would be able to access low-cost capital to finance upgrades and repay the investment through their utility bill. Learn more.
GOVERNMENT ISSUES/LEGAL:
3.8 Percent Tax: What’s True, What’s Not
In a new video on the 3.8 percent Medicate tax that's been the subject of inaccurate rumors, NAR analysts explain how the tax works and why messages calling it a sales tax on real estate are incorrect. The video also looks at the nature of Internet rumors in general.
Understand NAR's Pending Regulatory Issues
Access a chart that summarizes and provides a status update of NAR's top 14 regulatory issues. NAR actions on each of the issues are also summarized, and any public comment due dates are noted. The chart is intended to give you a quick picture of what federal rules are coming down the pike. Text summaries separate from the chart are available as well.
NAR President-elect Thomas on GSE Reform
NAR President-elect Gary Thomas shares his observations about reforming secondary mortgage market companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac based on his participation in a Washington policy forum on the topic.
Real Estate Claims Lead Malpractice Actions
The American Bar Association cites real estate malpractice claims as the leading cause of malpractice actions in its "Profile of Legal Malpractice Claims: 2008-2011" report.
INFORMATION TO USE:
Free Consumer Content: Kitchen Flooring
The latest free content for your websites, blogs, social media pages, and print resources from HouseLogic's REALTOR® Content Resource looks at kitchen flooring.
Learn about new REALTOR.org Features
NAR's website has a new look and enhanced functionality. Learn about what's new
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION:
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®:
Julie Smith, associated with Keller Williams (First Publication)
Firm Affiliate:
Cort Furniture, Designated Individual Kendra Spencer (Second Publication)
Gateway Mortgage, Designated individual Nick Graziano (Second Publication)
Groutsmith of Tulsa, Designated Individual Christie Gare (Second Publication)
TourKick LLC, Designated individual Clifford Paulick (Second Publication)



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