CRS Certified Residential Specialists
Maryland / DC Chapter November 2011
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 Sell-a-bration's coming!!
Raffle tickets are on sale offering one lucky agent a waiver of the CRS registration fee (transportation, room and meals not included) to Sellabration January 19-21 in Arizona. The cost is $2 per ticket or 3 tickets for $5.
You still have time to send in your checks, in $2 and $5 increments for 1 and 3 tickets respectively, to Halle at MAR, with your names and phone numbers -- Up until November 15th! The winner of the Sell-A-Bration raffle will be selected at noon on November 15th by a committee of three or four CRS Chapter members.
Good luck!! www.Sellabration.com |
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| Technology Corner | #9 in our MS Outlook Series for 2011
Microsoft OUTLOOK Contact Records:
Signatures Your business signature for email should include: - Name & Designations
- Company name and address
- 10 digit phone number
- Website address
- Email address
- Slogan or areas worked
To set up your Signature: From the main outlook menu, click Tools, Options, and then select Mail Format.
Click on Signatures. When the signatures and stationary window opens, click the New button and give that signature a name.
In the text box below, type the signature, or you can copy and paste in a signature you've created elsewhere.
Select the website and email addresses separately and click the hyperlink button to activate.
To insert a picture, click Insert Picture button. The picture will not appear in text box but will show up when an email message is opened.
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| Funnies | |
Q. What is considered the world's tallest building? A. The 185-story CN Tower in Toronto, Canada is the world's tallest free-standing building, rising to 1,815 feet.
* * * * *Q. Where is the world's oldest castle located? A. The castle at Gomdan, Yemon, dating from before A.D. 100, is considered the oldest castle; it originally had 20 stories. * * * * * Q. What is the longest construction time for a private residence? A. The Winchester House in San Jose, CA, was under construction for over 38 years.
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Message From The President
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 Message From The President
Dear Fellow Agents,
Send in your checks for the Sell-A-Bration raffle for a chance to attend our educational/networking CRS event in January in Arizona for half price. Tickets are $2 each or 3 tickets for $5. Include your phone number and name so the tickets can be written for you and then the selection will take place on November 15, 2011. Registration must be made by December 1 to take advantage of the offer.
Also, please scroll down to the fabulous article by our President-elect Sharron Dorsey.
Happy Thanksgiving. May you remember to thank those who have helped you succeed this year!
Best wishes,
Linda
Linda Kangrga, MD/DC CRS President 2011
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Your Local Chapter News - MD/DC CRS Classes
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Need another course for your CRS Designation?
Want a refresher?
Plan ahead for next year -- first class scheduled for 2012 -
Technology CRS-206
by Robert Morris
March 20 and 21. Location TBD. Register HERE
You know how we LOVE testimonials for our clients? Well, here's a fabulous CRS CLASS TESTIMONIAL. READ IT AND REGISTER!!
MD/DC Chapter - Council of Residential Specialists - My Experience taking CRS 200-Business Planning and Marketing
"Recently, I had the opportunity to take CRS 200 which is the class for Business Planning and Marketing. This class is one of the core classes that allows the agent to work toward the designation as a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). I have been in the real estate business for nearly 10 years, and often heard other agents talk about how great the CRS classes were, so decided to finally take one. I have to say that Robert Morris did an excellent job at keeping our attention for two days and I learned some great information. I can now attest to the fact that this was one of the better classes I have ever taken and also made the decision to continue on with getting the CRS designation.
"This is the time of the year that I always start my business plan for the next year and when this class was brought to my attention, I thought it would be a good class to take to see if I could learn a better process. I had taken several business planning classes over the years and felt that at worst, I would pick up at least one thing that would be beneficial in doing the business plan for 2012. All I can say is "WOW". Robert, thank you for an extremely wonderful class.
"We started out on day one with learning what a business is, the characteristics of a successful business, and working on a mission statement and vision statement of which I had been working on mine for a couple of years now. When we finished the first day, I came home and worked for a couple of more hours and finally completed a mission statement that I was happy with. The class was interactive which made learning the material that much more fun. We then proceeded to do a situation analysis that showed me some great numbers that every agent should know not only about my groups production, but about the market in our area. I was blown away at how I can use these same numbers and the way that they could be mingled in with my marketing items. The stages of business growth was very enlightening as to where my team was at today and where I want to take them. At the end of this chapter, I had a good idea of how to find out where my business was at today as compared with other businesses and markets.
"Day two was where we got into the meat of creating a business plan and forecasting what we needed to do to make our financial goals for 2012. We discussed the three types of budgets we would need to complete, how to predict income, what we were going to need to do to make the income for the budget, and all types of tips to make a successful business. Something that I really came out of the class with today was that a business doesn't only need to pay the bills, it needs to make a PROFIT! Day two continued with marketing and what was needed to bring about some good marketing techniques to make the money needed to make a profit.
"I would highly recommend anyone who wants to get some quality education what will help your business to take a CRS class, they are most definitely worth the money and you will take away real knowledge that will help you succeed in business."
Gary Nelson, GRI, e-Pro, CDPE, CIAS
Harford County, Maryland 410-459-6920
Looking forward to seeing you at class!
Sincerely,
Sharron
Sharron Dorsey, Education Chair
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Website Updates Coming!
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Bold new changes are in store soon -- Watch online for the latest & greatest, as we bring the Chapter's website up to date. We're excited that we'll soon have a bright online future, ensuring improved communication with Chapter members and with the public. Keep an eye on our website and check back often!
Sincerely,
Jan
Jan Brito, Technology Committee Chair
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Event News
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Another successful CRS presence at the MD Association of Realtors conference this past September 12-14th in Ocean City as the MD-DC Chapter operated a booth at the conference.
No doubt that CRS members step up to the plate when asked! This year, our chapter raised over $800.00 in raffle tickets to help the Soles for Souls charity. The prize was the new and latest IPad2. It was very popular, and the tickets flew! However, there is only one winner. Our winner was Terri Matlock, Keller Williams, Home Towne Realty, of Frederick, MD.
But that wasn't the only drawing. Our chapter was deep in the spirit of the conference! We were still giving away! A huge basket of cheer, donated by our in-coming president, Sharron Dorsey, was won by John Allen, Immediate Past President of our chapter! (No, it wasn't fixed!)
We were also there to educate, ask questions as well as answer them. If you haven't gotten your designation yet, 2011 has got to be the year. There were many people who stopped by the booth to inquire about designations, give their support for the
amazing educational classes and desire to get more involved with our chapter.
Our annual luncheon at the September conference was another big hit! The Group was served a gourmet buffet....plenty to eat. After a short meeting chaired by CRS Chapter President, Linda Kangrga, introduced our speaker: Ms. Allison Mooney. Known for many topics in which she trains, motivates, and instructs, Ms. Mooney gave an extremely informative talk on social media. Many of the attendees wrote down ideas, gave ideas themselves, and shared their experiences. There was so much to learn....and in such a good environment: intimate and the ability to receive answers without rushing!
All of us thank you for your continued support year after year. Thank you for stopping by - all of you. Make sure you visit us again next year. It is all of you that make this Chapter one of the best in the country!
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Would you like to help with upcoming events? Give Vivian a call at 443-794-4106 or send her an email: VivianFeen@mris.com
Sincerely,
Vivian
Vivian Feen, Education Chair
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| Chapter With A Heart |  This year's Chapter With A Heart events and fundraisers have been GREAT!! The theme this year has been Heart, Mind, and Soul.
Thanks to everyone who has helped out this year. I think it would be great to get a representative from each region to help out for the Chapter with a Heart for Next Year. Interested? Call me! I'll be meeting with Souls4Soles mid November to turn over the rest of the shoes that were donated, and a portion of the leftover money raised will be donated to the food bank for the holidays from CRS. Sincerely, Lynette Lynette Bridges-Catha, Chapter With A Heart Committee Chair
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SELL-A-BRATION 2012!
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Get out your CALENDAR - It's coming up!!
Heat Up Your Business at Sell-a-bration® 2012 in Arizona Kick off the New Year on a high note with an education-filled mid-winter getaway to Phoenix to attend the Council of Residential Specialists' Sell-a-bration® 2012 at the Arizona Grand Resort, Jan. 19-21, 2012. The annual educational event draws hundreds of top real estate professionals of all levels of experience from across the country and around the world who gather to learn strategies and techniques from industry leaders and each other. The skills they discover and the relationships they build will help attendees improve their productivity, grow their referral business and increase their chances for success. And once again, agents can earn one unit of elective credit toward the CRS Designation by attending Sell-a-bration® 2012. "Sell-a-bration® has certainly helped to grow my business by making me a much more thorough agent and taught me how to deal with many different types of buyers and sellers. CRS in general has been a great teaching tool for technology," says Donna Pudenz, CRS, with Mid Iowa Real Estate in Carroll, Iowa. Sell-a-bration® 2012 kicks off Jan. 19 with a series of interactive, topic-driven and solution-focused workshops, while the keynote presentations and educational sessions take place on Jan. 20 and 21. Previous events covered a range of topics including referrals, social media, technology, marketing, working with buyers, foreclosures and short sales, listings, and much more. Most important, the three-day event gives agents the knowledge and skills they need to resolve everyday real estate matters. "Sell-a-bration® has given me the tools, techniques, energy and confidence I need to make this the best year of my career...even in a 'down' market," says Mike Jorgensen, CRS, with Edina Realty Duluth in Duluth, Minn. W. M. Briggs, Jr, CRS, with McEnearney Associates in Arlington, Va., concurs, "Attending Sell-a-bration® reminds me that there are a significant number of CRS members making a conscious effort to improve yearly, which might be the biggest differentiator between CRS and non-CRS agents." For more information about Sell-a-bration® 2012 and to register, visit www.sellabration.com or call customer service at 800.462.8841. |
Membership - NEW Members
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The MD/DC CRS Chapter
would like to congratulate
2 new Chapter Members!
George Belleville
Keller Williams Select Realty Ellicott City MD Dennis Horner
Evers & Company Real Estate Washington DC
A BIG MARYLAND/DC WELCOME! Hope to see you both at the December Installation Luncheon!!
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Upcoming Events |
Links to Register for Upcoming Events:
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12/02/11 - Officers' Installation Luncheon
SPEAKER: Cathy Werner Immediate Past President, MAR Register HERE
MacGregor's Restaurant, Havre de Grace
** AND PLEASE NOTE ABOVE - CHAPTER WITH A HEART IS HOLDING
A COAT DRIVE THAT DAY -- SO CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS
AND COME JOIN US FOR A GREAT LUNCHEON!! **
(That's called MULTI-TASKING!!)
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CRS BRANDING COURSEThis is a FREE online self-study course that is available only to CRS Desginees. Take it anytime from any computer with an Internet connection. * * * * * * * 2011 National Meetings: NEXT WEEK! National CRS Meetings should be on your calendar now -- November 9-12, 2011 in Anaheim CA The CRS Headquarter Hotel is the Hyatt Orange County,
11999 Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA. Link to Register: HERE Don't forget to pencil in NEXT YEAR'S Sell-A-Bration January 19-21, 2012 * Arizona Grand Resort Hundreds of top real estate professionals working in all types of markets across the country attend this event to share ideas, grow their referral business and learn what's working (and what's not). Act quickly and you can save up to $100 off the registration price by inviting a friend through our new Buddy Program. Simply sign up for Sell-a-bration® with a friend before Oct. 27, 2011, and you both receive a $100 discount off the regular registration price. Visit www.sellabration.com for more details. 2012 Mid Year Meetings: May 17-20, 2012 * Washington Hilton (near Dupont Circle) AND
** The Second Annual Cruise! - Friday, May 18, 2012 **  Save the Date!!! May 18th 2012 This was so popular last year that we are once again, throwing a party! In conjunction with the NAR Washington, DC meetings in May, our chapter is putting on a great cruise/dinner package. Two embarkations from the dock at 31st and K Streets, NW. 5:30 PM - Embark on a Potomac Cruise; Return at 7 for aplanned dinner nearby! 5:30 PM - Dinner first; embark at 7 PM for the Potomac Cruise! This will be open to all attendees; we sold out last year. Final Information and prices are coming soon! Questions? Email: vivianfeen@mris.com or kangrga@mris.com * * * * * * * MD/DC Chapter Consumer Booklets TERRIFIC HANDOUT FOR YOUR BUYERS & SELLERS!  If you have your CRS Designation and are a member of your Maryland State Chapter, please stop by at our next event and pick up FIVE copies of our Chapter's Consumer Booklet for distribution to your clients. Buyers and Sellers alike will truly appreciate the value you're bringing them when they choose you as their Realtor. Having the value of being a CRS clearly outlined in this high-quality handout is just one more reason to become and remain a Maryland DC CRS Designee. We plan to have the booklets available to hand out to qualified CRSers again at our upcoming events, so use up your FIVE and keep coming back for FIVE MORE!
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Member Connect News - Today's Changing Market WEBINAR - ONE CREDIT
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The economy is so different today from what it was just a few years ago. Investing in real estate may seem a risky venture now. The change in the market requires new skills and a new way of thinking. Join CRS Certified Instructor Lee Barrett for the webinar, Today's Changing Market: Investors 101 on November 17th at 1:00 PM Central.
This webinar will cover:
- Working with novice investors
- Helping move-up buyers
- Do's and don'ts for 2012
- Making more profitable investments
- And a lot more!
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Lee Barrett, CRS is a CRS Certified Instructor who has been in the real estate business for over 30 years. As an instructor, he creates an experience that provides practical applications that can be put to use after leaving his classes. Lee works in Las Vegas so he knows all too well about the state of the economy right now. Lee will show you how to move your cheese and how to successfully invest in real estate even in today's economy.
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DATE: November 17th, 2011
COST: Designees $20; General Members $25; All other registrants $30
NEW: By attending this webinar you earn one credit toward the CRS Designation. View the CRS Designation Requirements for more information. | |
With the LIVE webinar you will also receive:
- The recording of the live webinar
- Access to the slides before the webinar
- Ability to submit Lee questions, prior, during, and after the webinar
- The audio only MP3 files after the webinar
- Mobile recording of the webinar suitable for your Smartphone, iPad, or Tablet PC
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The CRS webinar series is a great way to stay current on the latest hot topics and trends in real estate. Space is limited!
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Pics - Business Planning 200
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Your Home - CRS Newsletter Article available to you for your SOI Newsletters - go online!
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Have you seen this article at www.crs.com? As a Certified Residential Specialist, are you making use of the magazine articles readily available for you to share with your clients? Each month, there's a new two page newsletter full of timely information, waiting for you, one more way CRS is providing value to you, and you can provide value to your clients.
Is Your Home Ready for Winter?
The change of seasons signals a time to prepare your home for winter, no matter what climate you call home. Taking the following steps now can not only save money, but provide added warmth and peace of mind.
Clean the gutters. Remove leaves and other debris from the gutters using your hand, a scraper or spatula, then rinse down with a hose. Also check that the downspouts are carrying water away from the house's foundation, where it could cause flooding or water damage.
Seal the leaks. If your home feels drafty, cold air may be seeping in from around the window and door frames, electrical outlets and recessed lighting. Apply caulk around these areas, and use door sweeps to close spaces under exterior doors.
Test smoke detectors. Make sure smoke detectors operate properly and replace the batteries, if needed. Also invest in a carbon monoxide detector, and make sure the fire extinguisher works.
Take care of windows. In colder climates, remove window screens and put up storm windows, which will add warmth and protect your home from the elements. If you don't have storm windows and the windows are leaky or drafty, consider updating to more efficient ones. Or for a low-cost solution, use a window insulator kit to keep out cold air.
Inspect the chimney. Before using the fireplace, have the chimney inspected for creosote buildup, and if needed, cleaned. When the fireplace is not in use, keep the chimney damper closed to keep out cold air. Add insulation. Most homes in the U.S. need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in the attic regardless of the climate. Check the furnace. Before the coldest temperatures set in, turn on your furnace to make sure it's working properly. Check the filters monthly and change them if they are dirty. A dirty filter impedes air flow and could cause a fire in extreme circumstances.
PLEASE NOTE: The images featured in the Your Home newsletter may only be used within the context of the original article. These images may not be reproduced or republished elsewhere outside of this newsletter format. CRS Members are free to re-use the text of the articles contained in this newsletter, however.
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Pillar-to-Post -- Please support our 2011 MD DC CRS Platinum Sponsor!
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Complimentary Resource from
Pillar to Post
for YOU to USE in your Client Newsletters/Communications:
PUTTING OFF REPAIRS NOW
CAN COST YOU A BUNDLE LATER:
Economic tough times have taken a toll on roofing projects. Many people have delayed pricey home-improvement projects, including roofing work, while they ride out the recession. Roof repairs can cost up to $50,000 or more and are among the most expensive upkeep jobs a homeowner faces. In this case, a penny saved today is not a penny earned tomorrow. Delaying repairs and reroofing only increases the damage to the house and the bank account, experts say. "Fifty percent of the jobs in the past year had some kind of rotting issue because people tried to stretch (the existing roof) out a lot longer," said Lance Smith, owner of State Roofing, a family-owned business in Monroe. As a result, repair costs were much higher, Smith said. Roofs need to be replaced when the shingles -- wood or composite -- begin to fail. Most roofs last about 15 to 20 years, depending on how they've been maintained and the amount of exposure they've had, Smith said. Once the shingles start to deteriorate, they allow moisture to pool and the plywood roof starts to rot. The damage can extend into the rafters and spring a leak inside. All that adds up to costly reconstruction and repairs, Smith said. Pine needles, leaves, moss and other natural materials that collect on rooftops trap water. That adds to problems. The persistent rains of the Pacific Northwest are no friend to roofs either. Replacing a shingle roof can cost more than $40,000 for high-end products, including synthetics, that are meant to last up to 50 years, Smith said. A cheaper, but less effective alternative, is to cover existing shingles with another layer of shingles. "Put-overs," as they're called, cost about $3,000 to $4,000, but don't last as long. Prices vary based on many factors. The size of the roof, the steepness of the pitch and the materials a homeowner chooses are all variables to consider. People looking to buy or sell a home need to take a close look at the roof's condition, Melvin Scott said. He's a home inspector with Pillar to Postin Snohomish County, and it's part of his job to evaluate the roof's condition. As part of the home inspection process, he looks for missing or broken shingles, wear from windstorms and weather, moss, exposed nails and the condition of the flashing. If there are missing shingles, signs of rot or exposed tar paper, "Then it's time to think about reroofing," he said. Scott refers the potential buyer to a licensed roofer to get a more accurate appraisal. Smith said it's fairly common for roofers to get in the middle of a home-sale transaction. "It's a really sticky subject," he said. Buyers don't want to take on the burden of a $10,000 new roof and the seller often isn't interested in making more investments on the property. "It is a royal pain," Smith said. "Usually we go out and deal with the new buyer." Replacement tips: - Seek out multiple bids. Bids can vary by thousands of dollars. Talk to different roofers.
- Don't delay. Leaks and rotting may mean serious problems with the roof. Waiting may exponentially increase the repair costs.
- Keep it clean. Regular maintenance, including washing and treating, helps extend the life of a roof.
- Materials count. New materials can vastly increase the lifespan of a roof. Ask a roofer to explain what's available.
- Avoid the blue tarp. Self repairs, especially using a plastic tarp, can hurt more than help. Moisture gets trapped below a tarp and causes more problems.
Resources: State Roofing: 800-810-7305 or . Pillar to Post Home Inspections: 425-218-0029 or Article by: Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.
Article courtesy of Pillar To Post Home Inspection - www.pillartopost.com
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MISSION STATEMENT:
The Maryland/DC CRS Chapter will provide Chapter members with superior benefits to maximize their professional performance and profitability in residential real estate, and to provide resources to the real estate community and general public.
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