Greater Providence
Board of REALTORS® 
Volume 1, Issue 3
November 2007 
President's Message
Victoria Doran, GRI
 
Greetings:
 
On October 26, 2007 I was duly installed as your 2008 President. I cannot begin to express what an honor it is to serve in this capacity. I am humbled by this opportunity to work with you in the upcoming months and I look forward to a meaningful and successful year as your President.
 
When I began volunteering with the Greater Providence Board, I never would have guessed that one day I would have the honor of being the President. Now, I am excited to share some wonderful new ideas with you and work with you to achieve our mutual goals.
 
For my presidency, I have developed a 3 'C' Plan. It is really very simple:
 
  • Communicate with our Members
  • Committee Volunteer Opportunities
  • Community Involvement
 
 
Communication is Key! This year, I would like to hear from you!  I have set up an email, vdoran@gpbor.com, so that you may share your ideas and comments about our programs and services. If you have an idea for an event or would like to offer a suggestion about future programming, please let me know! And I promise that we will keep you informed of up to date Board information!
 
Committee work at the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® is one area that I am very passionate about. It is the core of what we do! You will hear quite a bit about this topic as it will be a theme during my presidency. In your dues statement, you will have received a blue flyer asking about your interest in joining a committee at the Board.  Please take some time to consider this opportunity to serve the Board.  There is a wide array of different areas you may be interested in being active!  Please feel free to call the Board Office if you have any questions about the opportunities. 
 
As REALTORS® we are not only business people, we are also community builders.  There are many opportunities to give back to the community and we will be highlighting and promoting those opportunities through the local board in 2008. Please feel free to share with us your thoughts on opportunities we can participate in as well!
 
It is with great pride that I take over the role of President for the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®.  I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment shown by Robert Sparn, your 2007 President.  Bob was a wonderful mentor to me while I ascended through the chairs and I look forward to continuing our positive and productive relationship in the year ahead. On behalf of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®,  Thank You Bob! 
 
 
In the spirit of community involvement, I invite you to bring a canned good to our Holiday Party to benefit the RI Community Food Bank. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving season, and I look forward to seeing you on December 13th!
 
Sincerely,
 

Vicki

Vicki Doran, 2008 President

 
In This Issue
President's Message
2007 Holiday Party
Technology Tip
Wells Fargo Workshop
RPAC Fundraiser at Carnegie Abbey
2007 Circle of Sales Award Update
Triple Play!
Pay Your Dues Online!

Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® to host Holiday Party at Alpine Country Club

 
2008 President Victoria Doran and the Directors of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® invite you to:
 
Join Us at
Alpine Country Club
251 Pippin Orchard Road
 Cranston, RI 02921
 
Thursday
December 13, 2007
 
Cocktails ~ 6PM
Dinner ~ 7PM
      Your choice of Prime Rib of Beef,
      Chicken Marsala or Baked Scrod
$37.50 Inclusive
 
~After Dinner ~
Enjoy dancing to the Sounds of "Kickin' Al"
Bring canned goods for the RI Community Food Bank and receive one free drink ticket!
Reserve you seats now at reservations@gpbor.com
 
Technology Tip
From Michael Pereira
Chair,
GPBOR Technology Committee
Mike Pereira 

One of the emerging trends in real estate is the use of a Transaction Management System.  This system is increasingly being valued for furthering the level of real estate professionalism and for its effectiveness at keeping the REALTOR® at the forefront of the transaction.  A TMS allows a REALTOR® to successfully manage transaction activity and share up-to-the minute information with customers and affiliates any time any where.  According to the National Association of REALTORS'® 2007 REALTOR® Technology Survey, 69% of respondents who are not currently participating in a transaction management system are interested or very interested in participating in one in the future.

 

The California Association of REALTORS®, in partnership with NAR, has developed RELAY, a transaction management tool that will allow you to streamline your work and communicate with clients securely online. For more information regarding this tool, click here.  To learn more about Transaction Management Systems and why you should consider using them, click here.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage's Workshops Put the Spotlight on Sales 
Butch GrimesWells Fargo Home Mortgage's CENTER STAGE
WORKSHOPS feature some of today's most sought-after speakers, including Butch Grimes. He's a great source for proven business strategies, new ideas and valuable inspiration. Butch will share with you his techniques for effectively reaching homebuyers and sellers.
 
This event is FREE of CHARGE! Join us! Reserve your space today!
 
Location:
Providence Marriott Hotel
One Orms Street
Providence, RI  02904
 
Date:
November 9, 2007
 
Time:
8:30-9:30 AM: Partner Fair · Breakfast & Registration

9:30-1:00 PM - Center Stage Event Commences

To Register: please call (401) 232-0115, Ext. 1002
Register online at: www.wfhmevents.com
 Access code:CSPVD
November is Designation Awareness Month!
Designation Banner 
 
 

The National Association of REALTORS®, its Institutes, Societies and Councils offer a range of educational programs so that members can realize real estate specialties and achieve certified Designations.  Members should consider a Designation as a commitment to professional development and business growth.  According to the 2005 NAR Member Profile survey, REALTORS® with a Designation earned significantly more than those members who did not hold a Designation.  Examples include ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and GRI (Graduate REALTOR® Institute).  For more information about these and other Designations as well as the educational requirements, click 

here.
Update on the 'Phantom Tax' 
Latest Congressional News
Capitol 

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Mortgage Cancellation Tax Relief Act, H.R. 3648.  This legislation will provide tax relief to homeowners who have to pay an income tax on mortgages that have been forgiven or foreclosed on a principal residence.  This is legislation that the National Association of REALTORS® has long supported.  NAR President Pat V. Combs stated "This is just one step that will help families get on with their lives and begin rebuilding their economic security."  The measure now goes to the Senate.  For more information on this tax relief, click here.

Rob Scaralia
2008 President of the
RI Association of REALTORS®
 
Rob Scaralia,
Broker Owner of RE/MAX 1st Choice and RE/MAX Central was installed as the 2008 President of the RI Association of REALTORS® on October 26, 2007 at the Statewide Installation Gala hosted at Quidnesset Country Club.  
At the event, Local and State Association Officers and Directors were installed for their term in office. The evening, which was black tie optional, gave GPBOR Members and Affiliates the chance to network and celebrate with REALTORS® from across the state.
 
Rob, 2001 President of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®, addressed the gathering with a positive and inspiring message reminding the attendees that real estate is first and foremost shelter and is the American family's greatest asset in terms of long term financial stability.
 
 Many GPBOR members were on hand to congratulate Rob and recognize his accomplishments. It was certainly a wonderful event.
 
RE/MAX of RI, representing all the RI RE/MAX Brokers, and RE/MAX of New England sponsored Nancy Paolino and the Black Tie Band who had the crowd on the dance floor for some good fun!
 
This event was made possible by the overwhelming attendance of our members and contribution of many sponsors. Our sincere appreciation is extended to all those who made this event a success.  
 
Quick Links
You are Invited to Attend...
An Evening at
Carnegie Abbey
Tuesday, Nov. 6th
RPAC
Tuesday, November 6th
 
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
 
Broker Open House/RPAC Fundraiser
Hosted by Carnegie Abbey
 
Network with your fellow REALTORS® and give toward our 2008 RPAC Goal.
 
2008 RIAR RPAC Chair John Silvia has arranged a special open house at Carnegie Abbey, a world-class residential compound. REALTORS® will meet at the Sales Office on Willow Road and proceed to
"Out to Sea" a residence designed by Woodmeister Master Builders.
 
 Real gems of estate living, the Royal Cottages at Carnegie Abbey are a gathering of superbly crafted residences in classic New England and Low Country styles, surrounding beautiful Sunset Lake. These large, three-bedroom waterfront homes are traditional in design and exceptional in detail, finished with limestone, granite and imported hardwoods, and provide all the benefits of the golf club, the marina and the sparkling Narragansett Bay.
 
Cocktails and appetizers by Plantation Catering.
 
Suggested donation:
$50.00
Personal Check Only
2007 Circle of Sales Excellence Awards Update
MartiGras Mask
The Awards Committee at the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® has been hard at work preparing the material that will be distributed to our members for the 2007 Circle of Sales Excellence Awards Recognition.
 
On March 20, 2008 we will gather at the
Rhodes on the Pawtuxet to celebrate 'Parti-Gras' and honor this year's awards recipients.
 
This year, the committee has sponsored several changes to make application for this award easier.  Please be sure to read your application carefully. The Board will mail the applications to our members by early December and all information, including the application with directions, will be posted on our website.
 
Atlantic City
December 4-6, 2007
Triple Play logo
Promoting REALTOR® Success!
 
December 4-6, 2007
Atlantic City, New Jersey
 
RI REALTORS® are invited to participate in a multi-state convention hosted by the REALTOR® Associations of
 New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
 
Triple Play offers one of the best Trade Expos on the
East Coast! 
 
EAT, DINE, PLAY and EARN!
 
See the Continuing Education Courses Approved for RI!
 
 
DON'T MISS THIS!!
Your Dues Payment and the Three -Tiered Agreement
black and white realtor logo
On November 1, 2007 you should receive your dues notice from the Board office.  You will note a slight change over last year, which represents a $16.00 increase in your National dues. Your Local dues will remain unchanged for the sixth consecutive year and State dues remain unchanged for 2008.
As a REALTOR®, the dues payment you send to our Local Board covers your membership with the Local, State and National Association of REALTORS® and allows us to continue the high quality of service you receive as a real estate professional.  We appreciate your membership with the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® and look forward to continuing our relationship with you in 2008.
If you have not received your notice, please contact the Board office at (401) 274-8383
For prompt renewal, we encourage you to pay your dues online.
 
Save 10%
Now through the end of November, the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® is offering a discount on our 'Offer to Purchase' Forms.  These forms, available in triplicate, are a must-have for REALTORS®! If you would like to place an order, please contact the Board office at (401) 274-8383 or email your order to forms@gpbor.com.
 

Did you know that the Board has a number of real estate forms available for sale to its members? To view a list of our products, click here.  Minimum order is 25 and sales tax and shipping charges will be added to your invoice. 

Offer Expires: November 30, 2007