Greater Providence
Board of REALTORS® 
Volume 3
Issue 9
September 2009 
President's Message,
Sussy DeLeon 
 
Greetings!
  
On September 23, 2009, we will be hosting the 103rd Annual Meeting of Officers and Directors of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®. This year we will also be installing our Officers and Directors at this important meeting and our entire membership is encouraged to join us at the Squantum Association to participate in this important event. I look forward to honoring our REALTOR® of the Year, Joseph McCarthy and the LEAR Award Recipient will be announced! Please be sure that you make your reservations soon!
  
I am also pleased to promote a new course offering - The Energy Smart Real Estate Specialist Certification will be held on September 25th. The Green concept is an increasingly important tool you can use to put yourself out ahead of the competition. In addition to the ESRES Certification, you will receive 6 credit hours toward your license re-certification in 2010.  
 
We are always looking for new volunteers who are interested in serving on our Board committees! If you have an interest in participating in 2010, please call the Board Office at (401) 274-8383 for more details.
 
Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Sussy DeLeon 
Sussy DeLeon
2009 President
In This Issue
Energy Smart Real Estate Specialist Certification
Young Professionals Networking Event
Code of Ethics Training Offered
Tech Tip

Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers and Directors

Squantum 
You are Cordially Invited to Attend...
 
 

The Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers and Directors  
 
When:   September 23, 2009
Time:     Noon - 2PM
Where:  Squantum Association
       947 Veterans Memorial Parkway
   Riverside, RI
$20 Per Person, Inclusive
 
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Pawtucket Credit Union
Residential Properties
Shamrock Financial
Webster Bank
 

Advance registration is required.  Call (401) 274-8383 or email reservations@gpbor.comPlease include your choice of Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad or Grilled Chicken Summer Salad. 

Go Green with the ESRES Certification

esres 
The Greater Providence Board is pleased to offer the ESRES (Energy Smart Real Estate Specialist) Course with Candace Lightner on Friday, September 25, 2009 at the Fabre Line Club, 200 Allens Avenue, Providence.

Course fee $89 for Members or $99 for Non-Members.  Luncheon included.  Approved by the RI Department of Business Regulation for 6 hours of Continuing Education Credits.
 
Candace Lightner, who is a REALTOR® based in Alexandria, Va., served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Energy and developed a strategy to encourage real estate agents nationwide to become leaders in educating buyers and sellers on the advantages of energy efficient retrofitting.
She also founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) after her 13-year-old daughter Cari was killed by a drunk driver in California in 1980.
 

Registration: 8:30 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Please R.S.V.P. no later than Monday, September 21, 2009 to
reservations@gpbor.com or call the Board office at (401) 274-8383.

By Prepaid Reservation Only: Please Send Check in Advance & Made Payable to GPBOR, 365 Eddy Street, Ste. 1, Providence, RI  02903
 
The ESRES Course simplifies the 'green' concept and provides the tools necessary for agents to take a leadership role on this issue.  It explains the difference between energy efficient vs. energy wasting features of a home and how these factors can make a difference in our everyday lives.  We feel Real Estate agents should be at the forefront of this issue for ourselves and on behalf of our clients.
 
Students will receive the ESRES Designation at the end of the course by demonstrating 70% proficiency in evaluation process.
 
Free Parking is Available!
Door prize:  1 free energy audit 
Special discounts on services

Free Tele-Seminar Offered by Shamrock Financial - How to prepare your Buyers for the Tax Credit Deadline!

 
Shamrock Financial, a valued affiliate member, invites you to participate in an informative teleseminar to help you prepare your buyers for the fast approaching tax credit deadline.
 
DATE: September 9, 2009
TIME: 10:30 AM 

Tom Ward, CEO of Majestic Consulting and Author of The Empathy Effect, has seen all different types of economies, both the good ones and the bad ones over the last 20 years and sold real estate when the prime rate was 21%. Today he specializes in understanding the consumers needs in this economy and focuses his efforts on the renter buying their first home.  On this call Tom will  explore key points like:


1. The difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction.

2. How much time do buyers really have to receive this benefit?

3. How buyers can receive tax credit money faster!

4. Why buyers should still buy even if appreciation is not what it used to be!

Register for this informative call by visiting
www.askshamrock.com/suzanne.

We look forward to your participation!
Young Professionals Network Event
RI YPN logo 
The Rhode Island REALTORS® Young Professionals Network was recently founded to give our members an opportunity to network with other industry professionals. This group is for REALTORS® who are young and young-at-heart and would like to take advantage of networking opportunities, seek leadership roles and be on the cutting edge of their real estate practice.
 
Join us at 1149 East
965 Fall River Avenue 
Seekonk, MA
on Tuesday,
September 29, 2009
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. 
 
Hors d'Oeuvres Sponsored by 1149 East Restaurant
Complimentary Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks will be served 5 PM - 6 PM 

To register, please call (401) 274-8383 or email
reservations@gpbor.com

GPBOR Offers Code of Ethics Training

Dean de 
Jump start your 2010 continuing education requirements with this 3-hour CORE Course!
 
Join instructor Dean deTonnancourt as he takes you through the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and offers helpful insight on real estate practices that will keep you on the right track!
 
The course will be offered at the Board Office on following dates and times:
 
September 17, 2009 ~ 3-6 p.m.
October 26, 2009 ~ 3-6 p.m.
November 19, 2009 ~ 9 a.m.-Noon
 
Registraton: $30 (includes course, materials and 3 RI DBR Approved CEUs toward you 2010 real estate license renewal).  
 
Here's what people are saying about the class:
"Great Class!"
"Informative Instructor"
"Really kept my interest"
"Good Job!"
 
To Register: call the Board office at
(401) 274-8383 or click here.
Washington Update 
Capitol 
The First-Time Buyer Tax Credit - A Short History.

The First Time Homebuyer $8000 tax credit was part of a large stimulus bill (H.R. 1) enacted Feburary, 2009. Unlike its predecessor, the repayment feature was eliminated for 2009 purchases, so long as the purchaser remains in the house for more than 3 years. The repayment feature remains in place for 2008 purchases. The $8000 credit for 2009 is in place for purchases between January 1, 2009 and completed before December 1, 2009. It remains a first-time homebuyer tax credit.

What does this mean for our REALTOR® members and their business?

The credit was first implemented in 2008 as a temporary tax incentive that could boost sales. The repayment provision had a chilling effect during 2008, so the credit was not widely embraced. Eliminating the repayment will provide a much stronger incentive and be a useful marketing feature. During several months of the first half of 2009, first-time homebuyers represesented more than 50% of sales. Historically, first-time homebuyers have been about 35 - 40% of purchasers.
 
How YOU can make a difference!
 
A Call-To-Action, from NAR, will be arriving in your email soon! When you receive the notice please take the time to follow the instructions and click to contact your members of Congress. Your voice makes a difference!
Technology Tip
Mike Pereira 
 
From Michael Pereira
Chair, GPBOR Tech Committee 

 
New CRT technology fights listing piracy

Scraping of property listings and member information from web pages is an increasing problem in the industry.  The Center for REALTOR® Technology has developed two technologies - similar to those utilized by financial institutions and ticketing agencies -- to aid you in your fight to protect your listings.  Click on NoScrape or reCaptcha to learn more details about these tools.  But first, be sure to check out this management guide on the subject of protecting your data, including tips for proactive measures you can take right now.
Realtor Safetly Week
The National Association of REALTORS® recognizes REALTOR® Safely Week September 13-19 to remind our members how important small measures may be to ensure your safety in the workplace.  
 
A Few Tips for You: 
  • Carry a cell phone in your pocket and program it to dial 911 at the touch of a button.
  • Never work at a public open house by yourself.
  • Do not show vacant properties by yourself unless you know your customers.
  • Pay attention to exits.
Trust your instincts. Ask someone else to accompany you to show or list property if you feel uncomfortable about the people you are working with. Don't assume that women are safer customers because they are as capable of armed robbery as a man and sometimes work with a partner who waits at the house for the two of you to arrive.
 
Please click here to review the Field Guide to REALTOR® Safety. 

Quick Links
Landy logo
Insurance for Professionals
 
Visit our Sponsor
 
The Herbert H. Landy Insurance Agency is a national leader in providing Errors & Omissions insurance to Real Estate Agents & Brokers and Appraisers.  With over 50 years of experience, we know the business of insuring Real Estate professionals. The Landy Agency is affiliated with professional associations throughout the United States, and we are particularly proud to serve the members of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®.
We are pleased to introduce into Rhode Island the Realty Express E&O plan. Designed for smaller firms, it features a simple application process and very competitive rates. Apply online at
www.landy.com and receive your policy the same day! Larger firms will also benefit from new lower premiums as well as enhancements to our already great coverage. Visit www.landy.com for information and applications, or contact John Torvi at 781-292-5417 or johnt@landy.com, for personal service. We also have E&O plans for Home Inspectors, Mortgage Brokers, Property Managers and Title Agents. 
 

Visit our website at www.landy.com to learn more about us.

 
REALTORS®
Conference and Expo
November 13-16 
2009 Conference Logo
This year's conference will be held November 13 - 16 in San Diego, CA.  Explore new ideas and products which can help you increase your productivity, network with real estate professionals from around the US and take advantage of valuable training sessions with information you will be able to apply in your daily business.  For more information, click here.
Membership Information
2010 Dues
The Board would like to remind you of changes previously noticed and approved this past spring.  All members will be receiving their 2010 membership dues statements in the mail earlier this year and payment will be due no later than November 1, 2009.  Additional fees will apply to any payments not received by that date.
 
These changes take into account the valuable feedback from our members regarding the timing of the annual dues invoices.
 
The dues statement you receive will be for your three-part membership in the  Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®
RI Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®.

GPBOR Partners with Webster Bank to Bring you Added Member Benefits

 
Your Membership Rewards You with Benefits!
 
Webster Bank, an Affiliate Member of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®, is providing local affinity benefits to you as a Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® member. 

Your membership with Greater Providence Board of REALTORS® delivers you an added bonus at Webster Bank. To find out more about the benefits our partnership offers contact Angie Chirico and mention you are a member of the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®. 
 
 
Save the Date
Celebrating a Tradition of Excellence since 1907!
 
Important Dates!
 
 Code of Ethics Training for the Third Quadrennial
Thursday,
September 17, 2009
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Board office
Providence
~
Annual Meeting and
Installation of Officers and Directors 
Wednesday,
 September 23, 2009
12 O'Clock Noon
Squantum Association
Riverside, RI
~
ESRES
(Energy Smart Real Estate Specialist) Course
Friday,
September 25, 2009 
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fabre Line Club
Providence, RI
~
Young Professionals Network
Tuesday,
September 29, 2009
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
1149 East
Seekonk, MA
~
RI Association Installation of Officers and Directors
Thursday,
October 22, 2009
6:00 p.m. 
Alpine Country Club
Cranston, RI   
 
We are here to provide you with the highest quality professional services at the Greater Providence Board of REALTORS®. Contact us at:
(401) 274-8383
 
Michele Caprio, CEO
Suzanne Silva, CFO
 Beth McSherry, Executive Administrator
 
Keep us up-to-date with your email address... so we can keep you up-to-date!
Save 10%
This month we are promoting our Greater Providence Board Offer to Purchase Forms at a discount of 10%.  If you would like to place an order, please contact the Board office at (401) 274-8383 or email your order to info@gpbor.com. Shipping charges will apply.
 
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: Septmber 30, 2009