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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORSŪ, Inc. |
June 15, 2013 |
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Greetings!
Welcome to the June 15, 2013 edition of the REALTORŪ Review!
You may have noted, however, that today is not June 15! I wanted to get this issue to you on a weekday to increase readership, and thus have chosen to send it today, June 14th. So read away!
As always, if you have any comments or suggestions for future issues of the REALTORŪ Review , please feel free to email me by clicking here.
Enjoy!
Barry Arnold, Executive Officer |
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2014 Board of Directors Elections |
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2014 Board of Directors Nominees - More
Candidates Needed!
As you may know, we have 3 openings on the GBAR Board of Directors for the 4-year terms beginning in January, 2014. Thus far, we have 2 official nominees for these important positions, whose bios and thoughts regarding their candidacy are listed below.
Obviously, we need more qualified nominees/candidates to fill these positions going forward. If you are interested in becoming a Member of the Board of Directors, please contact Nominating Committee Chair Pat Kilts immediately by clicking here. Qualified candidates must be a GBAR REALTOR Member in good standing, have been a REALTOR for at least 3 years, and have served on 2 or more GBAR Committees. Finally, our Bylaws limit the number of Directors to a maximum of 3 from any given brokerage.
Qualified nominees may also be placed on the ballot by submitting signatures of 10% or more of GBAR's REALTOR Membership (equal to 34 Members at this writing) to the Nominating Committee Chair, Pat Kilts. Petitions must be received by the Nominating Committee by July 29.
Candidates submitted either by the Nominating Committee and approved by the current Board of Directors, or via petition will have the opportunity to present their case for Board of Directors Membership at the July 10 Monthly Business Luncheon.
Ballots will be mailed to GBAR REALTOR Members on August 8, and all ballots must be returned to the Association Offices by September 10. Election Results will be made public at the September 11 Monthly Business Luncheon, and in the September 15 REALTOR Review.
Here are the bios for our two current candidates, Robert (Bob) Farrell and James (Jim) Trevitt:
Robert (Bob) Farrell
 At 10 years of age, I was the typical kid who participated in sports, played video games, BB gun wars in the woods, etc. And every now and then on a Sunday morning, (a regularly attended church day with the family), my dad would get me out of bed extra early and we would have breakfast together at a diner, drink black coffee, and maybe go to a baseball card show at the American Legion. Then...we would head to an activity that most children would not find very stimulating. . . the Sunday Open House.
Being raised in a Real Estate Family is much like being raised in any family where the breadwinner is a master at his craft. Many of my peers and closest friends are 2nd Generation in what they do to make a living and support their families. As an 18 year old high school graduate, I had a passion for music and theology. By 21, I traveled some of the country in a rock'n'roll band, received a Bachelor's Degree in Divinity, and quickly realized that the job market for a 21 year old Theologian with a guitar on his back was not a thriving one. Two weeks later, I walked into our board office on Crary St to start my real estate Career. For the past 9 years, I have immersed myself into my craft and I absolutely love it!
I am running for a Board of Director's position because I believe serving is our duty and goes hand in hand with the privilege of being a Realtor. I look forward to working together and helping the Greater Binghamton Board of Realtors achieve a new level of success and professionalism added to it already stellar reputation in the community.
James R. (Jim) Trevitt
 Reasons for becoming a Director of GBAR:
Recent company consolidations have limited the diversity of thought necessary to an effective BOD. That's not meant to be a slight of any Member company, but a reality imposed by our current by-laws, limiting the number of directors from any one company.
Our industry is undergoing substantial changes in how we do business. Change is inevitable, but not every new idea is a good idea. Careful consideration and investigation in a timely manner of proposed changes will save our Members and Association money while increasing productivity.
I believe it's important to give back to the industry and people that provide me a good living.
Our job as Directors is to fulfill the needs of our Members in a cost-efficient manner, protect the public interest and promote the highest ideals and professionalism of REALTORSŪ.
Personal History
Married with two grown daughters, one grandson
Graduate of Vestal HS 1972
Hartwick College 1976, BA Russian Language/Teaching
Professional History
Licensed in NY & PA
April 2011 - Present, Associate Broker @ Keller Williams Realty - STFL
October 1987 - April 2011, Principal Broker & Owner, Trevitt Realtors
1977-1987 - Associate Broker @ Philip smith RE & Smith & O'Hara RE
GBAR Participation
2005 - 2008 - GBAR Board of Directors
2006 - GBAR President
1992 - 1998 - GBAR Board of Directors
1996 - GBAR Vice-President
1996 - REALTORŪ-Broker-of-the-Year.
1980 - 1983 - GBAR Board of Directors
1980 - REALTORŪ-Associate-of-the-Year
Past Chair of GBAR Committees:
Grievance
Professional Standards
REALTORŪ/Builder
Past Member of GBAR Committees:
Grievance
Professional Standards
Finance
Staff Review
Information Management
Education
Multiple Listing Service
Realtor/Lawyer
REALTORŪ Designations: GRI, SRES, ePro |
| GBAR Takes the REALTOR Case to Albany on Lobby Day
13 intrepid GBAR Members, led by President Tommy Reid, Legislative Chair Karen Templeman and RPAC Chair Diana Nogaret departed at 6:00 am from Binghamton on Tuesday, June 11 to discuss our New York REALTOR Legislative priorities with our representatives in Albany on REALTOR Lobby Day. They joined 275 REALTORS from across the State to voice our positions on important issues, including:
Support:
- A Broker's ability to provide rebates to non-licensees (e.g., buyers and sellers),
- The ability of agents to form Teams (matching the new Advertising Regulations which become effective January 2, 2014)
- Transparency and Disclosure in Co-op Housing
Oppose:
- Making "Source of Income" a protected class for landlords
- Adding a requirement to disclose whether a property is within 500 feet of an agricultural district
- Increases in any Mortgage Recording Taxes
In private meetings with representatives of Senator Libous (who had to be on the floor of Joint Chamber) and Assemblypersons Donna Lupardo and Cliff Crouch, Tommy and the team successfully made our case on these issues.
Here are a few photos from Lobby Day:
 | | Tommy Takes the Senator's Seat |
 | | GBAR Lobby Day Team |
 | | Lupardo and Crouch Talk Issues |
 | | Lupardo Meets with the GBAR Team |
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New Advertising Regulations Text Released -
Effective January 2, 2014
The text of the new advertising regulations has been released. The New York State Real Estate Board gave final approval to the revised advertising regulations at a meeting on April 24, 2013. A culmination of five years of work by NYSAR and other interested parties, the new regulations still need to go through the regulatory public notice process, including publication in the New York Register. Following publication, the new regulations are set to become effective on January 2, 2014.
As a part of NYSAR's ongoing effort to educate our members about the changes to the advertising regulations, NYSAR Legal Counsel Anthony Gatto, Esq. will host a live webinar on Thursday, June 20, at 2:30 p.m. To attend this webinar, you must first register for it.
For the full text of the new regulations, click here. To listen to a recent NYSAR Radio show discussing the new regulations, click here.
We have also scheduled NYSAR Director of Legal Affairs Anthony Gatto to brief our Membership on the implications of these new regulations on Monday, October 21, 2013, in Binghamton. Watch this space for more information and registration Instructions.
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Martha's Super Supra Secrets!
Here are some Super Supra Secrets if you ever have difficulty removing or opening your Supra Lock Box:
- Many of you are not aware that when opening a Lock Box you can open and remove the shackle on both ends by entering the shackle code a second time.
- Also, if your shackle will not release but the key container opens, try lifting the box off the door knob or where you have it attached and then enter the shackle code.
Comments? Questions? Other Tips? Email Martha today!
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Get the Recognition You Deserve!
Apply for the NYSAR Honor Society!
The NYSAR Honor Society recognizes those Members who have contributed to our industry on a local, state and/or national level. Leadership positions, Committee Membership, RPAC contributions and Education Courses taken all count towards this prestigious recognition for your efforts in 2012.
Click here for a letter from NYSAR President Margaret Hartman describing the Society, and click here for your application. Applications are due by August 16.
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NAR Code of Ethics Centennial Celebration
2013 marks the 100th Anniversary of the REALTOR Code of Ethics, the document which guides the ethical duty of all REALTORS toward their clients and customers, the public and their fellow REALTORS.
At GBAR, we'll be commemorating the Centennial in a number of ways, including full page ads in the Press & Sun-Bulletin Home Marketplace Section ( click here for a sneak preview), the purchase of commemorative posters for all our Broker Members, as well as periodic historical tid-bits in the REALTOR Review.
In the meantime, click here to view an NAR Video commemorating the COE Centennial.
Or, how would you like to see the original Code of Ethics from 1913? You'll find its quite a bit different from today's version - Click Here! |
24th Annual J.S. Elliott Tournament of Love is June 19
 We hope you have already registered to join your fellow REALTORSŪ at our 24th Annual John S. Elliott Camp Good Days and Special Times Golf Tournament on June 19, 2013. This year's activities will again be held at the Genegantslet Golf Course.
All profits benefit the children and their families associated with Camp Good Days and Special Times. Our Association supports this wonderful cause in memory of John S. Elliott - a past President of Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORSŪ, Inc., who also was recognized by and served on committees for NYSAR and NAR.
While the Sponsorship deadline is now passed, you may still click here to register to golf, and/or click here to make a donation to this cause.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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| Brian Sampson of Unshackle Upstate to Speak to GBAR Members on Tuesday, June 25 at 2:30 pm
As an exclusive opportunity for GBAR Members, Brian Sampson, Executive Director of Unshackle Upstate will be presenting to GBAR Members at our Association Offices on Tuesday, June 25 at 2:30 pm. GBAR has supported Unshackle since its inception, based on its mission to drive legislation that will improve the Upstate New York economy. Brian will discuss Unshackle's progress thus far, and their 2013 Priorities.
Come join us for this free presentation! Brian has spoken here before to rave reviews, so it is not something you want to miss. If you would like to attend, please email Barry Arnold by Friday, June 21. |
Register NOW! The 10th Annual
REALTORŪ Appreciation Event is August 22, 2013
FREE to All REALTOR Members!
The 10th Annual REALTORŪ Appreciation Event, sponsored by the GBAR Affiliate Council, will be held August 22 at the Mountain Top View, and is FREE to all GBAR REALTORSŪ!
For more information and registration instructions, click here. We hope to see you all there! |
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Join the Private GBAR Facebook Group!!
Did you know that GBAR has a Members-Only GBAR Facebook Page?
Currently, 198 GBAR Members are members of this Grup, but our goal is to sign-up every GBAR REALTORŪ and Affiliate Member!
This page has been a great discussion and problem-resolution tool for those of us using it - just ask a question or make a suggestion and you'll get answers and feedback almost immediately!
If you are not already a Group Member, shoot me an email by clicking here, and I'll send you an invite right away. Please note - we can only sign you up using your personal page, not a business page, so please send your request from the email address attached to your personal page only.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Barry |
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Take Advantage of Free, High Impact Webinars During CRS Week - June 24- 28, 2013
The best real estate practitioners in the business take their careers seriously. They know that, to be successful, they must continually hone their skills and learn leading-edge strategies that will keep them at the top of their game.
If your career is important to you, check out CRS Week, June 24 - 28, 2013, where you can sample a variety of education sessions and activities from the Council of Residential Specialists. During this week-long event, enjoy complimentary webinars, visit chapter open houses and participate in workshops and community-service days at your local CRS chapter. Participating in best-in-class training through the Council of Residential Specialists is one of the best investments you can make - for yourself, your business and your clients.
For more information and to register for these free, short, and powerful webinars, click here. Or, if you would like to watch these webinars at the Association Offices, please email Barry Arnold to let us know you're coming.
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| NYSREEF Scholarship Application Deadline is July 31 - Apply Now to Fund your Real Estate Designation Goals.
The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation offers scholarships to support your real estate designation and certification goals and raise your level of knowledge, professionalism and client service in your profession.
All you have to do is apply! Any individual who has at least one year experience in real estate sales and who holds a real estate license in New York is eligible for one of the designation program scholarships. These include Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified International Property Specialist, Green, Resort and Second-home Property Specialist, Graduate REALTOR Institute and Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation course scholarships. Applicants must hold primary REALTOR membership in New York State, show positive motivation toward real estate education and prove their interest in furthering their career in real estate.
The deadline for NYSREEF Scholarship Applications is July 31. Click here for more information and application forms. Don't miss this incredible opportunity! |
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Register Now for 2013 GRI and ABR
Designation Courses in Binghamton!
For those of you interested in taking Designation Courses in Binghamton in 2013, I am pleased to confirm the following courses, instructors and dates:
- ABR-R - Randy Templeman - September 23 and 24
- GRI 402 - Jim Braman - October 7 and 8
To register, click on the course you wish to take to access course information and registration instructions, which is done directly through NYSAR. |
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Big Discounts on Online CE Courses Available!
If you're looking for CE Credit, there's no better place than The CE Shop! All New York CE courses are now offered with a 20% discount by using promotional code JUNE20 through the end of June. And Pennsylvania courses are offered at a 25% discount using promotional code GBARINPA.
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| Condolences - Anthony Potochniak
Please joint us in offering our sympathies to GBAR REALTOR Member Bob Potochniak, whose father, Anthony Potochniak, passed away on June 2, 2013. For a full obituary, please click here. |
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New Members - May, 2013
Please join us in welcoming the following New GBAR Members approved at the May 21, 2013 Board of Directors Meeting:
New REALTORŪ Agent Members:
- Jeannette Gonya, Realty USA
- Gina Kane, Century 21 Sbarra & Wells
- Albert DiLuzio, McKinney Real Estate
- Krista McIntosh, Exit Realty Homeward Bound
- Leala Landsman, Realty USA
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2nd Half 2013 GBAR Dues and Fees Billing Notice
Has Been Emailed to Members
A reminder that your Association Dues and Fees Notice for the second half of 2013 has been e-mailed to you at the end of May. As in previous years, it includes instructions on how to access and pay your invoice on-line through our ECommerce system.
(NOTE: MLS Only Members have been e-mailed an invoice directly, as the online feature is not available to MLS Only Members.)
This dues and fees invoice must be paid by June 28, 2013 either on-line or to your Principal Broker in order for you to remain an active Member of our Association and MLS.
Please note that this is a preliminary notice - payments cannot be accepted until the Official Notice Regarding Association Dues and/or MLS Fees email is sent and received by you.
Finally, now is the time to take care of any outstanding invoices that you have or your dues and fees payment cannot be accepted.
Thank you!
Barry Arnold, Executive Officer
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Supra Lock Box Key Invoices Sent May 26
Payable by July 1
Supra invoiced GBAR Agents for their ActiveKEYs and eKEYs on May 26, with these invoices being payable by July 1.
For detailed information on the invoicing process, on-line access to your account, a summary of fees and due dates, please click here.
If you have not received your invoice by email or mail by early June, please contact Supra at 877-699-6787.
IMPORTANT!
If you plan to discontinue using your Supra Key or are leaving GBAR at the end of June, help the Association Office with record keeping and turn in your Supra Active Key and charger to the office before June 25. If the equipment is not returned by then, you may still owe the Supra System Fee for July 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 even if you are no longer using the KeyBox System, or have discontinued GBAR membership. If Active Key chargers are not returned at all, Supra may bill up to $250.00 per item.
If you are discontinuing use of the Supra Active Key or are not paying July's Supra Invoice, you must also turn in all leased KeyBoxes immediately. You will be billed for as much as $95 per box for unreturned Boxes.
To access Supra Billing Information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, go to https://supraweb.suprakim.com. Or call (877) 699-6787 to speak to a Supra Support Specialist. |
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Join the Finance Committee and
Help Build the 2014 GBAR Budget
In July, the GBAR Finance Committee will begin building the 2014 GBAR Budget. Got a knack for numbers? Click here to email Finance Chair and Treasurer Diane White to indicate your interest. It's a great way not only to contribute to your Association, but to learn more about how it works, inside and out. Contact Diane today! |
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Join a GBAR Committee!
Thank you to the following GBAR members who have volunteered their time to Chair GBAR Committees and Sub-Committees in 2013. If you'd like to join a Committee, click on the relevant Chair name(s) below to send them an email and volunteer!
Thank you to all our Volunteer Leaders. They look forward to welcoming you to GBAR Committee Membership and Service. |
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10K Marketing GBAR Monthly Statistics - May, 2013
Click here to review the May, 2013 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for GBAR. |
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - April, 2013
Click here to review the April, 2013 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR. |
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"The Skinny"
NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for April, 2013
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for April, 2013. |
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Contact Us:
Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORSŪ
19 Jennison Avenue
Johnson City, NY 13790
607-729-6285
607-798-8246 (Fax)
executive@gbingar.com |
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