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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc.
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October 1, 2013
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Greetings!
Welcome to the October 1, 2013 edition of the REALTOR® Review!
This issue is packed with "Everything Under the Sun" - lots of new and exciting articles, covering Association activities and meetings, educational opportunities, or just things you need to know! Please make sure you scroll through the entire issue so you don't miss anything!
As always, if you have any comments or suggestions for future issues of the REALTOR® Review , please feel free to email me by clicking here.
Enjoy!
Barry Arnold, Executive Officer
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Attention GBAR Participant MLS Brokers!
Don't Miss This Important and
FREE MLS Strategy Session:
"MLS Strategy in Changing Times:
What's a Participant Broker to Do?"
 The MLS Landscape is evolving rapidly, where a Broker's listings are syndicated widely to sites like Trulia, Zillow and realtor.com. In this newly competitive environment, what strategies should MLS Participant Brokers consider and implement to protect and promote their most precious assets - their Listings?
We have engaged Brian Larson, respected MLS Consultant and Partner at the Law Firm of Larson/Sobotka, to present an analysis of the national on-line listings scene, and propose approaches and strategies that Participant Brokers can use to maximize the success of their businesses in a dynamic and sometimes threatening environment. This session will be attended by MLS Participant Brokers from all over the Southern Tier who want to make the critical syndication decisions that best support their business for the long term.
Date/Time: Friday, October 25, 2013
8:00 am Breakfast and Registration
9:00 am - 11:00 am Session
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton, 225 Water Street, Binghamton
This special presentation is offered FREE only to all MLS Participant Brokers or their designee. To register, click here for a flyer and registration instructions.
STOP PRESS!! To take advantage of our GBAR Participant Brokers being in one place for the MLS Strategy Session, we will be holding an MLS Participants Meeting immediately after the Strategy Session to review and vote on proposed changes to our MLS Rules and Regulations. This Meeting will be held from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm at the DoubleTree. More information will be sent to Participant Brokers by separate email.
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2014 GBAR Budget: View, Discuss and Vote!
At the August 20, 2013 Board of Directors meeting, the proposed 2014 GBAR Budget was accepted, and will now be submitted to GBAR Membership for approval. As the result of an expected growth in Membership and tight expense control, you'll be pleased to note that the proposed 2014 Budget requires no Dues or Fees increases. A copy of this proposed budget, together with a written overview, is now available to GBAR REALTOR® Members by:
- Clicking here.
- Accessing a PDF on the GBAR Members-Only Website under Member Forms, Miscellaneous (click here).
- Picking up a copy at the Association Office or from your Principal Broker.
If you have questions on the Budget, feel free to call GBAR Treasurer Diane White at 760-4774 or Executive Officer Barry Arnold at 729-6285.
On Wednesday, October 2, Diane and Barry will host a Lunch and Learn session at our Association Offices to provide more detailed insights into the 2014 Budget and other aspects of Association Finances. See the next article below for more information.
Please take this opportunity to participate in the operation of your Association.
Ballots were mailed with complete voting instructions to Members on Friday, September 13, 2013. Ballots are due back at the Association Office no later than 5:00pm on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 and the results of the vote will be announced at the October Association Business Meeting/Luncheon on Wednesday, October 9, 2013. The results will also appear on Hot Topics on the GBAR Website, Board News on the MLS, and in the October 15 issue of the REALTOR® Review.
Be Sure Your Vote Counts!
Please keep in mind these facts when you are preparing your ballot for the Budget Proposal:
· If you are mailing your ballot, be sure to allow enough mail time for the ballot to be received at the Association Office by the date indicated. Ballots received late are not included in the count.
· Be sure to use the envelope provided and DO NOT remove your agent number from the back of the envelope. This information is used only to assure that a Member votes only once. If the number is removed it will void your vote.
· Do not sign your ballot. This also will void your vote.
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| Join Us for a Lunch and Learn Session on October 2: "Where Does My Money Go? - A Primer on GBAR Financial Management"
Ever wonder how your Dues and Fees are spent at GBAR? Ever wonder what the Association is doing to streamline our operations while still meeting our Members' needs? Wonder no more! In response to requests from Members that they be provided with more information on GBAR Financial Management, we will be holding a "Lunch and Learn" session at our GBAR Offices on October 2 from 12:00 to 1:30.
Click here for more information and Registration Instructions.
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| WAV Group National MLS Survey - Please Respond!
GBAR has agreed to take part in a national MLS technology survey fielded by the WAV Group. The results of this survey will be shared with our Association, at no charge, to help us better understand how our MLS technology compares to other MLS technology options in the US. The goal is to make sure we are providing our members with the best MLS technology services possible. Your participation in the survey is very important for reliable survey results.
We hope you will take a few minutes to complete the survey as your input is very important. Click here to take the Survey. On Question 1, check "Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS. On Question 2, check MarketLinx InnoVia.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
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Get Ready to Come On Down to Triple Play - Transport to and from Binghamton plus Hotel Packages are Available!
Brought to you by the New Jersey, New York State and Pennsylvania associations of REALTORS®, Triple Play is your annual REALTOR® convention and trade expo, to be held this year December 9-12 in Atlantic City. Inspired by the comments we've heard from previous year's attendees about their takeaways from attending this unparalleled tri-state event, this year's theme is "Get empowered. Get energized. Get ahead." Attend Triple Play 2013 and we think you'll agree that Triple Play really is the best place for you to become empowered and energized so you can get ahead in 2014.
To view a Flyer with more information and registration instructions, click here.
ATTN GBAR MEMBERS!!! Need a ride and/or a hotel deal at great prices? Our friends at the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS ® (GRAR) have put together a bus and hotel deal that will pick you up and return you to Front Street in Binghamton! For more information on this deal and instructions on how to sign up, click here. FYI, a bus-only deal is available at $132.
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Sign-Up Now for the October Monthly Business Luncheon with Guests Rich David and Teri Rennia
Sign up now for the October Monthly Business Luncheon, which will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at DeGennaro's at 300 Hill Avenue in Endicott, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Our program will be a presentation the annual Government Affairs/Meet the Candidates program, which will feature the two candidates for Mayor of Binghamton, Rich David and Teri Rennia. The luncheon is generously sponsored by Citizens Bank.
Please don't forget to bring a non-perishable item for the GBAR Canned Food Drive!
To view a flyer and registration instructions, click here. Reservations deadline is October 7. We hope to see you there!
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SAVE THE DATE! GBAR'S ANNUAL TEAM TRIVIA EVENT SUPPORTING DESTINY, A 4-YEAR OLD GIRL WITH LEUKEMIA, IS NOVEMBER 1!
 | | Destiny |
A local 4-year old girl, Destiny, has Leukemia, and the Community Service Committee has chosen to devote the proceeds of this year's Team Trivia event to supporting Destiny and her family.
Come make Destiny's Dream come true, on a magical night where she will be the Princess she's always wanted to be! For a flyer and registration instructions, click here.
We hope to see you there!
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| GBAR Website Task Group Forming - Join and Give Us Your Insights!
Early returns from our Member Survey indicate we've got work to do on the GBAR Website to make it more user-friendly to both GBAR Members and their Clients. We hear you! So we're forming a GBAR Website Task Group to review our current site to identify opportunities for improvement. Bob Farrell has volunteered to Chair the Task Group.
If you're interested in helping us with this important and Member-driven initiative, please click here to email Barry Arnold to sign up. We anticipate beginning our work in October.
Thank you for your feedback, and thank you for your support.
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| Chamber Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon Tickets Now On Sale!
The Greater Binghamton Chamber's 18th Annual Community Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2013at the McKinley in Endicott, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm. This great event includes recognition of the 2013 Community Advocate of the Year and Corporate Citizen of the Year Award Winners. You'll recall that GBAR was the 2012 recipient of the Community Advocate of the Year award, a fact that will be recognized by GBAR President Tommy Reid's presence at the head table. Click here for a informational flyer.
GBAR will be booking reservations for this event, so if you would like us to make you a reservation so you can sit with other GBAR members, please mail or deliver a check to the Association Offices for $20, payable to GBAR, or call us with your credit card information, by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 4.
We hope you'll join us for this terrific holiday event!
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Private GBAR Facebook Page - A Great Way to Get Your Questions Answered - FAST!
GBAR has a Members-Only GBAR Facebook Page, and it's a great way to get your real estate-related questions answered - FAST!
Currently, 208 GBAR Members are members of this Group, but our goal is to sign-up every GBAR REALTOR® 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! For a terrific example of how this works, click here for a questions posed by GBAR Member Karen Sharkey, and the immediate responses she received.
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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| Chamber Wine Tasting Event is October 25
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual Wine Tasting Event on Friday, October 25 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton. The cost is $25 for advance reservations and $30 at the door.
Click here for more information and registration instructions.
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NEW! NAR Designation and Certification Courses Offered On-Line!
Ever want to pursue one of NAR's official designations or certifications, but just don't have the time or flexibility to attend classroom courses? Problem Solved!
Now these courses are available ON-LINE through the GBAR Website and REALTOR® University's School of Professional Development and Continuing Education.
Click here to access courses approved for CE in New York.
If you have any questions, contact Barry Arnold, Executive Officer at GBAR.
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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 OCT20 through the end of October. Pennsylvania CE Courses are offered at a 25% discount using promotional code GBARINPA.
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Free Strengthen Your Core Session:
Facebook 101 and Supra Tricks and Tips
Been thinking about getting on the Facebook Bandwagon but just haven't had the opportunity? Or maybe you've got a Facebook Page but want to learn more? Or do you want to know some cool tricks and tips about how to get the most out of the Supra Lock Box and Key system?
No problem!!!
Jessica Dillenbeck will be instructing a Facebook 101 and Supra Tricks and Tips seminars at a FREE GBAR Strengthen Your Core session on Thursday, October 17 from 2-4 pm at the Association Offices. Come join us! Click here for a Flyer and Registration Instructions.
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ABR and Google Universe Boot Camp
Classes Take over GBAR!
As the Fall Education season heats up, we held two classes simultaneously on Tuesday, September 24 - the Accredited Buyer Representative Required Course (ABR - held September 23 and 24, conducted by Randy Templeman) and the one-day Google Universe Boot Camp Course, conducted by G. William James.
Here are pictures of the participating GBAR Members and Instructors:
 | | ABR Class, conducted by Randy Templeman |
 | | Google Universe Boot Camp, conducted by G. William James |
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Special Invitation from Tarik Abdelazim
We've received the letter below from Tarik Abdelazim,
Director of Planning, Housing and Community Development for Broome County, inviting GBAR Members to attend the upcoming Blueprint Binghamton Community Discussion, which will focus on vacancy, brownfields, and land banks in our area. The discussion is scheduled for October 3 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at the Roberson. If you are interested, please use the link in the letter to register.
Dear Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS,
On behalf of the city, I'd like to invite you all to our next Blueprint Binghamton Community Discussion, which will focus on vacancy, brownfields, and land banks (for a flyer, click here). We've again assembled an exceptional panel, and the city hopes you can attend and contribute to the discussion.
As usual, lunch is free, the event is open to the public, but attendees need to pre-register. We expect this one to meet capacity, so I encourage those interested to register online now by clicking here.
Please feel free to distribute this widely to your colleagues, constituents, and other interested parties.
Thanks for staying informed and engaged, and hope to see many of you there.
Cheers,
Tarik Abdelazim
Director of Planning, Housing and Community Development
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| Member Minute - 2013 School Tax Bills
School Tax Time! The 2013 school tax bills are now out. This would be a great time to take a moment to re-verify your MLS tax data for all your listings to ensure they are up-to-date!
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REGISTER NOW! NYSAR Director of Legal Services Anthony Gatto to Discuss New Advertising Regulations at GBAR Association Offices - October 21
As you now know, the New York State Real Estate Board gave final approval to the revised real estate advertising regulations at a meeting on April 24, 2013. Following publication, the new regulations are set to become effective on January 2, 2014.
On Monday, October 21, from 10 am to 12 noon, NYSAR Director of Legal Affairs Anthony Gatto to brief our Membership on the implications of these new regulations, and answer any questions you might have.
To register for this event, click here to email Barry Arnold by October 9.
For the full text of the new regulations, click here.
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| Grants Still Available through the New York State Small Business Storm Recovery Program
Did you or your clients have damages and end up with "uncompensated costs" above and beyond covered by insurance proceeds, grant programs and other government resources? Funds are still available through the New York State Small Business Storm Recovery Program.
Click here for more information. Thank you to Karen Klecar and the Tioga Chamber of Commerce for making this information available.
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New Members - September, 2013
Please join us in welcoming the following New GBAR Members approved at the September 17, 2013 Board of Directors Meeting:
New REALTOR Agent Members:
New Primary Affiliate:
New Affiliate Representativ:
To send an email welcome to any of these new GBAR Members, simply click on their name.
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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 - August, 2013
Click here to review the August, 2013 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for GBAR.
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - August, 2013
Click here to review the August, 2013 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny"
NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for August, 2013
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for August, 2013. You must be logged in to the NYSAR Website to view! |
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Contact Us:
Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®
19 Jennison Avenue
Johnson City, NY 13790
607-729-6285
607-798-8246 (Fax)
executive@gbingar.com |
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