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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc. |
November 15, 2013 |
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Greetings!
Welcome to the November 15, 2013 edition of the REALTOR® Review!
This issue highlights the opportunity to sign up for GBAR's Annual Holiday Luncheon and Installation Ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday, December 4th at the Binghamton Country Club. Also, don't miss the opportunity to grab a ".REALTOR" domain, which will be available in early 2014.
In addition, this issue is packed with 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 MLS Participant Brokers: MLS Strategy Session Rescheduled to
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
As you know, we had to postpone the October 25 MLS Strategy Session at the DoubleTree due to our Guest Speaker, Brian Larson, falling ill.
The Session has now been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2014 from 9:00 - 11:30 am, again at the DoubleTree. We will need you to re-register for this new date: please click here to email GBAR Executive Officer Barry Arnold to advise of your attendance!!
The original announcement, with the revised date and times is below for your reference.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The MLS Landscape is evolving rapidly, where your Broker listings are syndicated widely to sites like Trulia, Zillow and realtor.com. In this newly competitive environment, what strategies should you, as a GBAR MLS Participant Broker, consider and implement to protect and promote your most precious assets - Your Listings?
"MLS Strategy in Changing Times:
What's an MLS Participant Broker to Do?"
To give you the information and insight you need to make the right strategic decisions, 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.
NEW Date/Time: Tuesday, December 3, 2013
9:00 am Breakfast and Registration
9:30 am - 11:30 am Session
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton, 225 Water Street
Attendees: Southern Tier Board/Association Officers, MLS Chairs, EOs and all Southern Tier MLS Participant Brokers (or a designee - one per MLS Participant Broker).
Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn the right approach for your business! To register, simply click here to email GBAR Executive Officer Barry Arnold to advise of your attendance.
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| .REALTOR Domain Available in 2014: Sign Up Now for Early Notification
The world of online domains is opening up - soon hundreds of new domains will be available on the Internet and companies are starting to market new domains. To create a name space where property buyers, sellers and investors can go to find a REALTOR®, the most credible, trusted real estate information, resources and professional services on-line, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® applied with ICANN in 2011 to operate a new branded .REALTOR top level domain. Only members of NAR and the Canadian Real Estate Association can call themselves REALTORS®, and only real estate professionals who are REALTORS® will be allowed to use the .REALTOR domain.
NAR is launching an awareness campaign for the .REALTOR top level domain, which will be revealed at the 2013 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Francisco this week. The campaign will bring awareness to the new domain, showcase its benefits to members and encourage them to sign-up new to receive advance notification to claim their domain as soon as it becomes available.
Beginning Thursday, November 7th, members can sign up by clicking here. For a .REALTOR Fact Sheet and Q&A, click here.
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1st Half 2014 GBAR Dues and Fees Billing Notice to be Emailed at the End of November, 2013
A reminder that your Association Dues and Fees Notice for the first half of 2014 will be e-mailed to you at the end of November, 2013. As in previous years, it will include instructions on how to access and pay your invoice on-line through our E-Commerce system.
(NOTE: MLS Only Members will be 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 December 31, 2013 either on-line or to your Principal Broker in order for you to remain an active Member of our Association and MLS.
GBAR Dues January 2014 - June 2014 $183.50
GBAR MLS Fees January 2014 - June 2014 $295.00
NAR Dues January 2014 - December 2014 $155.00
NYSAR Dues January 2014 - December 2014 $ 90.00
Please note that this is a preliminary advisement - payments cannot be accepted until the Official Notice Regarding Association Dues and/or MLS Fees email is sent and received by you at the end of November.
VERY IMPORTANT!! Since our billing system is email-based, it is very important that your email of record be accurate and current. To ensure your email of record is correct, please go to www.REALTOR.org and click on "My Account" in the top right hand side of the screen. (On your first visit you must register by clicking "Click here to register"). Otherwise go ahead and log in. That will bring you the "My Account" Page. Once there, click on the link "View/update your e-mail address and subscriptions". There you can review and if needed update your email address by simply typing in your new/correct e-mail address. To submit, scroll down to the bottom of the section and click the "UPDATE PREFERENCES" button. The Association Office will be notified automatically of this change.
If you have any trouble logging into REALTOR.org please call 800-874-6500 and a NAR customer support specialist will help 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!
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| Considering a Leave of Absence?
If you are considering requesting a leave of absence please be advised that the letter stating this request must be received at the Association Office on or before December 9th. As stated in GBAR Bylaws these requests need to be presented to the Board of Directors. Any questions should be addressed to Membership Coordinator Alison Donnelly at 729-6285.
Article VI Section 6:
(e) The Board of Directors may grant a leave of absence for a REALTOR® Member, for a reasonable length of time, upon receipt of request from said REALTOR® Member, based on a serious health condition that would make it impossible for said REALTOR® Member to participate in the normal activities of listing and selling real property in the area covered by the Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®, Inc.
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| Important Supra Notice!
If you plan to discontinue using your Supra Key or are leaving GBAR at the end of December....
Help the Association Office with record keeping and turn in your Supra Active Key and charger to the office before December 27th. If the equipment is not returned by then, you may still owe the Supra System Fee for January 1, 2014 through June 31, 2014 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 January'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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| Bylaws Changes Pass
Thanks to all of our Members who took the time to vote and mail in their ballots on the 5 GBAR Bylaws changes proposed to Membership. The vote count was taken on Wednesday, November 13, and all 5 Bylaws changes were passed. These changes will become effective immediately.
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Sign Up Now for the December GBAR Installation Luncheon at the Binghamton Country Club
The December Holiday Luncheon and Installation Ceremony will be held Wednesday, December 4 from 11:30 to 2:30 at the Binghamton Country Club, 1401 Robinson Hill Road in Endwell. The Luncheon is generously sponsored by Chemung Canal Trust Co. Please click here to review an event flyer, and email both your reservation and meal choice to realtor@gbingar.com. Or, call the Association Office at 729-6285 with your reservation and meal choice. Reservations are not complete until payment has been received at the Association Office. Please make your reservations by Monday, November 25. All payments must be received by Wednesday morning, November 27. We hope to see you there!.
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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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Community Service Team Trivia Event
Raises over $9,000 for Destiny
GBAR's Community Service Annual Team Trivia Event, held November 1 at the Relief Pitcher, was a huge success, raising over $9,000 for the family of 4-year old Destiny, a little girl from our area with leukemia.
The sold-out event featured not only the Team Trivia Competition (won by Fred Xlander's Table), but also Raffles for the many gifts and baskets donated by generous GBAR Members and Sponsors, and the 50/50 Raffle (won by Jim Rollo, who kindly re-donated his winnings to Destiny's family).
The event's "Princess" theme prompted many attendees to don fairy tale outfits, matching Destiny's own Cinderalla outfit purchase by Sandi Stebelton at Disney World itself.
Here are a few couple of photos of this fabulous event - enjoy!
STOP PRESS!: A full-page ad covering this event will appear in the November 16 Home Marketplace - for a preview, click here!
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| Representative Richard Hanna Visits GBAR
22nd District Congressional Representative Richard Hanna visited GBAR on Wednesday, November 6, leading a lively and wide-ranging discussion with GBAR Members on a number of topics, including the federal tax code, FNMA/FHA, the Government shutdown and Obamacare. Rep. Hanna pledged his support for key REALTOR Party issues, such as the retention of the Mortgage Interest Deduction, although he indicated that over time, the MID for second homes might be at risk.
 | | GBAR President Tommy Reid scores REALTOR Party points with Representative Richard Hanna |
 | | GBAR Attendees with Representative Richard Hanna |
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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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| Feel Like You've Missed the RPR Boat? Take Free Webinars to Bring You Up to Speed!
You've all heard of NAR's RPR, the REALTORS Property Resource website that provides REALTORS with an incredible amount of free data and analysis on properties and listings that will enhance your ability to serve your clients and customers. And some of you are already taking advantage of all information and services RPR has to offer.
If you think you may have missed the boat on this comprehensive tool, don't worry! RPR offers free webinars for beginner, intermediate and advanced users that will bring you up to speed quickly. For a full calendar of upcoming RPR Webinars and registration instructions, simply click here and sign-up. You'll be glad you did!
Finally, there are many exciting new upgrades scheduled for release in Q4 2013 and Q1 2014, including the Sales Comparison Analysis Tool, which enhances and refines your ability to select and manage comps to determine a precise listing price. To preview these enhancements, click here.
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| The 2014 Designation and Certification Course Schedules are Now Set!
We are pleased to give you an early look at the Designation and Certification courses that will be held in Binghamton and throughout the State of New York. While registration will not be open for some time, NOW is the time to mark your calendars and set your goals for 2014.
Courses at GBAR:
- REO Properties - March 6
- SRES - April 3-4
- GRI 401 - Get It Listed, Get It Sold - May 14-15
- GRI 408 - e-Pro Day 1 - June 18
- GRI 405 - Construction and Environmental Issues - September 17
- GRI 406 - Price It Right - September 19
- GRI 409 - Equal and Ethical Service - October 29-30
For details on course times and instructors, click here.
For a full list of all Designation and Certification Courses to be held throughout New York State in 2014, click here.
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NEW! NAR Designation and Certification Courses Offered On-Line! 10% Off in October!
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.
NEWS FLASH! THROUGH OCTOBER 31, USE PROMO CODE RUCE10 TO RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT ON CE APPROVED COURSES!
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 10% discount by using promotional code GIVE10 through the end of November, with another 10% donated to Habitat for Humanity. Pennsylvania CE Courses are offered at a 25% discount using promotional code GBARINPA.
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| Please Take a Very Quick Survey: 2013 REALTOR Appreciation Event
Each year, the GBAR Affiliate Council expresses their appreciation to GBAR REALTOR Members by hosting the REALTOR Appreciation Event. This year's event was held on August 22 at the Mountain Top View.
The Council would like your feedback on this year's event so they can plan an even better event in 2014. So whether you attended this year's event or not, please respond to a very short survey by clicking here. All responses are anonymous, and will be used only to guide the Council in making 2014's Event the best ever.
Thank you!
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| STOP PRESS! BIGGERT-WATERS FLOOD INSURANCE REFORM IMPLEMENTATION TO BE DELAYED?
The two articles below were designed to give GBAR Members more information on what the implementation of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act would mean for local residents of Greater Binghamton.
However, we now note a move in Congress to delay implementation, as implementation would drive flood insurance costs through the roof for many homeowners. So while you may wish to review the information in the two articles below, please also click here to review an article on the possible delay in implementation.
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NEW Flood Regulation Summaries
and Timelines
As you may know, the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW12) is now in effect and will have a significant impact on flood insurance premiums for in force policies and for newly issued policies. Policyholders with in force policies with previously subsidized rates may experience significant premium increases. In some cases, it may also be necessary for the policyholder to provide an Elevation Certificate in order to renew the flood insurance policy. Jim Rollo has provided us with three important documents that will help you and your clients understand the impact and timing of this new legislation:
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| NYSAR Flood Insurance Video Now Available
The video and handouts including an overview of the changes to the National Flood Insurance Program provided by NAR from the Legislative Policy Forum NFIP Panel are now available on NYSAR.com. You can find it in the video section of the Media Center or on the NFIP Resources page. Don't forget to log into the website as a member first!
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Member Minute:
Respect for the Listing Contract and Agent
As active members of our community, we all know a lot of people. Many times you may know a seller who did not choose you as their listing agent. Please remember it is unethical to contact someone who is already under contract with another agent- even if you know them. Follow the proper protocols and contact their agent. The public is very aware of the moves we make and we need to uphold the Code of Ethics we have sworn to abide by as REALTORS®.
Questions? Click here to contact Jessica Dillenbeck, our Membership Committee Chair.
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New Members - October, 2013
Please join us in welcoming the following New GBAR Members approved at the October 15, 2013 Board of Directors Meeting:
New REALTOR Agent Member:
New REALTOR Appraiser Member:
New MLS Only REALTOR Agent Member:
New Primary Affiliates:
New Affiliate Representative:
To send an email welcome to any of these new GBAR Members, simply click on their name.
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| Join the REALTOR/Builder Task Group
Interested in selling new construction? Want to build relationships with Members of the Southern Tier Home Builders and Remodelers Association (STHBRA)? If so, join the REALTOR/Builder Task Group, chaired by Roger Katchuk, whose mission is to maximize business opportunities for both REALTORS and Home Builders in the Southern Tier.
The REALTOR/Builder Task Group will hold its first meeting in December, so join now and play a part. If you'd like to join email Barry by clicking here.
Thanks!
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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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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 - October, 2013
Click here to review the October, 2013 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for GBAR.
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - September, 2013
Click here to review the September, 2013 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video
for September, 2013
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for September, 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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