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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc.
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December 2, 2013
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Greetings!
Welcome to the December 2, 2013 edition of the REALTOR® Review!
Headlining this issue is GBAR Members' staggering response to the most recent Call For Action from NAR in support of the Flood Insurance Affordability Act. See below to see just how powerfully GBAR voices rang!
Also, the GBAR Real Estate School is gearing up for a very active 2014. See the Real Estate School section of this issue, and in particular, note the two new classroom CE Courses now scheduled for January and February, respectively.
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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GBAR Member Flood Insurance Call For Action Response Rate is # 1 in the USA!
All REALTORS recently received an email from their Broker or from the National Association of REALTORS asking them to respond to a Call For Action to tell our Congressional Representatives to bring the "Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act" to the Senate and House of Representative floors for a vote in each Chamber.
This legislation is critical to Homeowners nationally, and in particular in the Greater Binghamton area, as it will amend earlier legislation which would drive the cost of flood insurance through the roof, especially in regions like our own which were impacted by recent flooding and new flood mapping.
In keeping with our tradition of acting in the best interests of homeowners and our profession, GBAR Members responded, and responded big!
GBAR Members' response rate of 48% was easily the best of any Association with over 100 valid respondents in the entire country, and way ahead of the New York State and National average response rates of 8.7% and 7.8%, respectively.
Thank you to all our Members who responded, and showing that for GBAR, "Believing in Our Community" is so much more than just a tagline!
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And If You Haven't Already, Please RESPOND to the Flood Insurance Affordability Act CALL FOR ACTION!
All REALTORS have recently received an email from your Broker or from the National Association of REALTORS asking you to respond to a Call For Action to tell our Congressional Representatives to bring the "Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act" to the Senate and House of Representative floors for a vote in each Chamber.
This legislation is critical to Homeowners nationally, and in particular in the Greater Binghamton area, as it will amend earlier legislation which would drive the cost of flood insurance through the roof, especially in regions like our own which were impacted by recent flooding and new flood mapping.
I ask all GBAR Members receiving this Call For Action Email to respond immediately - all it takes is a couple of clicks and our Senators and Representatives will be immediately advised of our REALTOR support for this important issue.
GBAR Members have traditionally led New York State and even the nation in our response rate to Calls For Action, demonstrating our powerful support for Homeownership and our Profession. Let's not make this Call For Action any different!
Sincerely,
Tommy Reid
President and Chair, Government Affairs, GBAR
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FREE Tax Webinar from NYSAR - Members Only
Did you know saving $10,000 on your taxes is worth more than making an extra $17,000? You work hard for your commissions, so learn how to keep more of them through tax breaks! Take part in this exclusive NYSAR Webinar on Thursday, December 5 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm with former IRS trainer, CPA, and tax attorney Sandy Botkin. This will be a powerful presentation covering five strategies to save on your taxes and stay out of trouble with the IRS. Sandy Botkin is a CPA, tax attorney, and former IRS trainer. He has trained millions of small businesses and independent contractors how to get their taxes down to the legal limit. He is a bestselling author of Lower Your Taxes Big Time and other business books. Botkin is a frequent guest tax expert on NBC, ABC, Fox, and CNN. To register, click here.
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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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Dues and Fees Information
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Important Reminder: Payment of Association Dues and/or MLS Fees
A reminder that your Association Dues and Fees Notice for the first half of 2014 was e-mailed to you on November 25, 2013. The notice includes instructions on how to access your invoice on-line at REALTOR.org.
This dues and fees invoice must be paid in order for you to remain an active Member of our Association and MLS and receive the Association services.
Please mark your calendar that by December 31, 2013, the following amounts must be paid either on-line or to your Principal Broker.
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
As in the past, you will also have the opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to RPAC. We encourage you to make a minimum contribution of $15.00 - your support will enhance our national, state and local efforts to either promote legislation which enhances Homeownership and our profession, or fight legislation which would detract from these objectives.
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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Do You Have Outstanding Fines?
Dues and MLS Fees for January through June 2014 have been billed to you. REMEMBER that in accordance with GBAR Bylaws (see below) all other monies owed the Association must be paid prior to the Association accepting the Dues and MLS Fees payment. Be sure that you do not have any outstanding luncheon charges, MLS Processing Fees or lockbox fees, etc. Also, these cannot be included in your dues payment. They should be paid separately directly to the Association Office. Please include your invoice or statement when making these payments.
GBAR BYLAWS
ARTICLE X - DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
Section 3 Dues Payable.
Dues will not be accepted unless all prior charges, assessments, fines or moneys due the Association have been paid in full.
Be sure your dues can 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.
Supra sent invoices for Active-Keys on of November 27, 2013. Payments are due on January 1, 2014 AND MUST be made directly to Supra Products. If you did not receive an invoice please contact Supra directly.
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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The December GBAR Installation Luncheon is December 4th! And Don't Forget Your Toys for Tots Contribution.
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. Reservations are now closed. Please click here to review an event flyer. We hope to see you there!.
And Don't Forget!! Once again the Community Service Committee is asking all GBAR members to please help us with the Toys for Tots collection at December's Holiday Luncheon and Installation Ceremony. We as an Association have sponsored this worthy cause for many years and now more than ever your donations are needed. Please bring unwrapped new toy donations to the luncheon so that we can give them to the Police Department for distribution. If you are unable to attend, toys may be left at the Association Office.
Thank you for all of your support.
The Community Service Committee
HELP BRIGHTEN A CHRISTMAS MORNING!
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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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Two New Classroom CE Courses Scheduled in January and February, 2014!
We know from the Member Survey that many of our Members prefer classroom CE Courses, so we're kicking off 2014 with two which provide CE Credit for both Brokers/Salespersons and Appraisers. - FHA Inspections: What Every Broker, Salesperson and Appraiser Should Know!
- Monday, January 27, 2014; 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- 3.5 CE Credits for Brokers/Salespersons and Appraisers (or both!)
- Instructed by Rebecca Jones, UPstate Training
- Course to be held at our GBAR Offices.
- For more information and registration instructions, click here.
- The Appraisal Industry: Current Law and Standards, and How to Challenge an Appraisal.
- Wednesday, February 19, 2014; 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
- 3 CE Credits for Brokers/Salespersons and Appraisers (or both!)
- Instructed by Rebecca Jones, UPstate Training
- Course to be held at our GBAR Offices.
- For more information and registration instructions, click here.
Registration for both these courses will be handled through UPstate Training. We hope you'll take advantage of these great classroom CE opportunities!
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Apply Now for a NYSREEF Scholarship to Fund Your Designation Course Objectives
Earning a National Association of REALTORS designation can give you a competitive edge over your peers, but designation courses are often more costly than some other continuing education course options. The New York State Real Estate Education Foundation (NYSREEF) can help.
Since it began in 2004, the Education Foundation has awarded more than 560 scholarships totaling over $155,000 to REALTORS striving to enhance their careers. Scholarships are awarded twice a year at the semi-annual business meetings of the New York State Association of REALTORS. The application process is simple, but the deadline for a February 2014 scholarship award is December 31, so don't delay.
Any individual who has at least one year experience in real estate sales, is licensed, practicing in New York State and holds primary REALTOR membership in New York State is eligible for one of the designation program scholarships. Scholarship awards are not based on need, but applicants should show positive motivation toward real estate education and proven interest in furthering their real estate career.
For more information and the one page application, click here!
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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 December, 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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Community Service Packs and Sends More Care Packages to Service Men and Women Overseas
Once again, our dedicated GBAR Community Service Committee met to pack and ship 12 Care Packages to Binghamton-area Service Men and Women serving their country overseas. The contents were donated not only by GBAR Members, but concerned members of the public as well.
This effort remains a continuous focus of our Community Service Committee, who have pledged to send care packages overseas "...until the last person comes home. Kudos to Sandi Stebelton and her Committee for all their self-less efforts!
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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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Martha's MLS Tips - Requests for MLS Maintenance
Please when submitting listing maintenance changes to us here at the Association Offices, please, make sure that your forms are filled out completely. Also, if you call and have a question about a listing change please have your MLS # ready to provide to me for easier access. Thank you!
-Martha
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Member Minute: Fire and Ice
As the days get colder and the weather begins to take a turn, please make sure your sellers of both occupied and vacant listings have a plan in place to keep walks and driveways free and clear of ice and snow to allow safe access for showings.
Additionally, do not adjust the thermostat during a showing unless you have permission from the seller of the home. The sellers may have a specific setting in place and tampering with the system could result in liability for you.
And of course, if you notice an issue with a broken pipe or no heat on in a listing, please call the listing agent immediately.
If you have any tips you would like to share with your fellow members - please contact Membership Committee Chair Jessica Dillenbeck by clicking here.
Thanks and stay warm!
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New Members - November, 2013
Please join us in welcoming the following New GBAR Members approved at the November 19, 2013 Board of Directors Meeting:
New Secondary REALTOR Principal Broker Member
- Jo Ann Chalk, Keller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Fingerlakes
New REALTOR Agent Members:
- Wendy Martin, Century 21 Crown
- Carolyn Putchka, Realty USA
- Angel Turrigiano Barry, Keller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Fingerlakes
- Maureen Zorn, Realty USA
New MLS Only REALTOR Principal Appraiser Members:
- Thomas Creath, Equity Appraisals
- David Cassese, Apex Appraisals
New Affiliate Representatives:
- Mariusz Motyka, People's Neighborhood Bank
- Ed Quon, M&T Bank
- Kate Burke, GHS Federal Credit Union
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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 - October, 2013
Click here to review the October, 2013 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video
for October, 2013
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for October, 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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