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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc.
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April 15, 2014
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Welcome to the April 15, 2014 edition of the REALTOR® Review!
Our lead article cites a recent article in the publication Business Insider, which confirms a very dubious distinction for the word "REALTOR®". See below!
Please note that Nominations for GBAR Board of Directors terms beginning in 2015 are now open, and registrations are now open for the May 7 Agent's Day and Trade Show, the Lobby Day bus to Albany on June 10, and the JS Elliot Golf Tournament of Love on June 18.
This issue is also chock full of Upcoming Member Events, Education Opportunities, and Member News and Tips, of which we hope you'll take advantage.
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.
Barry Arnold, Executive Officer
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"REALTOR®": One of the Most Commonly Mispronounced Words of All!
Anyone surprised that the word "REALTOR®" is one of the most commonly mispronounced words in the English Language? In fact, its Number 8 out of 11 commonly mispronounced words cited in an article in a recent issue of Business Insider.
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| Spot the Difference!
OK. Here are two photos of Binghamton REALTORS®. The top photo is circa 1920, and the bottom photo is circa 1:15 pm, April 9, 2014, courtesy of James Graham.
See if you can articulate any differences between the two photos, and email me with your observations. For example, you could observe, "REALTORS® don't have time to sit down anymore!".
I will publish the most insightful, observant, clever and/or funniest responses in the May 1 REALTOR® Review.
 | | GBAR Then..... |
 | | ....GBAR Now! |
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Photo Album: GBAR April Monthly Business Luncheon at The Texas Roadhouse
Our April Monthly Business Luncheon was held at The Texas Roadhouse on Wednesday, April 9. The Luncheon was sponsored by Rick Kie of Accredited Home Inspectors, and featured our annual Fair Housing presentation by Randy Templeman. Here are a few photos from the gathering:  | | Yes, he's still our GBAR President. |
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Community Service Committee presents a very large check
to Tim McGovern. (Calligraphy by Michelle Shine)
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Oddly, an eagle landed on Randy Templeman's head during
his entertaining and educational Fair Housing Presentation.
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2015 GBAR Board of Directors Nominations: Do You Have What It Takes to Be A Leader?
Got Vision, Character, Trust, Flexibility,  Courage, A Sense of Justice, Self-Control and Respect for Others? Want to Have an Impact on How our Association is Managed?
The GBAR Nominating Committee is looking for qualified candidates for the 2015 GBAR Board of Directors. 4 positions must be filled.
A candidate for the office of Director must have three (3) continuous years of REALTOR® Membership with GBAR immediately preceding election and have served on two (2) separate standing committees , special sub-committees or task groups.*
Call or email Patricia Kilts, Chair of Nominating Committee, (725-4082) if you feel you have what it takes or know someone who does! Information faxed (798-8246) or mailed to the Association Office to the attention "Nominations" will be forwarded to the Nominating Committee.
We look forward to hearing from you!
*Note: the Board of Directors may modify these requirements at the request of the Nominating Committee.
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| Update: Flood Insurance
Jim Rollo of Jim Rollo State Farm has been kind enough to provide us with an update on Flood Insurance issues following the passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014. The summary covers important issues, such as:
- Refunds on policy premiums paid at the pre-Act rate.
- Expected annual rate increases
- Surcharges
- Grandfathering
Click here for the full summary.
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| Get On The Bus! REALTOR® Lobby Day is June 10 in Albany! It's Free !!!
GBAR Members are well respected around the state for our proactive support for REALTOR® legislation that supports Homeowners and our Industry. Here's one of the best ways to make your voice heard - get on the bus for Albany on June 10! We'll meet with our State Senator and Assembly persons to let them know how we feel about current legislation and encourage them to support the REALTOR® Party Line! Not to mention briefings from NYSAR Government Affairs experts, Continental Breakfast and Lunch. AND ITS FREE for GBAR Members!!!
Click here for more information and registration instructions.
Get On the Bus! We hope to see you there.
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Upcoming GBAR Member Events
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Book Your Tickets NOW for the 2014 GBAR Agent's Day and Trade Show!!
You won't want to miss this! Our GBAR 2014 Agent's Day and Trade Show is booked for May 7, 2014 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, and our program is shaping up to be the best yet! Our Trade Show Theme will be "Let's Do the Twist", meaning we've got to "twist" things up a bit to be successful in a very dynamic but exciting local real estate market. Click here for a flyer with the day's schedule.  Headlining the day will be nationally-acclaimed speaker Terry Watson, who will be conducting a 3-CE Credit course. Those of you who have had the opportunity to hear Terry before know that this Trade Show is one you'll not want to miss! .
This year, you can register and pay for your tickets on-line! Click here to visit the registration page on our GBAR Website. You can purchase one or more tickets, and you can purchase tickets for both GBAR Association Members ($30) or for Non-Members (Including MLS Only Subscribers ($35)).And if you are a GBAR Affiliate, you'll want to sign up to be a vendor at the show! This year, paid vendors will appear in issues of the REALTOR Review from January through early May, with links to their own website, making this a great promotional opportunity. Vendor registration can be made NOW to maximize your exposure - click here for more information and the registration form. Here is a list of the vendors who have already signed up for the show (in order of registration). Click on their names to visit their websites and see the products and services they have to offer you and your clients!
Gold Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
We look forward to seeing you there!
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| GBAR Sponsoring American Red Cross Blood Drive - Volunteers (and Donors!) Needed
The GBAR Community Service Committee is sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Oakdale Mall on Friday, May 23 between 12 noon and 6:00 pm and on Saturday, May 24 between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
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We need volunteers to staff the Registration Desk and the Canteen during these times. If you can help, please call Alison Donnelly at the Association Offices at 729-6285 to volunteer.
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For an Event Flyer with more information, click here. .
Thank You!
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| Join Us for the 25th Annual JS Elliott REALTOR®Tournament of Love - June 18
The 25th Annual JS Elliott REALTOR® Tournament of Love Golf Tournament will be held June 18, 2014 at the Genegantslet Golf Club in Greene. The proceeds of this Tournament go to benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times, which serves the needs of kids in our area with serious illnesses. Come join us for a day of golf, food, prizes and fun! For more information and registration instructions, click here for Golf and Dinner, click here to be advertise as a hole sponsor and/or Golf/Dinner, or click here to simply make a donation to Camp Good Days and Special Times.
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We look forward to seeing you there!
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| Bring SRES Back To Binghamton!
Many of you expressed disappointment when we had to cancel the SRES Designation Course on April 3-4 due to too few enrollees. In response, I have worked with NYSAR and Randy Templeman to tentatively reschedule this course for November 20 and 21, 2014.
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But we need your help!! NYSAR will only reschedule this course if we can provide them of the names of at least 12 interested students. If you are interested, or can provide me with names of other interested people, please let me know as soon as possible. The ball is in our court!
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Click here for a list of benefits of this important and revenue-generating designation. Click here to visit the SRES Website to learn even more! And click here to email me to tell me you are interested!
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Thanks!
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New Classroom Course Offering
"How Do You Find Those Comps?"
Thursday, April 17, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
6 NYS CE Credits - Only $85.00!
On Thursday, April 17 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Becky Jones of UPstate Training will be back at our GBAR Offices to conduct a 6 Hour, 6 NYS CE Credit Course from which everyone can benefit: "How Do You Find Those Comps?".
Come learn what influences the property value, how old the comparable should be, what needs to be adjusted, and how this information can best serve your customers and clients.
For more information and to register, click here!
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| Registration for 2014 Designation and Certification Course Schedules Now Open!
Registration for 2014 Designation and Certification courses that will be held in Binghamton are now open! Simply click on the links below for more information and registration instructions.
Special Offer! GRI 409, Equal and Ethical Service, is being offered FREE if you sign up for any of the other GRI Courses being held at GBAR or throughout New York State! That's 15 FREE CE Credits!
Courses at GBAR:
- GRI 401 - Get It Listed, Get It Sold - May 14-15
- GRI 408 - e-Pro Day 1 - June 20 - Please Note Revised Date.
- 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 a full list of all Designation and Certification Courses to be held throughout New York State in 2014, click here.
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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 15% discount by using promotional code "spring15" through the end of April. Pennsylvania CE Courses are offered at a 25% discount using promotional code GBARINPA.
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Member Minute
Proper Use of the REALTOR® Marks
On a more serious note related to the REALTOR® Logo and Trademark, it is important to use NAR's membership marks correctly in order to protect the REALTOR® brand.
Here is a link to the NAR website offering tips and guidance as to the use of the REALTOR® marks, as well a quiz to test your knowledge and access to downloadable logos for use in your marketing.
And if you are more of a "visual" person, click here for a short video along the same lines.
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Flood Elevation Certificates and NAR Legal Guidance on Flood Insurance Disclosures
Many Members have requested more information about Flood Elevation Certificates: When do I need them? Why do we need them? How do I get one? Jim Rollo of Jim Rollo State Farm has provided us with a comprehensive document providing the answers to these questions, as well as a FAQ answer sheet for your use. To review this document, click here. If you have further questions, feel free to contact Jim at 754-3000, or email him by clicking here. Please note that GBAR does have one Surveyor Affiliate Member - Raymond Hulbert of Hulbert Engineering & Land Surveying, PC. Raymond can be reached at 723-0799. Finally, to view NAR's Legal Guidance on Flood Insurance Disclosures, click here.
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New Phone Number? New Address? New E-mail?
It is important that you keep your contact information current with the Association. And you can correct or update this information day or night without making a phone call. If you change the information yourself at REALTOR.org, GBAR, Supra and NYSAR are notified automatically. Go to the REALTOR.org website and click on "My Account." On the first visit you must register, but after that just entering your user name and password advances you to a page that will allow you to update your contact information and notify the Association Office.
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New Members - April, 2014
Please join us in welcoming the following New GBAR Members approved at the April, 2014 Board of Directors Meeting:
New REALTOR Agent Member:
- Patrick Cartwright, Realty USA
New Primary Affiliates:
- Tim Dixon, Dixon Exterminators
- Mark Peet, Accurate Home Inspection
- John Borgna, Suburban Propane
New Affiliate Representative:
- Jennifer Blackman, Tioga State Bank
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Condolences - Marie Murray
We regret to advise you of the passing of former GBAR Member Marie Murray on March 29, 2014. Please join us in offering our sincere condolences to her family. For a full obituary, click here. |
Condolences - Lillian Jacobson
We regret to advise you of the passing of Lillian "Libby" Jacobson, mother of GBAR Member Bonnie Brown, on April 8, 2014. Please join us in offering our sincere condolences to Bonnie and her family. For a full obituary, click here. |
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GBAR Leadership/Committees
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2014 GBAR Contact Information
Got comments, questions or concerns? Want to join a GBAR Committee? Here's a full list of 2014 GBAR Board of Directors, Officers, Committee and Sub-Committee Chairs and Association Staff Members. Just click on the name to send an email, or call the phone number listed. We look forward to hearing from you! 2014 GBAR Board of Directors Thomas Reid, President 699-1013 Kay Graves, President Elect 760-3924 Patricia Kilts, Immediate Past President 725-4082 Robert Farrell 760-5001 Roger Katchuk 759-1244 Rose Pelino 761-8073 Dawn Roessing 343-5982 Rachel Sbarra 341-2625 Michelle Shine 743-0454 Sandra Stebelton 768-2372 Karen Templeman 727-7600 James Trevitt 727-4956 2014 GBAR Non-BOD Officers/Counsel Diane White, Treasurer 760-4774 Jon Sarra, HH&K, General Counsel 231-6788 Barry Arnold, Secretary 729-6285 2014 GBAR Committee/Sub-Committee Chairs Board Operations Dale Tifft 768-3793 Bylaws Diane Kerth 725-4026 Communications/PR Jessica Dillenbeck 343-8486 - Affiliate Council Kent Sisco 343-7293 - Community Service Sandra Stebelton 768-2372 - Membership Jessica Dillenbeck 343-8486 - Program & Banquet Melissa Burish 427-2626 - REALTOR/Appraiser Beth Ryder 343-2018 Education Diana Nogaret 725-4065 Finance Diane White 760-4774 Government Affairs Thomas Reid 699-1013 Grievance Sandra Guy 760-4700 MLS John Farrell 760-0908 Nominating Patricia Kilts 725-4082 Professional Standards Diane Briggs-Angell 761-1953 REALTOR/Lawyer Diane White 760-4774 Staff Review Karen Templeman 727-7600 Strategic Planning Kay Graves 760-3924 Trade Show Dawn Roessing 343-5982 GBAR Staff Barry Arnold Executive Officer 729-6285 Alison Donnelly Membership/Admin 729-6285 Martha Tubaugh MLS/Finance 729-6285 AnnaBelle Brewer Committees 729-6285
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10K Marketing GBAR Monthly Statistics - March, 2014
Click here to review the March, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - February, 2014
Click here to review the February, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video
for February, 2014
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for February, 2014.
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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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