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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc.
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September 15, 2014
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Welcome to the September 15, 2014 edition of the REALTOR® Review! There's a lot going on! Some highlights:
Two new and two existing GBAR Board of Directors Members were elected to terms beginning in January, 2015 - see our lead article below!
Be on the look out for the 2014 GBAR Member Survey, which will be emailed to you Wednesday Morning, September 17. Take the Survey and Win!
And don't forget the impending launch of the new .REALTOR Domain, which is available only to REALTORS®. Make sure you take advantage of this opportunity to promote yourself and your profession with this distinguished asset!
Also, Award Nominations are now open for both the GBAR Annual Award and the GBAR Honor Society - see the articles below.
Mark your calendar for the Supra Lockbox Exchange coming October 29 and 29 - see the article under Upcoming GBAR Member Events.
And finally, don't forget that the FREE REALTOR® Appreciation Event, sponsored by the GBAR Affiliate Council, is on for Friday, September 19! FREE Food! FREE Drink! FREE Fun!! Mark your calendars and check out the article under Upcoming GBAR Member Events.
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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2015 Board of Directors Election Results
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GBAR Elects New Board of Directors Members 
Following a ballot count on September 10, GBAR Members have elected two new and two current Board of Directors Members to new, four year terms beginning in January, 2015.
Our two new Board of Directors Members are Thomas (Tom) Bronk and Patricia (Mulrooney) Ellis.
 | | Tom Bronk |
 | | Patricia (Trish) Ellis |
And returning for a second term are 2014 President Thomas (Tommy) Reid, and 2014 President-Elect Kay Graves.
 | | Kay Graves |
 | | Tommy Reid |
Tom, Trish, Kay and Tommy will be joined in 2015 by the following returning Directors:
- Bob Farrell
- Roger Katchuk
- Patricia Kilts
- Rose Pelino
- Dawn Roessing
- Rachel Sbarra
- Karen Templeman
- Jim Trevitt
At the same time, we recognize and thank the following Directors whose terms will end in 2014, and thus will not be serving in 2015:
- Michelle Shine
- Sandi Stebelton
Please join us in congratulating Tom, Trish, Kay and Tommy on their successful candidacy, and thanking Michelle and Sandi for their many years of service to our Association.
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2014 Member Survey Coming Soon!
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2014 GBAR Member Survey to be Emailed Sept. 17 - Take the Survey and Win!!
Each year, GBAR sends its Members a Survey to get a better understanding of Member Opinions on how well our Association is serving your needs and where we could make improvements. This feedback forms the backbone of our Annual Strategic Planning Process, providing us guidance as to what specific actions your Association should take to deliver the services you need to be successful.
This year's Survey will be emailed to all GBAR Members on Wednesday morning, September 17. The email will come from Barry Arnold and will be titled "Take the 2014 GBAR Member Survey and Win!", so please be on the lookout. This year's survey has been streamlined significantly versus prior years to make response faster and easier than ever before. All responses are completely confidential, so please let us know how you feel!
And don't forget - at the end of the survey, you can click through to be entered in our Annual Member Survey Prize Draw, where the winner will receive $100 and 2 second-prize winners will receive $50. So don't miss out - please respond!
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Coming October 23!
The New .REALTOR Domain
The National Association of Realtors®' new .REALTOR top-level domain will be available October 23, 2014 to members of NAR and the Canadian Real Estate Association.
The Internet is undergoing vast changes with the creation of over 1,900 new top-level domains, and with nine out of 10 recent buyers beginning their home search online, it has become even more critical for Realtors® to create a branded space online. The .REALTOR domain will help Realtors® stand apart from other real estate professionals, creating a more positive online experience for consumers who are searching for information on buying or selling property. Having a .REALTOR domain will inform consumers that they are working with a Realtor®, a trusted real estate professional who subscribes to NAR's strict Code of Ethics. "This is truly an exciting time for NAR members to be on the cutting edge of Internet technology," said NAR President Steve Brown, co-owner of Irongate, Inc. Realtors® in Dayton, Ohio. "NAR is one of the first associations to be approved to offer a top-level domain for its membership, demonstrating our organization's commitment to its members and showcasing the value of the Realtor® brand. When consumers visit a .REALTOR website they will know that they have reached a source of comprehensive and accurate real estate information as well as someone with unparalleled insight into the local market." Click here for more information, and instructions how to register for your .REALTOR Domain, and click here for a .REALTOR Domain Fact Sheet. |
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September GBAR Education Frenzy!
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September Class Schedule at GBAR!
Welcome the Fall by signing up for one or more of the following courses which will be offered at GBAR in September!
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GRI 406 - Price It Right: Understanding the Appraisal Process
September 19, 2014 8:30am to 5:30pm 
$125.00 for Members
Non-Members pay $150.00
7.5 Hours CE Credit
Instructed by Roseann Farrow
Click herefor more information and registration instructions.
Please note:
Get 15 hours of CE credit for free!
NYSAR has partnered with GBAR to offer GRI Course 409, "Equal and Ethical Service" in Binghamton for free on October 29-30, 2014 to Members who register for another Graduate REALTOR® Institute course in Binghamton, such as GRI 401, 405, 406 or 408 (see course descriptions in this email). This is a limited-time offer for currently scheduled classes only, while space is available. To take advantage of this offer, call NYSAR at 800-239-4432, extn 219.
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Google Boot Camp - Now Earning 6 CE Credits!
By popular demand, G. William James is returning to Binghamton on September 24 to conduct his acclaimed Google Boot Camp Course, and now the course will earn you 6 CE Credits!
This full day workshop will empower each attendee with the comprehensive knowledge of the Google cloud apps, and a complete mobile office solution:
- Gmail Learn to use Gmail's unique filing and organization features
- Google Voice Customized messaging and voice call features
- Google Calendar Time management has never been so easy
- Google Documents Manage all of your documents and share them
- Google Picasa Store and share thousands of photos right online
- YouTube Upload and distribute listing videos like never before
- Google+ Learn to create a business page, and effectively network
- Plus Google Analytics, Mobile Apps, and more!
All this, and 6 CE Credits for just $90! To view a flyer and/or register, click here. You'll be glad you did!
If you want to take this course but do not require CE Credits, the cost will be $75. Click here if you would like to register without the need for CE.
PS: Space is limited - Book Now!
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Award Nominations Now Open
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Time to Submit Nominations for
GBAR Annual Awards
Know someone deserving of one of GBAR's Annual Awards? Click here for a nomination form! The Award Categories are: REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Distinguished Service Award and Volunteer of the Year. These awards will be presented at the annual GBAR Holiday Luncheon & Installation Ceremony in December. Nominations must be at the Association Office by 5:00pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2014.
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| Do You Qualify for the GBAR Honor Society? Apply Now!
Are you an active and involved GBAR Member? If so, you may qualify for the GBAR Honor Society! Click here for more information and an application form. Honor Society Members will be honored at our January 2015 Business Meeting and Luncheon. Fill out and return the form to the Association Office by 5:00pm, Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Blank forms are also available from the Association Office. E-mail admin@gbingar.com. Good Luck!
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Upcoming GBAR Member Events
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| FREE Dinner, Beer, Wine and Fun! The 11th Annual GBAR REALTOR® Appreciation Event is September 19!
The 11th Annual GBAR REALTOR® Appreciation Event, sponsored by the GBAR Affiliate Council, is now scheduled for Friday, September 19 from 5 pm to 8 pm! And this year, the venue will be at the Vestal Elks Lodge at 2071 Vestal Parkway West in Vestal!
Come enjoy the Affiliate Council's hospitality and entertainment for FREE! Click here for a flyer and registration instructions. You don't want to miss this event!
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| Mark Your Calendars - Mandatory Supra Lockbox and Key Upgrade/Exchange is October 28 and 29
On Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29, 2014, Supra and GBAR will be facilitating the mandatory exchange of all current blue iBox Lockboxes for new, low energy Bluetooth® iBox BTLE Lockboxes. The new BTLE Boxes have built-in Bluetooth Technology, which will allow shackle and key access using an app on your smartphone/tablet, rather than carrying around an ActiveKey or an EKey Fob. There is no charge for exchanging your old blue iBox Lockboxes for the new BTLE Boxes.
The Lockbox exchange and app upload event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton at 225 Water Street in Binghamton in the "225 Entertainment Zone" downstairs.
A separate email with full details, instructions and answers to Frequently Asked Questions was sent to all effected GBAR Members on Friday, September 12. To view this email, click here.
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2015 GBAR Budget: View, Discuss and Vote!
At the August 19, 2014 Board of Directors meeting, the proposed 2015 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 2015 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, or
- Accessing a PDF on the GBAR Members-Only Website under Member Forms, Miscellaneous (click here),or
- Picking up a copy at the Association Office or from your Principal Broker.
Please take this opportunity to participate in the operation of your Association.
Ballots were mailed with complete voting instructions to voting GBAR Members on Friday, September 12, 2014. Ballots are due back at the Association Office no later than 5:00pm on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 and the results of the vote will be announced at the October Association Business Meeting/Luncheon on Wednesday, October 8, 2014. 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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FEMA Issues New Flood Insurance Manual
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated the manual that insurance companies use to write flood insurance policies. The comprehensive manual provides answers to just about any question a REALTOR may have regarding flood insurance, ranging from how condos are treated to rate tables as revised by the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act enacted earlier this year.
Prior to releasing the new manual, FEMA issued a series of a NFIP iService Bulletins, which are supplemental to the October 1 manual. Presented in one place, these are the key insurance bulletins that implement the rate relief and refund procedures under the new law.
Click here to view the updated manual.
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| Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Information Available for JC, Union & Endicott
As part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the town of Union and the Villages of Johnson City and Endicott can now respond to inquiries regarding properties located in the 100-year floodplain, providing real estate agents, mortgage lenders and insurance agents with:
- Insurance Zone Risk
- NFIP Community Number
- Panel Number
- Date of the FIRM
- Base Flood Elevation
- Datum System
For more information and contact numbers, click here.
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| Back By Popular Demand: Google Boot Camp - Now Earning 6 CE Credits!!
By popular demand, G. William James is returning to Binghamton on September 24 to conduct his acclaimed Google Boot Camp Course, and now the course will earn you 6 CE Credits!
This full day workshop will empower each attendee with the comprehensive knowledge of the Google cloud apps, and a complete mobile office solution:
- Gmail Learn to use Gmail's unique filing and organization features
- Google Voice Customized messaging and voice call features
- Google Calendar Time management has never been so easy
- Google Documents Manage all of your documents and share them
- Google Picasa Store and share thousands of photos right online
- YouTube Upload and distribute listing videos like never before
- Google+ Learn to create a business page, and effectively network
- Plus Google Analytics, Mobile Apps, and more!
All this, and 6 CE Credits for just $90! To view a flyer and/or register, click here. You'll be glad you did!
If you want to take this course but do not require CE Credits, the cost will be $75. Click here if you would like to register without the need for CE.
PS: Space is limited - Book Now!
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| Great News for Members Holding Both NY and PA Licenses - Big Savings on Continuing Education Time and Money!
Do you hold both NY and PA Real Estate Licenses? Are you spending too much time and money satisfying both states' CE requirements? Well, here's the best news you'll hear this week, if not this month!
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All New York Individual CE Courses completed on-line through our GBAR Website at The CE Shop are valid for PA CE Credit as well! Just register for and complete any NY CE Course at The CE Shop. Upon completion, there will be an opportunity to click to apply the CE Credit to PA as well, and a PA Certificate will be made available through the site.
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Please note: This "double dip" benefit works the other way as well - most PA CE Credit Courses from The CE Shop are valid for NY CE Credit as well, with the exception of the following PA Courses:
- "Diversity: Your Kaleidoscope of Clients"
- "Selling to Your Sphere of Influence"
- "Today's MLS: New Paradigms, Better Results"
Finally, make sure you always use the monthly promotional codes featured in the REALTOR Review each month to get significant discounts on all CE Courses purchased from The CE Shop!
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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 406 - Price It Right - September 19
- GRI 409 - Equal and Ethical Service - October 29-30
- SRES - Rescheduled! to November 20-21
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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| SRES Has Been Rescheduled in Binghamton!
By popular demand, we have worked with NYSAR and Randy Templeman to reschedule the SRES Designation course for November 20 and 21, 2014, at our Association Offices in Johnson City.
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Click here for a flyer with more information and registration instructions. Click here to visit the SRES Website to learn even more! We hope you'll take advantage of this important designation course, offered right here in you own back yard.
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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 "lemonade20" through the end of September.
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| Know Any Service Men and Women Serving Their Country Overseas?
As many of you know, one of the most important programs run by the GBAR Community Service Committee is the recognition of local Service Men and Women serving overseas by sending them Care Packages. Do you know any local service men and women overseas who would appreciate one of these packages? If so, please email Community Service Chair Sandi Stebelton with their name and where they are posted overseas. Sandi and the Community Service Committee will take care of the rest!
Thank you!
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| Heading to Triple Play? Here's The Way to Go!
The Triple Play REALTOR® Convention & Trade Show will be held December 8 - 11, 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Our friends at the Elmira-Corning Regional Association of REALTORS® have contracted with Covered Wagon Tours to arrange Bus Transportation with pick-up and drop-off stops in Apalachin and Binghamton, as well as great deals on hotel accommodation for 3 nights at Bally's Resort/Casino. The Travel Package includes Bus Transport to and from Atlantic City, Taxes and Baggage Fees, 3 Nights Accomodation (Single, Double, Triple(!) or Quadruple deals available), and a $75 FREE Comp Bonus to play the slots.
Forget about driving - this is the way to go!
If you'd like to simply register for Triple Play without this transportation and accommodation package, click here.
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Member Minute
School Tax Bills Have Been Sent Out!
School Tax bills have been determined and sent out! That means it would be a good time to re-check the taxes on your listings to ensure accuracy. Remember, Listing Agents are just as responsible for the accuracy of tax information as Buyer's Agents!
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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 - August, 2014
Please join us in welcoming the following new Members, as approved by the GBAR Board of Directors:
REALTOR® Agent Members:
- Sherman (Bill) Brown, Realty USA
- Giordano (Giordi) DeAngelo, DWS & Associates
- Carolyn (Carrie) Strano, McKinney Real Estate
- John VanLuvender, Exit Realty Homeward Bound
- David Goon, Warren Real Estate (Binghamton)
Primary Affiliate Members:
- Del Decker III, Del's Cleaning and Handyman Service
- Thomas Singer, Mr. Sandless
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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/Banker Jason Sorochinsky 779-5937 REALTOR/Inspector Tim McGovern 757-3208 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/Committee 729-6285 Martha Tubaugh MLS/Finance 729-6285
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10K Marketing GBAR Monthly Statistics - July, 2014
Click here to review the July, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for GBAR.
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - July, 2014
Click here to review the July, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video
for July, 2014
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for June, 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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