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Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®, Inc.
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November 1, 2014
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Welcome to the November 1, 2014 edition of the REALTOR® Review! Some highlights:
Two quick reminders: Set your clocks back one hour before turning in on Saturday Night (Nov. 2nd), and don't forget to Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4th!!
The 2015 GBAR Officer Election Results are in! See our lead article to see who will be running the show in 2015 and 2016!
The much anticipated Supra Lock Box Exchange took place on October 28 and 29 - thank you to all of you who took the time and made the effort to make the exchange so successful. See our report below.
How do increases in GBAR Dues and Fees over the years compare with general price inflation? You may be surprised - see our article entitled "GBAR Dues and Fees Analysis".
And we continue with our focus on REALTOR® Safety this issue. Take a look at our article to see what some of our Members have to say about keeping each other safe.
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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GBAR 2015 Officer Elections/Appointments
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| Dawn Roessing Elected GBAR President-Elect for 2015
At a October 21, 2014 Special GBAR Board of Directors Meeting, Dawn Roessing was elected GBAR President-Elect for 2015, and will become President of the Association in 2016. Dawn currently sits on the GBAR Board of Directors, is chair of the Trade Show Committee, and is a member of the Community Service Committee.
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Said Dawn, "I am delighted to have been elected to this important role at GBAR, and look forward to serving our Members and our Community in the coming years. GBAR is a strong organization filled with great Members, Affiliates and Staff, and it will be an honor to represent them all."
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Also elected at the same meeting were Kay Graves, who will move from President-elect to President in 2015, and current President Tommy Reid, who will serve as Immediate Past President.
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Diane White and Barry Arnold were appointed GBAR Treasurer and Secretary, respectively, for 2015.
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Congratulations to all!
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| Lock Boxes, EKeys and Apps - Oh, My!
The Official Supra Lock Box Exchange took place on Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29 at the DoubleTree, allowing us to replace old Lock Boxes with new, Bluetooth-compatible and Energy Efficient iBox BT LE Lock Boxes.
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First, thanks to all of you who dutifully collected your old boxes and made it to the exchange to get the new boxes. We fully recognize that this was not the easiest of processes, and required a great deal of time and effort on your part. We trust that the end result will be well worth it as we strive to upgrade our products and technologies for long term benefit. Thank you!
The Exchange itself was very successful, collecting and exchanging 1556 old boxes for the new BT LE's. Considering we currently have around 1650 Active Residential Listings, that ain't bad. Yes, there are still a few old boxes out there, and we will be working with their "owners" to complete the conversion. In particular, we will be scheduling specific time slots at our Association Offices to complete those exchanges - keep an eye on the MLS Board News for dates and times.
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Finally, a big thank you to GBAR's Martha Tubaugh and the Supra Team of Laurel Begnoche, Kaye Houck, and Lory Lindholm for organizing and operating the Exchange. This was no small task, and we are fortunate to have been able to apply their experience, expertise and customer service ethic to this important event. Thank you!
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GBAR Dues and Fees Analysis
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10-Year Price Increases: National Consumer Prices vs. GBAR Dues and Fees
Our semi-annual GBAR Dues and Fees Billing will be issued at the end of November for payment by December 31, 2014. Occasionally, both in the annual Member Survey and in comments from Members around the dues billing period, we hear the question, "Why are my Dues and Fees so high?"
In response, we thought a comparison between general cost of living inflation as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the increase in our GBAR Dues and Fees over time might put this question in perspective.
In the 10-year period between 2003 and 2013, the National CPI rose by 26.6%. That means that in 2013, consumers paid 26.6% more for a standard basket of goods and services than they did in 2003.
By comparison, GBAR Dues and Fees have risen only 2.8%, or $26, over the same 2003-2013 period! And in 2014 and 2015, your Dues and Fees will be the same as they were in 2013.
So despite the falling Membership and Membership Dues and Fees revenue we experienced since "the Great Recession", and the constant increase in prices we have endured on the many expense lines required to run our Association, prudent financial management and aggressive cost cutting has allowed us to maintain our level of Membership Dues and Fees over time. And, we've done it while simultaneously improving the level of service we provide our Members.
We hope you'll take this information into consideration as we approach our next billing cycle!
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1st Half 2015 GBAR Dues and Fees Billing Notice to be Emailed at the End of November, 2014
A reminder that your Association Dues and Fees Notice for the first half of 2015 will be e-mailed to you at the end of November, 2014. As in previous years, it will include instructions on how to access and pay your invoice on-line through our ECommerce 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, 2014 either on-line or to your Principal Broker in order for you to remain an active Member of our Association and MLS.
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.
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REALTOR® Safety Takes Center Stage
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| REALTOR® Safety - A Priority for All
We've all read the news. And the bottom line is that all REALTORS®, no matter where they operate, must take every precaution necessary to ensure their safety in the course of conducting business.
In our last issue, we provided documents which, if used by brokers and agents, would help avert crimes against REALTOR® Members.
And our request for more suggestions or tips on REALTOR® Safety yielded two responses:
- Affiliate Member Kent Sisco of Elmira Savings Bank posted this note to our GBAR Facebook Page: "REALTOR® friends - In light of the tragedy to Beverly Carter, let's work together for safety! Let me know if you need another body at an open house or even at a showing. I am happy to step in and be your second person!!". Thank you, Kent!
- REALTOR® Member Daryl Short of DWS & Associates Real Estate provided us with links to companies which make subtle jewelry combining fashion with a wearable alert system. Check it out - click here and here!
Also, click here for a letter from a REALTOR® from Illinois, Celeste Barr, which I found on an NAR blog. Celeste was attacked back in 1991, and managed to escape. Her advice? "Trust Your Gut". If something seems wrong, it is.
And please note the Rape Aggression Self-Defense Course starts at the Association Offices on November 4. See the article below in the GBAR Real Estate School section, or click here.
Finally, we would welcome any suggestions or tips from all our Members that will serve to protect us all. If you have any suggestions, click here to email them to Executive Officer Barry Arnold. Your suggestions will be published in subsequent issues of the REALTOR® Review.
Thank you!
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Last Call for Award Nominations
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Last Chance 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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| SAVE THE DATE! GBAR'S ANNUAL TEAM TRIVIA EVENT IS NOVEMBER 8!
A local 5-year old boy, Robbie, has VATERS Syndrome and the Community Service Committee has chosen to devote the proceeds of this year's Team Trivia event to supporting Robbie and his family.
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This rare syndrome refers to a series of 5 birth defects. Robbie is currently 1 out of 5 children in the USA who has all 5 defects.
Tickets are on sale now - Call Sara Reifler at 768-4422 or Alison Donnelly at the Association Offices at 729-6285. Click here for a flyer and more information on Basket Donations and Sponsorship.
DATE: Saturday, November 8, 2014
TIME: Dinner 5:00pm Trivia 6:00pm to 9:00pm
PLACE: Kalurah Shrine, 926 Glendale Drive, Endicott
TICKETS: $25.00 - On Sale Now!
We hope to see you there!
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Sign Up Now for the November GBAR Monthly Business Luncheon and Thanksgiving Food Drive!
Our November GBAR Monthly Business Luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at The Relief Pitcher in Binghamton. The Luncheon, generously sponsored by Hinman, Howard & Kattell, will feature a Catholic Charities Food Pantry Presentation. Registration begins at 11:30 am, and the program and lunch will begin at 12:00 noon.
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For a flyer and registration instructions, click here.
Please also note that the Program & Banquet Committee is asking all Members to participate in the Thanksgiving Food Drive at the November Luncheon, that will benefit the Catholic Charities Thanksgiving food program and general pantry supply. This year the Program will be a Catholic Charities Food Pantry presentation, and they will be taking the food collected at the Luncheon with them. Click here for a list of needed items. The items should be brought to the November Association Business Meeting at the Relief Pitcher on November 12th or left at the Association Office any time prior to that date. If you have any questions, please call Melissa Burish, Chair at (607) 427-2626.
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We hope to see you there!
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| Networking Opportunity: Grow Your Business Through Exporting Workshop - November 12.
Global Business Alliance of Greater Binghamton and the Southern Tier, NY is holding an Export Workshop entitled Grow Your Business through Exporting. Co-sponsored by the Global Business Alliance of Greater Binghamton and the Southern Tier, NY and the Greater Binghamton SCORE Chapter 0217, this workshop is focused on discussing the resources available to companies for International Business Development. The Workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Traditions at the Glen from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.
The Workshop will attract business owners in the Greater Binghamton Area who are interested in growing their business through exporting. For REALTORS, this will be an excellent networking opportunity to get to know the people who may have additional real estate needs in the future.
For a flyer and registration instructions, click here.
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Rape Aggression Defense Course Starts November 4 - Only 5 More Spots Available!!
Members of the New York State University Police at BU are conducting a course for interested GBAR Members called "RAD" - Rape Aggression Defense - a Self-Defense course specifically designed for women. The course consists of 4, 3-hour sessions from 9 am to 12 noon on Tuesday, November 4; Wednesday, November 5; Tuesday, November 11 and Friday, November 14. Attendance at all 4 sessions is highly recommended. Cost is $20 per person.
Maximum Class Size is 15 - only 5 more spots available!!
The Course will be held at the GBAR Association Offices.
To confirm your interest and register, please click here. Once you've registered, I will provided you with additional information from the instructors.
Look forward to seeing you starting on the 4th!
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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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Maximize Your Potential: Earn Your Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) Designation on January 23-24, 2015
On January 23-24, 2015 Mike Walker, Managing Partner and National Instructor of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI) will be here at the GBAR Association Offices to conduct the 2-day Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) Designation Course.  This Designation, which will also earn you 12 New York CE Credits upon completion, gives you the negotiating skills, processes, knowledge and confidence to maximize your production potential. The course has earned rave reviews from agents across the country, many of whom have indicated that this course is the most beneficial and worthwhile course they have ever taken in real estate. This will be the second time we have offered this course here at GBAR, having held it in March of 2014. The course was extremely well received by the participants - here are some verbatim comments:
- "Really enjoyed the class. Michael is a great speaker."
- "Great Class!"
- "Best instructor I've encountered so far!"
The cost for this 2-Day Course is $299.00, including all instruction, materials and 12 New York CE Credits. To learn more and register, click here to visit the exclusive GBAR/RENI website. But hurry - there are only 32 seats available and we expect this course to fill up quickly!
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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 20% discount by using promotional code "Nov20" through the end of November.
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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:
Showing Feedback Wanted!
Help your fellow REALTORS by taking the time to provide showing feedback to listing agents. Phone, email, text, or even by responding to automated Supra emails - feedback is an essential element of the selling process, and helps our listing agents and clients make the changes necessary to move their properties towards a closed sale. And that's what we all want, right?
Thank you for your cooperation!
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Martha's MLS Tip of the Day
MLS Photos
Reminder: New York State Real Estate License Law specifically states:
"Photographs of property that are posted on a real estate broker's website shall not be used or reproduced without the written permission from the copyright holder of such photographs."
In other words, you must take your own photos of previously listed properties unless you have express written permission from the person who originally took them. Thank you!
- Martha
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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 - October, 2014
Please join us in welcoming the following new Members, as approved by the GBAR Board of Directors:
REALTOR® Agent Members:
- Cassandra Fisher, Realty USA
- Elizabeth Madison, Realty USA
- Henry Ausby, Realty USA
- Dianne Wheaton Cappiello, Strong Realty
MLS-Only REALTOR® Principal Broker Member:
- Steven Catalano, Home Buyers Marketing II, Inc.
Primary Affiliate Members:
- Douglas Ritter, The Bug Killer
- Paul Suarez, Dry-Maxx Carpet Care
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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 - September, 2014
Click here to review the September, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for GBAR.
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10K Marketing NYSAR Monthly Statistics - September, 2014
Click here to review the September, 2014 10K Marketing Monthly Statistics for NYSAR.
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"The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video
for September, 2014
Click here to view "The Skinny", NYSAR's Monthly Housing Market Video for September, 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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