grapes-banner.jpg
The GRAPEVINE 7.10.15
Upcoming Events & Educational Opportunities
Annual Affiliate Appreciation 
Thursday, July 23 at Pardini's from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. FREE Affiliate & REALTOR® event with hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and raffle prizes! 

Sure it's Summer - but there is no better time to chill with us so we can appreciate your endless support! ATTENTION REALTORS®: To show your appreciation, please donate a raffle prize.  
You must RSVP to attend by calling FAR at 559-490-6400.  
GRI Courses 105
Legal Issues
Thursday, July 30 at the FAR office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: $149 per day. Call 1-888-785-4800 to register. Please note these classes will be taught via Face2Face Interactive Video.
The Power of 1031 Exchanges, Analyzing Investment Properties and the Power of Strategy
by Bill Angove, V.P. of Asset Preservation, Inc.
Friday, August 7 at the FAR office from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Deposit of $10 required. Topics include: Simple ways to analyze investment properties to determine value, how to determine an investor's rate of return, how people achieve financial independence by investing in real estate and much more!  Call FAR to register 559-490-6400.
CRS 201: Listing Strategies for the Residential Specialist
CRS Certified Instructor Robert Morris
2 Day -Thursday, October 1 & Friday, October 2 at the FAR office from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. REALTOR Cost: $325, before September 9. Individuals who take this course will earn 16 CRS Education course credits toward the CRS Designation. Complete registration form or contact FAR 559-490-6400. ***SCHOLARSHIP Opportunity*** Complete Application here or visit www.faraf.org for more information. 

kings mortgage logo
Disappearing Signatures in Docusign
Some C.A.R. members who have used DocuSign AFTER the other party has used zipLogix Digital Ink have reported that DocuSign removes zipLogix Ink signatures causing the signatures to "disappear".  

After investigation, it was found that this is NOT a zipLogix Digital Ink defect but rather an issue with DocuSign usage. This appears to only occur when the DocuSign user uploads the PDF directly to the DocuSign websites.  C.A.R. has alerted DocuSign to this issue and they are continuing to work with C.A.R. to correct the issue when uploading PDFs directly to its website.

To avoid the problem entirely, C.A.R. members who use Docusign should USE zipForm Plus to send the PDF for DocuSign signature. For instructions on how to set up your zipForm Plus Profile to use DocuSign visit: on.car.org/esignprofile

If you are experiencing the above issues, please feel free to contact DocuSign at 1-800-379-9973.
Helping Home Buyers with Water Conservation by NAR
Water is at a premium throughout drought-stricken California, and home buyers will no longer be able to "go with the flow" as residents are tasked with conserving more. Typically U.S. households use approximately 260 gallons of water every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here are some common features of new construction that can help conserve our "liquid gold":

1. "Green" landscaping: The average suburban lawn consumes a whopping 10,000 gallons of non-rain water each year.  That's why some of today's most coveted gardens utilize the principles of "xeric" or drought-tolerant landscaping. Native plants, such as lavender, ice plant and succulents are well-suited to drought-like conditions and drier soil, thereby helping to reduce water usage. Also, consider a smart "weather-sensing" irrigation system to automatically adjust the water schedule based on weather, seasonality and even zone type. After all, no one wants to see sprinklers running during an unexpected rain.

2. Efficient plumbing lines: New homes generally employ efficient plumbing lines including pressure-regulating valves, which can limit water usage to 60 pounds per square inch (psi). This reduction helps with leaks, saves water and money, and can lessen the possibility of pipes bursting. New homes may also include well-insulated hot water pipes, which speed hot water to the user, reducing the amount of water wasted in warming it up.

 

3. Improved water heaters: New choices including tankless heaters, heat pumps, or solar hot water heaters save both water and energy.

 

4. Low-flow plumbing fixtures: Faucets and showers account for 15 and 17 percent of household water use respectively.  Improved low-flow options save water (about 30 percent for sinks and 25 to 60 percent for showerheads) without sacrificing quality, appearance or functionality.

 

5. Dual-flush toilets: Toilets are the number one source of water usage in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption. Low-flow models are a step in the right direction, but dual-flush options are even better, offering a full flush volume for solids and a reduced flush for liquids.

 

6. Energy-efficient dishwashers: On average, dishwashers earning the ENERGY STAR label are 15 percent more water efficient than standard models. These newer-model dishwashers can save up to 1,600 gallons of water over the lifetime of the appliance.

 

7. Updated washing machines: Take a brand new washing machine for a spin and save on the second-highest water demand in the house. Models manufactured and sold since are required to use even less water than previous energy-saving models. Even as capacities have expanded, maximum water usage has decreased, helping to save as much as eight gallons more per cycle than older models.

 


Sympathy to Friends and Family 
of Sharon Schelir, Guarantee Real 
Estate, who recently passed away. 

This Week at FAR
FREE Classes & Training
Monday 7/13/15

Tuesday 7/14/15
MLS Meeting 
8:30 a.m. 
Speaker: Patrick Furlong, Reverse Mortgage Direct

Wednesday 7/15/15
FAR Opens 9AM 

Thursday 7/16/15
RPR
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Friday 7/17/15
Investors/Exchangors
8:30 a.m.
Websites
Tuesday, July 21
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

zipForm Plus & Digital Ink
Tuesday, July 28
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fresno Association of REALTORS®| 559-490-6400 | Website

Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.