developing your 2013 business plan · business plan that didn’t incorporate at least some funding...

December 2012GmAronline.com

Official Publication of the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®

Pages 4-5

Developing Your 2013 Business PlanPart 2 of a 2 Part SerieS

4-5 CEO’s Letter

6 CEO Message Regarding Action Suit

7 With Our Deepest Sympathy

9 Toolshop Sales

9 REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training

10 Better Buildings for Michigan

12 Welcome New Members

14 Upcoming Events

15 Why WCR?

16-17 GMAR’s Holiday Celebration

18 Important Announcement from the Board

20-21 Celebrating the WCR in You!

22-25 Continuing Education Flyers

Bank of America ............................................................................................... 3

Attorneys Title Agency ..................................................................................... 7

Talmer Bank and Trust ...................................................................................... 8

Seaver Title Agency .......................................................................................... 13

Ross Mortgage ................................................................................................. 13

AdvERTiSERS

Table of contentsDecember 2012

2125 Butterfield Dr., Suite 100Troy, MI 48084

248-879-5730 | 248-879-8280 (fax)

24125 Drake Rd.Farmington, MI 48335

248-478-1700 | 248-478-3150 (fax)

Volume 9, Number 12 the official publication of the

Greater MetropolitanAssociation of REALTORS®

officersPresident: Tony Schippa

President Elect: Bart PattersonVice President: Frank TaralaTreasurer: Maureen FrancisPast President: Kathy Coon

CEO: Dale Smith

DirectorsRobbin BarnesBrent BeleskyGerry Burke

Daniel ClancyDebby Clinesmith

Annette CompoChris Courtney

David ElyaAnthony JablonskiCleveland JacksonJohn MeessemanRandy Patterson

Shelley SchoenherrRebecca Williamson-Stern

staffTerrance Baker

Sharon CobleighElaine GatlinJean Hanley

Vickey LivernoisPauline Olszewski

Marge Zalewski

to aDVertise iNthe metropolitaN realtor®

call or email Foley Publications, Inc.,800-628-6983

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. ©2009 Bank of America Corporation. 00-62-0196D 01-2011 ARC371W0

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4 | Metropolitan REALTOR®

C E O ’ S L E T T E R

by DAle e. Smith, rce cAe Gri crS -chief executive Officer

developing Your 2013 Business PlanPART 2 OF A 2 PART SERIES

last month, we talked about building your business plan for 2013. We discussed the concept of SmArt

goals and how to use that concept to build the foundation of your plan.

We also discussed the following critical elements of goal planning, with some practical applications. these elements included:

•Anendgoal;

•Arealisticevaluationofthemarketandconfirmingthatyourgoalisreasonable;

•Aworkplan,orhowyouplantogetthereinspecificsteps;

•Anelementoftime;

•Accountability

Step 1: As strange as it might sound, start with the end goal. What is your ultimate goal for 2013? Don’t worry aboutwhetherthegoalisrealisticatthispoint;justreduceto paper your goals for 2013. the income goals may be in the form of gross or net commissions, number of units sold, or it may be as simple as how you plan to increase your revenue over the previous year.

You may also want to include a set of goals on how you plan to enhance your career in 2013. You may want to obtainabrokerlicense,orlearnanewskillset,orjustdobetter with a specific technology. Whatever that goal is, it should be designed to build on the stability you wish to buildforyourcareer.Inadditiontojustaimingatnumbers,you will want to incorporate into your plan the growth of your book of business.

Step 2: Do your research. take a look at the market you wish to work in and determine if there is enough expansion room to support your goals. Go to your multiple listing services’ online database and conduct an analysis of the market, much as you would do for a client. What are the average and median sale prices in the market, the days on market, and the total number of listings taken in the previous year as a ratio against total units sold. is there one firm or one person who excels in this market, and what are they doing to be so successful. Are your skill sets applicable to your chosen market, or do you need to build on your skills to achieve your goal?

Step 3: Analyze your resources. On the human side, who is there to help you? is your broker or manager accessible and willing to assist you in meeting your goals? Are there other sales professionals in your office that you can enlist to assist you? You can also look outside of your close associates and determine if acquiring a coach would assist you in meeting your goals.

Your resources also include the technology you use andtheskillsetyoubringtoyourjob.Theskillsetsandtechnology needed to provide quality services to the young professional group is certainly different than what a baby boomer may require. Also, determine if you have the right technology tools to be able to extract the data from online resources and the mlS for the demographic pool you are targeting. the public has access to almost all of the data that the sales professional has access to. What makes that data more valuable is the sales professionals’ ability to analyze the data and present it in a usable format to the client.

Finally, on the resources side, i’ve yet to see a good business plan that didn’t incorporate at least some funding towards support of the plan. in addition to the monies set aside for marketing the product, there should also be funds set aside for institutional and personal marketing where you sell your brand. establish a financial business plan that will adequately address your written business plan. Again, this part of the process doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it does have to be realistic and you should be able to execute it today. this is a part of gathering all of your resources to make sure you’re not over or under selling your ability to achieve your goals.

One of the most overlooked parts of building a sustainable business plan is the education component. You need to analyze what market segment you’re going to concentrate in, and then do an analyses of what educational programming is available to enhance your market share. in addition to the benefits for the actual market you will be working in, the mere act of participating in educational programming assists you in expanding your sphere of influence and the contacts you will make that can be used as a resource later.

Step 4: Go back to step 1. Now that you’ve analyzed the market and your resources, re-visit your goals and determine if they need to be changed. in sales, there is almost nothing as disheartening as setting goals and then falling

Metropolitan REALTOR® | 5

behind almost immediately. it’s enough to make a person give up on goal making altogether. if you’ve been honest with yourself in following the other steps, you should now be able to see a clear path to achieving your goals.

Step 5: consult with your mentor resources. Go back to your list of the people you named when accumulating your resources. talk to these people and determine if they are willing to assist you. You may be surprised. they may be looking at you as having resources or knowledge that they, too, can use to achieve their goals. As you’re talking to these people, try to identify the one person that you can use as a ‘soundingboard’.Whocanobjectivelylookatwhatyouaredoing, compare it to your plan, and provide you with critical observations that will let you know that you’re on track, or provide suggestions for what you may need to modify your plan.

Please don’t overlook the value of GmAr in your planning process. We have trained staff that can provide you with some recommended directions, especially in the area of educational offerings that can augment or enhance your plan.

Step 6: Where do you begin?

Go back to last month’s article and start using the SmArt template and tips from that article. You are now ready to reduce your plan to its final written form for 2013.

if you need some help in starting the plan, go to www.realtor.com/goals. this site provides a very basic business plan builder designed specifically for reAltOrS®. the best part about this site – you don’t have to be using realtor.com in order to use their planning tool. i went into the site and plugged in some made-up numbers, and the site designed a report specifically for me that would make a great starting point for your own personalized plan.

here are a few final tips that we mentioned last month that will assist you in building your business plan:

•Keepitsimple–simpleiseasiertofollow

•Alonglistofgoalsisnotimpressive–it’sarecipeforfailure

•Expandyourhorizons,butkeeptheactionsrealistic.Planto get out of your comfort zone.

•Whileyou’replanningyourgoals,includeeducation.Whether it be classroom education, or merely sitting down with the experts among your peers, education will provide you with new ideas, new techniques to add to your business arsenal

•Yourgoalsshouldincludecustomerandclientretention.Don’t forget to develop a strategy to keep your past clients. After all, you don’t want to have to start each goal cycle with no cushion.

•Don’tforgettoincludepersonaltimeinyourbusinessgoals. it’s been found that a well-balanced life provides continuity and sustainability to your career.

most of our members are independent contractors, meaning that they operate their book of business in much the same way any other small company operates its business. Your business needs a structure that you can operate within, and a method to gauge your return on the investment you’ve put into your business. Your business plan will assist you in maintaining a framework that will not only allow you to see when you’re falling behind, but will also illuminate the opportunities that you might otherwise miss.

A personal note: there are many sources to use to build a plan for your goals. in fact, books have been written on the topic. this series was designed to get you started with the process. Please let me know if the two articles on planning were helpful, or if you didn’t find value in them.

respectfully submitted,Dale e. Smith, cAe rce Gri crSchief executive Officer

http://www.realtor.com/goals

http://www.realtor.com/goals


2012

Gm

Ar

rec

OG

Nit

iON

SARA LIPnITZ, SKBK Sotherby’s International in Birminghamthe recipient for our 2012 reAltOr® of the Year Award was Sara Storch-

lipnitz. Sara is a strong supporter of the Association and of being a reAltOr®. She is involved in several outside charitable organizations and is the current President of the birmingham-bloomfield Wcr chapter. Sara exemplifies the qualities that won her 2012 GmAr reAltOr® of the Year.

CHRISTOPHER AyERS, Coldwell Banker Weir Manual in Birmingham

ROxAnnE FITZPATRICK, Keller Williams in northvilleWe were pleased to recognize two of our members

who always work tirelessly on behalf of GmAr. this year the 2012 Spirit of Success Awards went to chris Ayers and roxanne Fitzpatrick. both are active supporters of GmAr and work on the member Services committee.

JuLIE DIAZ, Commission Express of MichiganJulie Diaz received the nod for the 2012 Affiliate of the Year Award.

Julie has been a member since 2007, and has always been very involved. She not only actively participates with almost all of our events, and has always been a strong supporter of our New member Orientation programs hosted each month.

GARy J. REGGISH, Remerica united Realtythe GmAr 2012 reAltOr® Active in Politics Award went to Gary

ReggishforhisworkontheMARRPACTrustees,theNARMajorDonorscouncil, plus his work in creating new rPAc programs that have been recognized nation-wide has made him a great selection as GmAr’s reAltOr® Active in Politics. We must have made a good choice, because Gary was also recognized for the same award at the michigan Association.


We want to recognize our emeritus members, for having been a member of the reAltOr® Association for 40 years. Our recipients for 2012 are:

Ann bishopJohn GrantJudith Steinlloyd edwardsmarcus Sandersrichard charbonneauGordon e. Foxrandolph Freshley Jr.,James S. hessrobert A. massaronharry N. Newmanronald J. Palmierimichael h. Palukronald W. Pattersonterry S. Stillwagonrobert G. Potteigerthomas e. SumiecAlonzo e. Youngmichael m. cotterVirginia V. martin

We also thank our outgoing board of Directors. this was the first full year of GmAr existence. they worked very hard to merge the two organizations into one cohesive team. thank you to:

Anthony Schippabart Pattersonrobbin barnesbrent beleskyDebby clinesmithAnnette compoKathyCoonchris courtneyDave elyamaureen FrancisAnthony Jablonskicleveland JacksonJohn meessemanShelley SchoenherrFrank taralarebecca Williamson-Stern

tony Schippa

District 1Shelley Schoenherr

District 3maureen Francis

District 5rebecca Williamson

District 7cleveland Jackson

At large Debbie Zalewski

At large roxanne Fitzpatrick

Affiliatemichael Fontana

District 2Frank tarala

District 4KathyCoon

District 6John mcArdle

District 8DianeKroll

At large Anthony Jablonski

At large Debby clinesmith

bart Patterson

OFFICERS:

DIRECTORS:

COnGRATuLATIOnS go to our 2013 GMAR Board of Directors who were sworn in at the Annual Membership Meeting. Members, meet you 2013 Directors:

Tim Smith is one of the area’s most knowledgeable mortgage specialists. He will help you find the home loan that fits your lifestyle and your budget – fast. Because at Talmer Bank and Trust, our mortgage process is personalized, customized and most of all, trouble-free.

Call Tim Today!

Stop by and see our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help get you home from there.

Headquarters: 2301 West Big Beaver Road | Suite 525 | Troy, MI 48084 800.456.1500 | Telephone Banking: 800.405.9997 | www.talmerbank.com

Tim SmithSenior Mortgage LenderNMLS ID [email protected]


http://www.talmerbank.com


Complete your requirements by December 31, 2012

the National Association of relAtOrS® mandates every reAltOr® complete code of ethics training every four years. this year is the end of our 3rd cycle and all GmAr reAltOrS® will need to have their “reAltOr® code of ethics training” completed by 12/31/12.

According to NAr: if members fail to meet their obligation by December 31, 2012, their Status must be changed to Suspended. then, if they have still not taken the course by march 1, 2013, they must be terminated.

How to fulfill your requirements:•Takeyourcontinuingeducationwithus,GMAR.

the code of ethics will be part of “course 2012” only (only course 2012, not all ce courses)

•AttendafreeOrientation/CodeofEthicsclassat the troy or Farmington Association office

•LogontoREALTOR.organdcompleteyourtraining online

REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training

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2012 RPAC Investors

rpac hall of fame

rpac GolDeN r iNVestors

Nar presiDeNt’s circle

rpac crystal r iNVestors

Dan Elsea

Chris Courtney

Brenda Brosnan

nanci Rands

nanci Rands

Carol Jones

Andrew Daily

Andrew Daily

Gary Reggish

Gary J Reggish

Teri Spiro

Ted Edginton

Ted Edginton

Teri Spiro

Teri Spiro

Furhad Waquad

Dan Elsea

yoshiko Fujimori

James Stevens

Bob Taylor

Brenda Brosnan

Jay Goscinski

Gordon McCann

Stuart Elsea

John McArdle

Bob Taylor

Stuart Elsea

Furhad Waquad

Furhad Waquad

Johnna Struck

Patti Mullen

Patti Mullen

Kathleen Wilson


rpac GolD circle• ReneeAcho

• GlennChampion

• MaryRoseOlejniczak

• BrianYaldoo

• DebbieZalewski

rpac silVer circle• AlexAloe

• DeborahDeGuise

• JustineDzon

• NancyPetrucelli

• ChristinePeterson

• ShelleySchoenherr

• MichaelWorkman

rpac ceNtury circle• RhondaBeauchamp

• LaniCosgrove

• DaveElya

• LauraHale

• JuliaHalpin

• KendraMcConnell-Hurd

• MariaMcGuire

• DanielMulvihill

• ZahraSabri

• SaifSiddigui

• KarenThomas

• SamVida

• DougWhitehouse

rpac sterliNG r iNVestors

Rebecca Williamson-Stern

Jon Aucutt

Emily Day

Robert Gleason

Ronald Jasgur

Gordon McCann

Tony Schippa

Todd Taliaferro

Christopher Ayers

Julie Diaz

Karen Greenwood

Cindy Kahn

John Meesseman

Dale Smith

Claire Williams

Sam Baki

Jeff Duneske

Tim Haggerty

Brandon Kekich

Randall Patterson

Timothy Smith

Kathleen Coon

Linda Eriksen

Joseph Hawthorne

Leta Kekich

Chris Pero

Tim Spiro

Dennis Wolf

James Cristbrook

yoshiko Fujimori

James Iodice

John McArdle

Ann Redfield

Brenda Lee Szlachta

James Courtney

Maureen Francis

Fred Hoitash

Sara Lipnitz

Charles Reaume

Kelly Sweeney


N E w M E M B E R S

welcome,New Members!

Thank you Orientation Participants for December:

we Couldn’t do it without You

JuliA DiAZ, Commission Express of Michigan

SteVe W. White, Steven M. White & Associates

The following new members were approved by the Board of Directors at their meeting in november:Abe,Keitaro,Redac,Inc.

Agemy,Kimberly,CrowneRealtyLLC

bader, lucy, michael Group realty llc

bahoura, ed, Jack christenson, inc.

bailey, edward, clients First

Barr,Connor,KellerWilliamsTroyMkt.Ctr.

barry, timothy, Gri homes for today

baughman, eric, Olei realty llc

Berkeley,Rex,KellerWilliamsWoodwardMkt.Ctr.

Black,Mary,KellerWilliamsWoodwardMkt.Ctr.

brown, lynn, treasure homes inc.

burton, Gerald, my realty Select

buttery, richard, remerica integrity ii

Carland,Sandra,KellerWilliamsRealtyGt.Lks

Chavis,Lorraine,KellerWilliamsWoodwardMkt.Ctr.

cherry, michele, coldwell banker Professionals

Christopoulos,Kostantinos,RemericaHometownOne

cichon, Scott, beacon Property management

cook, Annette, coldwell banker Weir manuel

cunningham, Peter, Vision realty centers llc

Dalton,Angela,KellerWilliamsRealtyGt.Lks.

Dosha, martin, coldwell banker Weir manuel

Drouin,Holly,KellerWilliamsNorthville

Du, Xiaohui, my realty Select

Durbin,Nancy,KellerWilliamsPlymouth

enos, linda, coldwell banker Professionals

Falls, timothy, North American real estate

Fritz, tina marie, Weichert, reAltOrS excel

Gibson,Jeremy,KellerWilliamsPlymouth

Gilbert, bruce, Seawell realty llc

Gladstone, Nancy, real estate One livonia

Golchuk, Jean, remerica hometown One

Goleniak, Scott, Vision realty centers llc

Goodreau, thomas, remerica integrity ii

Gozowsky,Dean,KellerWilliamsPlymouth

Green, Stacy, Nextage Advanced realty

Greer, timothy, American real estate Services

hamdan, rabee, clients First

harris, bruce, coldwell banker Weir manuel

hernandez, Azia, Vision realty

Hicks,Jennifer,KellerWilliamsCentral

hossain, Syed, right realty

impellizzeri, John, real estate One Shelby

Jamoua, Patrick, clients First

Jardine,Kathleen,Hall&Hunter

Jones, lisa, real estate One royal Oak

Joz, mohammed, remerica hometown iii

Karczewski,Elizabeth,EliteREOServices

Kirschner,Gerald,MyRealtySelect

Krafchak,Elizabeth,TransnetRealEstateLLC

Kus,Arthur,NorthAmericanRealEstateLLC

Labadie,John,KellerWilliamsPlymouth

mahdawiyan, Ahmad, re/max New trend

malcolm, David, remerica hometown One

malik richard, coldwell banker Professionals

mceday, marchaunt, century 21 riverpointe

mcintosh, Sylvester, Jack christenson inc.

McLand,Karen,Metro-WestAppraisal

mikoliczeak, christopher, the bedford Group

muehlhoff, emerald, Jack christenson inc.

Nelson, lauri, re/mAX home Sales Service

Nicosia,Paul,RealLivingKeeRealtyRochester

Nimeath, margarita, help-u-Sell of metro Detroit

Otlewski,Edward,KellerWilliamsNorthville

Pasquantonio, brent, Select r.e. Professionals

Pastula, Jo, Jo Pastula, Appraiser

Peltier, Williams, Advantage realty

Petrovic, Danielle, real estate One royal Oak

Quinones,Nancy,RealLivingKeeRealtyRochester

redford mceady, tashia, century 21 riverpointe

rueber christopher, crane real estate Group llc

Sey, William, real estate One royal Oak

Slabosz, Justyna, coldwell banker Weir manuel

Stahl,Jacqueline,KellerWilliamsRealtyPlymouth

Stemen, Dale, Weichert, reAltOrS excel

Stovall,Shawn,KellerWilliamsCentral

Strongman,Kirsta,IndependentAppraisalCorp.

terrell, laDonna, eastside real estate Services

thanon, Salah, century 21 today

Thompson,Thomas,SKBKSotheby’sInternational

thursby, lori, century 21 riverpointe

Treboldi,Sandra,SKBKSotheby’sInternational

VanDyke,Maria,SKBKSotheby’sInternational

Verleye, Jason, help-u-Sell of metro Detroit

Vitale, Gaspare, Select r.e. Professionals

White, Gregory, imagine home realty

Wieme,Donald,Wieme,Pende&Assoc.PC

Wiggins, robert, b.t. realty

Williams, brittani, real estate One royal Oak

Wingle, James, re/mAX Platinum

Young, Denise, Vision realty centers llc

Zimmerman,Valerie,GarnerProperties&Management

JuliA DiAZ, Commission Express of Michigan

SteVe W. White, Steven M. White & Associates

Foley Publications, Inc. is proud to partner withthe Greater metropolitan Association of REALTORS®.Together we will provide a professional, interactive monthlye-magazine for the Association’s membership.

20+ Years of Real Estate Publishing Excellence!

For advertising information, please contactCraig Foley or ned Foley at 303-758-7878 or

visit our website at www.foleypub.com.

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DECEmbERREAL ESTATE PRE-LICENSING – ACCELERATED CLASSDecember 3 – 7, 20129:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Monday – Friday2125 Butterfield, Troy, 48084$235.00

ACCREDITED buyER REPRESENTATIvE DESIGNATION13 CE credit hours: L18 (13) & L5001 (2 legal)December 11 & 12, 20129:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.2125 Butterfield, Troy, 48084MemberMax or EduPass – no Charge $195.00 Premier Members – $225.00 non-members

JANuARy 2013REAL ESTATE PRE-LICENSING – ACCELERATED CLASSJanuary 7 – 11, 20139:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Monday – FridayConcorde Inn, 44315 Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township$235.00

REAL ESTATE PRE-LICENSINGJanuary 7 – February 6, 20136:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays2125 Butterfield, Troy$235.00

NEw mEmbER ORIENTATIONJanuary 9, 20138:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.GMAR, 24125 Drake Road, FarmingtonRequired for all new members

mShDA hOmEOwNERShIP PROGRAmCE Credits: January 11, 201310:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.GMAR, 24125 Drake Road, FarmingtonMembers Free

JANuARy 2013REAL ESTATE PRE-LICENSINGJanuary 22 – February 21, 20136:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Tuesdays & ThursdaysConcorde Inn, 44315 Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township$235.00

EPRO DAy 1 CERTIFICATION COuRSECE Credits: January 24, 20139:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Butterfield Auditorium, 2125 Butterfield, Troy$99 GMAR members, $119.00 non-MembersIncluded for MemberMax and EduPass

REAL ESTATE PRE-LICENSING - ACCELERATEDJanuary 28 – February 1, 20139:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Monday - Friday2125 Butterfield, Troy$235.00

GMAR 2012-2013 UPCOMING EvENTS

Remember December In December!

Linda December248-547-4700 x539248.770.7778 [email protected]

In today’s marketplace you need a lender you know you can count on.

With IMPROVING MARKETSand NEW, LOWER RATES, be sure

you talk to A PROFESSIONAL.

Given today’s financial landscape, it’s more important than ever to trust your business to a professional. One of the many good reasons to talk to Linda December. Closing loans for over 25 years, she has the knowledge and experience to provide the right mortgage solution that will work for everyone. In addition she has Ross Mortgage Corporation supporting her; successfully opening doors since 1949.

Ross Mortgage Corporation is one of the leading Mortgage Lenders in Michigan offering purchase, refinance andconstruction mortgage loans. Equal Housing Lender

Give Linda a call to open your next door.

www.lindadecember.rossmortgage.us


http://www.lindadecember.rossmortgage.us

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seNate bill 990, now Public Act 324 of 2012, sponsored by Senator bruce caswell (r-hillsdale) allows a person to retain the exemption while in a long term-care facility if their intention is to return to the property by satisfying all of the following conditions:

•Theownercontinuedtoownthepropertywhileresidinginthe nursing home or assisted living facility.

•Theownerhadnotestablishedanewprincipalresidence.

•Theownermaintainedorprovidedforthemaintenanceof the property while residing in the nursing home or assisted living facility.

•Thepropertycouldnotbeoccupied,couldnotbeforsale, could not be leased, and could not be used for any business or commercial purpose.

this legislation alleviates those situations where a person may enter an assisted living facility, leaving their principal residenceunoccupiedandsubjecttoahighertaxliability.

“So many people are forced into long-term care because of illness or the inability to have in-home care,” said beth Foley, 2012 mAr President. “the local taxing authorities have taken away their homestead exemption making it even

more burdensome. i am pleased the legislature recognized the need for these individuals and voted with compassion and empathy in passing this bill.” the mAr applauds Senator caswell on sponsoring this legislation that provides a homeowner peace of mind when certain life issues arise.

F i E L d R E P O R T - S E M i C h i G A N

by michelle brANt – Southeast michigan Field Director

Bill allows a person to maintain PRE while living in a long-term care facility

n Insurance Repairsn REO Repairs and Rehabilitationn Property Management Servicesn Barrier Free Home Modificationsn 203K Mortgage Contractingn Environmental Safety Services

RestoRing Michigan PRoPeRties since 1946

contact UsWe are available 24/7 at 800-547-1914

651 LivernoisFerndale, MI 48220PH: 248-547-1914Fax: 248-547-1842

3030 Sangra Ave SW, Ste 104Grandville, MI 49418PH: 616-454-8830Fax: 616-454-8832

[email protected]

by mAureeN FrANciS

Over 100 GmAr realtors and affiliates were on hand for bringing Diversity home on October 19th at the Shriner’s Silver Gardens. Presented in cooperation with GmAr’s three chapters of the Women’s council of realtors (birmingham bloomfield, lake Pointe and Greater rochester), attendees were treated to an outstanding lineup of presentations from congressman Gary Peters, Victor Green the Director of community relations for Wayne State university and monica emerson, Diversity Officer with the uS Navy.

the feedback from members in attendance was overwhelmingly positive. the speakers were outstanding and the presentations were dynamic. there were also a ton of prizes handed out with one member winning a Free GmAr membership in 2013 and another winning free registration for mAr’s Achieve conference.

many thanks to the organizing committee, who met all year to plan the day’s events. robbin barnes (chair), christopher Ayers, Sandra Dixon, elaine Gatlin, Sara lipnitz, UrselMayo,MaryRoseOlejniczak,BrendaLeeSzlachtaandDebbieZ;andtoemcee,JamesCristbrook.

A big thanks to our sponsors, who helped GmAr and Wcr tomakethiseventsuccessful:HeritageTitle,KellerWilliams,the Private bank, uS bank, National Association of reAltOrS, ColdwellBankerWeirManuel,RealLivingKeeRealty,FirstAmerican title and mirealSource.

diversity day A Success


TheGMARBoardofDirectorsWednesdaytookamajorstep in consolidating the services of GmAr. After nearly 14 months of study, the Directors voted to place the Farmington facility on the market for sale.

Several months ago, the Directors took the first step of consolidating services when they opted not to renew the lease at the troy facility. their most recent decision represents step 2 in a three step process, the third step being to relocate the corporate GmAr offices in a central location for all of our members.

in addition to a blue ribbon panel that was appointed to address the facilities issues, GmAr leadership has discussed the issues extensively with members in the more than 24 field visits made throughout our 8 Districtjurisdiction.

the decisions made on both the troy office, and now for the Farmington office, have proved not to be an easy solution. members have indicated strong opinions about both offices. When coming to a decision regarding these moves, the

Directors have also addressed the concept that the members’ top concerns have been where the services are delivered. the specifications for the new location include that the central office should also be the location of where the primary services will be delivered. that means that much of the programming, such as our highly valued educational programs, will be presented at the central location.

this concept is augmented by GmAr using specific locations throughout our member/population areas. For example, while we did not renew the office lease in troy, we did make arrangements to retain the educational facilities at that location.

We’ll be discussing this and many other issues with you through our publications, field visits and District meetings

as we continue to build a strong association that is focused on providing the best member return for their dues investment.

important Announcement from Board of directors


Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors® 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335 1-855-411-GMAR (4627)

GMAR Committee Sign Up Form

• Affiliate Committee • Government Affairs • Professional Standards • Equal Opportunity • Grievance Committee • RPAC • Finance Committee • Member Services

Affiliate: The Affiliate Committee provides an opportunity for GMAR Affiliate members to focus on enhancing the relationship between themselves and REALTOR® members. This committee will assist in defining Association value for Affiliates, developing Affiliate leadership, and promoting the Affiliate companies and individuals. The Affiliate Committee selects the Affiliate-of-the-Year Award, assists in recruiting new Affiliates, produces a quarterly article or program for GMAR publication, develops Affiliate classes, and other functions.

Equal Opportunity: Participates in civil rights/equal opportunity activities and opportunities.

Finance: The Financial Planning Committee is responsible for reviewing the budget and financial policies of the Association. The Committee recommends policies for the investment of funds and monitors monthly statements. The Financial Planning Committee reviews requests for non-budget items, which are submitted by other Committees, for approval or disapproval.

Government Affairs: Encouraging member awareness and participation in legislative and political activities is one of the foremost goals of the Government Affairs Committee. Some of the activities include conducting candidate interviews at local and state levels, making recommendations for support and endorsement, raising funds and increasing awareness about the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), and monitoring legislative issues which have a potential affect on the real estate business and private property rights. "

Grievance: Reviews all ethics complaints and requests for arbitration for potential hearings before the Professional Standards Committee. Prerequisite: At least five years as a full time real estate licensee (MI or other state), and as a REALTOR‚ of a board or Association of REALTORS® (the most recent two years must be as a member of this Association) or the equivalent as recognized by the Chair shall be required to hold membership on the committee. There is mandatory training provided for all Grievance Committee members

Member Services: The Member Services Committee's principal goal is enhancing the REALTOR® image in the community. This is accomplished by supporting the public awareness campaign through local media, and conducting a variety of events and activities through Task Forces, such as Community Project, Media Luncheons, Red Cross Blood Drive, Golf Outing, Bowling for Charity, Night at the Races, Annual Social Event, and more. By joining this committee, you can select one or more events to participate in.

Professional Standards Committee: The Professional Standards Committee conducts Ethics and Arbitration Hearings on cases referred by the Grievance Committee. Prerequisite: you must have served three (3) years on the Grievance Committee before being considered for the Professional Standards Committee. Appointments to this Committee are carefully evaluated as to real estate experience, Association service, and judicial temperament and competence. There is mandatory training provided for all Professional Standards Committee members.

RPAC: The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is the only grassroots and issues mobilizing force that exists to protect and promote the tradition of home ownership and real estate investment. The GMAR RPAC Committee continuously strives to reach the Association's designated RPAC goal, and to increase member RPAC participation. The committee develops recognition programs for major contributing members.

Name E-mail Address

Firm Name & Address Phone Number

Committee(s) Desired

Celebrating the WCR in YOU!

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chapterwww.WCRBirminghamBloomfield.com

CLICK HERE to RSVP www.wcrRSVP.com

Questions: [email protected]

$20 Members$30 Non-membersIncludes breakfast buffet

Marketing Materials Courtesy OfJulia Halpin

Platinum Sponsors

Silver SponsorJulia Halpin, First American Title Insurance Company

Gold SponsorTim Smith, Talmer Bank and Trust

Thursday, December 20th

9:00 am - 11:00 amIroquois Club43248 Woodward AvenueBloomfield Hills

8:00 am - 8:30 amNew Member Orientation

Del Moore Scholarship Drawing

Make plans to attend our holiday meeting that is dedicated to our members. A special awards ceremony will be held in appreciation of those who give so much of their time, talent, and treasures. Come join us for good times and great giveaways, and leave inspired, refreshed and renewed!

http://www.WCRBirminghamBloomfield.com

http://www.wcrRSVP.com


Birmingham-Bloomfield Chapterwww.WCRBirminghamBloomfield.com

Marketing materials courtesy ofJulia Halpin

January 17th | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

February 21st | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

March | Continuing Education

March 21st | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

April 18th | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

May 23rd | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

June | Summer Vacation for WCR Meetings

July | Summer Vacation for WCR Meetings

August | Summer Vacation for WCR Meetings

Sept 19th | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

October 17th | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

November 14th | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

December 19th | Membership Resource Meeting at the Iroquois Club

Save These Dates!2013 WCR Educational Meetings and Social Events

Updates available at www.WCRBirminghamBloomfield.com



Tuesday, October 2, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Monday, October 15, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 15, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Quadrennial Code of Ethics

ALL COURSES HELD AT: GMAR Offices, 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335

NAR QUADRENNIAL CODE OF ETHICS TRAINING

REQUIREMENTS:

REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time within each four-year cycle.

The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®.

The current four-year cycle will end December 31, 2012.

_________________________

GMAR Members Only

Seating is very limited at each session, so we ask that you make a reservation. Call (855) 411-GMAR

Fax (248) 478-3150

Register online at

www.WWOCAR.com LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE!

Name:_________________________________________ License #: ______________________ Office:_________________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: _______________________________________ PLEASE RESERVE A SEAT FOR ME ON: _______________________________________ AT ______________ (requested class date) (class time)

FAX COMPLETED FORM TO (248) 478-3150

Monday, November 19, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Monday, December 10, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 20, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

NO CHARGE TO ATTEND. MEMBERS ONLY.

http://www.WWOCAR.com


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Quadrennial Code of Ethics

ALL COURSES HELD AT: GMAR Offices, 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335

NAR QUADRENNIAL CODE OF ETHICS TRAINING

REQUIREMENTS:

REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time within each four-year cycle.

The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®.

The current four-year cycle will end December 31, 2012.

_________________________

GMAR Members Only

Seating is very limited at each session, so we ask that you make a reservation. Call (855) 411-GMAR

Fax (248) 478-3150

Register online at

www.WWOCAR.com LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE!

Name:_________________________________________ License #: ______________________ Office:_________________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: _______________________________________ PLEASE RESERVE A SEAT FOR ME ON: _______________________________________ AT ______________ (requested class date) (class time)

FAX COMPLETED FORM TO (248) 478-3150

Monday, November 19, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.


1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Monday, December 10, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 20, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

NO CHARGE TO ATTEND. MEMBERS ONLY.

On behalf of the Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®, you are invited to attend a Legislative Reception 2012. Wayne’s will be held at the GMAR Farmington Office, 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335 Oakland’s will be held at the Butterfield Classroom, 2125 Butterfield, Troy, MI 48084 Please RSVP by as soon as possible by calling the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® at 1-855-411-GMAR.

Presented by the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS ®

Wayne | Monday, December 3 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Oakland | Friday, December 14| 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Come and meet with

your legislators…

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, to real estate practitioners who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria. In addition, REBAC provides many membership benefits to help your business grow and keep you up-to-date and networked, with new enhancements added each year.

The overall goals of the ABR® Designation Course are to:

• Prepare real estate professionals to thoroughly represent buyer-clients in real es-tate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed.

• Offer ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business.

• Develop a self-customized tool for conducting a buyer counseling session.

($110.00/year to maintain membership)

Accredited Buyer RepresentativeDesignation Course

December 11 & 12, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. GMAR Offices, 2125 Butterfield Suite 100N Troy, MI 48084

Earn the ABR Designation

Approved for 13-hours of Michigan Continuing Education and 2-hours of Legal Credit! Topic Approval #: L18 & L5001 School Approval #: 303

DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of the two-day ABR Course, including an 80% passing grade on the exam.

After you complete this course you will have three (3) years in which to complete the other requirements.

• Successful completion of one of the ABR® elective courses, including an 80% passing grade on the exam. This course may be taken prior to completing the ABR Designation Course.

• Documentation verifying five (5) completed transactions in which you acted solely as a buyer representative (no dual agency). Any transactions closed prior or closed within three years after completing the ABR Course are eligible for credit.

• Maintain active membership with REBAC and NAR.

Designation Course Cost

*Members paying monthly membership fee:

FREE**! Please fax completed form to:

(248) 478-3150 or (248) 879-8280

GMAR Members: $195.00

Non-Members:

$225.00

Please call (248) 478-1700 or (248) 879-5730

register online at WWOCAR.com (members please login for discounted pricing) LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE!

ATTENTION GMAR MEMBERS: You may be able to take this course for FREE*!

Name:_________________________________________ License #: ______________________ Office:_________________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: ________________________________________

Visa MasterCard Discover: ____________________________________________

Edu-Pass™ / Member-Max™ Expiration Date: ______________________ Signature: __________________________________

Name:_________________________________________ License #: ______________________ Office:_________________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: ________________________________________

Visa MasterCard Discover: ____________________________________________

Edu-Pass™ / Member-Max™ Expiration Date: ______________________ Signature: __________________________________

**Subject to seating availability. Newly licensed members are not eligible to attend designation courses included with the MemberMax™ and/or EduPass™program during the first 6-months of membership**

GMAR®

On behalf of the Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®, you are invited to attend a Legislative Reception 2012: Friday, December 14, 2012 11:30 am – 1:00 pm GMAR Troy Classroom 2125 Butterfield Troy, MI 48084 Please RSVP by Friday, December 7, 2012, by calling the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® at 1-855-411-GMAR.

Presented by the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS ®

Come and meet with your legislators Friday, December 14| 11:30 am – 1:00 pm | Oakland

developing your 2013 business plan · business plan that didn’t incorporate at least some funding...

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