MAR’s Annual Publication
www.MontanaRealtors.org
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Production services provided by: S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Art Director Kathy Cable Layout / Design Dana Jensen Advertising Art Deryn Bothe Julie Weaver Byline articles and columns express the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect MAR policies or sentiments. ©Copyright 2011. DEL Communication Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.
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2 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
Table of Contents IN THIS ISSUE
4 The Year in Review –
2011 Leadership Team Annual Report
5 Introducing Our Annual Publication –
Message from CEO Peggy Trenk
6 Legal Lines – Top Three Legal News Items 8 MAR New Form Changes in 2011 10 Political Affairs Update —
Recapping the 2011 Legislative Session
12 Political Affairs Update —
MAR Focus for Legislative Interim
14 Montana Board of Realty Regulation
Update — NEW! Core Course Requirement
15 2011 Realtor® of the Year 16 MAR Honors Betty Kissock 18 Snapshots of Montana’s
Major Real Estate Markets
22 Home Is Where The Heart Is —
Message from 2012 President Judy Gudgel
23 Take the Stress Out of Social Media 24 Top 8 Apps for REALTORS® 25 MAR Wins NAR President’s Cup 26 2012 Calendar & Events
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THE YEAR IN REVIEW
2011 Leadership Team
Annual Report 2011 MAR President Ronda Tompers, Great Falls 2011 MAR President-Elect Judy Gudgel, Missoula 2011 MAR First Vice-President Pam Wood, Hamilton 2011 Immediate Past President Linda Parker, Billings 2011 Treasurer Rick Robinson, Missoula MAR President Ronda Tompers established “Soaring to New Heights” as the theme for the year and truly, the Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) did indeed reach some significant milestones in 2011. With the help of many volunteers and the memberships, as well as the staff and leaders of our local associations, MAR celebrated the following successes: a. Call For Action (CFA) MAR increased our overall CFA response rate from eight percent in 2010 to 26.2 percent in 2011. The real estate industry is under attack on many fronts. Whether it be preserving the mortgage interest deduction, or protecting the interests of property owners in general, we need to make sure our elected officials hear from members throughout the state. b. Broker Involvement Currently we have 163 brokers – up from 100 at the end of 2010 -- representing 1,840 agents in the program. Having more brokers and agents involved is a key element in increasing member participation in Calls for Action. Signing up is easy by going online at www.RealtorActionCenter.com/BrokersJoin. Every broker is encouraged to sign up, even if he or she is only a “one person” shop. It’s a great way to stay informed about issues and to make a difference for the real estate industry. c. RPAC Fundraising Success Montana RPAC had its best fundraising year on record. For 2011, Montana RPAC raised over $85,500, compared to $65,600 in 2010. Participation in RPAC was 37 percent, compared to 17 percent in 2010. We also exceeded our major donor goal (members who contribute $1,000 or more are considered major donors). Our NAR goal was 17 and we ended the year with 25. What’s also exciting is we already have four major donors for 2012. 4 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
d. MAR Passed Key Legislation In the 2011 Montana Legislature, MAR helped pass legislation to limit the use of private transfer fees. Overall, we had 11 bills introduced in the session. Eight of those passed the House and the Senate and four were signed into law by the governor. e. “Raising the Bar” in Education MAR supported an increase in the number of annual continuing education credits required for licensees from 12 credits to a maximum of 16. The additional hours will focus on legislative and regulatory issues. MAR is also working with the Board of Realty Regulation to look at ideas for “raising the bar” for the real estate industry. f. MAR Embraces the “My REALTOR® Party Initiative” Montana stepped forward early to support NAR’s My REALTOR® Party Initiative. This initiative will help state and local associations more effectively utilize more than 40 different NAR programs that assist with community involvement and political leadership. We have also formed a new advisory committee to help with requests for independent expenditures at the state and local level — a new opportunity for promoting the interests of the REALTOR® Party. g. Maximizing MAR’s Resources The Montana Association of REALTORS® has worked hard to review and reduce expenses while still providing valuable programs and resources to help our members. For 2012, MAR was able to reduce the state dues by $20 from the previous year. By prudently managing the association’s investment portfolio, we also paid off the mortgage on MAR’s headquarters building located in Helena. Income from tenants continues to offer a steady source of revenue for the association. v
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO By Peggy Trenk, CEO Montana Association of REALTORS®
Introducing
Our Annual Publication
Welcome to our renewed REALTOR® Digest. We are excited to provide this print publication to our members on an annual basis. It will help round out our communication “toolbox” that includes: • Our weekly reMARks electronic newsletter that delivers information about issues and upcoming meetings and activities; • The MAR website (www.MontanaRealtors.org) which features recent news articles, podcasts, schedule information, and other reports; • Our Facebook and Twitter pages, which allows members to receive notices about important news, as well as post and tweet about timely topics; Montana Association Of Realtors® One South Montana Avenue, Suite M 1 Helena, Montana 59601 406-443-4032 / 800-477-1864 Fax 406-443-4220 mtmar@MontanaRealtors.org www.MontanaRealtors.org 2012 Officers 2012 President - Judy Gudgel - judy.gudgel@prumt.com 2012 President Elect - Pam Wood - pam@pamwood.com First Vice-President - Dennis Cook - denniscook@billingshomes4sale.com Treasurer - Rick Robinson - redcarpet@qwestoffice.net Immediate Past President - Ronda Tompers - ronda@dahlquistrealtors.com MAR Staff CEO - Peggy Olson Trenk - ptrenk@montanarealtors.org Association Management Coordinator - Jeri Moon - jmoon@montanarealtors.org Communications Director - Bryan Haines - bhaines@montanarealtors.org Education & Program Director - Jennie Graham - jgraham@montanarealtors.org Member Services Director - Travis Brower - tbrower@montanarealtors.org Government Affairs Director - Glenn Oppel - goppel@montanarealtors.org
• MARconnect, which allows members to communicate directly with each other; • Direct emails to individual members about key items such as updates to their forms, or the opportunity to respond to Calls to Action on state and national issues; and • Your phone calls are always welcome -- sometimes we just need to talk directly to each other. Our goal is to make sure each member has the opportunity to be as informed as possible about their association and the issues that affect their business. I hope you enjoy this magazine, and we look forward to your comments and suggestions about items you would like to see covered in future publications. v MAR Committees Association Management - Chair, Bryan Flaherty - appraiser@montana.com Communications - Chair, Maria Evanson - maria@montanahomestour.com Political Affairs - Chair, Jim Dea - jim@deateam.com Professional Development - Chair, Brint Wahlberg - bwahlberg@remax.net Risk Management - Chair, Cherie Hansen - chansen@CherieHansen.com Helpful Numbers Board of Realty Regulation: 406-841-2325 National Association of REALTORS®: 800-874-6500 Transaction Desk: 800-668-8768 ZipForm: 800-383-9805 MAR Legal Hotline ONLY Designated REALTORS®: 406-543-6646 Local Associations Billings: 406-248-7145 Bitterroot: 406-363-2000 Butte: 406-723-3356 Eastern MT: 406-234-0280 Gallatin: 406-585-0033 Gateway: 406-482-4480 Great Falls: 406-453-2752
Havre: 406-265-2253 Helena: 406-449-3835 Lewistown: 406-535-4440 Lincoln: 406-295-1314 Madison: 406-682-5352 Missoula: 406-728-0560 NMAR: 406-752-4313 Park: 406-222-8700
LEGAL LINES By James A. Bowditch Montana Association of REALTORS® Legal Counsel
Top Legal News
From 2011 While there were many noteworthy legal news items from 2011 that affect the Montana Association of REALTORS® members, there are three that are very important that I will detail in this edition of Legal Lines. Settlement of CIVIX Licensing Lawsuit Late this summer NAR announced that it had completed its negotiated licensing opportunity with CIVIX-DDI, LLC (“CIVIX”). Therefore, all REALTOR® associations, multiple listing services, commercial information exchanges, MLS system vendors, and all brokers and agents are now protected from current and future claims of patent infringement from CIVIX. Additionally, NAR received more than the $7.5 million needed. Therefore, those entities that made a payment prior to the deadline should have received a refund from NAR equal to 23 percent of the amount paid. Stay of Enforcement of Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule On July 15, 2011 the FTC announced that it will not enforce most provisions of its MARS Rule against real estate professionals who assist consumers in obtaining short sales from their lenders or servicers. Real estate agents acting in their licensed capacity no longer need to comply with most of the requirements of the MARS Rule, including the required disclosures, advance fee ban, and recordkeeping requirements. The FTC’s stay of enforcement applies to real estate professionals who are: 1. Properly licensed and in good standing pursuant to any applicable state law requirements; 2. Acting in compliance with state laws governing the practices of real estate professionals; and 3. Assisting or attempting to assist a consumer in negotiating, obtaining or arranging a short sale of a dwelling in the course of securing the sale of the consumer’s home. The effect of this stay is that as of July 15, 2011 real estate agents no longer need to make the disclosures required by the MARS Rule and can receive upfront 6 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
fees even in short sale transactions, provided the agents satisfies the conditions set forth above. However, the FTC will still enforce the Rule’s prohibition against misrepresentations made by a real estate professional while assisting a consumer in negotiating or obtaining a short sale. Enforcement of this rule has been transferred by the FTC to a new federal agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). While the CFPB and state attorney generals are still able to enforce the MARS Rule as written, the CFPB has stated that it will follow the FTC’s interpretation and stay, and the state attorney generals are required to go to the federal agencies first. It is therefore not expected that there will be any change from the FTC interpretation and stay announced in July 2011. New Mortgage Acts and Practices (MAP) Rule On August 19, 2011 a new FTC rule went into effect entitled the Mortgage Acts and Practices Rule (MAP Rule). The MAP Rule imposes requirements on those that provide information about mortgage credit products to consumers by (i) prohibiting misrepresentations during these communications and (ii) imposing recordkeeping requirements. The MAP Rule covers lenders, mortgage brokers, home builders and real estate professionals who provide this information. The MAP Rule applies when an agent provides a “commercial communication” about a specific “mortgage credit product” to a consumer. A commercial communication is a statement designed to create an interest in the product or service and covers all forms of communication (electronic, oral, and written). A mortgage credit product is broadly defined and includes any form of credit offered to a consumer primarily for personal/household expenses and which is secured by a residence. As it applies to real estate professionals, the MAP Rule is triggered when an agent provides a consumer, via a commercial communication, information
concerning a specific loan product connected to a specific lender. This would include, for example, daily rate sheets containing the current interest rate from a lender, estimated property ownership costs prepared by a lender and other information about a specific mortgage product. All statements about the terms of a mortgage credit product are covered by the Rule and said statements must be retained for two years from the date it was provided to the consumer. Therefore, any communication covered by the MAP Rule should be in writing and stored (either electronically or hard copy) with the file. In addition, as a protection against later misrepresentation claims, any commercial communication about a mortgage credit product should be accompanied by the disclaimer language now found in the new Mortgage Acts and Practices form in both the ZipForm and InstaNet forms directories. Communications which are not covered by the MAP Rule are those which are purely informational and not designed to cause the purchase of a specific mortgage good or service. For example, the MAP Rule does not apply to a real estate
professional that provides a consumer general information about market rates for different types of mortgages products since this type of communication is not related to a specific mortgage product. Similarly, going through the prequalification process with a consumer in order to determine the range of properties that a consumer may be eligible to purchase is not covered by the MAP Rule. However, providing a consumer with the daily rates from a specific lender is covered by the MAP Rule as is providing a consumer with the documentation needed to apply for preapproval from a specific lender for a mortgage. This article is intended to provide a general overview of the law. It is neither intended as an exhaustive report on the law or as legal advice on any particular situation and should not be used as a substitute for legal counsel. Information contained in this article is not legal representation. As in all cases presenting issues of legal significance, separate representation by competent legal counsel is recommended. v
Montana’s REALTORŽ Digest | 7
New
Form Changes The Montana Association of REALTORS® Forms Subcommittee met twice in 2011 and approved the following form changes, including creating new forms, removing forms from the MAR forms library, and modifying several others. Most of the changes set forth are fairly self-explanatory once you review the forms in their entirety. New Forms 1. A new form was created entitled Conditional Release from Listing Contract. This is a form for an agent to use when the agent is willing to terminate a listing agreement and conditionally release the seller or lessor from the obligations set forth in the listing agreement. The form contains the choices that the agent and seller/lessor can agree upon concerning the conditions placed on the release. 2. A new Mortgage Acts and Practices Disclosure form has been created in accordance with the FTC’s new MAP rule to protect real estate agents who may inadvertently communicate incorrect information about mortgage credit products to clients including rate sheets containing the current interest rate from a lender, applications, or other information for a specific mortgage product. This form should be provided to a client and be retained with copies of the mortgage product information provided to a client for at least two years. Modification to the Buy-Sell Agreements and Related Documents 1. The Short Sale Addendum to Buy-Sell Agreement was modified to clarify that if a lending institution proposes conditions on a proposed short sale, the document incorporating those conditions that a seller is to present to a buyer should be an amendment instead of a counter-offer. 2. Removed from the residential Buy-Sell Agreement the section under “Financing Conditions and Obligations” concerning discount points. 3. Added language to the Short Sale Addendum to Buy8 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
Sell Agreement whereby the buyer in a short sale acknowledges that s/he should “carefully consider whether to give any notice to vacate a premises occupied by a Buyer or to otherwise terminate or enter into any other contract based on a projected closing date” and that “fees paid for locks relating to a loan and/or specified interest rate may be lost due to a delay in the closing date and that the interest rate locks may expire.” Modifications to Listing Contracts 1. The Commercial Listing Contract (Exclusive Right to Lease) was modified to make it easier to discern that it is an agreement for the listing of commercial property available for lease. Language was also added allowing an agent to request a lease commission for any lease renewals. Finally, language was deleted that allowed an agent to be reimbursed for marketing expenses from any forfeited earnest money. 2. The opt-out for Internet advertising was completely revised for all listing contracts to make it easier for a seller to understand what choices they are being provided concerning having their property displayed on the Internet. Other Changes 1. The Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule Forms have been removed from the MAR forms library. In mid-July of this year the FTC announced that it will not enforce most provisions of its MARS Rule against real estate agents who assist consumers in obtaining short sales from their lenders or servicers. Real estate agents acting in their licensed capacity and who assist a seller negotiating, obtaining or arranging a short sale of a dwelling in the course of securing the sale of the seller’s home, no longer need to comply with most of the requirements of the MARS Rule, including the required disclosures, advance fee ban, and recordkeeping requirements. Therefore MAR has removed these forms.
2. A section was added to the Residential Lease – Rental Agreement prohibiting the “cultivation, marketing and/or consumption of medical marijuana” on or in the leased premises. 3. The Residential Lease Rental Agreement was modified to ensure that this agreement complies with the holding of the Montana Supreme Court set forth in the Crestview Apartments case. Specifically, language was added to clarify (i) the amount of rent that can be withheld from a returned security deposit, (ii) the latest date that the security deposit may be returned to the tenant(s) and (iii) that the award of attorney’s fees is not mandatory and is within the discretion of the court. 4. Modified the Relations in Real Estate Transaction form to clarify that a buyer who consents to
multiple representation is consenting to the agent representing multiple buyers interested in similar properties or the same property as that in which the buyer-client may be interested. 5. Modified the Buyer Broker Agreement (the long form) to set forth when payment is due if the buyer agrees to compensate the broker on a commission basis. The form as revised states that the payment is due at the closing of the underlying transaction. Additionally, the language stating that the broker is entitled to compensation upon execution of an option agreement has been removed from the form. If you have any questions concerning any of these modifications, you may contact the MAR Legal Hotline at 406-543-6646 or hotline@MontanaRealtors.org. v
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POLITICAL AFFAIRS UPDATE By GLENN OPPEL, Government Affairs Director Montana Association of REALTORS®
Recapping the
2011 Montana Legislature The 2011 Montana Legislature convened on January 3 and adjourned “Sine Die” on April 28, utilizing all but two of the 90 days allotted by Article V, Section 6 of the State Constitution. After the November 2010 elections, the Republicans took over leadership of both chambers for the first time since the 2003 session, gaining 18 seats in the House and one seat in the Senate. The Legislature was comprised of 48 freshman legislators – 40 in the House and eight in the Senate. Needless to say, the change in leadership and experience levels animated the dynamics of the session. The issue that dominated legislators’ workload was the state budget. Arguing that the national and state economic downturn necessitated “living within our means,” Republicans were able to convince Governor Brian Schweitzer to agree to cut the previous biennium’s budget by 6.5 percent for a total state budget of $3.6 billion. Other issues that preoccupied legislators were workers’ compensation reform, stiffer DUI penalties, medical marijuana regulation, and eminent domain for electric utilities. All told, legislators enacted the fewest number of bills – 484 – since the 1967 Session. The Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) came into the 2011 Session with an ambitious agenda of 11 proposals addressing license/business, water, land use, and tax issues. (You can read a full report of the session at http://www.MontanaRealtors.org/sites/mar/files/ Political_Affairs/2011_Final_Session_ReportFINAL. pdf). MAR was able to get eight bills passed in both the House and Senate and four signed into law. Four of MAR’s bills addressing property rights and land use issues were vetoed by Governor Schweitzer. MAR tracked just over 300 bills and actively lobbied about 75. The following is an overview highlighting several key bills by issue area: 10 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
Business/License Issues SB 256 Revise laws relating to real estate brokers – Sen. Kim Gillan (D-Billings). SB 256 was MAR legislation proposing a few amendments to Montana’s real estate license law. It directed the Board of Realty Regulation to adopt rules allowing supervisory brokers to temporarily associate with a supervising broker other than the salesperson’s listed supervising broker. Additionally, it clarified a supervising broker’s liability for certain personal transactions of a salesperson over whom the supervisory broker provides supervision. Finally, it further clarified obligations of a real estate broker who has or wants to obtain a supervisory broker endorsement. Status: Signed into law. SB 191 Require septic system disclosure on property sale – Sen. Ron Erickson (D-Missoula). Before being amended, SB 191 would have required the “seller or the seller’s agent” to disclose the existence of a septic system and any information pertinent to the septic system. MAR opposed the bill for two primary reasons: 1) REALTOR® forms already require that sellers disclose the existence and potential inspection of a septic system; and 2) the duty imposed on the “seller’s agent” to disclose exposes the agent to potential liability if the seller discloses inadequate or erroneous information about a septic system. Although the bill made it through the Senate without the “seller’s agent” requirement, MAR still opposed the legislation in the House Local Government Committee based on the argument that it’s unnecessary. Status: Tabled in Committee. SB 326 Provide for a veteran’s home loan program – Sen. Cliff Larsen (D-Missoula). SB 326 creates the Montana Veteran’s Home Loan Mortgage Program with $15 million invested by the Board of Investments (BOI) from the permanent coal tax trust fund to be
administered by the Board of Housing (BOH). Program costs are paid from interest earned on the mortgage loans with the remaining interest and all principal going into the permanent coal tax trust fund. Status: Signed into law. Water Issues HB 433 Clarify exempt well laws – Rep. Gerry Bennett (R-Libby). HB 433 was legislation brought by REALTORS®, builders, and well drillers to clarify the exemption for small domestic groundwater wells to the water right permitting process. Specifically, the bill would have clarified the definition of “combined appropriation” so that exempt wells would still be available for subdivision development. REALTORS®, builders, and well drillers have long supported the exemption arguing that these small domestic groundwater wells have a negligible impact on stream flows and therefore senior water right holders. Although the House failed to pass HB 433, there was a successful effort to pass HB 602, a resolution that directs the Water Policy Interim Committee to address the issue. Status: Not passed in the House. Land Use Issues HB 366 Revise county interim zoning law – Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Glendive). HB 366 was an MAR proposal that would have revised interim zoning requirements and procedures to clarify that interim zoning may only be enacted to respond to an emergency situation that poses a threat to the public. It would have removed vague grants of authority to enact zoning for purposes relating to growth policies and “exigent circumstances” – i.e. growth moratoria. The bill would have added a requirement to initiate a study or investigation to determine whether an actual emergency exists and what factors are causing the emergency in order to determine appropriate regulations to protect the public. Status: Passed in the House and Senate but vetoed by the Governor. HB 542 Revise subdivision and platting act – Rep. John Esp (R-Big Timber). HB 542 was MAR legislation that endeavored to provide a fair and predictable subdivision application review process by: 1) clarifying “impact to agriculture” review criterion to prevent communities from disallowing agricultural landowners to subdivide; 2) clarifying that evidence submitted by the subdivider regarding mitigation is not “new information” that would require additional notice and a public hearing; 3) requiring scientific support for agency comment or opinion on impact to wildlife, wildlife habitat, and the natural environment; and 4) prohibiting governing bodies from considering “cumulative impact” based on presumption of future development. Status:
Passed in the House and Senate but vetoed by the Governor. SB 347 Revise the Private Property Assessment Act – Sen. Bob Lake (R-Hamilton). Under the current Private Property Assessment Act (PPAA), state agencies are required to pre-evaluate their actions through impact assessments for the purpose of preventing unnecessary taking or damaging impacts on private property. However, there was no mechanism for property owners to obtain relief if a state agency failed to perform an impact assessment. There was also no mechanism for public participation and oversight. The primary amendments adopted in the PPAA address these shortcomings by requiring 1) state agencies to make their impact assessments available to the public and interested parties; and 2) creating a right for private property owners to bring a lawsuit to invalidate a state agency’s action when that agency takes action without performing or completing an impact assessment. Status: Signed into law. Tax Issues SB 146 Regulate the use of private transfer fee covenants – Sen. Bob Lake (R-Hamilton). MAR and the Montana Land Title Association proposed SB 146 to prohibit the use of private transfer fee (PTF) covenants. It specifically declares that PTFs do not run with the title to real property and are unenforceable against a subsequent owner, purchaser, or mortgagee of real property as a covenant or an equitable servitude. The legislation also declares that any lien filed against real property to enforce the payment of a PTF is void and unenforceable. SB 146 provides exemptions from the prohibition for real estate commissions; interest, charges, or fees paid by a borrower to a lender; consideration paid by a buyer under a contract for deed; and any fees, charges, assessments, or dues paid to a homeowners’ association, a nonprofit corporation exempt from taxation under 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 528 of the Internal Revenue Code. Status: Signed into law. v Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 11
By Glenn Oppel, Government Affairs Director Montana Association of Realtors®
MAR Focus for
Legislative Interim For business organizations such as MAR, the legislative interim presents an opportunity to help shape public policy considered by the 2013 Legislature. MAR plans to participate in a few interim committee studies while also developing legislative proposals of its own. The following is a brief synopsis of several issues that MAR plans to focus on for the upcoming interim. Water Policy Preserve the exempt well statute: Exempt wells are crucial to providing access to water for new homes and businesses in areas outside of cities and towns. The current water right permit process is too cumbersome and costly to subject small consumptive uses to it. The consumptive use of water from homeowners and small businesses is so minute in comparison with other consumptive uses of water and overall available flow that recent water resource evaluations show that surface water flows are not adversely affected by subdivision growth, even in closed basins. In fact, individual wells constitute less than five percent of water consumption in Montana. REALTORS® believe that these wells cannot be the source of water supply shortages. Taking the “water budget” approach, MAR’s water resources evaluation shows that subdivision growth could 12 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
be leaving more water in basins because highly consumptive irrigated agricultural land is converted to subdivisions that consume much less water. It is critical that the Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC), as it follows through on the HB 602 study resolution, considers the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology’s statewide groundwater assessment results to ascertain whether current groundwater use is affecting stream flows and thereby senior water rights holders. Clarify definition of combined appropriation: Existing rules allow for the use of multiple individual unconnected wells within a single subdivision to be completed without a permit. Recent rulemaking requests, court cases, and legislation have attempted to clarify whether multiple unconnected exempt wells constitute a combined appropriation that should be subject to the water right permitting process. A recent survey of subdivision applications submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality for review between 2005 and 2009 shows that the average number of lots for a subdivision utilizing exempt wells was 3.6. If the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) moves forward with requested changes to the definition of combined appropriation, the average small
subdivision could be pushed into the arduous and expensive water permitting process, assuming the landowner even moves forward with the subdivision in the first place. The WPIC must consider clarifying the definition of combined appropriation in the Water Use Act in a manner that reflects the intent of the exempt well statute and preempts the agency’s efforts to make public policy, which is the prerogative of the Legislature. Land Use Policy Clarify subdivision for lease or rent exemption to subdivision review: MCA 76-3-204 provides an exemption from subdivision review for landowners that want to add a structure to their property to earn extra income by leasing or renting the structure. In early 2010, Missoula County requested an attorney general opinion to interpret the statute, in particular whether the exemption allowed for only a single structure or multiple structures. The attorney general released a draft opinion that outlined a strict interpretation of the statute. MAR commented that limiting the exemption to one structure was counter to the intent of the statute and would overburden local governments with unnecessary reviews. From a policy perspective, REALTORS® believe that adding structures for lease or rent do not constitute subdivision of land and should
not be subject to local subdivision review. Due to pending court cases, the Attorney General pulled the draft opinion, which set in motion efforts during the 2011 Legislature – HB 494 and HB 629 – to clarify the exemption. Neither proposal made it through the process but the study resolution HJ 39 was adopted to address the issue during the interim. The Education and Local Government Interim Committee (ELGIC) is taking up the study. The challenge for policymakers and stakeholders is how to preserve a practical broad interpretation of the exemption while establishing a limited review to protect public health, welfare, and safety from the impacts of any land use associated with an exemption. REALTORS® look forward to participating on a stakeholder work group established by the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP), which will be reporting to the ELGIC. Clarify county zoning landowner protest: In 2010, two cases were filed in district courts challenging the constitutionality of the landowner protest provision in Montana’s county zoning statutes (MCA 76-2-205). One of the cases, in Gallatin County, has been dismissed on procedural grounds; but a second case is still pending in Missoula County in the Fourth District Court – Williams v. Missoula County Board of County Commissioners. In that case, the plaintiff is arguing that the protest provision in Part 205 is unconstitutional because it provides policymaking authority to a particular minority class of landowners directly regulated by the zoning, in particular the power to nullify the proposed zoning.
Both parties have motioned for summary judgment, which is still pending in the district court. MAR supports the current county zoning statute and is sensitive to the fact that the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the rights of private property owners. The ELGIC should take a close look at the court cases and SB 379 from the 2011 Legislature, a proposal that MAR helped develop, as a viable reform measure. Housing Affordability Encourage economic development and job creation: Like other business groups, REALTORS® understand that a good-paying job is the bedrock of prosperity and the path to homeownership. While Montana has not been as hard hit as the national economy, it is still facing the challenge of higher unemployment and slower economic growth. REALTORS® are closely watching the work of the Select Committee on Efficiency in Government study – HB 642 – to examine the efficiency and
effectiveness of state government in four broad areas: budgeting, health care, technology, and natural resources. REALTORS® have urged the Committee to develop policy recommendations that will make Montana’s business environment competitive with regional and national economies. Legislatively ban residential sprinklers from being adopted in the International Residential Code: The most acute threat to housing affordability is the possibility that the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) might adopt the residential sprinkler requirement in the International Residential Code. The REALTORS® joined with builders in the 2011 Legislature to prevent the DOLI from adopting the residential sprinkler mandate. The legislation – HB 307 – passed both chambers and a veto override was missed by several votes in the Senate. Sprinklers can add up to $6,000 to $14,000 to the medianpriced home. Jurisdictions that have water impact fees can add up to an additional $10,000 to that cost range. v
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education update – Board of Realty Regulation By Stacey Fossum, Education Director Montana Board of Realty Regulation
NEW!
Core Course Requirement Beginning with the 2012 license year (November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012), the Board of Realty Regulation has implemented a requirement that all Montana real estate licensees take a required core course in addition to the currently required 12 hours of continuing education. For the 2012 licensing year, the core course will be four hours long; however, this may change from year to year depending on the depth and breadth of information the board would like to see covered. This means for the 2012 license year, all licensees will be required to take at least 16 total hours of education—one four hour core course and 12 hours of additional continuing education (with at least four hours of the 12 from a mandatory topic). Please see below for your specific education requirement for 2012. The purpose of the core course(s) is to provide licensees with legal and legislative updates and to cover current updates on topics that affect the practice of real estate in Montana. One core course has been developed for brokers/salespeople and another specifically for property managers. Licensees should take the core course that best aligns with the focus of their daily practice. For example: • Brokers/Salespeople whose primary practice is in real estate sales must take the 2012 Broker/ Salesperson Core Course prior to renewing your real estate license. • Brokers/Salespeople whose primary practice is in property management must take the 2012 Property Management Core Course prior to renewing your real estate license. • Property Managers must take the 2012 Property Management Core Course prior to renewing your real estate license. • Dual Licensees (brokers/salespeople who also have a property manager license) must take BOTH core courses. You should give both of your license 14 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
numbers when attending a core course. Once both core courses have been reported to both of your licenses, contact the Board of Realty Regulation (dlibsdrre@mt.gov) and we will convert the “extra” core course on each license into four hours of regular continuing education. You MUST request this of the board office or your core course will not be converted to regular CE hours and your CE requirement will not show the correct number of hours. You can view your reported CE online at: www. realestate.mt.gov : Services/Links : Lookup Reported CE Credits. Once you have taken a core course during the 2012 licensing year, your online reported CE will show as “Core Met.” Please note that no actual “hours” are reported for core courses, as the hourly requirement may change from licensing year to licensing year. The only courses that will have “hours” of mandatory or elective education associated with them are your regular, required 12 hours of continuing education, at least four hours of which must be from a mandatory topic.v
The full rules change for the core course requirement can be viewed at www.realestate.mt.gov Regs: Rule Notices. Please feel free to contact Stacey Fossum, Education Director, with any questions (406-841-2324 or sfossum@mt.gov).
2011 REALTOR® of the Year The following members were selected as REALTOR® of the Year (ROTY) from their local boards. Their names were then submitted as nominees for the State 2011 REALTOR® of the Year Award. The nominees were voted on by past ROTY’s and the winner was announced at the MAR Awards Dinner held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort during the MAR Annual Meeting & Convention. The ROTY nominees were introduced by Donna Kostelecky, the 2010 REALTOR® of the Year. 2011 Nominees • Craig Dessing, Butte • Sally Hickey, Bozeman • Teri Polumsky, Bitterroot • Ryan Swinney, Helena • Brint Wahlberg, Missoula • Charlie Weber, Great Falls • Trina White, Billings • Doug Zignego, Northwest
Polumsky receiving her award. Teri Polumsky, 2011 REALTOR® of the Year.
Congratulations Teri Polumsky, 2011 REALTOR® of the Year Sponsors Needed! Help support the 2012 GRI!! Watch your mailbox for the 2012 GRI sponsor guide or contact MAR today to become a sponsor and help “Capitolize with GRI!”
SAVE THE DATE! GRADUATE REALTOR® INSTITUTE March 13-16, 2012 Red Lion Colonial Hotel, Helena
Contact Jennie Graham at MAR for more details! jgraham@MontanaRealtors.org or (406) 441-4863
www.MontanaRealtors.org/GRI
Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 15
Celebrating Betty Kissock During the Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Annual Fall Meeting & Celebration at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, MAR honored Betty Kissock for all that she has done for her profession and to the association. More than 125 members, friends, and family surprised Kissock with a birthday celebration. It was a great evening filled with fun and memories, and while it is nearly impossible to keep a secret from her, everyone involved helped pull it off! Kissock has been part of the REALTOR® family for more than 50 years. Her husband Joe brought home her first real estate license in 1956, and the rest, as they say, is history. She has served as a Local Board and State president, and was recognized as the Montana REALTOR® of the Year in 1963. In 1995 the National Association of REALTORS® selected her as one of the recipients of the Distinguished Service Award. Kissock’s career features many “firsts”. She was the first woman on the national association’s executive committee, as well as one of two women to first serve on the national association’s finance committee. She was also the first woman to serve on Montana’s Real Estate Commission. Kissock regularly attends the NAR mid-year and fall Board of Director meetings, and continues to be active in the state association. She has been on a first-name basis with members of Montana’s Congressional Delegation throughout her real estate career and is always welcomed in their offices in Washington or back home. And, when she’s not doing association business, she can be found in her REALTOR® office or out showing property to clients in Butte, Montana. The Montana Association of REALTORS® offers Kissock a big “thank you” for all she has contributed to the real estate industry, both in the state of Montana and on a national level.
Here’s to many more years of friendship and fun! v
Betty Kissock Through the Years
Market Snapshots from Here are market statistics from the seven largest associations in Montana: Billings, Bitterroot, Gallatin, Great Falls, Helena, Missoula and the Northwest. Statistics are from January 1, 2011, through October 31, 2011 and how they compare to the same period of time from 2010. Also included is a brief synopsis on each market. Data was provided to MAR from the local associations.
BILLINGS The Billings housing market has remained strong despite national trends. Newcomers to the area stay due to the vibrant, growing community and slow-steady growth in the business sector. With a low unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent and a true sense of pride in the city, residents enjoy a quality of life that only Billings can provide. With a median sales price of $177,500 and an average sales price of $196,700, Billings remains an affordable market in Montana. Single Family Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 1,475 1,506 $196,700 $204,300 $177,500 $185,000 76 72
18 | Montana’s REALTORŽ Digest
Townhouse/Condo Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 154 185 $156,200 $163,300 $146,500 $147,500 100 94
Lots Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 154 194 $83,500 $76,200 $53,100 $52,500 200 196
BITTERROOT
The residential market within the Bitterroot Valley has increased by nearly 14 percent over last year's volume. This includes an abundance of affordable residential housing with approximately 86 percent of the residential sales under $300,000 and 60 percent under $200,000. This represents an increase of approximately 18 percent over the volume of sales under $200,000 in 2010. The average marketing time for a listing has increased by less than 5.5 percent. Single Family Sales: Average Sales Price:
2011 2010 316 278 $224,419 $247,812
Around the State Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
$175,450 $215,000 278 264
Townhouse/Condo Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 5 8 $153,980 $151,707 $150,000 $138,900 269 359
Lots Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 49 46 $121,801 $89,615 $116,250 $70,000 255 351
Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
$316,364 $337,276 $250,000 $262,000 100 110
Townhouse/Condo Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010* 233 211 $173,674 $184,751 $150,000 $160,000 123 110
Lots 2011 2010* Sales: 97 111 Average Sales Price: $67,316 $91,876 Median Sales Price: $47,000 $60,000 Days On Market: 282 393 *figures include all of 2010
GALLATIN
GREAT FALLS
The Bozeman market has seen a slight decrease for the days on market from 110 to 102 from the second quarter, as well as a slight increase in the median price from $235,000 to $242,000. The number of units had a slight decrease in the third quarter to 257 versus 264 units in the second quarter. Single Family Sales:
2011 2010* 502 530
In the recent Montana Housing Affordability Study Index Report, Cascade County was the second-most affordable housing market behind Silver Bow. The Today Show reported Great Falls to be the fifth-most affordable market in the nation. Compared to the same time last year, the number of single family residential homes sold has decreased by 76 units or 11 percent. Townhouses/condos sales are down 11 percent and Montana’s REALTORŽ Digest | 19
lots and land with less than two acres are down by 13 percent. The average sales price of a single family home has increased by $4,352. The median price is the same as the year before and the average days on the market have increased 21 days from a year ago. Single Family Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 671 747 $166,070 $161,718 $149,000 $149,000 144 123
Townhouse/Condo Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 64 71 $156,041 $161,034 $152,950 $156,000 172 133
Lots Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 21 27 $53,280 $61,553 $38,700 $35,000 218 222
both the state and national level. Sales of single family homes in the Helena area are about on par with the same time period in 2010, however, the average sales price is down about $10,000. REALTORS® continue to work hard to get the sale closed and the days on the market are up about 16 percent over 2010. HAR does not track the sales of lots.
HELENA
Single Family Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 497 498 $203,340 $214,363 $191,000 $199,950 141 118
Townhouse Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 9 1 $245,655 $232,200 $236,850 $232,200 106 143
Condo Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 35 89 $160,053 $161,839 $155,500 $150,000 173 137
MISSOULA
The Helena area enjoys a fairly stable economy due to the presence of state and federal agencies, as well as Carroll College and various medical facilities. Unemployment rates in Lewis and Clark County continue to be lower than the unemployment rates at 20 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
The Missoula housing market has a mixed message of indicators that suggest the future recovery of our market remains unknown. On one hand, home values
appear to be slowly recovering as the Missoula urban market’s median sales price has raised by about 2.4 percent from $201,240 for all of 2010 to sitting at $206,000 currently. On the other hand, the overall volume of residential sales continues to fall. Year to date, there have been 651 sales in the Missoula area, and MOR projects Missoula will finish with roughly 775 – 800 total residential sales at the year’s end. Single Family Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 566 689 $232,922 $235,458 $215,000 $215,000 122 113
Townhouse/Condo Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 109 137 $153,153 $173,447 $145,000 $164,000 150 155
Lots Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 2010 97 111 $299,595 $316,646 $268,000 $265,000 163 174
NORTHWEST
The Northwest portion of the State of Montana is still struggling with unemployment and loss of the second
home market, but in 2011 has been buoyed by low interest rates and Canadian buyers. We anticipate that residential sales (which included any residences up to 40 acres in size) will be ahead of 2010, for as of Nov. 15, 2011, the same number of residential units has sold as did in 2010 (196 units). More affordable homes sold, as compared to high-end homes, which affected the average sales price, which is now $253,936 and the median home price at this point in the year is below the 2010 numbers, at $178,000. The condo and townhouse market in Northwest Montana remains consistent, maintaining the average and median sales prices, although the days on market have increased. Similarly, land sale values have held steady since 2010, but it is taking a little longer to achieve a sale. Single Family Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 1075 $253,936 $178,000 196
2010 1029 $280,557 $200,000 196
Townhouse/Condo Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 154 $234,078 $169,500 239
2010 162 $230,160 $167,750 196
Lots Sales: Average Sales Price: Median Sales Price: Days On Market:
2011 285 $134,478 $84,900 323
2010 311 $133,395 $80,000 293 v
Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 21
Home Is Where The Heart Is By Judy Gudgel, 2012 President
There certainly is nothing that brings people together like home and the holidays. The wonderful food, family traditions, reliving old memories and the making of new ones—there truly is a magical feel in the air this time of year. The warm feelings that thinking of home brings to mind is one of the reasons I have chosen “Home Is Where the Heart Is” as the theme for the upcoming year. For generations, a constant for families across Montana and America has been coming home and celebrating. Whether it is for the holidays, after extended absences, a birthday, a wedding, or simply dinner and a movie by the fire, some of a family’s greatest memories are made at home. The past couple of years have been two of the most difficult for the real estate profession that I can remember, but we have persevered and are emerging stronger than ever. As we continue to move forward in 2012, it is important to remember that “Home Is Where The Heart Is”. I want you to take a moment and reflect upon your profession and the fact that every day you have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of others. Realtors® are at the heart of the profession that promotes and protects the rights of property owners. Realtors® have expertise in helping people achieve the dream of homeownership.
Homeownership offers people a safe place to raise their family and that special place to build everlasting memories is at the hub of this country’s economy, and is a wealth-building asset as a long-term investment. I will be asking each member to do more than usual this year, and then stretch a little further to get our work accomplished. I will be asking for more investment every step of the way over the next year. Ranging from educating and inspiring your family, your profession and your community, I will urge you to think about investing more money into RPAC, to engage with political officials or issues and Calls For Action. We have assembled a fantastic leadership team that will help us achieve our goals and we have in place a strong strategic plan to follow. I know we have many great volunteers, and along with our most incredible MAR staff, visualizing together we will continue our momentum to make this association valuable and relevant! I am honored and proud, and want to thank all of you for this incredible opportunity to serve you as your president this next year. Thank you! v
Your MAR Leadership Team Consists of:
Judy Gudgel - 2012 President - judy.gudgel@prumt.com Pam Wood 2012 President Elect pam@pamwood.com
Rick Robinson 2012 Treasurer redcarpet@qwestoffice.net
Dennis Cook 2012 First Vice-President denniscook@billingshomes4sale.com
Ronda Tompers Immediate Past President ronda@dahlquistrealtors.com
22 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
Take the Stress Out of Social Media By Marco Nunez, CEO, Argyle Digital Media
It seems like every week a new social network emerges that is the new “must use” tool for marketing success. The process that creates this ongoing cycle of fevered pitches is benign in its intentions: an early-adopter community trained to see the worldchanging possibilities of any promising communications tool, an emerging class of social media gurus eager to make a splash, and fledgling startups desperate to gain attention in a marketplace beyond saturated with bright, shiny objects. But wellmeaning intentions don’t keep us from feeling overwhelmed, do they? Instead of needlessly wasting time and energy obsessing about the latest and greatest, find what best fits your needs and schedule and use it consistently. There are only so many hours in a day, and while taking advantage of the opportunities that many social networks can provide will require some extra effort, you have to be practical. Pick one or two social networks where you feel your time will be best
invested. It doesn’t matter if you pick them because you already use them socially, feel their users are a good fit, or if they have features that will allow you to play to your strengths as a REALTOR®. What matters is that you pick one or two to commit your focus. One of the things we tried to stress during the social media webinars we recently conducted for Montana REALTOR® members, is the importance of consistency in your use of social media. With so much information cascading before our eyes, anyone using social media must concentrate on a handful of individuals in their network and catch snippets of the rest. By developing consistency in the focus of the content you share and the frequency with which you share it, you help yourself on both fronts. Marco Nunez is the founder and CEO of Argyle Digital Media, a digital media and grassroots marketing and communications firm. Prior to founding Argyle, Nunez worked at a Washington D.C. grassroots public affairs company where he developed and implemented successful grassroots advocacy campaigns and conducted over 50 grassroots and digital media training in support of NAR’s Surround Sound program. v
Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 23
Top 8 REALTOR® Apps Technology is constantly changing and improving, helping people to do more, all while staying connected wherever they are at. In fact, smartphones and other devices have allowed people to conduct business virtually anywhere and at any time, and REALTORS® have certainly taken advantage of that. Below is a list of eight great REALTOR® apps that are currently available. Realtor.com – If you have a profile on Realtor.com, you can stay connected to it on the go with the Realtor.com smartphone app. It’s another way to stay connected with clients and prospects, even when you’re on the go. http://www.realtor.com/mobile/ NAR Action Center – Access top political stories from the REALTOR® Action Center, Washington Report and online dynamic reports to track your state and local REALTOR® Party engagement and Call for Action participation. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nar-action-center/id401000622?mt=8
Realtor Member Guide – Log in to the app to review your benefits; read the latest information from your local, state and national associations; customize and display your membership card, and more. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/member-guide/id433760990?ls=1&mt=8 Moby - No matter where your work takes you, Moby is there to make sure you are safe. Moby makes it safer to be alone and provides you, your family, and your colleagues with that much-needed peace of mind. http://www.mymoby.com/product/why-moby/realtors/ Yelp.com – The purpose of Yelp.com is to connect people with local
businesses. This is a great place for you to market yourself and also a great tool to have when giving advice to a client about the area they are thinking of moving to. http://www.yelp.com/yelpmobile
DropBox – DropBox is an organizational app that allows you to save
everything to a special file on the DropBox server – as opposed to always transferring files from a flash drive or emailing them to yourself. http://www.dropbox.com/anywhere
CalcsFree – A great app that can quickly calculate what a mortgage payment will be.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calcsfree-mortgage-calculators/id320858775?mt=8
Evernote - A tool which can capture notes from anywhere, Evernote allows the addition of a quick note with some keywords or tags so that searching the document is a quick and easy task. http://www.evernote.com/ 24 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
MAR Takes Home
Prestigious President’s Cup The past year was certainly a memorable one for the Montana Association of REALTORS® on many levels, including most notably in the areas of advocacy and fundraising. In fact, the efforts of members across the state culminated with the Treasure State being one of just three states to be awarded the NAR President’s Cup, which was presented to 2011 Montana Association of REALTORS® (MAR) President Ronda Tompers at the REALTOR® Convention & Expo in Anaheim, California, by NAR President Ron Phipps. The NAR President's Cup is awarded to states that achieve all of their NAR advocacy and RPAC fundraising goals. The advocacy goals for 2011 included a response rate of 15 percent to Calls For Action, a 100 percent Call For Action response rate by all federal political coordinators, and a recruitment goal of 15 percent of MAR’s membership in the Broker Involvement Program. On the fundraising side, MAR had to reach the following RPAC goals: reach the NAR state RPAC participation goal of 37 percent, achieve/ exceed the state’s Fair Share fundraising goal, and attain/exceed Major Donor and President’s Circle goals.
2011 MAR President Ronda Tompers receives the NAR President’s Cup at the NAR Convention & Expo.
While it certainly was a big endeavor, Montanans do not shy away from a challenge. Through hard work and the efforts of members all across the state, MAR was able to meet every one of its goals. MAR even surpassed some goals by leaps and bounds. Nearly 27 percent of members responded to NAR’s Calls For Action, which was the third-best response rate in the nation. It was also a record year for RPAC fundraising, including an amazing 25 major investors, by far the highest total in the state’s history. A giant “Thank You” goes out to everyone who played a part in Montana earning the NAR President’s Cup in 2011. Work is already underway to ensure that the NAR President’s Cup will make a return trip to Montana in 2012. v
2011 MAR President Ronda Tompers with representatives from South Dakota and Utah, as well as the National Association of REALTORS®.
Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 25
2012 MAR Calendar of Events January 2012
January 2 • New Year’s Day, MAR Office Closed January 16 • Martin Luther King Day, MAR Office Closed January 25 • Leadership Orientation, Best Western Great Northern, Helena, MT January 25-27 • MAR Winter Business Meetings, Best Western Great Northern, Helena, MT
February 2012
February 20 • President’s Day, MAR Office Closed February 29 – March 2 • Region 12 Spring Meeting, Boise, ID
March 2012
March 16-20 • AE Institute, Louisville, KY March 13-16 • GRI, Red Lion Colonial Hotel, Helena, MT
April 2012
April 25-27 • MAR Spring Business Meetings, Best Western Great Northern, Helena, MT
May 2012
May 14-19 • NAR Mid-Year Meetings, D.C. May 28 • Memorial Day, MAR Office Closed
July 2012
July 4 • MAR Office Closed (Observance of Independence Day)
August 2012
August 8 • MAR Joint Budget Meeting, Helena, MT August 16-17 • MAR Leadership Seminar, Seeley Lake, MT August 20-21 • NAR Leadership Summit, Chicago, IL
September 2012
September 3 • Labor Day, MAR Office Closed September 19-21 • MAR Annual Meeting & Celebration, Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown, Missoula, MT
October 2012
October 8 • Columbus Day, MAR Office Closed October 10th • MAR Committee Leadership Training, Helena, MT
November 2012
November 7-12 • NAR Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL November 12 • Veteran’s Day Observed, MAR Office Closed November 22-23 • Thanksgiving, MAR Office Closed
December 2012
December 24 • Christmas Eve Holiday, MAR Office Closed - Noon to Close of Business December 25 • Christmas Holiday, MAR Office Closed
For the most up-to-date MAR information refer to the MAR website at www.MontanaRealtors.org 26 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
Thank You!
The NAR and RPAC Leadership rship would like to thank our 2011 Major Investors from Montana for their generous support of the REALTOR® Party.
CRYSTAL R Vicky Hammond
Timothy Lund
*Ronda Tompers
STERLING R Leif Anderson Denise Andres Turner Askew Michael Basile Diane Beck Cory Berkram Thomas Brown Greg Carter
Dale Crosby-Newman James Dea Candis Dorsch David Fetveit Sally Hickey Donna Kostelecky Alana LaRock Linda Parker
Elizabeth Schoenen Jacqueline Smart *Peggy Trenk Daniel Wagner Pam Wood
*NAR President’s Circle member RPAC Major Investors as of 10/31/11
Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 27
The Montana Association of REALTORS®
Greg Bahny Helena Vanessa Bays Wilsall Brett Bennetts Bigfork Tereza Brownell Billings Maya Burton Billings Kathleen Candelaria Billings Mary Cavanaugh Billings Jalene Conlon Billings Duane Dittmer Billings Tammy Dobson Billings Ann Dooling Helena Paul Drew Butte Kimberly Edinger Billings Brem Fellman Billings Damian Forrester Billings Jennifer France Columbus
28 | Montana’s REALTOR® Digest
Kristine Glover Rhonda Grimm Lewis Hagen Kate Hamlin Jody Hester Lisa Hildreth Cindy Humphrey Kevin Jovanovich Heather Kavran Timilynn Kenny Christie Killeen Ruth King Sheila Larsen Dana Lich Betty Lund Nicolene Lundborg
Laurel Billings Livingston Billings Bozeman Billings Helena Bozeman Billings Billings Montana City Missoula Billings Billings Hamilton Encinitas
Congratulates the 2011 GRI Graduates! Doug Maas Great Falls Erin Mandeville Bozeman Steve Marstaeller Billings Ryan Mayes Laurel Marge McArthur Billings Dawn McSweyn Billings Sheryl Mickelson Missoula Theresa Mondale Missoula Cherie Neudick Lewistown Trevor Niswanger Great Falls Terri Porta Billings Bill Porta Billings Barbara Potzman Columbus Kim Ritter Billings Linda Sandman Helena Kellie Saville Billings Laura Scheetz Billings Jeremy Schultz Missoula Mary Shaw Forsyth Dawn Therriault Helena Emily Tice Bigfork Dave Trebas Columbia Falls Michelle Van Dyke Sheridan Dana Wagenhals Billings Tina West Butte
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redlion.com • 800-Red Lion
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Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 29
Congratulations to the 2011 LeadershipwSeminar Graduates! Ron Boyd Billings James Dea Great Falls Patti Dundas Billings Angie Friedner Kalispell Judy Gudgel Missoula Deborah Jones Helena Rob Keller Kalispell Mike Larum Helena
30 | Montana’s REALTORŽ Digest
Nicole Osweiler Great Falls Stephanie Patterson Billings Gary Shea Butte Jennifer Taylor Missoula Terry Thompson Great Falls Brint Wahlberg Missoula Pam Wood Hamilton Douglas Zignego Whitefish
Congratulations to the following Seniors Real Estate Specialists ® Designation Graduates Held October 13-14, 2011 in Helena with instructor Jim Dague. David Blackwell Great Falls Kathleen Candelaria Billings Dianne Click Bozeman Lisa Collins Bozeman Linda Crofts Helena Patti Davis Belgrade Candis Dorsch Bozeman Maria Evanson Belgrade Larry Gallagher Helena Connie Humes Helena Debra Jamieson Bozeman Jaclyn Katz Bozeman Judith Kivela Butte Lisa Knorr Big Sky
Donna Kostelecky Bozeman Alana LaRock Butte Debra Mills Kalispell Kellie Saville Billings Bonnie Snavely Missoula Danette Sprinkle Helena Cindy Stevick Helena Judy Windle Helena Pam Wood Hamilton
MAR would like to say “Thank You” to all of our 2011 event sponsors! We look forward to working with you again in 2012! Montana’s REALTOR® Digest | 31