On Oct. 1, zipForm® Available to Members

(Editor’s note: On Aug. 1, Realfast, Inc., the Frisco, Colorado-based real estate forms company owned by the NC Association of REALTORS®’ for-profit Service Corporation since 2003, was acquired by zipLogix of Fraser, Mich., creator of zipForm®. Beginning Oct. 1, NC REALTORS® members will be able to log in and access the offered zipForm® products on our website (www.ncrealtors.org). The below Q&A provides complete details.)

What is zipLogix and zipForm®?

zipLogix is the leading real estate software producer and has been for more than 20 years. zipLogix is the maker of zipForm®, the official and exclusive forms software of the National Association of REALTORS® and a REALTOR Benefits® Partner.

When do I switch from Realfast to zipForm®? What is the earliest date? What is the latest date?

The earliest date that NC REALTOR® members can begin using zipForm® is Oct. 1. Beginning that day, members can log in (as they normally would) at www.ncrealtors.org and begin using zipForm® through a link on our Forms & Contracts webpage. Members must switch to zipForm® no later than Dec. 31, 2011. After this date, Realfast software expires and members will not be able to retrieve past transactions.

What if I already have zipForm® and, thus, pay for it? What do I do?

NC REALTOR® members who purchased zipForm® 90 days prior to Oct. 1 will be given a prorated refund. If you qualify for a refund, contact zipLogix at 800-3839805.

Are forms still free if I am a member of the NC Association of REALTORS®?

Yes, zipForm® will be provided free of charge as benefit to all NC REALTOR® members. Similar to Realfast, members will have the option of using an online version (zipForm®6 Professional) and/or a desktop version (zipForm®6 Standard).

How is zipForm® going to handle the influx of so many new users?

With 15 full-time help-desk staff members, zipLogix is well prepared to assist with any questions or concerns that NC REALTOR® members may have now or going forward. For help with technical questions, members can utilize zipLogix’s technical support on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET) by calling 586-840-0140.

How will zipForm® identify that I am a member of NCAR and, therefore, can access the software for free?

When you access zipForm® for the first time, you will enter your NRDS number, which will identify you as an NC REALTOR® member and allow you to access zipForm® free of charge.

I’m a Mac user. Is zipForm® compatible? Yes.

How will I move forms that I’m working on now into zipForm® software?

You can’t right now. But beginning Oct. 1, existing Realfast users are encouraged to move existing Realfast PDF documents to zipVault™ (a zipLogix product used for storage). To assist in this process beginning Oct. 1, you’ll be able to visit www.ziplogix.com and access a step-by-step guide. All Realfast forms must be moved to zipVault™ no later than Dec. 31, 2011.

With Realfast, there was a product key and registration number tied to my company. Will zipLogix provide the same service?

Actually, a better service! zipForm® is synched with the National Association of REALTORS® database, so any company and/or address changes you have will automatically change in zipForm® for both the desktop and online versions.

With Realfast, we were able to call NCAR and receive basic help on how to download and access Realfast. Will that be the case with zipForm®? What role will NCAR now play in helping members access forms from outside vendors?

For all questions regarding zipForm® software, call 586-840-0140. NC REALTORS® staff will continue to assist members with queries regarding the NC REALTORS® website. n

The luxurious Greenbrier was certainly dressed to impress and the many amenities and activities greatly enjoyed, but the approximate 500 NC REALTORS® who traveled to White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., on Sept. 10-13 for the Convention & Expo found enough hours in the day to balance work and play.

President Stephanie Walker presided over the festivities, which were highlighted by the announcement of M.L. Koebberling of High Point as REALTOR® of the Year, the first-ever Miss RPAC Beauty Pageant, which raised $24,571 for NC RPAC, and the Homes4NC silent auction, which raised more than $11,000 for our housing affordability foundation (see story on Page 9).

Attendees heard a state-of-the-industry report from NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, and an inspirational message from keynote Aaron Davis. More than a dozen education sessions and seminars were held, and further benefit was derived from a handful of networking opportunities and activities, including a rockin’ dance party with The Nightlife Band.

In addition to Koebberling, honored were convention co-chair Deb Hays of Wilmington (Ben Ball Community Service Award) and past president Ronnie Thompson of Valdes (Hall of Fame Award). Recipients of the Regional Service Award included Lynn Harris of Wilmington (Region 2); Steve Cohen of Fayetteville (Region 3); Preston Edwards of Durham (Region 4); Bill Warmath of Greensboro (Region 5); George Bell of Winston-Salem (Region 6); Krista Sands of Gastonia (Region 7); and Aric Beals of Charlotte (Region 8).

The 2012 election winners also were announced:

> President-elect: Patrice Willetts of Wilmington Treasurer: Treasure Faircloth of Winston-Salem;

> NAR directors: Cindy Chandler of Charlotte and Bruce Williams of Calabash;

> Regional vice presidents: Stewart Couch of Avon; Susan Lacy of Wilmington; Kelly Marks of Greensboro; Krista Sands of Gastonia; Tony Smith of Charlotte; and Harriette Doggett of Raleigh;

> Finance & Budget Committee: Tomp Litchfield of Washington; Wilson Sherrill of Ocean Isle Beach; and Kent Wood of Charlotte;

> Issues Mobilization Committee: Mark Zimmerman of Chapel Hill;

> NCREEF directors: Julia Tucker Savage of Burlington; Kay Davis of Denver; Billy Case of Waynesville; and Donna Parker of Cary; and

> NCREEF at-large: Phillip Rector of Winston-Salem.

Please save the dates – Sept. 9-11, 2012 – for next year’s convention, which, for the first time, will be held jointly with South Carolina REALTORS® and in historic Savannah, Ga. n

By Dan MacMillan Guest Columnist