Realty Line of Austin
January 2009
ABoR CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Go GREEN with ABoR! By Jay Gohil • Jay Gohil Realty 2009 Chairman • Austin Board of REALTORS With global warming and the rising cost of energy weighing heavily on consumers’ minds, environmentally friendly real estate is more important than ever before. Ensure you have the knowledge and resources to serve today’s eco-conscientious homebuyers by attending the two-day GREEN Designation course on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. Course instructor Bill Evans will guide you through topics including sustainability, New Urbanism, smart growth, industry ratings and evaluation standards in real estate. The course costs $275 or $300 for those registering after March 3 and is approved by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on both days. The GREEN Designation course carries 15 hours of Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) credit (TREC approval pending). Register online by visiting www.abor.com/courses and clicking on the “Designations” tab.
Save the Date: 2009 TREPAC Fundraisers Announced
Each year, the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC) works to protect you from legislation harmful to the real estate industry. But to succeed, TREPAC needs your support. Throughout 2009, ABoR’s Government and Community Affairs Department will host many exciting events that will give you the chance to mingle with your fellow ABoR members while ensuring your industry is defended in the upcoming Texas Legislative session. On February 11, trade in your old jewelry for cash at the Gold Rush party. Bring your appetite and your best chili recipe to the second-annual Chili Cook-Off on March 19, and tee up for the popular Golf Tournament on April 29. Pour on your support for TREPAC in August at the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, and tune in the Rock the PAC concert in September. Sponsorship opportunities for all TREPAC fundraising events are available. For more information on TREPAC, the fundraisers or sponsorships, contact Emily Chenevert at 4547636, ext. 1500 or echenevert@abor.com.
Learn While You Lunch
The New Year is here and there’s no better time to brush up on your industry knowl-
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edge. Resolve to review the MLS Rules and Regulations by attending ABoR’s Lunch and Learn course on Friday, Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Once every six months, ACTRIS subscribers may waive an eligible MLS fine by attending a Lunch and Learn session. Attendees will discover how to avoid common MLS mistakes and receive updates on recent additions to the MLS Rules and Regulations, all while enjoying a free pizza lunch. While this course is free to ACTRIS subscribers, you must register in advance by visiting www.abor.com/courses and clicking the “MLS” tab.
Showcase Your Listing’s Special Features
Listing agents, you could be missing out on quick sales because your property’s special are not readily apparent on your listing report. features Adding details can help your listing stand out from the pack. Agents are not required to complete all the fields in a listing in order to save it as Active in the MLS system. However, including the maximum amount of information for a property ensures interested clients will find it easily. When you are able to connect your listing with its ideal owner, you can facilitate a fast closing for top dollar. If you have questions or concerns regarding the best way to complete any of the listing fields in the MLXchange listing reports, contact the MLS Support Team at mlssupport@abor.com.
RE/MAX Austin AssociatesDonna Yoste, Knolly Williams and Diane Gomez celebrate the holidays with a “wine tasting” theme.