{RE}source | December 2009

i. 12 / vol. II

december

2009

Monthly Newsletter of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®

www.samcar.org

in this issue...

Homebuyer

SAMCAR Message from the CEO page 1

Tax Credit

Message from the President page 2

Extended and Expanded!

2010 Association Dues page 1

pages 3 and 4

2010 Holiday Installation: Get Your Tickets Now! pages 5 and 6 North Tour Coats for Kids page 2 Affiliate Appreciation Potluck pages 5 and 6 Housing Expo ‘10 page 8 The Value of Your Membership page 10

Legislative Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded! pages 3 and 4

Get your tickets to the

2010 Holiday Installation Saturday, December 19, 2009

pages 5 and 6

Seeking Sponsors & Exhibitors

Housing Expo ‘10! page 8

What is the REALTOR® Action Fund? page 4

CAR C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund page 4

MLS MLSListings, Inc. Updates page 7

Message from the CEO

monthly newsletter of the

San Mateo County Association of realtors®

www.samcar.org tel. (650) 696-8200 fax (650) 342-7509 Board of Directors 2009 President President Elect Region 25 Chair Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Affiliate Director Director Director

Olivia T. Edwards Jennifer Tasto Marianne Zanone Rush Tim Auran Eric Berggren Robert Brisbane John Clifford Nini De La Fuente-Pecson Bobbi Decker Suzan Getchell-Wallace Phillip Houston Anne Oliva Edgar Tulcanaza Susan Vaterlaus David Zigal

Chief Executive Officer Philip B. Tedesco, RCE, CAE Editorial Team Michon Coleman Director of Government Affairs Dalen Gilbrech Publications Designer Our Vision The Voice for Real Estate Professionals and Property Owners in San Mateo County.

Philip B. Tedesco, RCE, CAE SAMCAR Chief Executive Officer

A

s we approach the last month of the year, I look back at what we offered, how well it was attended, and what we might consider doing differently as we move forward. To date in 2009, SAMCAR has presented over 70 educational opportunities for you – from hands-on computer trainings to NAR-sponsored designation courses. In that time, we have touched over 1,700 SAMCAR members, or, over half of our membership! I am very proud of this, and hope that as we continue to offer relevant courses, that number will continue to grow.

As you know, membership involvement is paramount to the success of any organization . . . an involved constituency is a critical component of a progressive association. I hope that you are one of the many that has been taking advantage of these educational opportunities. If not, why not? If there is something that you think SAMCAR should be offering, but isn’t, please bring it to my attention, and it will certainly be considered.

As we look forward, SAMCAR will continue to offer the social media and technology series that were introduced this year, and have been so well-received by the members. We are currently considering adding additional levels of these trainings as well. One of the major challenges is offering a broad enough spectrum of opportunities to serve the different and separate levels of need among the members, and this approach may accommodate that.

In 2010, the Education Committee and staff will look at additional new and different courses as well. We will also review how these classes are being delivered, and when, and if any revisions may be considered on that front as well. So, again, if there is something that you would like to see at SAMCAR, or if you would like to become active on the committee, please let me know. I may be reached at (650) 696-8221 or ptedesco@samcar.org.

2010 Association Dues SAMCAR {RE}source is published monthly by the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®, 850 Woodside Way, San Mateo, CA 94401 and distributed to more than 4,000 recipients. E-mail samcar@samcar.org your questions or comments.

Copyright © 2009

2010 REALTOR® Dues invoices have been posted to your accounts and can be paid online by clicking the “Pay Your Dues” banner at www.samcar.org

Throughout this issue of the {RE}source are items explaining the value of your membership and the importance of paying the voluntary items that appear on your bill such as the REALTOR® Action Fund, the new C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund and the SAMCAR Foundation.

Please read on to learn more and remember to pay your Association dues by January 1, 2010.

Message from your 2009 President

December 2009

2

Welcome New Members

The following members joined in November 2009

Olivia Edwards

2009 SAMCAR President

Dear SAMCAR members,

S

erving as your president has been a once in a lifetime privilege.

It’s an honor to have been entrusted with this responsibility.

My insecurity certainly kept me on my toes. But a heartfelt commitment on the part of our board members to act in your best interest was, I think, the key to our success this year. For sure my slowness in understanding issues was no match for the quickness, sharing and generosity of fellow directors and our CEO. As for my lack of experience in public speaking, it is more than covered by the kind words and thoughtful consideration from so many.

The balance between my commitments to my business and the association could only have been accomplished with the full support of my business partner Mary and my husband Gary. It was interesting to hear from NAR and CAR past presidents that their business suffered during their presidency. Sure I was concerned. But the increase in my business production is clear evidence that serving our association can actually improve production. I have learned so very much. Here are a few things I would like to share: 1). We have heard that it is all about relationships. However, I believe it is all about being authentic and respectful; especially to those who don’t deserve it. 2). Pay close attention to the short discussions before and after the meetings, in the hallway or while waiting in lines.

3). Always be enthusiastic and positive. It’s a duty and a privilege. 4).

Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Body language and intonation is the majority part (93%) of communication. 5). Learn what not to do. For example, when one’s walk is incongruent with one’s talk, credibility vanishes.

This year has been fascinating and uplifting because of you. You are resilient and loyal. This year has been challenging but you still gave generously of your time and resources. You made the difference. And I am so fortunate to be part of this inspiring journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heartfelt support.

With love and respect,

Olivia

Realtors® Pete Aquino, Century 21 Realty Alliance Brian Clarke Ayer, Intero Real Estate Services Bob Bedbury, Coldwell Banker Fred G. Carlsen, Help-U-Sell Floyd Realty Lorrina Diaz, Coldwell Banker Fahey Prop.

Dennis P. Doherty, Dennis P Doherty, Broker Jennifer Fay, W-Star Investment Inc. Danny Ho, Century 21 Realty Alliance Jerry Kiss, Intero Real Estate Services Linda Li, Bayone Realty Andrew Lomano, Cashin Company Rodney Miles, Professional Invest. Counsel George Emilio Santos Colorado, Prudential Michael Thompson, Exit Realty, WEM & Associates Tiffany Tong, Prudential California Dominic Frank Tringale, Jr., Tringale Realty & Mortgage Richard Valle, People’s Choice Brokers

$2500

and Coats Donated at

North Tour to Benefit Kids!

Saturday, December 19, 2009 • 5 p.m. social, 6:30 to 10 p.m. dinner and program Menlo Circus Club • 190 Park Lane, Atherton see more on page 5

SAMCAR REALTORS® and Affiliates kicked off the season of giving with an incredible display of generosity during the North Tour’s 3rd annual holiday fundraiser, which benefits “Coats for Kids.” During a live auction and raffle, in just 30 minutes, REALTORS® and Affiliates contributed over $2500 in cash, in addition to donating a number of warm coats for children of all ages throughout the community.

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Legislative Update

December 2009

from your 2010 Association Dues Statement

The REALTOR® Action Fund is the $197 voluntary contribution level that appears on your membership dues billing statement. Every REALTOR® is asked to make this contribution when paying their local Association, C.A.R. and N.A.R. dues. Funds raised through the REALTOR® Action Fund are used to support candidates who are sympathetic to REALTOR® issues and toward supporting or opposing issues that impact REALTORS®.

As a REALTOR®, you have a vested interest in the government under which you live and work. Did you know that only 3 out of every 10 REALTORS® do their part to make the REALTOR® voice heard? The REALTOR® Action Fund supports the people who make policy on matters affecting your business, which is why we need your help! There is no way to know for certain what challenges lie ahead, but one thing is clear - we must remain vigilant against potential threats to our industry. And while these dangers are limitless, our financial resources are not!

YOU FIGHT FOR YOUR CLIENTS.

WE FIGHT FOR YOU.

Please contribute to the REALTOR® Action Fund today!

Did you know that over 35% of all proposed legislation introduced in Sacramento each year impacts REALTORS®? That amounts to approximately 2,000 bills every year, most of which affect REALTOR® liability. Your political investment goes to support local, state and federal candidates who represent your rights and support your issues.

Learn more online

www.samcar.org/RAF

Homebuyer Tax Credit

Extended and Expanded!

I

n response to a vigorous advocacy effort spearheaded by NAR and supported by REALTORS® throughout the country, Congress has passed new legislation regarding an extension and expansion of the homebuyer tax credit.

The legislation:

• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.

• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, at: www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit_2009_info

Which Properties are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops.

Legislative Update

December 2009

4

from your 2010 Association Dues Statement

How Much is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer’s Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors: 1. The price of the home a. Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

2. The buyer’s income a. Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000-may receive the maximum tax credit. b. These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see the following: www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit_2009_info

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income – over $145,000 for singles and over 245,000 for couples, are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund

Provide Peace of Mind For Your First Time Home Buyer! $10 CONTRIBUTION allows us to expand our program support of programs like the recently launched C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program! For your convenience you can include this contribution with your SAMCAR dues.

The Housing Affordability Fund is your non profit, dedicated to helping your current and future first time homebuying clients. Contributions are 100% tax deductible. For the cost of a couple of lattes, you can help make a difference!

Contributions to CARHAF are deductible for federal income tax purposes.

CARHAF is tax exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Tax ID #91-2157935

Learn more online

www.carhaf.org If you have specific questions or need additional information, please contact a tax professional or the

Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040.

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Association Events

December 2009

Affiliate

Appreciation Event Provided Opportunity to

Express Gratitude

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

2009 SAMCAR President Oliva Edwards (right) listens to SAMCAR Affiliate Nicole Romero.

Have you ever stopped to thank

your lender for closing a loan for your client? Have you thanked your escrow officer for their work in making sure the transaction was handled efficiently?

Or, how about when the property disclosures are professionally handled and done so seamlessly that you did not have to think too much about them? REALTORS® are surrounded by professionals who all work together to ensure a home is bought or sold. On November 3rd at the REALTORS® Appreciate Affiliates Event, gratitude was in abundance for the value the Affiliates bring to the REALTORS®. Over 75 SAMCAR members gathered at the Foster City Recreation Center and enjoyed a pot-luck provided by REALTORS® in honor of the Affiliates. The group enjoyed a beautiful, warm evening that moved from the room to the patio to view the sunset over the water.

SAMCAR President, Olivia Edwards, asked the REALTORS® in attendance to mention two things that an Affiliate had done for them

(Left to right) SAMCAR Affiliates Toni Burrows (Hisco/CRES Home Warranty), Ann Palermo (Old Republic Title), Mark Palermo (Signature Realty & Mtg) and SAMCAR Affiliate Director Edgar Tulcanaza (SOL Prop. Mgmt & Loans)

2010 Holiday Installation

Get Your Tickets Now!

You are invited to attend the 2010 SAMCAR Installation Dinner on Saturday, December 19th, at the Menlo Circus Club.

We will celebrate the season, usher in our new Board of Directors and President and recognize our past leadership and volunteers.

Awards will be presented for the 2009 REALTOR of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, and the Community Service Award. The evening’s festivities include the installation of our incoming 2010 President,

Jennifer Tasto, Property Services, Inc., and the following Board of Director members: Sue Vaterlaus, RE/MAX Star Properties, President-Elect

Tickets are $75 and include an elegant evening of dining, networking, and honoring members of our real estate community.

Come celebrate the holidays with your fellow REALTORS® and Affiliates at what will be a very memorable event! For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Beckie Patane, at beckie@samcar.org or (650) 696-8220.

Olivia Edwards, McGuire Real Estate, Immediate Past President and Region 25 Chair John Clifford, Clifford Real Estate Eric Berggren, Intero Real Estate Services Robert Brisbane, McGuire Real Estate Bobbi Decker, Intero Real Estate Services Suzan Getchell-Wallace, Coldwell Banker Fahey Properties, Inc.

Phillip Houston, Coldwell Banker Karon Knox, Prudential California Realty Anne Oliva, Marshall Realty Dennis Pantano, Pantano Properties Edgar Tulcanaza, SOL Properties Management & Loans Diane Wilson, Prudential California Realty David Zigal, David Zigal, REALTOR®

Association Events

SAMCAR Affiliates and REALTORS gathered outside the Foster City Recreation Center as the sun set across the lagoon.

December 2009

6

SAMCAR members Victor Zolezzi (right, McGuire Real Estate) and Bill Brady (Stage for Success) networking and exchanging information at the event held in Foster City’s Recreation Center along the lagoon.

which made their business or personal life better. The group then stood in a circle while the REALTOR® members and Association staff shared their experiences and had an opportunity to express their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the SAMCAR Affiliate members. Beautiful seed baskets donated by Cid Young of Keller Williams were raffled off to a few lucky winners. However, the real winners were the people who attended the event who had the opportunity to thank each other for all the energy and hard work they offer to the real estate community.

SAMCAR Affiliates Michael Haigh (W.J. Bradley - The Michael Haigh Team) and Corrin Trowbridge (Farmers Insurance) talk as the Affiliate Appreciation Potluck event continued into the evening on Tuesday, November 3.

To show appreciation for the efforts of SAMCAR Affiliate members SAMCAR REALTORS® brought a varied selection of edibles for the Affiliate Appreciation Potluck.

2010 Holiday Installation

Make sure you recognize and celebrate those special people that stand out above and beyond the others! Who has made a difference in your life? Helped you with your business? Has taken the time to make things go better for YOU? Who is going the extra mile and giving back to their community? If you know a SAMCAR member that you feel has made a difference, LET US KNOW! Nominations are being taken right now for REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year and the Community Service Awards. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 30th. Criteria for the awards and nomination form can be found at all marketing meetings and online at: samcar.org/index.cfm/realtor_affiliate_and_community_service_awards.htm

Don’t let the opportunity to celebrate these deserving individuals pass by!

Nominations for REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year and Community Service Awards are now being accepted!

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MLSListings Inc. Updates

December 2009

MLSListings Team Accounts the basics

Specifying a listing agent When adding a new listing team members will appear on My listings > Start page

Team Account User ID indicated by 7* or 07*

Allows...

-- Search, set up clients -- Perform all MLS activities (as usual) -- Brokers, Office Managers or Office Assistants to change Active or Pending listings from individual DRE to team User ID

A team account allows a maximum of 3 listing agents.

MLSListings Readdresses the Usage of Teams in Accordance with New License Law MLSListings has enhanced

the team listing capability to meet the state license disclosure requirements.

Teams may access the MLS using their Team User ID to search, set up clients and perform all the MLS activities as usual. However, for listing properties, the changes are as follows: When you use a Team account to add a new listing, a list of the team members appears on the My Listings > Start page. You must specify at least one listing agent (up to 3 maximum).

The listing is kept and managed by the Team account (as indicated by a 7* or 07* User ID), but the DRE numbers of the individual listings’ agents will both be displayed.

Brokers, Office Managers or Office Assistants can change Active or Pending listings from an individual DRE to a Team User ID. Again, in order to list a property, one or more (up to 3 maximum) listing agents within the team must be selected.

Short Sales Status Change

in Pro.mlslistings.com Version 3.16

To better communicate short sale listings with an accepted offer, MLSListings has changed the use and display of its Pending with Release Clause status (status 2). That status will now serve both for Pending with Release Clause and may be used for Short Sales that are Pending – Requires Lender Approval.

Shore sale listings that require lender approval for their accepted offer may be moved into any one of MLSListings Pending statuses, depending on the status of the sale.

Non-short sale listings that have an escape, kick-out or other release clause language in the purchase agreement are not affected since all short sales must be disclosed and can be excluded from searches.

A key change to pro.mlslistings.com is a cosmetic change to the status icon for Pending with Release Clause. This icon will now be shown as half green/half yellow.

Changes to the listing management application include the ability to select “pending”, “short sale offer submitted for lender approval” to use when reporting an offer has been accepted.

As with any listing, the agent is responsible for accurate and timely status changes.

Once the lender has approved the sale and if no other offers are being accepted, considered or reviewed, the status should be changed to No-Show status.

DirectConnect Newsletter MLSListings news may be found at:

http://mlslistings.frogpond.com

Association Events

SAMCAR Asking for your Assistance to Build the Buzz for the 2010 Housing Expo!

December 2009

from your 2010 Association Dues Statement

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

On Saturday, February 27th, at the San

Mateo County Event Center, SAMCAR will be holding its Second Annual Housing Expo. We are asking our REALTOR members to place our “Save The Date” fliers at open houses and in the real estate offices to expose the event to the public during the next two months. We are working with the Housing Leadership Council (HLC) to brainstorm ways of attracting additional participants interested in learning more about real estate, purchasing a home, and the home-buying process. CalHFA has agreed to present and exhibit - a presentation about the Federal Tax Credit will be held and we are inviting experts in short sales to discuss this option with the public and REALTORS. The Housing Expo is SAMCAR’s largest community outreach project and we hope you will help us make it a huge success by publicizing it to your clients or people in the beginning stages of the homebuying process.

Last year, when attendees were asked how they had heard about the event, the response was overwhelmingly ‘Word of Mouth,’ so your assistance with this is crucial to the success of the event. So please place the information about the Housing Expo on your Facebook profile, in your blogs, in your neighborhood newsletters, etc. Thank you in advance for helping us build the buzz! If you need any additional, specific information, please let us know, and we will provide it for you.

Additionally, exhibitor opportunities For more information about the Expo, please visit www.samcar.org/housingexpo.

still exist!

The SAMCAR Foundation focuses its charitable efforts towards benefiting organizations and programs that strive to make San Mateo County a more livable, affordable and thriving community. Through its work, the SAMCAR Foundation has made significant financial contributions enhancing quality of life throughout San Mateo County. We also support and encourage grassroots member-organized efforts that enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

Mission

Assisting individuals within our community in enhancing their quality of life through financial programs, education, and housing-related initiatives and activities.

Vision

Striving to provide a roof over every head in San Mateo County.

www.samcar.org/FOUNDATION Your contribution to the SAMCAR Foundation is deductible for federal income tax purposes.

The SAMCAR Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Tax ID # 94-3163126

For more information

www.samcar.org/HousingExpo or Call Beckie Patane, Events Coordinator (650) 696-8220

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The Value of Your Membership

December 2009

Yes, it’s that time of year again. We’ve posted your 2010

Association dues invoices to your accounts online, sent you an e-mail to remind you to pay your dues (and paper bills are already on their way to you in the mail) and we want to say “thank you” for your continued membership with SAMCAR. Throughout this issue of the {RE}source are sections explaining the voluntary items on your bill and here we want to remind you of the value of your membership.

Only through your membership with the Association of REALTORS® are you able to designate yourself as a REALTOR®. For your dues you get that REALTOR® trademark and access to so much more. On the following pages we’d like to briefly explain each of the areas where your SAMCAR membership can help you and your business, such as . . .

Member Services Tour Sheet Professional Standards Code of Ethics enforcement Service Center – customer service, DisplayKey and iBox support Store – signs, signposts, forms, St. Joseph statues and more! {RE}source and Facts Flash newsletters local, state and national issues; special events; MLS updates; news and announcements.

www.samcar.org Association web site, information at your fingertips including county sales statistics, guide to cities, guide to schools and our online Tour Sheet.

Clarus MarketMetrics® *new* PRDS Forms online ZIPForms® (formerly WINForms®)

Tools

News from the Broker/Manager meeting

SAMCAR Provides

Short Sale Education So REALTORS®

Can Help Community Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

In a continuing effort to help our members assist homeowners

who are facing financial challenges stay in their homes, SAMCAR recently hosted a Broker/Manager meeting which focused on short sales. With over 25% of listings in San Mateo County currently in short sale or foreclosure, this information was very timely.

“SAMCAR offered this seminar so our REALTOR® members can assist and educate their clients and members of their community.

Thank you to the Education Committee for developing this program,” Olivia Edwards, SAMCAR 2009 President, stated.

Rebecca Ketchum, the Loss Mitigation specialist for Wells Fargo provided the REALTORS® with information they can share with struggling homeowners. Here are a few points: Short sales are for homeowners who are unable to continue making payments on their mortgages due to a hardship. It is NOT considered a hardship if they lost value in their home due to the declining market if they are still able to make the mortgage payments. Many homeowners who are upside down on their mortgage want to simply walk away from their homes because they are not as valuable as they were two years ago. A short sale will not be considered if this is the reason a homeowner is requesting one.

Ms. Ketchum shared with the REALTORS® a list of reasons why short sales fail: • A Seller does not make a decision to pursue the short sale option soon enough.

• Timelines do not follow typical offer-to-close timeline.

• Price: ‘Low ball’ offers due to market conditions.

• Excessive seller concessions and costs.

• Offer does not meet investor guidelines.

• If there is more than one loan on the property, an arrangement must be struck with both parties.

• Mortgage insurer requires promissory note.

• Processing delays.

• Valuation delays (e.g. rural homes, interior access).

• Required documents missing or not signed/dated properly.

• Inexperienced agents.

A short sale can take anywhere from 3-6 months to close and many homeowners are not prepared for the process. Please share with your clients that it is now against the law for companies to take money upfront to do loan modifications or promise to avoid foreclosure.

There are many reputable resources to help consumers understand the process BEFORE they consider if a short sale is the best route.

You can suggest they discuss restructuring their mortgage by contacting the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA). NACA has a Home Save Program, which is nationally recognized as the most effective solution for homeowners with an unaffordable mortgage. The NACA solution is to restructure the existing mortgage by permanently reducing the interest rate to achieve an affordable mortgage payment. For more information, go to NACA.com or call their office at (510) 652-6622.

The Value of Your Membership

Education

December 2009

Marketing Meetings and Special Events connecting REALTORS® with associated professionals in mortgage, title, banking, home staging, junk hauling and many more related industries.

Member Directory a complete list of SAMCAR members available exclusively to our members.

Committees − be a leader in YOUR association.

Networking

Designations, License Renewal and Technology and Social Media classes given by professional speakers.

Thank you for continuing to be a member of SAMCAR. You can pay your 2010 dues online or wait for the paper bill that has been mailed this week. Payments are due January 1, 2010.

Government Affairs

As always, please feel free to contact us with your questions at (650) 696-8200 pay your dues online at

www.samcar.org

Working with your government officials to protect your ability to do business.

Education

SAMCAR

Education Opportunities Abound

An exciting education development is the creation of the new “Affiliate 10 for 2010” class series. Beginning on Thursday, January 7th from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and running for 10 weeks every other Thursday, the Affiliate Committee will be creating free seminars to help our REALTOR members learn more about the real estate transaction, specifically, as it relates to your team of affiliated partners. Classes will cover such topics as escrow, lending, property disclosures, appraisals, insurance, staging and short sales. SAMCAR Affiliate members are an incredible resource that can help you do your business better and by working together, can enhance and build your business.

For more information as it becomes available, please visit

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

www.samcar.org/education

Networking When members asked to learn about social

Upcoming classes...

December 3 / 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

media at SAMCAR, we responded by creating the Social Media Summer Camp and then the Real Estate Technology Fall Series.

The response has been fantastic and we have recently begun a round table discussion series to have members help each other learn about the nuances of Facebook and using social media for real estate. We hope that you will take advantage of our last class of the year on December 3rd from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. when Nicole Nicolay (Effektive Solutions) speaks about the “Top 10 RE Tech Tips for 2010.” Nicole is a nationally recognized social media speaker and blogger.

We are also working on offering more real estate technology and social media training for the first quarter of 2010. Stay tuned for classes that will cover topics such as, “How to Use a Blog to Drive Traffic to your Website,” “How to Create a FanSite on Facebook for Real Estate,” and much more.

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Top 10 RE Tech Tips for 2010 Nicole Nicolay (Effektive Solutions)

January 7 / 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“Affiliate 10 for 2010” session 1

deCeMBeR 2009 Weekly Education, Events & Tour Calendar

NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 4

Su 22 29

Mo 23 30

Tu 24 01

We 25 02

Th 26 03

Fr 27 04

Sa 28 28

Classes & Events November 26 & 27 All day, both days

saMCaR office closed for thanksgiving holiday

November 30 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

short sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification

December 3 5 – 7 p.m.

Coastal Holiday Mixer

The SAMCAR office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday all day on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, November 30.

Maneuver complexities of short sales; identify opportunities in foreclosure; options for distressed homeowners; identify components of an effective short-sale package; counsel buyer/clients in purchase of foreclosure properties; how consumers can avoid foreclosure in the future. Cost: $99 Location: SAMCAR | Register: www.coachingtoexcellence.com/sfr

Come celebrate the holidays by-the-sea! Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine & beer while celebrating the Holiday Season!

Cost: Free to SAMCAR members, $10 for guests.

Location: Pasta Moon, 315 Main Street in Half Moon Bay RSVP: (650) 696-8220 or beckie@samcar.org by Tuesday, December 1st

December 10 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GRi 108: GRi Risk Management

December 14 2:30– 4:30 p.m.

When in Rome: sFaR Purchase Contract Primer for the PRds Practitioner

December 19 5 p.m. social 6:30 to 10 p.m. dinner & program

Location: SAMCAR | Cost: $149 Registration: http://www.eDesignations.com or 888-785-4800

Fundamental differences between the San Francisco Association of REALTORS® purchase contract form and the PRDS version; Defaults, disclosures and 3-R reports: inspections and contingencies in the Big City; Compliance with Energy and Water ordinances, etc.; Condos, co-ops and the enigma of TICs; Ownership, rentals and the reign of tenants. Instructor: Bryant McOmber | Cost: $10 Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

2010 Holiday installation

Featuring SAMCAR’s Realtor, Affiliate and Community Service of the Year Awards, along with the installation of the 2010 President and Board of Directors. Location: Menlo Circus Club, 190 Park Lane, Atherton Tickets, Sponsorship, Advertising and more: www.samcar.org/events

SAMCAR Board of Directors Meetings December 17 9:30 a.m.

saMCaR Board of directors Meeting (off site)

Legislative Committee Meetings December 9 10 a.m.

December 16 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Coastside Legislative Committee Meeting

Location: Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau - 235 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

PeninsuLa Legislative Committee Meeting

Members welcome to attend these monthly meetings. | Location: SAMCAR

Marketing Meetings Tuesday, December 1 8:30 a.m.

December Combined Tour Elks Lodge 229 West 20th Avenue San Mateo Presentations:

1) MARC WEISSMAN Legal Update 2) OLIVIA EDWARDS President’s Message: Food for Thoughts for 2010 Breakfast:

The Examiner 9 a.m. Half Moon Bay Tour Community Center 535 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay 9:30 a.m. Pacifica Tour Community Center 540 Crespi Drive, Pacifica

MLS Tour Sheet Deadline Reminder Broker/Property tours Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. deadline to add tours in MLs Mondays, 11 a.m.

Deadlines subject to change for holidays. deadline for Monday holidays prior Friday at 11 a.m.

View tour sheet by Monday afternoon

www.samcar.org/tour