{RE}source | August 2010

i. 8 / vol. III

August

2010

Monthly Newsletter of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®

www.samcar.org

in this issue...

SAMCAR Board of Directors Candidates Statements pages 1 through 4 The candidates’ statements appear by area, alphabetically by last name on the following pages: NORTH Denise Baker ............. page 1 John Prouty .............. page 3 CENTRAL Patrick Sullivan ......... page 1 Frank Vento ............... page 3 SOUTH Judy Ploshay ............. page 2 Michael Verdone ..... page 2 Diane Viviani ............ page 3 AFFILIATE Joshua Cantrell ....... page 2 Corrin Trowbridge ... page 2

SAMCAR in July 4th parade pages 5 through 8 New from Combined Meeting: MLSListings, Inc. Update pages 3 & 4 REBarCamp San Mateo County page 9 The Tech Detective: Finding Real Estate Tech Information for YOU! page 10

SAMCAR’s Annual Charity

Spaghetti Feed

is right around the corner page 8

MLS MLSListings, Inc. Upcoming Classes page 7

Statements from the Candidates for Board of Directors

monthly newsletter of the

San Mateo County Association of realtors®

www.samcar.org

Board of Directors Election The following members have announced their candidacy for the open Director positions on the SAMCAR Board of Directors. Three year term, beginning on January 1, 2011.

tel. (650) 696-8200 fax (650) 342-7509

Candidates are listed under the area in which they are running, in alphabetical order by last name.

Please read through the candidate statements and find the ballot at: http://www.samcar.org/election

Board of Directors

The ballot will be prepared and distributed on Tuesday, August 3. Ballots will be due by Friday, August 20 at 5 p.m.

2010 President President Elect Region 25 Chair Director Director Director Director Foundation Chair Treasurer Director Director Director Affiliate Director Director Director

Jennifer Tasto Susan Vaterlaus Olivia T. Edwards Eric Berggren Robert Brisbane John Clifford Bobbi Decker Suzan Getchell-Wallace Phillip Houston Karon Knox Anne Oliva Dennis Pantano Edgar Tulcanaza Diane Wilson David Zigal

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.

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 © 2010

Vote only for one candidate in your area, which corresponds to the location of your office. Affiliate members may only vote for the candidates running in the Affiliate area.

The candidates’ statements appear by area, alphabetically by last name on the following pages: NORTH

Denise Baker (Marshall Realty) ........................... 1 John Prouty (Prudential California Realty) ...... 3 CENTRAL

Patrick Sullivan (Liberty Realty) .......................... 1 Frank Vento (Dolphin Real Estate) ..................... 3 SOUTH

Judy Ploshay (Coldwell Banker) .......................... 2 Michael Verdone (Economic Concepts) ........... 2 Diane Viviani (Prudential California Realty) ..... 3 AFFILIATE

Joshua Cantrell (JCP-LGS Disclosures) .............. 2 Corrin Trowbridge (Trowbridge Insurance) ..... 2

NORTH

CENTRAL

Denise Baker (Marshall Realty) I am running for a seat on the Board of Directors so that I can serve my fellow Realtors of SAMCAR.

Patrick Sullivan (Liberty Realty) As realtor since 1978, I have contributed much to my association. I was elected to the Board of Realtors for the San Mateo Burlingame Board in 1987, as well as chairing the Legislative committee, Public service, over the past thirty years. As independent broker, I understand all of the challenges that not only realtors have but property owners. For over three decades I have defended property rights and participated with my association to speak before planning commissions, city council in helping prevent rent control, point of sale and at the same time to encourage more density housing as well as affordable housing. I have seen many changes from MLS books to the advancement of computers to the growth of the internet.

In the end we must preserve our association keeping up with the latest technology and not losing our independent contractor status.

Our industry has gone through many changes in the past few years and it is imperative to stay informed and involved to protect the interests of property owners as well as our SAMCAR members.

Our Government Affairs team has worked diligently to keep us informed of the local, state and federal changes that are proposed that will affect our business and our clients. I want to work closely with this team to protect our member’s business as well as local homeowner’s property values.

I have enjoyed co-chairing Special Events as well as being a member of the Special Events team for many years. We have organized many successful events while raising substantial funds for The Foundation. I have also participated in the RSVP program for many years.

This program has been rewarding to me in so many ways.

I have been a licensed Realtor working for Marshall Realty since 1997. I have obtained a CRS, GRI and SRES designation. In a few months I will complete BARLA (Bay Area Leadership Academy) This program was developed to

I have served on the City of San Mateo Economic development committee helping homeowner get financing to preserve their homes.

In 1999 to 2005 I served and chaired the Foster City Park and Recreation. The future of realtors will need an advocate to support our future with making sure we will still be independent contractors and that point of sale does not interfere with selling homes. Realtors are the future and I will bring strong independent leadership, vision and direction. We must be

Continued on page 3, see NORTH

Continued on page 3, see CENTRAL

August 2010

Statements from the Candidates for Board of Directors

SOUTH

AFFILIATE

Judy Ploshay (Coldwell Banker San Carlos) I am running for a seat on the SAMCAR Board of Directors so that I may better serve my colleagues in the Real Estate Industry.

Joshua Cantrell (JCP-LGS Disclsure) My name is Joshua Cantrell, District Sales Manager for JCP-LGS Disclosures, and I am asking for your consideration to be your next SAMCAR Affiliate Director. Currently, I am the SAMCAR Affiliate Council Chair and have been active on the council for the past 4 years. I’ve worked in the real estate industry for the past 8 years and have been a SAMCAR member for 7. I really enjoy working in San Mateo County and consider there to be no other place in the Bay Area like it. The SAMCAR Realtors & Affiliates I’ve met demonstrate the highest level of professionalism. It’s that same professionalism that I hope to bring to the SAMCAR Board if elected the Affiliate Director.

I began my Real Estate career in 1983 at that time my affiliation was with Rupert Taylor in Belmont. I joined Coldwell Banker in 1987.

The following is a micro view of my professional background and qualifications: • Attained my Real Estate sales license in November 1983 • Realtor Associate of the year 1989 • Director for Redwood City-San Carlos-Belmont Association of Realtors 1987-1992 • Education Committee chairperson 1990 • Media Communications chairperson 19911992 • Attained my Brokers license 1992 • Board of Directors, Secretary/Director for Redwood City-San Carlos-Belmont Association of Realtors 1992-1993 • Presently I am on the Foundation Task Force, and serve as chairperson for SAMCAR South Area planning committee which involves coordinating: * Best of Tour * 50/50 Charity expenses * Breakfast sponsors * Presentors/presentations for our MLS (south) tour meetings * Serve as chairperson for South Area annual Can Tree fund raiser I am honored to be considered and given the opportunity to represent you on the Board of Directors and I would appreciate your vote.

Michael Verdone (Economic Concepts) As a Realtor for the past 38 years, I’ve witnessed numerous changes in our MLS, real estate laws, political policies, and economic conditions as it affects our principles and business practice.

It is this historical perspective that I hope will serve you well as your SAMCAR Director.

While Co-Chair of your Legislative Committee, I recently attended Legislation Week in Sacramento with many other dedicated Realtors.

SAMCAR is one of the most influential and politically active Associations in our State, and Continued on pages 3 and 4, see SOUTH

In my personal life, I currently serve on the Board of Community Church of Santa Clara and am a leader of our youth ministries group.

I’ve also done volunteer work and held various positions for non-profit organizations dedicated to alcohol & substance abuse. My heart is truly one of a servant’s and I always find myself looking for ways to get more involved.

I feel that I have a good sense of the SAMCAR Affiliates’ needs and have a great working relationship with many of them. It’s for these reasons that I consider myself a great candidate for the SAMCAR Affiliate Director position.

Thank you for your consideration in accepting me as SAMCAR’s next Affiliate Director.

Welcome New Members The following members joined in July 2010

Realtors® Robert Croshaw, Robert J Croshaw, Broker Lanie L. De Jesus, Intero Real Estate Services Mary Fonte, Reliance Realty Group Valerie Ford, Coldwell Banker Lisa Fujimoto, Alain Pinel Realtors Juan Gonzalez, Real Estate eBroker Inc. Adam Houchins, Keller Williams Realty Joy Li, Century 21 Realty Alliance Joe McCafferty, Prudential California Mia Meier, Terrace Associates Edmund James O’Malley, Edmund James O’Malley Erwin Parco, RELogic, Inc. Hope Pilch, Mortimer Investments Nora Tannous, RE/MAX Star Properties Gary Turner, Intero Real Estate Services Terry Wang, TD Real Estate

Corrin Trowbridge (Trowbridge Insurance) I am running for the position of Affiliate Member of the SAMCAR Board of Directors to continue my efforts to increase the exposure and interaction between the Broker and Affiliate members. Affiliates join SAMCAR as an opportunity to increase their business, and have become a major source of enthusiasm and effort in the ongoing activities that SAMCAR provides for its members. I have been active in the Support the Troops effort, the Spaghetti Feed/Arm Wrestling Dinner, The Affiliates Board Committee, the SAMCAR Special Events Committee, The SAMCAR Membership Committee, The Home Expo Planning Committee, as well as participating in the RSVP program and various Hot Topic and weekly announcements at the Tour meetings.

Continued on page 4, see AFFILIATE

Peter Yee, Prudential California

Affiliates Paula Carpe, BPG Buyers Protection Group Ham Nguyen, BBVA Compass

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Statements from the Candidates for Board of Directors

August 2010

NORTH — Continued from page 1

CENTRAL — Continued from page 1

Denise Baker, continued...

Patrick Sullivan, continued...

train leaders to serve and advance organized real estate. BARLA has prepared me to work efficiently and effectively on a board.

proactive not only in technology but involved in legislation that affects us. I would like your vote in August. For any further questions Email: lbty123@aol.com.

I would be honored to represent you on our SAMCAR board.

John Prouty (Prudential California Realty) My Name is John Prouty and I have been in the Real Estate business most of my adult life.

Frank Vento (Dolphin Real Estate) Please attend the combined meeting on Tuesday, August 3 to hear all SAMCAR Board of Directors candidates deliver their statements, also go to: www.samcar.org/election

My first introduction to real estate was purchasing and managing my rentals in the early 1970’s.

I was licensed as a Real Estate Agent in 1977 and shortly after as a Real Estate Broker and Realtor in the North San Mateo Board of Realtors. I served on most of their committees, grievance, arbitration, legislative, and borpac. Also serving eight years on the Board of Directors. I was elected to all the chairs including being elected President of the North Board in 1987 while being the owner broker of two real estate companies.

After the merger of North San Mateo Association and San Mateo Association, (SAMCAR), I have served numerous years on your legislative and borpac committees.

Currently I am the chairman of the Planning Commission, for the second time, in South San Francisco, the 1st Vice President of South San Francisco Host Lions Club, and the Vice Commodore of the Oyster Point Yacht Club. I have served as the President and on the boards of a several non profit organizations. If you choose to elect me to your board of directors, I will bring all of my previous year of experience to help our board and this organization through the challenges all of us REALTORS are currently facing and help to keep our business healthy and profitable.

SOUTH — Continued from page 2 Michael Verdone, continued...

I could sense the power and responsibility we have to reach out to our elected officials to educate them and the issues that affect our business.

Past activity serving Realtors include: * SAMCAR Grievance Committee *Professional Standards *Elections Committee *BORPAC Trustee *Co-Chair Legislative Committee *SF Assoc . of Realtors Grievance Committee *SF Assoc. of Realtors Political Affairs Committee *Past Chair Redwood City Planning Commission Knowing many of you, as an active Realtor and Broker, professional designations include Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate Realtor Institute, and Accredited Buyer Representative.

Please Vote for me JOHN PROUTY! Thank You!

news from Combined Meeting

MLSListings, Inc. Update Showcases New Tools and Changes

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

Everyone got a good dose of technology at the July 6

Combined Tour meeting when Mark Messimer from MLSListings, Inc. gave an update about the new tech tools that MLS has created to help REALTOR members be more productive. Mr. Messimer stressed that MLSListings, Inc. wants you to keep doing your job as a REALTOR® and know that they are working on helping you improve your game.

He encouraged the attendees to learn Matrix a little at a time.

Starting July 13, the login screen will look different, but you can still get to “Pro” which you are used to using and you can still search for listings in 58 counties.

Mobile Apps

Smarter Agent is offering a new application for your iPad or iPhone. To receive the application, simply text MLS to 87778. You can give this information to your customers, too.

Listing Syndication Point2 enables brokers to control syndication destinations and to access summary traffic reports. Point2 provides broad listing exposure for MLSListings subscribers, efficiently and cost effectively. With a single click, brokers are able to publish listings across the industry’s largest syndication network of high traffic consumer search sites, helping to maximize listing awareness online. The Point2 network encompasses over 35 sites including Google, Craigslist, Point2 Homes, Cyberhomes, continued on page 4

Statements from the Candidates for Board of Directors

August 2010

SOUTH — Continued from page 3

Diane Viviani, continued...

Michael Verdone, continued...

*Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) *Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

With your help and vote, I’m honored to continue service to our Board to further your interests and concerns. Please feel open to call me at 650.364.9822. Thank you.

Diane Debono Viviani (Prudential California Realty) I am currently employed at Prudential in Redwood City, and have been working in this area since I began my career as a Realtor in 1984.

SAMCAR is an organized trade association that ensures professionalism, protects property rights and promotes ownership of real property.

SAMCAR works to help all of our members achieve success, increase realtor benefits and the benefits received from our Associations.

I have seen a lot of changes in our industry in the last 25+ years and it is changing now more than ever. I am willing to devote the time it takes to be a Director and all that it entails, listening to members concerns, attend committee meetings, board meetings, C.A.R. meetings, conventions etc. Keeping our membership informed on what is happening in our industry at the local, state and national level.

As an active member of SAMCAR I have served on several committees including Finance, By-laws, Scholarship and Special Events.

In the last three years I have served on two committees - The Political Action Committee (BORPAC) and The Grievance Committee.

This year I am Chairman of the Grievance Committee.

I am a *Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

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I have served on the San Mateo County Grand Jury 2002-2003 as Chairman of The Cities and Special Districts Committee; I also served on The Law Enforcement Committee.

It would be an honor to serve on your behalf and I ask for your vote.

Thank you, AFFILIATE — Continued from page 1 Corrin Trowbridge, continued...

I have a great respect for the SAMCAR organization, and an appreciation for the many friendships, and contacts with the other members of the Brokerage and Affiliate community that my membership has afforded me. I want to encourage the relationship that the Brokerage community has with its Affiliate members, and to promote the fulfillment of the main reason that Affiliates join SAMCAR, that is, to increase their business. I want to work with the brokerage community to see what would be the most effective way to enhance that outcome, and remind them of the benefits the Affiliate community brings to our organization. I also want to assist the Affiliate members in how to get the best exposure with the Brokerage membership. Working together, the Brokers and Affiliates can both get the most out of their membership!

Remember to Vote!

Candidates for SAMCAR Board of Directors will be speaking at the August 3 Combined Meeting at the Elks Lodge, 229 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo at 8:30 a.m. Ballots for this election will be available on Tuesday, August 3 in print at the Combined Meeting also on the Association web site at www.samcar.org/election

news from Combined Meeting AOL, Yahoo!, Trulia and Zillow.

Listing Book, which is an online service which connects real estate agents and their clients through an integrated platform of client management, sales productivity and direct marketing tools. Listingbook is the first-ever web-based community of qualified buyers and sellers, brokers and agents and home service professionals. It is the 13th largest real estate oriented website in the world.

Northern California Reciprocal has added Alameda County and Contra Costa County, giving you 23 counties to search and place your listings. The addition of these two counties also places your listing in front of 65,000 real estate professionals. The company is also working on a single listing management program.

Become a fan of the MLS Listings, Inc on Facebook to watch video updates of what is going on at MLS and to post comments and questions you may have. (Please also become a fan of the

MLSListings launched a new landing page on July 13 and is encouraging subscribers to learn how to use the Matrix platform.

SAMCAR business page to receive up to the minute information, as well!)

If you would like to learn more about Matrix, the iPad and iPhone applications and REALTORS® Property Resource, please attend a seminar hosted by Jim Herrera, MLS Marketing Director, at SAMCAR on Thursday, August 18 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at SAMCAR.

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news from the July 4th Parade

August 2010

REALTOR® involvement in our communities

SAMCAR’s

July 4th

SAMCAR volunteers walked with the Association parade float in Redwood City’s July 4th parade.

in a community parade. On the 4th of July, SAMCAR entered a float in the San Mateo Peninsula Annual Celebration Parade in Redwood City. Now that was a celebration! The best part is that the float was the culmination of a shared vision.

SAMCAR members truly get involved and make a difference. Just two weeks before the parade, a group of volunteers met and decided we could actually do this. The timeframe would be hard,

Parade Float

Continued on page 6

a success!

Contributed by Jennifer Tasto, 2010 SAMCAR President

REALTORS® don’t just sell houses, we sell communities.

We are involved throughout the San Mateo County community — sometimes in a fun, creative way!

Independence Day. What a great time for SAMCAR to be involved

Volunteers walking with SAMCAR’s float wore red t-shirts, proudly displaying the SAMCAR logo and, on the back, our 2010 theme: “REALTORS® Make a Difference”

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news from the July 4th Parade

August 2010

6

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped build the float and made the process of creating it a big part of the fun. Pictures left to right: Cherrise Thomas making measurements; Ed Bright and Julie Sanchez painting; Ann Palermo decorating the nearly-completed float.

but we were determined to have a float. Thanks to Ed Bright, a SAMCAR Affiliate member who stayed on top on the vision and used all his contacts, including Jay’s Towing in Redwood City, that donated the space where we built and housed the float.

Cherisse Thomas, a SAMCAR REALTOR® and also the group’s “Art Director” took charge of the vision for the float. Countless hours of hard work ensued over the two week period. Brian Thomas, Cherisse’s husband was instrumental in building the structure.

Ann Palermo, Peter Ahern, Moe Arshad, Virginia Trowbridge, SAMCAR staff Julie Sanchez and Michon Coleman and I, all contributed hours to get the float built, painted and decorated.

Hundreds of staples, nails, rolls of tape, and decorations were

Many pieces of construction and decoration (and as many hours of volunteer work) culminated in SAMCAR’s prize-winning float.

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Hundreds of staples, nails, rolls of tape, and decorations were used. We all worked hard, and somehow with teamwork and thanks to Cherisse’s leadership and expertise, we got it done. used. We all worked hard, and somehow with teamwork and thanks to Cherisse’s leadership and expertise, we got it done.

We had a countdown to the day of the parade. The Saturday before the parade, we were ready to roll the float out of the garage for a test run. But, there was a minor glitch – or maybe a major problem. The float was four inches too high to clear the garage door! But of course, as REALTORS®, we were not ready to give up on the hours of work put into building and decorating the float. With REALTOR® ingenuity and the help of John from Jay’s Towing, air was let out of the tires to sink the entire float.

We rolled it out. Prayers answered!

Continued on page 7, see PARADE

Reserve your ad spot today! Contact Dalen Gilbrech at SAMCAR: dalen@samcar.org or (650) 696-8206

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news from the July 4th Parade

August 2010

PARADE — Continued from page 6

Once the float was built, we also knew that we had to get it to the site of the parade.

On the 4th of July, there was a group of us who called ourselves the “6:30 a.m. crew.” We were at the yard to uncover the decorated float and truck to which it was hitched. Thanks to SAMCAR REALTOR® Bill Curry for the use of his truck, his driving skills for towing the float – and allowing us to decorate it as well! Our job was to get the float from the towing yard over to the parade site.

Once we were there, there were still some finishing touches to

. . . for the very first SAMCAR entry in a parade, SAMCAR’s float WON second prize in the amateur float division. be made and to get the band, Sons of Emperor Norton, on the float. Still, we had to have inspections from the parade staff and instructions to get in line for the start of the parade. We passed inspection, secured the band, and off we went!

SAMCAR members and staff walked behind the float during the parade. Thanks to Peter Ahern, Moe Arshad, Jorge Franco, Jean Lu, Lee Ginsberg and his wife, Chris and Yoli Hurchanik, Mark Palermo, Ann Palermo, Alan Louie, Alane Gilbrech, Julie Sanchez, Debroah Miramontes, and Steve Blanton for joining us in marching with the SAMCAR float. Along the route of 50,000 attendees, we saw multiple generations of families, neighbors,

MLSListings Inc. Update

MLSListings, Inc.

Tech Tool Bag Wednesday, August 18 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cost: Free, but please RSVP

Jim Herrera, Director of Marketing, MLS Listings, Inc., will bring you the

latest on the newest iPad apps and mobile apps to incorporate into your real estate business, including the SmarterAgent app. Jim will also be discussing the new RPR (Realtors Property Resource) and will answer questions about the new Matrix system that MLS is rolling out in the fall.

REALTORS® wanting to successfully make the leap into mobile technology should attend this class and REALTORS® who would like to have face-to-face discussion on these applications will find this class invaluable.

SAMCAR will also be holding several FREE classes on the Matrix application:

Essentials of Matrix

August 6 / 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

August 27 / 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mastering Matrix

August 6 / 1:30 to 3 p.m.

August 27 / 1:30 to 3 p.m. call to register

(650) 696-8200

news from the July 4th Parade

August 2010

friends, and their fellow REALTORS®.

Big thanks to those of you who helped to take apart the float.

For almost all of us, this was a moment of first time experiences: building a float, driving a 20 foot float down El Camino Real, and marching in a parade. Somehow it all worked! Thanks again to all of you for making this happen for SAMCAR. This project demonstrated how we as REALTORS® can work together to make things happen quickly, while having fun along the way.

Even for a bunch of first timers, and for the very first SAMCAR entry in a parade, SAMCAR’s float WON second prize in the amateur float division. REALTORS® really do make a difference!

In addition to balloon and flag waving members walking alongside the float, entertainment was provided by the band Sons of Emperor Norton

2010 Annual Charity Spaghetti Feed

Thursday, September 16, 2010

5:00 p.m. Social | 6:30 p.m. Dinner Peninsula Italian American Social Club 100 North B Street, San Mateo

Event Tickets ($35 per guest) http://www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/spaghetti10_tickets.pdf

Event Sponsorship ($100) and Program Advertising ($50) http://www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/spaghetti10_sponsorship.pdf

Questions? Call SAMCAR at (650) 696-8200 or go to www.samcar.org/Events

Mangia! Mangia!

Come to the 2010 SAMCAR Annual Charity Spaghetti Feed Auction & Dance. Feast on salad, spaghetti & meatballs, garlic bread, dessert and wine with your buoni amici, participate in a live & silent auction, and dance! Bellisimi raffle prizes will be going home with some very lucky winners and don’t miss our arm wrestling contest!

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Education

August 2010

Come to

REBarCamp

San Mateo County

Free education seminars from experts within the SAMCAR Affiliate community covering a broad range of topics affecting the real estate transaction to help REALTORS® become familiar with the intricacies of the transaction to better serve their clients.

and Tell Us What

YOU Want to Learn!

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

SAMCAR is proudly hosting our first real estate BarCamp or REBarCamp on September 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 885 Woodside Road in Redwood City.

A REBarCamp you ask. What is it?

Thursday, August 19

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SAMCAR 850 Woodside Way, San Mateo

Clearing the Hurdles

These days having a contract is only the beginning of a transaction. Find out why 14% of closings fall apart and what you need to know up front before there are problems in the transaction.

Learn from these industry professionals how to avoid closing delays and inside tips about sailing through transactions to get your deal done quicker and smoother.

part 3 of 4

Escrow Officer Ellen Rae Sanders (Old Republic Title)

Appraiser Nancy Dierx

(Real Estate Appraisal Professionals)

Mortgage Banker Marat Shub

(Bank of the West)

It is an “un-conference”. REBarCamp is a one-day FREE “get-together” of some of the smartest social media marketing minds in real estate and anyone can attend. There is NO preset agenda. Attendees actually decide what the sessions will be (what YOU want to learn from these minds) first thing in the morning. We write the desired sessions on a big whiteboard, and then divide the sessions into tracks, so there are always three to five sessions going at one time. Here is one more very unique thing about REBarCamp. The sessions are NOT presentations, they are CONVERSATIONS. The experts in the room will often give a 15 to 20 minute talk on a subject to get the conversation going, and then open the room to question and answer. If you have a question or a statement, ask it. If you have an answer, offer it. If you have nothing to add to a conversation, REBarCamp is not for you. There are NO attendees at REBarCamp, only PARTICIPANTS. Some REBarCamp sessions from previous REBarCamps include “Why your real estate website is failing”, “How to use LinkedIn and Facebook to create leads”, “Understanding listing syndication”, “Getting the most out of your IDX”, “Maximizing internet lead conversion”, “How to start a blog and

where to find content”. But at REBarCamp San Mateo County, YOU will decide what you want to talk about, so be there early!

Did we say FREE?

We will have complimentary lunch tickets for the first 200 people who attend, thanks to MLS Listings.com and there will be refreshments and coffee served in the morning, and a hosted reception on the rooftop after the event closes. 885 Woodside is a brand new condo complex with beautiful views of the mountains and the developer has graciously donated the space for this event.

Social media is the new real estate marketing landscape, and REBarcamp could possibly be YOUR best opportunity to invest in your future.

For more information and to RSVP, go to www.rebarcampsanmateocounty.com and be sure to join our Facebook business page at www.facebook.com/REBarCampSMC.

REBarCamp San Mateo County

Monday, September 20 8:30 a.m to 4 p.m.

885 Woodside Road, Redwood City

Moderator Joshua Cantrell (Affiliate Chairperson)

This is a FREE Class.

Seating is limited, RSVP’s are required.

To Register, call SAMCAR

(650) 696-8200

Check online for a schedule of upcoming courses

www.samcar.org/Education

Education

August 2010

10

the tech detective

Finding Real Estate

Tech Information

For You!

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

free software training courses Microsoft EXCEL

September 17 / 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at SAMCAR

To get you up to speed on what’s what in the RE/Tech world, we bring you a new column! Each month we will pick a new hot tech trend and give you the skinny on it.

We invite you to let us know what you think of the tip and engage us on Facebook! Yes, 500 million people can’t be wrong. Facebook is the #1 growing social networking tool for increasing your real estate business by actively engaging your contacts. We are posting useful and EASY to use tools every Monday on our Facebook business page at www.facebook.com/samcar.fans We are not alone in working to help you succeed with technology. The Center for REALTOR® Technology, a National Association of REALTORS® initiative, is building and releasing technology tools for you that we will highlight in this space, as well. The web based resource area can be accessed by going to www.crt.realtors.org/cms/projects.

They are working on a new iPhone app, a listings Flash display application, an app that helps define neighborhood boundaries on maps, RETS resources and more.

cation or a tech tool that has really worked for you, please send it to juliez@samcar.org and we will feature it on our Facebook business page and if we get enough comments about it, it will be featured in this column.

We are not here to talk at you, we want you to become engaged. Yes, it’s a strange new world and we invite you to jump in with both feet! Now, go sign up for Facebook. If you are unsure about how to use Facebook, please attend the Facebook 101 session at the REBarCamp on September 20. Read more about this free social media day in this issue! Please also look at our upcoming RE/Tech classes. Jim Herrera rocks MLS tech tools on August 18th.

We are also looking to hear from you! Yes, YOU! If you would like to share a new appli-

Check our fan page for a weekly post about new tech tools

www.facebook.com/samcar.fans

Work with number and lists? Want to organize and categorize your income and expenses? Then you need to learn Excel and it’s shortcuts for setting up spreadsheets quickly and efficiently. You’ll learn how to create formulas, format text and numbers, short lists, work with multiple worksheets and various printing options

Microsoft EXCEL Address Book

October 15 / 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at SAMCAR

Using Excel is an ideal way of keeping track of contact information instead of entering addresses in a traditional address book.

Having an address book in Excel lets you easily add and delete information and keep everything extremely organized.

Using an Excel address book is also the first step in setting up a mail merge to print letters, address labels and envelopes.

To register, please call SAMCAR at

(650) 696-8200

august 2010 Weekly Education, Events & Tour Calendar Classes & Events

August 5

12 − 3 p.m. softball game 3 − 5 BBQ dinner

August 6 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (also on August 27)

August 6 1:30 – 3 p.m. (also on August 27)

Member appreciation BBQ & softball game

Join us for a BBQ dinner, entertainment, exciting prizes and softball game.

Location: Central Park in San Mateo | RSVP: (650) 696-8200

MLsListings: essentials of Matrix

Basic skills Matrix search application: Navigation, inputting Search queries, map search, Reporting & Results Options, Driving Directions, Adding Search Fields. Cost: FREE | Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

MLSListings: Mastering Matrix

Advanced skill: Sorting Results, Statistics from Results, CMA’s from Results, Area Statistics, Customizing Results, Building Hotsheets, Emailing Results. Location: SAMCAR | Cost: Free | Register: (650) 696-8200

gRi 102 - 104: trust Fund Management - Fair Housing

August 12 3 – 4 p.m.

“How to get sued...or not?”

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

When clients have a real estate dispute, they may contact an attorney. When an attorney has a potential case, they may hire a real estate expert to advise them about the specific circumstances and whether or not agents did their jobs correctly. A real estate expert has to be knowledgeable and have the credentials to convince a jury that agents either performed their duties or blew it. Come learn why we re being targeted and how to fight back!

Cost: $29 (includes a free copy of Cari Pace’s book “Don’t Shoot Me...I’m Just the Real Estate Agent!”) Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

August 13 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

MLsListings: Customize Class

August 26 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Mortgage Loan origination Cram Course

August 18 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Tu 20 27

We 21 28

Th 22 29

Fr 23 30

Sa 24 31

Marketing Meetings Tuesday, August 3 8:30 a.m.

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

Candidates for SAMCAR Board of Directors Candidate Statements 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

Prepare to Pass the National and State Exams. Instructor: Duane Gomer Location: SAMCAR | Cost: $189 | Registration: (650) 696-8200

saMCaR Board of directors Meeting

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

Legislative Committee Meetings

August 11 9 a.m.

Mo 19 26

Drop-in Q & A with MLSListings Inc. instructor Geoffrey Lambrechts Cost: FREE | Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

SAMCAR Board of Directors Meetings

August 5 9:30 a.m.

Su 18 25

www.samcar.org/calendar

August 12 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

August 25 8:30 a.m.

JULY 23 – 30

www.samcar.org/legislativecommittees

PaCiFiCa Legislative Committee Meeting Location: 450 Dondee Way, Suite 7, Pacifica 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

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