Calendar

February 2012
S M T W T F S
« Jan    
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
26272829  

Join the SAR
Social Media Sites

Join us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter
FACEBOOK TWITTER
Subscribe to us on YouTube Subscribe to our blog feed
YOUTUBE BLOG FEED

Communicating Your Value as a Professional REALTOR

Nelson Janes

The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that a profession involves the application of specialized knowledge of a subject to a fee-paying clientele. According to Wikipedia, a profession is a specialized occupation characterized by intensive training and subsequent licensure by a regulatory body.

The word is derived from Latin, meaning to swear an oath. That oath is based upon adherence to ethical standards which include client confidentiality, truthfulness and striving to be an expert. There is also a stipulation about upholding the good name of the profession.

Starting to sound familiar? Your REALTOR® Membership defines you as a professional. SAR, with the state and national REALTOR® organization, has been doing so for over 100 years.

Along with this overriding benefit, there are tangible savings, discounts and value that you receive through your Membership in the REALTOR® organization.

Excellence in educational programming is a prime and perennial benefit of SAR Membership. You can take all of the courses that you need for license renewal at a Member discount of at least $10 each course. You are also entitled to knowledgeable advice at no charge on how to renew your license.

Continue reading: Communicating Your Value as a Professional REALTOR

Patrick Lieuw Installed as 2012 President of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS

Chinese lion dancers highlighted the festivities as Patrick Lieuw was installed as the first Asian-American president and the 95th president of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® on January 10 2012.

Patrick’s theme for 2012, “Focus on Collaboration,” highlights the value he places on the diversity of SAR’s Membership as well as his interest in photography. “This year I’m pulling out my widest angle lens, because I plan for an all-inclusive composition, and that means every single current member of the SAR, and as many new members as we can attract. Each one of us brings his or her own insights and background, and I’m not just talking about differences in gender and ethnicity. Many of us started out in a different career. I, for instance, was an engineer.”

He said, “While others have pointed out that I am the first Asian-American President of the SAR, all I want you to remember, is that we are all one ‘Realtor family’ working together, to better our Association and our clients.”

Patrick, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Gold Natomas, has been a real estate broker and a Member of SAR for 23 years. He has also been a C.A.R. Director and Chair or Vice-Chair of numerous SAR and C.A.R. Committees. He is also involved in the Asian Real Estate Association of America, the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

Continue reading: Patrick Lieuw Installed as 2012 President of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS

SAR at the Sacramento Hmong New Year

This past weekend SAR participated in the Sacramento Hmong New Year at Cal Expo. It started last Thursday at 9am and concluded yesterday afternoon around 4pm. More than 10,000 people were anticipated to attend. This was an effort put forth by SAR’s Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity Committee and more than 15 SAR Members volunteered to staff the booth in 3½ – hour shifts over the 4-day weekend.

Susie, Lee, Tong, Gary at SAR Booth Friday AM

Susie, Lee, Tong, Gary at SAR Booth Friday AM

A big draw to SAR’s booth was the spinning prize wheel where attendees could spin for a chance to win a variety of prizes. Several hundred Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) were donated by the SAR Realty Supply Center to give away at the event, as well as other fun prizes donated by various Equal Opportunity Committee Members.

Continue reading: SAR at the Sacramento Hmong New Year

REALTORS® 29th Annual Christmas CanTree

2011 CanTree Logo

County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan will help the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® celebrate the 29th year of CanTree.

Each year, local REALTORS® build “trees” entirely of canned goods to raise funds and awareness for the Salvation Army.

On November 21 and 22, the CanTrees will be constructed at The Secret Garden in Elk Grove and the Sunrise Mall. At the association’s Main Meeting on December 6, Supervisor MacGlashan will join hundreds of area REALTORS® as the check from this year’s fundraising efforts is presented to the Salvation Army.

The Christmas CanTree Project raised $80,000 in 2010. Since 1983, SAR has raised more than $2 million to feed Sacramento’s hungry citizens.

The food donated will be distributed to needy families and individuals through The Salvation Army’s Holiday Food Basket and year-round food assistance programs. More than 165,000 local individuals are expected to benefit from the food contributed through CanTree, according to The Salvation Army. CanTree is a critical factor in successfully feeding thousands of people at Christmas time.

The Christmas CanTree is sponsored by SAR, but many organizations and individuals contribute to its success through donations of food, money, or goods and services.

Schedule:

Continue reading: REALTORS® 29th Annual Christmas CanTree

C.A.R. Monthly Message May 2011

Beth L Peerce

Dear C.A.R. Member,

Greetings from Washington, D.C.! This week, your Leadership Team and I are in our nation’s capital, meeting with California’s congressional delegates and representatives from leading housing industry groups, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Federal Housing Finance Agency, and others.

This is a busy time of year in the legislative arena, on both the national front and in California. Last week, nearly 2,000 members of the REALTOR® Party of California were out in full force in Sacramento for the Association’s annual Legislative Day activities, which included a march to the Capitol. Many of you met face-to-face with your state legislators to discuss the issues that affect our industry — and your livelihood. I want to thank you for participating in Legislative Day because it’s more important than ever to make certain our interests are represented and that our voices are heard before elected officials craft legislation that impacts our industry.

For example, one impending issue that will significantly impact our industry is the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that purchase or guarantee mortgage-backed securities on the secondary mortgage market. Congress has been debating changes to the GSEs. Proposals for “reform” include legislation to phase out and eventually eliminate Fannie and Freddie altogether. Elimination of the GSEs, which purchased or securitized two out of every three loans written in 2010, would have grave consequences for home buyers and sellers, the real estate market, and the economy as a whole. Almost overnight, financing would dry up. Interest rates would increase, and borrowers would be forced into the exotic loan products that helped create the current financial climate. These are scenarios the struggling housing market can ill afford now.

It’s important that REALTORS® understand the potential damaging effects of phasing out Fannie and Freddie. For more details about the GSEs and their importance to real estate housing finance.

Continue reading: C.A.R. Monthly Message May 2011

Political Analyst Gary Dietrich’s Insights at the May Main Meeting

Gary Dietrich is a widely-respected, nonpartisan broadcast political analyst who spoke at our May Main Meeting on May 3. Here are some of the highlights of his fascinating presentation.

Bin Ladin
According to Gary, “Bin Ladin’s death is the single most important event since the fall of the Berlin wall.” It was a game changer. This event “shows that Obama has the ability to get big things done.” It should reflect well on Obama come election time, however, the economy is the critical factor in how people will vote.

“We’ll see a significant bump in the polls. Bin Ladin was a major boost to America’s psyche. National security is very important to people.”

Presidential Election
“The presidential election next month will be relentless. Obama is trying to raise $1 billion… The natives are restless. People are really engaged and know what is going on.” Part of this is due to the 24/7 news media. Democrats have to defend a huge number of Senate seats as compared to the Republicans.

A bumper sticker Gary read said, “If God had intended for us to vote, He would have given us a candidate.” There is real deep political distrust. Americans ask, “What difference will my vote make?”

“Americans are resilient. This too shall pass. Resist the temptation to go after each other’s throats through the tough times. Together is when we’ve done our best work.”

Continue reading: Political Analyst Gary Dietrich’s Insights at the May Main Meeting

C.A.R.’s Your Membership, Your Way April 2011

CAR Logo

SAVING YOU TIME
C.A.R. Enters the Blogosphere— Curious about the perils of refinancing? Longing for sage advice from a real estate lawyer? Wondering if the latest tech gadget is really worth the investment? Log on to the new C.A.R. blog (http://blog.car.org) for these and other timely posts. The resourceful blog offers tips of the trade, industry news, tech talk, first-person tales from the trenches, and more. C.A.R. staff members contribute to the easy-to-read blog, which includes new posts several times a week, but the blog also is open for guest blogging. If you have wise tips or stories of success you’d like to share with other members, contact Lindsey Moss at lindseym@car.org. However, be warned: This is a pitch-free zone, so submissions aren’t about self-promotion.

SAVING YOU MONEY
Two Days in Sacramento—Mark your calendars for early May to attend Legislative Day (May 4) and California REALTOR® Showcase (May 5) in Sacramento. Legislative Day offers members an opportunity to descend on Capitol Hill and meet with their state legislators to discuss issues that affect the real estate industry. The day starts with a morning briefing at 9 a.m. Members interested in attending can register through their local association. For more information, visit http://www.car.org/governmentaffairs/getinvolved/legday/. The following day, California REALTOR® Showcase serves up free seminars on the latest developments in social media, how to navigate a short sale transaction, and what industry top producers are doing to succeed in today’s market. In addition to a tabletop exhibit, California REALTOR® Showcase also will feature a luncheon lecture, “Why Lenders Can’t Lend: The Uncertain Future of Real Estate Finance,” presented by C.A.R. CEO Joel Singer. Tickets are $55 through April 28; $60 onsite. For more information, visit www.car.org/meetings/showcase.

Continue reading: C.A.R.’s Your Membership, Your Way April 2011

Masters Club Corner-February 2011

SAR Masters Club Logo

We’re off and running into 2011 now with lots of REALTOR® events to look forward to in the coming year. Last year was challenging, but it surely wasn’t because the offerings through SAR were limited. A plethora of classes, seminars and workshops were offered. This year will be no different.

Besides all of the classes offered through SAR, the Masters Club has a number of upcoming events that are sure to help you garner new business. In fact, the Educational Roundtables that were just held were an outstanding success! It was again a sold out event and attended by new as well as seasoned agents. What a bargain to learn all the tips of the “Masters” AND receive a free breakfast to boot. I am a firm believer in gleaning as much information as possible from those who have already done it…..and rarely do you find a successful REALTOR® who isn’t willing to share their knowledge with anyone who asks.

Speaking of things past….the deadline has now passed for submission of Masters Club applications. However, applications for the 2010 production year may still be submitted for review with a $100 late filing fee in addition to the regular $65 Masters Club dues assessment. The $100 late filing fee acts as a gentle but firm motivator to submit your application on time.

Masters Club Annual Luncheon
Mark your calendar for March 11. This is the date for the Masters Club Luncheon to be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel downtown. Invitations will be going out soon. Everyone is invited. Make sure you mail your check as soon as invitations arrive, as space will be limited. It is always a fun and lively event.

Masters Club Spring Mixer
Reserve Thursday, March 31 for our next mixer. The venue has not been determined as of this writing, but invitations will be going out with all pertinent information very soon. The last mixer at the Rail Bridge winery was a rousing success with a silent auction and live music. All of the proceeds from the auction benefitted the SAR Scholarship Fund.

Continue reading: Masters Club Corner-February 2011

EVP Exchange-February 2011

Nelson Janes

Since you sell communities when you help consumers buy and sell homes, it’s good to note that Sacramento has been ranked one of the top cities in America for its quality of life by Money magazine and Sperling’s.

The city’s rich historical heritage, commitment to quality of life and abundance of trees and parkland contributed to Newsweek magazine’s naming Sacramento one of the ten best cities in the United States.

We’re lucky to live here with the many opportunities we have to enjoy the outdoors and entertainment including myriad museums, galleries, historical attractions and theatres. Seasonal festivals can be found every weekend throughout the year. Farmers markets are sprinkled throughout the area. The wine growing regions of nearby Sierra Foothills offer wine tastings and other travel opportunities.

Newcomers continue to arrive seeking opportunity, sunshine and lower housing costs than found in coastal California.

Downtown and Midtown are seeing a resurgence of fine restaurants, entertainment venues, galleries and unique watering holes.

There are many great colleges and universities in and around Sacramento as well.

Over the years, high-tech companies have moved here, and now their output places Sacramento at 21st out of 100 other metro areas.

Continue reading: EVP Exchange-February 2011

Covill Installed; Cimaroli, Fox, Nunn, Kloss and Harsch Honored

Doug Covill – just after he was installed as the 2011 SAR President Doug Covill, REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker in Sacramento, was installed Tuesday as the 94th President of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®.

Mr. Covill has been a full-time REALTOR® in Sacramento for over 28 years. He has served on the Masters Club Steering Committee, Government Relations Committee, Legislative Committee, Budget Committee, the Political Action Committee, and a C.A.R. Director.

Barbara Harsch, REALTOR® with Lyon Real Estate Downtown, was honored for her contributions as 2010 President. Mr. Covill said, “You have brought forth much positive change and growth for SAR. We recognize the unyielding commitment, dedication, integrity and professionalism you have brought to your presidency.”

The officers installed for 2011 were: President-elect Patrick Lieuw, RE/MAX Gold Natomas; Secretary/Treasurer Chris Little, Little Real Estate Services; Immediate Past President Barbara Harsch and Past President Charlene Singley, Dunnigan REALTORS®. The 2011 Board of Directors includes: Erin Attardi, Dunnigan REALTORS®; Judy Covington, Keller-Williams Realty Elk Grove; Kathy Fox, Prudential NorCal Realty Carmichael; Ron Greenwood, Coldwell Banker; Jeff Jurach, Lyon Real Estate Sierra Oaks; Michelle Lehman, Century 21-Noel David Realty; Rob McQuade, McMartin Realty; Deniece Ross-Francom, McMartin Realty; Ted Russert, Lyon Real Estate Sierra Oaks; Scott Short, Comstock Mortgage; Paula Swayne, Dunnigan REALTORS®; Dave Tanner, Tanner and Associates; Mary Willett, Lyon Real Estate Sierra Oaks, and Linda Wood, Dunnigan REALTORS®.

Neva Cimaroli of Folsom, the first woman president of SAR in 1979, was given the Lifetime Service Award. She joined the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® in 1955. She was a Regional Vice-president of the California Association of REALTORS® and a past director, National Association of REALTORS®.

Continue reading: Covill Installed; Cimaroli, Fox, Nunn, Kloss and Harsch Honored