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 Nelson Janes  Friday, February 3rd, 2012  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
Judy Wegener Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
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
Bonnie Becker Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
 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
Daniel Allen Thursday, December 23rd, 2010
 2010 Installation
The Sacramento Association of REALTORS® 2010 Board of Directors was officially introduced and sworn in at a gathering of over 200 SAR Members and special guests in a colorful and festive “All Aboard” train-themed setting. Barbara Harsch addressed the theme of her tenure as “All Aboard” referring to the train that is SAR. In her analogy, she explained that volunteers are what make this train move. Barbara proved a great “conductor” for the SAR train this year.
 Crab Fest
Over 400 SAR Members and their friends and families attended the 2010 Crabfest held at the Folsom Community Center in February. In addition to the outstanding crab dinner and entertaining emcee Dave Bender, attendees also enjoyed the live music, raffle prizes, silent and live auction items and a $1,000 door prize. All proceeds benefitted the Sacramento Salvation Army. The next Crab Fest is planned for February 5, 2011 – same place, same time. Don’t miss out!
 Ethnic Chamber Mixers
Throughout 2010, the SAR Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity Committee organized mixers with local ethnic chambers. These mixers, which included the Russian American Media, Asian Pacific Chamber and the Indus Valley American Chamber, served as opportunities for SAR Members to interact with Sacramento’s diverse communities of business professionals.
Continue reading: 2010 In Review
Janelle Fallan Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
Mortgage banker Rob Chrisman, San Rafael, spoke to the Real Estate Finance Forum on Dec. 2 on the current state of capital markets.
Mr. Chrisman writes a daily on-line column on the mortgage business at robchrisman.com.
He discussed the current uncertainty in how mortgage originators are compensated. New federal regulations (Dodd-Frank act) will take effect April 1, 2011. In the meantime, many of the larger banks are also issuing their own rules. He expects “lots of rumors and innuendo” until all the rules are in place.
He credits mortgage brokers as “intelligent and nimble.” “You’ll figure out a way to do a loan” because the mortgage brokers who are still in the business are there because they like helping people.
“People with other motives,” such as those who came to mortgage origination just because it was a job, are gone.
Relationships have become much more important in mortgage origination, Mr. Chrisman said. “Your clients like using you. (Lending) is much more of a team effort.”
Continue reading: Mortgage Banker Rob Chrisman Speaks at the SAR Real Estate Finance Forum
Steve Goddard Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
 Steve Goddard - 2010 C.A.R. President 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, HUD, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and others. Tomorrow, we’re meeting with Senator Boxer’s Chief Economic Advisor, Marcus Stanley, and Housing Coordinator Jeff Moscovitz. On Thursday, we’ll meet with FHA Commissioner David Stevens, and on Friday with Grace Cooper, the acting director of the Veterans Administration, and Bill White, the VA’s loan service supervisor.
What happens in Washington has far-reaching implications for the housing market back home in California and its impact reverberates through all facets of the real estate industry, including our own. That’s why it’s more important than ever to become involved in the political process. Our goal in Washington is to make certain that our interests are represented, and that our voices are heard, before elected officials craft legislation impacting our industry.
This is a busy time of year in the legislative arena, on both the national front and in California. Following our federal lobbying trip, nearly 2,000 REALTORS® will converge in Sacramento on June 9 for the Association’s annual Legislative Day activities. Legislative Day is a great way to meet face-to-face with your state legislators to discuss the issues that affect our industry — and your livelihood — the most. Assembly Speaker John Pérez and Senator Dennis Hollingsworth are set to kick off the Morning Briefing, followed by opportunities to meet with your own elected officials in the afternoon.
If you’ve always wondered how Sacramento works, or what elected officials really do, this is your opportunity to find out firsthand. If you’ve never participated, I hope you’ll consider doing so this year – please add your voice with that of other REALTORS® and join us.
Continue reading: Your May Message from C.A.R. President Steve Goddard
Scott Short Friday, January 8th, 2010
I want to start out by saying a “Big Thank You” to Jim Hanson for running the Real Estate Finance Forum for the past two years. Jim has created great momentum for the forum and I am thankful.
For those who don’t know me, I am Scott Short with First Priority Financial. I have been a mortgage broker for 20 years now. I am married (wife Sandra) and have a son (Cesar – nine years old) and my daughter (Jazmin – four years old). I started in the mortgage industry in early 1990, fresh out of graduate school. (Masters degree in Finance)
My goal for the Real Estate Finance Forum is to continue the momentum that Jim Hanson has created over the past two years. (And the prior Chairpersons’ efforts, too.)
As we all know, our industry is under constant challenge/scrutiny from politicians, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, the media and consumers in general. One thing we can all agree on is to learn from our past to prepare for our future. The Real Estate Finance Forum is one place that helps you be prepared for any changes that could affect your business.
One reason the Real Estate Finance Forum is so successful is: Synergy. This is a word and a business practice we all embrace. Together we can weather the storm; individually we could be picked off. This is another reason for the forum and your attendance.
Continue reading: About the Market – Happy New Year!
Janelle Fallan Monday, January 4th, 2010
 Barbara Harsch Sacramento REALTOR® Barbara Harsch will be installed as President of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® on Tuesday, January 5.
In 1986 she joined Lyon Real Estate specializing in residential properties. She is an Outstanding Life Member of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®’ Masters’ Club and is its past president. She has served on the Board of Directors of SAR for three years.
She was born and raised in East Sacramento and describes herself as a “passionate advocate for all things Sacramento.” She is a graduate of Sacramento High School and the University of California, Berkeley. Barbara taught high school English and history throughout the region for many years. She has been active the Los Ninos Service League, which runs the Casa de Los Ninos Restaurant supporting the Sacramento Children’s Home. Barbara served on the National Ski Patrol for 22 years at Alpine Meadows and was a Senior Judge for the American Waterski Association for 15 years.
Charlene Singley, Lyon Real Estate, will be recognized as Immediate Past President. Other 2010 officers are Doug Covill, Coldwell Banker, President-elect and Kathy Fox, Prudential NorCal Realty, Secretary/Treasurer.
Continue reading: Barbara Harsch To Be Installed as REALTORS President
Erin Attardi Friday, December 18th, 2009
 Erin Attardi Did you attend the YPC CanTree Fundraiser – Dancing Through the Decades? If not, you missed a fantastic event! Aside from enjoying great wines with tastings offered by Carvalho Family Winery, Revolution Wines, and Ehrhardt Estates; delicious food provided by BJ’s Brewery, Tokyo Fro’s, and Zocalo; dance music mixed by our very own DJ Rico Rivera; and a silent auction with items provided by numerous local donors, everyone had a great time…AND we raised over $4,000 for the Christmas CanTree!
On another note – It’s official! Recently our Young Professionals Council received word that it has been officially recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® as the Sacramento Chapter of its Young Professionals Network. I have had the chance to meet the leadership of other NAR YPN chapters at various events this year, and there are going to be some fantastic offerings from YPN in the time to come.
Reflecting on 2009, I am extremely proud of what our Young Professionals Council has accomplished! We have raised thousands of dollars for charitable causes, and have given REALTORS® and Affiliates a forum to network and exchange ideas. Did you know that we have been able to engage hundreds of SAR members at our forums and events? I am very much looking forward to being your YPC Chair in 2010 and I know that Nikki Chapman is also looking forward to being YPC Vice-Chair.
Continue reading: Young Professionals Council – December 2009
Janelle Fallan Friday, November 6th, 2009
Recruiting is busier than ever in “a harbinger of things to come,” Barbara Hayes, executive director of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization (SACTO) told the Real Estate Finance Forum on November 5.
SACTO’s role is to market the 6-county region to the rest of the world, Ms. Hayes explained. Half its inquiries, from businesses considering locating in the Sacramento region, are related to green tech and clean energy.
California is on the cutting edge for these businesses, many of them overseas. European governments are underwriting clean energy and green technology and they want to be in Sacramento. SACTO works with every local government in the region.
Continue reading: Barbara Hayes, SACTO, addresses Real Estate Finance Forum
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