Jim Hanson « Sacramento Association of REALTORS® Web Log

About the Market - Happy New Year!

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!

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE - Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Charlene Singley

Friday, December 11th, 2009

2009 SAR President - Charlene Singley

They say time flies, and boy, does it! This year has gone so very quickly, and quite successfully too, I might add. The credit for any success has to be given to the nearly 200 individuals who volunteered during the year in so many ways.

When I asked how many individual people serve in one or more capacities, I was astounded when I was told it is nearly 200 people. And, in most cases, they don’t serve on only one committee. The generosity of spirit and time is truly inspiring.

First of all, I am the first to acknowledge that nothing in this association gets done without the absolute best staff in the entire state! The reason I always praise Nelson Janes at meetings is just because he does such an excellent job. He is the reason SAR maintains an even keel year after year. His leadership enables the association to hire and maintain such a high-quality staff. Each and every one works tirelessly on your behalf and I appreciate so very much everything they do for all of us.

The Education Committee stepped up the pace this year with many classes covering the hot button issues. The new Lunch & Learn classes have been extremely successful. Jeff Jurach and Denise Ross-Francom, the Chair and Vice-chair, and their committee members have done an excellent job.

Continue reading: PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE – Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

About the Market - December 2009

Jim Hanson

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Jim Hanson - 2009 Real Estate Finance Forum Chair

This is my 24th and final article as the Chair of the Real Estate Finance Forum. What a blessing it has been to serve this Association and you, its Members. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to all my faithful readers. It has been a blast. I have learned so much and this position has helped me grow as a person and as a mortgage originator. Serving on the Board has taught me many valuable lessons as well. I will miss embarrassing myself every month at the Main Meeting giving the financial update. I have done my very best to bring value in every aspect of this position.

I would like to leave you with one important reminder. I wrote about this back in 2008 and believe it to be the single most important topic I covered. Education. You have to stay informed. The massive changes in the mortgage industry are a great example. I noted many changes in our industry over the last two years, some good and some not so good. SAR and the Housing Opportunities Committee have done an outstanding job offering forums that are designed to educate us on the changes taking place in front of our eyes. We must be proactive in staying ahead of the curve. Use change to grow. Use change to make change. Use change to fight changes you do not agree with.

Economically speaking, we are in good shape for the moment. Rates are still low. Last time I looked, inflation was in check. Employment is a huge factor in our economic recovery and is very complicated. Government intervention in many areas of our economy is at an all time high. I am not sure how to respond to the decisions that are being made in Washington at this time. We can only hope our economy gets fired up and pulls us out of the struggles we are having.

Continue reading: About the Market – December 2009

August 2009 Newsletter

Daniel Allen

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Sacramento Association of REALTORS® is proud to announce that the August 2009 edition of the Newsletter is available here.

August 2009 SAR Newsletter

Continue reading: August 2009 Newsletter

SAR Has a New Strategic Plan

Nelson Janes

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Carefully considered plans are taking shape for SAR in 2010 and beyond.

SAR volunteers gave two days to the Association for a Strategic Planning retreat in late June facilitated by Gar Anderson, NAR’s Vice President for Leadership Development.

Prior to the retreat, the SAR Staff took a day to review the existing plan, noting that all of its goals had been accomplished. They then made recommendations going forward, which were sent to Anderson for his consideration.

The plan features prioritized goals for the Association, with the purpose of providing the programs and services that will keep Members ahead of their industry.

Continue reading: SAR Has a New Strategic Plan