May 2011 - Middle Georgia Association of Realtors

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e M i d d l e G e o r g i a A s s o c i a t i o n o f R E A LTO R S ®
®
The REALTOR Record
Vol. 9 Issue 3
“Building on the Past...Shaping the Future”
2011 Officers
President’s Message
James Solomon
President
We all should be thankful
that we were able to live to see
another Easter Day. I truly
hope that everyone was able to
celebrate Easter in their own
special way.
Cheryl Lewis
Past President
Tim Thornton
President Elect
Mary Beth conn
V.P Admin. & Finance
Robert Binion
V.P. Professional Dev.
Keith Rollins
V.P. Governmental
Affairs
2011 Directors
John Conn
Chrissy Ham Donovan
Jackie Hicks
Mallory Jones
Dorothy Mitchell
Shannon Piland
Jolyn Vanicky
Donna Walters
2011 GAR Directors
Mary Beth Conn
I am sure you will be pleased
to hear that Jim Smith, Broker
of Willingham Loan & Realty
has again been nominated for
one of the four (4)
state Vice-President
positions. Jim has
already served one
year as a GAR
Vice-President and
is well respected by
Realtors® all over
the state of Georgia. He has
represented this region and the
Middle Georgia Association
very well. Give Jim your support and encouragement.
Mark your calendars for the
May 18th Lunch & Learn
being hosted by our Bronze
Corporate Sponsor, BB&T
Mortgage. The topic will be
“Everything You Need to
Know about FHA Loans” and
a light lunch will be provided
to attendees.
Also, we will be holding a
seminar on “Successfully Selling HUD Homes in Georgia”
May. 2011
on Tuesday, May 24th from 3
to 5 p.m. This is a free event
for attendees.
Please note CE credit is not
being given for these two (2)
events. To RSVP for either
training please contact Arline
at alayson@mgar.org or call
(478) 471-7336.
We hosted our first REALTOR Ramble on
Wednesday April 13th
and had 20 houses participate. We had a great
time and received some
valuable feedback.
Our next Ramble is set for
Wednesday, May 11th and we
already have 7 houses participating. The cost is $10 for
each listing you place on the
Ramble and this money will be
used for the jackpot drawing at
the end of the day.
Like last month there will be
door prizes at many of the
homes on the Ramble as well
as various refreshments. The
best part is that ANYONE can
participate in the Ramble
whether you have a house
listed or not. You are encouraged to visit the homes listed
for a chance to win the door
prizes and to supply feedback,
you just won’t be entered in the
Jackpot drawing.
In closing let me again share
with you my President’s
Charge for the year: Go and
live in peace, encourage the
timid, support the weak, and
show unending patience with
every one. Do not repay evil
for evil, but hold fast to what is
good. Aim always at doing the
very best for each other and for
all people. Be joyous always,
pray continually and at all
times and in all things never
cease to give thanks.
James Solomon,
President
Donnie Laurens
Cheryl Lewis
Anna Roberts
Robbie Roberts
Keith Rollins
James A. (Jim) Smith
James Solomon
Tim Thornton
WINNERS OF THE ANNUAL SURVEY DRAWING ARE…
Kerri Swearingen $100.00, Jim Howell $75.00,
Barbara Flournoy $50.00, & Dan Pittman $25.00
Thanks to everyone who completed their survey form. Your input is
appreciated and will help make our Association stronger and more
responsive to the needs of our membership. Results of the survey
will be published in the June newsletter.
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MAY, 2011
THE REALTOR® RECORD
2011 Corporate Sponsors
We wish to thank our Corporate Sponsors for the Support they have given to the
Middle Georgia Association of REALTORS®
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Georgia MLS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Arrow Exterminators, Inc.
SCANA Energy
BB&T
The Telegraph
Mid-GA MLS
Trading Post Moving & Storage
2011 Association Education Calendar
“The More You Learn...The More You Earn!”
July 27, 2011 – You Can’t Fix Stupid—
Instructor: Tom Gillett
MGAR Training Center—
Cost $10.00
6 hrs. CE – 9:00 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. Registration
Aug. 12th – Orientation
MGAR Training Center— Cost FREE
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
8:30 a.m. Registration
Aug. 12h– Code of Ethics—Cycle 3
(Meets NAR’s Mandatory Trng. Req.)
MGAR Training Center— Cost $25.00
FREE TO MGAR MEMBERS
3 hrs. CE - 1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
12:30 p.m. Registration
Dec. 2nd – Orientation
MGAR Training Center— Cost FREE
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
8:30 a.m. Registration
Dec. 2nd – Code of Ethics—Cycle 3
(Meets NAR’s Mandatory Trng. Req.)
MGAR Training Center— Cost $25.00
FREE TO MGAR MEMBERS
3 hrs. CE - 1:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
12:30 p.m. Registration
If you would like further information or to
register for any of the above courses please
contact Sandy or Arline at (478) 471-7336.
Robert Binion, Vice-President
Professional Development
Independent Study Courses
– On-Line
3, 6 & 9 Hour Continuing Education Courses as well as Sales
Pre-License/Post License & Broker’s Pre -License at
www.mgar.org or call
Arline at (478) 471-7336.
Did You Know the Georgia Real Estate Commission Offers
FREE Online Continuing Education Courses
The Broker of the firm carries the responsibility for the licensed firm. The Commission introduced a new online course in October written to assist the Broker in
managing those responsibilities. The online course titled, “Being a Broker and
Staying Out of Trouble” is for Brokers and all other licensees. Every licensee can
benefit from the ideas, including those for contract review an advertising review
checklist and ideas for preparing for a trust account office examination. These
tools are not only part of the course, but those are also available from the Georgia
Real Estate Commission School web page Resource Section at
www.jmre.com/grec. The 2 GREC online courses are PC and MAC compatible
and require an internet connection with either Foxfire or Internet Explorer as the
browser. To enroll go to www.jmre.com/grec.
MAY, 2011
THE REALTOR® RECORD
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THE REALTOR® RECORD
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MAY, 2011
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THE REALTOR® RECORD
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Women’s Council of REALTORS® (WCR) Update
Kerri Swearingen, President
WIN THE NEW APPLE IPAD
The WCR Chapter is also holding a fundraising raffle
for a chance to win a New Apple IPAD. Tickets are
$10.00 each or 3 for $25.00. Tickets are available
from any WCR member and will be on sale at the
May 5th Association Membership Luncheon at Idle
Hour. The drawing will be held at the
WCR May Business Resource Luncheon on
Thursday, May 19, 2011
MGAR Now of Facebook!
MGAR Now of Twitter!
Join us today! Search for the
Middle Georgia Association of
REALTORS®
Follow us at mgartweets
Women’s Council News
Kerri Swearingen, President WCR
Women’s Council
Business RessourceLuncheon
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Vineville United
Methodist Church
2045 Vineville Avenue
12:00 noon
Membership News
Mallory Jones, Membership Chairman
New & Reinstated Realtors®:
Joan Brown—AAA Choice Realty
Frances Chapman—Craig Massee Realty Co.
Matthew Gilbert—New Atlantic Realty Group
Simone Mullis—Almost Home Realty
Wilma Purvis—AAA Choice Realty
Ann Rawls—AAA Choice Realty
Judy Williams—SK Smith Realty Company
New Companies:
A Home for You Realty, LLC
Covenant Realty Associates, LLC
New Affiliates:
Terry Berding—Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Ralph Burgos—Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Jay McElrath—Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
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THE REALTOR® RECORD
MAY, 2011
Commercial Council Update
Miki Folsom, President
May Commercial Council Meeting
Thursday, May 26th—8:30 a.m.
Downtown Square Office Building
111 Third Street—Macon
Continental Breakfast Provided
RSVP to Arline at alayson@mgar.org
or call (478) 471-7336
Presentation:
New Director of Inspection & Fees
Mr. Tom Buttram
Update on Proposed Commercial Council P&Z Text Amendment
Some members attended the Macon/Bibb County Planning & Zoning meeting on Monday the 25th in
support of our proposed amendment. All items were discussed and deferred for additional consideration
by the full commission and staff until Monday, May 9th at 1:30 p.m.
Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend as your show of support is critical.
RPAC Committee Update
Sandy Davis, Mary Beth Conn and I
attended a State RPAC Fundraising &
Processing Conference at the Atlanta
REALTOR® Center on April 19th to
learn more about RPAC.
Some of you may be saying, “What is
RPAC?” REALTOR® Political Action
Committee.
A Political Action Committee is nothing more than a group of people who
pool their resources to support candidates who support their industry.
Many of you may be like me--you
knew it had something to do with raising money -- you might participate -you might not--BUT:
Now more than ever -REALTORS®
need a PAC because:
RPAC Disclaimer:
1. Money Talks
2. We can support candidates who
understand our industry
3. It helps to open doors and encourages lawmakers to keep an open mind
on our issues.
Working together, we will have the
tools necessary to promote homeownership, defend property rights, fight for
lower taxes, and ultimately sustain an
environment that allows you to maximize your profitability. RPAC is your
best investment in real estate.
We all need to commit to the continued success of RPAC and our governmental affairs program. Let’s all commit this year!!
Donna Walters, Co-Chair
RPAC Committee
Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political
purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS®, the Georgia Association of REALTORS® or
the Middle Georgia Association of REALTORS® will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. Seventy percent of each
contribution is split between Georgia RPAC to support state and local political candidates and Georgia RPAC for issues mobilization and education.
Thirty percent is sent to National RPAC to support Federal candidates and is charges against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a.
WED
THU
FRI
27
N AR
28
21
Mid-Year Legislative Meeting &
Trade Expo—
Washington, DC
14
7
Have a Safe & Happy Summer!
8:30 a.m. Commercial Council
– Downtown Square Office Bldg.
111 Third Street—Macon
26
20
ing & Trade Expo—Washington,
DC
.NAR Mid-Year Legislative Meet-
13
6
SAT
THE REALTOR® RECORD
DAY—
OFFICE CLOSED
Office Closed from 1 p.m. to 2
p.m.
30 MEMORIAL 31
25
12:00 noon….WCR Luncheon
Vineville United Meth. Church
10:30 am...Board of Directors Mtg.
12:00 noon– to 1:00 p.m.—Lunch &
Learn - FHA Mortgage Update
MGAR Training Center
19
10:00 am..Strategic Planning Comm. Mtg.
MGAR Board Room
NAR Mid-Year Legislative Meeting &
Trade Expo—Washington, DC
12
18
9 am to 5 p.m.—REALTOR
RAMBLE
3:00 pm– to 5:00 p.m.—Successfully
Selling HUD Homes
MGAR Training Center
FREE to MGAR & PBOR Members
29
NAR Mid-Year Legislative
Meeting & Trade Expo Washington, DC
11
12:00 noon...WCR Board Meeting
MGAR Board Room
3:00 pm...Community Serv. Comm. Mtg.
MGAR Board Room
12:00 noon...Assoc. Luncheon
Idle Hour Country Club
5
4
24
17
23
1:00 pm...Executive Comm Mtg.
MGAR Board Room:
16
10
3
Sponsored by: BB&T & Mid-GA MLS
Program: 2011 Legislative Update—Keith Hatcher, GAR’s Senior Director of Public Policy
22
15
9
8
TUE
May Association Luncheon—May 5, 2011—12:00 noon
MON
11:00 am...RPAC Committee Mtg.
MGAR Board Room
1
1
SUN
MAY, 2011
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MAY, 2011
THE REALTOR® RECORD
Our Affiliate Members
REMEMBER: When you see any of our affiliate members, please
thank them for their support. Remember when you need any of the
services our Affiliates offer, think of them first.
Let them know how much we appreciate them!
2-10 Home Buyers Resale
Warranty
Emily Nipper
718-7555
Georgia Power Company
Lynn Moses—784-5809
Rhonda Fulford—784-5051
Robins Federal Credit Union
Sheila Williams
923-3773 x4421
Arrow Exterminators
Paul Vickers
471-8571
Haygood, Lynch, Harris, Melton
& Watson, LLP
Bob Harris
994-5171
SCANA Energy
Helen Stembridge
405-2300
Bank of America—Mortgage
Dept.
Geeta Shah
722-9472
Home Search Magazine
Ron Williams
957-2738
BB&T
Charlotte Byrd
722-7305
Martin, Snow, LLP
Ross Schell—749-1700
Kenny Walker
Capital City Bank
Terence David—749-6721
Carla Vento—474-2110
Martin Wilson, Attorney at Law
471-1991
Central Bank Mortgage
Services
Karen Wilson
474-0939
DuraClean
Larry Parks
Bradley Parks
475-9560
Envoy Mortgage
Tino Sheridan
477-9455
Georgia MLS
John Ryan
1-770-493-9000
Mid-GA Multiple Listing Service
Suzanne Beers
742-1261
Mid-State Mortgage Co., LLC
Stephen Jones
757-8801
Monroe County Reporter
Gina Seitz
994-2358
Pinkston & Associates
Calder Pinkston—476-0730
Benjamin F. McElreath, Jr
Sell & Melton, LLP
Jeffrey Hanson
746-8521
ServPro
Tara Glover
474-6700
State Bank & Trust
Leigh Hartley—757-3371
Amy Gibson—796-6268
The Telegraph
Loralee Nichols
(478) 744-4355
Trading Post Moving & Storage
Brannon Hicks—477-8200
Lally Weaver—477-8200
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Cliff Frohn—1-912-598-2633
David Baltz—750-2030
Ralph Burgos—319-8382
Jay McElrath—750-4647
Terry Berding—750-2966
Wilson & Associates Appraisal
Services
Tom Wilson
471-1000
THE REALTOR® RECORD
MAY, 2011
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2011 GAR Forms Update
The 2011 GAR Forms Revisions package is now available for use. To view the forms and summary of changes, you may log onto
the password protected Forms section of the GAR website www.garealtor.com (i.e. Law and Ethics-->Contract Forms->Downloadable Contract Forms). Form vendors have until April 15, 2011 to have the forms available to users.
2011 REVISED GAR Forms on Slicks or CD Order Form
(Forms on CD are in .pdf format—Adobe Acrobat Reader)
NAME: __________________________________________________ COMPANY:_______________________________________
ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________ DAYTIME PHONE #:_______________________
BROKER’S NAME & GREC LICENSE #:______________________________________________
Quantity
Description
Unit Price
2011 GAR Forms on CD ROM (pdf)
$25.00
2011 GAR Forms—Paper Slicks
$35.00
Total
PAYMENT METHOD: (Please make check payable to MGAR—3263 Vineville Avenue—Macon, GA 31204)
Check (enclosed):_____Money Order (enclosed) _______ Cash _________
PLEASE NOTE: GAR Forms are available for our REALTOR® members for FREE in pdf format
on GAR’s website at www.garealtor.com.
You can advertise
here for as little
as $25.00 per
month!
Call Sandy at
(478) 471-7336
You can advertise here for as
little as $25.00
per month!
Call Sandy at
(478) 471-7336
Pinkston & Associates
Real Estate Law
3496 Vineville Avenue
Macon, GA 31204
(478) 476-0730
closings@PinkstonLaw.com
Calder F. Pinkston
Benjamin F. McElreath
Attorneys at Law
“Success is a lousy You can advertise
here for as little
teacher. It seduces
people into thinking
as $25.00 per
they can’t lose.
month!
- Bill Gates
Call Sandy at
(478) 471-7336
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THE REALTOR® RECORD
MAY, 2011
APRIL,
MAY, 2009
2011
THE REALTOR® RECORD
PAGE 11 OF 12
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Did You Do the REALTOR Ramble in April?
Did you Ramble? If not you missed
an opportunity to see some wonderful
houses and the chance to
enjoy some great food
and win some prizes.
Remember you don’t have
to have a house listed on the
Ramble to participate. We would
love for everyone to take the 2nd
Wednesday of each month to preview the Ramble listings and leave
some valuable feedback.
You never know you might win something while enjoying some great refreshments!
Congratulations to Anna Roberts with
Rivoli Realty, the winner of our $200
Ramble Jackpot Drawing!
A few of our other winners included:
Mindy Attaway - $25.00 Bonefish Grill
Gift Certificate, Bill Lieber - $100.00
Bonefish Grill Gift Certificate, Betty
Barnes - $25.00 Chili’s Gift Certificate, Candy Conn McMahon $100.00 Gift Card and more…
Our next Ramble is set for
Wednesday, May the 11th and we already have 7 houses participating. Be
sure to get your listings in and set aside
the date so you can enjoy the fun!
For more information about the Ramble go to www.mgar.org and click on
the REALTOR Ramble link under the
Members Page Section.
Hope to see you on the 11th and remember get those listings submitted on
Monday, May 9th by 5:00 p.m. if you
want a house on the Ramble.
Sandy Davis
Association Executive
Community Service Committee holding Mother’s Day
Fundraiser & Cell Phone for Soldier’s Project
Don’t forget the Community Service
Committee’s first fundraiser will be held
at the May 5th Association Membership
Luncheon and will be a Mother’s Day
Sweet Sale Silent Auction. We have
some truly wonderful desserts for you to
bid on and what a great way to your save
your Mother some time in the kitchen.
The committee will also be selling the
“REALTOR by Day...Chef by Night”
cookbooks so if you haven’t
purchased your copy yet
they will be on sale at the
luncheon and are a steal at
only $15.00 each, or 2 for
$25.00. They would make
great Mother’s Day gifts!
The committee also recently presented
the first proceeds check in the amount of
$1,600.00 to the Ronald McDonald House
from our cookbook sales.
and I hope to see everyone at the May 5th
luncheon with checkbooks ready!
Wende Meyer von Bremen, Chair
Community Service Committee
Also, if you haven’t donated your used
“Cell Phones for Soldiers”
yet please remember to bring
them to the luncheon on
Thursday. We are holding
this event in conjunction with
the 4-H.
The old cell phones will be used to buy
calling cards for our troops. For more
information on this project go to:
www.cellphonesforsoldiers. com
Thanks in advance for all your support
Members of the Community Service Committee
presenting the cookbook proceeds check to the
Ronald McDonald House
Save the Date!
Plan to participate in the 2011 REALTOR® Nationwide Open House
Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5. Join your Association
and other state and local REALTOR® associations across the country
hosting the nation’s largest open house campaign. Expect regular updates and promotional materials to help drive buyer traffic.
Questions? Contact Arline Layson for additional information at
alayson@mgar.org or call her at (478) 471-7336.
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E M I D D L E G E O RG I A
A S S O CI ATI O N O F RE AL TO RS®
Make checks payable to:
Middle GA Association of Realtors®
3263 Vineville Ave.—Macon, GA 31210
Phone:(478) 471-7336—Fax: (478) 471-0344
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
Sandra L. Davis “Sandy”
Association Executive
Arline Layson
AE Assistant
Middle Georgia Association of
REALTORS
“Building on the
Past...Shaping the Future”
We’re on the web!
www.mgar.org
May Lunch n’ Learn
Program by:
BB&T Mortgage
“Everything You Need to Know
about FHA Loans”
Wednesday, May 18th
12:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.
MGAR Training Center—
Cost: Free to MGAR Members
Light Lunch provided
RSVP to Arline at alayson@mgar.org or 471-7336.