Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® 2011 Fall Edition of the REALTOR® Review
Citation preview
An e-publication of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®
REALTORFALL 2011®
reviewEmbrace the
Angel Tree Tradition
1 From the President
7 Neighbors Helping Neighbors
10 NewsMakers
12 Local Market Updates
14 New Members
departments
RALEIGH REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
111 Realtors Way, Cary, N.C. 27513Phone: 919-654-5400; Fax: 919-654-5401www.rrar.com
RRAR OFFICERSLinda Trevor, PresidentMarshall Gay, Vice PresidentStacey Anfindsen, President ElectAsa Fleming, Secretary/TreasurerTheresa Clark, Past President
RRAR DIRECTORS Stacey Anfindsen Becky HarperVince Bankoski Grayson HodgeAutumne Bennett Morty JaysonPhyllis Brookshire Carol McCormickEddie Brown Melanie OsborneDavid Chance Mollie OwenTheresa Clark John PaceKelly Cobb Teresa PittSteina De Andrade Zach SchabotHarriette Doggett Jose SerranoLaurie Donofrio Tom SmithAsa Fleming Josh SwindellMarshall Gay Linda TrevorTom Gongaware Mary Edna Williams Lewis Grubbs John Wood
REALTOR® FOUNDATION OF THE TRIANGLE OFFICERS Marshall Gay, PresidentGary Rabon, Secretary/TreasurerJoey Robbins, Past President
NCAR REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS Theresa Clark John Wood
NAR DIRECTORS Eddie Brown John Wood
TRIANGLE REALTORS® LEADERSHIP ACADEMY DEAN Asa Fleming
Members are cautioned that the inclusion of a name, specific commercial product or service in an article, or in this publication does not imply endorsement by the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®. All advertisers in this publication wholly support the Fair Housing Act and fully promote equal opportunity housing.
Copyright 2011 by the Raleigh Reg- ional Association of REALTORS®. All rights reserved.
REALTOR® REVIEW STAFF: Patricia Gregory Rand, managing editor, [email protected] Ketler, APR, editor, [email protected] Washington, communications associate, [email protected] Beck, graphic designer, [email protected]
For editorial contributions and ad inquiries, please contact Sandee Washington at [email protected] or (919) 654-5400.
FALL 2011, VOL. 3, NO. 4REALTORreview
®
features
Preliminary Identity Colors
Dark Blue PMS 282CMYK: 100, 72, 0, 56RGB: 0, 40, 93
PMS 282
Blue PMS 299CMYK: 85, 18, 0, 0RGB: 0, 158, 221
PMS 299
Light Purple PMS 265CMYK: 54, 56, 0, 0RGB: 129, 119, 183
PMS 265
Purple PMS 360CMYK: 58, 0, 80, 0RGB: 115, 193, 103
PMS 360
315NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY THAT NEW SUV SUV must be only for business, weigh 6,000-plus pounds for 2011 bonus depreciation.
20 SHOULD I OR SHOULDN’T I UP-
GRADE? Maximize features of current tech device before starting new all over again.
HARK! EMBRACE PROJECT ANGEL TREE TRADITION The deadline for adoption is Fri., Nov. 11 to spread holiday joy to a deserving girl or boy.
5 GENDER GAP: MEN LIST MORE
HOMES, WOMEN LIST PRICIER HOMES Are women more aggressive in pricing or more selective? The verdict is still out.
16 Bits & Pieces
18 Calendar of Events
rrar.com
8 BEST TECH APPROACH FOR GEN Y, BOOMER
REAL ESTATE CLIENTS Use of latest technology and interpersonal skills are both key for success.
REALTOR®
Review l 1 l Fall 2011
MISSION STATEMENTThe Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®, the area’s voice of real estate, promotes the highest ethical and professional standards and cooperation among its members; provides products, programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the real estate industry and consumers; and serves as a leading advocate of private property rights and community involvement.VISION STATEMENT“Anticipating and meeting the opportunities and challenges of our industry.”RRAR 2011 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Bylaws: Stacey AnfindsenBuilding: Stacey AnfindsenCommunications & PR Committee: Mollie Owen Community Service: Lisa JeffriesGovernmental Affairs: Theresa PittRPAC: Stacey AnfindsenHousing Opportunity: John HartofelisPersonnel: Gary RabonGrievance: Vanessa CastillioProfessional Standards: Harriette DoggettSmall Business Council: Brenda Carroll, Kevin Woody Strategic Planning: Stacey AnfindsenNominating Committee: Phyllis BrookshireRRAR 2011 COUNCIL CHAIRS Property Management: Debbie HenryInternational Council: Diana BraunTop Producers: Deborah McCrae and Janice Rosenberg Women’s Council: Diana BraunYoung Professionals Network: David ChanceRRAR STAFF DIRECTORYMain Office (919) 654-5400 Fax (919) 654-5401 www.rrar.comRRAR Company Store, (919) 654-7253Executive Vice President Raymond C. Larcher, Ext. 218, [email protected] Association Services Director Betsy Ramsey, Ext. 217, [email protected] Services Associate Vicki Buckholtz, Ext. 216, [email protected] Director Patricia Gregory Rand, Ext. 239, [email protected] Associate Caroline Shipman, Ext. 238, [email protected] Education Director Cara Mottershead, Ext. 211, [email protected] Education Associate Sonya Yankoglu, Ext. 212, [email protected] Facilities Manager Mary Rachel White, Ext. 210, [email protected] Affairs Director Tara L. Robbins, Ext. 215, [email protected] Associate Shelia Clark, Ext. 200, [email protected] Manager Yukari Powers, Ext. 201, [email protected] STAFF DIRECTORYVice President of Operations Rachel Wiest, Ext. 219, [email protected] Executive Associate Christy New, Ext. 220, [email protected] Director Letitia Santos, Ext. 234, [email protected] Associate Raina Joyner, Ext. 242, [email protected] Distribution Director Carol Hamrick, Ext. 213, [email protected] Distribution Associate Bonnie Eaddy, Ext. 207, [email protected] Systems Director Kathy Matheson, Ext. 233, [email protected] Technical Support Associate J Stepp, Ext. 226, [email protected]/Realist Support Associate Jennifer Horton, Ext. 227, [email protected] Operations Director Matt Nagy, Ext. 225, [email protected] Development Manager Allan Nielsen, Ext. 208, [email protected]/MLS Training Manager Lynne Brid, Ext. 232, [email protected]/TMLS MEMBERSHIP/ FINANCE DEPARTMENTMembership/Finance Director Randi Gaines, Ext. 221, [email protected] Associate Pat Long, Ext. 222, [email protected] Associate Jill Pressley, Ext. 221, [email protected] Associate Kelly Hunsucker, Ext. 209, [email protected]
from the president
Take Advantage of Membership Rewards
The dues billing season is a good time to be reminded of the numerous benefits available to REALTORS® through the Association. I’m a big fan of the REALTOR® Partners Program and I have found myself utilizing the
discounts available to members throughout the year. One of my favor-ites is Sears Commercial, which brings me savings on appliances for my rental properties. I have also passed along this benefit to my clients and they are thrilled! I have also taken advantage of saving money with Furnitureland South in Highpoint NC, one of the newest partners who offers a discount to our members and our customers. These are just two of the numerous participating partners in the program.
Start saving money today! Take advantage of this great benefit program. Learn more about our partners through our website.
Warm regards, Linda [2011 PRESIDENT]
Linda Trevor
• Free seminars & programs• Discounted continuing education• State-of-the-art website with MLS• Professional standards
administration• Centralized showing service
• Political advocacy• Discount on One Eleven Place• Membership discounts• Meetings, socials and network-
ing opportunities• REALTORS® Leadership Academy
With more than one million REALTOR® members worldwide, the National Association of REALTORS® is the largest trade organization in the United States. An organization is only as strong as the commit-ment of its members, so by renewing your 2012 membership, you are ensuring the continued success of your association and your career.
Best of luck in 2012, and thank you in advance for your renewed commitment to the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®.
Sincerely, Stacey Anfindsen [2012 PRESIDENT]
Stacey Anfindsen
Strength in NumbersDear REALTOR® member,
The year 2012 is just around the corner, and it is time to renew your membership with the Raleigh Re-gional Association of REALTORS®. Renewing your commitment to your local association also renews your membership at the state and national levels as well.
Member benefits include:
A Traditional Neighborhood Featuring Early 20th Century Home Designs, Ideally Located in the Wake County School District Adjacent to RTP
Come See Why We’ve Sold 16 Homes in the Past 3 Months!
• Rocking chair-friendly front porches, beautifully diverse architecture and a turn-of-the-century feeling of comfort and relaxation.
• Stroll down the sidewalk to the 3-Acre Public Square with a bandstand gazebo, playground, and stunning clubhouse with a fi tness center and community pool.
Tour Our New Decorated Models!2-Car Garage Townhomes from the $180’s
Single-Family Homes from the $240’s – $450’s
Hours: Sun & Mon 12-6, Tues-Sat 10-6 (919) 941-0169Directions: Take I-540 to Exit 69. Turn left onto Rt. 54, then turn right onto McCrimmon Pkwy. Turn right on Church St. Turn left on Kitts Creek Rd. and continue to the Community Clubhouse for Sales Information.
RyanHomesRR.com
S M A L L T O W N A M E R I C Ace�ebrating
Prices subject to change without notice. NVR, Inc. is a recipient of the EPA 2011 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award - Large Builder, and Ryan Homes is an NVR brand.
Welcoming Families HomeFor Over 60 Years
Hark!
See HARK! on page 4
T he Project Angel Tree is a Raleigh Regional Associa-
tion of REALTORS® tradition that dates back to 2001. Since then, REALTORS® have given 12,000 holiday gifts to needy children.
This year, Project Angel Tree hopes to adopt 1,000 angels providing gifts to deserving boys and girls. The deadline has been extended to Friday, Nov. 11, so each child can receive an indi-vidually purchased, heartfelt gift.
RRAR members and friends who register will receive, by mail, an angel carrying a code number, age, sex and a desired gift from the child’s wish list. If the requested item is too expensive or unobtain-able, an alternate gift or a gift card is acceptable. Gifts must be new purchases, but need not cost
Embrace Project Angel Tree Traditionmore than $25. Participants are asked to deliver their wrapped gifts with angels attached to RRAR by Wednesday, Nov. 30. Please note, there are only a few days between Thanksgiving and the deadline this year, and some are choosing to do their “Angel” shopping prior to Thanksgiving.
Dine Out Raises Over $2,200
Once again, the REALTOR® Foundation of the Triangle Com-munity Service Committee got in the gift-giving spirit early with the second annual REALTORS® Dine Out Oct. 4 and Oct. 6, raising over $2,200. One hundred per-cent of the donations will go toward purchasing holiday gifts for needy children.
Numerous RRAR members, friends and guests ate to their heart’s content at a participating restaurant, knowing that 5 per-cent of all sales on those two days are going to Project Angel Tree 2011 gifts.
“Many thanks to all those who joined Project Angel Tree early
Zach and Emma Shabot enjoy dinner at Carrabba’s to raise funds
for Project Angel Tree 2011.
REALTOR®
Review l 3 l Fall 2011
REALTOR®
Review l 4 l Fall 2011
HARK!continued from page 3
and the 11 restaurants that joined REALTORS® Dine Out,” said Lin-da Trevor, Raleigh Regional Asso-ciation of REALTORS® president. “You are our inspiration. Now, it’s time for all of us to rally to the cause, so needy children won’t miss out on the joy of the holidays.”
Bravo to these Dine Out Restaurants
18 SeaboardBocci’sBombay GrilleCasa CarboneCarrabba’s
Italian Grill
Gypsy’s Shiny DinerThe Irregardless CaféJoel Lane’s Public HouseSpring RollsTir Na Nogzpizza (all three locations)
Prashant and Shruti Desai dine out for dinner and Project Angel
Tree 2011 at Spring Rolls.
Eric Sayer (right) picks up dinner from Andrew Kraft of Carrabba’s
Italian Grill, as part of REALTORS® Dine Out in October.
On October 7th the Housing Opportunity Committee of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® hosted a “Be A Hous-ing Hero” seminar. Each year they present a monetary award to a local group that is supporting affordable housing in our area. This year, the committee gave $4,000 to the Salvation Army to be used for a family who was displaced by the tornado this fall. Insurance did not supply enough money to take care of all the needed repairs so the family was unable to move back into their home. Beginning in 2012 the Hous-ing Opportunity Committee will become part of the Community Service Committee.
RRAR ‘Housing Heros’ Donate $4,000 to Help Family Displaced by Tornado
John Hartofelis, Housing Opportunity Chair, presents Haven Sink of the Salvation Army with a check
for $4,000.
REALTOR®
Review l 5 l Fall 2011
BY INMAN NEWS On average, male real estate
agents list more homes than wom-en do, while the homes women list have higher asking prices, ac-cording to a study by real estate search and marketing site Trulia.
In its research, Trulia first sepa-rated the more than 100,000 real estate professionals with profiles on its site by gender, using a Name Genderizer tool to categorize whether the names are most likely male or female.
Then, in a one-day snapshot on Oct. 1, the site examined the total number of male agents compared to female agents, and which gender had listed more homes for sale and which listed more expensive homes, on average, since joining Trulia. The site did not control for when agents joined the site, “since there’s no systematic differences between when men and women create a Trulia profile,” Trulia said.
Female agents’ listings tended to be pricier, on average, than those of their male counterparts. In Virginia, homes for sale by female
Real Estate Gender Gap
Men List More Homes, Women List Pricier Homes
See GENDER GAP on page 6
Source: Trulia.
REALTOR®
Review l 6 l Fall 2011
GENDER GAPcontinued from page 5
agents were 15 percent more ex-pensive. The difference was biggest in West Virginia where female agents’ listings were 63 percent more expensive. Put another way, female agents’ average list price was about $100,000, com-pared with about $60,000 for male agents – a price difference of about $40,000.
In a blog post about the findings, Trulia said that “the average list price isn’t necessarily a reflection on how aggressive the agent is on pricing. In some cases, it could mean that women take on inherently more expensive homes/neighbor-hoods than men, and vice versa.”
Only in Alaska did homes listed by men have considerably higher asking prices, on average, than those listed by women. Although female agents registered at Trulia outnumber male agents by 53 percent in that state, the men exceeded the women in both the volume of listings and average asking price.
At the other end of the spectrum, female agents had an edge over their male counterparts when it came to listings volume and aver-age asking price in Mississippi.
According to Trulia’s study, men listed more homes, on average, with the difference especially pro-nounced in the Dakotas. In North Dakota, men listed 129 percent more homes than women agents, on average, since joining the site.
Only in Wyoming, Nebraska, Mississippi and Louisiana did the cumulative listing volume for female agents exceed that of male agents by 20 percent or more.
Females outnumbered males in all 50 states with a range of about 48 percent more female than male agents in South Dakota and Nebraska to 64 percent more
Source: Trulia.
in Mississippi and Oklahoma. Overall, females tend to outnumber males in the industry -- the National Association of Realtors’ 2011 Member Profile found that about
57 percent of REALTORS®, based on data sampled earlier this year.
For a further state-by-state breakdown, an interactive map is available from Trulia.
REALTOR®
Review l 7 l Fall 2011
neighbors helping neighbors
Habitat Tour and Party to Usher in the Holidays
The community is invited to the 11th annual Home Tour & Party, Sunday, Nov. 20, at Habitat Wake Restore, 2420 Raleigh Blvd., Raleigh. It will begin with a bus tour at 5 p.m.
Food and music by Casablanca Orchestra at 6 p.m. will follow. Dinner will be provided by 42nd Street Oyster Bar and appetizers and des-serts will be provided by numerous area restaurants and bakeries.
The cost is $50. Dress warm and casual. RSVP online at www.habitatwake.org or call (919) 744-2404.
Souper HelpersFrom left, RRAR members Connie Coraile, Helen Jones, Vicki Buckholz (RRAR Staff), Liz Knight stand eager to serve at Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen Sept. 2.
Volunteers from the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® Community Service Committee volun-teer at Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen Sept. 2. They are (from left) Deborah Albright-Cooke, Mary Ann
Kohn, Denise Stephenson and Dawn Nuzzi.
What’s fascinating about this particular time period in our industry is that both groups are going to have
to meld their “native” and “immigrant” skills.
REALTOR®
Review l 8 l Fall 2011
BY BERNICE ROSS
I recently had a conversation with Chris Smith, the chief evan-gelist for Inman News, about generational differences. Smith made an astute observation about Generation Y vs. Baby Boomers when it comes to technology: “Boomers are immigrants; Gen Y are natives.”
If you have ever watched a two- or three-year-old walk up to a television set and start touching the screen to change it, it’s read-ily apparent that today’s young people and their approach to technology is one of “natives” – they grow up with it, it’s every-
where around them and they are eager to interact with it as soon as they are able.
As a boomer, I’m certainly not a native to technology, even though I have written programs in For-tran, have always purchased the latest technology and have been using statistical software since my college days.
Nevertheless, I remember watch-ing my five-year-old niece in 1991 pick up a mouse and navigate perfectly with her little Apple com-puter. It was an “aha!” moment when the difference between what we each grew up with became painfully obvious.
On the other side of the coin, Gen X and Gen Y are immigrants to real estate. As one expert once put it, “Real estate as we know it was created by boomers for boomers.”
For all the talk of the Web and disintermediation (i.e., that the Web would eliminate the need to have agents in the transaction), real estate today is still a face-to-face business. Furthermore, real estate continues to be a business
based upon trust and relation-ships. It also can be a highly confrontational business.
Gen X and Gen Y rely on their technology to communicate and not their face-to-face skills, which are often virtually nonexistent. In fact, many parents complain that their Gen Y children have no idea how to carry on a conversa-tion on the phone.
As one Gen Y put it when her mom suggested she call her aunt for some information needed for a high school project, the young woman’s response was, “Call? That’s way too confrontational!”
As a result, many young people who enter the real estate market find communicating face to face or by phone to be foreign to them. They may struggle with the confrontational parts of the busi-ness and often ignore conflicts in the hope that the problem will go away.
They have yet to learn the “language” that allows them to successfully navigate through diffi- cult situations.
Is Real Estate Still a Relationship-Based Business?
Based upon generational differ-ences, Smith raised the question
Best Tech Approach for Gen Y, Boomer Real Estate Clients
REALTOR®
Review l 9 l Fall 2011
as to whether real estate will continue to be a relationship-based business in the future. For anyone who has been in the business for any length of time, you already know that relation-ships are paramount.
While our younger clients may not want a “relationship” with their agent, like it or not the agent becomes part of their family upon listing their home for sale.
The agent has access to every part of the client’s home, to many of the most intimate parts of the client’s living situation, and is en-trusted to represent the seller in what is typically the most expen-sive transaction of one’s life.
officer, you know what happens to your file? It goes to the bottom of the stack. When you need extra help from that person to help you out of a difficult situation, it’s not going to happen.”
I took that advice to heart and specifically worked to keep my re-lationships strong with the people I did business with. Lunches and flowers go a long way when you need to hit a deadline to keep your clients from being out on the street if their new home doesn’t close on time.
A Unique Moment in HistoryWhat’s fascinating about this
particular time period in our
industry is that both groups are going to have to meld their “native” and “immigrant” skills. For older agents who are com-fortable with being face to face, building relationships and cop-ing with confrontation, coming to grips with cloud computing, social networking and a host of Web-based marketing tools is no longer an option, but a necessity for survival.
For younger agents, face-to-face skills are a necessity. While texting may not completely give way to tools such as Skype, there is no denying that the YouTube generation that comes after Gen-eration Y will expect to do busi-ness using video tools, not just texting and social media tools.
In some respects, this is good news for older agents, provided they acquire the training to use video tools effectively in their busi-nesses. Face-to-face skills, either in person or on video, will again be required.
The bottom line is that older agents are going to have to become more fluent in technol-ogy while younger agents are going to have to master nego-tiation and the other “immigrant skills” required to do business face to face, either in person or online.
Bernice Ross, chief executive officer of RealEstateCoach.com, is a national speaker, trainer and author of the National Asso-ciation of Realtors’ No. 1 best-seller, Real Estate Dough: Your Recipe for Real Estate Success. Hear Bernice’s five-minute daily real estate show, just named “new and notable” by iTunes, at www.RealEstate-CoachRadio.com. She can be reached at [email protected] or @BRoss on Twitter. Your opinions regarding this article are welcome.
What’s fascinating about this particular time period in our industry is that both groups are going to have
to meld their “native” and “immigrant” skills.
Furthermore, even if there is little “relation-ship” between the agent and his or her clients, the agent still depends
upon having good relationships with the other agents and professionals
who are involved in the purchase pro-cess. If you are dif-ficult to work with or have a poor reputa-
tion among the broker-age community, agents will
show someone else’s listings whenever pos-sible, rather than your listings.
As my former manag-er said, “If you yell at the escrow or the title
REALTOR®
Review l 10 l Fall 2011
newsmakers
Trevor Selected for 2012 NAR Leadership Academy
Cary REALTOR® and RRAR President Linda Trevor was the only North Carolina REALTOR® to be selected for the 2012 class
of the National Association of REALTORS® Leader-ship Academy, an initiative designed to nurture and inspire new leaders in the real estate industry.
The 2012 Leadership Academy class is com-prised of REALTORS® from 11 states and the first international participant from southern Brazil. The participants will gain and expand upon existing leadership skills and abilities, while learning more about the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Academy participants demonstrated personal and professional success in their respective local markets as part of an application and interview process conducted by the Academy Advisory Board. During the six-month training, they will undergo a challenging series of team-building exercises and workshops.
Since the academy was formed in 2008, more than 100 REALTORS® have graduated, and many advance to serve in volunteer leadership positions within their respective state and local associations, as well as within NAR.
The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
More information about the Leadership Academy is posted on REALTOR.org.
Survey WinnersThank you to all RRAR members who completed
the membership survey. Special congratulations to RRAR members Meredith Kisner of Fonville Mo-risey, Lochmere in Cary and KC McLaughlin of ReMax United in Cary. Both won free dues for 2012.
BRAXTON
BROOKSHIRE
TREVOR
Braxton Earns GRIDebbie Braxton of Fonville
Morisey Realty’s The Kelly Cobb Home Team recently earned the professional designation, Gradu-ate, REALTOR® Institute, signify-ing mastery of an intense training program.
The REALTOR® Institute is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Real Estate Educational Foundation and the North Carolina Association of REALTORS® and has been offered several times annually since 1948. It was the first training program of its kind in the United States and has served as a model for numerous other states. Graduation requires completion of more than 90 hours of course work and 12 examinations on various aspects of the courses taken.
The Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) is a na-tionally recognized professional designation. The GRI curriculum and standards are governed by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Braxton is one of a select group in North Carolina who currently holds the GRI designation.
For more information about Braxton and Fonville Morisey Realty, visit fmrealty.com.
Brookshire Named to Chamber Board of Directors
Phyllis York Brookshire, past president of RRAR, current board member of RRAR and the REAL-TOR® Foundation of the Triangle, was recently named to the 2011-2012 Board of Directors of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.
“We are pleased to have Phyllis as a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors,” said Harvey Schmitt, Chamber president and CEO. “I’m certain that the knowledge and experience our board members bring will further the Chamber’s efforts toward developing and sustaining the region’s thriving economy and quality of life.” M
EM
BE
RS
HIP
REALTOR®
Review l 11 l Fall 2011
Name as it appears on your real estate license
Real Estate License #______________________________
Real Estate License #______________________________ Appraiser License #________________________________
Appraiser License #________________________________
Last Name_________________________________________________________ Middle Initial________________
Last Name_________________________________________________________ Middle Initial________________
Last Name_________________________________________________________ Middle Initial________________
Last Name_________________________________________________________ Middle Initial________________
First Name_______________________________________
First Name_______________________________________ Nickname________________________________________
Nickname________________________________________
Home Address______________________________________________________________________________________
Home Address______________________________________________________________________________________
Home Address______________________________________________________________________________________
Home Address______________________________________________________________________________________
City_______________________________________ State____________State____________ Zip Code___________________
Preferred Contact Phone #________________________________________________
Preferred Contact Phone #________________________________________________
Preferred Contact Phone #________________________________________________
Preferred Contact Phone #________________________________________________
Preferred Mailing Address Circle One Office
Preferred Mailing Address Circle One Office
HomeHome
Email Address (Required)_______________________________________________________________________________
Email Address (Required)_______________________________________________________________________________
Email Address (Required)_______________________________________________________________________________
Email Address (Required)_______________________________________________________________________________
1. If formerly a member, indicate the last year you were a member:___________________
2. If transferring from another Board of REALTORS®, name of Board:________________________________________
3. If you currently hold membership in another Board of REALTORS®, please list the name of the Board and the State:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. If you attended an RRAR orientation in the last two years, please list the following: NRDS#:_____________________
Date of Completion:__________________
PERSONAL INFORMATION
FIRM INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
REALTOR® & Affiliate Membership Application
Directions:
1. Fill out this form completely and return it in person to:
Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®
111 Realtors Way ■ Cary, NC 27513 ■ 919.654.5400
2. Pay appropriate fees. Make checks payable to RRAR or you may charge it to
Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express.
■ Membership Dues (See schedule on back for dues.)
■ Application Fee = $300.00
3. Complete Orientation Class within 45 days of submitting application.
Individuals must belong to the highest level of membership for which they qualify.
Firm Name_______________________________________
Firm Name_______________________________________ Broker-in-Charge__________________________________
Broker-in-Charge__________________________________
Firm Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
Firm Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
Firm Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
Firm Address_______________________________________________________________________________________
City_______________________________________ State_______________
State_______________ Zip Code_________________
Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________________
City_______________________________________ State_______________
State_______________ Zip Code_________________
Firm Phone_________________________________
Firm Phone_________________________________ Firm Fax________________________________________
Firm Fax________________________________________
Q. How will I receive my dues invoice this year?A. E-mail billing has been a tremendous
success for the past five years. You will be receiving your dues invoice via e-mail again this year on November 1, 2011. You will NOT be mailed a paper copy.
Q. How do I make sure the Associ-ation has the correct e-mail address for me?A. Please verify your personal roster in-
formation in Tempo and update your e-mail address if needed.
Q. When are 2012 membership dues due?A. December 31, 2011.
Q. Is there a late fee?A. Yes. Any dues received after January
31, 2012 will incur a $35 late penalty.
Q. How much are my REALTOR®
dues and what is the “breakdown”?A. The Raleigh Association local dues
are $171; the NC State Association dues are $130; the National Association dues are $155. Since this board collects all dues (local, state and national) your total amount is $456.ME
MB
ER
SH
IP
Membership Dues Billing FAQ2012 DUES BILLING Q&A
Q. Have dues increased?A. Yes. The National Association dues
have increased by $40.00. State Association dues remain the same. The Raleigh Asso-ciation dues remain the same for the 11th consecutive year.
Q. What is the most convenient way to pay?A. Paying online with a credit card or
TeleCheck is quick, easy and secure. You can also print a receipt for your records.
Q. Are dues refundable if I decide to put my license on inactive status later in the year?A. No. According to the Bylaws dues are
non-refundable.
Q. Are dues tax deductible as a business expense? A. Yes. Annual dues are a deductible
business expense except for $66.56. This amount is dedicated to lobbying expenses (for NAR, NCAR and RRAR combined) and, as provided in the 1994 Tax Act, is a non-deductible expense.
FAILURE TO RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION DOES NOT RELIEVE YOU OF THE REQUIREMENT TO MEET ESTABLISHED PAYMENT DEADLINES. INFORMATION ON DUES IS PUBLISHED ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.RRAR.COM, IN THE REALTOR® REVIEW AND IN THE RRAR INSIDER.
REALTOR®
Review l 12 l Fall 2011
For further information regarding TMLS Market Trends and Analysis please visit: www.trianglemls.com
A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY TRIANGLE MLS
2010 2011 + / – 2010 2011 + / –
New Listings 3,463 2,762 - 20.2% 37,939 30,920 - 18.5%
Closed Sales 1,499 1,668 + 11.3% 16,514 15,179 - 8.1%
Median Sales Price* $193,000 $180,500 - 6.5% $189,000 $185,000 - 2.1%
Average Sales Price* $230,496 $220,821 - 4.2% $227,991 $224,114 - 1.7%
Total Dollar Volume (in millions)* $345.1 $368.3 + 6.7% $3,762.3 $3,397.6 - 9.7%
Percent of Original List Price Received* 90.8% 91.7% + 1.0% 92.3% 92.0% - 0.4%
Percent of List Price Received* 95.6% 95.8% + 0.2% 96.4% 96.1% - 0.3%
Days on Market Until Sale 107 130 + 21.8% 103 126 + 22.6%
Inventory of Homes for Sale 19,645 15,601 - 20.6% -- -- --
Months Supply of Inventory 10.8 9.8 - 9.2% -- -- --
- 20.2% + 11.3% - 6.5%Change in
New ListingsChange in
Closed SalesChange in
Median Sales PriceEntire Triangle Region
Local Market Update – September 2011
* Does not account for seller concessions. | Activity for one month can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.
September Year to Date
37,939Year to Date 2010 2011
3 463
September 2010 2011
** Each dot represents the change in median sales price from the prior year using a 6-month weighted average. This means that each of the 6 months used in a dot are proportioned according to their share of sales during that period | Current as of October 17 2011 All data from Triangle Multiple Listing Service Inc | Powered by 10K Research and Marketing
Entire Triangle Region
All MLS
- 8%
- 6%
- 4%
- 2%
0%
+ 2%
+ 4%
+ 6%
+ 8%
+ 10%
1-2008 7-2008 1-2009 7-2009 1-2010 7-2010 1-2011 7-2011
Change in Median Sales Price from Prior Year (6-Month Average)** b
a
16,514
30,920
15,179
New Listings Closed Sales
- 8.1%- 18.5%
3,463
1,499
2,762
1,668
New Listings Closed Sales
+ 11.3%- 20.2%
share of sales during that period. | Current as of October 17, 2011. All data from Triangle Multiple Listing Service, Inc.. | Powered by 10K Research and Marketing.
REALTOR®
Review l 13 l Fall 2011
For further information regarding TMLS Market Trends and Analysis please visit: www.trianglemls.com
A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY TRIANGLE MLS
2010 2011 + / – 2010 2011 + / –
New Listings 1,776 1,460 - 17.8% 19,764 16,002 - 19.0%
Closed Sales 769 926 + 20.4% 8,837 8,081 - 8.6%
Median Sales Price* $220,000 $195,000 - 11.4% $210,000 $207,000 - 1.4%
Average Sales Price* $261,727 $235,420 - 10.1% $253,966 $245,974 - 3.1%
Total Dollar Volume (in millions)* $201.3 $218.0 + 8.3% $2,244.9 $1,987.6 - 11.5%
Percent of Original List Price Received* 91.4% 92.5% + 1.3% 92.9% 92.8% - 0.1%
Percent of List Price Received* 96.4% 96.5% + 0.1% 97.0% 96.6% - 0.3%
Days on Market Until Sale 102 125 + 22.8% 100 122 + 21.8%
Inventory of Homes for Sale 9,541 7,321 - 23.3% -- -- --
Months Supply of Inventory 9.7 8.6 - 11.7% -- -- --
- 17.8% + 20.4% - 11.4%Change in
New ListingsChange in
Closed SalesChange in
Median Sales PriceWake County
Local Market Update – September 2011
* Does not account for seller concessions. | Activity for one month can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.
September Year to Date
Year to Date 2010 2011
1 776
September 2010 2011
** Each dot represents the change in median sales price from the prior year using a 6-month weighted average. This means that each of the 6 months used in a dot are proportioned according to their share of sales during that period | Current as of October 17 2011 All data from Triangle Multiple Listing Service Inc | Powered by 10K Research and Marketing
Wake County
All MLS
- 10%
- 5%
0%
+ 5%
+ 10%
+ 15%
1-2008 7-2008 1-2009 7-2009 1-2010 7-2010 1-2011 7-2011
Change in Median Sales Price from Prior Year (6-Month Average)** b
a
19,764
8,837
16,002
8,081
New Listings Closed Sales
- 8.6%- 19.0%
1,776
769
1,460
926
New Listings Closed Sales
+ 20.4%- 17.8%
share of sales during that period. | Current as of October 17, 2011. All data from Triangle Multiple Listing Service, Inc.. | Powered by 10K Research and Marketing.
Donald Aldridge, Fonville Morisey/ Lochmere Sales Office
Betty Baker, Landmark ResidentialJanice Barrese, Howard Perry & Walston/Allyn’s Landing
Caitlin E. Beacorn, Coldwell Banker Advantage
Nicole R. Bean, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Olivia Bergner , Chatham Homes RealtyBrittany N. Biggs, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Joyce A. Boals, Re/Max Preferred AssociatesBlandford Bolte, Keller Williams PreferredQuintonio D. Booker, Garrett Singletary Realty
Jill Booth, Go RealtyAlex Boutaud, Regan & Co.Kari L. Butts, Fonville Morisey/ The ReWard Team
Robert J. Calongne, Keller Williams PreferredLoren Camden, Fonville Morisey/Lochmere Sales Office
Ashley C. Campbell, Lennar Carolinas L.L.C.Mary E. Carrothers, Exit Realty First ChoiceDaniel D. Carter, Olde Raleigh Real Estate L.L.C.
Sharon C. Carter, Lisa Ellis and Co.Bridget S. Caulder, Designed to SoldGuy Chadwick, Darshana PropertiesTimothy M. Clarke, Jones Advantage Real Estate Professionals
Bruce M. Cohen, Fonville Morisey/Lochmere Sales Office
Sandra Cook, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Blandy Costello, Champion Realty Inc.Lifen Dai, CHK RealtyGarrett W. Daly, DEC AppraisalsAhmad K. Dard, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Brian R. Davies, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Megan K. Deal, Coldwell Banker AdvantageMary G. DeVoe, Keller Williams PreferredKatherine W. Douglass, M/I Homes of Raleigh L.L.C.
Galen Durant, Daymark RealtyAndrea Ellison, Builder Services Inc. John Enterline, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Keith W. Ferrell, Allen Tate Co. Inc. Tanya M. Finch Edwards, Fonville Morisey & Barefoot
Mary L. Fuoto, Realty World on Salem StreetMariana Gallegos, Allen Tate Co. Inc.Kerri Gardner, Prudential York Simpson
Underwood RealtyJack E. Garrison, Fonville Morisey/Preston Sales Office
Patricia Gillespie, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Karen C. Gleason, Keller Williams RealtyLaavanya Gombar, Vanderbilt RealtyStephanie K. Gromaski, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Donna Hahn, Exit Select RealtyDora Hargittai, Keller Williams PreferredMark D. Hawe, Chatham Homes RealtyWatson Hilaire, Champion Realty Inc.Tricia I. Hill, Fathom Realty NC L.L.C.James D. Holloway, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Justin Huntley, Rich Realty GroupBina A. Jariwala, Keller WilliamsLavett Kornegay, Howard Perry & Walston New Home
Milagros S. Lambert, Prudential York Simpson Underwood Realty
John H. Lara, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Shanell Lawson, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Bruce A. LeMaster, Keller Williams RealtyBonnie K. Malone, HomeTowne Realty East Wake
Carmen J. Marzella, Re/Max IntegrityAndrea M. McCleese Thomas, Realty World on Salem Street
Apryl McCoy, Realty World on Salem StreetTalaya B. McCraney, Fonville Morisey/ Falls Sales Office
Jahmal McCullough, Carolina MaxRealty Inc.Michelle P. Montminy, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Sarah A. Moody, Front Porch RealtyMelissa A. Moore, Fonville Morisey/Inside the Beltline Office
Doug Muhle, Linda Craft & Team, REALTORSPhuong T. Nguyen, Champion Realty Inc.Hassan M. Niles, Keller Williams RealtyAndrea D. Norris, Fonville Morisey/Preston Sales Office
David C. Norris, Pinnacle Appraisal Group L.L.C.
Katie E. O’Quin, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Thomas A. Oliviero, Keller Williams Preferred
Joseph Owens, Keller Williams RealtyOlu Omoloju, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
William B. Patterson, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Nam D. Pham, Go RealtyDiane M. Pisch, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Tara M. Polon, Allen Tate Co.Sara R. Pratt, Keller WilliamsKirby L. Raley, Fonville Morisey/Stonehenge Sales Office
Joseph Regino, Champion Realty Inc.Evan G. Riggle, Re/Max One RealtyRebecca Robbins, Bailey Wright RealtyCathy J. Ryan, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Abigail L. Schaeffer, Fonville Morisey/Stonehenge Sales Office
Markus A. Seppanen, Equity Saver Plus Realty
David T. Servoss, Builders Choice Real Estate Co.
Liuying Shen, CHK RealtyVivica Smith-Hall, A Dunn Deal RealtyChris Stallings, McNeill Burbank Homes L.L.C.Diane G. Starrett, Coldwell Banker Advantage
Mark Charles Stevenson, ERA Pacesetters Realty
Monique L. Strong, Allen Tate Co. Inc.Christina A. Taylor, Keller WilliamsCynthia Lee Taylor, Fonville Morisey/Brier Creek Sales Office
Cheryl A. Thorne, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Tara L. Tiffany, Fonville Morisey/Lochmere Sales Office
Linda K. Turner, Fonville Morisey & BarefootJason R. Van Hanswyk, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
James H. Walker, Parrish Realty Inc.Ann S. Walsh, Fonville Morisey/Triangle Real Estate Associates L.L.C.
Timothy R. Walters, Fonville Morisey/ Preston Sales Office
Kathleen L. Ward, Fonville Morisey & Barefoot/Fallon Park
Clifton Watkins, Howard Perry & Walston Realtor
Christian D. Webb, Real Home Services and Solutions Inc.
Linda Wert, Re/Max One RealtyCraig R. Wieser, Howard Perry & Walston New Home
Kevin A. Wiley, Fonville Morisey/Jeanne Hendren Realty Group
Kevin A. Wolff, Re/Max IntegrityMary Louise A. Wolff, Allen Tate Co. Inc.Stephanie Williams, Whitlock Residential Realty Group
W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S
REALTOR®
Review l 14 l Fall 2011
If you would like to sponsor a new member orientation, please contact Betsy Ramsey at (919) 654-5400.
REALTOR®
Review l 15 l Fall 2011
BY STEPHEN FISHMAN
If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a new SUV to use in your real estate business, you should start looking now and make sure to purchase and place it in service before the end of 2011.
This way you can qualify for particularly generous tax write-offs – write-offs that are scheduled to be greatly reduced in 2012.
Now Is the Time to Buy that New SUV
Indeed, you may be able to de-duct the entire cost of the vehicle in a single year.
Here’s how it works: Whenever you purchase a vehicle to use in your business you are allowed to deduct the cost through depre-ciation, the same as for any other business equipment. However, this usually takes several years.
Indeed, depreciation of business vehicles is unique in one very
important way: The annual depre-ciation deduction for automobiles is limited to a set dollar amount each year. The annual limit applies to all passenger vehicles, no matter how much they cost.
These limits are quite low. For example, for first-year depreciation of passenger automobiles placed in service in 2011, the limit is up to:
See NOW IS THE TIME on page 17
REALTOR®
Review l 16 l Fall 2011
bits & pieces
Don’t change what’s working! 15% OFF (Nov. through Jan.)
Re-order Boss Real Estate Planners again this year! Boss contains: Week At A Peek, Buyer Prospects, Seller Prospects, Active Listings, Sale Progress, Closed Sales and Phone Number pages. Pre-orders are being accepted.
2012 Magnetic CalendarsMagnetic calendars are still available but hurry before we run out! You can order these calendars online but not at the low price we offer and why pay shipping?
HERE’S A HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA! We have gift certificates in any amount.
Laser Distance Measure PREXISO X2This is a one-person laser measuring tool for distances, areas and volumes. It is easier and faster to use than a tape measure and more accurate than ultrasonic measuring tools!
The REALTOR® Store
Swarovski Purse HooksThese make great stocking stuffers or gift-exchange items.
REALTOR® Love REALTOR® Logo Items!We carry colorful coffee mugs, water bottle and bags at affordable prices!
Pepper SprayThis pepper spray is not only for agents but for anyone you care about.
REALTOR®
Review l 17 l Fall 2011
$11,060 for the first year;$4,900, the second year;$2,950, the third year; and$1,875 for each successive year.Moreover, this assumes you use
the car 100 percent for business. If you use it for more than just business, you may only depreciate an amount equal to your percent-age of business use. For example, if you use your car 60 percent for business, you may depreciate or expense only 60 percent of the cost.
However, these annual depreci-ation limits apply only to passenger automobiles, which are vehicles with a gross loaded weight of less than 6,000 pounds.
Heavy sport-utility vehicles – those that are built on a truck chassis and are rated at more than 6,000 pounds gross (loaded) vehicle weight – are not subject to these limits.
So if you’re in the market for an SUV, this is the year to buy it because of that special bonus depreciation. For 2011 only, you can use bonus depreciation to deduct 100 percent of the cost of many types of business property in a single year. There is no dollar limit on this deduction.
Using bonus depreciation, you may be able to deduct all or most of the cost of an SUV weighing 6,000 pounds or more in a single year – a potentially enormous de-duction. If an over-6,000-pound SUV is placed in service during the period from Sept. 8, 2010 through Dec. 31, 2011, it will qualify for 100 percent first-year bonus depreciation.
This means you can deduct 100 percent of the cost in one year if you use the vehicle 100 percent for business.
For example, if you buy and place in service a new $75,000 heavy SUV during 2011, and use it 100 percent for your real estate busi-ness, you may write off the entire cost on your 2011 tax return.
To qualify, just make sure the vehicle weighs more than 6,000 pounds. Michelle Chiou, a real estate broker who purchased a Honda minivan for her business, learned this the hard way. The Internal Revenue Service claimed that her minivan weighed less than 6,000 pounds because it had a listed gross vehicle weight of only 5,953 pounds.
Fortunately, Chiou purchased the minivan with five accessories: all-season floor mats that weighed 18 pounds, cargo boards that weighed 10 pounds, a cargo tray that weighed 6 pounds, a third-row sunshade that weighed 8 pounds and a cargo mat that weighed 10 pounds.
The combined weight of the five acces-sories was 52 pounds, and when added to the minivan’s gross vehicle weight of 5,953 pounds, the total was 6,005 pounds. As a result, the Tax Court found that the minivan was not a
NOW IS THE TIMEcontinued from page 15
If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a new SUV
to use in your real estate business, you should
start looking now and make sure to purchase and
place it in service before the end of 2011.
passenger vehicle for tax purpos-es and the annual depreciation limits didn’t apply (see Engle v. Commissioner, 2009 Tax Court Summary Opinion 138).
However, it won’t be possible to use bonus depreciation if you use the SUV less than 51 percent for business or if you bought the car used. In this event, you must depreciate the entire cost under the regular rules.
You’ll have to use the slowest method of depreciation (the straight- line method) if you use the car less than 51 percent for business, and you’ll have to continue with this method even if your business use rises more than 50 percent in later years.
Stephen Fishman is a tax expert, attorney and author who has published 18 books, including Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Contractors, Freelancers and Consultants; Deduct It; Working as an Independent Contractor; and Working with Independent Contractors. Opinions regarding this story are welcome.
REALTOR®
Review l 18 l Fall 2011
7 Women’s Council of REALTORS®, 8:30 a.m.
Angel Tree Loading Day, 10:30 a.m.
8 RRAR Awards Banquet, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Holiday Party, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
15 New Member Orientation, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
20 HANUKKAH begins
23 Office closed
25 CHRISTMAS
26 Office closed
31 RRAR 2012 Annual Membership Dues are due
January
1 Triangle MLS first quarter 2012 user fees due
2 Office closed
4 Women’s Council of REALTORS®, 8:30 a.m.
6 RRAR Inaugural Ball, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
13 Property Management Council, 11:30 a.m.
16 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, office closed
17 Community Service Committee, Noon
18 Small Broker’s Council, 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
19 Triangle International Council of REALTOR®, 11:30 a.m.
Events will be at RRAR offices unless otherwise noted. Dates are subject to change.
November
10 Property Management Council, 11:30 a.m.
11 Project Angel Tree - Deadline for Adoption of Project Angel Tree “Angels”
VETERANS DAY
11-14 National Association of REALTORS® Convention, Anaheim, Calif.
14 Housing Opportunity Committee, 9:30 a.m.
15 Community Service Committee, Noon
16 Small Broker’s Council, 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
16 Triangle International Council of REALTORS®, 11:30 a.m.
24 THANKSGIVING
25 Office closed
30 Project Angel Tree – Deadline for delivery of gifts to RRAR
December
1 CE Mandatory Update, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Top Producer’s Council, 11:30 a.m.
Broker-In-Charge Annual Review, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
RRARevents
REALTOR®
Review l 19 l Fall 2011
Holiday Party�ursday, Dec. �th
6pm - 9pm
Please join us for a
111 Realtors Way, Cary
Members & Guests: $10 EachHors d’oeuvres Spirits Entertainment
Special Thanks toOur Platinum Sponsors
To register, visit www.rrar.com. Advance registrations requested.Please register before Dec. 5th.
Questions? Contact Vicki Buckholzat [email protected]
REALTOR®
Review l 20 l Fall 2011
BY DICK BETTS
It seems like every time a new tablet, iPad or Smartphone is released my e-mail inbox fills up with the same question, “Dick should I upgrade?”
My first question is what are you using today and are you happy? This sometimes leads to a long-winded discussion trying to determine where some folks are in regards to technology. One of my favorite responses I hear is, “I currently have a dumb phone and want to wait until the latest technology comes out so I don’t have to switch again.” Well guess what, you will be waiting forever because new devices are coming out almost daily.
Last year, I was invited to speak at a tech forum and sit on a panel of agents to talk about Smartphones. We had an agent with a Droid, another with an iPhone, another with Blackberry, another with a Palm Treo 680 and me. My role was to not take sides.
Each agent explained to the audience why they thought the device they used was the best. The agent with the Treo 680, who was sitting next to me, wowed the audience with how much he was getting out of the five-year-old technology. When it was my turn to speak, I told the audience if they got as much out of their phone as the agent with the Treo, we would not be sitting here.
Many clichés have been written about “The Right Technology” or “The Technology You Will Use.” I could fill this article with them.
We each need to take inventory. What are we getting out of our current technology? What features does the new device offer that I could implement into my career and life? Is this step worth upgrading?
Many of the users of new tech-nological devices only use about 20 percent to 25 percent of the capacity offered. So why not spend the time learning how to maxi-mize what you already have, instead of focusing on buying new and starting all over again.
While I’m venting, let me also talk about the exact opposite I see. An agent talks to me about wanting to upgrade from a cur-rent phone, which is normally very antiquated, to a new phone. A loved one, colleague in the office
or someone has sold them on the fact they need to upgrade to help with their career and life.
Increased productivity and may- be even profitability are well documented, but the individual is concerned about a $100 early cancelation fee, and will wait another 10 months until the
contract expires. Wait a minute! Why not suck it up and spend the $100 to increase production and profit, while adding to the quality of my life now, rather than be frustrated for the next 10 months?
I know money doesn’t grow on trees but neither does life! If I can work smarter rather then harder, if I can accomplish tasks in a shorter time giving me more time for either my career or personal life, why am I fighting with $100?
So “should I or shouldn’t I” can only be answered by one person, you! Feel free to drop me an e-mail. I can help you with a list of benefits a new technology offers over older technology, but it will be your choice alone.
Dick Betts is a national speaker, with a down-to-earth style and special expertise in mobile technology (he’s known as the “Guru of Smartphones”), web presence/marketing and business management, including time and customer-relationship management. He understands the Facebook Generation and how to reach the intended audience using social media. He manages a rigorous schedule of classes and seminars in 42 states and four Canadian provinces, and averages 100 days of speaking to a collective audience of 25,000 professionals annually. Mr. Betts welcomes new clients and speaking forums. He can be reached at: [email protected] or www.DickBetts.com.
Should I or Shouldn’t I Upgrade?
My first question is what are you using today
and are you happy?
