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August 2012gMARonline.com

Official Publication of the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®

Pages 10-11

Still Confused About Social Media?

4 President’s Letter

5 With Our Deepest Sympathy

6-7 CEO’s Letter

8 Field Report - SE Michigan

9 REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training

10 Support for Short Sale Decisions

11 GMAR’s Bowling for Charity a Success

12-13 Still Confused About Social Media?

14 Welcome New Members

16 Toolshop Sales

18-19 Upcoming Events

20 Agency Agreements

21-28 Continuing Education Flyers

Bank of America ............................................................................................... 3

Talmer Bank and Trust ...................................................................................... 5

Genisys Business Solutions .............................................................................. 9

Attorneys Title Agency ..................................................................................... 11

Seaver Title Agency .......................................................................................... 15

Ross Mortgage ................................................................................................. 15

AdvERTiSERS

Table of ContentsAugust 2012

2125 Butterfield Dr., Suite 100Troy, MI 48084

248-879-5730 | 248-879-8280 (fax)

24125 Drake Rd.Farmington, MI 48335

248-478-1700 | 248-478-3150 (fax)

Volume 9, Number 8 the official publication of the

Greater MetropolitanAssociation of REALTORS®

officersPresident: Tony Schippa

President Elect: Bart PattersonVice President: Frank TaralaTreasurer: Maureen FrancisPast President: Kathy Coon

CEO: Dale Smith

DirectorsRobbin BarnesBrent BeleskyGerry Burke

Daniel ClancyDebby Clinesmith

Annette CompoChris Courtney

David ElyaAnthony JablonskiCleveland JacksonJohn MeessemanRandy Patterson

Shelley SchoenherrRebecca Williamson-Stern

staffTerrance Baker

Sharon CobleighDebbie Rand Fajardo

Elaine GatlinJean Hanley

Vickey LivernoisPauline Olszewski

Marge Zalewski

to aDVertise iNthe metropolitaN realtor®

call or email Foley Publications, Inc.,800-628-6983

[email protected]

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4 | Metropolitan REALTOR®

P R E S i d E n T ’ S L E T T E R

By tony sChiPPA -2012 gMAR President

Tim Smith is one of the area’s most knowledgeable mortgage specialists. He will help you find the home loan that fits your lifestyle and your budget – fast. Because at Talmer Bank and Trust, our mortgage process is personalized, customized and most of all, trouble-free.

Call Tim Today!

Stop by and see our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help get you home from there.

Headquarters: 2301 West Big Beaver Road | Suite 525 | Troy, MI 48084 800.456.1500 | Telephone Banking: 800.405.9997 | www.talmerbank.com

Tim SmithSenior Mortgage LenderNMLS ID [email protected]

hello members,

What a busy nine months it’s been, hard to believe that at this time last year we were waiting for the final approval of the merger between

MCAR and WWoCAR, with the official signing of the merger documents taking place on october 1st.

one of my priorities this year was to reach out to our membership, to not only meet this great group of REALtoRs®, but to listen to their concerns, both with the association as well as the real estate industry. After the past seven months of hosting Coffee with the President and Presidential Brews throughout our various districts, i’ve come up with the top three items that are of most importance to our members.

Education. Professionalism. the Multiple Listing service.

the gMAR Board of Directors are committed to these issues and are currently working to bring the best services and products to our membership. Watch for future editions to find out more details.

We are also gearing up for our first round of gMAR elections coming this Fall. if you have an interest in serving as a Director you will be able to apply as a candidate this month. specific details will be available on our website as well as in the gMAR update weekly emails.

in closing i would like to thank all of you for your patience and support as we continue to build the best association in the state.

Tim Smith is one of the area’s most knowledgeable mortgage specialists. He will help you find the home loan that fits your lifestyle and your budget – fast. Because at Talmer Bank and Trust, our mortgage process is personalized, customized and most of all, trouble-free.

Call Tim Today!

Stop by and see our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help get you home from there.

Headquarters: 2301 West Big Beaver Road | Suite 525 | Troy, MI 48084 800.456.1500 | Telephone Banking: 800.405.9997 | www.talmerbank.com

Tim SmithSenior Mortgage LenderNMLS ID [email protected]

With Our Deepest Sympathy

We are saddened to inform you of the death of Charles L. Whitfield who passed away June 28, 2012. Charles had been a member of the board since 2007 as an agent with Real Estate Management specialists, inc. in Detroit.

Luretta garren passed away July 18, 2012. she had been a member since 1991 and an agent with national Realty Centers, inc. in Livonia.

Also, a long time REALtoR®, Patricia Morgan recently passed away. Pat began her career in 1978 at B.F. Chamberlain in 1978 and later went on to manage the Lathrup Village and subsequently the Royal oak offices. the company was purchased in 1998 and the name was changed to Prudential Chamberlain-stiehl REALtoRs®. she continued to work until her retirement in 2003. Additionally, she served

on the grievance and Professional standards Committees as well as a Director of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALtoRs®.

the sympathy of the officers, directors, members and staff of the greater Metropolitan Association of REALtoRs® is extended to his family and friends.

if you would like to let your fellow REALtoRs® know about the recent passing of another member, please submit their information to us and we will inform our membership through our publications.

If you have information you would like to submit for publication, please contact Jean at GMAR 248-478-1700 or email her at [email protected]

Charles L. WhitfieldLuretta GarrenPatricia Morgan


continued on page 7

C E O ’ S L E T T E R

By DALE E. sMith, RCE CAE gRi CRs -Chief Executive officer

this inaugural year of gMAR has been an exciting one. if you look at gMAR today, you’ll have some

difficulty in identifying its old parts - MCAR and WWoCAR. When the leaderships of MCAR and WWoCAR looked at merging the two strong associations, they focused on the culture and services we had in common. With the merger we found that all of the great things we had envisioned were actually achievable. But with that, we found that some of our members don’t like change. While that doesn’t come as a surprise, it is still disconcerting that we haven’t got our message out yet.

the message? gMAR is growing into a vibrant, member-oriented organization that is focusing on providing the services that will make our members the most productive sales force in our market area.

Facilities updateWith the merger, many of our members from both legacy

associations have been worried about where the offices for the association will be. President tony schippa established a blue ribbon task force to serve on the Building task Force. Co-chaired by former MCAR leader Al Block and former WWoCAR lead Anthony Jablonski, the task force has spent months putting together a transition plan. As they near the end of their task, their work has already produced a policy statement from the Board of Directors that encompasses our vision of who we are. the Directors are committed to providing the highest quality services that are placed near where our members conduct business.

As for the physical facilities, we have some hard facts we need to address. the association owns the building in Farmington. the Association is consulting with respected commercial real estate firms in order to ascertain what the highest and best use of that facility is. the discussion regarding the Farmington office is revolving around three choices; 1) retain the building as the headquarters; 2) attempt to sell the building; or 3) attempt to lease the building until the market improves. For now, the building will be retained until all the facts are in and a decision can be made based on those facts.

the troy office has gone through some major changes over the past year. the office is centrally located for a segment of

our members, but it is also costly, even with the reduction in the physical space, and a corresponding reduction in lease costs. the Directors have made the decision to retain a facility in the troy area until a comprehensive decision can be made regarding our overall facility strategy. to that end, we will be transitioning the current troy facility to another less costly office solution in the troy area. i would like to provide you a specific address in this article, but we are a few days away from finalizing our selection. Watch for our special announcement soon that will provide you with our new temporary location. the short term lease will give us enough time to complete our research for a more permanent solution.

For our members in the Down River area, we haven’t forgotten about you. Part of our research includes exploring facility solutions that will address your needs as well.

the two keys, from my perspective, are first to provide the quality services to our members’ front door, and second, to provide support that is convenient for all members. Currently, i am pleased to say that we are running a highly efficient organization that is focused on allocating our financial resources to more member return on investment and less on internal expenditures. Bear with us as we analyze and resolve the final stages of this project.

Member Duesthe Board of Directors had some tough decisions to make

as we conducted our strategic plan. Just as you do in your business, the Directors analyzed our market, our partner-competitors, and the members Roi by belonging to gMAR. some associations in our area have slightly lower dues, while some have dues that more than double our current dues structure. the decision for gMAR was where we wanted to be on this spectrum of dues and benefits of membership.

the Directors decided that gMAR would be built on the Member Roi business model. the Directors believe that for our members to be the most productive that they can be, gMAR would be commissioned to provide a broad range of services and support that will give members the most value for their dues dollar. We are combining our industry-best programming with the best that the national and Michigan associations provide, providing our members unparalleled return on their investment.

An important Update on Where GMAR is GoingGMAR Members’ Return on investment Takes Shape

Metropolitan REALTOR® | 7

continued from page 6

gMAR offers a great advocacy program that concentrates on the issues most important to our members. We offer world-class educational opportunities provided by the top trainers, plus a highly trained staff that understands the real estate industry and that performs as a resource for our members. We provide various forums that address real estate issues and we have a great group of Affiliate members that add to our knowledge base. in many ways, we act very much like a smaller association, with many of our members participating in our social programming. We have established the Real orators, a nationally chartered toastmasters club that includes REALtoRs®, affiliates, local business friends and members of academia. our award-winning Women’s Council of REALtoRs® has expanded from three chapters to our fourth chapter being established this summer. By the way, don’t let the ‘Women’ name mislead you. the WCR Chapters provide quality services for all members - male or female. in fact, one of our Chapters is led by one of our male leaders. When you get a chance, take a look at what the WCR offers. it could be just the thing you need to take your business to the next level. i could go on, but i hope you can see that gMAR is a unique REALtoR® association. so, if you decide to compare services offered by the REALtoR® associations in our market area, be sure to take a look at what your investment buys at gMAR.

your Voice at gMARi was talking to one of our members that owns a large

firm and was surprised to learn that the office owner was concerned that his agents might not have representation on the new Board of Directors. i shouldn’t have been surprised. Again, like you and the way you market your services, gMAR has to tell its story. the Board of Directors recently completed forming the eight districts that will make up the core of our new Board of Directors in 2013. the Districts are comprised of roughly the same number of members, partitioned by the zip code of our members’ offices. the new configuration assures that all members, and all geographical areas, will be equally represented. Each REALtoR® member will be able to vote for their home town Director, plus an array of at-large Directors. Watch for our publication that will outline the Districts and tell you what District you are in.

the MLs issueProbably one of the most surprising perceptions that we’ve

encountered is that some members thought the merger was of the two prominent MLss in our area - not the associations. We went out of our way to let members know that their vote was to merge the associations, and that we would not have complete control of what happens between the two MLss. that being said, gMAR now has a greater influence regarding the MLs issue.

Whatever your preferences are for your MLs of choice, there really is one overriding concept:

gMAR members are entitled to have access to one single

database that contains all REALtoR® listings in our market territory, without having to pay multiple subscriber fees.

the Board of Directors has articulated this concept to both Realcomp and MiRealsource through a policy statement, and they intend to press the issue until the inequity is resolved.

Want to Learn More?one of the best ways of learning about gMAR and, more

importantly, voice your opinions of what you need to be successful, consider attending one of President tony schippa’s field events. tony has conducted at least two events in each of the new gMAR Districts, with a total of 23 events scheduled for 2012. you can select from a ‘Breakfast with the President’ or ‘Beer with the President’ event. Watch for our special messages regarding the events, or give us a call to find a meeting near you. speaking of calling, your staff partners are available to answer your questions or hear your concerns or ideas. of course, you can also contact one of your association volunteer leaders. you’ll find their names elsewhere in this publication.

tell your Business AssociatesRecently, we found that over seven hundred - 700! -

members have blocked our electronic mail. While that isn’t bad as compared to other organizations’ publications, it still means that we’re not reaching a significant number of our members. it also means that many of our members haven’t had the opportunity to evaluate the new, feature rich content we are offering. if you’ve read this far, please take the next step and tell your non-reading friends about this article. if they change their minds about our publications, we can help them to reestablish their connection with us.

the Bottom LinegMAR is dedicated to your success. take a look at our

volunteers. they are leaders in our industry. if they weren’t volunteering at gMAR, they would find another method of giving back to our industry. take a look at the gMAR staff. We have a well trained staff that thinks of themselves as your professional resource. gMAR believes that your dues dollar deserves more than just access to an MLs. gMAR believes that your Return on investment should be measurable. take a look at our programming. For example, compare our professional courses with any other association, anywhere.

Was the merger successful? We believe that if you take advantage of the resources that are now as close as your neighborhood, it has been highly successful.

Respectfully submitted,Dale

CLiCk hERE for the Districts by Zip Code

CLiCk hERE for the Districts by Map

By MiChELLE BRAnt – southeast Michigan Field Director


F i E L d R E P O R T - S E M i C h i G A n

new information regarding the 3.8% tax

there has been a bit of misinformation circulating recently regarding a rumored “3.8% sale tax” on all home sales under the federal health care reform bill. the tax is not a transfer tax on real estate sales and similar transactions. not long after the tax was enacted, erroneous and misleading documents went viral on the internet and created a great deal of misunderstanding and made the tax into something far more draconian than the actual provisions.

the new tax does not eliminate the benefits of the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion on the sale of a principal residence. thus, onLy that portion of a gain above those thresholds is included in Adjusted gross income (Agi) and could be subject to the tax.

the 3.8% tax is imposed onLy on those with more than $200,000 of Agi ($250,000 on a joint return). the tax applies to investment income, defined as interest, dividends, capital gains and net rents. these items are all included in an individual’s Agi. A formula will determine what portion, if any, of these types of investment income would be subject to the tax.

REALtoRs® should familiarize themselves with the tax, but should not advise their clients about the application of the tax. the amount of tax will vary from individual to individual because the elements that comprise Agi differ from taxpayer to taxpayer.

Legislation on improvements to Critical Dunes Act Passes house: Bill now heads to the governor’s Desk for signature

Both the house and senate met recently to work on a few issues before heading back to the campaign trail. on July 18, legislation aimed at applying a less subjective approach to critical dune regulation passed the house on a 63-40 vote. the bill is now on its way to the governor’s desk for signature. As you may recall last month, senate Bill 1130, sponsored by senator Arlan Meekhof (R-olive twp.) passed the senate on a 26-12 vote. once signed by the governor, the bill will have immediate Effect.

REALtoRs®, builders, and property owners living and working within the critical dunes can attest to the fact

that the application of the Critical Dunes Act has been inconsistent and frustrating for many years. Private property within the critical dunes area has been subject to significant red tape, inconsistent treatment, and often outright prohibition in terms of development and the exercise of private property rights. Efforts as simple as permitting driveway access to an owner’s property have been stifled due to a lack of clarity on how the law should be applied.

Protecting the dunes is in the best interest of property owners as it is one of Michigan’s most unique natural resources, adding both aesthetic and marketing value. however, a property owner and the Department of Environment Quality should have a common understanding on the balance between preservation and property rights. this legislation aims to restore that balance and add clarity to the permitting process.

the MAR will continue to keep you updated on when this bill becomes signed into law.

Michelle Brant is the Southeast Michigan Director for the Michigan Association of REALTORS®. Have a question for her? Send her an e-mail at [email protected].

Where you come first.

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Complete your requirements by December 31, 2012

the national Association of RELAtoRs® mandates every REALtoR® complete Code of Ethics training every four years. this year is the end of our 3rd cycle and all gMAR REALtoRs® will need to have their “REALtoR® Code of Ethics training” completed by 12/31/12.

According to nAR: if members fail to meet their obligation by December 31, 2012, their status must be changed to suspended. then, if they have still not taken the course by March 1, 2013, they must be terminated.

how to fulfill your requirements:•Takeyourcontinuingeducationwithus,GMAR.

the Code of Ethics will be part of “Course 2012” only (only Course 2012, not all CE courses)

•AttendafreeOrientation/CodeofEthicsclassat the troy or Farmington Association office

•LogontoREALTOR.organdcompleteyourtraining online

REALTORS® Code of Ethics Training


WAshington (July 19, 2012) - A proposed bill may soon help speed up the approval process for homeowners selling their home through short sale by requiring subordinate lien holders to review and respond to short sale requests within 45 days.

the legislation, “the Fast help for homeowners Act,” was offered in Congress today by u.s. Rep. Jerry Mcnerney (D-Calif.) and is strongly supported by the national Association of Realtors®.

“As the leading advocate for homeownership, Realtors® know that issues and delays with secondary lien holder remain an obstacle to streamlining the short sale process,” said nAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates inc., in Miami. “short sale negotiations are much more difficult for borrowers who have multiple servicers involved and ongoing delays continue to severely limit the number of homeowners who are approved for short sales, forcing many homeowners into foreclosure.”

the proposed legislation would establish guidelines requiring the primary lien holder to inform secondary and any subsequent lien holders of a request for short sale. the bill would also impose a deadline for subsequent lien holders to respond to both the primary lender and the consumer following a short sale request.

nAR has been actively pushing the mortgage servicing industry for years to improve the short sale review and approval process, especially in cases where second liens are

involved. Veissi praised Rep. Mcnerney for his efforts on the bill and urged Congress to pass it quickly.

“second mortgage lien holders frequently hold up and cancel the short sale transaction while trying to collect the largest possible payout in exchange for releasing the homeowner’s lien, even though the secondary lien holder often gets nothing if the home ends up going into foreclosure,” said Veissi. “While efforts have been made to improve primary lien holders’ response times, issues still abound with second and subsequent lien holders, and this legislation is a step in the right direction.”

Realtors® continue to report that short sale transactions are being held up due to a lack of response regarding acceptance of short sale requests. nAR wants mortgage servicers to approve reasonable short sale offers so that homeowners can avoid foreclosure, and minimize the negative impact on families, home values and neighborhoods.

nAR believes that streamlining the short sale approval process for both primary and secondary lien holders will help close more short sale transactions. “We applaud any effort to help improve the short sale process and give distressed homeowners alternatives to foreclosure,” said Veissi.

the national Association of Realtors®, “the Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

REALTORS® Support Setting Deadline for Subordinate Lien Holder Short Sale Decisions


Pictured: Molly Reeser, Camp Casey Executive Director, Roxanne Fitzpatrick, Member services Committee Co-Chair, tony schippa, President, Brenda Lee szlachta, Member services Committee Co-Chair, Elaine gatlin, gMAR staff, Dale smith, gMAR CEo.

the Annual Bowling for Charity Event hosted by the greater Metropolitan Association of REALtoRs® on May 30, 2012 in

Livonia was a great success and was able to raise $1,500.00 for this year’s charity, Camp Casey.

Camp Casey is a 501c3 nonprofit horseback riding program for children with cancer headquartered in Michigan. through generous donations and amazing volunteers, Camp Casey has spread the healing power of horses for over eight years. you can find out more information online at www.camp-casey.org.

GMAR’s Bowling for Charity a Success!


Let us help! gMAR has some great new books available in the gMAR toolshop to aid you with the hottest marketing in social media!

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in twitter Power 2.0, internet marketing and Web innovation expert Joel Comm shows businesses and marketers how to integrate twitter into their existing marketing strategies to build a loyal following among twitter members, expand awareness for their product or service, and even handle negative publicity due to angry or disappointed consumers.

the book also presents case studies of companies on the forefront of the twitter movement, to help you develop your own social networking strategies. twitter Power is the result of extensive testing and participation in the social networking

community and is a must-have for any business that wants to keep up with the social media movement. twitter Power features a foreword by tony Robbins.

tWittER: tiPs, tRiCks AnD tWEEtsWritten by Paul McFedriesOnly $19.99 for members

A full-color, portable guide to getting all the fun and productivity from twitter

twitter is hot! it’s used by everyone from teens keeping up with their friends to fundraising charities and organizations responding to natural disasters; even President obama tweets. twitter tips, tricks, and tweets gets you in on the fun, taking you all the way from setting up an account to incorporating cool third-party applications.

Defined as microblogging, twitter allows you to be as active or passive as you choose in keeping up with

the conversation. Limited to 140 characters per comment, or “tweet”, it’s designed for here-and-

now communication. this handy guide gives you everything you need to know.

•Guidesyouthroughsettingupanaccount and following twitter rules

•Explainshowtotweetfrommobile devices

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•Offersideasforusingtwitter in business as well as for

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you might already be social networking on Facebook, or even microblogging on twitter. one thing’s for sure though; you’re too busy to muck about on these sites all day, not really knowing how to get any decent play out of them. you’re looking for profitability, not gimmicks.

Many organizations, large and small, are using social media and social networking to build robust communities of followers, stay ahead of the competition and increase profits. Are you missing a trick?

this is the definitive guide to using the whole spectrum of social media in an efficient and measurable way in order to market your business. it covers twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Ecademy, Flickr, youtube, Bebo, Myspace, Blogs, Podcasts, Mobile and much, much more. Each site is assessed not as an end in itself but as means of delivering a business result.

With simple, practical steps, real life examples and quick definitions to explain the jargon, you’ll soon understand the world of social media and have access to a range of social

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Facebook boasts an extremely devoted user base, with more than 65 billion page visits per month. With Facebook, an organization can market and promote their brand, products, or services via the network’s built-in components of profile pages, polls, community building, advertising, word-of-mouth marketing, and business applications. this insightful resource focuses on the strategies, tactics, and techniques necessary to lead your organization into the world of Facebook marketing.

Packed with vital real-world case studies, the book serves as a must-have guide for the most reliable, responsible, and ethical business and marketing practices with Facebook.

•Ahelpfulreferencethatdiscussesessentialstrategies,tactics, and techniques for excelling in the world of Facebook marketing

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continued on page 15


n E W M E M b E R S

Welcome,new Members!the following new members were approved by the Board of Directors at their meeting in JuLy:Abukusumo, ubusuku, Condo.comAbushar , Zahi, River Oaks Realty CompanyAjluni, Matthew t., Clients First RealtorsAllen, Mato, Keller Williams Woodward MarketAllen, Verlisa D., Keller Williams Woodward MarketBarrera, Don g., Re/Max VisionBi, ke, Bluesky RealtyBlack, Catherine, Century 21 Town & CountryBrikho, Jeffrey, Keller Williams TroyBulmer, Robert W., Clients First, RealtorsCarstairs, Maria g., Real Estate OneChristmon, Wandra, Keller Williams TroyCiraulo, Leslie A., Michigan Realty CompanyConn, Jamie, Elias RealtyCummings, Mildred, 3DX Real EstateCzech iV, Frank J., World Class RealtyDavis, Jahari k., Keller Williams NorthvilleDavis, stephen P., Keller Williams MacombEaton, gregory, Real Estate One Royal OakFirst, Amanda, Keller Williams Ann ArborFrenak, susan, Prudential HWWB Realtorsgarden, Laura, Keller Williams Troygerchak, Lina, Keller Williams Northvillegolani, Janey, Elias Realtygreer, Delores, Anchor Management Groupguernesey, Renee, Re/Max Classicgushman, Jeffrey, Re/Max Home Sale Servicehaddad, Billie J., Re/Max Drivehaddad, greg, Re/Max Drivehannawa, Jason, Advocate Realty Investmentshirvo, Douglas, Century 21 Market Techhoward, nancy E., Jim Hess & AssociatesJohnson, Frank J., Century 21 First ChoiceJones, kenia, Keller Williams DetroitJones, sekena, Coldwell Banker Preferredkalvinski, kelly, Re/Max Metropolitankerr, Jessica F., Keller Williams Northvillekonen, Peter M., Real Estate OneLupo, Dennis J., Select R.E. ProfessionalsMackay, April, Advantage Realty, Inc.Martin, James, Re/Max SuburbanMcCardell, Willard B., Century 21 Sakmar & Assoc.

McCauley, David A., Keller Williams Great LakesMckinney, Robert, Keller Williams TroyMcMullin, Darlene g., Helm & AssociatesMerlo, David, Keller Williams Woodward MarketMeta, Denada, SKBK Sotheby’s InternationalMoore, steven k., Keller Williams RealtyMorgan, shannon, Home Renewal RealtyMorrison, Daniel, Keller Williams WoowardMunro, Alexander W., Re/Max Crossroads IIIobi, simon, Century 21 Dynamicowens, Angela, Elias RealtyParsons, Cynthia J., Cranbrook AssociatesPatel, Vinay, Keller Williams NorthvillePennington, Eugene, Real Estate OnePeterson, gregory A., K.W. Peterson & Associates Platonas, Douglas, Keller Williams WoodwardRathgaber, stephanie, Condo.comRuese, suzanne M., Advantage Realtysaganda, Matin, Real Estate One scheffler, Donald, Downriver Real Estate Groupschlachter, kenneth, Hoyt Real Estateschoenherr, Arlene, Real Estate Oneschornack, Michael, Brookview Realtyshaker, Al, Signature Realtyshirley, Preston, Re/Max Suburbansimmons, Della, Keller Williams Detroitthomas, John D., Elias Realtytillman, James, Century 21 Todaytomes, Craig, Re/Max ClassicVance, kimberly, Real Estate OneVingelman, Linda g., Real Estate OneViola, Brooke, CC & P Devlopers, Inc.Waller, selaina, Keller Williams DetroitWilliams, Armeace, Anchor Management GroupWilliams, Vendetta, Keller Williams PlymouthZarka, Fadi, Remerica Bright Realty

nEW BRokERs:Bella Casa Realty – Briddick, Roger Cannon’s Realty – Cannon, DianaChappell Real Estate & Invesment, Chappell, RobertSakal Realty, LLC, gregory, Patricia Realty Masters, hana, Monika

Twin Realty, LLC, young Alicia

nEW AFFiLiAtEs:Fidelity National Title, irwin, susan

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Buy 4 get two FREE Savings of $12.00

2910- Magnetic Business Cards 100 packMagnetize your business card with our simple business card magnets. Just peel adhesive liner and apply your business card. Pre-cut to fit all standard business cards. highest quality available - 30 mil. thickness!

Regular Member Price: $17.00

Sale Member Price: $14.50

2705- Dial Lockbox this Portable keysafe is the perfect lock box for real estate professionals, contractors, vacation properties, rentals, and homeowners needing a simple yet secure place to store keys. the keysafe easily attaches to doorknobs, fences or railings and can hold up to 3 keys. Constructed of sturdy metal with a protective rubber shell, the lock box is guaranteed not to rust. the code is simple to set and easily changed for greater security.

Regular Member Price $25.00

Sale Member Price: $21.00

REALtoRs® who complete the Code of Ethics training Requirement between July 1 and Aug. 31 will have a chance to win an Apple iPad 3!

to enter the know your Ethics sweepstakes, simply complete either of the two nAR Code of Ethics online training programs – for new members of the association or for existing members – successfully by Aug. 31, and you’ll automatically be entered to win. the winner will be notified by phone, mail, or e-mail.

take the training now.

Know Your Ethics Sweepstakes october 31, 2012 is the deadline this year to have

completed your continuing education requirements to maintain your Michigan real estate license. All licensees must have completed a minimum of 18-credit hours, of which at least 2-credit hours per year are legal approved.

the licensing department will be mailing out your license renewal forms for the next three years in late August/early september – so be sure to watch for yours in the mail! it is important that you have completed all of your required credit hours prior to sending in your renewal payment.

you can check your credits online at www.Michgian.gov/realestatelicense, and then select “Check A License” on the right side of your screen.

importantReminder


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continued from page 11


Real estate PRe-licensing – acceleRated classAugust 6 –10, 20129:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Monday – FridayGMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084$235.00Registration

Real estate PRe-licensingAugust 14 – September 13, 20126-10 p.m. | Tuesday’s & Thursday’sRecovery Construction, 44720 Macomb Industrial Dr., Clinton Twp., 48036$235.00Registration

continuing education class - couRse 13006 CE credit hours: L5519 (2 legal) & L5521 (4 legal)August 10, 20129:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.GMAR: 24125 Drake Road, Farmington 48335MemberMax or EduPass – No Charge$50.00 Premier Members - $60.00 non-membersRegistration

continuing education & code of ethics class6 CE credit hours: L5544 (3 legal) & L5545 (3 legal)August 14, 20129:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.ConCorde Inn: 44315 Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Twp., 48036$30.00 Members - $40.00 non-membersRegistration

fast tRack to shoRt sales success3 CE credit hours: L317August 15, 20129:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.GMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084Members – No charge, Non-Members $25.00Registration

shoRt sale and foReclosuRe ResouRce ceRtification8 CE credit hours: L1367 (6) & L5142 (2 legal)August 16, 20128:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.GMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084MemberMax or EduPass – No Charge$79.00 Premier Members - $99.00 non-membersRegistration

successfully selling hud homes3 CE credit hours: L1336September 5, 20129:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.GMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084Members – No Charge | Non-Members $25.00Registration

e-PRo – day 1 ceRtification couRse8 CE credit hours: L463September 6, 20129:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.GMAR: 24125 Drake Road, Farmington 48335MemberMax or EduPass – No Charge$99.00 Premier Members - $119.00 non-membersRegistration

continuing education & code of ethics class6 CE credit hours: L5544 (3 legal) & L5545 (3 legal)September 6, 20129:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.GMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084$40.00 prepaid - $50.00 at the doorRegistration

continuing education class – couRse 13006 CE credit hours: L5519 (2) & L5521 (4)September 7, 20129:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.GMAR: 24125 Drake Road, Farmington 48335MemberMax or EduPass – No Charge$50.00 Premier Members - $60.00 non-membersRegistration

continuing education & code of ethics class6 CE credit hours: L5544 (3 legal) & L5545 (3 legal)September 8, 20129:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.ConCorde Inn: 44315 Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Twp., 48036$40.00 prepaid - $50.00 at the doorRegistration

Real estate PRe-licensing – acceleRated classSeptember 10 – 14, 20129:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Monday - FridayRecovery Construction, 44720 Macomb Industrial Dr., Clinton Twp., 48036$235.00Registration

GMAR 2012 UPCOMiNG EvENTS

Real estate PRe-licensingSeptember 10 – October 10, 20126-10 p.m. | Monday’s & Wednesday’sGMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084$235.00Registration

gReen designation, couRse 100, 200 & 30015 CE credit hours: L1310September 11, 12, 13, 20128:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.GMAR: 24125 Drake Road, Farmington 48335MemberMax or EduPass – No Charge$250.00 Premier Members - $295.00 non-membersRegistration

continuing education class – couRse 12006 CE Credit hours: L5032 & L5034September 12, 20129:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.GMAR Troy Office: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084$40 prepaid - $50.00 at the doorRegistration

continuing education & code of ethics class6 CE credit hours: L5544 (3 legal) & L5545 (3 legal)September 17 & 19, 20126:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.GMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084$45.00 prepaid - $55.00 at the doorRegistration

continuing education & code of ethics class6 CE credit hours: L5544 (3 legal) & L5545 (3 legal)September 17 & 19, 20126:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.GMAR Troy Office: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084$45.00 prepaid - $55.00 at the doorRegistration

agency RelationshiPs – legal uPdate2 CE credit hours: L5487 (legal)September 19, 20129:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.GMAR: 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084MemberMax or EduPass – No Charge$35.00 Premier Members - $40.00 non-members



QUESTION: I recently showed a house to a client, and he expressed an interest in making an offer. Later, I showed the same property to another client, and she wants to make an offer. Have I violated the Code of Ethics?

AnsWER: First, clarify your relationship with each buyer. standard of Practice 1-2 defines a “client” as “the person(s) or entity(ies) with whom a REALtoR® or a REALtoR®’s firm has an agency or legally recognized non-agency relationship.”

if both buyers are indeed your clients, Article 1 of the Code requires that you “protect and promote the interests” of each person. if you have a written agency agreement with each of these buyers, it should specify what you are permitted to do if both want to make an offer on the same property.

Many buyer agency agreements specifically allow the agent to show or present the same property to multiple clients. if you don’t have written agreements, or if your written agreements don’t specify what your duties are in this situation, you have a possible conflict of interest.

the first client to see the property could claim that you failed to protect his interests by showing the property to the second client before he had an opportunity to make an offer. But, if you didn’t make the property available to the second client, she could claim that you didn’t give her information about a property that likely fit her needs.

in any event, you should discuss this possibility with clients when you begin working with them. it’s possible that your state agency statutes address this situation. But the best way to avoid this problem is to have a buyer agency agreement that specifies what your duties are.

Columnist Bruce Aydt, ABR®, CRB, is senior vice president and general counsel of Prudential Alliance, REALTORS®, in St. Louis and a former chair of NAR’s Professional Standards Committee. You can send him your ethics questions at [email protected].

Agency Agreement Can Prevent buyer SnagWhat should you do when two clients want to buy the same property?

By BRuCE AyDt

Fast Track toShort Sale Success

Brought to you by the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®

Course Fees:

Members of GMAR

FREE!

Please fax completed form to: (248) 478-3150 or (248) 879-8280

Non-Members: $25.00

Please call (248) 478-1700 or

(248) 879-5730 register online at WWOCAR.com

(members please login for discounted pricing when

registering online at WWOCAR.com)

LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE!

Mike Sher has been a REALTOR since 2000. Prior to real estate, Mike worked as a Congressional Aide and later as a Grant Writer. Through these experiences, Mike has learned how to navigate through Bureaucracies much like those in large banking institutions. Mike has assisted and closed dozens of short sale listings.

Through his brokerage, Mike has acted as a Short Sale consultant, Expert Panelist, and Short Sale Instructor to his companies franchise offices.

Presented by: Subjects Discussed:

• Prospecting for Short Sales • Converting a phone call to an appointment.

• Listing presentations

• Hardship, documents and how to protect your commission.

• List to sell and introduce yourself to the bank.

• Handling offers and working with the bank.

• Keeping the buyer, the buyer's agent, the seller and the bank focused and calm.

• QB the deal, run plays, control the clock and get paid.

• Avoid getting sued and document everything.

• Short Sale Payoffs, Deficiency, Balance charge offs and Promissory notes

• Pitfalls to avoid during the process.

• Dealing with the HUD, the title company and the closing.

Approved for 3-Continuing Education Credits (L 317)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Name:_________________________________________ License #: ______________________ Office:_________________________________________ Phone: _________________________ Email: ________________________________________

Visa MasterCard Discover: ____________________________________________ Expiration Date: ______________________ Signature: __________________________________

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 9:00 am. - 12:00 p.m. GMAR Troy Office - 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, 48084

Designed for real estate professionals at all experience levels, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification, or SFR for short, gives you a framework for understanding how to:

• Direct distressed sellers to finance, tax, and legal professionals

• Qualify sellers for short sales

• Develop a short-sale package

• Negotiate with lenders

• Tap into buyer demand

• Safeguard your commission

• Limit risk

• Protect buyers

• As many agents can attest, your ability to close short sales and foreclosures depends in part on your confidence in seeing these transactions through. Begin building your confidence today with SFR!

Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification

August 16, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. GMAR 2125 Butterfield Suite 100N Troy, MI 48084

Earn the SFR Certification

Approved for 6-hours of Michigan Continuing Education and 2-hours of Legal Credit! Topic Approval #: L1367 & L5142 School Approval #: 303

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Be a member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS.

• Complete this qualifying core course.

• View three 1-hour Webinars available free of charge.

• Submit application* to REBAC

*$175 application fee payable to REBAC must be submitted with application.

You may return the application to the SFR department via email, fax

or direct mail. Please see the application for the

contact information.

Certification Course Cost

*Members paying monthly membership fee:

FREE**! Please fax completed form to:

(248) 478-3150

GMAR Members: $79.00

Non-Members:

$99.00 Please call (248) 478-1700 or (248)

879-5730 register online at WWOCAR.com

(members please login for discounted pricing) LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE!

ATTENTION GMAR MEMBERS: You may be able to take this course for FREE*!

**Subject to seating availability. Newly licensed members are not eligible to attend designation courses included with the MemberMax™ and/or EduPass™program during the first 6-months of membership**


Visa MasterCard Discover: ____________________________________________

Edu-Pass™ / Member-Max™ Expiration Date: ______________________ Signature: __________________________________

GMAR®








• Limit risk

• Protect buyers



August 16, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. GMAR 2125 Butterfield Suite 100N Troy, MI 48084















(248) 478-3150


Non-Members:

$99.00 Please call (248) 478-1700 or (248)








GMAR®

Available for the first time in a classroom setting, the new e-PRO® gives you a roadmap to build your business and serve the hyper-connected consumers of today and tomorrow. Learn about the changing market and how to connect with consumers, manage your online reputation, generate leads and gain referrals by signing up for Day 1 of the certification course. Upon completion of Day 1, students must complete Day 2 online to earn the e-PRO® certification.

The evolution of e-PRO® was developed through a partnership of The National Association of REALTORS®(NAR) and the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI) to familiarize today’s agents with the latest technology and social media tools to enhance their business and help them engage with customers and other real estate professionals.

E-PRO - Day 1 Certification Course

September 6, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335

Earn the e-PRO Certification

Approved for 8-hours of Michigan Continuing Education! Topic Approval #: L463 School Approval #: 303




• Complete Day 2 online.



FREE**!

Please fax completed form to: (248) 879-8280 or (248) 478-3150


Non-Members:

$119.00

Please call (248) 879-5730

register online at WWOCAR.com (members please login for discounted pricing)







GMAR®

NAR's Green Designation is a real estate designation designed for residential real es-tate professionals looking to green their businesses and their lives.

Students who complete this course will understand how the issues of green and sus-tainability impact all facets of real estate--from smart growth, new urbanism, and com-munity development to the factors that make a building or home green to today's gen-eration of green clients and customers. In order to earn NAR's Green Designation, stu-dents must successfully complete all three courses.

When you earn NAR's Green Designation, you'll gain:

• A comprehensive understanding of what it means to go green and the concerns of consumers seeking green knowledge about real estate

• Valuable real estate education that broadens your abilities in the eyes your clients, prospective clients and associates

• Enhanced ability to participate in the green real estate market

• Ongoing specialized training and resources that help you stay on top of green real estate issues and trends

• Access to customizable members-only marketing tools to help you build your busi-ness and gain a competitive edge

If you're ready to be a green real estate leader in your community, get started today.

NAR’s GREEN Designation 100, 200, & 300 Course

September 11, 12 & 13, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. GMAR Offices, 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335

Earn the GREEN Designation

Approved for 15-hours of standard Michigan Continuing Education! Topic Approval #: L1310 School Approval #: 303

DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS

Successfully complete the NAR's Green Designation Course, and pass the written examination.

Successfully complete the NAR's Green Designation Course, and pass the written examination.

Students must successfully complete the Green Course and an approved elective course within one year of each other.

Submit the Green Designation Application Form upon successful completion of the Core Course and at least one Elective Course.

Maintain active membership in the National Association of REALTORS® & maintain active membership in the Green Resource Council.

Designation Course Cost

**Members paying monthly membership fee:

FREE! Please fax completed form to:

(248) 478-3150 or (248)879-8280 GMAR Members:

$250.00

Non-Members: $295.00

Please call (248) 478-1700 or

(248)879-5730 register online at WWOCAR.com

(members please login for discounted pricing)


ATTENTION GMAR MEMBERS: You may be able to take this course for FREE**!





GMAR®

Agency Relationships -Legal Update

Brought to you by the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®

Course Fees:

*MemberMax or EduPass

FREE! Please fax completed form to:

(248) 478-3150 or (248) 879-8280

GMAR Premier Members: $35.00

Non-Members:

$40.00

Please call (248) 478-1700 or (248) 879-5730

register online at WWOCAR.com

(members please login for discounted pricing when

registering online at WWOCAR.com)


Rick Conley, The Real Estate Education Professionals of Michigan, Inc. (REEP of Michigan)

Rick brings 23 years of active real estate experience into the classroom adding fun and making classes interesting.

Rick engages students in open forum and promotes an on-going resource for all students and strongly believes that all classes and materials provided should have a direct beneficial use in the daily business practice of residential real estate.

Presented by: Excellent for Risk Management! Still the most confusing concept in Real Estate today! Understand all forms of Agency: Traditional, Single, Designated, Dual, and Transactional Coordinator according to Michigan laws and rules. Fiduciary responsibilities as a handout for Buyers are covered. What considerations are needed in a good risk management buyer contract to protect yourself, your broker, and yet provide really great service? Present agency in practical, understandable terms and promote confidence that you are the best choice of hire.

Approved for 2-Legal Continuing Education Credits (L5487)

September 19, 2012 9:00 am. - 11:00 a.m.

GMAR Troy Office (2125 Butterfield)




EduPass™ / MemberMax™ Expiration Date: ______________________ Signature: __________________________________

SEPTEMBER 19TH, TROY OCTOBER 24TH, FARMINGTON


October 24, 2012 9:00 am. - 11:00 a.m.

GMAR Farmington Office (24125 Drake)

This education-based designation addresses the fastest growing market in real estate.

Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they've always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes on and on. Can you speak to the unique motivation they have? Do you know how to counsel your client on their options? This is the kind of distinction that can set you apart. You can be the hero.

SRES® Designation Course Learning Objectives:

• Learn about uses of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions. • Gain an understanding of how Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security impact 50+

real estate decisions. • Recognize mortgage finance & loan schemes and scams that victimize 50+ borrowers. • Identify key life stages, viewpoints, and transitions in relation to housing choices. • Recognize how a home can be adapted for safety, comfort, and aging in place. • Stay focused on the transaction and avoid inappropriate involvement in family matters. • Develop sensitivities to 50+ issues and priorities when counseling buyers and sellers,

showing properties, and managing transactions. • Develop services that win and sustain client and customer relationships and position

you as a trusted real estate advisor. • Master the vocabulary of the range of housing options for the 50+ market. • Learn the application of federal laws for Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). • Develop business building outreach methods for communicating & gaining 50+ market

share.

Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation Course


September 26 & 27, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. GMAR Offices, 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, MI 48084

Earn the SRES Designation


DESIGNATION

REQUIREMENTS

Three (3) requirements must be met to attain and use the

SRES® designation:

Successful completion of the two-day SRES® Designation course, including an 80% passing grade on the exam. Maintain active membership in the National Association of REALTORS®. M a i n t a i n a n a c t i v e membership in the SRES Counci l . New Designees receive one-year membership in the Seniors Real Estate Council¨ FREE. Annual dues are $99 each year thereafter.




(248) 478-3150


Non-Members:

$399.00

Please fax completed form to (248) 478-3150 or

register online at WWOCAR.com (members please login for discounted pricing) LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE!





GMAR®

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC), an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, to real estate practitioners who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria. In addition, REBAC provides many membership benefits to help your business grow and keep you up-to-date and networked, with new enhancements added each year.

The overall goals of the ABR® Designation Course are to:

• Prepare real estate professionals to thoroughly represent buyer-clients in real es-tate transactions and provide the quality of service and degree of fidelity to buyers that sellers have customarily enjoyed.

• Offer ideas and methods for building a buyer representation business.

• Develop a self-customized tool for conducting a buyer counseling session.

($110.00/year to maintain membership)

Accredited Buyer RepresentativeDesignation Course

October 17 & 18, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. GMAR Offices, 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335

Earn the ABR Designation


DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of the two-day ABR Course, including an 80% passing grade on the exam.

After you complete this course you will have three (3) years in which to complete the other requirements.

• Successful completion of one of the ABR® elective courses, including an 80% passing grade on the exam. This course may be taken prior to completing the ABR Designation Course.

• Documentation verifying five (5) completed transactions in which you acted solely as a buyer representative (no dual agency). Any transactions closed prior or closed within three years after completing the ABR Course are eligible for credit.

• Maintain active membership with REBAC and NAR.




(248) 478-3150 or (248) 879-8280


Non-Members:

$225.00

Please call (248) 478-1700 or (248) 879-5730










GMAR®

This education-based designation addresses the fastest growing market in real estate.

Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they've always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes on and on. Can you speak to the unique motivation they have? Do you know how to counsel your client on their options? This is the kind of distinction that can set you apart. You can be the hero.

SRES® Designation Course Learning Objectives:

• Learn about uses of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions. • Gain an understanding of how Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security impact 50+

real estate decisions. • Recognize mortgage finance & loan schemes and scams that victimize 50+ borrowers. • Identify key life stages, viewpoints, and transitions in relation to housing choices. • Recognize how a home can be adapted for safety, comfort, and aging in place. • Stay focused on the transaction and avoid inappropriate involvement in family matters. • Develop sensitivities to 50+ issues and priorities when counseling buyers and sellers,

showing properties, and managing transactions. • Develop services that win and sustain client and customer relationships and position

you as a trusted real estate advisor. • Master the vocabulary of the range of housing options for the 50+ market. • Learn the application of federal laws for Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). • Develop business building outreach methods for communicating & gaining 50+ market

share.

Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation Course


September 26 & 27, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. GMAR Offices, 2125 Butterfield, Suite 100N, Troy, MI 48084

Earn the SRES Designation


DESIGNATION

REQUIREMENTS

Three (3) requirements must be met to attain and use the

SRES® designation:

Successful completion of the two-day SRES® Designation course, including an 80% passing grade on the exam. Maintain active membership in the National Association of REALTORS®. M a i n t a i n a n a c t i v e membership in the SRES Counci l . New Designees receive one-year membership in the Seniors Real Estate Council¨ FREE. Annual dues are $99 each year thereafter.




(248) 478-3150


Non-Members:

$399.00

Please fax completed form to (248) 478-3150 or






GMAR®








• Limit risk

• Protect buyers



November 8, 2012 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. GMAR Office, 24125 Drake Road, Farmington, MI 48335















(248) 478-3150


Non-Members:

$99.00 Please call (248) 478-1700 or (248)








GMAR®

Documents

Still Confused About Social Media?social Media Marketing helps you learn the art of social media marketing to build your business to its full potential. BuZZ MARkEting With BLogs $24.99