What's New at GRAR?
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Cultural Intelligence: Don't Sell a Home Without It!
October 5, 2011
Over 125 REALTORS® gathered at GRAR for the Cultural Intelligence: Don't Sell a
Home Without It educational program. This class was co-sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS?, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Fair Housing Center of West Michigan and GRAR.
Dr. David Livermore, global thinker and author, provided the keynote address which was followed by a panel discussion featuring the following special guests: Doretha Ardoin, REALTOR? and Trainer, Liz Keegan, Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, Brian Westrin, MAR Manager of Legal Affairs, and John A. Obee, Attorney with Wood, Kull, Herschfus, Obee & Kull, P.C. John Obee closed the schedule for the day with a 2 hour Fair Housing Legal Update. A very special thanks is owed to the Broker Relations Task Force for bringing this program to GRAR!
GRAR's 2011 REALTOR-of-the-Year
September 27, 2011
Jo Ann Hatfield (at left) is recognized as the GRAR 2011 REALTOR-of-the-Year by Claire Williams, President of the Michigan Association of REALTORS, at the MAR Convention that was recently held at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids.
2nd Annual REBAR Camp
September 27, 2011
GRAR's 2nd Annual RE Barcamp was held on Tuesday, September 27 at Bar Divani in Grand Rapids. This year's event was a HUGE success thanks to multiple volunteers from the Social Media/Technology Task Force. Over 200 registrants were in attendance from across the State of Michigan!
Attendees gained knowledge on a variety of topics related to social media and technology. Popular topics included: use of I Pad and I Phones, Beginner and Advanced Facebook, Social Graphing, Blogging, Twitter, Personal Branding, Google Plus and Google Docs.
This event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors: Platinum Level Sponsors - Chicago Title and Macatawa Bank. Silver Level Sponsors - Razors Edge Signs, Ace Home Inspection, 616 Realty, Keller Williams Realty, Five Star Real Estate, Coldwell Banker AJS Schmidt Realty, JGR Real Estate, Planomatic, and World Source Tech.
If you missed this event, you'll want to be certain not to miss next year's event! Plans for the Third Annual REBarcamp will begin soon. Questions? Please contact Andrea Holwerda.
Degage Volunteer Day
September 23, 2011
GRAR Members donated a day of service on Friday, September 23, 2011 to Degage Ministries as part of the igive initiative. REALTOR® Members organized and participated in a series of activities, including a Housing Workshop, Facility Tour, Bingo Game, Dominoes Tournament, Ice Cream Social, Card-Making Session, and Beauty/Spa Treatments.
A special THANK YOU to the following activity leaders: Melanie Abraham, Mark Brace, Kate Bylsma, Ryan Ogle, Mike Rundhaug, and Jay Spencer, as well as ALL OF THE MEMBERS who were so giving of their time and talents!
5,191 hours have been donated through igive to date. This is a shining example of REALTORS® making a positive impact upon the West Michigan community!
"What a wonderful day we had on Friday! We met so many wonderful people and we felt so supported! Our staff throughout the building enjoyed working with all of the GRAR volunteers and our patrons appreciated the extra events. Thanks so much for arranging for everyone to be here." ~ Bonnie Mulder, Degage Volunteer Coordinator
NAR 'Homeownership Matters' Bus Tour Makes a Stop at GRAR
August 23, 2011
The National Association of REALTORS® paid a visit to GRAR on August 23 for a press conference as part of their 'Homeownership Matters' bus tour. The Grand Rapids stop was one of only two Michigan stops scheduled during the nationwide bus tour and featured NAR Vice President Elizabeth Mendenhall and GRAR President Lola Audu as the featured spokespersons on how national real estate issues can impact the lives of Michigan residents.
Last year, Michigan homeowners benefiting from the mortgage interest deduction took an average of $10,000 in deductions, and nationally, in a recent survey over one-third of homeowners reported that the MID helps their family "very much" or "a great deal" in today's economy. Despite the fact that this tax deduction benefits primarily middle- and lower income families and helps many people become homeowners, some public policymakers are considering reducing or eliminating this important benefit. One of their targets may be eliminating deductions on second homes, which could dramatically impact full-time residents in vacation and resort areas by depressing home prices in those areas.
In addition, Congress may reduce current FHA loan limits from 125 percent of the local area median home price to 115 percent of the local median home price. In some parts of the state, this could mean a loan limit reduction of nearly $74,000.
Watch the full press conference at GRAR's TV Channel on YouTube: Home Ownership Matters Bus Tour makes a stop in Grand Rapids.
The National Association of REALTORS®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.
GRAR Welcomes Rep. Justin Amash for REALTORS® Town Hall Luncheon
August 23, 2011
REALTORS® gathered at GRAR on August 23rd for a free Town Hall meeting featuring U.S. District 3 Representative Justin Amash discussing key congressional issue and seeking feedback from area REALTORS®.
The event also featured Terry Westbrook, NAR Federal Political Coordinator and broker/owner of Westbrook Realty, sharing the REALTORS' Top Ten list of legislative concerns, particularly the importance of continuing the Mortgage Interest Deduction.
Lunch was provided for all attendees courtesy of Transnation Title.
Many thanks to Congressman Amash for giving us his time and Terry Westbrook for moderating, and thanks as well to all those who attended!
Results are in for GRAR Primary Director Election
July 29, 2011
As a result of the primary election for GRAR Directors (licensed as brokers or certified appraisers) held on Friday, July 29, 2011, the following members were nominated to run in the general election. (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY.)
- Mark Brace of Prudential Preferred
- James Fase of Prudential Preferred
- Jacob Heglund of Jacob Heglund Realty
- Jeanine Herlacher of Midwest Properties of Michigan
- Cathy Hoppough of CB Weir Manuel Hoppough
- Thomas Kuiper of Midwest Properties of Michigan
The general election ballot will be available online beginning Friday, August 5, 2011, through 1:00 PM on Monday, August 15, 2011, at which time the three members receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to a three-year term beginning January 1, 2012.
President Audu Nominated for MAR District 3 Director
July 19, 2011
We are excited to announce that the GRAR Board of Directors recently moved to endorse the nomination of President Lola Audu for MAR District 3 Director in the MAR Annual Director Elections.
This endorsement was made at the recommendation of the Candidate Review & Development Committee of GRAR. As an essential part of the MAR team, those elected to the MAR Board of Directors are called upon to implement the visionary strategies that make the association tick while building the foundation for constant improvements. The professional, engaged member volunteers making up the MAR Board of Directors ensure that MAR is the first place people think of for highly credible industry-related services and advocacy.
We believe President Audu would make a perfect fit for a responsibility of this caliber, and we are proud to endorse her candidacy for this position.
Voters residing in Congressional District 3 will be eligible to vote online beginning Wednesday, August 31, 2011.
For more information, please visit the 2012 Director Candidates section of the MAR website.
Seminar Addresses the Importance of Using Social Media for Social Good
June 22, 2011
Over 100 GRAR Members and area REALTORS® were treated to a different type of education in real estate this week at GRAR when national speaker Jeff Turner, in the company of his spouse, Racquel ("Rocky") Turner, presented a special seminar on the power that using 'Social Media for Social Good' can have on your business.
Jeff, President of interactive development company Zeek Interactive and founder of RealEstateShows.com, is well known in the real estate social media circuit for providing sound, solid real estate advice and info as it relates to social media and emerging technology. His wife, Rocky, meanwhile has, through the help of social media connections, managed to develop and sustain the successful non-profit 'Mothers Fighting for Others' (MFFO), a charitable organization whose aim is to provide orphaned girls in Kenya with a nurturing and supportive education environment. She shared her story with Summit attendees about how she was able to harness the power of meaningful person-to-person connections made through social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook to raise thousands of dollars for education funding and supplies to help the Kenyan girls complete a high school education.
Jeff then expanded on the concept of using social media for social good by explaining to attendees the importance of using platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to build sustaining relationships with clients and potential clients based on honesty and trust.
"Tools don't matter, apps don't matter," Jeff told REALTORS® listening in the audience. "You have to bring the right energy to the social media space you occupy in order to create meaningful connections. Your approach when engaging online should always be, 'What can I do for YOU?', not, 'What can I do for me?'"
The 90-minute program was organized by the GRAR Knowledge Services Department and Social Media and Technology Task Force with support from four sponsors, Allen Edwin Homes, Bell Title Agency, Fifth Third Bank and Inspectex Home Inspection Services.
Please feel free to access the slideshow used by Jeff Turner during his part of the presentation!
You can also visit the Mothers Fighting for Others website for more information about the charity or if you wish to make a donation.
Click to view highlights from a Welcome Reception hosted in honor of Jeff & Rocky Turner on the eve of their appearance at GRAR!
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Click to view highlights from the Social Media for Social Good Summit at GRAR on June 22.
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Brokers Gather for Strategic Planning Session at GRAR
June 15, 2011
Over 100 brokers gathered at GRAR on June 15 to attend the GRAR Broker Summit, organized and led by 2011 GRAR President Lola Audu. The Summit featured guest speaker Gregg Larson, President and CEO of Clareity Consulting, a nationally known company that has been providing management and IT consulting services for the real estate industry since 1996. Larson addressed the importance of maintaining balance between properly serving the needs of sellers by publishing listings at popular real estate websites while at the same time ensuring that listing dates are kept accurate and listings removed when appropriate. With lead generation among the top three important issues facing brokers in the next 12 months, it has been said that "lead generation is today's new currency" for brokers.
Larson also talked to brokers about the latest in technology trends - cloud computing, the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage and process data (as opposed to a local service or personal computer).
Following the 90-minute Broker Summit, the GRAR Board of Directors convened to revisit the issues raised during the April 19th Broker Roundtable Strategic Planning Session (see article below) and identify key areas to be addressed with solutions implemented within the next six months. Those areas included:
The Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS® is proud to be taking preemptive steps to maintain economic health and enhance performance for its members under the leadership of President Audu. The issues identified during the April Brokers Roundtable Strategic Planning Session and the solutions discussed during the June Board meeting will be the primary focus for the Association throughout the remainder of the year.
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Brokers, Appraisers Challenged to Help Move GRAR In a New Direction
April 20, 2011
Approximately 25 brokers and appraisers turned out at GRAR on Wednesday, April 20, for a special Broker Roundtable Strategic Planning Session, the first of three Broker Strategic Planning sessions organized and led by President Lola Audu. The purpose of the session was for brokers to come together to share their thoughts, concerns and impressions regarding both the Association and the real estate industry.
"As business professionals, we must make a choice," President Audu stated as she addressed brokers at the beginning of the Roundtable Session. "And in that choice, we must be unified in our purpose."
Brokers and appraisers were then challenged to ask themselves what GRAR as an Association could lead the nation in. They split into groups based on the size of their firm and brainstormed together on a handful questions which were put before them including, 'What challenges are you currently facing in today's industry?' and 'What areas of service can GRAR be the best at?'
As far as challenges, brokers of firms large and small were all in agreement that 'survival and profitability' were among their top current challenges, with 'staying competitive' and 'keeping current with changing technology' following close behind.
Attendees also engaged in discussion around the Association itself-areas where broker and appraiser members felt the Association excelled versus areas it could improve upon. Attendees were largely in agreement that regionalization efforts and the new consumer centric website were among GRAR's strongest and most successful accomplishments as of late, along with opportunities for open dialogue among members--forums such as the roundtable session itself.
Changes to policies and adding layers of regulation to existing policies were among the areas that GRAR should avoid, brokers and appraisers agreed.
When asked to brainstorm on areas where GRAR could be a leader in the industry, customer service, education and integrity all came out on top.
"Let's come to the forefront again," said President Audu, inspiring her guests toward forward-thinking growth. "We have a gift to give to Grand Rapids as well as to the nation as a whole."
GRAR would like to thank all of the brokers and appraisers who participated in the Broker Roundtable Strategic Planning Session at GRAR. Input garnered from this session will be used by the GRAR Board of Directors as they consider where the Association should position itself in meeting the challenge of supporting its members in today's ever-changing business environment.
A complete copy of the notes taken during the Broker Roundtable Strategic Planning Session is available to GRAR members online via PDF at the GRAR Document Library.
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GRAR Board of Directors Makes a Visit to ICCF
March 16, 2011
The sun was sparkling brilliantly in a bright blue sky on Wednesday, March 16, when GRAR Board of Directors broke out of their usual routine of holding their monthly meeting at the GRAR board room and instead took a trip downtown to the Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) at 920 Cherry Street.
Perhaps you've noticed the ICCF building during your own visits into the Fairmount Square District... Tucked along a backstreet of funky storefronts and restaurants, it emerges almost majestically from among the row of squat buildings, a four-story edifice of red brick and countless windows, with a quartet of stately pillars stretching skyward on either side of the entrance. The building was originally a home for local orphans early in the 20th century, then served as a hospital for polio patients and injured war veterans before declining into 12 years of vacancy and deterioration. It was ICCF who purchased the property in 2005, just weeks before it was scheduled for demolition, restored it to its original appearance, and made a home for itself there.
The GRAR Board's reason for visiting ICCF was to learn more about the local organization which has made it its mission since 1974 to provide those in need with safe, clean, affordable housing opportunities.
An extension of the Strategic Relations outreach initiative of GRAR Members in the community, the visit was hosted by ICCF President and CEO Jonathon Bradford, who shared with the board the many strides ICCF has made over the years. Under Bradford's 30-year leadership alone, the organization has built nearly 530 houses and serves more than 2,200 clients annually through rental homes, an emergency shelter, bilingual home inspections, foreclosure counseling and more.
During the meeting, the GRAR Board also welcomed Jeanine Herlacher (Midwest Properties of MI), Chair of the Strategic Relations Task Force, who provided an update on what over 124 GRAR Member liaisons are doing to reach out to friends and neighbors within our community!
The Board members appreciated the opportunity to visit this beautiful building and learn more about its important work. We extend many thanks to our President, Lola Audu, for both helping to arrange this visit as well as strengthening GRAR's Strategic Relations outreach effort!
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Successful Legislative Breakfast Builds Support for REALTOR® Issues
February 25, 2011
Contributed by Doug Merriam, West Michigan Public Policy Director
On the morning of Friday, February 25, representatives on behalf of Congressman Bill Huizenga and Congressman Justin Amash, as well as legislators representing parts of Kent County, gathered with the GRAR and CAR Government Affairs Committees and Boards of Directors for breakfast and an hour long discussion on pressing policy issues important to the REALTOR® membership.
At the federal level, there is concern about President Obama's desire to make changes to the very important mortgage interest deduction as well as making sure that the GSE reform package is meaningful and sustainable for long term recovery in the housing market. In Lansing, the biggest item on the table is Governor Rick Snyder's recent budget and tax proposals. They will promote a better environment for not only the residential and appraisal side of the membership, but especially the commercial membership that has suffered under Governor Granholm's MBT.
One thing was clear- there are difficult decisions that will be made in the coming months but they will provide Michigan a better chance to compete and be a destination for economic prosperity.
Given that there are so many new legislators from the area due to our restrictive term limits, we discussed many industry specific policy concerns like the elimination of private transfer fees and the need for brokers to post a wall license, registration of AMCs and principal residence exemption reform.
Special thanks to all of our guests: Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, Sen. Mark Jansen, Rep. Lisa Posthumous Lyons, Rep. Peter MacGregor, Rep. Roy Schmidt, Rep. Tom Hooker, Rep. Brandon Dillon and Jeff Snyder, Legislative Aid to Rep. Ken Yonker.
GRAR Snags RPAC Honors for 'Greatest Member Participation' at Achieve Conference
January 19 - 21, 2011
The 2011 MAR Achieve Conference took place at the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit this year, January 19 - 21, with GRAR's Board Officers and CEO in attendance. During the conference, GRAR Leadership met with leadership from our neighbor board, WMLAR (West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS®), did some valuable networking and took advantage of the many educational sessions, presentations and roundtable discussions available, including:
- Fair Housing Roundtable, led by Attorney Brian Westrin
- Operating on All Cylinders 'flash session' on Managing Professional Standards, MAR Legislative Summary, 'Three E's to Social Media', and more
- Time Management for Leaders, with speaker Randy Dean
- The Importance of the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards Procedures with Leadership Emphasis, led by Pat Kukla
- 'Answering the Call for Great Leadership' with Rod McIntyre
- 'Don't Live Life in the Rearview Mirror', with presenter Terry Wisner
Among the highlights of the trip for GRAR leadership was the Association's receiving top honors during the RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee) Luncheon for leading the state in donations with the highest member participation and most dollars contributed over goal!
GRAR is very proud to hold this recognition, and we thank each and every one of our contributing members who helped us achieve such honors from RPAC, along with our officers who took part in the Achieve Conference.
Already looking forward to Achieve 2012!