New Member Orientation
Thursday, October 16 | 8:15am-2:30pm
Thursday, November 6 | 8:15am-2:30pm
The new REALTOR® Member Orientation Program is comprised of three segments: classroom session (offered once per month – dates are subject to change), GRAR online comprehension exam, and online Code of Ethics training. Registrations are required to reserve seating. Lunch is provided.
Location: 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Dana Tosh or 616-940-8218
Legal Brunch-n-Learn
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 10:30am-12:30pm
Join us for a legal CE session covering key real-world topics, including Seller Impersonation, Vacant Land Fraud, PA 116 Farmland Preservation, Conservatorship, Tax Uncapping, Surveys, Mobile Homes- and the new FinCEN Anti-Money Laundering rule impacting closings starting Dec. 1.
This class is certified for 2 hours of legal CE and will be instructed by John Bommarito, General Counsel for ATA National Title Group.
Cost: $15, includes brunch & 2 hours of legal CE
Sponsored by: ATA National Title Group
Location: GRAR
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Code of Ethics Training
NAR requires that all REALTORS® complete a refresher Code of Ethics training course once every 3 years. GRAR policy calls for all members to complete the training in the same calendar year. Collectively, all GRAR members last completed the training in 2022. That means that we must now all complete the training in 2025.
Exemptions: Members who hold the REALTOR® Emeritus or Life Membership status.
While we encourage you to take advantage of NAR’s free online training, if you prefer in-person learning, GRAR will offer several classroom sessions:
Tuesday, July 22 | 9:00-11:30amWednesday, August 27 | 1:00-3:30pmTuesday, September 9 | 9:00-11:30am- Tuesday, October 28 | 9:00-11:30am (full)
This final classroom session is full!
We offered several in-person opportunities earlier in the year, but the last one filled quickly. Since no more in-person dates will be added, please complete NAR Code of Ethics Training Online to fulfill your requirement.
The Ambassadorship Program
Wednesday, October 29 | 9:00-10:00am
This monthly event is open to all members and designed to foster open dialogue, provide insight into our decision-making processes, and explore opportunities for getting more involved with the organization.
Details of the Ambassadorship Program:
- Where: REALTOR® Lounge (Lower Level)
- Who: 2 to 3 Director Representatives each month
Why Should You Attend?
Have you ever wondered why certain decisions are made by the Board of Directors? Are you interested in learning more about serving on a committee, taking on a leadership role, or even running for the Board? This informal gathering is your chance to chat with Director representatives and ask any questions you might have. Whether you’re curious about how our leadership works or you want to explore how you can take a more active role, this is the perfect space to get the answers you need.
We’re excited to provide this new avenue for open communication, and we hope you’ll take advantage of it!
YPN's Emerge Conference: Building Community, Building Careers
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 9:30am-3:15pm
Join us for a full day of insight, inspiration, and connection at the Emerge Conference! Hear from community leaders, gain fresh perspective on career growth, and celebrate the 2025 Emerging Leader Award—all while networking with fellow professionals over lunch and at happy hour.
Conference Schedule
- 9:30 a.m. – Registration & Networking
- 10:00 a.m. – David LaGrand, Mayor of Grand Rapids, on housing challenges including availability, affordability, and density
- 10:50 a.m. – Ryan VerWys, President & CEO of ICCF, on developing income-based and market-rate housing
- 11:35 a.m. – Joel Ruiter, Executive Director of Home Repair Services, on assistance programs for local homeowners
- 12:15 p.m. – Lunch & Networking
- 1:15 p.m. – REALTORS® Carrie Vos & Randi Brandt on career growth through leadership and RPAC investment
- 2:05 p.m. – Rookie-of-the-Year Panel: Early career strategies, challenges, and momentum
- 2:40 p.m. – Young Professional-of-the-Year Panel: Career growth, overcoming obstacles, and niche markets
- 3:10 p.m. – Presentation of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award
- 3:15 p.m. – Happy Hour & Networking
We thank our Emerge Sponsors!
Platinum Sponsor
Allen Edwin Homes
Gold Event Sponsors
Locker Inspection Services, Anchor Realty, MSHDA
Silver Event Sponsors
ATA National Title Group, Over & Underwood Home Inspection, Grand Home Inspection, Portland Federal Credit Union, Insurit Agency
Happy Hour Sponsors
JW Inspection Services, Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Cost: $30 GRAR Members | $40 Non-members
Location: Watermark Country Club – 1600 Galbraith Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Forewarn Training
On-demand training
Get to know your prospects in a matter of seconds! By entering a name or a telephone number, members will be able to obtain information such as: addresses, vehicle registrations, phone numbers, property records, criminal background, bankruptcies, judgments, liens, foreclosures, and evictions.
In order to take advantage of this service, members are required to watch and complete a short online training. The session will focus on the dos and don’ts of usage to avoid liability.
Following the training, you will be asked to complete a quiz and submit a Use Agreement.
Please note: If you are already registered for New Member Orientation, you do not need to complete the online Forewarn training. This training will be included in New Member Orientation.
YPN's Euchre Tournament Fundraiser
Save the date: Wednesday, November 12 | 2:00 to 4:00pm
Trump your midweek routine and join us for a fun, ladder-style Euchre tournament! Sign up individually and play with a new partner each round (8 total). Cash prizes of $75, $50, and $25 will go to the top three teams, plus additional gift card drawings throughout the event.
All proceeds support GRAR’s Schoolhouse Program and the REALTORS® Property Crisis Fund. More details coming soon!
Cost: $10, includes drinks and light. snacks
Sponsored by: ATA National Title Group, Grand Home Inspection, and JW Home Inspection Service
Location: GRAR
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
New Designated REALTOR® (DR) Orientation
Thursday, November 20 | 1:00-3:00pm
A review of important issues to be covered: Office Policy Manuals, Broker Supervisory Responsibilities, Procedures for New, Inactive & Transferring Agents, Permitted Unlicensed Support Staff Activities, Benefits (including but not limited to, MLS Shareholder eligibility) and more.
Encore Offering: Safety Class
Wednesday, December 3 | 1:00-4:00pm
Topics: Situational Awareness, Identification of High-Risk Areas, How to Safely Show a Home, Weapons of Opportunity, Cell Phone Safety Features, Forewarn, Local Safety Incidents & Other Safety Resources.
Instructed by: Chase Coughlin, 2024 Chairperson of the Safety Task Force, Former Ionia County Sheriff Deputy, Former Member of the FBI’s Violent Crimes Team
Cost: $20 – includes light refreshments, a personal safety alarm, and 3 hours of CE credit (elective)
Sponsored by: Grand Home Inspection
Location: 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Encore Offering: Words that Work De-Escalation Class
Tuesday, December 9 | 9:30am-12:00pm
In the high-stress environment of real estate, conflicts can arise due to variety of factors, such as:Disputes between Buyers and Sellers, Disputes between a Client and their Agent/Broker, Agent to Agent Disagreements, Tension Between Neighbors, Disgruntled Tenants or Squatters, and Emotional Transactions Involving Divorce or Estate Properties.
This is why it is important that real estate professionals are able to identify the changes in body language indicating that a situation is escalating, and also possess the skills and techniques to diffuse agitation and stress.
The instructor will help you recognize body language, engage in effective communication, manage aggressive behavior, and implement de-escalation strategies.
This course is brought to you by GRAR’s Safety Task Force and is instructed by Rebecca McGinnis, Former Kent County Sheriff Deputy.
Class size is limited to the first 35 registrants.
Cost: $20 – includes 2 hours of elective CE
Sponsored by: Lighthouse Title Group and CutCo Closing Gifts.
Location: 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Installation & Awards Celebration
Save the date: Friday, December 5
We welcome and encourage all members to join us as we celebrate our volunteers, recognize many of you for your years of membership in GRAR, announce our award winners, and witness the installation of our 2026 Officers and Directors. Brunch at 10:00 AM; the program will conclude by 12:30pm.
Save the date!
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
YPN's Ugly Sweater Bowling
Save the date: Thursday, December 11
Eat, Drink, and Bowl Ugly at Westgate Bowling Alley from 12:00-2:30pm! More details coming soon.
Wake Up with YPN
Thursday, December 18 | 9:30-10:30am
Empowering Others: Leadership Through Mentorship
There is no cost to attend and registration is not required, so feel welcome to bring a colleague.
Light refreshments will be provided. These sessions are great networking opportunities!
Location: Egypt Valley Country Club
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Upcoming Flexmls Trainings
There are no trainings currently scheduled.
Flexmls offers an extensive library of recorded trainings to assist you with questions you may have through their Flexmls Academy.
Location: GRAR Meeting Room (660 Kenmoor Ave, 49546)
Staff contact: Rick Baumann
REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR) Webinars
RPR is the nation’s largest property database, exclusively for REALTORS®. RPR puts data, tools, and reports at your fingertips so you can respond to questions and requests instantly, and position yourself as an essential part of every transaction. RPR offers everything you need to “wow” your clients and close more deals.