Mums Schoolhouse Fundraiser
Orders are due by September 7!
Welcome in fall and the back-to-school season!
GRAR is hosting a Mum Fundraiser in partnership with Schwartz Greenhouses. All proceeds will go towards our Schoolhouse Fund to help West Michigan schools, students, and teachers!
- Need a good closing gift for a client?
- Want to give your listing pictures a little pop of color?
- Have you been meaning to freshen up your office or front steps a bit?
- Need a good reason to donate to kids, but want to get something for yourself at the same time?
Whatever your motivation, our fundraiser is the answer! We have 9″ pots ($13) and 10″ hanging baskets ($17) available in Yellow, Orange, Red, or Purple/Pink.
Orders must be placed by September 7 and flowers will be available for pickup at GRAR on Thursday, September 18.
Please spread the word and thank you for helping support our local schools through GRAR’s Schoolhouse Fund!
Location: 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
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 | 9:00-11:30am- Wednesday, August 27 | 1:00-3:30pm
- Tuesday, September 9 | 9:00-11:30am
- Tuesday, October 28 | 9:00-11:30am
Cost: $15.00, includes 3 hours of elective CE
Location: GRAR (660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546)
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
The Ambassadorship Program
Thursday, August 28 | 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:
- When: The last Thursday of every month
- Time: 9:00-10:00am
- 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 Blue Bridge .1K
Wednesday, September 3 | 1:00-3:00pm
Run Like You Just Got a Lead!
Come get some exercise and network with YPN during the Blue Bridge Walk, Wednesday, September 3rd at 1:00 pm!
Join fellow members of YPN and the real estate community as we take a short, fun walk across the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids and help raise funds to benefit GRAR’s Crisis and Schoolhouse Funds.
Location: The Blue Bridge Walk will start on the west (museum) side of the Grand River, and the group will walk the Blue Bridge together. All participants will then be welcome at the post-walk gathering at Z’s Bar downtown for networking and refreshments.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Guild Mortgage, JW Inspection Services of Michigan, and Churchill Mortgage
America’s One Title, Grand Home Inspection, Lighthouse Title Group, and Mortgage 1 Inc.
Consumers Credit Union and HomeMaster.
Cost: $15 includes a Blue Bridge Walk T-shirt and drink voucher.
The cut off date for tee shirt orders has passed, but you can still join us wearing your own awesome gear!
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
New Member Orientation
Thursday, September 4 | 8:15am-2:30pm
Thursday, October 16 | 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
Encore Offering: Safety Class
Wednesday, September 17 | 9:00am-12:00pm
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: Lighthouse Title Group
Location: 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Wake Up with YPN
Thursday, September 18 | 9:30-10:30am
Creating an Impact Beyond Commission
Becca Greenhoe, Bryant Mitchell, and Duke Gray will share how they have each built successful real estate careers while giving back to the communities where they live and work. They will share tips for those who want to make a difference but might feel that they don’t have the time, money, or influence to do so. Their individual journeys are fascinating and inspiring! Adam Tolley will moderate this discussion.
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!
Sponsored by: Welton Media and JW Inspection Services of Michigan
Location: Egypt Valley Country Club
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Early bird registration: REBarGR
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 11:00am-4:00pm
After Party from 4:00-6:00pm
REBar is a Real Estate learning event, typically held at a bar – get it?
The event will begin with a strolling lunch and registration, followed by three learning sessions, with prizes and drinks in-between. It will conclude with an after-party solely for networking.
Each learning session you will have 4 options to choose from for topic discussions- one large session or 3 breakout discussions.
It may sound complicated, but it really is quite simple.. it’s people meeting people, learning, sharing, gathering, and networking. The knowledge you gain here is invaluable. The friendships and associations you make, will change your life and your business!
There is a reason this is GRAR’s most popular event, selling out year after year.
Registration options:
Choose one of three registration options. All tiers include a strolling lunch, full access to the event activities, networking, and one drink ticket.
- EMBER TIER – $20, includes 1 raffle ticket, Those who want to enjoy the event and have a chance to win a prize.
- FLAME TIER – $40, includes 10 raffle tickets ($25 savings!*) Attendees looking for more chances to win.
- INFERNO TIER – $60, includes 25 raffle tickets ($80 savings!*) Those who want the ultimate experience and the highest chance of winning big prizes.
All event proceeds benefit GRAR’s Schoolhouse Program & Crisis Fund, in case you need a reason to be generous in your quest to snag fantastic prizes!
Location: The Knickerbocker
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
We’d like to give a big thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
After Party Sponsors: LMCU and Welton Media
Room Sponsors: Consumers Credit Union, Dart Bank, and Top Flite Home Loans
Event Sponsors: Choice One Bank, Credit Union ONE, Denali Title, Sun Title, and Superior National Bank
Food Sponsors: ATA National Title Group, Candudo, Grand Home Inspection, Independent Bank, JW Home Inspection, Mortgage 1, Nederveld, Preferred Rate, Riverbank Finance, and Team Mortgage Company
Words That Work: De-Escalation Techniques Class
Tuesday, September 30 | 9:30-11:30am
Learn how to identify indicators that a situation is escalating and utilize practical techniques to manage conflict in both professional and personal environments. Enhance problem solving and communication skills and feel more confident in challenging situations.
Key Discussions & Insights
- Recognizing Body Language
- Effective Communication
- Managing Aggressive Behavior
- De-escalation Strategies
Instructed by Rebecca McGinnis – Former Kent County Sheriff Deputy
Cost: $20.00 includes 2 hours of elective CE credit
Sponsored by: Denali Title & Grand Home Inspections
DEFI Advocate
Tuesday, October 14 | 9:00am-4:00pm
This certification was designed by GRAR to promote a culture in which we build more inclusive and equitable communities. DEFI Advocates understand the importance of embracing diversity on both a professional and personal level.
To earn the DEFI (Diversity, Equity, Fair housing and Inclusion) certification:
- Attend our DEFI Advocate Workshop on Tuesday, October 14 at GRAR. This class will be instructed by Brian Westrin and James Cristbrook. By attending you will earn 6 hours of CE credit, including legal and fair housing. This class also satisfies the 2025 NAR Fair Housing Training requirement.
- Complete the Fairhaven 2.0 online simulation program independently by November 1st. By completing, you will earn 2 hours of fair housing CE. This class also satisfies the 2025 NAR Fair Housing Training requirement.
You must complete both steps outlined above to earn the DEFI Advocate certification. Your accomplishment will be recognized at GRAR’s Annual Awards Celebration!
Cost: $35.00 includes lunch and 6 hours of CE credit (including legal and fair housing)
Sponsored by: Mercantile Bank
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
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.
Save the Date: Legal Brunch-n-Learn
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 10:30am-12:30pm
Instructed by John Bommarito, General Counsel for ATA Title Group. This 2 hour legal con ed will cover:
- Seller Impersonation Fraud/Vacant Land Fraud
- PA 116-Farmland & Open Space Preservation Act
- Conservatorship
- Uncapping of taxes
- Mobile home issues
- Surveys
Location: GRAR
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Save the Date: Emerge
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 9:30am-3:15pm
Happy hour to follow!
Location: Watermark Country Club – 1600 Galbraith Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
YPN's Euchre Tournament Fundraiser
Save the date: Wednesday, November 12
Fundraiser to benefit GRAR’s Schoolhouse program and the REALTORS® Property Crisis Fund. More details coming soon!
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.
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.
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.