New Member Orientation
Thursday, November 6 | 8:15am-2:30pm
Thursday, December 4 | 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
Code of Ethics Training
GRAR members must complete Code of Ethics training in 2025 by December 31!
In addition to meeting state licensing continuing education requirements, GRAR REALTOR® and Appraiser members must also complete NAR Code of Ethics Training in 2025 by December 31st. Exemptions: Members who hold the REALTOR® Emeritus or Life Membership status.
On the NAR site it says I am okay until 2027. Why is GRAR requiring completion in 2025?
GRAR policy calls for all members to complete the training in the same calendar year, the first year of the Code of Ethics cycle. The current COE cycle is 2025-2027. Collectively, all GRAR members last completed the training in 2022. That means that we must now all complete the training in 2025.
After this, you will not be asked to complete this training again until 2028, the first year of the next COE cycle.
YPN's Euchre Tournament Fundraiser
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.
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
Upcoming Flexmls Trainings
Thursday, November 13 | 1:00-2:00pm
We’ll cover common Flexmls questions, tips, and best practices. If you have specific questions about contact management, CMAs, or just general Flexmls features, this class is for you.
This is an open-format session—come with your questions and your laptops, and we’ll make sure you leave with answers!
Location: GRAR Board Room (660 Kenmoor Ave, 49546)
Staff contact: Rick Baumann
Flexmls offers an extensive library of recorded trainings to assist you with questions you may have through their Flexmls Academy.
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
Installation & Awards Celebration
Friday, December 5 | 10:00am-12:30pm
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.
There is no cost to attend though seating is limited so registration is required.
This event is open only to members of GRAR.
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
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
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 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
Join GRAR Members Jason Carpenter, Kendra Havemeier, and Cory Maguire for an inspiring conversation on how mentorship can shape the future of our industry. Discover how guiding others not only helps new agents reach their full potential but also challenges mentors to grow and evolve as leaders.
There’s no cost to attend and no registration required — just come as you are and feel free to bring a colleague!
Coffee & pastries will be provided by our sponsors, Acrisure Title & Grand Home Inspection. We thank them for their support!
Location: Egypt Valley Country Club
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
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.