Blue Bridge .1K
Thursday, August 27 @ 1:00pm
Come get some exercise and network with YPN!
Join YPN and the real estate community for one of their most entertaining fundraisers as we cross Grand Rapids’ iconic Blue Bridge to help raise funds for GRAR’s Crisis Fund and Schoolhouse Fund.
The Blue Bridge .1K starts on the west (museum) side of the Grand River, but how you get across is up to you! Sprint, walk backwards, dance, or even try the Salmon Run by starting at the finish line and making your way “upstream” to the start. Choose your own creative way to cross the bridge while supporting a great cause.
Afterward, join fellow participants at Z’s Bar & Grill for networking and refreshments.
Premier Sponsors
- ATA National Title
- Guild Mortgage
- Top Flite Home Loans
Supporting Sponsors
- Denali Title
- Mortgage 1
- My City Home Loans
- Transnation Title Agency
Community Sponsors
- CrossCountry Mortgage
- JW Home Inspections
- Supreme Lending
Cost: $15.00- A tee shirt & a drink voucher included!
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
New Member Orientation
Thursday, September 3 | 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: GRAR – 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 49546
Staff contact: Dana Tosh or 616-940-8218
REBarGR - Early Bird Registration
Thursday, September 10 | 11:00am-4:00pm
One of GRAR’s most popular events! This event begins with a strolling lunch and registration, followed by three engaging learning sessions with prizes and drinks in-between. The day concludes with an after-party dedicated to networking.
Enjoy these discounted registration options for a limited time:
- EMBER TIER – $20, includes 1 raffle ticket
- FLAME TIER – $40, includes 10 raffle tickets
- INFERNO TIER – $60, includes 25 raffle tickets
All tiers include a strolling lunch, full access to the event activities, networking, and one drink ticket.
Raffle tickets are also available at the event for $5.00 each, so it is a much better value to pick the ‘flame’ or ‘inferno’ tiers at registration. All event proceeds benefit GRAR’s Schoolhouse Program & Crisis Fund, in case you need an extra reason to be generous in your quest to snag fantastic prizes!
This event is open exclusively to GRAR members.
A special thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum: Mercantile Bank
After Party: LMCU
Room: Consumers Credit Union, Dart Bank, and Top Flite Home Loans
Event: Choice One Bank, Denali Title, Farm Bureau Insurance – Justin Goushaw Agency, Icon Mortgage, and Sun Title
Food: ATA National Title Group, Candudo, Independent Bank, JW Home Inspection, Mortgage 1, My City Home Loans, Nederveld, Preferred Rate, Riverbank Finance, Team Mortgage Company, Transnation, and Welton Media
Location: The Knickerbocker – 417 Bridge St NW, 49504
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Volunteer Opportunity: Help Transform Eastern Park
Saturday, September 12 | 9:00am-11:00am
GRAR’s Community Involvement Task Force is inviting members, friends, family, and colleagues to come together for a hands-on volunteer project at Eastern Park in Grand Rapids. As part of the NAR Placemaking Program, GRAR is partnering with the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, Friends of GR Parks, ICCF, and the Highland Park Neighborhood Association to transform an unused patch of grass into a welcoming, usable community space.
The updated area will feature a hammock grove, new trees, pollinator plants, mulch, and artwork—creating a beautiful space for neighbors and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
We cannot do this without your help. Volunteers needed!
Volunteers will help spread mulch, plant pollinator bushes and trees, and add edging along pathways. Site preparation will be completed in advance by the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
All tools, gloves, and park materials will be provided, along with water and snacks from Friends of GR Parks. Volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing that can get dirty. Sunscreen is also recommended.
Come lend a hand, meet fellow community members, and help create a space that strengthens and beautifies the Grand Rapids community.
Location: Eastern Park (758 Eastern Ave NE, 49503)
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Master of Agent Principles (MAP)
You may have heard of Master of Brokerage Principles (MBP), a high-level educational certification available exclusively to DRs.
Salespersons, now it’s your turn! Earn a certification with the same high-quality education, designed specifically for you- the Master o of Agent Principles (MAP) certification series.
To earn register for the series and attend all three classes:
- Thursday, September 17 | 9:00am-12:00pm @ GRAR
Topics: Agency, Offer Strategies, Inspections, Possession, Seller Rights in Multiple-Offer Situations, Required Forms and Disclosures, Fair Housing Considerations, Coming Soon Listings, and Purchase Agreement Clauses – from both buyer and selling agent perspectives.Panelists: Brittany Arraut, Paul Bunce, Maria Kauffman & Jim King. - Tuesday, October 6 | 9:00am-12:00pm @ GRAR
Topics: Review of common Grievance and Professional Standards complaints, complaint procedures, frequently violated Code of Ethics articles, and best practices for communication, professionalism, advertising, and handling multiple-offer and MLS-related situations.Panelists: Ingrid Nelson, Rustin Scott, Dan Steffee & Sam Sterk.
- Thursday, October 22 | 9:00am-12:00pm at Watermark Country Club
Topics: EMDs, Offer Timing, Ownership Structures, Tax Considerations, Property Tax Uncapping, PRE/PTE, Agricultural Issues, and local regulatory topics such as Zoning, ADUs, and STRs.Presenters: Steve Morren (Varnum Law), Lindsey Post (City of Grand Rapids) & Haley Stichman (Kent County).
Those who earn the certification are permitted to use the MAP logo in their marketing and will be recognized at the Awards Celebration!
Please note there will not be make-up sessions offered nor will recordings be available.
Cost: $30 for the full series
Pay special attention: The first two sessions are held at GRAR, with the third held at Watermark Country Club.
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Wake Up with YPN: The Three P’s to Success: People, Processes & Platforms
Thursday, September 24 | 9:30am-10:30am
Platform: Tools of the Trade
Join moderator Melissa McDermott and panelists Cassandra Clark, Ashley Schaefer, and Rustin Scott for an engaging discussion focused on the strategies and systems behind successful real estate businesses.
This session will explore what top producers measure to track success, how to build a personal brand that goes beyond logos and colors, and how to use CRM tools, automation, follow-ups, and systems to create a more efficient and effective business. Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable ideas they can apply to strengthen their business and grow their real estate success.
No registration required and you are encouraged to bring a colleague!
Coffee and pastries will be provided by Top Flite Home Loans and Locker Inspection Services!
Location: Egypt Valley Country Club – 7333 Knapp Street Srv Rd NE, Ada, 49301
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
DEFI Advocate Workshop
Wednesday, October 14 | 10:00am-4:00pm
Become a DEFI (Diversity, Equity, Fair housing, Inclusion) Advocate! To earn this certification you will attend this workshop at GRAR and complete Fairhaven 2.0 independently. Instructors include Brian Westrin and James Cristbrook.
6 hours of CE (including legal and fair housing) and lunch included.
Sponsored by Mercantile Bank
Cost: $35.00
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Save the date: Emerge
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Watermark Country Club
Turning the Key on Housing Supply
This year’s event will feature a half-day program concluding with a networking luncheon and will focus on one of the most important topics facing our industry: housing supply.
We’re excited to welcome Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand back by popular demand as keynote speaker. Mayor LaGrand will discuss housing affordability, availability, density, and other challenges and opportunities impacting the City of Grand Rapids.
Additional presenters include:
- Laura Featherston, event emcee
- Ryan Ogle, sharing strategies for uncovering hidden inventory
- Sam Cummings, discussing mixed-use developments and commercial-to-residential conversions
- Paul Sachs, Director of Strategic Impact for Ottawa County, presenting smaller-footprint housing initiatives
- Cody Harding, presenting the 2026 YPN Emerging Leader Award
Registration is not yet open, but we encourage everyone to save the date for what promises to be an informative event.
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Save the Date: Women's Safety Class
Tuesday, November 10 | 10:00am-12:00pm
This class will be instructed by Tiffany Eagles, a former FBI Agent with more than 20 years of experience, including as a certified profiler with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and an instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico.
With her expertise in behavioral analysis and violent crime, she has agreed to customize this class specifically for female REALTORS®, addressing the unique safety risks they face, including meeting clients alone in vacant homes and other potentially vulnerable situations.
The class is being held in partnership with Women’s Council of REALTORS® West Michigan!
Details are coming soon, but for now – save the date!
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
New Designated REALTOR® (DR) Orientation
Thursday, November 19 | 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.
Save the date: YPN Euchre Tournament
Thursday, November 19 | 2:00-4:00pm
Details are coming soon, but for now – save the date!
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Save the date: Annual Installation & Awards Celebration
Friday, December 4, 2026 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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 2027 Officers and Directors.
Details are coming soon, but for now – save the date!
Staff contact: Brittany Smith
Save the date: Ugly Sweater Bowling Party
Thursday, December 10 | 11:30am-3:30pm
To be held at Westgate Bowling. Details are coming soon, but for now – save the date!
Staff contact: Steve Sochanek
Upcoming Flexmls Trainings
Wednesday, August 12 | 1:00-3:00pm
Whether you’re new to Flexmls or looking for a refresher, this session will cover essential features, time-saving tips, and best practices to help you work more efficiently. There will also be time for questions and answers.
This class is available to GRAR members, at no cost. We look forward to seeing you there!
Location: GRAR – 660 Kenmoor Ave SE, 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.
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.
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.