A Publication of the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®
February 29 , 2008
Volume 13, Number 9

In this Issue

• MAAR News
• Industry News
• Education & Events
• MLXchange & Technology
• Technology Classes

Did You Know?

In medieval times, tradition said that women could only propose marriage in leap years. In the 13th century, Queen Margaret of Scotland supposedly issued a law that required fines be levied if a man refused a woman's proposal in leap year. Feeling that put men at too much risk, the tradition was tightened in some places restricting female proposals to the modern leap day, February 29.

Mortgage Monitor

Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for Feb. 28 and change from previous week:

MAARket Snapshot

Pending sales recorded and total active listings according to MAAR MLS for week ending Feb. 24 and change from previous week.

In the News

MAAR NEWS

Blockman Chosen for Youth Villages Lionheart Award
Congratulations to the 2008 Youth Villages 5K Lionheart Award winner Harold Blockman. The Lionheart Award is given to someone who has volunteered his/her time and worked tirelessly for the benefit of the race and ultimately its benefactor, Youth Villages. As the sponsorship committee chair for the past several years, Harold has personally raised money to positively affect the children and programs at Youth Villages. Congratulations, Harold!

MLS/IDX/CommLink Fees Due TODAY
Invoices for semi-annual MAAR MLS, IDX, and/or CommLink fees for March through August have been posted to user accounts and are due no later than 5 p.m. TODAY, Friday, February 29, to avoid late payment fees. Invoices can be viewed and paid securely online or payment can be made in person at the MAAR office or mailed.

Used Computers and Equipment for Sale
MAAR is selling old computers and equipment on Friday, February 29, starting at 1 p.m. For sale are:

• (13) Dell Dimension 2350 desktop computers (purchased 2003), 2.0 GHz Celeron processor with 256 MB of RAM, 30 gig HD, MS Office 2002, keyboard, mouse and 16 inch monitor for $80 each, limit 3 per member.
• (13) APC battery backup UPS, $30 to $10 each, no limit per member.
• (6) Computer training desks with dual keyboard trays for $40 each, no limit per member.

Look for Your Professionalism "DOs and DON'Ts" Card
In keeping with MAAR's goal of building an industry of professionals, complimentary "Professionalism DOs and DON'Ts" cards are being sent to all members. The card is designed to aid you in the offering of your services to clients and fellow REALTORS®. MAAR leadership thanks you for taking the time to help build an industry of professionals based on trust, confidence, and respect among all members. It is through your efforts that the whole will be affected. More, now than ever, it is important to maintain the level of professionalism and service expected of REALTORS®, MAAR leadership hopes you will use this card in your business and make 2008 a year of respect and confidence in the real estate profession. You can also refer to the detailed Pathways to Professionalism document available on the MAAR Web site. This project is underwritten by the MAAR Education Foundation.

New Schools Subcommittee Seeks Members
The Community Involvement Committee has formed a new Schools sub-committee to focus on activities like our adopted schools, tutoring, Trivia Night, career fairs, and much more. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Katie Shotts at (901) 818.2435 or katie.shotts@maar.org.

It's Education Money Time!
Are you interested in attaining or finishing a Professional REALTOR® Designation? If so, fill out an application to receive a MAAR Education Foundation Scholarship. It's easy! You need to be a MAAR member for at least one year to apply, must have your managing broker sign, and must provide a brief written statement detailing your education ambitions and volunteer experience. The scholarship is merit-based and will award up to $250 toward the course of your choice. For commercial practitioners, check out our Newman Cross, CCIM Memorial Scholarship, which will award recipients full tuition to one CCIM course. Applications are available online and much be submitted by March 31, 2008.

Community Service Awards Call for Nominations
Know someone who works tirelessly for others? Let's recognize him or her! Applications for the Community Service Awards are now available. The application form has been streamlined this year to make it easier for you to nominate someone deserving. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 11.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Meet the Generational Needs of Your Market Feb. 27, 2008
The changes that technology has brought to the real estate industry make it important for real estate agents to update their tactics and understand the best ways to reach their

New Sales Strategies Drive Bargains Feb. 27, 2008
Foreclosure bus tours, open house sales, creative equity-sharing financing comprise a growing trend of marketing and sales strategies to get the housing market moving.

Some of the Year's Best Household Gadgets Feb 25, 2008
At the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla., last week, more than 1,900 exhibitors unveiled new and innovative products for the home.

Upcoming Education and Events

Talk Shoppe Presents "Communicating More Efficiently with Outlook 2007"
Gary Bellanti and Teresa Bledsoe of Open Road Technologies will present this free seminar on Wednesday, March 5, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Better Business Bureau, 3693 Tyndale (one block east of Forest Hill Irene off of Winchester). For more information, call sponsor Jo Garner at First Tennessee Home Loans at (901) 759-7808.

Rookie Resource: Closings From Start to Finish
On Wednesday, March 5, from 2 to 5 p.m., Attorney Ryan Byrne of Byrne and Associates, PLLC, offers you information on everything and anything you need to know about the closing process and title insurance, from helpful hints and tips in negotiation to the steps taken after the contract is signed. This course is available to new members only (joining within the last year). To register, please call (901) 685-2100 or e-mail nicci.lundquist@maar.org. The cost is free for MAAR members. Participants will receive 3 hours of CE credit.

How to Sell Real Estate in Hard Times
The Commercial Appeal is sponsoring a free seminar, How to Sell Real Estate in Hard Times, featuring sales and advertising expert Joe Bonura. The seminar will be Wednesday, March 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at The Racquet Club, 5111 Sanderlin. A breakfast buffet is included and participants will receive 2 hours CE credit. To register, call (901) 529-2222 or send an e-mail to swiley@commercialappeal.com.

Owner/Manager Forum: Five Principles to Creating a Powerful Office
In this dynamic session, Darryl Davis, GRI, will show brokers and managers five innovative principles to help them recruit, train, and motivate a powerful team of agents. You will learn how to set specific goals and implement strategies to support them. After attending this forum, you will walk away with specific, tangible ways to keep your agents focused on money-making activities. Darryl’s experience with "real life success" adds to the credibility you need to apply these principles. The forum is Thursday, March 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Fogelman Executive Center at the University of Memphis. A continental breakfast will be served. To register, call (901) 818-2444 or send an e-mail to katie.shotts@maar.org. Managing brokers and owners only, please. Sponsored by Community Mortgage.

Contracts 102: Notices and Disclosures
Contracts 102 is an in-depth analysis of Occupancy Agreement (Form 31 and 32), Notification (Form 26), Purchase and Sale Agreement Checklist (Form 64), Residential Property Condition Disclosure (Form 16), and Special Stipulations (Form 33). The course is designed to instruct licensees as to the correct procedure for adhering to time sensitive obligations under the Purchase and Sale Agreement and providing the appropriate Notices and Disclosures. This course is offered by attorney Ron Poe on Thursday, March 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. for $15 and 3 hours of CE credit. Register online.

Accredited Buyer Representative Course
Become the buyer's representative with whom clients want to work and obtain methods for building and maintaining a loyal buyer representation business. March 12 and 13, MAAR is offering the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) course. The cost is $230 through February 27 and $260 after February 27. For additional information and to register, visit www.maar.org/ce/schedule.asp.

IREM Chapter Meeting March 13
IREM Memphis will hold its monthly chapter meeting on Thursday, March 13, at noon at Cafe Society featuring Madeline Abel, CPM, senior vice president of IREM. Cost is $25 for guests. Register online or call (901) 218-8221 for more information.

ABR: Foreclosure Prevention and Opportunities for Buyer-Clients
Real estate foreclosures are on the rise nationwide. Learn the foreclosure process, how to prevent foreclosures by avoiding predatory lending practices, and how foreclosed properties can provide a unique opportunity for your buyer-clients. Gain a competitive edge with this ABR one-day elective course on Friday, March 14. The cost is $95 through February 29 and $115 after. Register online or visit www.rebac.net for more information about the ABR designation. You do not need to be working to attain your ABR designation to take this course.

MLXchange & Technology

MLXchange Tip of the Week - Calculating Buyer's Closing Costs or Seller's Net Proceeds
Have you been looking for a way to calculate your buyer's closing costs or a seller's net sheet? Remember that links to these calculators are located under Smart Links in the Resources box on the MLXchange home page. The Buyer's Closing Costs and Seller's Net Sheet are now also available from "My Sidebar," which is available on the left side of any window in MLXchange. Whichever way you choose to access them, these calculators are designed specifically for the Memphis area and take into account local tax information and standard rates for many of the other services related to closing.

MLS Rules & Etiquette Reminder: Permission Required to Reuse Listing Images
If a listing broker desires to use the photographs, drawings, or similar "media" from a former listing made by another participant or subscriber (the "Original Listing Broker") in connection with the new listing broker's Active listing MLS Compilation for a particular property, the new listing broker shall first obtain the written permission of the "Original Listing Broker" to do so.

The entire set of MLS Rules and Regulations can be found on the MAAR Web site.

MLXchange FAQ Sessions Every Monday at 10 a.m.
Need some help with MLXchange? Why not attend a question and answer session to quickly address your MLXchange questions. Sessions are offered in the MAAR computer training lab every Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. No appointment necessary, but do come prepared to ask questions! This is not a formal MLXchange class. For questions, call (901) 818-2455 or e-mail TechSupport@MAAR.org.

Upcoming Technology Classes