A Publication of the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS®
March 7, 2008
Volume 13, Number 10

In this Issue

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

Did You Know?

Single-property Web sites for listings are growing in popularity and can greatly increase exposure for the listing and listing agent. New services available have made this service relatively inexpensive and a great way to provide added value to your sellers. Find out more in this recent Inman News article.

Mortgage Monitor

Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for March 6 and change from previous week:

MAARket Snapshot

Pending sales recorded and total active listings according to MAAR MLS for week ending March 2 and change from previous week.

In the News

MAAR NEWS

EcoBroker Designation at Reduced Cost for Limited Time
Earn the EcoBroker Certified® Designation and help clients market properties with green features, save money, and live comfortably through energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive choices. MAAR is now offering the EcoBroker Designation online at a $50 discount for a limited time. You can complete the required study at your own pace. Get the details online and go green today! Use code MAAR107 in the promo code box to activate the discount pricing.

MMDC New Life Member Plaques at MAAR; Photos Online
For any new Multi Million Dollar Club life members who were unable to attend last week's Awards Gala, you may pick up your plaque at the MAAR office. Photos from the Awards Gala are now available for review online.

MAAR Group Dinner During TAR Business Meetings
Anyone planning to attend the TAR business meetings in Franklin March 17-18 and interested in joining fellow members for the MAAR group dinner on Monday, March 17, please e-mail katie.shotts@maar.org so we can be sure to send you an invitation. As in the past, MAAR will buy the drinks but each member is responsible for the cost of the meal.

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 must 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

Tenn. to Require Fingerprinting for RE License March 6, 2008
As of July 1, those looking to get a license to sell real estate in Tennessee will be fingerprinted and have their backgrounds checked before the real estate exam.

New Appraisal Rules for Fannie, Freddie March 6, 2008
Lenders wishing to sell their mortgages to the nation's two largest sources of home finance must make sure that they don't rely on in-house appraisers.

Housing Better than Some Reports Indicate March 6, 2008
If the housing market looks darkest just before dawn, then maybe we're close to dawn. There's no other word for it -- a lot of the numbers this week are just plain ugly.

Bank CEO Sees End to Housing Woes March 5, 2008
Bank of America's Ken Lewis anticipates that prices will start to stabilize by year's end, and that complex mortgages will largely disappear.

Upcoming Education and Events

Talk Shoppe Presents "Current Trends in Real Estate"
Elaine Winterowd of the Professional School of Real Estate and Diamond Realty will present this free seminar on Wednesday, March 12, 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.

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.

CCIM Deal-Making Event
Commercial real estate brokers won't want to miss the Memphis Metro CCIM Deal-Making Event on Tuesday, March 18, starting at 11:45 a.m. at the University Club. Cost is $25 for guests. RSVP to memphisccim@centurytel.net by March 14. Call (901) 218-0782 for more information.

Commercial Broker Forum: Taxes & Reappraisals
"Property Taxes and Reappraisals" will be the topic of the first 2008 MAAR Commercial Council broker forum. The forum will be held on Wednesday, March 19, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the MAAR Education Center. Andy Raines of Evans & Petree will be the presenter for the forum and will cover tax assessments in a changing market, reappraisals, projected tax rates, and the appeal process. The forum is free to Council members and $15 for non-members. Call (901) 818-2428 or send an e-mail to melanie.blakeney@maar.org to make your reservation. Continental breakfast will be served.

SIOR Luncheon March 20
The SIOR Memphis chapter will kickoff 2008 with a membership luncheon on Thursday, March 20, at noon at Memphis Country Club. Cliff Lynch, with CF Lynch & Associates, will discuss railroad and inter-modal logistics and the Memphis industrial market. Cost for guests is $25. RSVP to chapters@centurytel.net by March 17. Call (901) 218-0782 for more information.

AI: What Clients Want Their Appraisers to Know
Appraisers check out this opportunity to better serve your clients. On Friday, March 21, the Memphis chapter of the Appraisal Institute will host "What Clients Want Their Appraisers to Know," a seven-hour class for appraiser continuing education. Cost is $200 for AI members; $225 for non-members. Register online or call (901) 218-0782 no later than March 12.

CI104: Investment Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate
This CCIM core course teaches students to analyze the critical aspects of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of commercial investment properties. Class meets Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day at MAAR. Register online of call (800) 621-7027.

MLXchange & Technology

MLXchange Tip of the Week - Auto Notifications in 4.0
Having trouble finding where to set up auto-notifications since the upgrade to MLXchange 4.0? Rather than accessing this feature from the Action menu, the Save Search feature in MLXchange is now an icon at the bottom of the Search window. Once you have given your saved search a name and associated it to a client, you can simply select "Yes" in the "Use Auto-Notification" field to reveal the auto-notification options. Click here for detailed instructions on setting up auto-notifications.

MLS Rules & Etiquette Reminder: Virtual Tours
Virtual Tours uploaded to MLS must be non-branded. Virtual tours referencing the listing agent or brokerage are subject to immediate removal from the MLS as per the following rule: MAAR reserves the right to reject or remove any "Media" submitted that includes any text, personal advertising or promotion as well as people or persons. 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