Several new things have occured with the government affairs department at the Arcadia Association of REALTORS that you may be aware of.  If you aren’t, its time to get involved now!

-          In April we had our first “Closing Killers” class that explored the many regulations that could impact your clients. Over 60 agents were registered and they all got 4 DRE approved C.E. Credits

-          Following the success of the April “Closing Killers” class, we held another class on June 11. Over 40 agents attended and all were impressed with the information provided

-          The leadership team at the Arcadia Association of REALTORS went to both Washington D.C. and Sacramento in May and June to impress upon legislators how important it is to keep real estate moving in our state

-          We have been following local and state budgets to make sure REALTORS don’t end up in the middle of the financial situation.

-          The Government Affairs department has a new website– www.aaraction.com. On this site, you will be able to:

o        Keep up with the newest issues

o        Find out about the next PEPster events

o        Know what is happening to your industry and its regulation

We encourage you to get involved, check out www.aaraction.com and keep on top of all the issues affecting us. Here is one to scare you:  The current plan to shore up California’s budget woes includes a 3% withholding from all checks going to independent contractors…

That means 3% of your commissions are going to be taken off the top to fix a mess the legislature created!

You will be hearing more about this in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned, get involved, and make your voice heard!

By Chip Ahlswede, G.A.D.

What do you think, or what is your opinion about the need to keep up to date with political issues locally, in the state and federal governments. Any personal examples?

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Monitor and protect your reputation online.

By Alice Martin, NAR Vice President of AE and Leadership Development

In my outreach visits, I am increasingly finding that associations and their members are caught up in the whirlwind of social media. There are networking sites for just about any business, hobby, or game—you name it. And it can be fun, but Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, and many more allow anyone to post about everyone . . . and they’re not always saying nice things. Your association and members may be the subject of posts by fellow members, clients, or even strangers, and never know it.

That’s not even taking into account the thousands of real estate blogs providing widespread opinions about anything and everything related to real estate, REALTORS®, and REALTOR® associations.

So, how can AEs protect the online reputations of their associations and members?

1. Educate

Take some time to learn about the sites your members visit (activerain.com, realestateweblog.org, etc.) as well as those that cover your town. Top the list with those that rate real estate agents (outrageousagents.com, incredibleagents.com, and realtyrators.com) and properties.

Taking what you’ve learned, offer classes that will help members become more proactive about monitoring their image online and taking advantage of social networking sites online where they can post positive information about themselves.

2. Watch what you say

You should assume that everything you say or do—even in casual social settings—can go on the Web. Remember that video camera you saw at the last association social event? Even your funny -Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube posts can come back to haunt you. Just check out some of the “real estate agent” YouTube videos. Online, there’s no “personal you” and “professional you”—there’s just “you,” out there for all to see, for better or worse.

3. Paint your own picture

Take control of any (mis)information floating around the Web by putting your own online profile in as many places as possible. Ratings sites often solicit profiles, pictures, and ratings of real estate professionals. Encourage your members to complete these profile requests with things that they want consumers to know about them, including photos. It’s not just about individuals, though. Help protect the industry’s reputation by creating blogs, linked from various sites, to educate consumers about current and accurate real estate information.

4. Monitor

If you aren’t “listening” to the online conversation, you won’t know what people are saying (and trust me, you want to know). An easy way to find out what people are saying about you, your members, or the properties they represent is to sign up for a free service like Google Alerts, which sends e-mail notifications whenever specified names, property addresses, etc., come up on the Web. If you don’t like what you see, you may be able to fix it by writing informative blog posts, authoring articles, and becoming an “expert” source for journalists writing about the industry. The hope is that eventually those unfavorable search results will get buried under the more flattering content.

5. Be proactive

Consumer ratings of real estate agents are on the rise and very likely here to stay. Help members learn that this is not something to fear. In fact, it can—and should—be used to their advantage. Ratings can help members improve their customer service and create lead generation, as long as you take strides to guarantee consumer posts are legitimate.
You might consider internally developing an -association-sponsored program or partnering with an outside firm. The Houston Association of REALTORS® recently developed its own “member opt-in” ratings program with 653 members on board after only two weeks. The Colorado Association of REALTORS®, on the other hand, offers members the opportunity to earn their QSC, Quality Service Certification (qualitycertified.org), through an organization that trains members on principles of accountability and service, then, with consent, surveys their clients and publishes the results.

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One of my clients recently said to me, “One would have to have their head in the sand to not be aware of the state of this economy relative to real estate.” She was referring to the fact that we have not been able to lease out an office suite that’s been vacant for over a year. Rather than call that a lemon, we have been discussing ways to market that suite to a different type of tenant where we could create a win-win situation. It’s about making lemonade. A big part of the recipe for lemonade is attitude. That attitude referred to is exemplified by the question “How can we solve this challenge?”

Another part of the recipe for the lemonade attitude is “What can I do with my time now to create opportunities for myself in this market?” There’s more than one answer to that question! Most importantly, think of this market as an opportunity. With less business to occupy one’s time, there’s more time to learn more about your business. Courses, seminars, and networking opportunities are presenting themselves daily. Grab these opportunities to add a designation, learn a new corner of the business and make your business grow and expand. The Commercial/Investment Committee offers fabulous seminars six times a year for you to expand your business savvy. If you assume the lemonade attitude, once the market turns around (and it will) you’ll have more tools in your pocket to create even more business. Spread out like water with your own growth.

Here is more water for your lemonade: market yourself and spread out your sphere of influence. Create a plan for meeting new people, networking with your colleagues, and follow through with your plan. The concept here is water rises to its own level. Attend the Commercial/Investment Committee’s monthly Marketing Mixer to network and learn. It’s free!

The final ingredient for lemonade is sugar. Perhaps you’re thinking, “there’s nothing sweet about this market!” Au contraire, this market is the perfect opportunity to learn, grow, and expand as a person and as a REALTOR®. That’s the sugar! Sweetening your attitude is the final ingredient for the best lemonade ever. To help yourself keep that sweet attitude, be places where other people have positive attitudes. Attend the classes and events that the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® provides for you. Catch the smiles. Catch the enthusiasm. Catch the energy. All those are very sweet.

Lemons, water, and sugar. There it is: lemonade.

What’s your recipe?

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As of February 13th, 2009, I am proud to inform you that one of our attendees from our Homebuyer’s Workshop has closed escrow on his very 1st home purchase with the City of El Monte’s First Time Home Buyer Program. The Equal Opportunity and Housing Affordability Committee, in collaboration with the City of El Monte, provided a two-day Homebuyer’s Education Workshop in the fall of 2007. The workshop’s aim was to promote the City’s First Time Home Buyer Program while encouraging Housing Affordability to low and moderate income homebuyers. The First Time Home Buyer Program provides down payment assistance up to $110,000 in the form of a silent second at 0% to those who qualify. Qualifying for this program is not an easy task given the strict income limits and low debt to income ratio requirements set by HUD. Furthermore, applicants also had to meet the credit and reserve requirements set by the first mortgage lender. One of the benefits of qualifying for this program is that it may save a homeowner anywhere from $300 to $700 per month in mortgage payments and PMI. Luckily, favorable market conditions such as lower home prices and a low interest rate environment had worked in favor on this Happy New Homeowner! The Workshop was a wonderful success in providing step by step homebuyer education to more than 61 attendees; all of whom were certified through a HUD approved instructor and provided with valuable information on finding a home and obtaining financing. Only a handful pre-qualified for the program while others required preparatory follow up.

After a year of follow up and proper guidance, this new homeowner was able to pay off his debt, increase his savings, and qualify for a home mortgage. The success of this joint effort between the City of El Monte and the Arcadia Association of REALTORS gives hope and inspiration to those seeking an opportunity for a better life through homeownership.

Do you have a success story about a 1st Time Homebuyer? Let the AAR know . . .

By Mark Tzeng, Funding Access & Realty, Inc.

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As part of the Arcadia Association of REALTORS ongoing efforts to communicate and reach out to members more effectively, we have setup a new Facebook Group to post news, upcoming events and network with each other. If you are new to Facebook, it is very simple and fun to use. To find us, just search Arcadia Association of REALTORS and ask to join the group. It’s that easy. Hope to see you online!

Are you on Facebook?  Do you see the value? 

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It is an American tradition to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade, which takes place in Pasadena every year on New Year’s Day.  This year, the National Association of REALTORS sponsored a float in celebration of its 100^th Year Anniversary.  Inspiration for the float came from the great tale of “Swiss Family Robinson” and the Robinson’s effort in the story to build a home.

A huge “thank you” to everyone who volunteered time and energy to help bring this float together.  Special thanks to Kelvin Wong, Resource Real Estate, who was the fabulous AAR “Team Captain”. Good job, Kelvin! It was amazing how many people came to decorate! It was an extraordinary experience!

Question: Should N.A.R. have a float in the Rose Parade each year?

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Listen, Learn, Attend, Contribute

 The year 2009 will be a challenging one for the Local Governmental Relations Committee and one that the Association will be tackling with great enthusiasm. Budgetary concerns in most cities means that real estate is going to be a big target for new “revenues”. We anticipate dealing with:

·        Business licenses for individual agents

·        Transfer / recording fees

·        Inspections before transfer

·        Fees for signs

·        Many more attacks on YOUR business

 So what are we doing? The LGR committee meets each month to discuss these issues and how we as REALTORS® can confront these issues to preserve our industry.  You are invited to attend each meeting.

We also have a series of great presentations for our PEPster group, who will have presentations from elected officials, business leaders, and future growth potentials for this industry. Additionally, next year’s Chairman, Nick Zigic, will be conducting weekly interviews and updates that will be sent to you in the form of podcasts to talk about the important issues of the day and the important issues facing our industry.  The first interview was conducted at the AAR Installation in December with 2009 President, Andy Bencosme (who was kind enough to actually read my article last month). 

So now you know what we’re doing. The question is, what are YOU doing?

-          Are you attending the LGR meetings?  If not, call the Association and join us at the next meeting.

-          Are you a PEPster? Discounted lockboxes, industry updates, and free lunches aren’t enough?  Why not contribute because you want to protect your business?

-          Are you responding to our updates, emails and messages sent from the Association to help protect your business?

What can you do today to improve your business?  Join the efforts of the AAR LGR Committee, and join the PEPsters.  For more information, please call (626) 446-2115.

Question: Do you personally see the need to invest in the political contributions?

By Chip Ahlswede, G.A.D.

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With the holiday season behind us, it is time to start preparing for the Arcadia Association of REALTORS Annual Tech and Business Expo at Arcadia’s world-renowned Santa Anita Racetrack. This highly anticipated Exposition will feature a combination of the latest in real estate related technology while also showcasing a “Green” theme with environment sensitive products, trends and panelists. A new venue at the race track and a new theme, “Win, Place or Show Me The Green” are among the efforts the Tech Committee have taken to revamp the annual event, which typically draws hundreds of real estate professionals from the Arcadia Association of REALTORS and other surrounding Associations.

The 2008 Tech and Business Expo was a great success with 70 participating exhibitors, over 600 attendees, a record breaking number of giveaway items, and a growing Texas Hold’em tournament that will return in 2009. Anticipating and planning for growth, 2009’s event will be even bigger and better with live music, ”green” vendors and an amazing new location that will take advantage of Southern California’s sun. As in previous years, every attendee will have a chance to win great prizes and even be sent a text message when they win!  Please mark your calendars and join us on April 21, 2009 at the Santa Anita Race Track.  It is free to REALTORS and REALTOR Associations throughout the San Gabriel Valley.  For updated information, photos from previous events and to register for the event, please visit www.TheAAR.com/EXPO.

Connie Snider is a Realtor at Century21 Adams & Barnes and member of the AAR’s Tech Committee. To learn more about Connie Snider visit www.BakerandSnider.com .

Jacen Crehan is a Realtor at Century21 Adams & Barnes and member of the AAR’s Tech committee.  To learn more about Jacen Crehan visit www.askjacen.com

By Connie Snider & Jacen Crenhan, Century21 Adams & Barnes

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The Arcadia Association of REALTORS is very proud to have been selected the very first Association in the nation to offer this new workshop, “Leading With Diversity”, by the National Association of REALTORS. The AAR was selected because of our reputation and past history of success in inclusiveness. All AAR leadership including the Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen and Vice Chairmen participated in the workshop. The AAR welcomed our friend, Fred Underwood, from the National Association of REALTORS, who was the facilitator for the workshop. It was an honor and privilege for the AAR to be selected and we thank Fred Underwood for his time and efforts in bringing this valuable workshop to our Association.

Photo Caption:

Pictured above are (L to R): Kelvin Wong, George Monte, AAR President; Richard Stone, Christine Cantong, Larry Kallis, Dave Culwell, Michael Ferlisi, Julie Roybal, Leanne Kimball, Loranne Clark, West San Gabriel Association; Randall Traw, Diane Lee, Yvonne Rosas-Petty, Chip Ahlswede, Paulina Lee, Andy Bencosme, President-Elect, Jim Han, Dave Scarminach, Jim Thomas, Margaret Gandy, Nancy Weckwerth, Jill Nelson, Margaret Garemore, Fred Underwood, National Association of REALTORS, Jeanne Keating, and Dawn Cassel-Lager.

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A large meeting was held at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Headquarters on Thursday, June 26th to discuss the MTA’s long range plan, the proposed extensions, and the proposed half cent sales tax increase to fund these projects. This sales tax would raise $40 billion over the course of 30 years. The outcome was to delay decision making on this until after the ballot measures determine if this sales tax increase will take place. This outcome causes the MTA to miss the deadline to receive $320 million in federal funding for the project.

The San Gabriel Valley extension would cost $400 million for the first phase of the 24 mile, $1.4 billion proposed extension to the Ontario International Airport. This project did not receive support in February during the voting.

The MTA Board has 13 local-area politicians who are also being lobbied by other groups such as Santa Monica residents for the Expo Line Extension and South Bay residents for the Green Line extension. The board also voted to include a project that would convert the carpool lanes on the San Bernardino (10) Freeway and the Foothill (210) Freeways into toll lanes on its long-term plan. That move will allow the agency to receive $214 million in federal funding.

The result of the Goldline extension is now contingent upon the sales tax increase funds, which would allocate $320 million to the project and have the Goldline included in funding on the MTA’s long range plan. The bill for the Goldline extension and its projects, budgets and expenditure plan were to have been reviewed by the MTA Board their July 24th meeting.

The information for this article was obtained from the Pasadena Star News Article dated June 27th and http://www.metrogoldline.org. If you have any questions or comments on this article, please write to Linda.Vidov@Century21.com or call 626-930-9392.

By Linda Vidov, Chairman LGR Committee

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