Thank you Lake Pointe MI Chapter, Women's Council of Realtor's for inviting me to speak.  http://www.wcrlakepointe.com/

For those of you interested, I will be discussing the basics of Blogging

Blogging Basics and more... 

April 17, 08
Aspen Restaurant
20333 Hall Rd.
Macomb Twp. MI 48044

Cost $20.00 for WCR Members
$25.00 for non-members

Please RSVP to tinasmortgage@aol.com
info@callkathy.com

Bio:  2007 Past Flint Chapter Women's Council of REALTORS® Local Chapter President
2008 Michigan State Chapter Women's Council of Realtors Governing Board Member
2008 Flint Area Associations of REALTORS® President Elect
Real Estate Broker / Counselor 1999, REALTOR® since 1996
Real Estate Training Academy Educational Coordinator and State Approved Instructor

Congratulations Kim Thompson. Kim received the Realtor® Association Certified Executive designation. She studied for 2 years and took the test about 1 month ago. The RCE designation exemplifies goal-oriented AEs with drive, experience and commitment to professional growth. (www.realtor.org)

So, do you feel stuck in a rut? Join a Women's Council of Realtors® committee. I've seen Stephanie in action already this year. She is going to make the committee's fun and interesting. StephanieH@usol.com . She's waiting for your email!

NAR is starting a REALTOR®-friendly credit union, Realtors® Federal Credit Union. The credit union will be internet based. Calls will be housed in the US. NAR feels Realtors® are cut short because of the irregular cash flow and income. The underwriting procedures will understand the Realtors® cash flows. Transactions can occur 24 hours a day. Income will be distributed back to the members. www.realtor.org

Women's Council of Realtors® is posting the strategic plan online. They would like to hear more from the membership. www.wcr.org

Our Michigan candidate, Beth Pressler, for Women's Council of Realtors® National Financial Secretary was not elected. She gave it great run. Margo Willis from Washington is the 2008 Women's Council of Realtors® National recording Secretary.

Well this is my last newsletter item; I must say "It's been fun." I hope you enjoyed, that was the ultimate goal.

Stephanie Hoffman, Katie Colden, Dawn Ferguson, Patty Kelso, Jane Landaal, Lisa Kent and Wendy Sabo, Have great fun year!

Book A Showing, a company that gives back!

I would like to thank the guys at Book A Showing for all they do. Not only do they produce the best MLS showing assistant program and give great technical support, they also give back to those that support them.

I met the guys at Book A Showing about year and a half ago, in Wisconsin at a Regional Women's Council of Realtors® retreat. I slipped them the name of the Flint Area Association of Realtors® AE, Doris Nurenberg. They called Doris immediately. Doris arranged for the Flint Area Association of Realtors® Broker Support Unit to review the Book A Showing product and the product of a competitor. Well, Book A Showing won hands down. Book A Showing put their money and product where their mouth was. They gave us a 90 day free trial to see if the MLS members liked the product. It was a success. The Flint Area Association of Realtors® purchased the product.

Now Doris is in Huntsville, working for the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors®. I am waiting to see how long before Huntsville gets this wonderful product.

Book A Showing then decide to give back. This picture is at the National Realtors® Conference in Las Vegas. Book A Showing is sponsoring the Michigan State Chapter Women's Council of Realtors®. They committed for 4 years of sponsorship.

In return, we do a commercial at every meeting and logo on the website. We will do all we can to see that they get more business from MLS systems!!!

Thank you Book A Showing.

Calling all Gen X and Y'ers

The Flint Area Association of Realtors is trying to discover what the Gen X and Y'ers want and need out of an assocation.

Please tell me, what do expect of an association?

What educational tools do you want?

How do you want to learn? In class, online, webinar?

How would you like to keep up on legal changes?

Do you read the front of an MLS screen?

Do you read the newsletters?

What information would you like text to you?

What activities can an association provide, that you would attend?

How can an asociation get you involved in task forces and interested in leadership roles?

Any more information you can provide, please do!!

Thank you!!

Flint Area Association of Realtors makes history

Congratulation to the Flint Area Association of Realtors® elected officers, 1 st time all women. Oh, did I mention all Flint Chapter Women's Council of Realtors® members...

2008 President	Gail Freeman Century 21 Halstead
2008 President Elect	Angie Ridley Complete Realty, LLC
2008 MLS Chairperson	Debbie Upleger Re/Max Town and Country
2008 Secretary / Treasurer	Jane Landaal Piper Realty

The officers were elected at the Flint Area Association Leadership Retreat, Oct 23-24th, 2007. Gail was elected last year for the President Elect 2007 position, then moved up to the 2008 President position.

Peter Banwell gave me, Angie Ridley, a run for the election of 2008 President Elect position. Peter and I tied twice. The current 2007 President Dave Taljonik decide since the candidates ties 2 times, we would have to draw straws. Peter let me draw. I had to draw the longest straw and I did.

Debbie and Jane's positions were uncontested.

The retreat was awesome, just sit back and watch our assocation continue to grow!!

I would like to congratulate the new Flint Chapter Women's Council of Realtors® Governing Board.

	Hoffman, Stephanie L. Flint Chapter President 2008 Chapter: FLINT CHAPTER Allstate Properties Inc. 1365 N Belsay Road Burton, MI, 48509 Phone: 810-577-1750 Fax: 810-743-7462 Email: stephanieh@usol.com Website: http://www.stephaniehoffman.com/
Colden, Katie Flint Chapter President-Elect 2008 Chapter: FLINT CHAPTER Designations: ABR, e-PRO Keller Williams Realty - Grand Blanc 11413 S. Saginaw Street Grand Blanc, MI, 48439 USA Phone: (810) 449-0213 Fax: (810) 603-9916 Email: kcolden@kw.com Website: http://http/www.KatieDidItAgain.com
Ferguson, Dawn Flint Chapter VP of Membership 2008 Chapter: FLINT CHAPTER Keller Williams Realty 3295 W. Silver Lake Road Fenton, MI, 48430 USA Phone: 810-730-4096 Email: DawnFerguson@kw.com Website: http://http/www.thefergusonconnection.com
Kelso, Patty 2007 and 2008 Financial Treasurer Chapter: FLINT CHAPTER Countrywide Home Loans 8245 Holly Rd Suite 204 Grand Blanc, MI, 48439 Phone: 810-241-7686 Email: patty_kelso@countrywide.com For all your Home Loan needs.
Sabo, Wendy Flint Chapter Recording Secretary 2008 Chapter: FLINT CHAPTER Wendy Sabo & Associates, Inc. 8445 S. Saginaw, Suite 101 Grand Blanc, MI, 48439 Phone: 810-964-7330 Email: wendy@wendysabo.com Website: http://http/www.wendysabo.com
Kent, Lisa Flint Chapter Corresponding Secretary 2008
Chapter: FLINT CHAPTER
Icon Mortgage Lending
2442 E. Maple Ave.
Flint, MI, 48507
Phone: 810-744-1600
Fax: 810-744-1700
Email: lisa@lkent.com

Have fun with all that you do. Thank you for volunteering your time and service for education.

Advertising ideas for Women's Council of Realtors® local chapter meetings:

Have a marketing chairperson that loves what they do.

Use your local Realtor Association. Ask about the home page of the MLS screen and ask them to put ads in all their out going communications promoting your events and membership benefits. In return, list them as a sponsor. 2 way recognition.

The local newspaper. We have opened our meetings up to the public and all businesses. Our local newspaper, The Flint Journal- www.mlive.com , advertises our meetings and events in the local newspaper at "No Charge." The Flint Journal considers our events as a business and community service because of the education provided.

www.Evite.com , a great source of advertising, easy payment tracking and an electronic RSVP counter. It's free!!

Have a chapter monthly newsletter. Need a printer, contact Kinko's. They print a color newsletter in return for sponsorship recognition in our newsletter. We pay for postage, labeling and folding. Very cheap.

Blog your chapters events before they happen and after. You would be surprised at the amount of people that actually read blogs with out your knowledge.

Our next goal is local TV. PBS maybe. Has anyone had any experience with this?

Have an idea, please share..

Michigan Chapter Women's Council of Realtors State Meeting

LCP Report about the Michigan Association of Realtors® Conference,

The conference was held at the Soaring Eagles Resort and Casino in Mt Pleasant, MI.

The Michigan State Women's Council of Realtors® started the conference Tuesday evening with a mixer. The mixer had a wonderful attendance. Stephanie Hoffman and I had fun checking people in the door. The mixer had finger food, beverages and casino games. This event lasted about 2 hours. Bill Martin, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Association of Realtors® brought guest from the Ohio Association of Realtors® as well as Furhad Waquad, President the Michigan Association of Realtors® President. It was great to see Katie Colden and Chris BB from our chapter attend the event as well.

Wednesday was the General Membership meeting day. This was an all day meeting that started at 8:30-well after 4:00. Reports were given by the Governing Board.

Monica Ross expressed the importance of the Michigan Association of Realtors® dues increase. She explained the difference between RPAC money (giving and supporting candidates) and the allocation of the dues money (assisting to stop the 6% service tax, stopping the pop up bill ect..)

Betty Barbour danced a final Good-Bye.

Elections were completed. The election results are as follows:

President: Colleen Maillette

President-Elect: Jo Ann Hatfield

Vice President: Laurie Koelling

Financial / Treasurer: Darlene Hill-Braddy

Recording Secretary: Angie Ridley

Corresponding Secretary: Candace Bonner-Paige

Governors: Monica Ross and Marlene Arnhold

Immmediately following the elections the committees attended break out sessions. Out of the committee sessions came the following:

The Installation Luncheon followed the morning part of the meeting. It was truly an honor to be installed by Furhad Waquad, President.

Results form the breakout sessions were as follows:

1. Standing Rules words were amended to keep up with national and today. No changes that will affect the chapter were made.
2. Education would like to see a Performance Management Network class at the next Michigan Association of Realtors® conference. Chapters are having a difficult time getting attendance to the classes, as we experienced as well. Local Chapter Presidents are supposed to obtain the Performance Management Network while serving. This event would help the Local Chapter Presidents achieve this requirement.
3. Selling raffle tickets for the giant gift basket is the biggest fund raiser for the state at this time. The state is not making it on just selling these tickets anymore. A dues increase was suggested but not in place at this time.

Thursday morning Michigan Chapter Women's Council of Realtors® and the Michigan Association of Realtors® jointly help an educational program about Roberts Rules of Order. This class was free and included 2 hours of con-ed. I learned about conducting meetings according to Roberts Rules.

Jeremy Conaway from RECONN held a 1 hour session about improving associations.

The Flint Area Association of Realtors® held a meet and greet also.

Thank you for the opportunity to attend this function.

Betty's Goodbye

Colleen Maillette, the Michigan Chapter Women's Council of Realtor's proudly invites you to:

2008 LEADERSHIP DAY

OCTOBER 19^TH, 2007

Sponsored BY

La Salle Bank

Main Headquarters, Troy, MI

(West of I-75)

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, NETWORKING, TRAINING & LUNCH

LUNCH $10.00 PER PERSON

SIGN IN AT 8:30 AM. MEETING WILL START PROMPTLY AT 9:00AM.

FEATURING

Tom Kotzian, JD, GRI

Sales Manager, C-21

Topic

ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER

EVERY CHAPTER OFFICER AND GOVERNING BOARD CHAIRPERSON SHOULD ATTEND!!!!!!

This is a GREAT opportunity to prepare yourself for your new office.

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL:  Joyce Dobbs

(248) 656-4422 or jdobbs@prudentialcranbrookrealtors.com

     Everyone attending needs to make a reservation no later than October 13^th, 2007.  Due to bank security, your name has to be on the list to enter the building.

 Who compared BAS and Showing Desk?  The Broker Support Unit (BSU).  All Brokers are invited to the BSU meetings.  All brokers have input.  If your broker was not involved, it’s up to you to ask why.  The BSU reviewed both programs.  BAS has more to offer, per the BSU.

  The BSU looked for a showing product to meet the needs of a desk agent, mobile agent, broker and most important, the client.

 Did everyone involved know the product was just over a year old?  Of course we did.  Just because a product is new doesn’t mean it won’t work or last.  If you think about it, weren’t we all new at some point.  Just because something is old doesn’t mean it is the best.  Do you use a rotary dial telephone?

 BAS is a live program.  Not an offline database.  The information is current with in 2 hours.  Safety is the main goal for me and my clients.  An offline database cannot provide that.  Simply taking a license number by the telephone and verifying on MI Licensure Lookup is not enough.  I had to show people in a demonstration how to look up licenses.  This is not safe for you or your client.

 Have you ever been attacked by a vagrant in a vacant home?  I have.  Once that happens, you look for any way to make our industry safer.  Only members of FAAR have access to the codes in the BAS.  I guess that’s why I am passionate about the program.

 Please remember, I don’t work for BAS.  I am a peer that is attempting to make our MLS system a little better. I do the demonstration on my own time.  What is the reward?  If most the MLS users use BAS, my cell phone bill will decrease, my office will be better organized and my clients will be pleased.

Summer’s almost over.  I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the heat and smell the flowers.  Summer’s about over, now let’s talk business

What are you going to do to help your business adjust in the everyday changing market?   Are you going to listen to everyone else complaining?  Are you going to agree with them?  Are you going to get proactive? 

If you decide to get proactive, what are you going to do?  Have you really thought about it?  Education is the key!  Please allow me to give you a few suggestions or reminders.

Take the “Effective Negotiation” class offered by WCR Sept 12.  This class is an ABR elective, a PMN designation class and approved con-ed.  Hmmm, that tells me it’s a good course.  I know it is I took it.

1. Stand around successful people.  Listen.  Just listen.
2. Ask successful people questions.  They aren’t afraid to give neither advice nor information.  They are the confident people that freely share information.
3. Come to the Flint Chapter Women’s Council of Realtors® monthly meetings.
4. Take Kinnexus classes at FAAR.  You will be surprised at what you don’t know.
5. Create or join a goal group.  Find someone to hold you accountable for your actions.
6. Learn to use the programs you have already on your computer.  Outlook, Explorer, Top Producer ect…. (I bet you have computer programs you pay for and don’t use!)
7. Ask your children or grandchildren what’s new on the internet.  They’ll teach you a thing or two.
8. Attend functions at the Cultural Center; you will be able to educate your clients first hand about the Cultural experience.  Experience your community.
9.  Join a real estate committee or a business group.  It doesn’t matter which one.  Just meet new people, I think they call that “Networking” (-:

 Remember, sitting behind a desk or standing around in an office is not proactive in the real estate business.

     This is our speaker Carol Bullion, Mortgage Fraud Expert.   She is also author of the book “The Dark Side of the Closing Room” being sold through Amazon

Carol explained Michigan is the 4th largest state with mortgage fraud.  She gave the members in the room a good lecture on how to see, feel and determine if mortgage fraud is happening.  I was stunned.  Let me give a taste of what we learned, in Michigan we have people we call "Snowbirds."  These people go to warmer states in the winter.  Snowbirds will rent their home to people they think they can trust.  The trusted people commit fraud in many ways to actually sell the "Snowbirds" home while they are away in the warmer state.  I would have thought, they can just take the home back, well sure, after the "Snowbirds" pay the attorney fees and any other fee they run across while fighting to take the home back.  WOW!

Many different schemes going on right now.  Becareful!  Identity theft is huge.  Do you valet park?  How do you know the valet is safe?  Could the valet go through your glove box or trunk while they have your keys?  Could the valet carry a digital camerea to take pictures of your registration?  Think about these things before you turn your keys over!

Sellers BEWARE!  Could a potential purchaser lie about about their intentions to view your home?  Would this person carry a camera to take pictures of your family, your grandchildren, your mail or any other identification items in your home?  Do you have a safe for this stuff while your home is listed?

Yes, it's time to be scared. 

Now for the lighter side! 

   Angie and Earnest discussing his new free membership.  Earnest won a membership at the Flint Area Association of Realtors Open House Picnic.                      This is Lula Earnest.  She became a member in February.  Lula is a Realtor ready to take on the world!

 I, Angie, was honored with a FAAR-OUT Award.  Laura Fletcher delivered balloons and a pin.  She came in the meeting screaming, Angie I have a FAAR-OUT Award.  Well, you would think that since I lead the meeting and put the agenda together I would know about a FAAR-OUT award being giving out.  Well, I can't tell you how surprised and honored I was.  Thank you Laura!  (and Stephanie).              My mom would be proud.  I miss her.

       for more pictures see  http://picasaweb.google.com/FlintWCR/WCRJuneMeeting

A Presidential Task Force will be formed to revisit the Governance Restructure Proposition ** per Beth Pressler May 24^th 2007.

 Some of you know this, some of you don’t.  Women’s Council of Realtors® is restructuring the way the national governance is now operated.  They would like to see a smaller group of people make the decision so decisions can be made on the fly.  The smaller group of people would be a diverse group. Of course there is good and bad to this, change is difficult for many people.   The current plan is being revisited as Beth said above.

 While in DC a red flag went up in my head and Stephanie’s.  We are wondering if another part to the restructuring is to eliminate the state level.  I’ll explain.  We were in our regional meeting; this meeting consists of Michigan and other states. We are called Region 2.  Wisconsin is part of Region 2.  Wisconsin currently does not have a state level govern team.  They have 3 or 4 chapters, plenty of people and would like to create a state level team.  National Committee has told them “no”.  In our meeting a National Committee member was speaking and the Wisconsin person asked the question out loud for all of us to hear.  The National Committee member let her know it wasn’t in their best interest at this time, and then proceeded to avoid any more questions on that topic.

 I just wanted to bring you up to speed and keep all informed.  We don’t get enough information from National, so I will relay anything I hear.  Stephanie may want have something to add to this later.

http://picasaweb.google.com/FlintWCR/FashionShow2007/photo#s5059604551566637506 Slide show link   Slide Show Presentation!!

This event was held at the Davison Contry Club in Davison, MI.  Nice job ladies.

Flint Cultural Tour

  I would like to thank the Flint Chapter Women’s Council of Realtors® for the great time during the Cultural Center tours.  We had a great time, personally I loved the Planetarium and getting on stage in the Whiting.  Can you really imagine having to perform in front of that many people?  Awesome!

 http://www.flintculturalcenter.com/

I would like to thank Laura Fletcher for all her time and energy into coordinating this event.  

Thank you, Flint Cultural Center Corporation, Administrative Office
Cindy Ornstein, President and CEO,

Flint Cultural Center Corporation, Development Office
Linda L. Moxam, Director of Development

Flint Institute of Arts, John B. Henry III, Director

 Flint Institute of Music:

While in DC this week many chapters will receive awards.  Chapter Excellence Awards are based on chapter size, small medium and large.

Western Michigan Chapter, National Award for Recruitment

Chapter Excellence Awards: These awards based on chapter size, small medium and large.

Gold

WESTERN MICHIGAN CHAPTER MI Large and #1 in the County for Recruitment

SAGINAW VALLEY CHAPTER MI Small

LIVINGSTON CHAPTER MI Small

LANSING CHAPTER MI Small

Silver

BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD CHAPTER MI Large  

FLINT CHAPTER MI Mega

LAKE POINTE CHAPTER MI Sma11

Congratulations and Great Job executing “The Task Is to Ask!”

Many of us have trouble explaing "why we need sponsors".  Please feel free to copy, paste and tweak for your chapter.  I put this in our May newsletter hoping people recongnize the need for sponsors.

Why Sponsor the Flint Chapter Women’s Council of Realtors?

Our chapter provides each member the opportunity of education for business and personal use.  Our chapter prepares people for leadership in roles in real estate and the community.   Most of our members move into Chairperson roles and leadership positions for the Flint Area Association of Realtors. We provide members with scholarship funds for education and the ability to attend conventions.

Our chapter’s financial resources come from sponsors and fundraisers.   We need you.  Sponsors are recognized on the Sponsorship Board, the website and our monthly newsletter.

How is the money used?

So far this year, our programs have included a Short Sale and Foreclosure seminar, attended by over 120 people.  The Salesfest event in Feb. was full of information provided by National Speaker Robert Morris.  Salesfest was also con ed approved.  March we provided education about MSHDA for 2 hours and then the Flint Revitalization Team came in.  MSHDA was 2 hours con ed credit and the membership learned about what is happening in our town and different closing cost assistance available through the city.   Dr. Mark Perry was the high light of the April meeting explaining the Genesee County economy.  Please keep in mind these programs are our monthly meetings..

In addition to our local educational classes, National Women’s Council of Realtors® require our President and President Elect to attend classes at conventions and special leadership classes.  Example of leadership classes is the Leadership Academy in Chicago.  I believe the many required classes I took by Women’s Council of Realtors® prepared me for my leadership role as the chapter President 2007, FAAR Board of Directors member and has assisted me my role as the TWIRE Board of Director President.  I have learned more about leadership through Women’s Council of Realtors® than any where else.

If you have sponsorship questions, please call or email Angie Ridley.  810 744 4600 or Angie@AngieRidley.com .  I look forward to hearing from you!