SoCalCRS Blog An informational site for CRS members, and candidates for the CRS, in the Southern California CRS Chapter region. Members and non-members of the SoCalCRS Chapter are encouraged to ask questions, post comments and become active in our chapter.
Here is the 2009 Meeting Schedule for the Southern California CRS Chapter. I will post more details as I get them.
You will see that we have scaled back from 4 meetings to 3.
BUT the good news for members is that we will be hosting smaller regional meetings in different areas, hosted by the AREA VPs. Stay tuned for more details about locations and topics.
AUGUST 7 - Membership Meeting (Pasadena)
Venue TBD
Speaker will be ShERMAN SMITH with an in-depth look at how to properly handle and close short sale listings
DECEMBER 4 - Installation and Membership Meeting (Dana Point)
Also, be sure to plan to attend the NAR meetings in November here in San Diego. Our Chapter will be sponsoring a special event - stay tuned for more details
Here's the link to the website so you can read more and register.
This will be another terrific (and FREE) learning experience on technology and social media, and who knows what else. At it's at the beach, at the Blule Beet Bar Cafe in Newport Beach on June 25.
While this is not a SoCal CRS event, you can bet some of us will be there. Will you?!
Here is another opporunity for you to learn more about technology adn social media iin a fun, lively atmosphere with some of the best folks in the business.
RE Bar Camp OC,a FREE 1-day event open to all, will be held on June 25 at the Blue Beet Cafe in Newport beach (on the beach).
Here are some photos from the Southern California CRS Q1 2009 meeting held yesterday in La Quinta at the Mountain View Country Club. Many thanks to Mike Duncan for arranging this meeting space.
More information coming soon on the learnings and the happenings from our meeting. Sorry we missed you!
SPECIAL THANKS to our Area VP, BARBARA DUDECK, for again coordinating the registration and finding SoCal members to staff the booth during the day.
I was there the day before to set up the booth and wanted to also say a SPECIAL THANKS to VICKY CAMPBELL, who helped with setting the booth up and for helping Barbara dismantle it on the day of the Expo.
I was at the RE Bar Camp in Los Angeles on April 2 so could not attend the Expo but understand the turnout was good and there was lots of interest in the CRS designation AND the Southern California CRS Chapter.
A SPECIAL THANKS also to the SoCal Members who helped to staff the booth during the day, greeting attendees and sharing information about the CRS designation and our Chapter. We couldn't have done it without YOUR SUPPORT. Thanks!!
Alas, folks were busy during the Expo and no one took any photos. But here's a pic I took during set-up the day before.
Network with other top producers and gain fresh perspectives on hot issues.
Gov Hutchinson teaches
“ How Will the Government Bailout Affect Your Business?”
Friday, April 24, 2009 ~ 8:30am
Gather with us for our many networking opportunities:
· Come to our Real Estate Leaders Meeting and Luncheon on April 24th at Mountain View Country Club to hear Gov Hutchinson address the legal issues of the upcoming government bailout and how it will effect Real Estate.
The Southern California CRS Chapter is organizing a golf outing on April 23rd at 2pm at Mountain View Country Club.
Join us for a social gathering at Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant at 7pm on April 23rd. The address is 78-164 Ave 52, La Quinta, CA 92253. Please RSVP on the attached reservation form.
Suggested local accommodations: Embassy Suites La Quinta, 50-777 Santa Rosa Plaza, La Quinta 760-777-1711 / Homewood Suites By Hilton, La Quinta, 45-200 Washington Street, La Quinta 760-391-4600
Location of Networking Meeting on April 24th: Mountain View Country Club, 80-375 Pomelo, La Quinta, CA 92253. The entrance to Mountain View is on Jefferson between Ave 50 & Ave 52.
Cost: Early bird price SoCal CRS Members $35.00 & non-member $45.00. After April 20th —SoCal CRS Members $45.00 & non-members $55.00. Speaker and lunch included. No refunds will be given.
If you plan to golf on April 23rd, you must register by April 9th. The cost is $50 payable NOW to SoCal CRS.
If you plan to attend dinner at Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant at 7pm on April 23. The cost of your meal on April 23rd is not included in our registration fees.
The expo will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego (Mission Valley) as it was back in 2007. The show runs from 9 until 6 pm.
The Southern California Chapter of CRS will again be hosting a booth for current and potential CRSs to stop by and learn more about the designation and our Chapter.
If you are interested in helping to staff the booth during the day for a 2-hour shift, please let us know. We can use your help and it's lots of fun. Thanks to Barbara DuDeck, our Area VP for San Diego, for coordinating the booth set up and staffing the booth during the expo.
Real Estate Bar Camp is coming to Los Angeles on April 2, 2009 at the Pasadena Hilton.
This highly acclaimed, popular and FUN educational and networking event is happening all over the US now, after its debut at Inman Connect in San Francisco in 2008. AND IT'S FREE, thanks to the generous sponsopship of Southern California CRS, Zillow adn other organizations.
This event is OPEN TO ALL - anyone interestedin technology, blogging, on-line marketing, social media and just about anything else related to real estate is welcome to come, participate, educate, learn and network.
The 4th quarterly meeting for the Southern California Chapter of CRS was held in Hawthorne, CA at the Ayres Hotel on Friday November 21. Here are a few highlights:
The 2009 Officers of the Board of Directors were installed - Deborah Kniss, President: Marlene Bridges - President-Elect; Debbie Browne, Treasurer; Jeff Dowler, Secretary
President Deborah Kniss announced that the Chapter won the Chapter with a Heart Award for 2008. The award was presented to the Chapter at the CRS meetings in Orlando recently.
A total of $3404.00 has been raised in 2008 for Habitat for Humanity and shared with 4 Habitat for Humanity Chapters. The balance of the $5000 budget will be presented to 5 individual Habitat for Humanity Chapters by members of the board - Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Temecula and Orange County
CRS of the Year awards were presented to two members - Marlene Bridges and Jeff Dowler
We heard an excellent talk on the top legal issues in today market - stay tuned for a summary of this talk which will be shared with all Chapter members via email.
Our Platinum sponsors were recognized and thanked for their continued support of our Chapter - Bank of America, Hallmark Escrow, Coast Cities Escrow, and Old Home Republic Home Protection
The Board of Directors for the Southern California Chapter of CRS met today in Hawthorne (the day before our final membership meeting of 2008) for strategic planning for 2009.
The purpose of this meeting was to review the Chapter accomplishments for 2008, our financial status, introduce new board members, and discuss the goals and strategy for 2009 which includes CRS 2-day classes, membership meetings and speakers, the 2009 budget, learning opportunities, and other issues relevant to the Chapter and its membership.
Our key focus is on continuing to provide opportunities and tools for our CRS Chapter members to grow their businesses and, in particular, cope with the challenging market we find ourselves in, especially with respect to dealing with REOs and short sales, and provide the best possible services for their clients.
The REO classes have been well received, with sold-out attendance, and more are planned for 2009, along with other 1-day learning opportunities, in addition to sponsoring the 2-day classes that are required for the designation.
At our membership meeting tomorrow you will learn more about the coming year and what we have planned to help you grow your business and continue to differentiate yourselves as the "best of the best." We feel very strongly that having the CRS designation provides a distinct advantage over the competition, and CRS agents have a reputation for being the best. And being a member of the Chapter also affords great opportunities for sharing referrals.
We are proud to have several Platinum sponsors who help us in many ways to promote our Chapter and its mission. We look forward to their continued sponsorship and opportunities to work with them, and hope YOU will supprt them in their business as well.
Bank of America
Hallmark Escrow
Express Copy
Coast Cities Escrow
Old Republic Home Protection
Here are a few photos from our meeting today. We look forward to a very exciting 2009 and a terrific opportunity to showcase our Southern California Chapter members at the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and CRS meetings in San Diego next November 2009. Stay tuned for more information about the events we are planning for the convention.
Our last educational and networking meeting in 2008 is next Friday, November 21 from 9 until 2 PM at the Ayres Hotel in Hawthrone just off the 5 freeway.
Steven Spile teaches “Top Ten Legal Issues in Today’s Market”
focusing on short sales and foreclosures
Friday, November 21, 2008 ~ 8:30am
Join us for a Special Discussion and Update on how membership in the Southern California CRS Chapter can be the “Point of Difference” that makes you money!
THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL . COME LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CRS DESIGNATION AND OUR CHAPTER
We will welcome the 2009 Southern California
CRS Chapter Executive Board:
Deborah Kniss, President Marlene Bridges, President-Elect
Debbie Browne, Treasurer Richard Lombari, Jeff Dowler, Secretary
The SoCal CRS Board will be installed by Marylea Todd, CRS, GRI and
2007 Medallion Award Winner and National CRS Director.
Marylea will also provide a current National CRS update.
Location:Ayres Hotel, 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach, CA 90250 (310) 536-0400 Call for overnight room reservations.
Cost: Early bird price SoCal CRS Members $35.00 & non-member $45.00. After November 14th —SoCal CRS Members $45.00 & non-members $55.00. Speaker and lunch included.
No refunds will be given.
Class Admittance Policy on all Southern California CRS Sponsored Classes and Meetings:
Your confirmation will be emailed and serves as your receipt. Without record of your payment, attendee will be required to pay with either check or credit card on the day of the event prior to admittance to the class/meeting. If payment is later verified, attendee will receive a refund. No unpaid guests will be admitted.
Our Q3 meeting was held at the beautiful Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula's wine country.
Many thanks to VICKI PUTERBAUGH for all the arrangements in the winery's new conference center.
A smaller group of folks gathered at the Pechanga Casino to attend Night at the Improv with 3 comedians. It was a fun night of laughs. A bit over the top at times, IMO.
DEBORAH KNISS led an outstanding meeting, jam packed with information including updates about the two new REO classes we are co-sponsoring with Silver Lining Workshops. Don't miss this opportunity to attend these two classes being offered in October in San Dimas on the 3rd and the 24th to become more knowledgeable and proficient at REO listings.
MICHAEL HEGNA from Bank of America shared his perspective on what has happened in the banking world and what lies ahead. Knowing that wholesale loans are more than 1.5 X as likely to go into default as retail means an increased focus on direct lenders going forward. There will be more programs for first time buyers from BOA, as well as a continued emphasis on getting buyers into homes and helping them keep them
The 2009 slate of officers was announced - Deborah Kniss (President), Marlene Bridges (President-Elect), Debbie Browne (Treasurer) and Rich Lombari (Secretary).
We heard from RON CANNING, our Regional Vice President, and a number of attendees had the opportunity to meet him personally and chat a bit. We appreciate that he took the time to come all the way out here from Ohio to attend our meeting and show support for all that our Chapter is doing.
DICK BETTS challenged many to further embrace technology in their marketing going forward. With the increasing number of buyers and sellers who are using technology, we need to be there in order to be successful and to run our businesses more effectively. Blogging, websites, and text messaging are just a few of the things we need to be using.
We held our ANNUAL FUND RAISING auctions for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, with the 50/50 raffle, a SILENT AUCTION of 6 prizes, and a LIVE AUCTION of 3 prizes, hosted by Ken Nordstrom, an auctioneer. The final count of monies raised is not complete, but we know the auctions and additional cash donations left nailed to THE STUD thus far TOTAL $2136.00(Folks who attended The Improv donated $5 for the cover charge so I'm waiting for the final tally). THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
Here are the items being offered at the SILENT AUCTION at the Southern California Chapter of CRS membership meeting on Friday September 26, 2008 in Temecula. All proceeds will benefits Habitat fo Humanity Chapters in Southern California (you may designate the Chapter you wish your contribution to benefit - Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County, Temecula [Inland Valley], and San Diego).
Bidding begins at 9 adn will end around 12 noon.
You may TEXT MESSAGE me at (760) 840-1360 with Item #, bid amount and YOUR NAME
(for example - 1, $50, JOE SMITH)
ITEM #1
EGG Photo 360 Degree Lens for Virtual Tours (with adaptors
$600 value $50 opening bid$10 increment
ITEM #2
5’3” x 7’9” Egyptian rug
$250 value $75 opening bid $10 increment
ITEM #3
Art Vase
$225 value $75 opening bid $10 increment
ITEM #4
Supra IBox #1
$100 value $50 opening bid $10 increment
ITEM #5
Supra IBox #2 (same as above)
$100 value
$50 Opening bid
$10 increment
ITEM #6
Harvest Gift Basket - a large basket with Wilson Creek wine and glasses plus other goodies with a Harvest theme (donated by Property ID)
Bank of America has been a Platinum Sponsor of the Southern California Chapter of CRS for a number of years, and we value their support tremendously. In addition to their financial support, BofA provides a number of loan programs for consumers, and SoCalCRS members have an opportunity to work with one of the largest banks around and some of the best loan programs.
Our Bank of America representatives are always available to share information and provide assistance with regard to mortgages, and they attend each of our membership meetings to help members better understand what is going on in the mortgage world. Their discussion at a recent meeting of the Countrywide takeover is just one example.
The banking world has gone through some dramatic changes in recent weeks which will have a major impact on us and our market. The next membership meeting of our Chapter THIS FRIDAY September 26 in Temecula is an opportunity to learn more.
$ $ $ $ $
Mike Hegna (Pacific Southwest Region) and his team will discuss the Merrill Lynch acquisition & Countrywide transition and give us an update on how all of the changes on Wall Street will affect our market conditions.
This meeting is open to all - Chapter Members, non-members, and those who want to know more about becoming a CRS. Come hear DICK BETTS educate us on on "Technology Tools to Update Your Marketing Style."
Our big fund raising event to benefit Habitat for Humanity is coming soon!
At our 3rd quarterly educational and networking meeting in Temecula, CA on September 26 you will have the chance to:
Learn lots about using technology in your marketing
Network with other real estate professionals from Southern California
Participate in our LIVE AUCTION and SILENT AUCTION to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
Enjoy a wine tasting after the event
This event is OPEN TO ALL.
While many are already CRSs, many are not. It's a great chance to learn more about technology, and chat with folks who have taken their careers to a new level by obtaining the CRS. Find out about how you can become a CRS, and the benefits of joining our local Southern California CRS Chapter. Why not visit our website to learn more!
Here are the prizes we will auction during the LIVE AUCTION:
1. FREE REGISTRATION for the 2009 Sellabration in San Fransciso 2/5 - 2/7
2. A 3 day 2 night stay in a terrific condo in Mammoth Lakes
3. A Trio of Meals for 2 at your home prepared by Chef Pamela Croft, Founder of Dinner at Home
If you could not make the meeting, or just would like to read a bit more about what happened at the meeting and some terrific learnings on investing in real estate,
For those of you who could not make the 2008 Second Quarterly Membership Meeting in Santa Barbara, you missed a good time, a great speaker, and lots of useful information.
I'm working on the the overview of the meeting which should be posted in the next day. In the meantime, here is a virtual tour of the meeting.
Meetings like this make it clear that being a member of the Southern California Chapter of CRS has many benefits.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE NEW REDUCED PRICES (about 30%) FOR ATTENDING THE MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS - IT WILL HELP PAY YOUR GAS!!
Southern California CRS 2nd Quarter
General Membership Meeting
June 27, 2008 ~ Santa Barbara, CA
“How to Increase Your Income By Selling
Investment Properties”
An excellent seminar presented by Chris Bird.
This seminar is a "must attend" for REALTORS® who want to add the Investor as a lucrative part of their business, as well as providing insights on how to conduct investment seminars for potential clients. In this informative session, we will examine the five ways how to make money from real estate investments, and the current market trends in Southern California. The federal income tax laws impacting the ownership of investment real estate for the real estate professional as well as the casual investor will be examined. Don't miss this opportunity to increase your commission income by selling investment properties.
Date:Friday, June 27, 2008 Time:8:30am – 2:00pm
Location:Hotel Mar Monte, 1111 East Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 256-1228
Cost:Early bird price SoCal CRS Members $35.00 & non-member $45.00.
After June 20th—SoCal CRS Members $45.00 & non-members $55.00.
Our Southern California Chapter of CRS made another splash at the Pacific West REALTOR Trade Show held last Friday May 2 at the Disneyland Hotel.
Thanks to Donna Sutton and Marlene Bridges, our booth was a huge success with many folks stopping by to learn more about the CRS designation and the benefits of having it. There was lots of interest also in our SoCal CRS Chapter.
We look forward to having many agents in our CRS classes this year and becoming members of our local Chapter.
.jpg)
.jpg)
(1).jpg)
Our Southern California Chapter of CRS made another splash at the Pacific West REALTOR Trade Show held last Friday May 2 at the Disneyland Hotel.
RSS Blog Feed