We are pleased to present our Member Spotlight for the 3rd quarter of 2008 for the Southern California CRS, GARY ERICSON with GE Realty in Thousand Oaks, California.
Please feel free to contact Gary with GE Realty if you need assistance with your real estate needs in the Thousand Oaks vicinity, or if you are a CRS and would like to make a referral in that area.
As a member of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Chapter with a Heart Committee, I would like to personally thank the following for their generous donation of products and services that enabled us to raise funds to benefit 4 diffferent Habitat for Humanity Chapters in our region:
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
The Southern California Chapter of CRS is proud to present the member spotlight for our second quarter, DEBBIE HAKE. She was not able to remain for the video at the Q2 meeting so it was completed yesterday at our Q3 meeting in Temecula.
Please feel free to contact Debbie with Keller Williams for your real estate needs in the Westlake Village/Ventura County area.
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."
The Southern California Chapter of CRS® & Silver Lining Workshops Present
REO 101 & REO 102 for the 21st Century
REO 101 – The Basics:
Date: Friday, October 3, 2008 9a.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost $99 for this CRS® Sponsored Event (normally $149)
• Overview of the REO Marketplace
• BPO Business Module for Immediate Cash Flow & Future Listing Opportunities
• Proper BPO Preparation
• Hands-on BPO Training Session
• The BPO/REO Resume
• Registering for BPO Business & More
REO 102 – You Get An REO Listing… Now What?
Date: Friday, October 24, 2008 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost $99 for this CRS® Sponsored Event (normally $149)
• How to Effectively Manage REO Listings
• Cash For Keys – a Win/Win Scenario
• Asset Preservation
• Property Tracking/Property Management Systems
• Marketing to Investors: Cash is King!
• The Who, What, When, & Where to Register for New REO Business & More
WHERE: CITRUS VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
655 w. Arrow Highway, San Dimas, CA 91773
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
RESERVATION HOTLINE (661) 972-9642
VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER & DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
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
Plus the opportunity to network with other real estate professionals from other areas and possibly pick up or share a referral.
AND even coming away with some great learnings on how to be THE BEST listing agent, close more listing presentations, understand and deal with your sellers' motivations AND objections, and much more.
I'd say the value of this deal is pretty high. If you get ONE MORE LISTING this year as a result your ROI is about 10 X (or more) the cost of this CRS 201 LISTING STRATEGIES course. Even if you don;t plan to become a CRS, this could be a terrific chance for your to improve your skills with one of the best CRS courses around.
Don't miss your chance.
CRS 201 will be held in the San Diego area t the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS in Vista on Wednesday and Thursday September 17 and 18 from 8:30 - 5 each day.
Southern California CRS Chapter members have another marketing and branding option on our website. And since CRS members and consumers can access our regional roster when looking for a CRS, you want to be sure to captivate readers with some additional information about yourself.
Here is a short video that will explain how to edit your member page on our website in the members only area. It only takes a few minutes.
Here's your chance to become an outstanding LISTING AGENT.
Strategies to gain new listing business AND to help your clients are essential in this highly competitive and challenging market, whether you are a new agent or an experienced one.
This class is co-sponsored by the Southern California Chapter of CRS.Visit our site for more information, and learn how to become a CRS and find out about the benefits of joining our local CRS chapter.
Here's YOUR chance to obtain a strong competitive edge. Only those professionals who learn proven listing strategies will win over the client and increase their conversion rate. Listing Strategies provides students with the important skills necessary to conduct successful listing presentations, price a home to sell, close the transaction and market and promote effectively. This course will take students through an actual listing presentation that helps them understand the key steps in this process and create a system for success.
Topics include:
Conducting an effective listing presentation
Seller guidance and counseling
Pricing a home to sell
Closing techniques
Marketing plans and servicing systems
Sellers needs and motivations
Early reg: $285; after 8/29/08: $310, reg. deadline is 9/12/08
Instructor: Richard Sands, CRS
Since 2000, Mr. Sands has served as the Director of Education at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Greenwood Village, Colorado. He was instrumental in redesigning the company's new agent training program, creating a coaching and accountability program for agents called Performance Track. As a CRS instructor, Mr. Sands motivates his students to take their businesses to the next level.
As you are all aware. we will have our big fund raising event at the upcoming Southern California CRS Chapter general membership meeting on September 26 in Temecula.
An exciting part of our fund raising will be the LIVE AUCTION, but we will also have items in our Silent Auction (see the Video in an earlier post about this and how you can help). Last year we raised several thousand dollars from the Live and Slient Auctions and hope to do the same again.
Here's an example of one of the GREAT OFFERINGS (thanks to Dee Lee, SoCalCRS member)
3 days and 2 nights in a condo at Mammoth Lakes that sleeps 4. Located near the pool, jacuzzi, and tennis court. VALUE - $700.00.
Stay tuned for more updates on our fund raising and other great opportunities to contribute to Habitat for Humanity AND get something for yourself, family, friends or clients.
Possibly the BEST educational opporunity to come your way since the CRS Designation!!
Given the market, with its glut of short sales, pre-foreclosures, foreclosures and bank owned properties,wouldn't it be nice to have a really good handle on how to manage these transactions effectively?
To be the expert?
This is your opportunity in Southern California to become that expert.
And you DON'T have to be a CRS.
Here's the deal:
Earn a Certified Distressed Property Expert certification CDPE) at the FIRST class here in the California market
Regular price is $599 for 2-day class but with 40 folks we can attend for $399
Two days of classes to be held in ONTARIO (details about actual location to follow)
Visit the CDPE website now for more information about this important certification. As the market continues to evolve this may be your more important educational experience outside of the CRS.
This is a request for your participation in, and assistance with, our fund raising efforts for Chapter with a Heart for 2008.
As SoCal CRS members know, we have supported Habitat for Humanity for a number of years, and look forward to another terrific fund raising effort at our Temecula meeting on September 26. As in the past we will have our 50/50 Raffle (where the winning ticket takes home 50% of the total raised by ticket sales), but will also feature a Silent Auction (last year we raised several thousand dollars from that auction alone!).
I would also like to ask for your assistance with any donations for this Silent Auction.
If you know of a vendor or service provider that might be willing to donate a product of service (e.g., hotel stay, spa visit, boat trip, wine tasting, etc.), or perhaps have something you would like to donate, we would love to hear about it.
At the HFH site on Roosevelt in Carlsbad I had a chance to spend a few moments with JOE CARTON, General Superintendent, who was out at the site doing some grading work. This project is supported by the City of Carlsbad and is designed as an 11-unit condominium building. There are 8 1-BR units and 3 2-BR units, although they are trying to modify the design to create more 2-bedroom units (which are easier to fill given the needs of local families). Building is expected to begin right away and they are looking for volunteers (you can contact the San Diego Chapter of HFH to learn more about volunteering). Buliding is expected to take about 1 1/2 years.
Here are some photos from the site.
I hope you will take a moment to view the short video about this fund raising effort, filmed at the new Habitat for Humanity site in Carlsbad.
We are so excited to be a Platinum Sponsor for the Southern California CRS Chapter. It is a privilege and honor to be part of your winning team.
You will find you have an excellent partner in Old Republic Home Protection. We offer excellent tools to help grow your new business, enhance your referral business and reduce your risk. We are truly focused on providing your clients (our Plan holders) with an exceptional customer service experience from the time they place their first service request to Plan renewal. We want them to be our customers for a lifetime, not just for the first year of home ownership.
In case you are not familiar with all that Old Republic Home Protection has to offer, I have highlighted some features and benefits that have established our solid reputation as an Industry Leader.
We're a member of the Old Republic International Group of Companies with over $11 billion in assets, assuring that you are dealing with strength, stability, and integrity.
Our simple, straightforward Plan lets you and your clients know exactly what is covered, and how to initiate service when the need arises, quickly and easily. Our coverage is the most comprehensive in the Industry, at competitive rates.
We support your business efforts by providing risk reduction classes, new agent training and several complimentary marketing support tools that are highly effective in enhancing and growing your business.
We understand that you need products and services that deliver what they promise. Every level of our organization understands the value a home warranty can bring to your real estate transaction and we work to exceed your expectations. As we've matured as an organization, we've built a strong and caring management team who realize that our job is not just about "how to make a buck", but how to make a difference. We pride ourselves in being “People Helping People”.
We want you to feel confident using Old Republic Home Protection.
Please call me at (800) 282-7131, ext. 1155 if you have any questions.
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.
Here's a brief word from our newest Southern California Chapter CRS member, KATHY BROWN.
Kathy just completed her CRS earlier this year and attended her FIRST Southern California CRS Chapter quarterly meeting in Santa Barbara last Friday, June 27.
CONGRATULATIONS, KATHY. We wish you the best of luck in your business as a NEW CRS Member.
Stay tuned for an update on the meeting and learnings from our speaker, Chris Bird.
YOU MUST BE A CHAPTER MEMBER in order to obtain your logon information and to use the MEMBERS ONLY section of our website, one of the many benefits of being a SoCal CRS Member. The remainder of the website is open to all.
Here’s what to do.
In the upper RIGHT hand corner of the Home Page you will see the Member sign-on box.
Under the USER NAME and PASSWORD boxes, Click where it says CREATE ONE to create your account
On the Registration page you will SELECT A USER NAME, and you will be asked to provide your 7-digit CRS membership number.
You must include a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS for verification purposes
Once you have entered the information, click SEND REGISTRATION
You will receive an email with your user name (the one you selected) and a password chosen by the system
NOTE: In the email there will be a verification link – you must CLICK on the link to verify the email has been sent to the correct person/email address – you will not be able to logon until you complete this verification process
After you receive the email and have clicked on the verification link you may login on the home page to access the MEMBERS ONLY features, using your USER NAME and the PASSWORD you were provided. You will be able to change your password to one you select after you have logged in for the first time.
Stay tuned for more information on how to use our Southern California CRS Chapter website. Stop by our SoCal CRS Blog for chapter updates as well.
How would YOU like to be a Featured Member of the Quarter?
You can, just by attending one of the quarterly membership meetings. At each meeting we will draw 1 business card from all the cards submitted by member attendees. The selected member will be featured in a short video where they can talk more about themselves and their business. The video will be displayed here on our blog as well as on the Southern California CRS website.
Why not get a little more marketing exposure for yourself, learn from national speakers like Bernice Ross and Chris Bird, network with others in our chapter and share referrals?
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