2012 Governmental Affairs Report

RPAC

Thanks to Our Members!!!

The following companies were 100% RPAC contributors

Adams Realty and Management

Ballast Real Estate

Bodaford Property Management

Wanda Brooks Realty

Coldwell Banker Garvin

Exit Team Realty

Lighthouse Point Realty

Mitchell and Associates

MSH Real Estate Company

Prudential Coastal Georgia Properties

Reese and Company

Savannah List for Less

WH Johnson Realty

We had 58 Individual Donors who gave $99 or more;

1      Crystal R (1500)

         

          Bonnie Gaster

9      Sterling R’s (1000)

         

           Tim Adams

           Donna Davis

           Steven Fischer

           Michele Gutting

           Linda King

           Harriet Konter

           Robin Lance

           Jennifer Scroggs

           Monica Spillane

         

6      Ambassadors (500)

         

          Matthew Buck

          Don Golden       

          Paul Gutting

          Chip Kreps

          Reba Laramy

          Bill Miltiades

         

10    Capitol (200)

         

          Gary Boyd

          Patricia Ewaldsen

          Barbara Foster

          Dianne Kessler

          Goldie Little

          Heather Murphy

          Deetie Rahn

          Connie Ray

          Mary Slakie

          Cora Bett Thomas

32    $99 Clubbers

          Rich Brown

          Sue Brown

          Noel Daoud

          George Evans

          Kimberly Fox

          Johnnie Ganem

          Kim Goode

          Alma Greene

          Linda Hawk

          Gale Hirsh

          Janet Howard

          Patricia Huene

          Allison Johnson

          Kelly Johnson

          Patrick Kelley

          Judith McDougal      

          Christina McIntosh

          Ronald Melander

          Margaret Mendrala

          Helen Miltiades

          Vickie Mitchell

          Richard Mopper

          Melissa Mullinix

          Susan Myers

          Carole Paul

          Robert Sales

          Karen Schroder

          Sabryia Scott

          Kelli Senn

          Kathleen Smith

          Doris Thomas

          Nancy Thompson

         

My Realtor Party

NAR and GAR have greatly upped our political advocacy efforts and visibility.  SABOR is also stepping up to the plate and has been involved in local campaigns for politicians who are proven property rights supporters.  Our RPAC dollars go to candidates 

who are property rights advocates .  In a first for our board, we held a robo call for one of our own, Lori Brady.  Other candidates from both parties received our support. We as a group supported the TSPLOST efforts of the Chambers of Commerce in Bryan, Chatham and Effingham Counties. 

Our Legislative issues this year were from all three counties and included sign ordinance in Bryan County, UZO (Unified Zoning Ordinance) in Chatham County and Land Use issue for Effingham County. 

We encourage all our members to bring issues and candidates to our attention, if they impact our business.

Global Alliance and Cultural Diversity was a new initiative this year.  With our area being a business hub for a number of culturally diverse businesses, we wanted to offer members the opportunity to expand into those areas. 

This workgroup has been a sponsor of HOLA   (Hispanic and Latin American Students Scholarship Program) at Armstrong Atlantic University.  We had an expert panel discussion for Fair Housing Month and in addition supported the First Civil Rights Breakfast at Savannah State University.  Our members donated to the TIES program, a group of male mentors to help youth get into the workforce.   During GRI, in Savannah, we hosted a Global Alliance Party featuring the new head of the World Trade Center in Savannah.  Last but not least, SABOR was the official sponsor for the picnic judging for the hugely popular Picnic in the Park in October.  We hope these activities, and the publicity they generated, will put SABOR and our Realtor Members in a good light to the public and show that Realtors care about our community.

All in all, it has been a good year for Governmental Affairs and I appreciate all the hard work and contributions of you, your committees, affiliates and members-at-large.

Linda King

Vice President of Governmental Affairs 2012

Savannah Board of Realtors

REALTORS® Beware!

Five vacant homes this week have been rented out by a man saying his name is Lafayette. This man even goes as far as having updates done to the home like new paint. Four of the homes belong to investors and one was listed by one of our REALTORS®. Please make sure that you’re checking on your vacant listings. The Savannah-Chatham Police department has a case open if this happens to you please contact them at 912.651.6675.

You Made It Happen!

When it comes to the well-being of our industry and home ownership, every one of us plays an important role.

October 2012 | By Moe Veissi

When I was installed as president of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® in November 2011, I said I’d need your commitment to advance the interests of the REALTOR® Party, consumers, and our members. You delivered big time. Thank you for your contribution to what has been a remarkable year for our industry and for me personally.

Help shape the future of organized real estate by participating in REThink.

• You secured an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program through Sept. 30, 2017, bene­fiting 21,000 communities where flood insurance is required for a mortgage. In the House, you obtained passage of rewritten RESPA rules that would enable us to reinstate the longstanding practice of partnering with home warranty companies. Some said it wouldn’t happen in 2012—but you believed it, and you made it happen.
• You alerted Congress that some 900 communities nationwide were in danger of being dropped from Rural Housing Service programs and ensured that access is retained throughout this fall. Now, we’re asking Congress to review the government’s outdated definition of “rural” and re­instate those communities. You are amazing!
• You brought the “Home Ownership Matters” message to Washington during the 13,800-strong REALTOR® Rally; supported pro-REALTOR® Party candidates; kicked off a historic e-mail initiative to build a relationship with the country’s 80 million property owners; and worked to ensure that lender and GSE reforms don’t hamper opportunities for responsible, qualified borrowers. Wow!
• You made the REALTORS® Political Action Committee, once again, No. 1 in terms of campaign contributions. You blew the doors off the initial RPAC goals, and you’re still going strong!

Each of these priorities is in some way meant to help your business. Although we’ve seen positive economic indicators this year, I know many of you are still struggling to find saleable inventory and close deals. Like you, I am a working broker, and your concerns will always be mine.
I’m a big fan of Axl Rose (more for his musicianship than for his aggressive personality, though some might say that’s a trait I share). In “November Rain,” Axl sings, “Nothing lasts forever, not even the cold November rain.” Well, it’s November again, and my presidency is coming to a close. But the good work continues with you. Thanks to the NAR leadership and management teams—your support has been tremendous. To the vice presidents, liaisons, and committee and forum chairs, vice chairs, and members—you were invaluable. And to every REALTOR® who engaged in our efforts—you are the strength of this industry and a crucial part of the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our country.  Remember, REALTORS® Are the Heart of the Deal!
http://realtormag.realtor.org/news-and-commentary/nar-president/article/2012/11/you-made-it-happen#.UJkfgLj4GxM.email 

2012 You Can't Fix Stupid Class - Statesboro Board of REALTORS® Class

Call for Action: Preserve Access to Safe and Affordable Mortgages

Potential homeowners in small but growing communities across the country face unique difficulties in finding access to safe, affordable mortgage financing.  Although the name, Rural Housing Section 502 loan program (RHS), implies a limited client base, the RHS is instrumental in providing the mortgage financing that opens up opportunities for homeownership in small but growing communities. Roughly 900 communities across the country will soon lose eligibility for Rural Housing Service programs like Section 502.  Unless Congress acts, thousands of American families will lose access to safe and affordable mortgages.

During a time of fiscal constraints it is important to understand that the Section 502 program is completely self-financed.  Maintaining access for the affected communities will not add one penny to the federal budget.

Strong communities, large and small have always been the key to a strong America.  Whether you live in an urban area, suburban, exurban community or a small farming town as a REALTOR® we need you to remind Congress to keep the door to homeownership open in all housing markets.

Please take action today and urge Congress to pass legislation that extends the eligibility of existing communities for programs of the RHS

Take Action NOW by clicking on the link below!
https://realtorparty.realtoractioncenter.com/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=2267&AddInterest=1361 

In response to Linda’s great idea for us each to share some “take away’s” from the GAR Conference with our members,

In response to Linda’s great idea for us each to share some “take away’s” from the GAR Conference with our members, I asked Moe Veissi’s speech writer (yes, he actually has a staff speech writer at NAR) to supply me with his talking points.  What I received was a combination of speeches he’s given recently to Alaska, Maryland and GAR.  So, I have taken the liberty of editing them all into the attached, which I hope will enlighten the members who weren’t able to hear Moe.  Further, I think that we all, as leaders and spokespersons for our wonderful Association, can use these points when we address the media, or sales meetings or whenever we have an opportunity. Also, I would like to video a presentation of these remarks which we can make available to Brokers and on line. Thanks

Chip Kreps, RCE

Executive Director

Moe Veissi's talking points

Accomplishments

Ø Let me update you on some of our legislative and regulatory issues.

Ø First, a couple of NAR’s accomplishments this year.

Ø It was a relatively quiet year legislatively, but NAR worked hard behind the scenes.

NFIP

Ø We were happy the President signed the bill containing the five-year reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Ø This is an important success, but like all legislative accomplishments, it was the result of compromise. 

Ø Moving forward we expect Congress to focus on the budget deficit.

Ø Given the shortfall, we’ll have to fight hard for our goals.

VA Loan Limits

Ø We’re also pleased Congress passed, and the President signed, a bill (HR 1627) that will reinstate the higher VA loan limits through 2014.

Ø It makes the ARMs permanent and allows loan pooling

Ø This helps our servicemen and women open the door to homeownership by keeping mortgage financing affordable and accessible.

Ø It’s part of our promise to American’s veterans who have given so much to defend our freedom.

What’s Ahead

Tax Reform

Ø With the so-called fiscal cliff looming, we’re expecting Congress to undertake comprehensive tax reform in the year 2013.

Ø We’re having ongoing discussions with House leadership, and we intend to keep that going throughout the process.

Ø We’ll be pushing hard to maintain the historical tax incentives to homeownership.

Ø In particular, we do not intend to give an inch on the Mortgage Interest Deduction.

Ø A huge tax increase on the middle class during an economic recovery doesn’t sound like a great idea to me.  How about you?

Ø The mortgage interest deduction is crucial to the stability of the American housing market and the economy. And it’s something we need to protect.

Ø We hope to be as successful nationally as you’ve been here on the State level, but we’ll need to keep fighting.

GSEs

Ø NAR believes we must restructure Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Ø The best way to do this is by enacting comprehensive legislation to restructure the secondary mortgage market, while continuing the federal government’s role in the secondary mortgage market.

Ø We want to see mortgage liquidity in all markets, under all economic conditions.

QRM & QM

Ø NAR is urging federal regulators to re-craft the QRM exemption to include loans with down payments of less than 20 percent.

Ø As you may know, responsible lending standards and borrower’s ability to repay have the greatest impact on reducing lender risk—not high down payments.

Ø NAR supports a QM definition that:

o   establishes strong consumer protections,

o   promotes mortgage liquidity,

o   incorporates ability-to-repay standards, and

o   offers lenders a “safe harbor” that reduces litigation exposure.

Ø Simply put, we want to protect consumers while encouraging private lenders to return to the market.

Ø NAR forged the broad-based Coalition for Sensible Housing Policy, which asked for and received an extension of the proposed regulation comment period. 

Ø We expect action on QM before the end of 2012, with QRM to follow in 2013. 

Ø We want to ensure the rules do not block access for millions of lower income, first time buyers and residents of many communities who were most impacted by the recent foreclosure and credit crises.

Mortgage Cancellation Tax Relief

Ø Mortgage cancellation relief is set to expire at the end of the year.

o   Passed in 2007, with NAR’s support, it’s already been extended once, in 2009.

o   The bill was reported from the Senate Finance Committee; now it has to pass the House and the Senate.

Ø NAR is making a strong push for another extension to ensure this “phantom-income” tax doesn’t return.

o   Given its strong bipartisan support in both houses, many members can be expected to support an extension.

o   We’re optimistic that agreement can be reached.

As a contributing member of State and Local Government Affairs,

As a contributing member of State and Local Government Affairs, I attended their meeting on Wednesday afternoon. At that meeting we discussed the following

- the rationale for the recommendation from the Executive Committee for  the vote that would be coming before the Board of Directors regarding the change to the amount of continuing education hours required for Georgia Realtors.

- the outcome of the July SPLOST vote. It only passed in the Central Savannah River, River Valley, and Heart of Georgia Altamaha areas.

- a briefing on the upcoming convention and its focus on Legislative matters. For anyone who has gone to Washington for NAR, it is going to be modeled on that convention. There will be a rally at the Capitol, after which we will be able to meet with our congressmen and women. There will be a lunch and, that evening, an RPAC Major Donors reception, to which, our Congressional leaders will be invited.

-an update on the issue of Realtor compliance with the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act (GRMA), as it relates to short sales. Our
GAR President, Bill Boatman, met with the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Banking and Finance, Rod Carnes, to discuss his concerns with Realtors violating the Banking Commission's interpretation of the GRMA, specifically in regard to short sales. Our President's goal was to solve the dilemma with an interpretive rule change as opposed to a legislative one. After the meeting GAR counsel, Seth Weissman, provided  a draft rule to clarify the problem. Currently, we are waiting for the Department of Banking and Finance to provide any comments or suggestions to the language. If they approve of it, then we will be noticed of the change.

Monica Spillane
Immediate Past President, Savannah Board of REALTORS®
President Elect, Savannah Multi-List Corporation

As a representative for the Savannah Chapter of Women's Council of Realtors,

As a representative for the Savannah Chapter of Women's Council of Realtors, attending this conference was especially moving for me.  I took great pride in going to the City of New Orleans to promote Georgia Realtors but also to support the local economy.  I understand while planning this conference prior to the birth of Hurricane Isaac, my feelings were even stronger about going to this community in the aftermath.

As I suspected, we were met with open arms, smiling faces and large cups!  It appeared as NOLA never missed a beat from just being skirted by Hurricane Isaac.  The conference attendees from all over Georgia were equally as welcoming.  Such terrific southern hospitality, I never felt like I left home.  The courses available to the attendees were tremendous and inspiring.  The speaker for the Georgia Chapter of Women's Council of Realtors was Ryan Lowe.  He discussed his book that has already inspired me to share the message with my family and co-workers about perseverance, faith and most importantly, attitude towards life, work and family.  His book is called, "Get off your attitude" and it means just that.  When we change our attitude, we can change our life.  As President of Savannah's Chapter of WCR this year, I have learned the value of such a great organization that has allowed me to grow personally and professionally.  In an instant our lives can be changed by those people we meet and WCR has done exactly that.

I encourage anyone to learn more about your local WCR chapter to learn just how your life and business can change with something as simple as getting involved.  You and your business will thank you for making such a great choice!

Governmental Affairs Report from GAR

Governmental Affairs Report from GAR

During our GAR conference in New Orleans, I attended the following committee meetings:

Legal Action:  Seth Weissman reported to the committee on the FMLS lawsuit currently in progress.  We also discussed GAR’s advisory position in the Landings HOA lawsuit in which the HOA prevailed.

Global Alliance:  We met and discussed ways to promote local Realtors to International Groups and Georgia Government Agencies who deal with the influx of foreign clients.

Equal Opportunity/Cultural Diversity:  This workgroup discussed potential educational forums to inform our members of ways to cooperate across the cultures.

My Realtor Party:  One of the most exciting meetings was with our NAR  Director of the newly formed Realtor Party.  NAR and GAR have made a strong commitment to build the Realtor Party in Community Involvement, Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, RPAC Fundraising, Issues Campaigns and Political Advocacy.  We will be asking our local members to become more proactive and bringing issues to SABOR which impact property rights and our business.  Also, we want to urge you to help us recognize candidates who support our efforts or even find Realtors who wish to become elected officials. 

Linda King

Vice-President of Governmental Affairs

At the GAR Convention in New Orleans

At the GAR Convention in New Orleans I was pleased to
find out the Vote we made as State Directors last year has really paid off.
Selling the Contract Forms to non-Realtors made The Georgia Association of REALTORS® over $400,000.00.
Not only will this great accomplishment helped us keep the cost of being a Georgia Real Estate Agent down, it also helps us maintain and possess what is rightfully ours.
All my Best, 2012 Pres- Elect  Donna Davis

RPAC Silent Auction | Why Should I Contribute to RPAC???

SABOR Presents TSPLOST Checks to Local Chambers of Commerce

The Savannah Board of REALTORS® has donated $6,000 to local chambers of commerce in a show of support for the new TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax) legislation. The Board serves three counties—Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham—and split the money evenly among the chambers in each of the three regions. The money will be used to fund local campaigns encouraging the passage of the TSPLOST.

The Georgia Regional Commission estimates that the TSPLOST will inject over $19 billion in direct investment into the state’s economy and create more than 200,000 jobs in Georgia during the next thirty years. Bill Boatman, 2012 Georgia Association of REALTORS® President, said, “Investing in critical transportation infrastructure projects equals more economic opportunity and a better quality of life for Georgia, which reverberates through every sector of our economy, including real estate.”

Yesterday, Board Vice President of Government Affairs Linda King, President-Elect Donna Davis, and RPAC (REALTOR® Political Action Committee) Chairman Bill Miltiades traveled to the Effingham Chamber of Commerce and the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce to present each chamber with a check for $2,000. Effingham Executive Director Rick Lott met the delegation to accept the check on the Effingham Chamber’s behalf. In Richmond Hill, John Reynolds, Chairman of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Sisco, Co-Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s TSPLOST Committee, participated in the check presentation. They were joined by Courtney Hester, the Coastal Georgia Regional Director for Connect Georgia. Connect Georgia is a campaign organization designed to educate the public and push for the passage of TSPLOST by combining the efforts of bipartisan political strategists with local leaders in each region of Georgia.

The TSPLOST vote will be included in the July 31^st election. For more information on TSPLOST, check out Connect Georgia’s fact sheet: http://www.t-splost.com/connectgeorgia.pdf.

GRI / Global Alliance Networking Event

Congress Reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program!

In a major victory for REALTORS®, Congress has reauthorized the National Flood Insurance Program for five years. Moe Veissi, 2012 NAR President, sent the following email announcing the program's passage and recommitting NAR to advocating for your interests:

You did it! All the DC pundits said that nothing would be accomplished in an election year! Late last week Congress finally acted on one of your key legislative priorities, a 5-year reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). You just proved them wrong because you didn’t give up, and now you have the victory to confirm it!

The 5-year reauthorization will finally bring certainty to real estate transactions in more than 21,000 communities nationwide where flood insurance is required for a mortgage. The bill ensures the program will continue long-term for more than 5.6 million business- and home owners who rely on it.

This has been a long and arduous battle. The NFIP suffered through 20 short-term extensions and hobbled along for over four years without a long-term reauthorization. But, because of your resolve and with your help and influence, NAR’s management and leadership over the past many years, and most importantly, you, our members, stayed the course to give lenders and homeowners more certainty confidence in the mortgage and real estate market place with available flood insurance for existing homeowners and those buying and selling.

I’m sending you this email to reinforce the commitment NAR makes to you - our key activists - and to every other member who expects us to persevere on issues of importance to our members and your clients – the consumers, homeowners, and future homeowners. It was your charge to us not to give up, not to accept anything less than a long-term reauthorization of NFIP. So, we battled to get every short-term extension until the full 5-year reauthorization was approved.

I’m very proud of you. When called upon to respond with calls to action, you did. When asked to invest in your business you have. And, when asked to step up and participate you did that, too.

New battles surely lay ahead, and on-going ones continue to draw our staunch efforts! There will be few easy victories. Now more than ever, it is our responsibility to be steadfast protectors of the American Dream of homeownership. If not us who? If not now when? So, when we call on you like we did to rally, when we call on you like we do to respond to the calls for action, and when we ask for you to invest in RPAC, please, continue to show your commitment.  This latest legislative victory shows what the REALTOR® Party can and will accomplish when you choose not to give up or give in.

Finally, make an effort to bring along more of our members who may not know how important it is to invest $50 dollars or more a year insuring that the American dream stays alive and well. Tell them what you have accomplished and why it’s important for each of us to act when called upon.

God bless and have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone! You are what this country is all about! Rally on REALTOR® Party!

2012 Spring SABOR Member Survey Results

Understanding Mass Affluent Buyers Webinar

Click on the link below to register for this webinar!

               http://www.scribd.com/doc/97820908/June-26-Webinar-Understanding-Mass-Affluent-Buyers

CPR Training

SABOR is offering CPR training Space is limited to 12 there is no charge.

Dates/Times are: Friday, May 25 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, June 5 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Both classes will be held in the classroom at SABOR

Please email Sandram@savannahboardofrealtors.com if you would like to attend or if you need additional information.

2012 Legislative Session Wrap Up

Join your fellow REALTORS® and be a part of the Nationwide Open House April 28-29, 2012

Join state and local REALTOR^® associations across the country in hosting the nation’s largest open house campaign Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, 2012

Have you registered your open house with REALTOR.com?

Have you picked up your balloons from Chrissy at SABOR?

For one weekend in April REALTORS^® will hold open houses in neighborhoods from coast to coast, bringing value to both buyers and sellers. The event also provides a tremendous opportunity to promote the benefits of home ownership and continue an open dialogue with consumers about the housing issues that matter most to them.

Promotional materials and resources are available for REALTORS^® and associations participating in REALTOR^® Nationwide Open House Weekend.  Visit www.realtor.org/topics/nationwideopenhouse.

For more information on how to get involved, contact Eric Berman with the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS^® at 781-839-5507 or eberman@marealtor.com.

NAR Adopts Broader Valuation Policy

NAR Adopts Broader Valuation Policy

6 Productivity Tips for New REALTORS®

6 Productivity Tips for New REALTORS®

Save the Date: Nationwide Open House is April 28-29, 2012!

Welcome to the Nationwide Open House (NOHW) 2012 page for GAR members! Please bookmark this page and re-visit it frequently to read updated news and to download tactics (flyers, etc.) as they are added. 

The Event

Nationwide Open House Weekend will be held April 28-29, 2012. To be successful, this event must be a partnership between GAR, local boards, our brokers and our individual members. Our goal is to invite the public to come out and take a look at their local housing market. They will be assured that they can visit the open houses with no pressure to purchase, and that the REALTOR® on duty will be happy to answer their questions about the home buying and selling process.
    At best, we hope this event leads to several closings around the state for our members. At the very least, we hope this will enable you to meet with individuals who come to view your listing so that they may be added to your contact database and potentially become future clients. Here is the role of GAR, the agent and the broker in this event:
   GAR will provide:
• Publicity via press releases, news media pitches, social media, etc.
• A Web site for consumers, http://www.openhousegeorgia.org/, that educates consumers on buying and selling a home and why they should use a REALTOR®, as well as include helpful links and information about NOHW.
• A limited amount of Realtor "R" balloons for each local board (balloons will be available at the local board after April 10)

Members are encouraged to:
• Identify 1-2 listings in which to hold an open house on either or both days of the event weekend.
• Promote NOHW through their contact database – Web site, newsletters, social networks, blogs, etc.
• If you regularly purchase ads in print or electronic media, mention your Open House weekend in the ads you run in the week prior to the event, complete with location details.

Brokers are encouraged to:
• Provide helium tanks so that their agents can inflate the blue REALTOR® balloons throughout Open House weekend.
• Review tips for holding a successful open house as well as safety tips during open houses with their agents during sales meetings.
• If your firm regularly purchases print or electronic media, mention your agents’ participation in the Statewide Open House event in the ads you run in the week prior to the event – provide addresses for each listing if space allows.

Nationwide Open House Images

Download the images below to use in your personal marketing materials.
NOHW Logo (with door)
NOHW logo (with door, no date)
NOHW logo (without door)
NOHW (without door, without date)

The REALTOR® Difference Flyers

Click on the links below to download and print the REALTOR^® Difference flyers, which will help you educate your prospects on the difference between a REALTOR® and a non-member licensee, and how it affects production and professionalism.

The REALTOR^® Difference: Best of the Best
ProductionAdvocacyProfessionalismScript: Promoting REALTORS^® to the Public

Code of Ethics Training

To check your education please go to http://www.grec.state.ga.us/ > Log in to online services

The current cycle for Code of Ethics training is Cycle Three (01/01/2009 – 12/31/2012) which means you would need to take the code of ethics training sometime in that four year period if you have then you are good if not you will need to take it before the end of this year.

Go Global and Don't Leave Home!

The National Association is now accepting recommendations for committee service in 2013!

Monday, March 12, 2012

The National Association is now accepting recommendations for committee service in 2013! 

Process for 2013 NAR Committee Recommendations

All committee recommendations must be submitted via the Online Committee Recommendation Database on REALTOR.org.  Deadline for submission is May 25, 2012.

Using the database, members can recommend themselves or other suitable candidates. We are encouraging members to seek recommendations from colleagues with whom they have worked closely, and in particular members of leadership at the national, state and local level.  

When submitting a recommendation you will be required to include relevant comments that highlight the candidate's skills and qualifications for consideration.  All comments are confidential, so feel free to be candid. 

Follow these steps to access the Committee Recommendation Database*:

1. Log-on to REALTOR.org
2. In the left-hand blue side bar click on "NAR Governance"
3. Beneath that, select "Committees"

4. In the center screen choose "Committee Recommendations for 2013 – Reference Page"

5. Select "Submit a Committee Recommendation"

The link below may also be used to access the recommendation database directly on REALTOR.org.

http://gms.realtor.org/comrecords.nsf/comselMbrhome?readform

Things to Consider when Submitting Recommendations

Each committee is different.  Some are large, others small.  Some meet off-cycle (not at the Midyear or Annual Meetings).  Some require specific background to be considered for appointment.  To determine which committee is right for you, please review the committee structure which lists each committee's purpose statement, composition (how many members), length of term you would be expected to serve, and specific qualifications for consideration.  Please keep in mind that if appointed to a committee you will be expected to attend all of its meetings and serve the full length of your term.  Furthermore, please keep in mind that forums are open to all members; so you need not recommend yourself for appointment to a forum unless you are seeking the position of chair or vice chair.

Individual committee structure* can be found by clicking “View Committee Information” on the committee recommendations homepage (link provided above).

*Note: This is the current (2012) committee structure.  The 2013 committee structure will be approved at the Midyear Meetings in May, 2012.

Have You Completed/Updated Your Expertise Profiles?

NAR's Expertise Profile Database was designed to provide all levels of the REALTOR® family (including the Local, State and National Associations) with key information about you and your professional experience. The information that you will provide in this profile will be used as a resource in a variety of ways, including identification of members with certain expertise to serve on committees, working groups, presidential advisory groups; also, to respond to surveys about association issues, products, services etc.  

Individuals interested in serving on NAR's committees are encouraged to create and/or update their expertise profiles.  However, you are not required. Please note:  Completing an expertise profile is NOT the same as submitting a recommendation for yourself!  If you wish to serve on a committee you still must submit a recommendation via the online Committee Recommendation Database on REALTOR.org.

Follow these steps to access the Expertise Profile page*:
1. Click “Enter Your Expertise Profile” on the committee recommendations homepage (http://gms.realtor.org/comrecords.nsf/comselMbrhome?readform)

Turn to REALTOR.org for the Latest Information

Use of electronic mail and the NAR Governance page on REALTOR.org will serve as the vehicles for promoting and publicizing information related to the Committee Recommendation/Selection process.  Therefore it is imperative that you adjust your email spam filter settings so that you receive important emails from NAR.

NAR Governance Webpage:

http://www.realtor.org/nar_governance/index.html

Committees Webpage*:

http://www.realtor.org/LeadGov.nsf/pages/CommitteesHomepage?OpenDocument

*Members need to have a REALTOR.org login and password to access these databases.  Contact Information Central at (800) 874-6500; InfoCentral@realtors.org for login and password assistance.

  

Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.

Thank you, 

Deb

Debra S. Junkin, RCE
Chief Executive Officer

Georgia Association of REALTORS®
The Voice of Real Estate™ in Georgia
3200 Presidential Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30340-3981
678.597.4116 (Direct Line)
770.458.6992 (Fax)DJunkin@GaREALTOR.com