Survivor Skills

License Transition Flow Chart

2010-07-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

Are you boggled by the new education requirements to transition to the broker or managing broker license? RANWC now has a nice visual aid to help you understand your education requirements for the 2012 License Transition. If you have any questions about the requirements, please call the education department at 847-506-5030 or email Ramona@RANWC.com. To view the flow chart, CLICK HERE.

2012 License Transition- Hold Your Horses!

2010-07-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

As we inch closer to 2012, my blood pressure is starting to rise. The recent license law changes are definitely going to have a huge impact on the education department over the next years and hopefully my hair will not turn gray prematurely:) As patiently as possible, I await more information about the transition classes and proficiency exams to be released so we can begin to offer them to all of our amazing members and RANWC friends. But until then, we need to hold our horses and wait. Currently, the salesperson has the option to obtain their brokers license by taking the 75 hour broker pre-licensing course. This option will cost about $825 for the class, $75 for the state exam, and then you need to take CE on top of it. This will NOT be the only option available for the salesperson to transition to the brokers license! There are actually 2 other options being developed currently as I type this blog entry.

The following options will be available in the next year:

Option A: Take a salesperson to broker license transition proficiency exam. The exam will be probably around 50 questions. If you pass the exam, you will still be required 18 hours of CE (18 because your license that should expire 4/30/2011 is being extended an extra year to 2012). The 18 hours will consist of 9 hours Core and 9 hours of Elective. After 2012, your CE requirement will go back to 12 hours.

Option B: Take a salesperson to broker license 30 hour transition course and exam. If you choose this option, your CE requirement will be fulfilled through the 30 hours of time you spend in the classroom.

This option is available currently:

Option C: Take the current 75 hour broker pre-licensing course and pass the state exam. You will still be required to take 18 hours of CE by 4/30/2012. This option is mainly recommended to those who are considering opening up their own office or becoming a managing brother, thus having to retain the new managing broker license. If this is the case, you will need to have your brokers license by 4/30/2011 to ensure you can participate in the transition to the managing broker license by 4/30/2012.

In order to be better prepared for the transition, now is a great time to start thinking about which option might work best for you! And then, hold your horses! And join me in the biggest waiting room in Illinois:)

Make Our Marks Remarkable

2010-07-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Are you a REALTOR®? I didn't ask if you were a "real estate agent," but a REALTOR®. There is a HUGE and important difference between the these two terms and NAR® has put together this cool little video to explain the importance and benefits behind the distinguished REALTOR® trademark. To watch the video, CLICK HERE.

Facebook Dos and Don'ts

2010-06-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Recently I added to my library Social Media for REALTORS®: 101 Dos and Don'ts from the National Association of REALTORS® Right Tools Right Now products. Here are just a few of the dos and don'ts of everyone's favorite "little black book or reunion" social media vehicle, Facebook.

1. DO create a fan page for commercial purposes and keep your personal profile personal. This is mentioned in the Facebook Terms of Service-"You will not use your personal profile for your own commercial gain." It because a big turn-off when all you see from one of your friends is posts about their business. Facebookers want to get to know you and as you earn their loyalty, trust, and friendship that will transfer from your personal relationship to a business partnership.

2. DON'T go on to Facebook with a singular goal of selling. This will be looked at negatively and set you up for failure.

3. DO treat your Facebook page as a conversation responding to all feedback whether positive, negative, or difficult.

4. DON'T write only about real estate. This will only cause people to be put off.

For more dos and don'ts, please check out the booklet, Social Media for REALTORS®: 101 Dos and Don'ts.

Wisdom, Wealth, Webinars!

2010-06-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to announce that the faithful RANWC Affiliate Committee has begun producing a wonderful library of FREE webinars! These webinars are available to EVERYONE at NO CHARGE! Let us help you grow your wisdom and increase your wealth by giving you the tools you need to be successful!

FHA 203k Rehab and Energy Efficient Mortgage

IDHA Home Start
First Time Home Buyers Down Payment Assistance Program

Ask Ramona!

2010-06-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

License Law FAQ on License Transition

Q: I'm a salesperson. Do I or should I take Broker Pre-Licensing classes now in order to transition to the Brokers license?

A: In order to transition to the Brokers license, you do NOT need to take Broker Pre-Licensing. In the near future, there will be 2 options available for you to use to transition to the new license in addition to the current option of taking the 75 hour pre-licensing course. Option A- take the broker license proficiency exam. Option B- take the broker license 30 hour transition course. If you choose option A, you will need to complete 18 hours of CE by 4/30/2012. Our instructors are additionally developing an exam prep course for those who want to go the proficiency exam route. If you choose option B, you will not have any additional CE requirements only an exam at the end of the 30 hour course.

Have additional questions? Contact Ramona Ruskuls, Director of Education at Ramona@RANWC.com or 847-506-5030.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly- Continuing Education

2009-10-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Time to start thinking about renewing your license if you are a broker in the state of Illinois. And if you are a salesperson, you too can get in on the action of continuing education classes this year too! (Why wait until the last minute, eh?) But why do we often look at Continuing Education as "bad" or "ugly" rather than "good"? Perhaps it's that word "requirement" which taints the concept with the outlook of doom and gloom, moans and groans of "this is something I HAVE to do" sprinkled with the cries of "let's get this over with as quickly as possible, I just can't stand the PAIN!" A visit to the dentist vs. taking a CE class....hmmm which would I rather do?
Although an occasional visit to the dentist is definitely important, taking continuing education is certainly important and vital to remove all the business plaque that builds up and the real estate cavities we develop from the changes in the industry. CE is very beneficial AND good. Having a hard time believing that? If so, you may have to examine the way you are taking your education and the instructor/school which you are taking your classes from. Although home study and online courses may be easier to fit in your schedule and might be a little cheaper, you could be missing out on a many valuable things that a classroom environment exclusively provides.
For example, in a classroom you have the opportunity of learning from a class taught by a knowledgeable, industry professional who is there to answer your questions as they arise during the course. You have the opportunity to learn from the other real estate professionals sitting around you as they ask unique questions you may have not thought of. How about networking? Don't waste the 3 hours you are in class by becoming a wall flower. Meet other agents and start adding to your referral network!
Did you know that RANWC's CE school has some of their classes taught by nationally-known, leading real estate professionals? This is not an opportunity you want to miss out on! I remember Terry Watson, international real estate speaker, once saying that to get good at what you do you need to "suck the brains" out of someone who is better than you and has more knowledge than you. You definitely get those opportunities when you leave your PJ's behind and come out to class.
Have you ever considered taking a continuing education class based on its content and not because you have or do not have any requirements left to fulfill? Some CE schools offer continuing education courses at a discounted rate for anyone taking the classes and not needing the CE credit. A great way to continually feed your educational needs without bruising your pocket book! Education is an investment for yourself and for the people you serve. Take the time to think about which CE classes you should take so you can make a wise investment and not just rush through requirements just to get them done.
Taking the time to perfect your craft is a good thing. Sacrificing your time for education so your clients get the best service possible is a good thing. Expanding your business opportunities by leaving your home and meeting other real estate professionals is a good thing. Feeding from the full plate of knowledge served by Lori Cox, Lynn Madison, Kerry Kidwell, Marki Lemons, and Wayne Paprocki is a good thing. That's why CE is a good thing, actually a great thing!

Take a look at RANWC's education catalog!

The Education Catalog is HERE!

2009-09-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

My annual labor of love is finally finished! The 2009-2010 RANWC Education Catalog has been sent off to the printer and will be available in its new FULL color, glossy page format! The catalog will be available starting September 11th at the RANWC Open House/Affiliate Vendor Showcase. Are you coming? It's FREE and there will be food and music AND great people:) You may even get a chance to hear me sing the National Anthem during the opening ceremony. If you miss the Open House, not to worry, we will have the catalog available at all the RANWC locations and of course, on the website too. Check it out-my annual labor of love-the RANWC Education Catalog. And please take note, we are ALWAYS adding classes to the RANWC calendar so make sure to visit the RANWC website to see what's been added!

NAR Announces Its Short Sale/Foreclosure Designation!

2009-08-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

The National Association of REALTORS® published a press release on REALTOR.org in regards to the newest NAR® designation, SFR- Short Sale Foreclosure Resource. Please check out the complete article here. One of the classes which meets a requirement for the designation is the REBAC course commonly taken for the ABR® designation called, "Short Sales and Foreclosures, What Every Agent Needs to Know." After completing this course, all you need to do then is participate in 3-one hour webinars and your education is complete! Be on the look out, RANWC will be offering this class taught by the authors themselves, Lori Cox and Lynn Madison:)

Mortgage Finance: What's Really Available Today?

2009-07-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

NAR's Right Tools Right Now web site has a bunch of archived webinars FREE, ready, and waiting for you to listen to them:)

Here is a snapshot of some of the webinars you can listen to:

Getting Started in Social Media
How to Cultivate Clients to Represent
Mortgage Finance: What's Really Available Today?
Insider's Secrets for Writing and Publishing for Fun and Profit
Short Sales: Finding Income in a Tough Market
Market Update and Research Offerings- Lawrence Yun
Build Your Business with the Homebuyer Tax Credit
Hot Topic of Fractionals!

Don't miss out on these FREE educational opportunities which you can access by CLICKING HERE.

How's Your Web Site?

2009-07-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

REALTOR® Magazine posted a nice check list of "5-Must Haves for Your Web Site." To see if your web site has the key elements to survive and thrive in this competitive market, click here.

FREE Social Media Webinar!

2009-07-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Getting Started in Social Media

Thursday, July 16, 2009 2:00 pm Central Daylight Time

Real estate pros are climbing on to the social media bandwagon, but do they really understand what they’re getting into? REALTOR® magazine has assembled a team of experts to help you understand the key tools and concepts in this exciting new area, and show you how it can help your business.

The key things you’ll learn from this webinar are:

• The spoken (and unspoken) rules of social networking.
• Tools you can use to brand yourself and connect with consumers.
• How to build relationships and work deals on the Web.

Host:
Brian Summerfield, online editor, REALTOR® Magazine

Presenters:
Todd CarpenterSocial Media ManagerNational Association of REALTORS®
Doug Devitre, CDEI, GREEN, e-PRO, ABR, CRS, GRIReal Estate Technology Instructor
Mariana WagnerReal Estate Team Owner/Technology CoachWagner iTeamKeller Williams

Duration: One hour

Cost: FREE!

Register-CLICK HERE!

Source: REALTOR® Magazine Online Weekly Real Estate News: July, 3, 2009

Are Your PowerPoint Presentations Fizzling?

2009-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

How many of you are ready to take your powerpoint presentations from fizzle to sizzle? One of the real estate industry's top instructors on technology is doing a FREE one hour webinar on "PowerPoint Presentations with Pizazz" on Tuesday, June 23rd at 9am central time. I'm really looking forward to hearing about how PowerPoint presentations can be incorporated into a social media marketing campaign! If you are interested in checking out this webinar, make sure to sign up by clicking here!

Another Password to Memorize?

2009-06-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

Are you frustrated with having to create, change, and mentally contain passwords on a regular basis? Don't get me wrong. I am definitely very appreciative of how the different websites I access daily are keeping my personal information secure, but I am noticing as I grow older it is becoming increasingly harder to keep track of the potpourri of passwords. On top of that, it is just as difficult to compose a Fort Knox worthy, secure sequence of letters, numbers, and hieroglyphics as it is to remember the password and translate it onto the keyboard and into the little box next to "user ID." This is why I am applauding Mr. Internet Michael Russer for the following blog post which was very enlightening and provided me with a way out of what he calls "password hell." Please check out his post and be enlightened:)

Do Your Clients Say Your Service is Awesome?

2009-06-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Check out this great blog post from Matthew Ferrara! It will leave you wondering if your clients think your services are "bleeping awesome!"

June Webinars from REALTOR® University

2009-06-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

REALTOR® University, NAR's online education destination, is offering several webinars throughout the month of June. Upcoming webinars include;

Web 2.0: How Top Agents are Attracting Clients Using Social Media' (6/18)
Four Steps to a Stunning Standards-Based Organization' (6/18)
Understanding How Reverse Mortgages Can Sell Homes' (6/19)
Why Didn't You Just Text Me? Nine Secrets for Bridging the Generational Communication Gap' (6/22)

Visit REALTOR® University for more information on all upcoming webinars and to register.

Source: NAR Weekly Newsletter June 30, 2009.

Adapting to Change

2009-06-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

Having a routine can improve your productivity.
However, if you are stuck in a rut and can't
change your routine you will not be able to grow.
Most people go through the same routine every
day. For instance, I wake up, shower, read the
paper while drinking a cup of coffee, read the
emails, and then start the day. This sets the tone
for my whole day.

Sometimes my day doesn't go as smoothly and I
don't get to have my coffee and read the paper. I
have to adapt and change my routine. It may
sound silly but I need that cup of coffee and I
need to read the paper. It helps me clear my
mind, relax and focus on the tasks I've set up for
my day.

Routines can help improve productivity and
organizational skills. They reduce stress. Once a
great routine is in place it can help you focus
and generate more business. Unfortunately, if
you are stuck in a routine you may limit your
growth.

In business you may be used to achieving goals
in a certain number of days, or meeting with a
specific number of clients or prospects. When
you need to add another task to your day and
are able to do so you will succeed with your new
routine.

It can be difficult to change your behavior and
add something new to your day. It can be very
stressful changing "your ways" and doing things
differently. In today’s market you must improve
your routine and get used to the idea that things
aren’t what they used to be.

Adding the changes to your day can make you
feel uncomfortable and make you want to quit.
These feelings are normal as you are just
learning the new routine. Don't give up. You will
achieve success and improve your skills.

Changing your routine will help you stay
focused, fresh, and improve all of your skills.
This of course means you are more of an asset
to the company because of your adaptability.

Article submitted by:Jennifer Prell Paxem, Inc. Moving Made Simple
847-829-4437 Jennifer@Paxem.com www.paxem.com

Two More Steps to Housing & Economy Recovery Podcast

2009-06-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE to listen to 2009 NAR President, Charles McMillan, talk about guidelines for the first-time homebuyer tax credit as well as new incentives to help speed up the short sales process.

Tax Credit Loan Update

2009-05-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

According to a recent article published through REALTOR® Magazine Online, the rumors that the federal government is backing away from its plan to permit eligible borrowers to monetize the 1st time home buyer tax credit are incorrect. For more information about what is happening with the tax credit, CLICK HERE.

Feast on 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Info

2009-05-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Are you craving more information about the 2009 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit? Whether you are a REALTOR® looking to help your clients or maybe a 1st time home buyer, the National Association of REALTORS® has put together a one-stop-shop for great information about the credit. Please CLICK HERE to be directed to NAR's web site.

Say Hello to $8,000!

2009-05-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading an article from REALTOR® Magazine's Online newsletter about the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer tax credit. The Federal Housing Administration is going to permit lenders to allow the 1st time home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment! To read more about this, click here. NOW is the time to BUY!

Finally Home to an Affordable Mortgage

2009-05-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Illinois's "Finally Home" program? The program used to be called "Our Own Home." This program helps Illinois residents keeps their homes from going into foreclosure or helps the home buyer who has bruised credit or a high debt-to-income ratio find a mortgage from a credible lender. This program is completely FREE! The Illinois State Treasurer web site has come great information about this program. If you would like to hear a live presentation and ask questions about this program, visit RANWC in Arlington Heights on June 10th or RANWC in Libertyville on June 25th, 2009. Click here for more information about the live "Finally Home" program events!

Effective Blog Post Titles for Real Estate

2009-04-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Check out the amazing Blog post titles the RANWC members came up with at during the "Blogging Effectively" class taught by Doug Devitre!

To view the video, CLICK HERE!

Peggy Kayser Receives Prestigious Award

2009-03-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

A beautiful video was captured by Kim McCoy (Director of Operations RANWC) of Peggy Kayser (AE of RANWC) receiving the Terry McDermott Leadership Award at the 2009 AE Institute in Colorado Springs.

To view the video, click here.

Short Sales Webinar from NAR

2009-03-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

Short Sales: Finding Income in a Tough Market

Date and time:
Thursday, March 12, 2009 2:00 pm Central Daylight Time (GMT -05:00, Chicago)
Duration:
1 hour

Description:
In this REALTOR® Magazine webinar you'll learn the basics and best practices of handling short sales from both the listing and the selling side. Scott Thompson, a real estate broker and the head of Mortgage Resolution Services, a distressed-sales specialist, will walk you through the three critical aspects of a short sale:

1. Qualifying the seller. One-third of short-sale listings are structurally unable to close. Those listings should not have been considered for a short sale. Who is and isn't a good candidate for a short sale? What do lenders require to establish that a seller has a qualifying hardship?

2. Handling multiple liens. With many distressed sales, sellers have more than one lien outstanding on the property. How must the different liens be handled? What must the seller and the buyer know about the different liens? Why should sellers be prepared to make a financial contribution? Why is the difference between recourse and nonrecourse debt important when it comes to second loans?

3. Understanding buyer issues. Find out why it's important for the buyer experience to be as close as possible to a regular transaction. Learn how to "pre-qualify" the listing agent and why it's important, above all else, for the buyer to be committed to the property.

Host: Stacey Moncrieff, editor-in-chief, REALTOR® Magazine

Presenter: Scott Thompson, Mortgage Resolution Services

To register, click here.

A Special Announcement from NAR

2009-03-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Fellow REALTOR®,

NAR knows that the current state of the economy has affected you and your real estate business. We recognize the challenges you are facing and are here to help.
Effective immediately, NAR is launching the Right Tools Right Now initiative for our 1.2 million members.

This Association-wide program provides over 300 NAR publications, resources and services to you for FREE, at cost, or at significantly reduced pricing. Our goal is to make NAR’s robust roster of business-building tools available to you Right Now.

The Right Tools Right Now program includes offers and information in the following categories:
• Convention & Events
• Technology Services
• Research Tools
• Enhanced Services
• Online Training
• Educational Tools & Publications
• Articles & Information

Use the following link for complete details on this initiative: www.REALTOR.org/RightTools

Here you’ll find hundreds of NAR products, resources and services offered for FREE, at cost or at a significant discount. New offers will be made available in the weeks and months ahead, so be sure to check back often.

Look for this icon to easily know if a product or resource is part of the Right Tools, Right Now initiative

On behalf of the Leadership Team of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, we encourage every member to take advantage of these resources. We are pleased to offer the Right Tools, Right Now to support you and your business throughout 2009.

Contact Information Central at 1-800-874-6500 or access http://go-to.realtor.org/r/EWHVMS/977TA/NZ8EE/K3NLW/9W23K/HK/h should you have any questions on this initiative.

Sincerely,
Charles McMillan, CIPS, GRI 2009 NAR President
Dale Stinton, CEO National Association of REALTORS®

Be More Powerful After an Hour!

2009-03-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

Don’t be fooled on April Fool’s Day! RANWC invites you to eat and be educated for an hour! The RANWC Affiliates Success Series is presenting a Power Hour, “Don’t Be Fooled! Home Warranty 101 on April 1st, 2009. With the help of Laura Pearlman of HWA, you will gain an insight on risk reduction strategies that will help you and your broker. Don’t miss this chance to learn all the in’s and out’s of using a home warranty in today’s market. Can you use them on Short Sales? Foreclosures? New Construction that has been sitting unoccupied for months? Come find out and learn how to properly present home warranties to your clients and showing them how to get the most out of it! $5 lunch fee will be donated to Helping Our Heroes, RANWC’s Charitable Foundation.

For more information and to register, click here.

Economic Stabilization: What Happens Now?

2008-10-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

President George Bush signed an economic rescue bill on Friday, October 2nd after the U.S. House of Representatives voted 263-171 in favor of the new legislation.

Click here for recent information published by NAR® about the next steps in the Economic Stabilization Bill.

Emergency Economic Stability Act Information

2008-09-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Most, if not all of you are aware of the U.S. House of Representatives failure to pass the Emergency Economic Stability Act of 2008 (EESA). NAR® has been doing a great job of keeping it's members informed about what is going on with our economy and how it is affecting us. Please take some time today to visit the following information on the NAR® to continue your education about the EESA.

Commentaries by NAR's Economists

House Rejects Financial Rescue Plan

Rescue Bill Summary- What is at Stake for REALTORS®

NAR President's Statement about the Defeat of the EESA

Short Sales, A Matter of Survival

2008-09-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday Oct. 20th, RANWC will be hosting the course "What Evert Agent Needs To Know About Short Sales." Dan LaForest who is the instructor for the course, wrote this article about the Short Sales course which he was a student in before he decided to be trained as an instructor for it.

Short Sales, A Matter of Survival
by Dan LaForest Real Estate Broker/Trainer

Eighteen months ago, I never even heard of a "Short Sale". All I knew was my real estate career and professional speaker/trainer career were heading in opposite directions. The latter was heading up and real estate was in deep trouble, that is until that call I got from Floyd Wickman. As one of his former trainers, he called and said, "I need you to come to Detroit and sit through my new "Short Sale Program" and see what you think."

I reluctantly did just that and my life as a REALTOR® after 21 years changed forever. I always thought in the back of my mind that as a REALTOR®, I was helping people, boy was I misguided. Don't get me wrong, selling real estate is a very noble career. In fact we help people to achieve their real estate dreams and investments. When the economy was good, our job was fun and rewarding, now it is quite a different story.

Just like many of you, my real estate career was in deep trouble, no more fun, not very rewarding, and downright scary. I watched before my eyes, things I never thought possible in my lifetime, banks failing, unemployment rising, soaring energy prices, and a collapsing housing market crumbling all around me.

So how did my life change you ask? I not only attended the "Floyd Wickman Short Sale Workshop", I live it and now teach it. Oh I know there are many other Short Sale Seminars out there, in fact maybe even hundreds or thousands. They all have a little something to give but, this is the only one taught from a REALTOR®s' perspective. I mean, it is in our language and it is simplified for us in a step by step process. It tells the truth, there are no magic pills, just us, helping real people in trouble.

Like it or not, we are the last line of defense in this economic crises. Think about it, who is better qualified than us at real estate? Not attorneys, not bankers, not politicians, just us! We can make a difference. This workshop teaches you how to help people not just by slapping a "Short Sale" one size fits all sticker on them. In fact it teaches you how to help them possibly save their homes, avoid bankruptcy, or sell if they need to.

This workshop has rewarded my real estate career by seeing the faces of people smile again after many tears and fears gone by. Helping people to restore their dignity and faith is a feeling I cannot describe. It has helped me by giving me income from an uncertain market. So no, you should not miss this workshop. It will change you, just ask my clients.

For information about this upcoming seminar and to register, click here.

Safety at Open Houses

2008-09-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Safety at Open Houses

An open house can be a great sales tool, but it also exposes you to numerous unfamiliar people for the first time. Take these steps to stay safe:

· If possible, always try to have at least one other person working with you at the open house.

· Check your cell phone’s strength and signal prior to the open house. Have emergency numbers programmed on speed dial.

Upon entering a house for the first time, check all rooms and determine several “escape” routes. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.

Make sure that if you were to escape by the back door, you could escape from the backyard. Frequently, high fences surround yards that contain swimming pools or hot tubs.

Place one of your business cards, with the date and time written on the back, in a kitchen cabinet. Note on it if you were the first to arrive or if clients were waiting.

Have all open house visitors sign in. Ask for full name, address, phone number and e-mail.

When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Direct them; don’t lead them. Say, for example, “The kitchen is on your left,” and gesture for them to go ahead of you.

Avoid attics, basements, and getting trapped in small rooms.

Notify someone in your office, your answering service, a friend or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don’t call, they are to call you.

Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.

Don’t assume that everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.

(Sources: Washington Real Estate Safety Council; City of Mesa, Arizona; Pinehurst North Carolina Police Department, Nevada County Board of REALTORSÒ; Georgia Real Estate Commission)

This article is part of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® 2008 REALTOR® Safety Week Kit.

Fight or Flight?

2008-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Fight or Flight?
Consider the Best Response to a Physical Attack

If you were to find yourself alone in a property with a client who indicated they wanted to harm you or rob you, what would you do? Would you put up a fight or try to escape?

It isn’t pleasant to think about, but it’s important to know the facts. Experts agree that when escape is an option, that is the route you should take. Remember, your primary goal in any incident is to escape from the danger and call for help.

When faced with menacing behavior, you should first try to find a discreet way of removing yourself from the situation. Try to avoid triggering the emotion a predator might use to justify an attack. For example, you can say that you need to step outside to make a phone call and then don’t come back inside.

If an attack does occur, trust yourself and stay as calm as possible. Think rationally and evaluate your options. There is no single right way to respond to a confrontation, because each situation is different. Your response should depend on the circumstances: the location of the attack, your personal resources, the characteristics of your assailant and the presence of weapons. There are many strategies that are effective, but you must rely on your own judgment to choose the best one.

No resistance: Not resisting can be the proper choice in a given situation. An attacker with a gun or a knife may put you in a situation where you think it is safer to do what he or she says. If someone tries to rob you, give up your property, not your life.

Stalling for time: Appear to go along with the attacker. This might give you time to assess the situation. When his guard is down, try to escape.

Distraction and then flight: Obviously you should try to get away, but whether you can depends on many things, including your shoes and clothing, physical stamina, the terrain and your proximity to your attacker.

Verbal assertiveness: If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell “Stop!” or “Stay back!” Criminals have been known to leave a victim alone if he or she yelled or showed that he or she was not afraid to fight back.

Physical resistance: If you decide to respond physically, remember that your first response should be to flee the area or the home. Act quickly and decisively to throw the attacker off guard while you get away. Your personal safety is your first priority. Property can be replaced, but the value of your life and health is beyond measure. Also, you should familiarize yourself with your state’s laws concerning self-defense, including the issue of what is proper or improper use of force to defend yourself during an attack.

Observation: Be sure to make an effort to get an accurate description of your attacker. Even the smallest details may give authorities a clue to finding the suspect.

(Sources: Washington Real Estate Safety Council; A Woman’s Guide to Personal Safety)

This article is part of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® 2008 REALTOR® Safety Week Kit.

How to Avoid a Carjacking

2008-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

How to Avoid a Carjacking

Driving to and from showings… scoping out new listings… parked outside a property waiting for clients. As a REALTOR®, you spend a great amount of time in your car. Have you ever considered that you may be a likely target for a carjacking?

The latest statistics available from the federal government are for 2002, and they show that carjacking victimization rates were highest in urban areas (93%), followed by suburban and rural areas. A weapon was used in 74% of carjackings, including firearms (45%) and knives (11%).

Take some simple precautions to ensure that you don’t lose your car to thieves!

When you’re alone getting into your car, the first thing you should do is lock the doors. Be observant when approaching your car, looking underneath and in the back seat before entering.
If you’re driving at night and are approached by a vehicle with blue lights, exercise caution. Call 9-1-1 to identify the vehicle, turn on your flashers to acknowledge that you see the police car, and keep moving until you’re in a well-lit area. A legitimate law enforcement official will understand your caution.

In a parking lot, don’t approach your vehicle if a van or other large vehicle with tinted windows is parked next to it. Find a security guard to walk you to your car, or look for a nearby couple walking to their car and say something like, “That vehicle wasn’t there when I parked. Would you mind making sure I get into my car safely?”
Have your key ready to open the car door. Never stand next to your car searching through your purse.

Once in your car, lock the doors immediately.

Get moving. Don’t sit inside of your vehicle adjusting the stereo, rummaging through shopping bags or your purse, or talking on your phone, especially if the lot is not well populated.
If you have an unlocking button or keyless entry system, make sure you unlock only the driver door. Unlocking all doors allows a predator to simply slide into your car from the passenger side.

Make sure that your dome light is always functioning properly. As you unlock your vehicle at night, glance into the back seat and make sure that an attacker has not gained access to your car.
(Sources: REALTOR® Magazine; Georgia Real Estate Commission; Washington Real Estate Safety Council; City of Mesa, AZ; Road and Travel magazine; Illinois Secretary of State’s office)

This article is part of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® 2008 REALTOR® Safety Week Kit.

Safety Tips for Clients

2008-09-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Safety Tips for Clients

Your personal safety is crucially important—and so is the safety of your clients. As you become more aware of practices and perspectives that help keep you out of danger, share that knowledge with your buyers and sellers. They, too, can be vulnerable as they allow strangers into their homes, or visit other people’s property.

Share this valuable advice with everyone, and you’ll help them learn to protect themselves against crime:

Remind sellers that strangers will be walking through their home during showings or open houses. Tell them to hide any valuables in a safe place, including prescription medications and alcohol, as well as personal information such as bank statements that could be used for identity theft.

Warn your clients that not all agents, buyers and sellers are who they say they are. Strangers who stop by a listing unannounced should be asked to make an appointment with the REALTOR®. Stress that your clients should never show a home without an agent present.

Inform your clients that they are responsible for their pets. If possible, animals should be removed during showings. Make clients aware that buyers and agents are sometimes attacked, and the owner will be held liable.

At an open house, be alert to the pattern of visitors’ arrivals, especially near the end of showing hours. In some areas, a group of thieves will show up together near the end of the open house and, while a string of supposed buyers distracts the REALTOR®, the rest of the group walks through the house, stealing valuables.

When you leave a property, whether after an open house or a showing, make sure that all doors and windows are locked. Thieves commonly use open houses to scout for valuables and possible points of entry, then return after the agent leaves.

Let your clients know that you will take all of the above safety precautions, but that when they return home, they should immediately verify that all doors are locked and all valuables accounted for.

(Source: Nevada County Board of Realtors (CA); Realty Times)

This article is part of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® 2008 REALTOR® Safety Week Kit.

The 10-Second Rule

2008-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

The 10-Second Rule

One of the most common reasons that people find themselves in dangerous situations is that they weren’t paying attention. Take a few precious seconds during the course of your day to assess your surroundings.

Take 2 seconds when you arrive at your destination.
• Is there any questionable activity in the area?
• Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location?
• Can you be blocked in the driveway by a prospect’s vehicle?

Take 2 seconds after you step out of your car.
• Are there suspicious people around?
• Do you know exactly where you’re going?

Take 2 seconds as you walk towards your destination.
• Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
• Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
• Is anyone loitering in the area?

Take 2 seconds at the door.
• Do you have an uneasy feeling as you’re walking in?
• Is someone following you in?

Take 2 seconds as soon as you enter your destination.
• Does anything seem out of place?
• Is anyone present who shouldn’t be there or who isn’t expected?

Safety in Just 10 Seconds
It takes just 10 seconds to scope out your surroundings and spot and avoid danger. Make this “ten-second scan” a habit in your everyday work as a REALTOR.® Then share it with someone else.

(Source: “What You Can Do About Safety,” REALTOR® Magazine, September 2000. Courtesy Night Owl/Vector Security, Landover, MD.)

This article is part of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® 2008 REALTOR® Safety Week Kit.

It Could Never Happen to Me

2008-09-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Why REALTOR® Safety Is for Everyone

Some people probably sat through the REALTOR® safety training presentation provided by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® thinking it did not apply to them. Unfortunately, news stories and statistics from around the country prove that safety applies to every REALTOR®, male or female, novice or veteran, in rural, urban and suburban environments.

For example, a man with 25 years of experience selling real estate might discount advice on using smart, safe marketing materials on the grounds that no one is likely to circle his head shot in the local paper and come looking for him. Someone may, however, use his full name, address and phone number—easily found on his business cards, on his Web site and in his ads—to steal his identity and make his life miserable for months and even years.

Or a REALTOR® who lives and works in a small town may believe that she is safe from robbers and others who prey on real estate agents; the fact is that crimes against REALTORS® can and do happen in all types of communities. In fact, the percentage of violent crimes in general are dropping in cities and increasing in rural areas.

The fact of the matter is that, as REALTORS® and as citizens, practicing safety measures is the smart thing to do. Those measures include

Always make sure someone knows where you’re going and who you plan to meet there—including the client’s name and phone number.

Always schedule first meetings with new clients in the office, verify their identity, and introduce them to a colleague.

Always keep a charged mobile phone in your pocket or clipped to your belt, whether you’re in the office, on the road or at property showings.

For more ideas on how to protect your personal safety, visit NAR’s Web site at www.REALTOR.org/safety.

(SOURCE: National Center on Rural Justice – Crime Prevention)

This article is part of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS’® 2008 REALTOR® Safety Week Kit.

Safety Week is Here!: 52 Safety Tip Pick-Up

2008-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

The National Association of REALTORS® 5th annual Safety Week is here! September 14th-20th, 2008 is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safety knowledge for all REALTORS®. This week, Survivor Skills will be focused on providing you information on safety that you can begin to implement so that you can stay safe while on the job, at home, or on the road.

Here are just a couple safety tips you get you started!

Tip #1
Keep in touch.
Always let someone know where you are going; leave the name and phone number of the client you are meeting and schedule a time for your office to call you to check in.

Tip #2
“After you…”
When showing a home, always have your prospect walk in front of you. Don’t lead them, but rather, direct them from a position slightly behind them. You can gesture for them to go ahead of you and say, for example, “The master suite is in the back of the house.”

Tip #3
Create an office distress code.
Establish a voice distress code, a secret word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into any conversation for cases where you feel that you are in danger. Use this if the person you are with can overhear the conversation, but you don’t want to alarm them. Example: “Hi, this is Jennifer. I’m with Mr. Henderson at the Elm Street listing. Could you e-mail me the RED FILE?”

These tips are brought to us courtesy of the "52 Safety Tip Pick-Up" article.

For all 52 Safety Tips, click here.

Have You Read? E-Lising & E-Selling Secrets For The Technologically "Clueless"

2008-09-12T08:07:00.000-07:00

Terri Murphy's E-Listing & E-Selling Secrets For The Technologically "Clueless"

Discover how to master the Internet to build an online presence, to prospect, to meet tech-savvy customers at their level, and most of all, to PROSPER in your real estate career. Industry expert Terri Murphy provides insider tips and strategies every real estate agent can use in the 21st century.

John Tuccillo, Ph.D., CAE, and author of "Click & Close -- e-Nabling the Real Estate Transaction:""Terri Murphy has that rare combination of the visionary's foresight and the practitioner's experience and insight. She is one of the real leaders in real estate."

Randy Purcell, CEO, TOP PRODUCER Systems, Inc.:"Why re-invent the wheel? Terri tells you how year after year, she takes more than her fair share of the market, so you can fast track yourself to the same kind of super success. Best of all, the information is current and based on how to mega-produce in the Internet age. A great read for all agents who want to be more and sell more."

Both new and experienced real estate agents will gain from Terri Murphy's practical advice on using new technologies for listing, selling and more.

PREFACE
1. e-Listing and e-Selling with the 21st Century Technology
2. The New e-Consumer, e-Shopping and e-Service
3. Connecting with Digital Communication
4. The Building Blocks of Your Electronic Presence
5. Designing Your Web Presence
6. Farming with 21st Century Communication Tools
7. Selling You Before the Listing Appointment--Prelisting Package --
8. An e-Look for Your Next Listing Presentation
9. Cool Stuff You Should Know
10. e-Prosper & Live Longer: Life Balance and 21st Century Real Estate

Source: www.RECampus.com

To purchase this book, click the link below.

Coutries A-Z: China

2008-09-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

We continue our “Countries A-Z” this week with highlights about the country of China from the book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway.

China

Just a Few Tips on Doing Business while in China or with the Chinese:

When greeting, the Chinese nod or bow slightly. Handshakes are common, but wait for your Chinese associate to extend a hand first. Use an open hand to point and never put your hands in your mouth as this is considered disgusting. Try to avoid using dramatic facial expressions and exaggerated gestures.

The most important skill you need to have to do business in China is patience. It is easily revealed to the Chinese when their foreigner client is under pressure. They turn that to their advantage in negotiations. Being punctual not only for business meetings, but also for social occasions is very important in China. Cancelling or being late is offensive.

Because China is still a hierarchical society, age is highly respected. Expect to make presentations to many different groups at different levels. The Chinese believe humility is a virtue so never exaggerate your ability to deliver. They will investigate your claims. Be patient, expect delays, show little emotions, and do not talk about your deadlines.

If you are invited to a banquet you should always return the favor and if you are a guest, always arrive promptly or even a little early. You may insult your host if you finish all of your food. This means that there wasn’t enough food provided, but leaving a bowl completely full is also considered rude.

It will be appreciated if you attempt to use your chopsticks but make sure that when you are finished to set the chopsticks back on the chopstick rest. Putting them on top of your bowl is a sign of bad luck as well as dropping them. It is also rude to stick your chopsticks straight up in the bowl.

Source: Conaway, Wayne A. and Morrison, Terri. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. Adams Media, Massachusetts, 2006.

To purchase Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, click here.

Ready for Some Kung Fu Fighting?

2008-09-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

Do you want to increase your income per hour?
Do you want to increase your customer satisfaction?
Do you want to improve the quality of your life?

Then it’s time for you to become a Ninja!

On October 17th at the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® Headquarters in Downers Grove, RANWC and MORe will be co-sponsoring the CRS one-day elective, “Ninja Selling©.”

Ninja Selling© is a powerful one day seminar which is modeled after the methods and philosophy of one of the most successful real estate companies in the country. Using unique processes, systems, and dialogs that they have developed, The Group, Co. Inc., of Northern Colorado with 245 partners, averages 44+ transactions per year per agent, without "cold-calling", working with strangers, expired's or For Sale By Owners, and they help each other become wealthy.

To learn more about Ninja Selling©, click here.

To register for the Ninja Selling© class, click here.

Food, Fun, FREE!

2008-09-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Got plans on Friday, September 12th? You do now! Stop by RANWC's 11th Annual RANWC Affiliate/Vendor Open House Showcase. RANWC's own Affiliate members will be displaying their products and services all under tent in the RANWC parking lot. There is NO COST to enjoy the day. FREE Parking, FREE Document Destruction, FREE Trolley Car Ride to Event, FREE Vienna Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, FREE Beverages, FREE Dessert, FREE Entertainment, and enjoy the camaraderie and networking with other members. Here is your agenda! Arrive early so you can drop your Helping Our Heroes Clothing Donations at the pick-up truck, then to the Shredder Truck so you can unload documents for destruction, in the designated parking lot. (Rear lot at Our Saviours Church-Olive and Dunton. (Watch for signs)

1. 12:30 pm - begins the FREE trolley car ride to and from remote parking lot approx. every 10 minutes (Don't forget to bring you clothing donations for HOH and your documents for the document destruction truck)

2. 1:00 pm - RANWC Annual Business Meeting.

3. 1:30 pm - FEATURE PREMIER PROGRAM at titled "How to Be THE REALTOR® of Choice in Your Community".

4. 3:00 pm. - 11th Annual Showcase opens Registration for the event will be required but watch your mailbox for the postcard. WATCH this newsletter for updates each week right up to the date of the event. You will need to register for BOTH the Program at 1pm and the Open House at 3pm. Just call Mike Manno at 847-506-5049 and leave YOUR AGENT ID# and if you are attending either one or both.

That's It! CLICK HERE for more details!

Ask Ramona

2008-09-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

Question: When does my real estate license expire?

If you are a salesperson, your license expires on April 30th of every odd numbered year, i.e. 2009, 2011, 2013.

If you are a broker, your license expires on April 30th of every even numbered year, i.e. 2010, 2012, 2014.

To view a chart with specific information regarding the required amount of continuing education hours to renew your license, click here.

Safety Comes First!

2008-09-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

The 6th Annual REALTOR® Safety Week is just around the corner! During Sept. 14-20th, I will be posting different bits of information about how you can do your job as a REALTOR® and not put your life at risk. To get you focused on the topic of safety, please participate in the REALTOR® Safety quiz below provided by the REALTOR® Magazine website.

How safe are you?

To take the REALTOR® Safety quiz, click here.

Are We in a Buyer's Market? Why Not Earn the ABR Designation

2008-09-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

The ABR® designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate professionals by REBAC. REBAC represents real estate brokers and agents interested in integrating buyer agency services into their day-to-day operations to provide a full menu of services for both buyers and sellers. The goal of ABR® designation courses is to prepare buyer’s representatives to provide the kind of service and fidelity to buyers that sellers have always enjoyed. In addition, ABR® courses provide methods to build a buyer representation business. ABR® education creates a comprehensive guide to help agents become effective, efficient and productive buyer’s representatives.

The Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (REBAC), the provider of ABR®, was founded in 1988 to promote superior buyer representation skills and services. An affiliate of The National Association of REALTORS® since 1996, REBAC’s membership now numbers over 40,000 and is the world’s largest organization of real estate professionals concentrating on buyer representation. Source: www.rebac.net

To learn more about the ABR® designation, click here.

To sign up for ABR® classes with RANWC, click here.

Coutries A-Z: Belgium

2008-09-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Countries A-Z

We continue our “Countries A-Z” this week with highlights about the country of Belgium from the book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway.

Belgium

Just a Few Tips on Doing Business while in Belgium or with a Belgian:

Conservative, formal dress with clothes that are clean and recently pressed is expected in Belgium. Open-plan offices are very rare as Belgians place a high value on privacy. Office doors are kept closed and after entering an office, be sure to close the door behind you. Always be punctual for business meetings in Belgium. Most Belgians must get to know someone before they can decide whether or not they want to do business so expect the first business appointment to be social. Senior executives arrive at the office later than subordinates do. Replying promptly to any request is important Belgians shake hands with everyone in the room or office upon meeting and departure.

Business practices will vary due to the two distinct business cultures. There are 3 different linguistic groups in Belgium. With the German or Dutch speakers you should use the English terms “Mr.,” “Miss,” or “Mrs.” before the surname. With French speakers, use “Monsieur,” “Madame” or “Mademoiselle.” Meetings may begin with socializing or may immediately get down to business. If Belgians want to engage in small talk, do so. Although such conversation may seem inconsequential, your Belgian counterparts are judging you. Be modest about talents and wealth. Religion is not a good topic of conversation. It is very rude to have your hands in your pockets while speaking with a Belgian. It is also rude to point with the index finger.

Gift giving is not normally a part of business relationships. When gifts are given they are opened immediately in the presence of the giver. If you are invited to a Belgian home, bring chocolates or flowers but not chrysanthemums which signify death or red roses which are for lovers only. Do not bring 13 of any flower. Gifts should be presented before and not after the meal.

Source: Conaway, Wayne A. and Morrison, Terri. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. Adams Media, Massachusetts, 2006.

To purchase Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, click here.

Have You Read? New Business Models of a New Economy

2008-08-29T08:31:00.002-07:00

New Business Models for a New Economy: Remaking the Four Businesses of Real Estate

Top strategist, John Tuccillo, turns an uncompromising eye on the 'new economy' and the challenges for real estate professionals who want to survive in it.

Going beyond laptops and online listings, New Business Models for a New Economy describes and analyzes the new types of business arrangements that today’s successful real estate practitioners are using to adapt to the changes that have occurred in information technology. After reading this book, you’ll know the tools you will need to succeed in today’s marketplace and be able to create a plan for going forward in the new economy.

Highlights:

*Overview of the “new economy”—How it affects real estate and your business

*Technology in the “new economy”—What trends are affecting the real estate industry and what tools are critical to your survival and profitability

*Business models for the “new economy”—What new models are currently being used by brokers, agents, associations, and MLSs

To purchase this book, click the link below.

What Your REALTOR® Does for You!

2008-08-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

The National Association of REALTORS® recently developed the Surround Sound Campaign, which focuses on working with state and local REALTOR® associations, helping them to spread the word to consumers about the opportunities for buyers in today's markets. The program helps REALTORS® share the real story about their markets and generate authentic optimism with consumers.

As part of the campaign, CEO Belton Jennings of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association developed a beautiful document which showcases the value of a REALTOR®. "The Real Estate Transaction in 180 steps: What Your REALTOR® Does For You," will help highlight ALL that YOU do for your clients.

To view The Real Estate Transaction in 180 steps: What Your REALTOR® Does For You, click here.

To learn more about the Surround Sound Campaign, click here.

Countries A-Z

2008-08-26T09:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever worked with a client from another country? Before working with that client, did you make sure to research the background of their culture to see if there were any practices of etiquette you might not be familiar with?

Over the next few weeks, I will highlight different etiquette and business practice tips from countries that are mentioned in the book, Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Their book provides great overview of more than 60 countries and gives you strategies and etiquette protocol to prepare you in working with a growing diversity in clientele.

Argentina

Just a Few Tips on Doing Business while in Argentina or with an Argentine:

Despite its European manners, the pace of business is much slower than in Europe. With a reputation for seriousness and melancholy, you want to refrain from calling someone or something “not serious” as it is one of the most unflattering things someone could say. You’ll know that an Argentine has become comfortable with you when they become amused. From comments about wardrobe to your weight, Argentine banter can be full of put-downs; don’t be offended. When greeting someone who is not a close friend the tradition is to shake hands briefly and nod. Argentines will speak to you at a closer distance than you might be use to and you should restrain yourself from backing away as the Argentine will probably step forward. Do not place your hands on your hips when speaking. Maintaining eye contact is important.

Dress is very important for making a good impression. If you want to be taken seriously, dress conservatively. Visitors are expected to be on time, but don’t be surprised if the Argentine is late. The more important that person is, the more likely they are to keep you waiting.

Arriving on time to social occasions like dinner or parties is impolite. Plan to arrive 30 minutes late or more. Be on time for lunch and for any event with a scheduled starting time such as a theater performance. Business meals are popular and are usually held in restaurants. Argentines do not usually discuss business over meals as meals are considered social occasions. Keep your hands on the table and not on your lap when dining. Do not pour wine with the left hand. This may be an insult.

Source: Conaway, Wayne A. and Morrison, Terri. Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands. Adams Media, Massachusetts, 2006.

To purchase Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, click here.

Ask Ramona

2008-08-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Question: Do all Illinois brokers need to take the 6 hr broker management course?

Yes, all brokers are required to take the 6 hr broker management course each renewal period. The current broker renewal license period began on May 1, 2008 and will end on April 30, 2010. If you are a newly licensed broker, it is mandatory that you take the 6 hr broker management course within 180 days of licensure.

The Challenges of Staging

2008-08-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

I recently visited the REALTOR® Magazine website and found some great information about staging and its challenges.

To learn about the four common challenges of staging a home, click here.

Want to see a bedroom transformed for $250? click here.

To see a home office staged for $0 click here.

Want to see a living room transformed for $250, click here.

Ask Ramona

2008-08-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Question: What happens if I haven't renewed my Illinois real estate license and I am actively practicing real estate?

From the Illinois License Law:

(225 ILCS 454/20‑10) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010) Sec. 20‑10. Unlicensed practice; civil penalty. (a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice as a real estate broker, real estate salesperson, or leasing agent without being licensed under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil fine to IDFPR in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for each offense as determined by IDFPR. The civil fine shall be assessed by IDFPR after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act regarding the provision of a hearing for the discipline of a license. (b) IDFPR has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity. (c) The civil fine shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil fine. The order shall constitute a judgement and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner from any court of record. (Source: P.A. 91‑245, eff. 12‑31‑99.)

Have You Read? Buyer Agency Today

2008-08-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Buyer Agency Today: Keeping Your Competitive Edge in Real Estate, 4th Edition

Buyer Agency Today offers new and practical insight on key topics related to buyer representation in today’s market, including prospecting for clients, niche marketing and tips for enhancing the buyer-counseling session.

Highlights:

*Review questions and real-life case studies reinforce key concepts

*Updated information on “new home” and “relocation” sales

*Revised “Special Commercial Applications” and “Showing and Closing Properties” chapters

*Sample forms and contracts that offer readers take-away documents that can be used in developing business and marketing strategies

To purchase this book, please click the logo below and enter the RANWC bookstore.

10 Facts You Should Know About Today's Illinois Market

2008-08-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® has come us with a new marketing tool which you can use with your clients and prospects to reinforce that now is a great time to buy a home in Illinois!

This document which you can use as a mailer or just hand out, lists and explains the 10 facts everyone should know about the real estate market in Illinois.

To view the document and start using it today, click here.

To order FREE copies, click here.

Have you visited YourIllinoisHome.com yet? Your Illinois Home is a great website which will provide your clients and prospects with more tools on home buying and selling in Illinois.

Are You Going to the NAR Conference?

2008-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Destination Success: 2008 REALTOR® Conference and Expo November 7-10th, 2008

Here are my top 10 reasons for why you might want to consider going to the NAR Conference and Expo this year! (these are in no particular order)

1. Location, location, location! November+Orlando, Fl= much sunnier and warmer weather than Chicago:) General Admission for the 4 day conference is $300 for those registering by August 15th. Many of the hotels NAR has set aside have room rates for $99 or less. Save money and share a room with a REALTOR® buddy!

2. Grow and expand your business, your professionalism through all the educational offerings! There will be over 200 educational programs for you to explore including topics such as Short Sales and How to Sell in Today's Market.

3. Technology Learning Center full of hands on training.

4. Entrepreneurial Excellence Series- Great speakers on topics like Customer Loyalty, Marketing, Creativity, Service and Managing to Win.

5. Disney World! Did I mention the conference is in Orlando, Fl yet? Also, the "REALTOR® Night Out" will take place at Universal Studios!

6. Grow and expand your business through networking! There will be great opportunities to network with the 25,000 attendees.

7. The Expo! There will be more than 700 booths with goods and services you can use to enhance your business.

8. Prize giveaways of $1,000 cash and a luxury Cadillac.

9. Celebrity performances from Lionel Richie and Kool and the Gang and inspirational messages from Lance Armstrong!

10. What better way to celebrate a birthday? The National Association of REALTORS® was founded 100 years ago in May of 1908 at a YMCA Auditorium in Chicago, IL.

Let the 2008 Conference and Expo be your Destination for Success!

For more information and to register, click here.

e-Pro®

2008-08-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

e-PRO® is a revolutionary training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism.e-PRO® is not just about technology - it's about how you can leverage your most powerful asset, your people-skills, into doing more business on the Internet. (source NAR from www.realtor.org)

e-PRO® gives you:

- Exhaustive Internet Training
- Unique Competitive Advantage
- Professional Distinction
- CE credit is now available in several states

For more information about this designation, please click here.

To register for RANWC's FREE e-Pro® workshop to learn more about this designation and to receive a discount as well as a FREE website, click here.

Ask Ramona

2008-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Question: If I take an extra CE classes during the current renewal period, can those extra hours be carried over and used towards the next renewal period?

If you have earned more hours than needed to fulfill your continuing education requirements during the current renewal season, those hours will not carry over into the next renewal period.

Do you have a question you would like answered in regards to Education or any other Real Estate topic? Please email your questions to Ramona@RANWC.com and I'll do my best to get those answered and published on Survivor Skills!

Have You Read? Big Book of Real Estate Ads

2008-07-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Big Book of Real Estate Ads: 1001 Ads That Sell, 3rd Edition

Big Book of Real Estate Ads is a comprehensive guide designed to assist real estate professionals in creating dynamic classified advertising copy.

The new, third edition of the Big Book of Real Estate Ads now includes information and materials geared towards Internet and multi-media advertising, as well as updated Fair Housing information, newly revised subject category listings, a fresh, contemporary interior and exterior design, and an enhanced software component allowing the user to customize and revise ads featured in the book.

To purchase this book online, click the picture below:

Avoid These Email Subject Lines

2008-07-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Jordan Ayan, CEO of SubscriberMail and suthor of The Pracitical Guide to E-mail Marketing has a list of 100 words that you should NOT use in your email subject lines if you want to make it past the spam filters.

Here is just a sample from the list of 100, DO NOT use subject lines:

*avoid
*buy
*limited time
*instant
*for you
*call now
*FREE
*discount
*now only
*act now
*don't delete
*hello
*amazing

For more information about avoiding the spam label, click here.

For the complete list of 100 words from Jordan Ayan's list, click here.

source: SubscriberMail, www.subscribermail.com

RSPS Designation

2008-07-29T07:57:00.001-07:00

Are you a “real estate practitioner who facilitates the buying, selling, or management of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation destination.?” (source NAR from Realtor.org)

Have you ever considered earning NAR's Resort and Second Home Property certification?

The RSPS certification is an education based certification where the applicant only needs to successfully complete a core and elective curriculum in order to obtain the certification. There is no production requirement.

To learn more about this certification, click here.

Endangered Education!

2008-07-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

The following classes are endangered of becoming extinct:

August 4th and 5th, 2008: SRES- Senior Real Estate Specialist

August 13th, 2008: Marketing with Microsoft

If you would like to participate in any of the above classes, sign up today and help save them from becoming extinct!

SRES- Senior Real Estate Specialist, click here.

Marketing with Microsoft, click here. (There is a discount for groups of 5 or more, call Ramona 847-506-5030)

Ask Ramona

2008-07-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Question: When did I get my salespersons/brokers license?

You can check the issue date of your Illinois license by visiting the IDFPR (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations) website and clicking on the "Licensee Look-up" link.

Click here to visit the IDFPR Licensee Look-Up page on the IDFPR website.

Should I Go Commercial?

2008-07-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Paul Martis, Broker Associate with Coldwell Banker Commercial, was recently featured in Chicago Agent Magazine. In Paul's article, "Commercial Deals: Music or a Lot of Noise?" he gives the readers 5 topics which an agent interested in entering the realm of commercial real estate must have extensive knowledge on.

To read his article, click here.

Paul Martis and his business partner, Jack Dunholter will be visiting the REALTOR® Association of NorthWest Chicagoland during the 2008-2009 education season to present their 6 hour Commercial Real Estate CE course. Stay tuned for more information on dates and locations for their course.

10 Tips to Boost Your Business

2008-07-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Back in April, NAR's 2008 President Dick Gaylord shared with fellow REALTORS his top ten tips on how you can boost your business in today's market.

To watch the video or listen to an audio podcast, click here.

To print out a pdf of Dick Gaylord's top ten tips, click here.

Ten Tips to Boost Your Business

1. Become an Expert- Know you local market conditions.
2. Prospecting is Gold- Get out there and market your business.

3. Price to Sell- Be realistic about today' s market.

4. Play Psychologist- Address consumer' fears about trading up or down.

5. Push Buyers' Hot Buttons- Know what features prospective buyers want.

6. Upgrade Your Technology- Enhance your web site and office technology.

7. Expand Your Horizons- Get training that can help you get new business.

8. Get More Involved in Your Community- Show people you are their REALTOR® for life.

9. Stay Positive- There are opportunities in EVERY market.

10. Find and Be a Mentor- Share your experience and get a new perspective.

Visit NAR's market report for State and Local market information.

Published April 8, 2008 at REALTOR.org as part of the NAR President Podcasts

Marketing With Microsoft

2008-07-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Marketing with Microsoft Office

Approved one-unit course toward the CRS designation

Date: August 13, 2008

Sponsored by: REALTOR® Association of NorthWest Chicagoland and Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®

Location: REALTOR® Association of NorthWest Chicagoland
1114 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Time: 8:30am-5:00pm

Tuition: $140 (sign up for more than one CRS class, receive discounted pricing)

Instructor: Pat Zaby

Questions? Call Ramona at 847-506-5030

Click Here to see Flash Demo

“What” and “Why” meet “How To” in the Marketing with Microsoft Office class. It’s much more than a technology course; it’s a powerful marketing class using technology. Imagine learning how to execute proven marketing techniques using software you already have on your computer.

Join the thousands of agents and assistants who have learned tips, techniques, and better ways to use Microsoft Office in their real estate business. By the end of the fact-filled day, you’ll have an action plan to improve your marketing materials, organize your business, and have more time to work face-to-face with clients.

Don’t miss this class. It will be one “AHA” moment after another.

Fast Track to Microsoft Office 2007
· Eliminate agents’ biggest time waster: operating multiple databases
· Discover how SmartArt makes plain text powerful and convincing
· See how Auto-previews of effects saves time
· Recognize why the new Outlook justifies the upgrade by itself
· Check out how easy it is to format tables and charts
· Examine how photo treatments can be done inside Office
· Locate familiar features from previous versions that are hidden in 2007

New manuals for Office 2007 with larger, easier-to-read graphics. Not using Office 2007 yet?…that’s okay, attend anyway. The easy-to-follow, step-by-step manual addresses the new and previous versions of Microsoft Office.

Click Here to Register
Click Here to see Flash Demo

Ask Ramona

2008-07-21T07:59:00.001-07:00

Question: Is there a website I can go to and see how many hours of Continuing Education I've taken in the state of Illinois?

Yes, there are actually two websites you can visit! Visit the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) Continuing Education look-up page if you are only taking classes with a branch of IAR. Visit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) CE look-up page for a complete list of all your CE credits no matter what school you've taken classes with. You will need to know your license number in order to access this information so make sure to have it handy!

IAR CE look-up

IDFPR CE look-up

Have You Read? I've Heard It All and So Should You

2008-07-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

I’ve Heard It All and So Should You: Confessions of a Real Estate Columnist

Written by well-known author Edith Lank, this title provides real estate agents with insights into the minds of today’s buyers and sellers. Based on letters to her nationally-syndicated real estate advice column, Lank’s book will help educate agents on the real-world concerns of buyers and sellers. A fun way to investigate what buyers and sellers know, what they don’t know, and what they think they know, Confessions of a Real Estate Columnist also points out potential trouble spots that arise from too little or too much knowledge on the parts of clients and customers.
As part of our line of professional development products, this text provides relevant letters as well as the author’s insightful responses, red flags that might arise in the day-to-day life of an agent, and gives a list of Web sites and additional resourses.

To purchase this book online, click the link below.

Should You YouTube?

2008-07-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

The old days of Web 1.0 where we were just concerned about getting people connected to information via the world wide web have been surpassed by the next generational wave in the internet, Web 2.0. Don't get me wrong, we are still trying to point our clients and members to visiting our websites for information, but we are hoping that they will do more than just visit. Social networking, videos, blogging, have all imerged as new ways to market, provide information, and connect with the next generation of buyers and sellers. More and more, it's becoming a part of your National, State, and Local REALTOR® Association. Let's explore the idea of adding videos to our websites to enhance the presentation of information to our potential and current clients.

One of the most popular sites for video sharing and uploading is http://www.youtube.com/. You can find all types of videos there! But try typing in "homes for sale Illinois" in the search box. You will not be dissapointed because you'll find several REALTORS® have uploaded virtual tour clips, like this one here. Uploading to YouTube is free and as you upload, you have the option to email the link to the video to whom ever you want, or add the html code to your website or blog. You could even hyperlink the video in an e-newsletter or place the link within your email signature!

Videos are not just for virtual tours, but also can be used to focus on marketing yourself and your business. Cilck here to check out the video Doug Devitre made for our association back in February to market the RANWC Education Department.

These are just a few examples of how you can use video and YouTube to enhance your website or blog's attractiveness and provide more opportunities for your clients to connect to you in more of a Web 2.0 way.

Click here, for a little more detailed information about this topic and read "YouToo Can YouTube" by Michael Antoniak, published in REALTOR® Magazine's July 2008 issue.

Certified International Property Specialist

2008-07-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist

The Certified International Property Specialist Network (CIPS Network) is a specialty membership group for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®, the world's largest trade association. The CIPS Network is comprised of 2,300 real estate professionals who deal in all types of real estate, but with one common element: they are focused specifically on the "international" market. Whether traveling abroad to put deals together, assisting foreign investors, helping local buyers invest abroad, or serving an immigrant niche in local markets, CIPS members are consumers' best resource to ensure they are dealing with a professional skilled in the unique aspects of international real estate.

To learn more about the CIPS Education program, click here.

To learn more about the CIPS Designation, click here.

To take a CIPS class online, click here.

Global Real Estate Sales Strategies

2008-07-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

Does Our Housing Market Affect the Global Economy?

Can a REALTOR® do business overseas? Absolutely!

Can a REALTOR® do business with the U.S. Government overseas? Yes!

Join the REALTOR® Association of NorthWest Chicagoland and the United States Department of State on July 24th for an excellent luncheon discussion at Maggiano's in Schaumburg, IL. Explore proven modes and strategies to bring your business to the next level!

J. Keith Wilkie, MCR, Director, International Real Estate Acquisitions and Disposals, Bureau of Overseas Building Operations United States Department of State has over 27 years of real estate experience and is responsible for buying, selling, and leasing properties worldwide.

Hear real-life, intriguing, hands-on stories of international U.S. Government real estate transactions. Discover the State Department's procedures for buying, leasing and selling land, office space, warehousing and embassy staff housing abroad. These are methods you can use to do business overseas.

The State Department manages more than 16,000 non-military properties in more than 250 international locations. Are there opportunities for you? Almost certainly!

Furthermore, concepts such as exchange rates, changing property laws, political instability, third party claims, no property records, duplicate property ownership, negotiations, cultural etiquette, language issues, local business practices, market conditions, etc will be discussed in order to help you better grasp the:

Globally = Challenging phenomena!

Date/Time: July 24th 11:30am - 2:00pmLocation: Maggiano's (847)240-5600
1901 E. Woodfield
Schaumburg, IL 60173

This very well may be the most enlightening afternoon you have spent in a long time while enjoying a -5 course meal- of various selections at Maggiano's for Only $13.

CLICK HERE For the Luncheon Menu and Registration Form

For more information contact Michael Dubberke at (847)506-5035.

Ask Ramona

2008-07-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Update/Correction to a previous Ask Ramona posting. Missouri does not have reciprocity with Illinois

Question: With which states does Illinois have license reciprocity?

The State of Illinois currently has reciprocity with the following states:

Colorado
Connecticut
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Nebraska
South Dakota
Wisconsin

If you are currently licensed in one of these states, you may obtain a reciprocal license by taking and passing the state portion of the Illinois exam. This exam is administered by Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP). For licensing questions, you may contact theIll. Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation at (217) 782-3000.

Have You Read? Up and Running in 30 Days

2008-07-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

Up and Running in 30 Days: A Proven Plan for Financial Success in Real Estate, 3rd Edition

This popular business start-up guide provides an effective system for new agents to successfully plan their days and weeks. Up and Running in 30 Days features a results-driven business-development model that will increase productivity in new and seasoned agents alike.

Highlights:

4-week plan of action helps agents organize and prioritize their activities.

Seven Critical Sales Skills for Success helps agents hone their selling skills.

Current trends are covered, including relationship marketing and using technology to organize and run a real estate business.

Buy this book online today from:

Almost Like Being There!

2008-07-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Mr. Internet®, Michael Russer has provided us with the following useful technology tip this week:

One of the most widely recognized and used resources for real estate agents has been Google Maps, enabling them to show prospective buyers the exact location of properties and neighborhood features. However, their latest innovation, Google Street View, takes that a step further - actually allowing users to see a 360 degree view of the house and its surroundings!

This feature is now available to individual agents' sites, which can open up whole new avenues (literally!) for doing business online. Click here to read this article to find out how it works and how you can use it to your best advantage!

Develop a Niche in the Senior Market

2008-07-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

Earn the SRES® Designation

This education-based designation addresses the fastest growing market in real estate. And the networking benefit, across North America, may be the single best reason to get connected right now.

Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they've always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes on and on. Can you speak to the unique motivation they have? Do you know how to counsel your client on their options? This is the kind of distinction that can set you apart. You can be the hero.

As an SRES® designee, you'll be able to instantly:

Join a group of REALTORS® who comprise one of the fastest growing markets in the country.

Connect to a nationally advertised brand in the consumer market.

Market your personal brand with designs and tools you receive with membership.

The above information was provided by the SRES website at www.seniorsrealestate.com

Save Over $200!

2008-07-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

RANWC will be offering Broker Pre-Licensing classes starting July 18th in Arlington Heights for a discounted rate of $600 for all 5 classes! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your career and save money!

For more information and to register, click here.

Ask Ramona

2008-07-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Question: I'm a licensed Illinois Broker. When can I start taking Continuing Education classes for it to count towards the April 30, 2010 renewal?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations gives brokers 2 full years to fulfill their education requirements. The current renewal period for brokers began on May 1, 2008 and ends on April 30, 2010.

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

The RANWC Education blog will be taking a break Thursday July 3rd and Friday July 4th. Please visit http://www.helpingourheroes.org/ for information on how you can be a part of an organization which cares for our military men and women. Celebrate thier service this 4th of July by helping out a U.S. hero!

Interested in International Real Estate?

2008-07-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

Consider earning the Transnational Referral Certification (TRC)

This course prepares real estate professionals to make and receive compensated referrals using the transnational referral system developed by the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations—ICREA. Students will learn how to integrate international referrals, resulting in increased income, into their business plans.

**Upon successful completion, the student earns the Transnational Referral Certification (TRC).**Self-paced on-line instruction. Estimated completion time—6 hours. (see course outline below for more details)

Why Get Certified?

Set Yourself Apart from the Crowd.

Distinguish yourself among 2 million brokers and agents worldwide.

Learn how to integrate international referrals into your business plan.

Increase your income.

Receive hands-on training in using the ICREA referral system and related services at WorldProperties.com.

Market yourself worldwide as "TRC" (Transnational Referral Certified).

Be part of a searchable database of certified professionals at WorldProperties.com.

Learn on your own time: 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

This course is approved for 3 hours of IL Elective CE credit!

This information and more can be found on NAR®'s TRC webpage here.

To register for this course as an online education format, click here.

Code of Ethics with Lynn Madison

2008-07-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

Are you a REALTOR®? Member of the National Association of REALTORS®? Have you taken an NAR® approved Code of Ethics training course to fulfill your mandatory NAR® membership requirement?For those of you who haven't taken an Ethics training class since the last Code of Ethics cycle in 2004, the time is now to get that class in before 12/31/08!Learn from an expert and take your Code of Ethics training with one of Illinois and NAR®'s top instructors, Lynn Madison!

ETH1512- The Code of Ethics: It's Good Business

Instructor: Lynn Madison

Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Time: 1pm-4pm

Location: RANWC Arlington Heights

By successfully completing this course, you will receive 3 hours of IL elective credit which can be used for either the 2009 Salespersons renewal or the 2010 Brokers renewal. You will also fulfill the NAR® Code of Ethics requirement for the 2005-2008 cycle.

To register for this course or to additional course dates, CLICK HERE.

Ask Ramona

2008-06-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

Question: With which states does Illinois have license reciprocity?

The State of Illinois currently has reciprocity with the following states:

Colorado
Connecticut
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Missouri
Nebraska
South Dakota
Wisconsin

If you are currently licensed in one of these states, you may obtain a reciprocal license by taking and passing the state portion of the Illinois exam. This exam is administered by Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP). For licensing questions, you may contact theIll. Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation at (217) 782-3000.

Have You Read? 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me

2008-06-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me, 2nd Edition

In the second edition of this best-selling book, Frank Cook provides even more hands-on advice from top-producing real estate professionals to help new agents get their start, or maintain, a successful career in real estate. The second edition offers practical tips for fast-tracking your first transaction, developing a marketing strategy, successfully dealing with competitors and much more.

Highlights:

-Interviews and real-life insights from the real estate industry's most successful and top producing brokers and agents.

-Revised and updated technology chapter offers a jargon-free explanation of the hi-tech options available today.

-New appendix outlines the nearly 200 elements of a real estate transaction in a quick, at-a-glance checklist.

-New end-of-chapter tips offer practical, take-away advice and highlight key concepts.

Buy this book online today from:

I'm a Survivor

2008-06-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

Are you a REALTOR® who survived the market of the '80s? Maybe you're not...but maybe you wonder how anyone did. Maybe you're wondering how you are going to survive the 2008 market! I recently read a great article in the Illinois REALTOR® Magazine called, "I Survived the 80s." This article features tips from Illinois REALTORS® who survived the high interest rates and lack of buyers of the 1980s real estate market. This week, I would like to highlight a tip which was contributed by a member of RANWC, Sue Gould of Starck REALTORS® in Palatine, IL.

Gotta spend it to make it

The keys to Sue’s success in the 1980s and today are farming and spending money on her business. “I started spending whatever money I had on farming. I grew up in the town and had a base of people I knew. I kept expanding my list to where it’s 3,500 homes that I farm about eight times a year,” says Gould who averages $12 to $15 million in annual sales volume. Her first 15 years she did 50/50 listings/buyers; now her business is 80/20. “I kept building my name and reputation,” says Gould. “I believe you have to spend money to make money. That’s a difficult concept for someone who’s new especially from the corporate world where they don’t have to do that. Real estate is different. You have to take the risk to buy the giveaways, to send letters. No one will hand you any business.”
She adds: “I do have a big budget for personal marketing but you only have to sell two homes to make up the difference. McDonald’s wouldn’t sell as many hamburgers if they didn’t advertise.”
For her company, Gould teaches seminars on personal promotion and farming where she tells new agents there’s nothing new in real estate about how to get houses sold.
“You need to do open houses, phone calls, follow-up letters,” says Gould. “Every January I get out my red pen and order all my farm material and mark on the calendar when I will mail it out. I have my whole year mapped out.”

The excerpt written by Ann Londrigan, is provided by Illinois REALTOR® Magazine, from the July 2008 edition. To view the article in its entirety, click here. You must be a member of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® in order to view the article in its entirety.

CRS Designation Statistics

2008-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some great statistics profiling the Certified Residential Specialist designee. This information was complied through a phone survey of 200 randomly selected CRS members in June 2007.

CRS Designees earn a median income of $110,000 annually, nearly 3 times the $37,300 median income of REALTORS® serving as sales associates. (Source: 2007 NAR Member Profile)
CRS Designees average a total of 26 transactions per year with gross sales of $4 million annually. (Source: 2007 CRS Member Survey)
CRS Designees represent the seller an average of 12 times per year. (Source: 2007 CRS Member Survey)
CRS Designees represent the buyer an average of 14 times per year. (Source: 2007 CRS Member Survey)
CRS Designees have worked in residential real estate an average of 16 years. (Source: 2007 CRS Member Survey)
CRS Designees are an average of 55 years old. (Source: 2007 CRS Member Survey)
Some 67 percent of CRS Designees are women while men make up 33 percent of the membership. (Source: 2007 CRS Member Survey)
Some 57 percent of CRS Designees work for large franchise companies versus 43 percent affiliated with independent companies. (Source: 2007 CRS Member Survey)

For more information about the CRS designation, click here.

To see RANWC's CRS class schedule, click here.

How to Survive in a Fear Driven Market

2008-06-24T09:42:00.001-07:00

Come to RANWC to hear Alan Brown introduce you to the science of analytical persuasion and the psychology of influence. His presentation will guide you on how to succeed by adapting your style of selling to meet the new psychology of the buyer.

For more information on this event and to register, click here.

RANWC-Libertyville
Friday, June 27th
10am-11am
400 Peterson
Libertyville, IL 60048

Ask Ramona

2008-06-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Question: What is the NAR® Quadrennial Code of Ethics training requirement?

The NAR® Quadrennial Code of Ethics training requirement is a requirement NAR® began to implement in 2001. NAR® seeks to show that its members are held accountable to a higher standard of professionalism and thus created a mandatory education requirement for its members to fulfill every four years. The first cycle of the NAR® requirement was from 1/1/01-12/31/04. The second cycle, which we are currently in, began on 1/1/05 and will end on 12/31/08.

In order to fulfill the requirement, you must have done one of the following with in the date range of 1/1/05-12/31/08:

1. If you were a new member of a local board and took
New Member Orientation after 1/1/05, you have
fulfilled the requirement for cycle 2.

2. If you took the FREE online course given on the
NAR® website after 1/1/05, you have fulfilled the
requirement for cycle 2.

3. If you took a CE course with a local board (course codes ETH1512,
ETH1523, ETH1524, ETH1525) after 1/1/05 you
have fulfilled the requirement for cycle 2.

4. If you took a CE course with a school other than
a local board and the course was 3 hours of ethics
training taken after 1/1/05, you may have fulfilled
the requirement for cycle 2, but need to email/fax
documentation of completion to your local board.

Have You Read? The Obsolete Employee

2008-06-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I had the sincere pleasure of attending a CRS class with instructor Michael Russer, aka, Mr. Internet® called "Earn More, Work Less and Enjoy Life." This incredible presentation was jammed packed with great information on how you can virtually save time and money at work through the concept of virtual outsourcing. At the conclusion, we were all given a signed copy of his new book, The Obsolete Employee.

Michael gives valuable, expert insight into the world of virtual outsourcing! He should know best since he, himself has several virtual assistants helping run his business. If you are interested in creating wealth and spending less time working and spending more time doing the things you love, you'll want to read this book!

To learn more about the author, Michael Russer, click here.

To learn more about The Obsolete Employee, click here.

Whining About the Market?

2008-06-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

I recently read a great article in the Illinois REALTOR® Magazine called, "No Use Cryin' Over the Market." This article features 13 tips from some of Illinois' top producing REALTORS®. This week, I would like to highlight the third tip which was contributed by a member of RANWC, Joe Guli of Keller Williams Premier Realty in Libertyville, IL.

Stop whining about the market-

“Clients today are not waiting a minute before going on to the next agent,” says Guli. “Today it seems like everyone is crying about the market. Persistence breaks down resistance so if you are doing these things each and every day it is impossible not to be successful. Those who don’t succeed spend more time whining about the market than actually doing something about it.”

Guli and his team understand that communication is key if you want to thrive in today’s market. Whether it be incorporating video within e-mails, shaking a hand or creating global virtual tours, he finds the right fit in a balance of basic tasks and the use of innovative technology.

The excerpt written by Sarah Murphy, is provided by Illinois REALTOR® Magazine, from the May 2008 edition. To view the full article, click here. You must be a member of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® in order to view the article in its entirety.

Get Serious, Get a CRS

2008-06-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

However you define success, you can get there faster by earning the CRS Designation.

CRS Designees earn a median income of $110,000 annually, nearly 3 times the $37,300 median income of REALTORS® serving as sales associates. (Source: 2007 NAR Member Profile)

When you earn the CRS Designation you receive:
· Advanced professional training
· Nationwide referral opportunities
· A professional brand image that attracts customers
· sales and marketing support

For more information, please visit www.CRS.com

To register for CRS courses held with RANWC, click here.

Code of Ethics with Lori Cox

2008-06-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Are you a REALTOR®? Member of the National Association of REALTORS®? Have you taken an NAR® approved Code of Ethics training course to fulfill your mandatory NAR® membership requirement?
For those of you who haven't taken an Ethics training class since the last Code of Ethics cycle in 2004, the time is now to get that class in before 12/31/08!

Learn from an expert and take your Code of Ethics training with one of Illinois and NAR®'s top instructors, Lori Cox!

ETH1523- Business Practices for Today's Real Estate Professional

Instructor: Lori Cox

Date: Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: RANWC Arlington Heights

By successfully completing this course, you will receive 3 hours of IL elective credit which can be used for either the 2009 Salespersons renewal or the 2010 Brokers renewal. You will also fulfill the NAR® Code of Ethics requirement for the 2005-2008 cycle.

To register for this course or to additional course dates, CLICK HERE.

Ask Ramona

2008-06-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Question: I'm an Illinois licensed attorney and REALTOR®. Do I need to complete 2.5 hours of ethics training for the NAR® Quadrennial Code of Ethics requirement?

Even though attorneys licensed in the state of Illinois are exempt from taking salepersons/brokers continuing education to renew their real estate license, if they are a member of NAR®, they must still complete 2.5 hours of NAR® approved ethics training in order to remain as a member in good standing with NAR®.

Take NAR®'s FREE on-line code of ethics training class here to fulfill this requirement.

Have You Read? The How to Easily Handle Difficult People Handbook?

2008-06-13T08:24:00.001-07:00

While at the Education Director Summit in Wichita Kansas this year, I attended an instructor showcase where Lee K. Barrett of Barrett & Barrett Seminars was speaking. At the conclusion of his presentation, he gave all the attendees nice parting gifts...a paperback book entitled The How to Easily Handle Difficult People Handbook, by Murray Oxman.

Oxman goes through 12 of the most well-known types of difficult people and includes a bonus 13th type. In this book you will run into the "Gloom and Doomer", the "Intimidator", the "Energy Thief", "Mr. Obnoxious", the "Moocher" and many more. You learn about their personalities and then learn how you should properly respond to their problem causing personas. It's a great book to keep handy as you never know when Mr. or Mrs. Difficult is going to show up in your office:) Who knows, they may already be there now!

Three Ways To Turn Your Web Forms Into New Business Generators

2008-06-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

This week's tech tip comes from Mr. Internet®, Michael Russer. I had the pleasure of taking a class with him about a year ago on virtual outsourcing.

In his article, you will find tips on how to get those website visitors to fill out the forms you have placed on your website.

To view Mr. Internet®'s article, click here.

Consider a Designation

2008-06-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed all those fancy letters behind other agents' name? What do they mean? Are they important? Certainly they are! Earning a designation from NAR® or one of NAR®'s Affiliates, Councils or Societies can help you succeed in all aspects of your business - and help you earn more money! REALTORS® who pursue professional designations have a distinct competitive edge as a result of their increased expertise and marketability. An NAR® 2005 Member Survey shows that REALTORS® without an NAR® designation earned a median of $40,900, while those that indicated a designation earned a median of $82,900. RANWC strongly encourage its members to increase their professional image, marketability, productivity, and income through the pursuance of a designation or certification programs.

Take an Ethics Class Now!

2008-06-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Are you a REALTOR®? Member of the National Association of REALTORS®? Have you taken an NAR® approved Code of Ethics training course to fulfill your mandatory NAR® membership requirement?

For those of you who haven't taken an Ethics training class since the last Code of Ethics cycle in 2004, the time is now to get that class in before 12/31/08!

Complete Ethics Class Schedule Available Now!

Please mark your calendar for the following upcoming CE Ethics course:

ETH1523- Business Practices for Today's Real Estate Professional

Instructor: Lori Cox

Date: Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: RANWC Arlington Heights

By successfully completing this course, you will receive 3 hours of IL elective credit which can be used for either the 2009 Salespersons renewal or the 2010 Brokers renewal. You will also fulfill the NAR® Code of Ethics requirement for the 2005-2008 cycle.

To register for this course or to additional course dates, CLICK HERE.

You can also choose to take NAR®'s FREE On-line Code of Ethics course by CLICKING HERE.

***Please note that no CE credit is awarded for the On-line Code of Ethics course offered through NAR®.

Have You Read? The Foreclosure Revolution

2008-06-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

This book summary was part of the RANWC Newsletter (from June 2nd) about a book one of our Board of Directors has written.

Joe Sesso, an investor and educator from Chicago and currently serving on the Board of Directors here at RANWC, brings to life the origins of the housing collapse and the reasons why in his new book, The Foreclosure REVOLUTION: What you need to know to make a fortune in today's challenging real estate market. Sesso calls it a revolution because America has never seen so many foreclosures before. Many people are wondering if and when the crisis will ever turn around. Sesso answers these questions in his book and tells why there has never been a better time to buy real estate. The Foreclosure Revolution describes the foreclosure process for all 50 states and what the various stages of foreclosure mean to both the homeowner and the bank. It shows the reader how to find foreclosures and pre-foreclosures in their neighborhood and how to purchase them for a fraction of their actual value using advanced investing techniques that Sesso has been using for years. There has never been a better time to buy real estate in the US. In the history of America, the best investors have always made the most money when the markets were down. Sesso subscribes to the buy low/sell high method and shows the reader how to do the same.

Click Here to purchase this book.

A Potential Business Lead?

2008-06-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the registration table as I normally do before a continuing education class one day. Suddenly, a very happy, grinning, REALTOR® approached me to check into the class. As I was looking to find her name on the list, she began telling me about how great her morning was! She was struggling earlier with trying to make the decision between physically coming into class or just studying at home.
While she was on the way to class, she had to make a stop at the gas station to fill her car's parched tank. As she was talking to the gas station attendant, he noticed her REALTOR® pin and name badge and began to ask her several questions about her business. At the end of their conversation, he had made the decision to use her in the near future as his REALTOR®.
An opportunity like this can present itself at anytime. So whether you're on your way to class or the grocery store, why not wear your REALTOR® pin? You never know who you may encounter and with your expertise, there are probably so many people out their who could use an outstanding REALTOR® like you!