{RE}source | February 2010

i. 2 / vol. III

www.samcar.orgMonthly Newsletter of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®

February2010

SaMCar

Legislative

in this issue...

Message from the Presidentpage 1

SAMCAR Announcementspage 2

SAMCAR Installas Flagpole Thanks to Paul Davis page 4

SAMCAR Foundation Updatepages 7 and 8

Affiliate Newspages 7 and 8

Education at SAMCARpages 9 and 10

REALTOR® Action Fundpage 3

SAMCAR Endorsment forSan Mateo County Board of Supervisorspage 3

MLSMLSListings, Inc. Updatespages 5 and 6

CarCAR Updatespage 4

NarNAR Updatespages 5 and 6

Be a part of YourAssociationin 2010A message from your 2010 Presidentand a list of ways you can get involved!pages 1 and 2

monthly newsletter of the

San Mateo CountyAssociation of realtors®

www.samcar.org

tel. (650) 696-8200fax (650) 342-7509

2010 PresidentPresident Elect

Region 25 ChairDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirector

Affiliate DirectorDirectorDirector

Jennifer TastoSusan VaterlausOlivia T. EdwardsEric BerggrenRobert BrisbaneJohn CliffordBobbi DeckerSuzan Getchell-WallacePhillip HoustonKaron KnoxAnne OlivaDennis PantanoEdgar TulcanazaDiane WilsonDavid Zigal

SAMCAR {RE}source is published monthly by the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®, 850 Woodside Way, San Mateo, CA 94401 and distributed to more than 4,000 recipients. E-mail [email protected] your questions or comments.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EDITORIAL TEAM

Director of Government Affairs Publications Designer

Michon Coleman Dalen Gilbrech

Copyright © 2010

Our VisionThe Voice for Real Estate Professionals

and Property Owners in San Mateo County.

2010 SAMCAR InStAllAtIon

Watch 2010 SAMCAR President Jennifer F. Tasto’s inauguraladdress video online at . . .

www.samcar.org/Installation

Jennifer F. Tasto2010 SAMCAR President

It’s a new decade and a new year! Welcome to 2010. As we start off the year, we are always hopeful. That is why my theme for this year is “REALTORS® Make a Difference.” The work we

REALTORS® do makes a lasting and constructive impact on the lives of individuals, families and the communities we serve. I ask that we make that difference a positive one in 2010!

Our mission statement states:

“We are a trade association organized to ensure professionalism, protect property rights, and promote the ownership of real property, and help members achieve success.”

We are able to effectively fulfill our mission by continuing to provide programs that promote professional standards and political advocacy.

SAMCAR is a part of a tripartite organization. Through you membership at SAMCAR, you are also part of the CAR and NAR organizations. At these local, state and national levels, we REALTORS® are presented with resources that assist us in our professional success. I encourage you to take advantage of the various programs and resources available to you. And I encourage you to get involved with SAMCAR, whether it is on a committee, a tour meeting, or mentoring a new agent. There are numerous ways to get involved.

We can all make a difference!

Message from your 2010 PReSIdent

Be a part of YouR ASSoCIAtIon

2010 ASSoCIAtIon dueS

2010REALTOR® Dues invoices have been posted to youraccounts and can be paid online byclicking the “Pay Your dues” bannerat www.samcar.org

Reminder!Avoid a $30 late fee and please pay your dues before February 1st.

San Mateo CountyAssociation of realtors®

YOUR Voice , YOUR Association

In this issue of the {RE}source we’d like to use this section to briefly list upcoming events, important announcements and ways that you can be more involved in the functioning of your association.

New Tour Committee Contacts for 2010If you or someone you know would like to sponsor breakfast, submit a speaking presentation or volunteer to give the Hot Topic or Rate Watch (Central and South tour only), please contact the following:

CENTRAL TOUR Ingrid Westgard, [email protected] TOUR Nicole Siacotos, [email protected] TOUR Judy Ploshay, [email protected] TOUR Sue Vaterlaus, [email protected]

Scott Findlay, [email protected]

2010 SAMCAR CommitteesBecome a leader in YOUR association, join a SAMCAR Committee.For more informationwww.samcar.org/Committees

2010 Corporate SponsorshipsGet your company name recognized in the local real estate community while helping SAMCAR fund our ongoing charitable and industry efforts!For more informationwww.samcar.org/Sponsorship

REALTOR® Service Volunteer ProgramRSVP week is May 3 - 7, 2010The deadline for homeowners and volunteers to apply is Friday, March 5.Please help us spread the word about this annual volunteer service program.For more information and the application forms

www.samcar.org/RSVP

REAlTORS®

Welcome New MembersThe following members joined in January 2010

Christine Barraco, Cashin Company

Vangeline Broyles, Intero

Gwen Chua, Intero

Ton Dang, TD Real Estate

Samir M. Deeb, Prudential California

Erik Elfving, Cashin Company

Suzanne Gulick, Cashin Company

Austin Herman, Herman, Clay REALTOR®

Tina Huang, Grace Real Estate

Jolene Lasaga, Coldwell Banker

Marvin Liu, Intero

Elizabeth Machado, Figueroa Realty

Efraim Michael, Prudential California

Jonathon Michaud, Heritage Realty

Davina Murphy, SC Properties

Mary Payman, Rockaway Beach Realty Corp.

Leonora Pomar, RE/MAX Westlake

James P. Robertson, Nu Level Realty

Alipate Sanft, SC Properties

Ayesha Sikandar, Prudential California

Jadie Sun, TD Real Estate

Angelina To’o, Cashin Company

Jean F. Tsui, Jean Tsui Properties

Shohre Vossoughi, Century 21 Realty Alliance

Linda Yang, Intero

Wen C. Yu, Wen C. Yu, Broker

AFFIlIATES

Rona Blevins, Rona Blevins, State Farm Ins.

Joan Fischer, First American Home Buyers

John Marshall, Marsetti Inc.

Thomas H. Perez, Vista Inspection Services

Keith E. Ruzicka, SF Seismic

Robert C. Wemmeyer, SF Seismic

FebRuARY 2010 2

samcar Government Affairs StaffMIChON A. COLEMANDirector of Government Affairsphone (650) 696-8204 | fax (650) [email protected]

ALEx KhALFINGovernment Affairs Coordinatorphone (650) 696-8209 | fax (650) [email protected]

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRSwww.samcar.org/governmentaffairs

GUIDE TO CITIESwww.samcar.org/cities

GUIDE TO SChOOLSwww.samcar.org/schools

California Association of REALTORS®www.car.orgGOVERNMENT AFFAIRSwww.car.org/governmentaffairs

REALTOR® ACTION FUND:www.car.org/governmentaffairs/raf/

National Association of REALTORS®www.realtor.orgGOVERNMENT AFFAIRSwww.realtor.org/government_affairs

REALTOR® ACTION CENTERrealtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/grassrootsonline

Legislative Committee MeetingsPenInSulA legISlAtIve CoMMItteeMeets on 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.SAMCAR, 850 Woodside Way, San Mateo

CoAStSIde legISlAtIve CoMMItteeMeets on 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m.half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce, 235 Main Street

PACIFICA legISlAtIve CoMMItteeMeets on 1st Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m.450 Dondee Way, Suite 7

SAMCAR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Your continued investment in the REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF) has enabled SAMCAR to remain vigilant in its efforts to protect private

property rights and serve as the voice for REALTORS® and homeowners throughout San Mateo County. RAF helps to sustain SAMCAR, C.A.R. and NAR’s formidable political strength and advocacy endeavors.

In addition to supporting or opposing local ballot measures that impact our local community, your RAF investment will be used to support candidates and incumbents who are favorable to our REALTOR® members, the real estate industry, and the preservation of private property rights.

As you pay your 2010 SAMCAR dues, please consider making an investment in RAF. To help make your invest-ment, C.A.R. now offers payment plans for contribution levels of $49 or above. Please go here to see your options:www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/RAF_2010InvestmentPlan.pdf

REaltoR®action FundMake Your 2010 Investment

Please contact your Government Affairs staff with any questions regarding RAF(650) 696-8200

Learn more about the REALTOR® Action Fund and your investment options atwww.car.org/raF

Make your investment today!

SAMCAR Endorsement

SAMCAR is endorsingDoN HorSLey

for San Mateo CountyBoard of Supervisors, District 3

FebRuARY 20103

CAR LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

C.A.R.’s Board of Directors approved an ambitious legislative agenda to promote homeownership, protect private property rights, and more effectively regulate appraisal management companies. C.A.R. has already introduced legislation, SB 206 (Dutton), which creates a state income tax credit for the purchase of bank-owned properties. Another bill will protect homeowners who have refinanced their “purchase money” loan and are going through foreclosure from be-ing personally financially responsible for the difference between what is owed on the loan

and what the property is worth. An additional proposal will give the state more authority to oversee the practices of appraisal manage-ment companies (AMCs). Other legislation will create “portable appraisals” and uniform standards for their use; protect DRE reserve funds from being loaned to other state agencies; and clarify existing law as it relates to contracting for advance fees. For more information, please see C.A.R.’s 2010 legislative program located on the Government Affairs section of C.A.R.’s website.

SAMCARInstalls Flagpole Thanks ToPaul Davisas many of you are aware, SAMCAR lost one of its most spirited members, Paul Davis, in December. A decorated veteran, Paul’s patriotism ran so deep, that before he passed away, he paid for a flag pole to be installed at SAMCAR along with the flag to be hoisted up each day to show respect for this country. A memorial plaque thanking Paul for his contribution will reside at the base of the flag pole after its installation.

The ground breaking for the flag pole took place in early January. When the flag pole is in place, we hope to hold a dedication ceremony in honor of our late friend, Paul. his spirit and memory will live on when the flag, commemorating our great nation and the country he fought for, is raised and lowered every day.

a special SAMCAR UPDATE

Visit CAR’s Government Affairs page atwww.car.org/governmentaffairs

Governor Schwarzenegger Proposes Home Buyer tax CreditIn his State of the State address on Wednesday, Governor Schwarzenegger called on the legislature to extend last year’s first time home buyer tax credit and expand it to include the purchase of existing homes

as well. This complements C.A.R.’s already introduced legislation, SB 206 (Dutton) that would provide an $8,000 tax credit to those who purchased a bank-owned property that will be used as a principal residence.

Could theIndependent Contractor Withholding Proposal Return?

Last summer, C.A.R. successfully fought several attempts to include in stop-gap budget measures a proposal to force independent contractors to over-withhold and send the money to the state. After a C.A.R. Red Alert resulted in thousands of REALTORS® calling legislative offices to oppose the idea, a budget was eventually passed WIThOUT the with-holding requirement. But now the state is facing yet another multi-billion dollar budget shortfall that will need to be addressed within the coming weeks. Senate President Pro Tem

Darrell Steinberg has already suggested that the withholding option will be revisited as part of the negotiations. C.A.R. continues to oppose this scheme because it unfairly singles out independent contractors to shoulder the burden of the state’s budget troubles and because it fails to address systematic problems in California’s budgeting process. C.A.R. will continue to monitor the progress of negotia-tions and will fight any attempt to include the withholding proposal in a state budget. Stay tuned for more details.

C.A.R. Pursues Aggressivelegislative agenda Memorial Service

for Paul DavisA memorial Service for Paul Davis (1921–2009) will be held on

Saturday, January 30, 2010from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the

burlingame rec. Center850 Burlingame Ave., Burlingame (next to the Lions Club).

FebRuARY 2010 4

nAR legISlAtIve uPdAte

MlSlistings InC. eduCAtIon

REGULATORY ISSUE ALERTFHa Changes Announced

continued on page 6 . . .

Essentials of MatrixFebruary 17 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Basic skills for Matrix: navigation, inputting search queries, map search, reporting and results options, driving directions, search fields, saving, emailing, printing searches.

Essentials of RealistFebruary 2210:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Basic skills for Realist: navigation, inputting search queries, map search/ labelling, reporting/results options, foreclosure reports, saving searches, data exporting.

ClarusMarketMetrics® trainingFebruary 222:30 to 3:30 a.m.

Learn how to create powerful graphs in minutes! Enforce your Pricing Analysis; Create Quantitative Market Information such as: Supply trends, Sale Trends, and Price Trends.

MLSListings Inc. classes are FREE for SAMCAR Members and located at SAMCAR.To register please call (650) 696-8200

In October 2009, FHA announced that its capital reserve fund had fallen below the congressionally mandated level of 2 percent. The drop in capital reserves has led Congress and the Administration to call for changes to strengthen FhA.

On January 20, 2010, FhA announced major changes to ensure its longterm financial soundness.

FHA is trying to balance threefundamental objectives:

1) financial soundness of the FhA insurance fund – ensuring that its capital ratio returns above 2 percent;

2) fulfilling its mission of serving borrowers not adequately served by the private sector; and

3) facilitating the recovery of the housing industry and the overall economy

NAR has met with the Commissioner on several occasions to discuss the state of the housing market and to underscore FhA’s invaluable role. By all accounts the new changes are a victory for home buyers. FhA has carefully balanced the need to make financial reforms with the need to keep FhA available to a large segment of consumers. This is evident by retaining the 3.5 percent minimum down payment requirement and allowing the upfront mortgage insurance premium to be financed.

FebRuARY 20105

MlSlistings InC. uPdAteS

nAR legISlAtIve uPdAte

To provide a cooperative platform, brokers agree that their listings will be posted on the MLS system. The MLS rules support this effort by requiring all subscribers to input exclusive right to sell or exclusive agency listings on one to four unit residential properties and vacant residential lots (classes 1-5) located within the service area of the MLS within 72 hours after the listing agreement has been signed.

MLS rules also require that if a seller refuses to permit the listing to be included on the MLS, either temporarily while the property is being prepared or for the full length of the listing agreement, the listing broker must submit (fax or email) an Authorization to exclude form (within the same 72 hour period), signed by both the seller and the broker.

There are no exceptions for weekend or holidaysto the 72 hour rule.

FhA announced changesin the following areas

The upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) will increase to 2.25 percent up from 1.75 percent. Contrary to reports, FhA will continue to allow the financing of the UFMIP.

Borrowers with a credit score below 580 will be required to have at least a 10 percent down payment. The minimum down payment will remain at 3.5 percent for all other borrowers.

FhA will seek legislative authority to increase the annual premium (currently capped at .55 percent). Over time, increasing the annual premium may allow FHA to reduce the upfront premium.

Seller concessions will be reduced to 3 percent from 6 percent.

FhA will make the following lender enforcement changes• FhA will implement credit watch terminations

at lender underwriting.

• Public reporting of lender performancethrough scorecard system will be implemented.

• FhA will implement, through notice and comment,indemnification against lenders.

• Indemnification will be expanded beyondfraud and misrepresentation.

• FhA will seek legislative authority to enforceindemnifications against direct endorsed (DE) lenders.

• FhA will seek legislative authority to sanction lendersnationwide based on performance of local branch.

FhA is an integral part to the continued recovery of the real estate industry and the overall economy. NAR will continue to work with FhA, the Administration, and the Congress to ensure FhA can fulfill its mission while providing for the safety and soundness of the insurance fund. NAR is committed to assisting FhA as they balance risk management with creating homeownership opportunities across the country.

CommonRules Violation:Failure toList a Property

FebRuARY 2010 6

SAMCAR FoundAtIon

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

When the opportunity to give is offered, the San Mateo County Association of REALTOR® members have consistently risen to the challenge, even in the midst of a recession. The members knew that the 2009 holiday season was going to be a tough one for local charities and held successful fundraisers throughout the County. The SAMCAR Foundation, doubling the happiness for each charity that received funds, matched the monies raised by the individual REALTOR® groups. The SAMCAR Foundation, which with the help of SAMCAR, holds its own fundraising efforts throughout the year, enhanced its mission statement in 2008 to include support of member organized grassroots fund raising

Housing Expo ‘10 has been cancelled.

AFFIlIAte newS

Should You Re-Fi, De-Fi or Modify?Contributed by SAMCAR Affiliate Arton Chau

The country is going through a massive de-leveraging process. With the uncertainty of the job market and the direction of the economy, people in mass are looking for ways to cut monthly expenses and reduce liabilities. If you’re a homeowner, then most likely the biggest liability you have is your mortgage.

So what are some of the options available to a homeowner to reduce their monthly payments? That would depend on your current financial situation. There are three primary categories that a homeowner would fall into. 1) Financially strong 2) Marginal or hanging-On 3) Need of massive restructuring.

If you are still financially strong, have good credit and have not missed a mortgage payment, then even if you have nega-tive equity, you may qualify for a new program Fannie Mae or

Freddie Mac has introduced to refinance your loan.

They can now allow you to refinance up to 125% of your home value. The rate would be their best prevailing conforming rates, currently in the low 5’s. And if you currently don’t have mortgage insurance, your new loan will also not have PMI. You cannot get cash out and other restrictions apply, but for those looking to just lower their mortgage payments, it is certainly worth looking into.

If you don’t qualify for the 125% refinance and you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments, then applying for a loan modification may be the option for you. As long as you’re still earning sufficient income to make the newly modified payment that the lender is willing to offer, then you’re a candidate for a loan mod.

The challenge here is that your income can’t be too high and it can’t be too low. If you make too much money, then you don’t need the help. If you make too little, then you can’t afford it. The Obama administration has mandated that if the lender is going to offer a modified payment, it must be a long term, affordable and sustainable payment.

A key distinction here is that a lender’s top priority is not to help the homeowner. Their primary objective is to do what-ever is in their own best interest. When considering whether to approve a loan modification, a lender is going to compare

SAMCAR FoundationRaised and donated

$20,500During Holiday Season efforts. The SAMCAR Foundation encourages and supports our members

who wish to create opportunities for fund raising to help their local communities.

The following are projects that were undertaken in the fall of 2009:

noRth CountY REALTOR’s “holiday Auction” in support of the “Coats for Kids Project” which provides warm clothes to disadvantaged youth. This project was able to assist 400 families in San Mateo County this year.

hAlF Moon bAY/CoAStSIde Realtor’s “holiday Auction” supporting Coastside hope, a community resource center assisting disadvantaged families.

PACIFICA REALTOR’s Community Service Group, fund raising in sup-port of Pacifican’s Care, Pacifica Resource Center, and the Pacifica Library Foundation.

Pacifica REALTORS Community Service Group raised money for several community organizations on the coast this fall

FebRuARY 20107

SAMCAR FoundAtIon

AFFIlIAte newS

that option against a foreclosure. If they determine that a loan modification will result in less of a loss to them than a foreclosure, then they will likely approve a loan mod. If, on the other hand, the lender has to reduce the payment by such a large amount to make it “affordable” for the homeowner, and that such reduction would result in more of a loss than a foreclosure, then the lender will probably not approve the modification.

Unfortunately, many lenders are still trying to figure out what is “affordable” and “sustainable” and that’s one reason why the modification process is taking so long.

The last group would be those that don’t qualify for either of these options and can no longer make their mortgage payments. The homeowner has already missed their mortgage payment or is about to. This is what I call the de-finance process. It means the homeowner is in the process of eliminating the debt, regardless of consequences. This would include a short-sale, bankruptcy or just letting it foreclose.

In most cases, a short-sale will be a better option for the homeowner because it will have less negative impact on their credit. however, it’s important to consider legal and tax consequences when making this decision.

Additionally, some lenders are imposing unrealistically harsh conditions on the homeowner when approving a short-sale.

An example would be including language that would retain the lender’s right to pursue a deficiency judgment against the homeowner even if the loan is a non-recourse loan. Another condition is requiring the homeowner to sign a personal note for the deficiency even when the homeowner can barely afford to buy groceries for their family.

Be sure to consult with an attorney, tax professional and/or an experienced real estate broker when deciding your best course of action.

For more tips and help on Short Sales, please visit:

www.sfbayareashortsale.com

This article was contribute by Arton Chau, (650) 697-1200. Arton Chau is currently the General Manager of Bankers Preferred Real Estate Loans, a mortgage brokerage company. Mr. Chau is also president of Distressed Home Solutions, a pre-foreclosure consulting company that specialize in helping distressed home owners to truly understand their options.

Thank you to . . .. . . our outstanding members for sharing their positive spirit within the community. SAMCAR members raised the bar for fundraising in 2009.

South Tour “Can Tree Fundraiser” benefiting four local charities, Catholic Worker house, St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room, San Carlos Education Foundation, and Belmont/Redwood Shores Foundation.

SAMCAR AFFIlIAteS held a “Pumpkin Auction” with proceeds shared between the SAMCAR Foundation and Second harvest Food Bank. This

REALTORS and Affiliates at SAMCAR”s North Tour raised money and collected coats at the holiday auction in support of “Coats for Kids.”

event helped to provide 3,600 meals to the hungry during the holiday season.

Total amount raised: $20,500.

“On behalf of the SAMCAR Foundation Trustees, I would like to thank our outstanding members for sharing their positive spirit within the community. SAMCAR members raised the bar for fundraising in 2009,” Suzan Getchell Wallace, 2009-2010 SAMCAR Foundation Chair, stated. “By giving of their time, talent and financial support, hundreds of people have been positively affected by their generosity, especially during the holiday season”.

Suzan Getchell Wallace,2009 - 2010 SAMCAR Foundation Chair

The SAMCAR Housing EXPO ‘10 has been cancelled.

FebRuARY 2010 8

SAMCAR EDUCATION

Thursday, February 41 to 3 p.m. / at SAMCAR InstructorPat Kitano,Domus Consulting GroupPat is a nationally known speaker and will also be discussing the new SAMCAR Social Media Webinar Training Center which is a free educational opportunity to encourage our members to learn the latest about social media and internet marketing skills and tactics.

Thursday, February 1811 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. / at SAMCAR InstructorShashank ShekharShashank is author of the mortgage blog, LendingExpertBlog.com and a co-author with Carole Rodoni on an upcoming book. he will show you how to easily have an online presence using a blog and how to create a blog for lead generation.

To sign up, please call(650) 696-8200Space is limited, registration required.

These sessions are FREEfor SAMCAR members.

See a list of all upcoming classes at SAMCAR online at

www.samcar.org/education

We are pleased to announce the return of our free software training series “Lunch & Learn” for 2010. These courses are free and available only to SAMCAR members and are a great way to learn basic software skills in Microsoft and Adobe applications for making flyers, mailings, documents and more.

To register, please call SAMCAR at (650) 696-8200

Microsoft EXCELFebruary 26 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. / at SAMCARCreate and edit spreadsheets; shortcuts to enter/edit data, simple and complex formulas, formatting text and members, sort lists, work with columns, rows and multiple worksheets and printing spreadsheets.

Adobe PHOTOSHOPMarch 5 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. / at SAMCARHow to organize your photos and how to edit your pictures with Photoshop Elements. The concepts you will learn will allow you to enhance and preserve great photos.

Microsoft WORD FlyersMarch 12 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. / at SAMCARFormat text by changing the font, size and color, how to work with and customize bulleted lists, insert pictures, clipart and text boxes, how to create a page border and background colors.

freesoftware training courses

FebRuARY 20109

SAMCAR EDUCATION

Pitfalls andOpportunities ofShort SalesThursday, February 1111 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at SAMCAR Come learn from a local panel of experts about what the Federal government is doing about streamlining the short sale process to help homeowners avoid foreclo-sure, what is specifically occurring in the San Mateo County short sale arena and what these experts are seeing in terms of changes, opportunities and pitfalls to help you succeed. Our panel includes lenders and REALTORS® who work with asset managers and who have the inside scoop on this timely topic.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONJulie Ziemelis, [email protected] Ed Bright, (650) 766-4900(Chair of the Affiliates Education Committee)

To register for each of the classes call (650) 696-8200.

UPCOMING SESSIONS...February 25 | Tax Tips

Free educationseminars from experts within the SAMCAR Affiliate community covering a broad range oftopics affectingthe real estate transaction to help REALTORS® become familiar with the intricacies of the transaction to better serve their clients.

Always have SAMCAR classes, meeting and events in your digital calendar! Sync up at:

www.samcar.org/Calendar

Did you know that 90% of homebuyers and sellers search the Internet for listings and information before they call a REALTOR®?

When they search, they use keywords that can either lead directly to you…or your competition. Be found and hired! Learn the basics of how to use social media and Internet marketing strategies by participating in free webinars through the new SAMCAR Social Media Training Center.

Patrick Kitano, Founder of DomusU, will be leading a live presentation on “Social Media for Real Estate” and giving a live demo on the Training Center on February 4th from 1 to 3 p.m. Come ask questions and learn more about how social media can help you get more leads and build your personal brand!

SAMCAR Social MediaWebinar Training Centerlaunches February 1st!

Contributed by Julie Ziemelis

To log in and gain access to free weekly training webinarsand a library of training webinars, go to:

http://domusu.com/samcar

FebRuARY 2010 10

Classes & Events

Weekly Education, Events & Tour Calendar

February 1010 a.m.

Coastside Legislative Committee MeetingLocation: Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce& Visitor’s Bureau - 235 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Legislative Committee Meetings | Meetings will resume in 2010

SAMCAR Board of Directors Meetings

February 179:30 – 11 a.m.

PeninsuLa Legislative Committee MeetingMembers welcome to attend these monthly meetings. | Location: SAMCAR

February 2010

February 248:30 a.m.

saMCar board of directors MeetingMembers welcome to attend these monthly meetings. | Location: SAMCAR

February 1111 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Pitfalls and opportunities of short sales | Affiliate Ten for ‘10Learn what the Federal government is doing to streamline the short sale process to help homeowners avoid foreclosure; specifically in the San Mateo County short sale arena and what these experts are seeing in terms of changes, opportunities and pitfalls to help you succeed. Our panel includes lenders and REALTORS® who work with asset managers.Cost: FREE | Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

February 89 – 10:30 a.m.

e-Pro internet KnowledgeLearn the best practices for e-mail communication and online marketing, legal and ethical standards for conducting real estate on the internet, how to create and maintain your Internet Marketing and Practices Plan.Cost: Free workshop, certification $334 | Location: SAMCARInstructor: Floyd Arnold | Register: (650) 696-8200

February 1710:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

MLsListings: essentials of MatrixBasic skills for Matrix: navigation, inputting search queries, map search, reporting/results options, driving directions, search fields, saving, emailing, printing searches. Cost: FREE | Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

February 41 – 3 p.m.

re/tech 101: social Media for reaLtors®Instructor Pat Kitano (Domus Consulting Group) is a nationally known speaker and will also be discussing the new SAMCAR Social Media Webinar Training Center, a free course to encourage our members to learn the latest about social media and internet marketing skills and tactics. Cost: FREE | Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

February 1811 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

re/tech 101: blogging 101Instructor Shashank Shekhar (author of the mortgage blog,LendingExpertBlog.com) will show you how to easily have an online presence using a blog and how to create a blog for lead generation. Cost: FREE | Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

February 115 – 7 p.m.

Women’s Council of reaLtors® MixerJoin the San Mateo County WCR and SAMCAR Affiliates for this free event; all are welcome! Location: Rosie’s Cantina, 333 Broadway, MillbraeRSVP: http://smwcr-feb2010mixer.eventbrite.comChristina Galletti, (650) 218-0629 | [email protected] Maryann Bologna, (415) 850-6546 | [email protected]

February 118 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gri 110: Marketing, Financing & Managing Commercial PropertiesLocation: SAMCAR | Cost: $149Registration: http://www.eDesignations.com or 888-785-4800

Marketing MeetingsTuesday, February 2

MLS Tour Sheet Deadline Reminder

broker/Property toursTuesdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

deadline to add tours in MLsMondays, 11 a.m. Deadlines subject to change for holidays.

deadline for Monday holidaysprior Friday at 11 a.m.

View tour sheet by Monday afternoonwww.samcar.org/tour

JANUARY 29 – FEBRUARY 5

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa24 25 26 27 28 29 3031 01 02 03 04 05 06

8:30 a.m. February Combined TourElks Lodge 229 West 20th AvenueSan Mateo

Presentation: David Lim,Newly elected San Mateo City Councilmember

Breakfast:The San Mateo CountyAssociation of REALTORS®

9 a.m. Half Moon Bay Tour Community Center 535 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay

9:30 a.m. Pacifica TourCommunity Center540 Crespi Drive, Pacifica

{RE}source | February 2010

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