News, Information & Hot Issues

CALIFORNIA REALTOR®  EXPO 2009

Life Would Be Easy If It Weren't for Other People

Right?!

Connie Podesta, an expert in the psychology of human behavior and leadership development, will combine therapy and comedy when she brings her high-energy and interactive result-oriented session to the 2009 CALIFORNIA REALTOR® EXPO.

Podesta, this year’s Thursday Luncheon speaker, works on the premise that some people can be just “slightly” challenging as she empowers you with the strategies you need to help deal with those individuals. Podesta understands that communicating effectively during life’s difficult moments can make or break a deal, determine outcomes, and affect your ability to achieve the professional and personal life you desire. Join Podesta for her entertaining insights delivered in a no-nonsense style as she helps you learn more about handling relationships.

CALIFORNIA REALTOR® EXPO, the state’s largest real estate trade show, draws thousands of California’s key franchise execs, top producers, and vendors every year for educational, networking, and professional development opportunities. California REALTOR® EXPO 2009 will be held in San Jose Oct. 6-8, at the San Jose Convention Center. This event is fre to C.A.R. members, but requires registration. Admission to “Life Would Be Easy If It Weren’t for Other People” is $60 before Oct. 6 and $65 on-site.

Tech Tuesday, a special pre-EXPO event, features a full day of comprehensive and hands-on training geared toward assisting today’s REALTOR®. Tech Tuesday is held Oct. 6. Motivational speaker Bodine Belasco will be the featured Tech Tuesday Luncheon speaker. Tech Tuesday attendees are required to register for this event. Registration for Tech Tuesday only through Oct. 5 is $85 for members and $175 for non-members.

Newscan

Business Briefs & Bottom-line Boosters

BPOs Falling Out of Favor

>> According to RealTrends, Freddie Mac has revised its Seller/Servicer Guide to strictly prohibit its lenders from using broker price opinions (BPOs) to value properties for mortgage purchases. What’s more, according to The Washington Post, appraisers and consumer groups are questioning the use of BPOs. These groups view these low-cost valuations as a culprit in depressing home values, citing a conflict of interest as agents value properties low to ensure quick sales.

DRE News

>> The Department of Real Estate (DRE) needs your feedback and input to help re-write the real estate license examination. Please visit its site and fill out a short survey: www.dre.ca.gov/lic_exam_study_survey. html. In other news, the DRE is administering fewer salesperson examinations and broker examinations, 80 percent and 42 percent, respectively, compared to last year, so effective July 1, 2009, the DRE is raising the salesperson and broker licensing fees from $120 to $245 and from $165 to $300, respectively.


Member Benefits

New MAP Partners Extend Discounts

TransUnion SmartMoveSM, a Web-based solution that provides independent landlords with access to the same screening tools used by the largest property management groups, now is available to C.A.R. members at a special rate of just $20 per screening–a savings of 20 percent. TransUnion SmartMove lets you offer renters more data privacy because they provide their personal identifying information directly to TransUnion. Visit http://car.mysmartmove.com to register and get started.

Mobile Real Estate ID™ lets you know who’s looking at your listings when they’re looking! Mobile Real Estate ID™ combines traditional marketing and point-of-service advertisement with today’s prominent SMS technology. The system allows buyers to access property information, pictures, and the listing agent’s contact information in the fastest and most direct way possible. With Mobile Real Estate ID™ portal’s Capture Technology, agents will be notified in real time when a potential client is looking at his or her listing. C.A.R. members receive 10 percent off monthly packages plus a waived activation fee. Visit www.mobilerealestateid.com/car for more details.