July 2008

Become part of ABoR’s grassroots campaign to keep Austin housing affordable by displaying yard signs that promote a better way to go green. These signs are an effort to urge Austin City Council members to refrain from implementing energy-efficient mandates to homes at the point of sale. Visit the REALTOR® Store, located at Quarry Oaks Atrium, 10900 Stonelake Blvd., Ste. 150 for your free sign. There is a limit of five signs per member. For more information, contact the Government and Community Affairs Department at 512/454-7636.

Obtain real-time market trend and pricing information for specific property areas using Clarus™ MarketMetrics, a free Web application which will become available to ABoR Mulitple Lisitng Service (MLS) subscribers August 1. Results are presented in graphs that would be an ideal addition to Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports. To view sample reports, click here. Free MarketMetrics training sessions are scheduled for August 12-14. To register, visit www.abor.com/courses and select the “MLS” tab. For more information, contact Kay Pennington at 512/454-7636, ext. 1101.

Mingle with ABoR-endorsed candidates for the Texas House of Representatives from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, in the ABoR Auditoriums. This meet-and-greet opportunity will feature a TREPAC check presentation to candidates Valinda Bolton, Dawnna Dukes, Donna Howard, Elliott Naishtat, Eddie Rodriguez, Patrick Rose and Mark Strama. Breakfast will be provided. Members should RSVP to government@abor.com. For more information, call 512/454-7636, ext. 1500.

Tell us what you think about ABoR’s Public Awareness Campaign, which promotes the value of REALTORS® in all real estate transactions. Your feedback could win you one of two $50 gift cards to Home Depot. ABoR values your input and uses it to determine how best to serve, represent and promote our members. Click here to take the online survey and register for your chance to win. For more information, contact the Marketing Department at 512/454-7636.

Submit your request for a 2009 ABoR committee assignment by August 31. To review the committee list and determine which is the best fit for you, click here. All parties, including current committee members, must complete a committee request form. Questions regarding ABoR committees can be directed to the Executive Department at 512/454-7636.

Join renowned real estate instructor Marcie Roggow as she debuts two newly developed courses: Seller Representative Specialist Designation on July 28-29 and Creating and Implementing a Broker Policy and Procedures Manual on July 30. Take advantage of the revised SRS Designation course content, which provides a fresh look on how to represent sellers in today’s changing environment. Brokers, Creating and Implementing a Broker Policy and Procedures Manual is a do-not-miss opportunity to craft a policy manual for your firm and gain tools to increase profitability. For more information, contact Professional Development and Education Department at 512/454-7636.