November 2009

TAR is proposing revisions to several commercial forms. Members may review the proposed changes and submit their feedback to Tom Morgan, TAR’s Vice President of Legal Affairs. Comments must be submitted by December 1. To learn more about the revisions, visit TAR.

We value your membership and want to be sure you continue receiving the resources NAR, TAR and ABoR provide. To renew your membership and avoid a late fee, please be sure to pay your annual dues by December 15. Invoices will be distributed on Monday, November 16. If you have chosen to receive paperless statements, you will receive your invoice electronically.

Your dues payment can be made online, in person or by mail. To submit your payment online, simply visit Abor.com and login to your account by selecting “My Account” from the upper left-hand corner of the page.  If you wish to mail your payment or deliver it in person, you can find us at 10900 Stonelake Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759.

Being an ABoR member provides you a multitude of benefits including timely industry updates through print and electronic publications, monthly Legal Topics, a vast array of educational and networking opportunities, protection from legislation that threatens the real estate industry and a public awareness campaign that helps promote the value of REALTORS® and homeownership. 

If you have questions regarding your membership dues, contact ABoR’s Membership Department at 512-454-7636. We’re working hard on your behalf!

CCIM is offering program discounts to qualifying agents through the end of 2009. Interested parties are asked to complete this application. The discounts can be applied to the Central Texas CCIM Introductory Course set for November 17-18. 

Are you a successful, driven and creative young real estate professional? Shine the spotlight on yourself by applying for NAR’s 2010 “30 under 30” feature for REALTOR® Magazine. Every June, the magazine highlights an elite group of young professionals.

Individuals who are REALTOR® members of NAR and under the age of 30 as of May 31, 2010 are eligible to submit an application. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2010.

NAR is seeking candidates who are inventive real estate professionals and have shown leadership in their communities and industry. Interested individuals can learn more by visiting NAR’s Web site.

Recently you’ve heard from ABoR about the construction of Water Treatment Plant 4 (WTP4) and its importance for the local Austin community to help sustain our quality of life and meet the city’s growing water needs. ABoR is pleased to share with you that the Austin City Council has given the green light to move forward with the project.

Both supporters and opponents of WTP4 capitalized on the opportunity to speak before the city council, expressing their thoughts and opinions before the ballots were cast at the council meeting on October 22. The vote was close with 4-3 in favor of the project. Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez were among those who voted yes to WTP4.

ABoR’s annual Installation and Awards Gala is right around the corner. Don’t miss your chance to attend the exciting event on Friday, December 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Austin Renaissance Hotel located at 9721 Arboretum Boulevard. Purchase your ticket online for $40 or by phone at 512-454-7636, ext. 1603.

Themed “Celebrating You,” the event will celebrate the local real estate community and honor ABoR’s incoming Board of Directors, 2010 Chairman of the Board, John Horton of John Horton Realty, and the 2009 Industry Award Winners - Charles R. Porter, Jr. of Bryker Properties, Debbie Novelli Farrell of Diane Dopson Properties and Anna Maria Garcia of Aralyn & Company.

For more information, contact Hessie Brawley in ABoR’s Education Department at 512-454-7636, ext. 1603.

Join a Clarus MarketMetrics product expert on Friday, November 20 for a webinar where you will learn how to effectively use the Market Dynamics and Pricing Analysis tools. These tools can help agents provide their clients with real-time market trend and pricing information – giving clients a better idea of the current reality of the market and helping them make pricing decisions for their homes. To register for the webinar, click here.