May 2009

Review your Association’s accomplishments in our 2008 Annual Report.  With your support, Central Texas REALTORS® won an important victory in the City of Austin’s Point of Sale controversy.  The slew of new educational offerings and MLS resource ensure your continued success, while our public awareness campaign kept REALTORS® at the forefront of consumers’ thoughts.  Click here to revisit the many ways ABoR worked for you in 2008.

Gain a better understanding of the challenges facing today’s mortgage industry by reviewing Gerald Klassen’s presentation, “The Future of Real Estate Finance and its Impact on Your Business,” now available on Abor.com. Klassen, a research analyst with the Texas A&M University Real Estate Center delivered this presentation at ABoR’s April 30 Town Hall meeting, where it was met with resounding success.

The 38-page PDF report contains a wealth of information regarding the current challenges facing the mortgage industry, along with an in-depth analysis of the housing markets in Austin and Texas.  The document also explains the benefits of using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to access information, market your listings and share information with your colleagues.

Enhance your leadership skills and make valuable connections within your industry by applying for a spot in ABoR’s upcoming Leadership Program.  This eight-unit training session, hosted by Lynda Conway, dean of the ABoR Academy, will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel at all aspects of the real estate industry, including spokesperson training, time management, conflict resolution and ethical behavior. 

Complete the ABoR Leadership Program application by Friday, June 5 to be considered for enrollment.  The session will be held from July 8 to October 28.  For more information on the Leadership Program, contact the Education Department at 512/454-7636.

The Office of the Texas Attorney General will hold a mortgage fraud summit on Monday, June 15 at the AT&T Conference Center, located at 1900 University Ave. on the University of Texas campus.  Topics for this all-day panel include a recap of mortgage fraud trends, foreclosure rescue fraud and attorney liability, identifying fraudulent transactions and potential legislative solutions.  Real estate professionals are encouraged to join the dialogue by attending this event.  The summit will last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $30.  For more information and to register online, click here.

With the City of Austin’s new Energy Efficiency Ordinance going into effect on June 1, consumers will be looking to you for information.  Get the facts necessary to assist your clients by visiting the City of Austin’s Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance page, where you can learn how the ordinance will affect owners of single-family, multifamily and commercial properties.  The page also contains a link through which you may locate approved energy efficiency auditors.

Get involved in your Association by applying for a leadership position!  Both ABoR and the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) will accept applications through June 30.  ABoR has openings for five directors, one chairman-elect and one secretary/treasurer.  TAR has openings for four directors and one Regional Vice President. 

ABoR and TAR directors will hold three-year terms beginning in 2010, while the TAR Regional Vice President will hold a two-year term beginning in 2011.  ABoR’s chairman-elect and secretary/treasurer will each hold one-year terms. 

Please note that these leadership roles require a significant time commitment.  ABoR’s Board of Directors typically meets once a month for approximately three hours.  The agenda for each meeting is posted online several days before the meeting; directors are expected to review this material prior to the meeting.  Further, directors are encouraged to attend the TAR Annual Convention, the annual TAR Winter Meeting and as many ABoR events and membership meetings as possible.  For more information on the leadership opportunities, contact the Executive Department at 512/454-7636.