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January 2009

ABoR Membership Holds Strong Despite Economic Turndown

While economic uncertainties have led to a nationwide cooling in the real estate sector, the Austin Board of REALTORS® membership count remains steady. After a prolonged period of growth from 2003 to 2007, ABoR membership dipped just three percent in 2008. Moreover, the majority of members leaving the real estate profession had been ABoR members for fewer than two years.

Real estate continues to be a viable profession for dedicated Central Texas REALTORS®, and ABoR is committed to your success. Every day, we strive to provide you with quality resources, tools and representation. Your suggestions help us bring you even better service. Please contact us online with your ideas or drop a note in the suggestion box in our Welcome Center.

Chairman’s Corner

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and I wish you the best in the coming year. As we enter the new year, I am excited about the opportunity to serve as your 2009 Chairman of the Board. I feel privileged to be working with a diverse Board of Directors, and we look forward to acting on your behalf as trustees. You can rest assured that we will always strive to make sound business decisions and enforce policies that represent your interests.

Confirm Your Contact Information

The new year is a great time to ensure that your contact information in the “My Account” section of Abor.com is up-to-date. ABoR staff uses this information to send you important updates on news, products and services. This data is also routed to the “Find a Member” section of Abor.com and the “Find a REALTOR®” section of Austinhomesearch.com.

Incorrect contact information can prohibit you from receiving important industry updates and can hinder colleagues and potential clients from getting in touch with you. Check the contact information in your member profile by logging on to Abor.com and selecting the “My Account” link. Click the “Edit Personal Information” link to confirm your name, phone number and physical and e-mail addresses.

Experience Electronic Publications
While you’re logged in to your account, visit the “Preferences” section to see which ABoR periodicals are available electronically. Under the “Print Mailing Preferences” heading, you may now opt to receive an e-mail notification when electronic versions of our publications are available. Please contact the Marketing Department with your questions and concerns.

Thank you,

Jay Gohil
2009 Chairman of the Board

Make Safety a Priority in 2009

This year, resolve to practice safe work habits when showing properties and holding open houses. By incorporating the following tips into your daily routine, you can greatly increase your personal safety and protect your clients’ properties.

Keep a fully charged mobile phone with you at all times
Meet new clients at your office
Verify clients’ identities and photocopy their driver’s licenses
Whenever possible, avoid being in the office alone
Attend showings with a partner. If you must go alone, arrange for a co-worker to call or text you at pre-arranged times to ensure you are safe
Have all visitors sign in when you hold open houses
Do not use your personal address or telephone number on marketing materials
Never hesitate to contact your local law enforcement agency if you feel threatened

Finally, trust your instincts. Your intuition is your most powerful form of self-protection. And remember, no commission is worth risking your safety.

Join the Rush to Invest in TREPAC

Would you like to put a little extra cash in your pocket while simultaneously investing in your industry? Then join your fellow ABoR members for the TREPAC Gold Rush Party on Wednesday, February 11 from 6-8 p.m. in the ABoR Auditorium.

Bring in your unwanted jewelry (any type of metal is acceptable) to be weighed and appraised by an experienced broker from James Lewis Gold Exchange. Beverages and light appetizers will be provided. Tickets to the event are $15 each and may be purchased online or by contacting the Government and Community Affairs Department at 512/454-7636, ext. 1500.

Turn Over a New Leaf with the GREEN Designation

Now more than ever homebuyers are considering the ecological implications of the properties they purchase. The new GREEN Designation course will help you understand and meet these emerging consumer needs.

On Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 course instructor Bill Evans will educate you on green real estate principles such as smart growth, sustainability, New Urbanism, industry ratings and evaluation standards in real estate. This two-day course will be held in the ABoR Auditorium from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on both days and carries 15 hours of Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) credit (TREC approval pending).

The GREEN Designation course costs $275 or $300 for those registering after March 9. Visit the “Courses” section of Abor.com and select the Designation tab to register.