The State Association is currently conducting a survey either via telephone or email.  If you have a caller ID and “Marketing Services” shows up, it is most likely the Association calling to conduct a short opinion survey.  If they do not call, they will be sending you an email with a link to a short survey.  Read more information from WR below.  Thanks!

The Washington Association of REALTORS® wants to hear from YOU!  We are conducting a brief survey on issue priorities for our association. It is very important that your opinions are included!In appreciation for your time, you’ll have a chance at the end of the survey to enter a drawing for one of THREE $100 American Express gift cards!

This survey will take about eight minutes to complete. Your participation in this survey is vital and confidential. You can take the survey by clicking on the link below:

https://nar.inquisiteasp.com/surveys/V8GQ76/

The information gathered from this survey will help determine priorities for the Washington Association of REALTORS® in the months and years ahead.   The survey is being conducted on behalf of the Washington Association of REALTORS® by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. before noon CST on Monday, July 26, 2010.We appreciate your feedback!

If you would like to verify the validity of the survey, please contact Lisa Herceg, Manager, Marketing Research, at NAR’s main line: 1-800-874-6500, extension 8563.  If you have more specific questions about the content of the survey, please call Nathan Gorton at the Washington Association of REALTORS® at (360) 943-3100.

Title: The Three Amigos
Location: El Sarape on Mountain View in Shelton
Description: Join the Washington Realtors Leadership, Steve Franks (Association Executive for the State), Bill Riely (2010 President) and Phil Harlan (Incoming President) for a Happy Hour Event and Q&A Session. A Wonderful Opportunity you shouldn\’t miss.
Start Time: 16:00
Date: 2010-06-24
End Time: 18:00

This is a GREAT event to learn about the Washington Realtors’ Leadership.  As Ellen said, “This is one event I don’t mind ‘begging’ you to attend.”  This will help all of us learn the role that the State Association plays in our every day business.  Each of the guest speakers are entertaining, funny and good at their jobs.  Join us Tuesday, June 29th.

May 27, 2010

MCAR Presidents Report.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

Aristotle

Hello MCAR Members and Affiliates

Congratulations to Lori Brady for her election to serve as the 2012 VP Elect for Association Operations for the Washington Association of Realtors. Lori has been a terrific representative from MCAR and we expect she will continue to do so.

If you missed the last General membership meeting that was held at the Leornard K’s Boat House in Allyn on May 21, you missed a good one. Attendance was exceptionally good and the reports provided from a variety of members were very informative.

As a substitute of a guest speaker, we heard from association members who attended the Spring conference. VP Traci Mclaughin, articulated her experience with “this year I went because I had to. The next conference I want to go”.

Those members who attended the Spring Conference expressed the value in participating. They gained knowledge of the how, the why and the significance of contributing at a State Association Conference. And I might add, although we are a small Association, we do have a very large impact at the State level

Naturally, the message here is “get involved with Your Local Association”. Begin by being present at our local committees, meetings and functions.

Just MongoFAX It!

Have you tried MongoFAX yet? Accelerate your business with this free Mason County AOR member benefit. MongoFAX empowers all Mason County members to instantly scan, and email hardcopy, paper-based documents as searchable PDF files. All you need is an ordinary fax machine and WAR’s designated MongoFAX Email Cover Page. With MongoFAX, REALTORS® are able to eliminate courier, mail, and overnight delivery costs. In addition, users are able to dramatically reduce paper and toner expenses, close deals faster, and deliver cleaner documents while automatically maintaining a digital email trail of all transactions.  Try It Now!

REALTOR FEEDBACK:

“We love it!  Numerous agents in our office use it, and it’s very easy and efficient.  I have a scanner on my desk that I used to scan offers and then e-mail them to clients as a PDF file, but now I can just bypass that time-consuming step and do it straight through MongoFax.  I especially like that you send ME a copy of the file, too - a great benefit!  MongoFAX has saved us time, money, and hassle - our agents have been VERY pleased to receive this service - especially as a benefit of their dues dollars!

As a Board member of the local association, I’m thrilled to be able to link this directly to dues dollars. We get complaints all the time about the tangible benefits of being part of the association and this makes that conversation MUCH easier! Thanks!!!” –Kristy Buck, REALTOR®, Shelton, WA

MongoFAX Online Training!

Whether you are first hearing about MongoFAX or a seasoned user, you are invited to participate in a live training class hosted daily by a certified MongoFAX Account Manager. These “webinars” are held online, last about 15 minutes, and cover everything you need to know about the service and its applications.

Training is not required but highly recommended. Click here to register for one of our upcoming webinars, or contact the MongoFAX Training team at training@mongonet.net. 

MongoFAX Customer Support: 1-866-482-2229

MCAR Presidents Report

March 2010

The only time “success” comes before “work” is in the Dictionary.

Vidal Sasson

The MCAR incoming board members are enthusiastically performing the “work” of your Association. They are an excellent collection of professionals and by my estimation, doing an exceptional job within the framework of the new organizational strategy.

I am happy to report that the associations Goals for 1^st Quarter 2010 are being met. If you’re asking what are those goals? I would be delighted to enlighten you.

Goal 1: Membership Outreach

 The new Board assembled in January for a Retreat. The Retreat focus was on implementing the new organizational plan, understanding our roles on the board and educating the leadership on how a volunteer Board governs.

It is important to understand that your Board members are Volunteer leaders. They are responsible for the direction of the organization.  The current board is ready, willing and able to Lead. They have started and initiated actions to reach out to the membership.

Goal 2: Website and Communication

            Under the leadership of 1 year Director Kelly Zoldak’s Member Support Committees and Website committee Chair April Robertson, they report that our Website is functioning well and being updated daily, weekly and monthly. In fact, this Report is the First of a monthly President’s report that will be posted each month on the website.

            The board and the association membership will be able to utilize this platform to communicate more effectively with other members and encourage members to  participate in a host of association committees and activities.

Goal 3: Budget and Finance

            First time Board member and 2 Year Director Jill Himlie is working closely with all the Associations Operations Committees which include Membership, Finance, Affiliates and Speakers. Our house is in good hands.

Goal 4: Government Affairs

            Ron Jensen, also a first time Board Member, is a 1 year Director overseeing the Government Affairs Committees. Those committees are: Quality Of Life and RPAC, two committees that are vital to our Industry.  Hill Day was the kickoff for Government Affairs and was attended by several MCAR members. I am also hearing about some great events being planned for RPAC.

Goal 5: Marketing

            The entire board is committed in getting the message out about the value of being a Realtor and a Realtor Affiliate. Being involved in your Association will provide balance to your Business and it’s also not a Secret – Realtors have lots of Fun!

Other essential Committees actively promoting, educating and bringing awareness to the membership include: The Professional Committees Lead by 1 Year Director Dinah Griffey, Community Support Committees under the guidance of 1 Year Director Peggy Zamzow and 3 year Director Vickie Nunez has taken charge over the Fund Raisers and Social Committees.

As your 2010 President, along with President Elect Tracey McGloghlin, Secretary Debbie Savunen, Treasurer Nancy Moran, 3 Year State Director Kristy Buck and the Association Executive Ellen Howard we welcome the involvement of all members. We encourage you to attend MCAR planned events and activities.  May you all Prosper this year and Have Fun in the Association.

 Richard Bell, 2010 President

·       Discussed in your office, plans for the National Open house weekend April 10 & 11^th

·       Called to sign up for Transitions and CORE class (7.5 Clock hours) on May 12, 2010.  Call MCAR 426-0689

·       Signed up for Short sales and foreclosure class through Washington Realtors March 17, 2010. Go to www.warealtor.org and sign up.

·       Put General membership meetings on your personal calendar for the year, Third Friday of the Month.

·       Search www.realtor.org for right tools, right now! A Member benefit for all Realtor members.

·       Use the new TECH HOTLINE offered to you at no cost from the Washington Realtors. www.warealtor.org

·       Went on the Mason County Realtor web site and browsed the information for classes and events. www.masonrealtorsassoc.com

·       Sign up for a committee on the Mason County Association of Realtors. Check with directors for a full list.

·       Paid my 2010 Realtor Dues

·       Signed up for NWMLS Forms and Current Legal Developments class. (3.5 Clock Hours) Tues., February 23, 2010  sign up on Discover using your LAG Number

·       Called to sign up for Transitions and CORE class (7.5 Clock hours) on May 12, 2010.  Call MCAR 426-0689

·       Signed up for Short sales and foreclosure class through Washington Realtors March 17, 2010. Go to www.warealtor.org and sign up.

·       Put General membership meetings on your personal calendar for the year, Third Friday of the Month.

·       Search www.realtor.org for right tools, right now! A Member benefit for all Realtor members.

·       Use the new TECH HOTLINE offered to you at no cost from the Washington Realtors.

·       Sign up for a committee on the Mason County Association of Realtors. Check with directors for a full list.

I’m writing a post as a sample becaue we want post blogs bi-weekly on the home page.