By now you have seen the results of the election. Yesterday, Wednesday, we had our first Board meeting with the newly elected Directors present.
This was the first election that we used the Online Voting process that is now available through the OKCMAR site. The majority of the voting took place online making the program a great success. We will see many items of concern to the General Membership utilize this process in the future.
Please help to get the word out to your fellow Realtors about utilizing the Blogs and websites that are available to all of us through OKCMAR.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The Results Are In...
Welcome, Welcome New OKCMAR 2010 Directors! If you missed the e-blast your new 2010 OKCMAR Directors are: Bill Bateman, Gigi Faulkner, Barbara Harris, Ryan Hukill, Jennifer Johnson, & Mike Malone. I ncourage all our members to get to know your incoming leadership. We have such a diverse group this year!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Time Flies When You're Having Fun!
CEO Viewpoint:
The reason they call old adages, an old adage, is because they generally are true. Tomorrow marks the end of my second year with OKCMAR and the beginning of my third year. I wish to thank all of the membership and especially the current and past directors for this wonderful journey they have walked with me. Just like in a marriage, learning to live together has its ups and downs, but I sincerely hope you are as committed to OKCMAR as I am to you. Thank you again for a wonderful and challenging two years and.... Happy Anniversary to Us!
Oh yes, remember to VOTE-VOTE- VOTE !
The reason they call old adages, an old adage, is because they generally are true. Tomorrow marks the end of my second year with OKCMAR and the beginning of my third year. I wish to thank all of the membership and especially the current and past directors for this wonderful journey they have walked with me. Just like in a marriage, learning to live together has its ups and downs, but I sincerely hope you are as committed to OKCMAR as I am to you. Thank you again for a wonderful and challenging two years and.... Happy Anniversary to Us!
Oh yes, remember to VOTE-VOTE- VOTE !
Remember To Vote!
As our illustrious President-Elect, Dave Moeller, says VOTE-VOTE-VOTE. See his blog below. You can make a difference! Remember if you vote electronically you may not vote in person tomorrow- I hope to see many, many members participating in the RPAC auction. We need to support RPAC because it directly supports our ability to sell homes.
The Housing Market is Not A Stock Market Ticker Tape
CEO Viewpoint
Today I was interviewed by the local press to see if I had an answer as to why a neighboring city's closed home sales decreased this month while OKCMAR's closed home sales went up.
I think it is very important that as professionals we educate the public that real estate is a LONG TERM investment. The average consumer should anticipate investing in his home for 10-30 years. Slight monthly fluctuations in the housing market are normal- just as grocery and consumer goods fluctuate in price. Since the inception of the stock market, real estate has out performed the stock market over time without fail.It is the BEST investment a person can make. This investment is more than financial it is in investment in our community and society as whole. Neighborhoods with strong home ownership rates tend to be low in crime, support their local schools and support the bonds of human friendship- something we all need.
NAR has great talking points to use when speaking of the value of home ownership- they can be linked to here...TALKING POINTS
NAR also offered the following when we analyze rate of return,"When considering the investment value of a home, think about this: Dollar for dollar, the rate of return on an individual’s cash downpayment on a house is substantial. Buyers typically use their own money to cover only a small portion of the purchase price, but the home appreciation they realize is based on the total value of the property.
Homeowners benefit from the power of leverage. Over 10 years, a $10,000 investment in the stock market at a normal 10 percent market rate of return would yield $23,600. The same investment as a down payment on a $200,000 home at a normal appreciation rate of 5 percent would return nearly five times the average stock market return, at $110,300...."
Now, add to that rate of return the ability to deduct your mortgage interest and property tax from your federal tax return and calculate the savings in income tax paid over the life of a 30 year mortgage and the return is even greater. This year add another $8000 in one's pocket if one is a first time homebuyer and the yield on investment expands even more!
Just something to think about....
Today I was interviewed by the local press to see if I had an answer as to why a neighboring city's closed home sales decreased this month while OKCMAR's closed home sales went up.
I think it is very important that as professionals we educate the public that real estate is a LONG TERM investment. The average consumer should anticipate investing in his home for 10-30 years. Slight monthly fluctuations in the housing market are normal- just as grocery and consumer goods fluctuate in price. Since the inception of the stock market, real estate has out performed the stock market over time without fail.It is the BEST investment a person can make. This investment is more than financial it is in investment in our community and society as whole. Neighborhoods with strong home ownership rates tend to be low in crime, support their local schools and support the bonds of human friendship- something we all need.
NAR has great talking points to use when speaking of the value of home ownership- they can be linked to here...TALKING POINTS
NAR also offered the following when we analyze rate of return,"When considering the investment value of a home, think about this: Dollar for dollar, the rate of return on an individual’s cash downpayment on a house is substantial. Buyers typically use their own money to cover only a small portion of the purchase price, but the home appreciation they realize is based on the total value of the property.
Homeowners benefit from the power of leverage. Over 10 years, a $10,000 investment in the stock market at a normal 10 percent market rate of return would yield $23,600. The same investment as a down payment on a $200,000 home at a normal appreciation rate of 5 percent would return nearly five times the average stock market return, at $110,300...."
Now, add to that rate of return the ability to deduct your mortgage interest and property tax from your federal tax return and calculate the savings in income tax paid over the life of a 30 year mortgage and the return is even greater. This year add another $8000 in one's pocket if one is a first time homebuyer and the yield on investment expands even more!
Just something to think about....
A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words!
Become a part of the movement to extend (maybe even expand) the homebuyers' tax credit.
NAR's 2009 REALTOR® Party Video Contest challenges REALTORS® to make a short, personal video explaining how the Home Buyer Tax Credit has helped their clients buy their first home.
The contest will run until September 30. The winning entry will receive a $500 American Express gift card and be shown at the Annual Convention in San Diego in November. Two runners-up will receive Flip UltraHD Camcorders.
During the contest, please help us get as many REALTORS® involved as possible by encouraging your fellow REALTOR® Family members to enter and letting them know how important it is that Congress expands and extends the tax credit (From OAR).
NAR's 2009 REALTOR® Party Video Contest challenges REALTORS® to make a short, personal video explaining how the Home Buyer Tax Credit has helped their clients buy their first home.
The contest will run until September 30. The winning entry will receive a $500 American Express gift card and be shown at the Annual Convention in San Diego in November. Two runners-up will receive Flip UltraHD Camcorders.
During the contest, please help us get as many REALTORS® involved as possible by encouraging your fellow REALTOR® Family members to enter and letting them know how important it is that Congress expands and extends the tax credit (From OAR).
Sunday, September 6, 2009
VOTE - VOTE - VOTE
Hi Everybody –
I just wanted to remind everybody to vote in the Board of Directors Election this coming week. I would love to see maximum participation at the Luncheon on Wednesday at the Skirvin, but remember that you can also vote online through the OKCMAR website for the Board of Directors.
I have been very pleased this year in seeing the participation of the nominated slate in active canvassing of votes on Facebook and other social media. This is the age of Technology as was evidenced at the NAR Leadership Summit I recently attended in Chicago. I think the Nominating Committee did a fine job in their selection, and I want to thank all of the selected slate for their participation and desire to serve.
As President Elect, I look forward to working with the incoming Board & Staff next year in promoting OKCMAR and moving towards our continued success in the marketplace. Our success can only be achieved by the support of our members and the dedicated hard work of all committees, and the Staff. Vote for the Board that will work for you, and be part of the process of continued growth. Our opportunity is only limited by the support from the membership. Please VOTE!
I just wanted to remind everybody to vote in the Board of Directors Election this coming week. I would love to see maximum participation at the Luncheon on Wednesday at the Skirvin, but remember that you can also vote online through the OKCMAR website for the Board of Directors.
I have been very pleased this year in seeing the participation of the nominated slate in active canvassing of votes on Facebook and other social media. This is the age of Technology as was evidenced at the NAR Leadership Summit I recently attended in Chicago. I think the Nominating Committee did a fine job in their selection, and I want to thank all of the selected slate for their participation and desire to serve.
As President Elect, I look forward to working with the incoming Board & Staff next year in promoting OKCMAR and moving towards our continued success in the marketplace. Our success can only be achieved by the support of our members and the dedicated hard work of all committees, and the Staff. Vote for the Board that will work for you, and be part of the process of continued growth. Our opportunity is only limited by the support from the membership. Please VOTE!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Nobody Asked Me
Tne ASAE Report, The Decision to Join, (called "Impetus to Join" in a prior post), was based on a survey that had over 16,000 association member respondents. When polled about why they did not serve the association, the hands down answer was: NOBODY ASKED ME. OKCMAR is asking- Will you answer the call?
Another analysis of the ASAE findings was level of involvement. Many members would like to participate on some level but cannot commit to committee membership.The report suggested developing a database of one-time, short term "ad hoc" involvement tasks to allow members to particpate at a level they were comfortable with.
Completely understanding that OKCMAR members may get involved if asked and if given the opportunity to serve in an ad hoc manner, a list has been compiled of ad hoc activities and OKCMAR is asking for your help. Click Here to access the form and please become a part of the ad hoc database of volunteers. OKCMAR exists for you and because of you- won't you answer the call to serve?
Do you have time to serve on a committee? Click here to access the 2010 Committee sign up form.
Another analysis of the ASAE findings was level of involvement. Many members would like to participate on some level but cannot commit to committee membership.The report suggested developing a database of one-time, short term "ad hoc" involvement tasks to allow members to particpate at a level they were comfortable with.
Completely understanding that OKCMAR members may get involved if asked and if given the opportunity to serve in an ad hoc manner, a list has been compiled of ad hoc activities and OKCMAR is asking for your help. Click Here to access the form and please become a part of the ad hoc database of volunteers. OKCMAR exists for you and because of you- won't you answer the call to serve?
Do you have time to serve on a committee? Click here to access the 2010 Committee sign up form.
Participation Versus Involvement- I Think I Found My Answer
CEO Viewpoint:
I received the ASAE report today, Impetus to Join, and had my AHA! moment. It clarified the quandary I had in my mind about weighting participation regarding my Warm Bodies post. I knew I was getting at something, I just couldn't figure out exactly what it was. The turning question in my mind was "Why does a body count have so much import?" I just really couldn't pinpoint a value to that. The question came about after participating in several meetings regarding the proposed OKCMAR budget. Each year we invest substantial resources (time, money, staff) in the Inaugural Celebration. The overwhelming sentiment appeared to be (of course this is just my perception and my opinion) ... This event is so successful we have close to 500 members attending. Which led to my question, What is the value of that participation- why is this considered a success?
It seemed that many were very impressed by the turnout but as the CEO I didn't see the perceived Return on Investment (ROI) considering resources consumed. The ROI has to be more than an attendance count. We have 500 people in a room for a few hours- what is the benefit to the membership as a whole and is the greater good of the membership served? Do these 500 go back to their offices and talk about OKCMAR, promote OKCMAR's purpose, recruit committee members, get interested in serving, donate to RPAC,become our future leaders? We have over 500 members contributing to our Facebook and Facebook is free - So if participation is measured by count then Facebook is a far greater ROI because it is free!
Anyway, now that the readers have the background, I can go back to my AHA! moment. The report basically said we need to move from Participation as the performance metric for the association and replace the metric with Involvement. There is a huge difference in participating in OKCMAR events/offerings (attendance) and becoming INVOLVED in the association. Participating is attending a luncheon- Involvement is greeting REALTORS as they walk in the door for the luncheon- forcing one's self to actively promote and embody the association and its purpose. Network with all the members attending versus sitting with those REALTORS in your office.
I realized I was trying to grasp the difference of physical versus online attendance and the difference really is moot- the only real measure of success is involvement. Involvement doesn't mean attending everything and sitting in a committee meeting. Involvement is the understanding that one is working with and for the association to further the "greater good". OKCMAR DOES NOT EXIST MERELY TO PROVIDE SERVICES although that is why many join. OKCMAR exists to assist its members in fulfilling an obligation to advance the common good and professionalism of the real estate industry.
So I have my answer- I need to track not just attendance but involvement. Another spreadsheet- my staff will be so happy- LOL!
I received the ASAE report today, Impetus to Join, and had my AHA! moment. It clarified the quandary I had in my mind about weighting participation regarding my Warm Bodies post. I knew I was getting at something, I just couldn't figure out exactly what it was. The turning question in my mind was "Why does a body count have so much import?" I just really couldn't pinpoint a value to that. The question came about after participating in several meetings regarding the proposed OKCMAR budget. Each year we invest substantial resources (time, money, staff) in the Inaugural Celebration. The overwhelming sentiment appeared to be (of course this is just my perception and my opinion) ... This event is so successful we have close to 500 members attending. Which led to my question, What is the value of that participation- why is this considered a success?
It seemed that many were very impressed by the turnout but as the CEO I didn't see the perceived Return on Investment (ROI) considering resources consumed. The ROI has to be more than an attendance count. We have 500 people in a room for a few hours- what is the benefit to the membership as a whole and is the greater good of the membership served? Do these 500 go back to their offices and talk about OKCMAR, promote OKCMAR's purpose, recruit committee members, get interested in serving, donate to RPAC,become our future leaders? We have over 500 members contributing to our Facebook and Facebook is free - So if participation is measured by count then Facebook is a far greater ROI because it is free!
Anyway, now that the readers have the background, I can go back to my AHA! moment. The report basically said we need to move from Participation as the performance metric for the association and replace the metric with Involvement. There is a huge difference in participating in OKCMAR events/offerings (attendance) and becoming INVOLVED in the association. Participating is attending a luncheon- Involvement is greeting REALTORS as they walk in the door for the luncheon- forcing one's self to actively promote and embody the association and its purpose. Network with all the members attending versus sitting with those REALTORS in your office.
I realized I was trying to grasp the difference of physical versus online attendance and the difference really is moot- the only real measure of success is involvement. Involvement doesn't mean attending everything and sitting in a committee meeting. Involvement is the understanding that one is working with and for the association to further the "greater good". OKCMAR DOES NOT EXIST MERELY TO PROVIDE SERVICES although that is why many join. OKCMAR exists to assist its members in fulfilling an obligation to advance the common good and professionalism of the real estate industry.
So I have my answer- I need to track not just attendance but involvement. Another spreadsheet- my staff will be so happy- LOL!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
To Blog or Not To Blog; That is the Question
CEO Viewpoint:
I received a very interesting comment regarding the benefits of blogging. A blog is meant to start a dialogue but also to serve as an information source. I look at this blog as just one more communication channel. I particularly like blogging because it allows me to expand on messages OKCMAR sends through other channels. I also think it is somewhat like FDR's fireside chats. I hope that through blogging members will get to know OKCMAR, myself, the President & the President-Elect a little better and in turn assist them in feeling connected to the association.
The one comment I received was that to date there have only been 12 comments posted on the blogs (MLS has a tech blog) and was this a good return on investment. Well, the blogs started in earnest about two weeks ago and just as we wouldn't expect a new REALTOR to have a fully developed book of business in two weeks, we shouldn't expect a large readership in two weeks. Ideally I hope this blog will reach about 20% of our membership- realizing it is just another communication channel - one of many.
The second question regarding time spent versus return. Actually I spend very little time producing the blogs and tend to blog on my mythical "off time". However I thought about how much staff and committee time is spent putting together one event. I would like to measure that time against attendance and then measure the time I spend on this versus comments. I will keep you posted as to how this pans out! It will be interesting to see and I sincerely thank the member who took the time to respond to my Warm Bodies post for giving me this very valuable measuring tool.
The same reader also suggested that online presence should not be weighted as heavily as physical presence. So perhaps we measure the online participation as 50%?
HAVE A GREAT DAY READERS!
I received a very interesting comment regarding the benefits of blogging. A blog is meant to start a dialogue but also to serve as an information source. I look at this blog as just one more communication channel. I particularly like blogging because it allows me to expand on messages OKCMAR sends through other channels. I also think it is somewhat like FDR's fireside chats. I hope that through blogging members will get to know OKCMAR, myself, the President & the President-Elect a little better and in turn assist them in feeling connected to the association.
The one comment I received was that to date there have only been 12 comments posted on the blogs (MLS has a tech blog) and was this a good return on investment. Well, the blogs started in earnest about two weeks ago and just as we wouldn't expect a new REALTOR to have a fully developed book of business in two weeks, we shouldn't expect a large readership in two weeks. Ideally I hope this blog will reach about 20% of our membership- realizing it is just another communication channel - one of many.
The second question regarding time spent versus return. Actually I spend very little time producing the blogs and tend to blog on my mythical "off time". However I thought about how much staff and committee time is spent putting together one event. I would like to measure that time against attendance and then measure the time I spend on this versus comments. I will keep you posted as to how this pans out! It will be interesting to see and I sincerely thank the member who took the time to respond to my Warm Bodies post for giving me this very valuable measuring tool.
The same reader also suggested that online presence should not be weighted as heavily as physical presence. So perhaps we measure the online participation as 50%?
HAVE A GREAT DAY READERS!
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