Management and Personal Responsibility Needed to Increase Professionalism

By: Christopher Galler, Senior Vice President

About a month ago we ran an article encouraging members to analyze their career in real estate prior to paying their annual dues. Some folks wondered why would an Association urge people to potentially not to pay dues. We weren't urging folks to do anything but consider whether or not they are cut out for a career of prospecting before they pay their non-refundable dues.

Amazing to some members was the overwhelming number of responses we received (significantly positive) from members expressing a concern about the direction our industry has taken over the past few years. Many of the respondents made constructive recommendations about how the industry could improve professionalism through a number of actions.

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Vote on Tuesday, November 7th

As Americans we have civic responsibility to vote for our elected officials. Yes, there has been a tremendous amount of negative advertising form all sides during this campaign. That does not mean you can not find out the candidates position on the issues that will most effect your life as a citizen. Numerous web sites, including the candidates for office will give you an overview of their views on the issues and about them as citizens.

Your Minnesota Association of REALTORS® has been very concerned about the election and how the results could affect your business. As an organization we are concerned about the state's spending habits and the resulting tax burdens. Proposals being discussed by some candidates include an increase in the State Deed Tax! Increasing the cost to sellers will not make it easier for you to sell their property. Income taxes, business taxes and of course a new tax on business services are all issues that Minnesota REALTORS® should monitor when selecting candidates for elected office.

We cannot tell you who to vote for. We can request that you study the issues, examine the candidate's positions on the issues and take the time vote.

Operation Tip-Off Publicity Alert

"Buy Now" Campaign Kicks off Tomorrow

November 2, 2006–NAR President Tom Stevens is already deep in a series of national and regional media interviews announcing the launch of NAR's "Buy Now" campaign to encourage potential home buyers to buy now while interest rates are near 40-year lows and inventories are high.

The campaign opens in full tomorrow with full page advertisements in the first two of six leading newspapers – Wall Street Journal and USA Today, and will run Sunday in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. An updated version of the ad will run in the same newspapers again on the weekend of November 12.

Tom is participating in radio and television station interviews tomorrow via satellite.

See the current ad buy and Tom's schedule as of noon Thursday, including the markets he will be reaching.

Increase Your Knowledge

Attend a Minnesota REALTORS® Education Extravaganza Event

2006 MNAR Form Changes & Contract Law Issues

The new 2006 MNAR form changes took effect August 1st. Get ahead of the game and become acquainted with the new forms and all the changes. MNAR is introducing a new form plus numerous changes to existing forms. Come and learn from the experts and have your questions on contract law issues answered by an attorney! Staying abreast of all the latest form changes will be extremely helpful in managing your business.

Instructors: Susan Dioury and Brad Boyd, Esq.

Serving Real Estate Consumers in the 21st Century

This course is designed to give insight on the changing real estate market conditions and the changing demographics of today's buyers and sellers. New business models will be explored and information on new marketing strategies that focus on the customer and clients needs will be offered.

Instructor: Glenn Dorfman, MN REALTORS® COO/Lobbyist
Thursday, November 16, 2006: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM: Check-In – 8:00 AM
Holiday Inn, 200 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802
Advance Registration: $30 (by 11/10/06) On Site Registration: $40 (if available)
Online registration only at: www.mnrealtor.com

"A Hard Look at the Changing Real Estate Market"

Only $15 – includes program and box lunch
Approved for 5 hours CE

"Where Have all the Buyers Gone and MN Statistics Affecting Housing"

This class is designed to give agents data and insight on the status of real estate buyers in MN. MN has grown faster than its adjacent neighbors, mostly due to migration. But migration trends are uncertain. Economic growth affects housing demand as does interest rates, consumer debt, public debt and oil prices. More boomers are retiring and the projected change in population and households also pose problems for the already softening market. What's an agent to do?

Presented by Glenn Dorfman CEO, and Chris Galler, Sr. Vice President, MN Realtors®.

"Helping Agents Understand the Changing Marketplace"

This continuing education program will look at the real estate marketplace from 1970-2006, including the late 70's price bubble and the early 80's decline. A panel of successful real estate professional with 25+ years each in the industry will discuss factors that influence housing decisions, market inventory levels and strategies to help buyers and sellers in a softening market. Strategies that work and options to avoid! Agents will also be introduced to a newly developed mortgage pre-approval letter and how it will aid buyers and sellers in real estate transaction. Be the first to see this newly developed product!

Presented by panel of experienced REALTORS® - moderated by Chris Galler

Two convenient locations:

Friday, December 1, 2006	Mystic Lake Casino – Prior Lake
Monday, December 11, 2006 Earle Brown Heritage Center – Brooklyn Park	Check-in 9:30 AM Course 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Please register online at: www.mnrealtor.com
Due to the nature of this event, advanced registration is required!