iowa realtor - Iowa Association of REALTORS

BENCHMARK
IOWA REALTOR®
A publication by the IOWA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Winter 2011
You Can Make a Difference
Attend IAR’s Legislative Bus-In February 22
Volume 8, No 9
“Serving members to enhance professionalism
while protecting real property rights”
Inside this Issue
President’s Message
4
Executive News
5
Legal News
6
Highlights
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Iowa Association of REALTORS®
IAR OFFICERS
Kurt Schade, President
Dale Gross, President-Elect
Don Marple, Treasurer
Carey Jensen, Past President
IAR STAFF
REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa 8-9
Technology Update
10
Get Involved
12-13
Legislative Bus-In
14-15
Workforce Grant
16
Giving Back
17
Education 18-21
RPAC, Setting the Pace
22-23
RPAC Contributors
24-26
Did You Know?
27
IAR Advantage Program
28
The Market
29
Buyer Brokerage
30
Dave Bert, CEO
Paula Greteman, Director of MLS Services
Paul McLaughlin, Legal Counsel
Cindy Pelz, Board Service Executive Officer
Heather Gray, Director of Information Technology
Jane Ward, Bookkeeper/Membership
Judy Bookwalter, MLS Coordinator
Dotty Schimmels, Education Coordinator
Josh Hibben, IT Contractor
Stephanie Anderson, Administrative Assistant
Lindsay Sampson, Administrative Assistant
Katherine Anderson, Director of Professional Dev.
Mark Gavin, Director of Administrative Services
Jennifer Kingland, Lobbyist
Amy Smith, Public Relations Coordinator
For more information about The Benchmark
contact Amy Smith 800-532-1515 Ext. 347
See our new Facebook Fan Page
at www.facebook.com/iowarealtors
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
at www.twitter.com/iowarealtors
IAR MEETING SCHEDULE
Broker Summit * Feb. 21 * Des Moines
Legislative Bus-In * Feb. 22 * Des Moines
Summer Meetings * June 8-9 * Pella
Annual Convention * Sept. 12-15 * Des Moines
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www.iowarealtors.com
President’s Message
Kurt Schade, President
As we say goodbye to 2010, I can safely say it is with joy we can look forward to 2011! I have had the pleasure of serving our
membership in the past few months. It has been a challenge of having my youngest son playing his final year of ice hockey,
balancing the checkbook, and serving this office to the best of my ability. One of the things I am most impressed with is the
character, devotion, professionalism, and positive attitudes of REALTORS® across the state of Iowa in challenging times. I have
found that installing officers is a very rewarding experience. As I prepare to perform my final installations of officers this winter,
I look forward to serving you, our members, in many other ways in the weeks ahead.
We have some very exciting events coming soon. The calendar is filling quickly, as leadership has numerous activities planned.
We are striving to give members a way to become better connected to our association by continuing successful events and starting
some new ones.
We were blessed to have Ron Phipps, current president of the National Association of REALTORS® attend and speak at our annual
convention last fall in Dubuque. We knew he would be a tough act to follow...and we have just confirmed the planned appearance of
Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds as speakers at our Legislative Bus-In Day Luncheon on February 22!
We hope to have a record turnout for this event. If you haven’t attended this event in the past, it is a very worthwhile day. We’ll
enjoy lunch at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Des Moines with colleagues; take shuttles to the Capitol to visit with our
congressmen and congresswomen to voice our support, concerns, and positions in representing the interests of our clients,
homeowners across Iowa; and cap off the day with a cocktail reception back at Embassy Suites, which our legislators are invited to
attend.
The Broker Summit is coming back by popular demand! Last summer’s broker session was completely full. You asked for more
broker specific education opportunities... so we will host this special summit designed exclusively for managing brokers. Come and
join the discussion! For your convenience, this event is being paired with the Bus-In Day. Interested brokers can come down to Des
Moines one day early for this awesome event, which will be held February 21 at 1pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel, downtown Des
Moines.
What’s Happening in the Market? It appears that the minimal increase in interest rates may be starting to stimulate some activity in
the marketplace. Now, we need activity to equate to sales, stability, and good news for our housing market. Having weathered the
storm of unstable housing conditions in recent years, I know that we are all positioned for any challenges that may be ahead. We
need to be ready to learn about any new lending practices in 2011, so we can inform and help prepare our clients. Keep up the great
work! See you at the Bus-In!
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Executive News
Dave Bert, CEO
eliminate paper this year. This year the only way you will be
able to register for the annual convention will be online. Of
course you can always call if you need assistance, and we will
guide you through the registration process.
Well, here we are 2011, another new year loaded with
potential! What will you do with it, will you wait for the
business to come to you or will you go back to basics and start
anew? Tough Decision! One of your top priorities should be to
educate yourself – education is an investment in your future.
IAR offers a full range of education options, including new
online classes. Maybe this will be the year you obtain a
designation, CRS, GRI, SRES, or ALC. Your investment
will pay off.
We have a Broker Summit planned for the afternoon of
February 21 at the Embassy Suites, downtown Des Moines.
Our program is second to none. We have speakers from the
RPR (REALTORS® Property Resource) coming in to give
us a live demo of this new database of information. Brokers,
if you have not heard of this database, you will want to make
sure that you come to this meeting because it involves your future. Dave Jameison, the new Iowa Finance Authority director
will be speaking, and a few department leaders will also attend.
We also have commitments from Iowa Senator Leader Mike
Gronstal and the new Speaker of the House, Kraig Paulson. It
will be an information-packed meeting for you brokers.
One of our goals at IAR this year is to continue reaching out
to REALTORS® across the state to educate you on what we
do for you! We will again host quarterly meetings at a location
near you. Our time schedule will remain the same, from 11am
to 2pm, working through lunch (on your own). Most people
who have attended have come away with information they
found to be very helpful and useful in their business.
Another IAR goal is to increase the number of IAR e-mails
that are opened and read by you the members. We send you
lots of valuable information via e-mail, including a monthly
e-newsletter and a new broker e-newsletter…but you’ve got
to open the messages to get the information! We are in the
process of contacting all members for whom we do not have an
e-mail address, to see if you have added one to your marketing
ability. We are confirming with others that you have reported
your new e-mail address to your local board. E-mail is one of
the fastest, most effective ways to stay in touch!
The very next day, February 22, is our annual Legislative
Bus-In Day and we are very excited as we will have Governor
Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds as speakers.
As always, Jennifer Kingland, IAR lobbyist, will share talking
points for our hill visit with each of our legislators, and we will
end the day with a legislative reception.
This year we will hold our summer meetings in Pella, Iowa.
Watch e-mails and the IAR Web site for more information.
2011 is a year for optimism and improvement. Not only at IAR
and individually, but around our world. Let’s make it a great
year!
How many of you are aware of the information available to
you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - right there on
iowarealtors.com? We will be redesigning our Web site this
year in hopes that more of you will use this as your go-to place
for any and all Iowa real estate information. IAR has a goal to
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www.iowarealtors.com
Legal News
Paul McLaughlin
Legal Counsel
The Code Meets Today’s Realities
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics is a dynamic, living
document that guides our professional activities and our
relationships with other practitioners. Here’s a look at some
of the changes for 2011.
No discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
For many years, the Code has assured the public that
REALTORS® would not deny any person equal professional
services based on their race, color, religion, sex, handicap,
familial status, or national origin. In response to the
recommendations of several state associations, Article 10
and Standard of Practice 10-3 were amended to add sexual
orientation as a protected category.
A greater duty to share information. Article 3 obligates
REALTORS® to cooperate with other brokers to promote
our clients’ interests. New Standard of Practice 3-9 explains
that the duty to cooperate includes a duty to share information about listed property and to make property available to
other brokers for showing to prospective purchasers. Standard
of Practice 3-7 was clarified, substituting “relationship with
the client” for “representational status,” which acknowledges
that a REALTOR® performing an appraisal may be seeking
information about property yet not actually “representing” a
buyer or seller.
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Linking to key disclosures on the Web. The Professional
Standards Committee continues to consider how the Code
applies to the Internet and mobile technology. Standard of
Practice 12-5 requires REALTORS® to disclose the name
of their firm in all advertising of real estate services and
listed property. But in some cases, only a very limited
amount of information can be displayed via electronic
communication; consider posts on Twitter. Standard of
Practice 12-5 was amended to take these limitations into
account, and now provides that these displays are exempt
from the requirement to disclose the firm’s name, but only
if they are linked to all required disclosures.
Be sure to hang on to the Code of Ethics insert that’s included
in (NAR’s recent) issue of REALTOR® Magazine; it’s our
adherence to this document that sets us apart from nonREALTOR® licensees.
Reprinted from the January 2011 issue of REALTOR®
Magazine by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.
Thank You for Participating
IAR Leadership would like to thank the nearly 100
REALTORS® who participated in Winter Meetings in
December, as well as the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa’s
Soup Luncheon, RPAC Thank You/Kickoff Event, and Young
Professionals Network Iowa Chapter’s Kickoff Event. The
Foundation raised nearly $1,500 for housing assistance for
domestic violence survivors; and we raised more than $22,000
in RPAC pledge contributions for 2011. You helped make
each of these events a big success! Thank you for your
support of IAR, and REALTOR® issues and initiatives!
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Highlights
In Memory of Lyle Holmgaard
IAR Gives to Dollars for Scholars
Lyle Holmgaard, 42, of Mason City,
Iowa, passed away August 17, 2010.
Lyle was the owner and broker of
Heartland REALTORS® and former
owner of City Sound in Mason City.
He was past president and current
member of the Mason City Board of
REALTORS®. He was a member
of the local REALTORS® Political
Action Committee, as well as the
Mason City Planning and Zoning
Board of Adjustments.
IAR donated $4,500 to Iowa Dollars for Scholars. The
contribution will go toward nine $500 Community Volunteer
Service Awards (CVSA) for students in Dollars for Scholars
chapters statewide. The CVSA awards encourage, expand, and
reward community volunteer service while also recognizing
and supporting academic excellence. A scholarship recipient
will be selected in each of IAR’s nine regions in Iowa.
Lyle was also very active in the IAR for the past decade, since
he joined the real estate profession. He served as treasurer/
vice president of the IAR, as well as the legislative
chairperson. He was in line to become president of the IAR
when he graciously stepped away from it because of his
illness. Lyle also served as a Federal Policy Coordinator
for U.S. Congressman Charles Grassley.
“We applaud IAR’s support of local students’ dreams of higher
education and its encouragement of community volunteer
service,” said Judi Pierick, executive director of Iowa Dollars
for Scholars. “These scholarships will be significant for the nine
student recipients.”
Only students in Dollars for Scholars chapters are eligible to
apply. Students should contact their local Dollars for Scholars
chapters for the application form and criteria. Dollars for
Scholars is a program of Scholarship America®.
“Iowa’s future relies on an educated workforce to be the future
leaders in our communities. IAR is proud to support the dreams
of a college education for those future leaders through the nine
Community Volunteer Scholarship Awards we are funding,”
said Kurt Schade, IAR president. “We cannot ask for a better
partner than Iowa Dollars for Scholars. And we are pleased to
be able to do this during a changing real estate climate and plan
to support this program for many years to come.”
Lyle was a man of quiet dignity and thoughtful words. He was
recognized by his peers for his keen mind and patience. He
enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, boating,
golfing, and doing home projects. Lyle is survived by his wife
Patty, daughter Madelyn, and sons Ian and Nash, all of Mason
City.
CVSA nominees are evaluated on their record of volunteerism
and community service, making the award atypical among
nationally distributed scholarships. The scholarships, which
also recognize academic achievement, are sponsored each year
by a number of companies, foundations, and individuals. The
IAR donation will be earmarked only for Iowa students in
Dollars for Scholars chapters.
IAR members describe Lyle as an intelligent, service-oriented,
and professional leader with a warm sense of humor and great
ability to listen. Lyle was a leader in the IAR and his
community, and is missed a great deal.
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www.iowarealtors.com
REALTOR
®
Foundation of Iowa
News
Foundation Donates $25,000 to
Housing Assistance Program for
Domestic Violence Survivors
The REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa (RFI) recently donated
$25,000 to support a housing assistance program for domestic
violence survivors. The gift, which was part of the Foundation’s
three-year $75,000 commitment, was presented to Children
& Families of Iowa (CFI) at the Foundation’s winter meeting
held in Des Moines. The funds are distributed through the Iowa
Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) to 28 shelters
across the state, including a CFI shelter.
“Our gift is helping support Iowans impacted by domestic
violence get back on their feet through housing assistance,” says
R. Scott Case, 2011 president of the REALTOR® Foundation
of Iowa. “As REALTORS® we help people find homes every
day. It has been very rewarding to support the Iowa Coalition
Against Domestic Violence in their work of helping domestic
violence survivors across the state find a safe and affordable
place to live and call home.”
According to Amy Stapp-Arpy, director of development and
communications for Children & Families of Iowa, it is imperative that victims of domestic violence who are leaving abusive
relationships have a safe place to go immediately and long-term.
“Support from the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa is helping
to address the immediate physical safety needs of domestic
violence survivors. The fund helps provide a safe place for
victims to live as they strive to make a new life for themselves
and their families,” says Stapp-Arpy.
The Foundation’s contributions can be used for rent assistance,
first month’s deposits, utility assistance, moving expense,
locksmith fees, home necessities, home maintenance, or housing
advocate services, says Stapp-Arpy.
“It’s been great to support and be a part of this important work,
which is positively impacting the lives of many Iowans in
need,” says Case.
www.iowarealtors.com
Back Row (left to right): Larry Pickering, Lori Diehl, Lana Baldus,
Don Marple, Dave Frommelt, Laura Miller-CFI Assistant Director of
Development, Marlene Wozniczka-CFI Domestic Violence Services,
Scott Case, Julie McQuaid. Front row (left to right): Gale Shinkle,
Joan Ballantyne, Barb Kerr, Kathy Miller, and Byron Menke.
The REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa helps Iowans in need and
raises money throughout the year at various events. For more information on the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa contact Scott
Case, 2011 Foundation president, at [email protected].
Children & Families of Iowa is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope, building futures, and changing
lives throughout Iowa. Children & Families of Iowa is restoring
hope for victims of domestic violence, helping teens find their
futures, creating safe homes for children, preparing children to
succeed, and helping people reshape their lives. Last year,
Children & Families of Iowa served more than 21,700
individuals in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Please visit
www.cfiowa.org for more information.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the great success
of the Foundation’s first annual Soup Luncheon held
December 8 at the IAR Winter Meetings in Clive. Special
thanks to everyone who made the delicious soups and all who
so generously gave to the event, which raised $1,500 for RFI.
We really appreciate your support!
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Ways to Give
iowa
REALTORS®
helping others
in need
The REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa, which is incorporated under Iowa law, provides an excellent vehicle for REALTORS® and
friends of the real estate industry to help Iowans facing great challenges. All contributions are tax deductible. Find an option that’s
right for you.
MEMORIALS | Honor a living person, commemorate a special event, or memorialize a deceased person, especially those who were
strong supporters of REALTOR® ideals.
GIFTS, TRUSTS & GRANTS | Choose a one-time contribution or a series of pledges given over several months or years. These items
may be designated for a specific purpose through the Foundation.
WILLS & BEQUESTS | Honor REALTOR® colleagues or family members who have passed away. Please consider the Foundation
when making wills, bequests, or assigning insurance.
TRUST ACCOUNTS | Designate interest received on your brokerage’s real estate trust accounts to the Foundation instead of contributing
it to the state’s general fund.
THANK YOU | to the REALTORS® who have donated to the Foundation, and to the brokers who have put their interest bearing trust
account money into the Foundation. Your contributions will have a profound and long-lasting effect on the Foundation and our work of
helping Iowans in need. For more information and to make a gift, contact R. Scott Case, Foundation president, at [email protected].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa
Enclosed is a contribution in the amount of $_____________________
Please use my contribution for:
_____ Gift
_____ Memorial gift for _______________________ (Name)
Name______________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
Enroll me in the Foundation as a:
_____ Friend
Contribution up to $100
_____Sponsor
Contribution $101 to $1,000
_____Benefactor
Contribution over $1,000
City, State, ZIP ______________________________________________
Phone _____________________________________________________
Board of REALTORS®________________________________________
E-mail ______________________________________________________
_____ Please find my check enclosed. Make checks to REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa
_____ Please charge my credit card for the amount above.
Card number______________________________________________ expiration date_______
Name on card _____________________________________________ security code on back______
Please fill out and return to the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa at 1370 NW 114th Street, Ste. 100 Clive, IA 50325.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa offers financial support to Iowans in need
and organizations working to improve the quality of life for Iowans.
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www.iowarealtors.com
Technology Update
By Josh Hibben, IT consultant
New Forms Software
The IAR will soon be providing new forms software to IAR
members. In December 2010 the IAR Board of Directors
approved the selection of a new provider of the software that
manages the IAR online forms. This new software will be
available to IAR members during the first half of 2011 and
will provide improved features compared to the IAR’s current
online forms software.
With the new software, members will be able to auto-populate
form fields directly from their MLS data, auto-fill similar
fields in a group of forms, save form transactions online for
access from any computer, easily e-mail forms to clients and
parties in a transaction, use digital signatures, and more.
Throughout 2010 a group of Iowa REALTORS® met with
IAR staff to help identify the features and benefits that were
most desirable in a new online forms system. The group was
made up of REALTORS® from both large and small boards,
ensuring that the needs of all Iowa REALTORS® were
considered in the selection process.
The IAR Board of Directors is pleased to be able to provide
this enhanced software to the membership as part of the 2011
dues. Watch your e-mail in-box and The Benchmark for more
information coming soon regarding the new forms software
membership benefit.
The directory is viewed more than 3,000 times each month,
meaning you could be missing out on potential clients or
referral opportunities if you haven’t updated your contact
information on your profile page.
The IAR also sends out a periodic (approximately monthly)
e-mail newsletter with important real estate news, education
discounts and class schedules, law updates, and forms
updates. If the IAR doesn’t have your correct e-mail address,
then you won’t receive this information.
To verify your contact information and your e-mail address,
visit www.iowarealtors.com and click the My Account link
in the upper
right corner. This
information will
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member directory
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Update Your Contact Info
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Are you missing out on potential clients or important
information? Update your contact information today!
Did you know that the Iowa Association of REALTORS®
provides an online membership directory?
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The NAR and RPAC Leadership would like
to thank our 2010 Major Donors from Iowa
for their generous support of the REALTOR® Party.
Thank You
Crystal R
Lana Baldus
R. Michael Knapp
Sterling R
Joan Ballantyne
William Jennings
Jon Salvador
David Bert
Carey Jensen
Kurt Schade
Jennifer Burkamper
Jennifer Kingland
Jack Schlotterback
R. Scott Case
Terry Knapp
Gregory Schoneman
Ken Clark
Richard Koestner
Chris Skogman
Jeffrey Dill
Donald Marple
Robb Spearman
Stefan Doerrfeld
Kathleen Miller
Judith Stevens
Gail Flagel
Jill Monnahan
Charles Stull
Verne Folkmann
Russell Nading
Richard Wanamaker
Matthew Grohe
Lisa Nolan
Scott Wendl
Dale Gross
Brenda Nolting
Linda Westergaard
Carolyn Helmlinger
Larry Pickering
Jon Yocum
Jason James
Sue Raby-Struthers
Jo Jenkins
Caroline Ruhl
Hall of Fame members are in gold.
RPAC Major Donors as of 10/31/2010
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Get Involved
Upcoming Events
Broker Summit
Legislative Bus-In Day
It’s back by popular demand...the Broker Summit!
• February 21 at 1:00pm
• Embassy Suites Hotel - Downtown Des Moines
• 101 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Register online at www.iowarealtors.com/education
Tuition: $20
Do your part, make a difference! Attend IAR’s Annual
Legislative Bus-In Day on Tuesday, February 22. Lobby for
protection of private property rights and talk to people who
make laws that affect property ownership and our profession.
IAR will host this special summit designed exclusively for
managing brokers/owners. Learn about important government and economic issues facing the real estate industry in the
near future. Hear the latest news on affordable housing and
economic development from the Iowa Finance Authority. See
a demo of NAR’s REALTORS® Property Resource that will
be rolled out to MLS/Associations later this year. We invite
you to come and join the discussion!
Come and hear our top-notch speakers, including:
• Mike Gronstal, Iowa Senate Majority Leader
• Kraig Paulsen, Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Dave Jamison, Director of the Iowa Finance Authority
• Ray Gronowski, REALTORS® Property Resource
(RPR), VP of Broker and Specialty Services (and former
Drake University quarterback)
THE RPR System will give REALTOR® members access to a
national database of robust information that will give
REALTORS® the greatest access to nationwide property
information needed to best serve their clients and customers.
Our annual outing to Iowa’s Capitol Hill to meet with our
legislators is held rain (snow) or shine, with buses coming in
from all over Iowa. A luncheon at the Embassy Suites in
downtown Des Moines will kick off the event. Governor
Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will be our
featured speakers. Jen Kingland, IAR’s lobbyist, will also
brief us on the state issues. After lunch we will move to the
Capitol to lobby our legislators on these issues. This is your
opportunity to speak one-on-one with the people who make
the laws that affect our property owners and our profession.
In the evening we’ll have a legislative reception back at the
Embassy Suites.
This day brings together 400-600 of our REALTORS® as one
unified body lobbying for the protection of private property
rights. For more information and to register, please visit
iowarealtors.com/
legislative/busin.
htm. Please RSVP
by Feb. 14. See
pages 14-15 for
more details.
IAR
2011 Bus-In
February 22
A networking session will cap off the afternoon with
hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. We hope you stay in Des
Moines to attend the Legislative Bus-In day on February 22.
www.iowarealtors.com
2011
12
A
a
Get
b
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missing
Involved
the
nk?
l
i
Participate. Communicate.
We Need YOU at IAR!
Participate, Communicate
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missing
the
l ink?
We Need YOU at IAR!
Participate, Communicate
We Want Your Ideas Summer Mtgs: Save The Date
We are on a year-long quest to find new ways to increase
participation and improve communications within the IAR!
We want and need your input and insight - little ideas, big
ideas, and everything in between. Don’t be the missing link you are a very important part of the IAR. Please step up and
share your thoughts on how we can serve you better!
Join us for IAR’s Summer Meetings June 8-9 at the
beautiful Bos Landen Golf Course and Conference Center
in Pella. Stay and play golf, enjoy the famous bakeries,
visit the unique shops, and much more. Look for additional
information soon!
ru
the
Individual Achievement
Awards
ru
missing
Please submit your ideas to IAR in one of the following ways:
the
• Call 1-800-532-1515
• E-mail any IAR staff member
• Visit www.iowarealtors.com/missinglink.
missing
Were you a Top Producer in 2010? If so, make sure to apply
for an IAR Individual Achievement Award! The IAR
Individual Achievement Awards were initiated in 1988 to
recognize excellence in real estate activities. Eligible
We Needthrough
YOU at IAR!$10 million of
members who obtained $1 million
Participate, Communicate
sales, leases, and or listings closing in the 2010 calendar year
may apply.
l ink?
l ink?
Young ProfessionalsWe Need
Network
YOU at IAR!
Want to network with other “Young” Participate,
Real Estate
Communicate
Professionals? Join IAR’s new Young Professionals Network
to network with other like-minded agents. There is no cost to
join. YPN wants to help you boost your referral network with
other REALTORS® from across the state, and to offer you
leadership and educationalcopportunities. Join us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/iowaypn or e-mail Mark Gavin at
[email protected] for more information.
In order to receive a certificate and recognition for
d
achievement, please submit an application and $20 to:
IAR, Attn: Individual Achievement Awards
1370 NW 114th Street, Ste. 100, Clive, Iowa 50325.
The application must be submitted/postmarked by
March 31, 2011, and accompanied with the $20 application
fee. Faxed copies will not be accepted. Award payment is by
check or cash only.
A special thanks to all of you that attended the YPN Kickoff
Event at Murphy’s Bar & Grill and the YPN Meeting last
month. It was great to meet all of you and we hope to
continue to build momentum for the Iowa Young
Professionals Network.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Anderson or
Mark Gavin at 800-532-1515, or [email protected].
Coming to Bus-In Day? Look for our YPN tables at the
luncheon and the evening reception following the hill visits.
See you there!
13
www.iowarealtors.com
IAR
2011 Bus-In
February 22
2011
Do your part. Make a difference.
Attend IAR’s Annual Legislative Bus-In
February 22, 2011 | Des Moines
Hear invited guest speakers Governor Terry Branstad
and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, and Jennifer Kingland, IAR lobbyist.
Join hundreds of REALTORS® on Capitol Hill.
* Lobby for the protection of private property rights
* Talk to people who make laws that affect property ownership
and our profession
Enjoy an evening reception with our legislators
and lunch with your colleagues.
Other ways you can make a difference
* Make Calls-to-Action contacts
* Make your RPAC investment
Register at www.iowarealtors.com
www.iowarealtors.com
14
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DETAILS
Legislative Bus-In
February 22, 2011 | Des Moines
Lunch: 11:30am at the Embassy Suites – On the River. 101 East Locust Street in Des Moines.
RSVP Required: Please RSVP by going to www.iowarealtors.com by February 14.
Invited Guest Speakers: Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds;
and Jennifer Kingland, IAR Lobbyist.
Parking: There is a surface lot across the street from the Embassy Suites and underground parking
below the Embassy Suites. There are metered parking spots along the nearby streets.
Hill Visits: 2:00pm-4:30pm at the Capitol
Reception: 5:00pm at the Embassy Suites
For More Information & the Bus Schedule: Visit www.iowarealtors.com/legislative/busin.htm.
Directions: to the Embassy Suites (101 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309)
From the west: When traveling on I-80 E, continue straight onto I-235 E. Take exit 8B for
E. 6th St. toward Penn Ave. Turn right at E. 6th St. Turn Right at E. Locust St.
From the east: When traveling on I-80 W, take exit 137A on the left and merge onto
I-235W. Take exit 8B toward E. 6th St./Penn Ave. Merge onto Maple St. Turn left at
E. 6th St. Turn right at E. Locust St.
What REALTORS® Are Saying:
The Bus-In Day is very important for networking with agents around the state, but also to show
the legislature that we are there and that we care about protecting property rights and property owners.
Timothy Schutte - REALTOR® from Des Moines
The Bus-In to the Iowa Legislature has been a great opportunity. As professional REALTORS® it’s our
responsibility to keep our representatives informed of how issues will positively or negatively affect home buyers
and sellers. Getting a chance to personally meet with these good people in Des Moines is worthwhile and can
make a difference!
Alan Swanson – REALTOR ® from Iowa City
15
www.iowarealtors.com
Workforce
Grant
IAR and REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa Receive $60,000 Grant
The IAR and the REALTOR® Foundation of Iowa received
a $60,000 Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grant from the
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to help support
workforce housing initiatives in Iowa.
Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants are awarded to state
REALTOR® Associations to fund programs that promote
safe, decent housing for people with low and moderate
incomes who cannot afford to live in the communities where
they work.
The grant is named in honor of Ira Gribin, a former NAR
president who was a tireless advocate for fair and affordable
housing for diverse populations.
IAR will use the grant funds to work with five local boards
that are already involved in workforce housing programs to
continue to address affordability problems and help more
working families purchase and stay in their homes. The grant
will support current project funding and will benefit families
moving into simple, affordable homes.
Four of the local programs team up with Habitat for
Humanity and one of the programs is the driving force for
workforce housing in their community.
Congratulations to the following boards who will each
receive $12,000 of the grant funds to assist in workforce
housing projects in their communities.
www.iowarealtors.com
Southwest Iowa Association of REALTORS®
Description: New homes in Avoca and Council Bluffs
Partners: Habitat for Humanity, Iowa West Foundation, Wells
Fargo, Iowa Western Community College, and Council Bluffs
Building & Trade Association
Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS®
Description: New home in Cedar Rapids, completion of
exterior home improvements for low income homeowner
Partners: Habitat for Humanity, Kurt Warner First Things First
Foundation, Farmers State Bank, City of Cedar Rapids, First
Avenue Uptown College District, local Building & Trade
Association, and Wellington Heights & Moundview
Neighborhood Association
Quad City Area Association of REALTORS®
Description: Two new homes built
Partners: Habitat for Humanity, Scott County Housing
Council, St. Ambrose University, Wells Fargo Foundation,
and Bush Construction
Des Moines Area Association of REALTORS®
Description: Twenty new homes built in ten days
Partners: Habitat for Humanity, Des Moines REALTOR®
Foundation and Des Moines REALTOR® Golf Committee
Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS®
Description: Rehabilitation of a two family dwelling
Partners: City of Coralville, Hills Bank, Housing Trust Fund
of Johnson County, and many others
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Giving
Back
REALTORS® GIVING BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITIES:
Spotlight on the West Central Board
“Our board is very outgoing and mindful of what goes on in
our communities. Most of these acts we do every year and a
few more were added this year in lieu of doing a gift exchange
at our annual Christmas party,” Donna Muell, president, West
Central Board.
REALTORS® are making a difference all across Iowa.
REALTORS® are wonderful people with big hearts that give
back to their communities. We know your board is doing
something awesome - such as a service project, collecting
donations for a local charity, volunteering at a non-profit
organization, etc.
Awesome work West Central Board members! Thanks for
making a difference!
E-mail us and tell us about it, so we can share it with IAR
membership in an upcoming issue of The Benchmark! Please
e-mail your activities to Amy Smith at
[email protected].
The West Central Board is making things happen it its
community. This holiday season each broker/office undertook
different charitable activities on behalf of the board. The
following is a list of their recent activities.
• AP - Temporary Aid Program - donated turkey, food drive, stuff the bus w/food
• West Central Community Action - adopt a family
• Shelby County Wellness Center
• Harlan Community Chest
• Shelby County Health Foundation
• Ryan DeMott family - Ryan a 5th grader (life
threatening burn victim now recovering in Iowa City)
• Nishna Valley Family YMCA Partnership for Youth
• McNeese family from Cumberland that lost 2 children in an auto accident.
• Woodbine Jr. Optimists blanket drive
• Storks Nest in Audubon - helping children in need
• Atlantic Food Pantry
• Relay for Life
Dave Bert, IAR CEO, Kurt Schade, IAR President, Tracy Brus,
Donna Muell, president West Central Board, and Catherine Booth.
17
www.iowarealtors.com
Feb 28-­March 1, 2011 8:30AM 5:00 PM Course location: 1370 NW 114th St. Suite 100 Clive, IA 50325 Instructor: Jackie Leavenworth 15 hours IAR RE elective credit 16 credits toward CRS Designation Price: $285 for IAR Members (online reg) This market calls for great negotiation and closing skills... this course helps the best get even better. Through this solution-­oriented Sales Course, you will learn how to work with today's new buyer through counseling, salesmanship and negotiation. Win over prospective clients in your market and keep them for life.
Feb 28-­March 1, 2011 TAKE THE COURSE!
April 29, 2011
8:30AM 5:00 PM 8:30 AM 5:00 PM
Presented by Location:
Kirkwood Training &
Iowa Association of REALTORS & Outreach Services
The Iowa Chapter of CRS (KTOS)
3375 Armar
Course location: Marion, IA 52302
th
1370 NW 114
Instructor: St. Suite 100 Clive, IA 50325 Terry Watson
8 hrs IA RE elective CE
www.iowarealtors.com/education Core course for SFR
Elective for ABR®
[email protected] 800-­453-­1064 Registration fee: $40
when you sign up online
at www.iowarealtos.com/
education.
Additional fees for phone
registrations at 515-4531064 or 800-532-1515.
This course is brought to you with
Prevention and Response grant.
www.iowarealtors.com
18
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www.iowarealtors.com/education [email protected] 800-­453-­1064 Education
GRI is a nationally-recognized designation that helps consumers see you as a knowledgeable REALTOR® in areas such as client
service, technology, real estate law, and professional standards. GRI Candidates invest their time and money to improve their level of
GRI is a nationally-recognized
helps
consumers
you asInaaknowledgeable
such as client
professionalism
and gain valuabledesignation
knowledge that can
increase
their see
income.
2010 survey of REALTOR®
2009 income, in
theareas
National
service, technology,
real estate
law,that
andREALTORS®
professional standards.
GRI Candidates
theirwhile
timeGRIs
and money
improve their level of
Association
of REALTORS®
found
with no designations
earnedinvest
$29,700
earned to
$51,000.
professionalism and gain valuable knowledge that can increase their income. In a 2010 survey of 2009 income, the National
Association
of REALTORS®
foundall
that
withGRI.
noall
designations
earned
$29,700
while
earnedway
$51,000.
The
Iowa
of congratulate
REALTORS®
would
of the 2010the
GRI
Designees:
The
IAR Association
would
like to
of REALTORS®
the like to congratulate
Obtaining
GRI
designation
is aGRIs
beneficial
for
2010 GRI Designees, including:
REALTORS® to advance their professional image. The extra
The Iowa Association of REALTORS® would like to congratulate all of the 2010 GRI Designees:
• Tyler Abens
measure of knowledge and prestige achieved by completing this
• Diane Bertsch
course work is a tool that will advance a career in real estate on
• Kathleen Carmer
attracting and building new business.
• Karen Carmona
• John Carter
If you are interested in earning your GRI in Iowa, you will need to
• Sheena Cochran-Foster
take six courses, including: Executive Agent Training; GRI 103 • Randy Conrad
Acting with Integrity; GRI 104 - Money, Taxes, and Real Estate;
• Sean Crow
GRI 105 - Federal and Iowa Laws: CRS 200 - Business Planning and
Marketing for the Residential Specialist: and CRS 206 - Technologies
• Jeane Eble
to Advance Your Business.
• Lloyd Flanders
• Karen Kelly
• Teresa Knox
Fast Track. With two CRS courses included within the GRI
• Sarah Laaser-Webb
program, you can also earn your CRS Designation with just one
• Jennifer Lee
to two additional courses. IAR has packaged the two designation
• Debbie Marmon
requirements together with the Fast Track program. The Fast Track is
• John Marmon
designed to help you earn your GRI and CRS designations, complete
• Rebecca Mock
your license renewal requirements, and give you a discounted payment
• Haley Pick
plan. This could be the year that you earn your designations, so go to
• Brad Stuber
http://www.iowarealtors.com/education/fast_track.htm to learn more
• Justin Sykes
and sign up now! The first Fast Track course starts on February 28,
• Steve Willenbring
CRS 202: Sales Strategies.
19
www.iowarealtors.com
Education
Foreclosure Prevention and Response
In 2010, the Iowa Association of REALTORS® received the
Foreclosure Prevention and Response grant from the National
Association of REALTORS®. With these funds, IAR brought
education to REALTORS® throughout the state in the hopes
that this information will aid REALTORS®, their clients, and
their communities in facing challenges of the current market.
Nearly 500 agents learned more about this topic as they
attended CRS 111: Short Sales & Foreclosures in Clive;
REBAC’s Short Sales & Foreclosures: What Real Estate
Professionals Need to Know in Sioux City or Dubuque;
Troubled Properties in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Marion, and
Council Bluffs; or the online course, Foreclosure in Iowa: How
to Help Owners and Buyers While Building Your Business.
Here’s what agents had to say about the classes:
“Shortly after completing the class I was approached about a
short sale to prevent foreclosure. Because of the information
provided to us in the class, I have been able to successfully
move this short sale to fruition and help this seller that was
on the brink of foreclosure. I am now beginning the process
of more short sales. I believe this is one of the most valuable
classes I have completed to date. Having some information
about the process was very meaningful through the process.”
~Beth Huffman | Four Seasons Realty, Waterloo
“That was a great class, a phenomenal instructional on
important issues pertaining to distressed properties. In this
era, whether or not they actively list and sell short sales and
foreclosures, every REALTOR® should have an understanding
of how the processes differ and the basic intricacies between
traditional real estate transactions and those of distressed
properties. I have since taken on short sale listings and sold a
couple of foreclosures. The knowledge taken from this course
www.iowarealtors.com
undoubtedly helped me in these transactions. The only way to
truly get accustomed to handling distressed property
transactions is to do them, but without a basic understanding
of the processes and differences involved with short sales and
foreclosures, it would be very difficult to protect the interests of
your client properly. I pay special attention to distressed
property classes, as I think this is a growing and ever
important problem within our market. As agents we have a duty
to assist the market as a whole by effectively liquidating these
toxic assets from current inventories as quickly and efficiently
as possible. I view it as a duty of all agents to become
knowledgeable in facilitating distressed property transactions
in this era of real estate.”
~ Justin Sykes | Iowa Realty, Ankeny
“I actually attended the SFR class twice, first in Des Moines
and then in Sioux City, both where great classes. I took
something different away from each one being that the
instructors were from two different parts of the country.
Immediately after taking the class in Des Moines I started
working on my short sale system. By the time I went to Sioux
City I already had my systems in place, so taking that class
made it that more effective and the cool part was I received the
approval letter for my first short sale while in that class. In the
last year since then, I have focused a lot of attention on this
and have become one of the top Short Sale/Foreclosure Agents
in the Des Moines area. I currently have over 20 short sales, 2
modifications in various stages, and have become a go-to for
other agents from my firm and other firms. I highly recommend
this course, even if you are not going to deal with distressed
properties, then just for the experience of hearing how agents
from across the country deal with their business.”
~ Shane Torres | RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts, Grimes
continued on page 21
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“I did enjoy this class! I have been able to get
homeowners in contact with their mortgage companies
and get them on the road to protecting their investment
and their credit. I have also been able to advertise to
make people aware that there may be help, to seek it out
before foreclosure arises. I think this was a very
important class. Thank you!”
~ Angela Thesing | PSB Realty & Insurance, Dike
AHS COVERS MORE THAN YOU THINK...
NAR’s Foreclosure Prevention and Response program
also provides an online toolkit, filled with information
about: educational opportunities and resources,
government and private grant programs, community
outreach programs, and best practices related to
foreclosure prevention and response. Learn more at
www.realtor.org/government_affairs/foreclosure_pre vention/foreclosure_realtor_resources.
Sign Up! You can still benefit from this grant, as the
online Foreclosure in Iowa class is available to take at
www.iowarealtors.com/education/homestudyonline. aspx.
With the help of the Iowa Home Ownership Education
Project, we’ve created an interactive class that includes
videos, flow charts, and links to additional reference
materials.
The Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Certification
course will also be held in Marion on April 29. Check
p. 18 for details and sign up at
www.iowarealtors.com/education.
WE COVER PROPERTIES OF MANY TYPES
Did you know that AHS covers not only single family homes, but also:
•Newconstruction
•Vacationhomes
•Foreclosureproperties
•Rentalhomes
•Multi-unitproperties,suchas
duplex,triplexandfourplexhomes
•Condominiums
•Townhomes
•REOproperties
•Vacanthomes
•Mobilehomes
Don’t let unexpected, covered breakdowns dog your deals. Contact me or
visit our website to bone up on AHS Home Warranty coverage.
Jerry Rupiper
Senior Account Executive
1-800-800-8880 ext. 6830
[email protected]
1-800-735-4663 • www.ahsrealestate.com
©2011 American Home Shield Corporation and its licensed subsidiaries. All rights reserved.
Two respected names in
1031 exchanges join forces
IPE 1031 has acquired
New Online Course Section 1031 Exchanges
offered by IAR through
David Brown, President of IPE 1031, and a nationally
recognized expert on the topic of Section 1031
Exchanges, authored this exciting new course.
This new, interactive 3-hour CE course will cover basic and intermediate
exchange principles such as how to determine if exchange is appropriate,
what properties qualify for exchange treatment, documentation requirements,
important rules and restrictions, and much more.
To register:
1. Visit www.iowarealtors.com/education
2. Click on Mandatory/Electives Online
3. Scroll down to Elective Course Section.
IPE 1031 • 1922 INGERSOLL AVENUE • DES MOINES, IOWA 50309
515.279.1111 • 888.226.0400 • FAX 515.279.8788 • WWW.IPE1031.COM
21
www.iowarealtors.com
Setting
the Pace
Two Boards Receive RPAC Awards
The Iowa Association of REALTORS® would like to
congratulate and thank the Burlington Board of REALTORS®
and the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® for their
outstanding participation in RPAC in 2010.
These Boards shared the honor of receiving the 2010 RPAC
Fund-raising award during the IAR Annual Convention in
September. It is because of their commitment to the real estate
profession that the IAR continues to have a strong voice at the
Iowa Capitol.
The Central Iowa Board of REALTORS® received the award
for highest percentage of participation, with more than
78 percent of their membership contributing to RPAC, with an
average contribution of $60 per member.
“The members of the Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®
are committed to and fully support RPAC. We challenge all
local Boards to match our level of participation and
contribution. RPAC’s success is our success,” says
Bob Flynn, 2011 president, Central Iowa Board of
REALTORS®.
The Burlington Board raised an unprecedented average of
$87 per member and had 67 percent of their members
contributing.
“RPAC Fund-raising is very important to our members. We
understand the importance of keeping abreast of political
issues that affect property owners. We pride ourselves in
helping property owners beyond just the sale of their property.
It is important to our organization to be informed and active
with legislation affecting homeowners. We look forward to
new opportunities this coming year to out-do ourselves!” says
Sheri Johnson, 2010 president, Burlington Board of
REALTORS®.
These Boards truly lead by example – thank you for your
continued support and success!
RPAC Gives REALTORS® A Voice
The REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a fair,
legal, and vital way for REALTORS® to speak in a unified
voice. RPAC raises and spends money to elect candidates who
understand and support REALTOR® interests.
The REALTORS® Political Education Committee (RPEC)
works to further the political education and awareness of our
membership as well as the public. RPEC contributions are used
for issues mobilization, coalition-building, and development of
position papers (but not campaign contributions).
Donate by credit card online at:
http: www.iowarealtors.com/rpac/online_contributions.htm
Or send a check payable to RPAC or RPEC to:
Iowa Association of REALTORS® Attn: RPAC
1370 NW 114th St, Suite 100 Clive, IA 50325
www.iowarealtors.com
22
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Setting
the Pace
Congratulations
RPAC Kickoff Raised $22,000
A big congratulations to these new members of the Iowa
Association of REALTORS® RPAC Hall of Fame; and a
huge thank you to them for their very generous and significant
contributions to RPAC and RPEC.
• Susie Banks Bettendorf
• Lana Baldus Cedar Rapids
• Dan Berry Coralville
• Joan Ballantyne Cherokee
• Dave Bert Perry
• R. Scott Case Davenport
• Gail Flagel West Des Moines
• R. Michael Knapp West Des Moines
• L. Martin Lee Clive
• Dick McKeen Iowa City
• Larry Pickering West Des Moines
• Connie Schumaker Davenport
• Sue Raby-Struthers Sioux City
• Caroline Ruhl Davenport
• Bill Stradt, Sr. Bettendorf
Thank you to everyone who attended the REALTOR®
Political Action Committee (RPAC) Thank You/Kickoff Event
held December 7 at IAR’s Winter Meetings in December!
Special thanks to Kurt Schade and the Schade Creek Winery
for hosting the wonderful event!
The event was a great place to thank all of last year’s
contributors and kick off the new year of fund-raising. Thank
you for your generous giving, we raised more than $22,000 in
pledges!
Iowa RPAC Hall of Fame
At the RPAC Thank You/Kickoff Event in December, IAR
also introduced the new Iowa RPAC Hall of Fame and its
charter members. The RPAC Hall of Fame was established
in 2010 to recognize those individuals who have given a
significant amount to RPAC or RPEC in their lifetime. The
Iowa RPAC Hall of Fame also serves as an added incentive
for major donors and potential major donors.
The following criteria must be met for a member to be
inducted into the IOWA RPAC Hall of Fame:
*RPAC and RPEC contributions must result in the
aggregate lifetime total of at least $10,000 to the IOWA RPAC or RPEC Fund
*President’s Circle Program to count towards the
aggregate total
*IOWA Staff will verify amounts and if unable the
contributor is to provide evidence of the contribution(s) that staff could not independently verify
*Recognition to be awarded at the IOWA REALTOR® State Convention at the Board of Directors Meeting
*May be awarded posthumous (after one’s death)
23
www.iowarealtors.com
every
pi ece
counts
Crystal R - $2,500
Lana Baldus
Thank You
2010 RPAC/RPEC Contributors
Sterling R - $1,000
Joan Ballantyne
Dave Bert
Jen Burkamper
Scott Case
Ken Clark
Jeff Dill
Stefan Doerrfeld
Gail Flagel
Verne Folkmann
Matt Grohe
Dale Gross
Carolyn Helmlinger
Jason James
Jo Jenkins
Bill Jennings
Carey Jensen
Jennifer Kingland
Terry Knapp
Dick Koestner
Don Marple
Kathy Miller
Jill Monnahan
Russ Nading
Lisa Nolan
Brenda Nolting
Larry Pickering
Sue Raby-Struthers
Caroline Ruhl
Jon Salvador
Kurt Schade
J.D. Schlotterback
Greg Schoneman
Chris Skogman
Robb Spearman
Judy Stevens
Mike Knapp
www.iowarealtors.com
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Chuck Stull
Rick Wanamaker
Scott Wendl
Linda Westergaard
Jon Yocum
$500-$999
Susie Banks
Lowell Bauer
Dennis Bell
Michelle Bennett
Dan Berregaard
John C. Dunn
Rob Fick
Robert Flynn
Kurt Friedrich
Dominic Goodmann
Bob Hackney
Lara H. Hallgrimsdottir
Bob Hanson
Dean Hunziker
Terri Larson
Joe Lindsay
Tim Martin
Barbara Matson Wandling
Barb Maxon
Carl McKnight
Dick Meade
Chris Noland
Jon Reed
Celia Simmer
Alan Swanson
Robin Von Gillern
The IAR offers a heartfelt thank you to each of you
for your generous RPAC contributions in 2010.
$250-$499
Donna Arnold
Rick Arnold
Charles Beason
Doug Burnett
Lary Clark
Randy Clarkson
Cindy Concannon
Marlea DePenning
Wayne DePenning
Cheryl Eddy
Rodney Foutch
Linda Fritts
David Frommelt
Kathleen Hall
Steve Harbaugh
Terry Hoffman
Gene Johnson
Mark Kamps
Tom Kaut
Gwen Kosel
Joe Krage
Ann Lawver
Kathy Little
Joanne Mangold
Les Marquart
John Martin
David Maubach
Dick McKeen
Byron Menke
Heather Morris
Cheryl Nelson
Brooke Olmstead
Karen Ott
Ann Peterson
Erick Skogman
Taylor Skogman
Joe Spick
Glen Tiessen
Teresa Van Roekel
Mitch Weideman
Joyce Wills
Richard Young
Julie Clark
Michael Clark
Sally Cline
George Collins
Gery Cook
Linda Corell
Kevan Cortright
Danny Craig
Jane Crawford
Peg Cretin
Jake Cunningham
Jim Curoe
Vicky Daniel
Nicole Daoud
Dave Davenport
Kathy Davis
Mary Davis
Danielle Delzell
Caren DeVoe
Mindy Doebelin
Lilith Dorr
Becky Dose
Geri Doyle
Jeff Eagan
Ron Eagan
John Edwards
Bob Eisenlauer
Bill Eisenlauer
Beth Ernst
Carl Esker
Mike Esker
Kelli Excell
Karen Feltman
Chris Fischels
Jane Fischer
Linda Fisher
Emily Forssberg
Renae Forsyth-Christy
Wes Fotsch
Pat Fox
A.W. Frey
Laura Frey
Reiny Friedrich
Cindy Gaffney
$99-$249
Marva Abel
Keith Abens
Gregory Adams
Kathy Albert
Jerry Aldrich
Merle Alexander
Darlene Allard
Matt Andersen
Alida Jo Anderson
Julie Anderson
Pamela Banser
Barb Barr
Kay Baty
Ron Baty
Rick Bauer
Jane Bauman
Jim Benda
Jane Berg
David L. Berry
Tracey Bills
Randall Bloomberg
Paris Boehm
Marvin Boldt
Cynthia Bondi
David Bradley
Amanda Brant
Joel Brasch
Joan Brewer-Bergren
Bob Brissey
John Brummett
Lucy Brunner
Kelly Burge
Brian Byriel
Heather Carey
Katie Carmer
Pennie Carroll
Todd Case
Marilynn Cedarstrom
Paula Chew
Mike Cilek
Bob Claassen
Carla Clark
Jennifer Clark
25
Ron Garris
Elke Gerdes
Kelly Gibson
Garry Gloshen
DeLon Gobeli
Dale Godwin
Don Godwin
Linda Godwin
John Goede
Cory Gordon
Chuck Granger
Mel Graves
Patty Grove
Babs Haggin
Dianna Haley
Joe Hamling
Lyle Hansen
Jim Hardy
Teresa Harris
Karen Hasson
Susan Hayden
Kevin Heinbuch
Jamie Hejlik
Jan Helland
Barbara Hermsen
Barry Hesse
Katie Hesse
Michael Hickman
Michelle Hiers
Pam Hildebrand
Becky Houser
Brad Houser
Jan Hullaby
Sheryl Jahnel
Vicki Jenkins
Mo Jennison
John Jerkovich
Brenda Johnson
Kurt Johnson
Sarah Johnson
Sheri Johnson
Ann Jones
Tom Jones
Wendy Jorgensen
www.iowarealtors.com
every
pi ece
counts
$99-$249 continued
Denny Junius
Bruce Kalisek
Norma Karnes
Candi Karsjens
Barbara Kelley
Sharon Kennedy
Dick Kimball
Joe Kirk Jr.
Joe Kirk Sr.
Stephen D. Knapp
Pytr Knoll
Rodney Knudsen
Cathy Krohn
Diane Kroll
Peg Kugler
Lucky Lang
Rob Langloss
Pat Lee
Tim Lehman
Denny Lenth
Matt Lepic
Tom Lepic
Jason Liechti
Diane Litton
Gale Livingston
Paul Livingston
Karen Lohry
Troy Louwagie
Jon Lowman
K’Lynn Lynn
Carolyn Lynner
Kym Maginn
Nikki Manternach
Theresa Martin
Larry Marvin
Deb Massner
Jeanne Matthews
Thank You
Thank You for your support of
RPAC/RPEC in 2010
Rob McCain
John McCartan
Kevin McCartney
Jane McCune
Barb McMurry
Sue Mears
Kris Mehmen
Fred Miehe
Matt Miehe
Chip Miller
Cindy Miller
Elaine Miller
Nancy Miller
Kyla Moore
Margaret Moore
Bill Morse
Larry Moser
Gloria Mueller
Marcia Munger
R J Murphy
Ron Murphy
Rich Myers
Dawn Neff
Sharon Nelson
Scott Norris
Ken Nye
Kenneth O’Dea
Leigh O’Dea
Lucy Ortega
Phyllis Otto
Sherry Padavich
Brian Page
Dave Page
Jan Page
Christopher Parker
Linda Parsons
Jody Pence
Marce Peters
www.iowarealtors.com
Rick Peters
Dennis Petersen
Donna Petersen
Kevin Platz
Michelle Price
Sue Price
Jennifer Ramaeker
Tom Randall
Mark Redenbaugh
Mitzie Rekward
Pat Robbins
Ron Robbins
Dick Robert
Michelle Rochleau
Timothy Rogers
Mike Romig
Eric Rose
Julie Rose
Clifford Rudolph
Juda Saemisch
Amber Salmon
Sue Scarbrough
Bruce Schaefer
Dave Schreurs
Stacy Schroeder
Tim Schutte
Matt Schwind
Steve Seamen
Mike Shaffer
Brian Shepard
Nick Shepard
Mary Shileny
Gale Shinkle
Sharon Shook
Jean Silver
Rocky Smalley
Joe Smith
Gerald Sorensen
26
A
Gordie Sorensen
Linda Sornsen
Jake Stanton
Kimberly Staub
Judy Stevens
J.R. Stradt
Jason Strelow
Tammy Stuart
Les Sulgrove
Audrey Thompson
Bonnie Tiernan
Tonya Vakulskas
Rhonda Vanderlinden
Dave Vandeventer
Mark Votroubek
Jennifer Walsh
Debbie Waterbury
Gary Watts
Phil Webb
Brian Wentz
Larry West
Ken Whitehead
Mariam Whitehead
Alan Wilkins
Dodie Wilkins
Julie Will
Chuck Winkleblack
Kathleen Winner
Ted Winninger
Bill Wittig
Jay Wolfe
Bill Young
Arnie Zediker
Phyllis Zedike
Did You Know
AAA: IAR’s New Member Benefit
IPOA Offers New Resources
IAR’s newest member benefit is AAA Auto Insurance and
Roadside Assistance. As a member you can:
The Iowa Property Owners Alliance now provides new
resources for Iowa REALTORS® and Iowa property owners.
The Iowa Property Owners Alliance (IPOA) is a non-partisan,
nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to helping all Iowa
property owners, and was started by the Iowa Association of
REALTORS® in 2008 as a means to educate property
owners about legislative issues.
1. Save on AAA Membership
Take advantage of an exclusive dues discount on membership
in America’s leading auto club.
2. Save on Insurance through AAA
You’re also eligible for a special group discount on auto
insurance through AAA. This discount, combined with AAA’s
competitive rates and other discounts, can mean significant
savings on your insurance premiums. More than 1,000,000
drivers around the Midwest currently enjoy this benefit.
The IPOA recently created a new e-mail newsletter which
is sent periodically to members of the IPOA. This e-mail
newsletter provides information about current issues facing
property owners such as well water quality, tax assessments,
environmental issues, safety issues, and seasonal topics.
Additionally, the newsletter provides information about
pending or proposed legislation with the potential to impact
property owners financially or affect property ownership
rights in Iowa. To sign up for the free newsletter, visit
www.iowapropertyownersalliance.org.
Fore more information or to get signed up, visit
www.iowarealtors.com. Click on Benefits for Members
on the left hand column under Services.
Property owners who would rather stay updated on property
issues through Facebook can “like” the Iowa Property Owners
Alliance on Facebook and receive updates via the Facebook
news feed. To find the IPOA on Facebook, visit
www.facebook.com/iowapropertyownersalliance.
As an Iowa REALTOR®, please consider sharing the Iowa
Property Owners Alliance Web site with your clients, and
encourage them to sign up for the newsletter or look for the
IPOA on Facebook. These are great tools to share with your
current and past clients to help them keep up-to-date about
homeowner issues, especially now that legislative session has
started!
27
www.iowarealtors.com
IAR
Advantage
Program
Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
IAR’s Advantage Program
promote
your business
IAR is the state’s largest real estate professional
organization, representing nearly 7,000 members and
affiliates. The IAR Advantage Program helps support
IAR events throughout the year. The program offers
many benefits to sponsors, keeping them in touch with
our members all year long through various promotional
strategies.
expand
your
possibilities
Advantages of Annual Sponsorship
Promote Your Business | Repetitive recognition and name
placement at IAR Special Events and throughout the year
will enhance your branding efforts.
enhance your
partnerships
Expand Your Possibilities | As an annual sponsor you
will have the opportunity to continually share business,
products, and service messages with IAR’s thousands of
REALTOR® members all year long.
Enhance Your Partnerships | Your participation will
help you reach real estate professionals across the state,
providing numerous opportunities to network with industry
leaders.
Iowa Association of REALTORS®
1370 NW 114th St. Suite 100
Clive, Iowa 50325
1-800-532-1515 | www.iowarealtors.com
In addition, you pay just once a year for this sponsorship
opportunity, eliminating repeated solicitations.
To Get Involved
Several levels of sponsorship are available. For more detailed
information on the IAR Advantage Program and the different
levels of support, please contact Dave Bert, CEO,
Iowa Association of REALTORS® at 1-800-532-1515.
www.iowarealtors.com
28
A
The
Market
Home Sales Up in December
American Attitudes About
Home Ownership
IAR reports that home sales across Iowa increased in Dec.,
while prices decreased slightly. IAR’s Dec. 2010 Housing
Trends Report revealed that home sales increased by 9.3
percent from last year. IAR reports 2,170 homes sold in Dec.
2010, while 1,985 homes sold in Dec. 2009. New listings are
also up slightly from last year. There were 2,685 new active
listings in Dec. 2010, and 2,606 new active listings in Dec.
2009. Pending listings were strong in Nov., which translated
to sales in Dec.
According to a NAR survey of 3,793 adults conducted by
Harris Interactive and released in Jan. 2011, home owners and
renters agree that home ownership benefits individuals and
families, strengthens our communities, and is integral to our
nation’s economy. Following are some of the findings from
NAR’s American Attitudes About Homeownership survey:
• The vast majority of both home owners and renters say that owning a home is a smart decision over the long term. Even in today’s challenging economy, 95% of
owners and 72% of renters believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home.
The average sale price in Dec. dropped 4.6 percent from last
year at this time. The average sale price of homes in Iowa was
$138,381 in Dec. 2010, and $145,073 in Dec. 2009. The average number of days on the market last month was 118 days,
up 10 days or 9.3 percent from last Dec.
• Home owners are much more likely to be satisfied with the quality of their family and community life than
renters. While more than half of owners (56%) are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with the overall quality of their family life, only about one-third (36%) of renters report the same levels of satisfaction. Also, 43% of home owners are “very” or “extremely” satisfied with their community life, compared with 30% of renters.
Twenty-nine of Iowa’s 44 local boards reported increases in
the number of homes sold from last Dec. In addition, twenty
boards reported increases in the average sale price of homes,
and 17 boards reported decreases in the number of days on the
market compared to last year.
The increased activity in Dec. also helped the year to finish
strong. Total year-to-date sales in 2010 were down just 4.7
percent from 2009, while the average sale price was up 0.6
percent. The total number of homes sold across the state was
30,313 in 2010, and 31,795 in 2009. The average sale price
was $140,589 in 2010, and $139,755 in 2009.
• An overwhelming majority of home owners are happy with their decision to own a home. A full 93% of owners surveyed would buy again.
• Most renters aspire to home ownership. The majority of renters (63%) say they are at least somewhat likely to
purchase a home at some point in the future. Among them, young adults (18- to 24-years-old) have the
strongest aspirations for home ownership.
Despite recent economic challenges, 2010 turned out to be a
solid year, says Schade. “Overall, we were pleased with the
year’s results, and are hopeful for continued good news for
the housing market in 2011.”
Source: National Association of REALTORS® Web site,
http://www.realtor.org/statsanddata/homeownership/attitudes_homeown
The information used to create the Dec. 2010 Housing Trends report was
current as of Jan. 10 at 3:00 p.m.
29
www.iowarealtors.com
Food for
Thought
We Want to Hear from You - on Buyer Brokerage
Many of us remember change in the way we conducted
business as REALTORS® in the early 90’s when we were
required to start disclosing to our parties who we were
representing in writing. There was a great deal of consternation
and anxiety that followed this decision. When did the relationship change from a prospect to a client? When were we to have
the consumer sign the agreement and why? What should the
forms say and why? Those of you in this profession during the
”change” know what I am talking about.
Shortly after that our profession was introduced to Buyer
Brokerage. I think you will all agree that our profession is
going thru a metamorphosis right before our eyes. So, can we
embrace “out with the old and in with the new?” Instead of
hoping and praying we will get paid for our time, service and
expertise, would extensive use of buyer brokerage agreements
ensure or at least increase our level of satisfied clients? I have
heard numerous success stories of people using them, but I still
haven’t embraced that yet myself. I have a friend that is a REALTOR® for whom I have a lot of
respect. He does not share with his clients the results of his
CMA until they have signed the listing documents agreeing to
utilize his professional services to market their home. As he
says, “pricing is actually only one segment of my marketing
‘plan.’” This all but eliminates the fear of losing a listing over
pricing.
Do you or someone you know use buyer/brokerage
agreements? This is where we want to hear from you! For
those of you using the buyer/brokerage agreement, way to go!
How do you present them? What do you use for OHT (objection handling techniques) if resistance for using them is strong?
For those who don’t use them, the same questions apply. www.iowarealtors.com
And finally, the most important questions: How many of us
have lost deals/income due to a lack of use of a buyer/brokerage agreement? I assure you I am asking myself exactly
that question. Will 2011 be the year of another acceptance of
change? Why aren’t brokers encouraging and educating their
agents for use of these vital documents?
I am excited about the prospect of actually learning about and
implementing buyer brokerage agreements in my real estate
practice; and about hearing your thoughts on this very timely
and interesting topic!
PLEASE share your thoughts as we will likely publish a
follow up story. We need to hear from all of you! Don’t assume
someone else will respond. Take the time and do it now! Send
your ideas and experiences on buyer/brokerage agreements to
me at [email protected]. You could be
part of the Missing Link!
FOLLOW UP: In the last issue of The Benchmark, I wrote an
article about presenting offers, our obligation to our clients, and
how technology has changed our profession. And I challenged
you to share an experience with us. Thank you for those of you
who wrote back about the article! Although I received several
comments, we have not yet received a true success story. Please
send your success story related to this topic and we’ll publish
it so others can benefit from your experience and insight. You
may send it to me at [email protected].
In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. “We must build dikes
of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”
Written by Kurt Schade, IAR 2011 President
30
A
Iowa CRS Chapter Update The Symbol of Excellence &
Proven Path to Success
1370 NW 114th St. Clive, Iowa 50325 1-­800-­532-­1515 Fax: 800-­874-­2002 www.IowaCRS.com of the best, and I
am so proud to be
associated with
this organization.
The education,
professional
development,
experiences and
relationships that
CRS has provided
to me have been
instrumental in
allowing me to best
serve my clients."
WANTED : Experienced Agents Are you an experienced agent (10+ years) that would like to use the CRS designation? For a limited time only, the Council is offering the Pro-­which will allow you to use your experience (there are production requirements) and take one, 2 day class to get your designation. If you would like to join this elite group of REALTORS® (Less then 3% of Agents in Iowa) then hurry up and take the next class available! -­Program came at just the right time in my career. I was able to use my 15 years of experience combined with the excellent educa-­
tion provided by CRS to become a Certified Residential Specialist. I am proud to be part of a select few REALTORS® who have earned this Jeff Eagan, CRS, Ames * Feb. 28 & March 1 * Sales Strategies-­CRS 202 Clive Tap into the motivations and home buyers to help them achieve home ownership. Real Estate Coach Jackie Leavenworth, CRS 20+ years in RE Do You have the NEW CRS Sign Riders? 2011 Public Awareness Campaign Jen Burkamper
Iowa CRS Chapter
2011 President
Mission
Statement
Our goal is to
assist member
growth in
professionalism
competency,
and productivity
in residential
and have FUN
doing it!
Council of Residential Specialists 1-­800-­462-­8841 www.crs.com National News... The Iowa CRS Chapter is committed to promoting the CRS designation to the public. Members -­ we need your help! Get the word out to consumers on why CRS designees are the BEST by putting sign riders on all your listings and information on your brochures. This is a great way to differentiate yourself from the competition! Less than 3% of Agents in Iowa hold the CRS designation. That means Chapter Members, to order your sign riders for only $10 each please contact Stephanie at 1-­800-­532-­1515 or [email protected]. The annual CRS meetings took place Nov. 3-­ 6 at the NAR Conference & Expo in New Orleans. Great things coming from the Council in 2011: * Sell-­a-­bration® -­ Education Event to be held Feb. 18 -­ 20 at the Orlando Peabody Hotel. * CRS YOUniversity -­ a new delivery system for Education designed to help you obtain the valuable professional education and training where you want it & how you want it. * CRS.com Complete Redesign -­ slated for release in Spring 2011. It will be user friendly and more interactive. 2011 Chapter Presidents are installed at the National Convention by Frank Serio, 2011 Council President NEW Website @ www.IowaCRS.com
Join Us on Iowa CRS Chapter 31
www.iowarealtors.com
Chip
Iowa Mortgage Association’s
First Annual Charity Golf Outing
into fun
4-­Person Best Shot IMA Charity Golf Outing
Echo Valley Country Club, Des Moines
.
Golfers, join your fellow mortgage professionals for a great day of fun on the course Children and Families of Iowa and the Variety Club of Iowa!
Win Prizes -­ Have Great Fun -­ Support A Great Cause
Proceeds from the outing will be donated to Children and Families of Iowa and the Variety Club of Iowa. Help the IMA help two worthy Iowa charities!
For complete details see the Iowa Mortgage website at www.iowama.org.
IMA
Charity
Golf Outing
IMA members are dedicated to professionalism, education and volunteer activities ')+"&2+' '."'%,/)*
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