Meet Our Escrow Team. - Alaska Association of Realtors
Transcription
Meet Our Escrow Team. - Alaska Association of Realtors
Meet Our Anchorage Escrow Meet EscrowTeam. Team. and Our Marketing Amy bringsis 30+ years of Kristen a focused and experience three accurate spanning Escrow Officer states her 8role as Sr. withtoover years of Escrow Officer.SheHer experience. specializes cheerful and and in newdemeanor construction broad knowledge of residential transactions. residential transactions make her a customer favorite. Heather rejoined team Heather rejoined ourour team in in 2010 following her 2010 following her maternity maternity She is a leave. She is leave. a well-versed well-versed Escrow OfficerEscrow with 13Officer years 13and years of escrow of with escrow lending and lending experience whoexperience smoothly who smoothly handles even handles even the most the most complicated complicated commercial and commercial and residential residential transactions. transactions. Alyeska Title ACristy risingrejoined star in the escrow in 2010 returning to field withupon 9 years of Alaska. SheChristina is a well-rounded experience, Escrowat Officer with over 9 excels customer service yearsspecializes experience and inincluding complex residential, commercial, transactions and relocations, REO, and complicated short sales. short sales. AKristen SeniorisEscrow Officer a focused and who has over 30 years of with accurate Escrow Officer Alaskan over 10 title yearsexperience, of experience. Bernice's specialties are She specializes in new commercial constructiontransactions, and residential relocations, transactions.business asset closings, and 1031 tax deferred exchanges. Lito's yearsAlyeska of title and Cristy rejoined Title escrow experience in 2010 upon returningand to charming are Alaska. She is personality a well-rounded key to his success when Escrow Officer with over 9 assisting with even the years experience including most challenging residential, commercial, transactions. relocations, REO, and short sales. joined us in 2010 AmyKelli brings 30+ years of and brings 17 years experience spanning threeof statesexperience to her rolemanaging as Sr. Escrow Officer. Her multiple residential cheerful demeanor properties. Sheand excels in broadproviding knowledge of outstanding residential transactions customer service. make her a customer favorite. Call us or visit our web site today to open your next order. (907) 569-2842 / www.alyeskatitle.com #ENTERPOINT$RIVE3UITEs!NCHORAGE!LASKA AK 189191 newsletter2.indd 2 1/20/2012 11:00:31 AM President’s Message is the monthly publication of the Alaska Association of REALTORS® 4205 Minnesota Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Phone (907) 563-7133 Fax (907) 561-1779 1-800-478-3763 www.alaskarealtors.com AAR OFFICERS PRESIDENT Joni Schneider, ABR, GRI PRESIDENT-ELECT Michael Droege VICE PRESIDENT Janice Strong TREASURER Don McKenzie PAST PRESIDENT Helen Jarratt, ABR,CRS AAR DIRECTORS Cora Carleson Les Crane, CRS Kevin Cross Errol Champion April Frick Paula Laird Eva Loken, ABR,CRS,GRI PeggyAnn McConnochie, GRI Debbie Mumma Debbie Murphy, GRI D’Ette Owen, GRI Dave Somers Chris Story Kathy Westerberg, GRI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Sandy Eherenman, RCE Cover photo: Mount Redoubt Photographer: Debra Leisek, Bay Realty - Homer Materials reported in this publication are obtained from various sources which the Alaska Association of REALTORS® believes to be reliable. Reasonable effort has been made to insure the accuracy of such material. The Alaska Association of REALTORS® expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility arising directly or indirectly out of any discrepancy, error, mistake or omission in this publication. Opinions expressed in articles by individual authors and contributors are not neccessarily the official opinion of the Alaska Association of REALTORS®. The acceptance of advertising by the Alaska REALTOR® does not indicate approval or endorsement of the advertiser or his product by the Alaska Association of REALTORS®. newsletter2.indd 3 By Joni Schneider, GRI,ABR 2012 AAR President Heartland Realty Fairbanks 2 012 is now well on the way. By now most of us have renewed our real estate license... thanks to AAR’s diligent leadership, an overcharging was averted. A big thanks to all that responded when called to action. On January 9th and 10th the leadership conference was once again held in Anchorage at the BP Energy Center. Board leaders from all over the state participated. Attendance was good even though the weather wasn’t very cooperative. The theme was held to its name: LEADERSHIP! The keynote speaker, Matthew D. Jones, inspired us all with his personal life of challenge. At age 32, Matt is a three time cancer survivor and instills in others the “can do” attitude. We will all remember VICTORY, ACTION & ATTITUDE! At one point during his illness he couldn’t remember how to walk. Now he enters the 26.2 mile marathons. Truly a remarkable individual. The second day was highlighted by our Region 12 Vice President Gail Hartnett, flying in from Boise, Idaho to install the new Board of Directors. However, she first gave us an in-depth explanation of the layering of leaders from national to local and how they work together for common goals. She truly loved Alaska; imagine if it had been summertime’. Next, sharing the podium, were two of our state senators: Sen. Joe Thomas (D) Fairbanks District-D and Sen. Kevin Meyer (R) South Anchorage District-O. They shared what is happening around the state and soon to be happening in (President’s Message, continued on page 10) February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 3 1/20/2012 11:00:45 AM The NAR and RPAC leadership would like to show our gratitude to our 2011 Major Investors from Alaska for their generous support of the REALTOR® Party. Thank You GOLDEN R Deborah Erickson PeggyAnn McConnochie +Janice Strong Glenda Feeken Don McKenzie STERLING R Roger Floerchinger Deb Moore Bob Baer Kelly Griebel Debbie Murphy Melissa Bidwell Helen Jarratt Misti Neville Ruth Blackwell Peter Jarratt D’Ette Owen Terry Bryan Uli Johnson LaVerne Pettigen Elise Buchholz Dave Keating Krystal Rogers Art Clark Mark Korting Mimi Rothchild Paddy Coan Debra Leisek Joni Schneider Brad Cole Lonnie Logan David Somers Kevin Cross +Eva Loken Angie Tallant Ryan Danhauser Naomi Louvier Denny Wood Michael Droege Wes Madden Sandy Eherenman Larry Maulden + Indicates NAR President’s Circle member. Hall of Fame members are in orange. RPAC Major Investors as of 10/26/2011 4 newsletter2.indd 4 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 1/20/2012 11:00:45 AM 2012 Legislative Priorities Submitted by Dave Somers Industry Issues Chairman Somers & Associates Fairbanks W ithout knowing whether proper accounting was used, it is hard to tell if we won or lost the recent license fee increase, but we certainly softened the blow by reducing the renewal fee to $375 from $685. There was an incredible effort put forth by a large number of our members that brought close scrutiny by our legislators forcing the division to rethink their position. Not only did this save licensees approximately $750,000, it forced a complete review of how the division allocates costs and accounts for our money. The fee increase was the first part of the battle. Now we follow up by keeping the issue on the front burner until things are headed in the right direction. There is also an outside consultant that has been hired by the state to review and make recommendations to the cost allocation analysis process. This review will be completed during this legislative session. An internal review brought about by our industry’s reaction to the questionable accounting practices already showed that the real estate licensees were paying 16% too much in the allocation of the general pool in the division. We will also be following the discussion on how fines levied in the real estate sector can be properly credited back to us. approximately $150,000 of trust funds and the same broker was left in charge of the trust funds to close things out because there was no other option. The second area covered is on AS08.88.398. This statute was changed years ago to allow a licensee to pay another licensee as an assistant. The law at that time mandated that only the employing broker could pay a licensee. Even though the law clearly states otherwise, some have interpreted this to mean that they can have licensed assistants that have their license hanging in a different office. The language added to our current bill clarifies that a licensed assistant has to have their license hanging in the same office. The last area this bill covers deals with licensees donating part of their commission to charities. Current law does not allow this. The bill, if passed as filed, states that a licensee may contribute part of their commission to a charitable organization and advertise their intent to do so. (2012 Priorities, continued on page 10) The following is a list of bills we will be monitoring or involved with this session: House Bill 267 sponsored by Representive Munoz and Representative Olson - This is a bill that AAR put together to address three issues. The first item this bill covers is the temporary assignment of a licensee to oversee the affairs of a real estate business by the real estate commission in the event the broker has been misappropriating trust funds. The flaw in our statutes was made very apparent in a recent case where a broker had “borrowed” February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 5 newsletter2.indd 5 1/20/2012 11:01:12 AM Real Estate Commission Update also intended to create consistency in the information presented by different instructors. Submitted by Anita Bates AREC Commissioner Bates & Associates, REALTORS® Anchorage A t this writing, the Alaska Real Estate Commission staff is in the throes of license renewal for 2012 -2014. As most licensees know, the licensing fee was established in December, 2011, with an effective date of January 9, 2012. This means that no licensees were able to renew their licenses before this date due to the 30 day waiting period between adoption and becoming effective. As a result, the Commission staff is seeing a large number of licensees renewing on line. Licensees are encouraged to renew as soon as possible and not wait until the last minute. Remember, the penalty for late renewal is $250. In the October issue of the Alaska Realtor, the Commission announced the new designated continuing education (DCE) topics for the 20122014 licensing period. They include four 2-hour modules on: Licensing Relationships; Property Disclosures & Inspections; Risk Management & Real Estate License Law; and Contracts & Customer/Client Services. Along with establishing the topics, the Commission included some specific objectives for course developers to provide guidelines for including information deemed important in each topic area. This framework is Finally, at the December, 2011 meeting, the Commission discussed the “Implementation of Civil Fines” as presented by Susan Winton, Senior Investigator with the Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations, Businesses, and Professional Licensing. This policy is designed to provide another means of controlling and reducing the amount of open investigations as well as expediting disciplinary actions where violations have occurred. It is intended to impose a civil fine without censure or reprimand and is already provided as a tool for the Commission in Alaska Statutes. It would not be applied in cases of fraud, inability to practice competently or in instances where the public might be harmed. The groundwork for this type of authority has been established with the adoption of the Category of Complaints and Disciplinary Sanctions (the Fine Matrix) in 2010. The Fine Matrix established categories of violations and appropriate disciplinary sanctions to be applied under the law, many of which can be dealt with using implementation of a Civil Fine. This will be discussed further at future Commission meetings. The Alaska Real Estate Commission meets next on March 7, 2012, in Anchorage, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the Atwood Building, Ste. 1270. Peggy Real Estate & Relocation Expert 162373 You’ve known me as your Alaskan Realtor for over 13 years! Call me to take advantage of these affordable prices in Arizona and this unique opportunity to purchase a winter home and/or an investment property. 6 newsletter2.indd 6 DIRECT: 480.241.1040 P E G G Y @P E G G Y Y O U N G . C O M www.P E G G Y Y O U N G . C O M Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 1/20/2012 11:01:13 AM g y p Fairhaven • Fort Gibson • Haines • Homer • Hyder • Iliamna • Juneau • Kenai • Ketchikan • Kodiak • Kotzebue • Kuskokwim • Kvichak • Manley Hot Springs • McCarthy • Mt. 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McKinley • Nenana • Noatak • Kobuk • Nome • Nulato • Palmer • Petersburg • Rampart • Juneau dovia • Seward • Sitka • Skagway • Talkeetna • Valdez • Wade Hampton • Whittier • Wrangell • Aleutian Islands • Anchorage • Barrow • Bethel • Bristol Bay • Cape Nome • Chitina • Cordova • Fairbanks • Alaska USA Financial Center Fairhaven • Fort Gibson • Haines • Homer • Hyder • Iliamna • Juneau • Kenai • Ketchikan • Kodiak • 8390 Airport Boulevard Kotzebue • Kuskokwim • Kvichak • Manley Hot Springs • McCarthy • Mt. 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Choose experience you can rely on. February 2011 • Alaska REALTOR® 7 newsletter2.indd 7 1/20/2012 11:01:13 AM 2011 Real Estate Achievements D espite a challenging year in many respects, 2011 was a year that reinforced the value of homeownership for families and communities across the country. Most Americans still believe in the American dream of owning their own home, and Realtors® remained actively engaged to ensure that housing and homeownership issues were first on the nation’s public policy agenda. This meant fewer people had access to affordable mortgage loans. The Alaska Association of Realtor® and its members, along with Realtors® across the country, successfully persuaded legislators to reinstate the higher loan limit formula. In addition, Realtors® ensured that the National Flood Insurance Program was extended for an additional six months through May 31, 2012. The National Association of REALTORS® Last year could be described as a re- continues to work with members of Congress on a building year, as well as one full of tremendous longer extension. achievements. The market showed signs of imLooking toward 2012, there are several provement, and more than ever, people aspired to become homeowners. Throughout the past crucial issues ahead. Realtors® will be keeping an year Realtors® across the country have worked eye on efforts to reform the secondary mortgage hard to make sure everyone who is willing and market to ensure that future home buyers have acable to assume the responsibilities of owning a cess to affordable mortgage financing. Preserving home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream. “A typical home sale pumps a total of $60,000 into the economy In 2011 the National Association of Realover time. The importance of the tors® released data that showed a significant mahousing market in relation to our jority of today’s homeowners and renters agree nation’s well-being couldn’t be that owning a home is a smart long-term decimore evident than it is right now.” sion. In addition, more renters than ever before said they aspire to homeownership. Housing is also crucial to the local economy, the mortgage interest deduction will also remain a top priority for Realtors® this year. Housing accounts for more than 15% of the Gross Domestic Product, making it a key Homeownership matters to individuals, driver in our national economy. A typical home families and America. In addition to helping peosale pumps a total of $60,000 into the economy ple achieve their dreams of owning a home, the over time for furniture, home improvements and Realtor® organization will continue to work tirerelated items. The importance of the housing mar- lessly in 2012 to protect and sustain opportunities ket in relation to our nation’s well-being couldn’t for responsible homeownership. be more evident than it is right now. Article provided by the National Association of Realtors® helped reshape housing poli- REALTORS®. cies throughout 2011 on behalf of would-be home buyers, sellers and owners. On October 1, 2011, Congress allowed conforming loan limits to revert from 125% of the local area median home price to 115% of the local median home price. 8 newsletter2.indd 8 Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 1/20/2012 11:01:14 AM Association News Dave Feeken Scholarship Foundation The Dave Feeken Scholarship Foundation, Inc. was established in 2010 in memory of REALTOR Dave Feeken. The Scholarship Foundation is designed to assist persons in the real estate field who are seeking to obtain a related designation such as GRI (Graduate, Realtors Institute), CPM (Certified Property Manager), CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), CAE (Certified Realtor Executive), CRB (Certified Real Estate Broker Manager) and the many other designations and certifications in the real estate related fields. Scholarships are for tuition only and are limited to one person per calendar year; no more than one course with a beginning date during any calendar year shall be considered. Scholarships will be granted for the course requested and only for such courses that lead to a real estate related professional designation or certification. The Officers of the Foundation will determine the dollar amount of the scholarships for a particular course, which may vary from time to time, depending upon the funds available. Download an application at www. alaskarealtors.com. www.YourNewAlaskaHome.org Alaska Homeownership Simpified - This new website answers most real estate questions, provides links to valuable industry resources and makes the home buying process easier to understand. Whether you’re considering buying your first home, are an experienced homeowner, or work in Alaska’s real estate industry, www.YourNewAlaskaHome. org has valuable information for you. The Alaska Association of REALTORS has developed this one-stop shopping website where you’ll find any and all groups and agencies that exist to assist with the home buying process. Your comments are appreciated - let us know what you think of the site. Congratulations 2011 REALTORS® of the Year Janice Strong Strong Appraisals Alaska Association of REALTORS® D’Ette Owen Keller Williams Realty Anchorage Board of REALTORS® Angie Tallant Somers & Associates Greater Fairbanks Board of REALTORS® Dorothy Cunningham Five Star Realty Kachmak Board of REALTORS® Marty Radvansky Soldotna Realty Kenai Peninsula Association of REALTORS® Debbie White Prudential Southeast Alaska RE Southeast Alaska Board of REALTORS® Krystal Rogers RE/MAX Dynamic of the Valley The Real Estate Center Valley Board of REALTORS® February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 9 newsletter2.indd 9 1/20/2012 11:01:15 AM (2012 Priorities, continue from page 5) (President’s Message, continued from page 3) House Bill 40 sponsored by Representatives Kawasaki and Petersen - This bill would allow a municipality to adopt an ordinance increasing the property tax exemption for real property from $20,000 to $100,000. Juneau. They touched on education, energy, infrastructure and the future fate of our resources. Following along that line, our lobbyist in Juneau, Denny DeWitt, brought us up to speed as to what will be of import to our organization. We also heard from our wonderful RPAC cheerleaders, Paddy Coan (chairman of the Trustee Committee), Janice Strong (newly appointed Region 12 Trustee) and Michael Droege (our Go-To Guy it seems, for everything), President Elect, NAR Director and the Trustee Rep to a higher level of RPAC! By the end of our two days they had a resounding number of “Major Investors” already on board...32 of the 43 we need to claim the “President Circle” award. We have been close, receiving the triple crown, but this year we are going all in and bringing one back to Alaska! House Bill 90 sponsored by Representatives Neuman and Feige - This bill would allow a widow/widower of a disabled veteran to continue to receive personal property tax exemptions. House Bill 240 sponsored by Representative Chenault -This bill allows a person with a state permit for a cabin to rebuild the cabin if destroyed by fire. Senate Bill 104 sponsored by French - This bill establishes a process to convert manufactured homes to real property. Senate Bill 122 sponsored by Senator Egan This bill would require a title company doing business in Alaska have a title officer licensed in the State of Alaska sign all title commitments. This bill would also ban the use of private transfer fees. All reporting committees: Dave Somers, Industry Issues; Don McKenzie, Operations; Helen Jarrett, Education; and Chris Story, Communications, seemed to be really enthusiastic and looking forward to a fantastic year. I really want to thank each and everyone that attended the conference and as always, Sandy Eherenman, who makes my job easy and fun! House Bill 264 sponsored by Munoz This bill would allow the deferral of municipality property taxes on the increase of value of real Let’s keep the energy & enthusiasm growing! property attributed to subdivision of that property. We are also still looking at changes to the Landlord Tenant Act in the areas of how long a broker should have to refund deposits, definition of wear and tear and finding a way to mandate that carpets should be cleaned in certain circumstances. We have not filed a bill here as we feel we need more input and direction. In our next update report we should have our positions established on the above referenced bills. As these and other issues arise during the session we may be calling once again on all our members to get involved. Please be ready to respond to your calls for action. Your response to the license fee increase is a shining example of what we can all accomplish together. 10 newsletter2.indd 10 Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 1/20/2012 11:01:15 AM )+ ')+ -#( 1 +,&,% ).,$(" $(( )+*)+-$)( #, ,,$,- $( , --&$("&,%(, $(#)' ,+),,-# ,-- )'* -$-$/ $(- + ,-+- ,+ ,*)(,$& & ($("*+-$ ,(&)&&1 , +/$ &)(,+ ! 0)!-# + ,)(,0#1$,%()0(,-# %)( )!-# $(.,-+1# -# + $-,1).+.,$( ,,-)" -* )*& $(-)#)' ,)+1).+ &))%$("-).11).+, &!#,*+)"+',-#- ( 3-&,%(,(# &*"+)0).+ )()'1 , '$(+)!! +, + $--)0+&)(&),$("),-, 0)+%,#)*,!)+$(.,-+1*+)! ,,$)(&, $+,-$' )' .1 ++)"+',!)+-#), 0#)#/ ()-)0( #)' $(-# &,--#+ 1 +, - +(,)+-"" +)"+'$(&. , (#( &)(,($(- + ,-+- + .-$)(, ( +"1(0 -# +$2-$)(+ - ,(&)(, $&1$(- + ,-+- ,#!.,&)(,$(- + ,-+- ,!' &&-)1-)& +().-*+).-,-#-+ -$&)+ -)1).+( , February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 11 newsletter2.indd 11 1/20/2012 11:01:15 AM Second Session has Begun in Juneau he second session of the 27th Alaska Legislature is shaping up to be a challenging session with the Governor and Legislature far apart on several major issues. T • Goose Creek Correctional Center opens—increasing operating costs by $29 million. The Governor is committed to reducing taxes on the oil industry; the Senate strongly opposes any changes to the current tax structure. The Governor supports depositing surplus revenues into the Constitutional Budget Reserve savings account, the House and Senate want to spend the surplus to build much needed infrastructure in the state. On December 15, 2011 the Governor released his proposed operating and capital budget. I have outlined some highlights below: • $8 million is appropriated to the Performance Scholarship Fund. To date more than 2,000 Alaska students have qualified for the Alaska Performance Scholarship program. On The Revenue Side Alaska has nearly $13 billion in savings, not counting the Permanent Fund. Ninety-two percent of Alaska’s revenues are attributable to oil. The Governor based his budget on a per barrel price of $109. The proposed FY 2012 budget will leave additional surplus revenues of $3.7 billion. The Legislature is likely to add at least $1 billion of this surplus to the savings account and utilize most of the remaining revenue to fund priority capital projects. The operating and capital budgets total $12.1 billion with $6.4 billion coming from state general funds. The proposed general fund budget is $612 million (8.7% less than the current year). Most of this reduction comes from reduced capital budget spending, as the proposed operating budget increases 4.2 percent. The Operating Budget Here are the details of the 4.2 percent increase. • The Office of Management and Budget is eliminating 289 vacant full-time and part-time positions in FY 2013. The move will allow the state to better absorb new positions coming online with the completion of the Goose Creek Correctional Center. • The budget forward-funds and fully funds K12 public education and pupil transportation. • Unfunded Pension Liability—Increasing by $131 million, for a total of $610.5 million. Several legislators support addressing the unfunded liability while the state is awash in revenues. • Medicaid Formula Costs—Increasing by $131 million total, $45 million of General Funds. Most of the increase is driven by federal mandates. • Employee labor contracts increasing by $66 million total: $34 million of this increase is General Fund. • Funding for 16 law enforcement officers across the state, additional funding for domestic violence shelters and housing for victims. Capital Highlights The proposed capital budget totals $1.8 billion, including $882 million in state general funds. Below are some of the projects funded in the Governor’s capital budget. One billion dollars is appropriated for infrastructure projects including roads and airports, the marine highway, municipal water and sewer projects, harbors, and deferred maintenance. • Roads to Resources ($28.5 million) – This appropriation includes funding for access to the Ambler Mining District, Umiat-Foothills West, a western access route through Tanana, the Klondike Industrial Use Highway, and other resource roads. The funding will be used for project definition, permitting, environmental work, (Second Session, continued on page 13) 12 Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 newsletter2.indd 12 1/20/2012 11:01:15 AM (Second Session, continue from page 12) • Copper River Native Association Health Clinic - $6 million and right-of-way acquisition. • Alaska Marine Highway – Funding to build • $24 million for the school major maintenance account. new ferry - $60 million Statewide Ports • State Museum, library and archives – rehabiliGovernor Parnell is proposing a $350 million tation - $20 million general obligation bond package for the follow• Rural power system upgrades - $13 million ing port projects throughout the state: • Ketchikan bridge replacements - $9 million • MatSu Borough road bond package match - • Port of Anchorage - $200 million • Matanuska-Susitna Borough - Port MacKenzie $20 million Rail Extension - $110 million • Seward heavy equip diesel shop - $6 million • City of Seward – Community Development • Renewable energy grants - $25 million Quota Home Port - $10 million • Weatherization - $30 million • Bristol Bay Borough Port Improvements - $10 • Home energy rebates - $20 million • Bulk fuel & rural power systems - $15 million million • Full funding for power cost equalization - $38 • City of Emmonak Port Improvements - $10 million million • Ketchikan Gateway Borough – Ward Cove Port • New school in Emmonak - $35 million Improvements - $10 million. • New school Koliganet - $25 million • Bethel Youth Facility upgrade - $10 million Submitted by Wendy Chamberlain • Nome State office building - $10 million AAR Lobbyist • Friends of Jesse Lee Home - $5 million Legislative Consultants Tired of Experiencing the Same Train Wreck? Count on the professionals at Stewart Title of Alaska for all your title and escrow needs. Knowledgeable and Experienced Service Two Convenient Locations To Serve You: Anchorage: 2601 Denali Street 274-2562 Eagle River: 11723 Old Glenn Hwy #208 694-2562 <RXU)XOO6HUYLFH7LWOHDQG(VFURZ7HDP Brenda Staats President February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 13 newsletter2.indd 13 1/20/2012 11:01:15 AM 2012 Convention Information “September 11-14, 2012 - Girdwood, Alaska” Tentative Schedule he Alaska Association of REALTORS 2012 annual convention will be held Tuesday – Friday, September 9 – 14, 2012 Tuesday, September 11, 2012 Directors Meeting at the Hotel Alyeska in Girdwood, Alaska. The 2:00 - 5:00 PM Ice Breaker theme of the convention is “REALTORS® In the 6:00 – 11:00 PM Running,” being it is an election year. Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Breakfast This year’s conference will feature guest speak- 8:00 – 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony ers Dave Mitchell and Amy Chorew. Dave’s 9:15 – 9:30 AM Dave Mitchell- Keynote style is often best described by a term he coined 9:30 – 12:30 PM PP/ROTY Luncheon – enter-train-ment. Dave takes great pride in us- 12:30 – 2:00 PM Education/Workshop ing proven principles in applied performance and 2:30 – 4:30 PM Wine Tasting/Reception cognitive psychology and delivering a high im- 5:30 – 6:30 PM Dinner/Affiliate Night pact training experience that is also incredibly 6:30 – 8:30 PM entertaining. Amy has been in and around Real Estate since 1981. As an experienced salesperson Thursday, September 13, 2012 Breakfast and marketing director for some of Connecticut’s 8:00 – 9:00 AM General Membership Mtg prestigious brokerages, she expanded into teach- 9:00 – 11:30 AM Lunch on Your Own ing REALTORS to use technology in 1995. Her 11:30 –1:00 PM Educational Workshops knowledge of the latest technologies along with 1:30 – 3:30 PM Trade Show/Reception her unique ability to translate it all into easy-to- 4:00 - 6:00 PM RPAC Dinner/Auction understand language makes her a consistently 6:30 – 8:30 PM 8:30 – 12:00 AM ARPAC Night/Dancing top-rated trainer throughout the country. T Sponsorship Opportunities Friday, September 14, 2012 8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast Education - Amy Chorew There are sponsor opportunities available for the 9:00 – 11:00 CRS Lunch 2012 convention. By being an event sponsor 11:30 – 1:00 PM Education – Amy Chorew your company has the opportunity to market your 1:30 – 4:30 PM ARPAC Cocktail Party business to REALTORS® from all over Alaska. 5:30 – 6:30 PM Dinner/Awards Night For addition information, please contact the AAR 6:45 – 8:30 PM 8:30 – 12:00 Dancing office at 563-7133. Trade Show In the interest of improving communications between trade, professional and service organizations and REALTORS®, there will be a trade show on Thursday, September 13, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm. Exhibitor forms will be available on www. alaskarealtors.com. For additional information, please contact the AAR office. 14 Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 newsletter2.indd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«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ebruary 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 15 newsletter2.indd 15 1/20/2012 11:01:16 AM Meet face to face with an Alaska USA Mortgage Originator. Minerva “Mac” Carandang Drake Peterson Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS Unique Identifier #AK203501 NMLS Unique Identifier #AK524521 792-1201 796-1223 [email protected] [email protected] Laurie Gardner Jaime Purcell Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS Unique Identifier #AK204060 NMLS Unique Identifier #AK338853 796-1202 523-7519 [email protected] [email protected] Charly Musielak Michael Thomas Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS Unique Identifier #AK191337 NMLS Unique Identifier #AK319949 796-1203 796-1208 [email protected] [email protected] Stop by the Juneau Office to meet Mac, Laurie, Charly, Drake, Jaime, and Michael! Conveniently located at 8390 Airport Blvd, Suite 201 in Juneau. Open 6 days a week! Monday - Friday • 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Saturday • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. www.alaskausamortgage.com People you know. A name you can trust.® Mortgage License # AK157293 16 Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 newsletter2.indd 16 1/20/2012 11:01:16 AM News Bites from Around the Anchorage The Anchorage Board of REALTORS® will be co-hosting the annual convention with the Association from September 11 through September 14th at the Alyeska Resort. In light of 2012 being an election year, the theme is “REALTORS® in the Running”. D’Ette Owen and Jan Rednall are co-chairwomen. First American Title Insurance generously presented 8 hours of continuing education to ABR’s membership. 20 hours of continuing education was offered in December and 8 hours designated credit hours will be offered January 20th. The Anchorage Board, Valley Board, and Alaska Association are offering the entire GRI series in 2012, beginning in February. Of the 4-day course, 2 days will be held in Anchorage and 2 days held in the Valley. Kachemak Submitted by Kathy Westerberg 2012 President The Kachemak Board of Realtors thanks Sharon Minsch, Past President, for her devoted service to the Board and its members. We are pleased to announce KBR’s 2012 officers: Kathy Westerburg, President, Peg Belcastro, President-Elect, Dorothy Cunningham, VP, Shelly Stradling Secretary and EO, John Calhoun, Treasurer, and Directors at Large Nicky Pinsky, Gina Pelaia, and Karen Marquardt. KBR continues its goal of providing education for its members and is currently working on bringing a CRS class to Homer in late fall. We continue our tradition of providing scholarships to local high school students and supporting local non-profits. compared to 62 in 2010. That’s a decrease in gross market value from $14,283,622 to $12,944,995. Historically, the Kodiak housing market has been strong for many years, and the fact that we have a significant need for low and average priced homes, coupled with the regular yearly transfer of a large number of residents, could help to keep our market from making a drastic downward shift this year. As we begin a new year, one fact remains in Kodiak. The Kodiak Board of Realtors continues to surpass the 100% RPAC contribution goal each year and 2011 was no exception. The KBR Christmas party last month raised over $1000 at our annual fundraising auction. Over 50 members, affiliates, family members and friends were in attendance at the Best Western Kodiak Inn, enjoying a lovely dinner and live jazz music, courtesy of the KHS Jazz Band. Thank you to all those who donated auction items and to those who bid so generously to support the Realtors Political Action Committee. The money collected will go to support industry goals which affect real estate professionals in our state legislature and city halls. These donations help us to maximize our political clout in Washington D.C., Juneau and in our local communities. Kodiak The annual Market Forecast Submitted by Paula Laird Luncheon was held at the An- 2012 President chorage Sheraton Hotel on January 4th. Speakers include Neal Now that January 2012 is already Fried, State of Alaska economist, almost over, it is a reminder that Jeff Thon, Jack White Commer- the pages of the calendar will turn cial, and Jennifer Toomer, Keller quickly. It will be an interestWilliams. In April, ABR will be ing year in real estate as we wait hosting a luncheon with Senator and watch how the 2012 market unfolds. Last year showed us a Begich. noticeable adjustment in sales In December, Senator Begich of- volume and value. Higher propfered to attend a sales meeting. A erty taxes, less buying power for small session was held with the buyers, and tighter lender restricSenator at Real Estate Brokers of tions in recent years also seem Alaska. 13 Members of the An- to have affected Kodiak’s mar- Kodiak Board of Realtors’ 2012 chorage Board are RPAC Major ket somewhat. Here, Realtors goals include: Donors. (Newsbites, continue on page 18) saw 56 residential sales in 2011, February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 17 newsletter2.indd 17 1/20/2012 11:01:17 AM (Newsbites, continued from page 17) 1. To continue to exceed the RPAC fundraising goal; 2. To keep an informed board on all of the state and national real estate legislation and the future of the (L-R; Kodiak Holiday Party; Vic Laird, Paula Laird, Becky Shields, Grant Shields, Don MacKenzie, Eloise Lenhert, Joann Brodie & Bob Brodie) industry; 3. To continue informative public marketing which shows the value of using Realtors; and 4. To continue attending borough and city joint work session meetings, voicing concern over Kodiak’s housing shortage and offering remedies/suggestions on how the shortage can be lessened in the long term. The goals for 2012 include offering a presentation to service clubs and the Chamber of Commerce on the “State of Real Estate in Southeast.” The objective is to share the status of real estate sales over the past four years and discuss assessed values versus market values in real estate. There are less than ten states that are “non-disclosed” for real estate transactions which means Alaskan assessors do not have access to property sales data. The presentation will conclude with a pitch on why one should use a licensee when buying and selling real property. Another goal is to strengthen our classroom education on the Code of Conduct and Ethical Real Estate Practices. With the recent attempt by the Division of Professional Licensing to raise the bi-annual fee because of increased investigations and complaints, it is important that our training stay focused on these topics. I welcome the opportunity to serve as your President for 2012 and ask you to contact any board member with your questions and feedback. As I look forward to 2012, I anticipate a valuable learning experience and a positive and productive year as we all work together in Kodiak toward the same goals. Here’s to a new year, a new challenge and new knowledge! Southeast Submitted by Errol Champion 2012 President The SEABR 2012 officers are Past President Mimi Rothchild, President Errol Champion, President-Elect Scott Wagner, Vice President Jim Preston, Treasurer Misti Neville, and Secretary Honey Bee Anderson. At the annual meeting auction, SEABR raised $2,435 for charity and $6,365 for RPAC. Thanks to everyone who donated items for the auction and those who purchased them. A special thanks to planning and decorating committee members Bethany Woods, Audra Peterson, Mimi Rothchild, Julie Moe, Debbie White and Debbie Lewis. And thanks to Bethany Woods, who did a great job as our auctioneer! 18 Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 newsletter2.indd 18 1/20/2012 11:01:18 AM Have you set Your 2012 Goals Yet? Check out MATTHEW FERRY’S podcast on using the LAW of ATTRACTION for REALTORS!!!!! Alaska Real Estate Podcast comes to you twice a month through the AAR e-Newsletter. You can also listen from www.AlaskaRealtors.com Tune in for great adventures in Real Estate and learn the latest news and information you need to prosper. Hear from Real Estate leaders from around Alaska and all over the country. What • • • • • • • will YOU hear in 2012? Presidents Report…Joni speaks…we listen! REALTOR Round Table…STATE of Real Estate…Around the State Monthly Motivational Speakers…Stay on TOP!! FEATURED REALTOR…monthly conversations with YOU! National NEWS from NAR! SALES strategies and TIPS to push you over the TOP! LISTEN WHILE YOU WORK on your smartphone,pad or pc Alaska Real Estate Podcast…The Greatest Show on EARTH!! www.AlaskaPodcast.net Sponsored by: AHFC ~ AKUSA Mortgage ~ AKUSA Title Agency ALASKA ESCROW AND TITLE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. KETCHIKAN 2030 SEA LEVEL DRIVE, STE 201 PO BOX 5040 KETCHIKAN, ALASKA 99901 (907) 225-9077 FAX: (907) 225-9076 JUNEAU 8800 GLACIER HWY, STE 102 JUNEAU, ALASKA 99801 (907) 789-1161 FAX: (907) 789-1159 COMPLETE TITLE INSURANCE AND ESCROW SERVICES FOR SOUTHEAST ALASKA February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 19 newsletter2.indd 19 1/20/2012 11:01:18 AM Alaska Chapter Council of Residential Specialists 3340 Arctic Blvd. Suite 101 • Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Earn the CRS Designation The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation is the professional Designation offered by the Council of Residential Specialists. The CRS Designation is the highest professional designation awarded to REALTORS® in the residential sales field. Fewer than 5 percent of all REALTORS® hold this designation. By Vivian Coleman, CRS Alaska CRS Chapter President Prudential Jack White Vista RE Anchorage W elcome to the new year of 2012 wherein comes a new President, myself, and a new President-elect, Lonnie Logan of Re?MAX. The other members of our 2012 CRS team include Secretary Eva Loken of Prudential Jack White Vista/Eagle River, Education Chair Cecelia Nims of Prudential Jack White Vista/Anchorage, Connie Giddings of RE/MAX, Treasurer Dale Lamoreux of Keller Williams, Public Relations/Advertising Chair, and Denny Wood of Keller Williams is the Chairperson for Membership as well as the head of the Broker Partnership Program. Peter Jarratt of RE/MAX is Chairperson for the CRS Website and Technology, Cheri Marston of Prudential Jack White Vista/Anchorage is Chairperson of Programs and Events; and new to the Sponsorship Chair is Gordon Sloan of RE/MAX. Other board members include Gary Gearhart, Erin Eker, Beth Simpson, Anita Bates (who is also on the Real Estate Commission Board), Jerrie Duffy of Fairbanks, Honey Bee Anderson of Juneau, Febra Hensley of Soldotna, Angie Newby of Homer, Lisa Conner, our esteemed Past President and our wonderful Regional Vice President, Janelle Pfleiger. This is one hard working board, as many of the Chairs have been working on the committees that make things happen for the local and state CRS members. Our out-of-town CRS members come to Anchorage for some of the great classes and Homer has sponsored educational classes as well. I would like to start out with a huge thank you to Peggy Kelly, a former president of the Alaska CRS Chapter, who convinced me that joining CRS would be good for my business. It was and still is one of my greatest resources for educational training classes and webcasts. It helped me burst through 20 Alaska REALTOR® • February 2012 newsletter2.indd 20 that attitude, of “just getting by…enough to pay the mortgage…make car payments and a vacation or two every year, etc.” After joining CRS, I still did not take it seriously. It wasn’t until Janelle Pfleiger and Helen Jarratt asked me to join the board that I really learned why CRS was good for every Realtor. It was not just for educational purposes, but the credentials to others in the business of being a Certified Residential Specialist meant being the best professional was important. It is important if your career is being a real estate licensee. It is the difference between being a high school graduate and getting your GED. You might learn the material but you don’t get the lessons and insights along the way. For me, I could not learn enough about being the best in technology, quality listing presentations, and quality buyer presentations. When I joined, five percent of the real estate population was a member of this wonderful group. CRS real estate classes are designed to get you to the top, to be one of the best professionals, so no matter what the economic conditions, you will still be in business, doing what you love (selling homes to the young and old alike), for as long as you want to. Because being a part of the Alaska State Chapter of CRS means giving back to the community, I want to say thank you to the Anchorage Board of Realtors. They have allowed us to sell tickets at their functions and split the pot. One hundred percent of our proceeds go to Kid’s Kitchen, a place for children to have a hot meal every day after school. Elgin Jones started Kid’s Kitchen on his own. It is one of the best places to actively give back to the community. Finally, I am happy to announce that our first educational class will be April 5-6, CRS 202: Effective Buyer Sales Strategies, presented by Richard Sands, CRS. 1/20/2012 11:01:19 AM Leadership Conference Highlights T he Alaska Association of REALTORS® recently held their annual leadership conference at the BP Energy Center in Anchorage. This year’s conference featured motivational speaker Matt Jones along with Region 12 Vice President Gail Hartnett, Senator Joe Thomas, Senator Kevin Meyer and Lobbyist Denny DeWitt. Thank you to Don and Katie McKenzie for host- L-R: Gabe Stephan, Eva Loken, Krystal Rogers & Anita ing the leadership donner in their home and thank Bates participate in a mock hearing. you to Teresa Burnett with HSA Home Warranty for sponsoring the dinner. In conjunction with the conference, Diane Mosely with the National Association of REALTORS Policy Division conducted a one-day Professional Standards training. L-R: Connie Bates, Uli Johnson, Becky Brewer and Michael Droege participate in a mock hearing. Guest Speaker Matt Jones with 2012 AAR President Joni Schneider. L-R: Senator Joe Thomas, Don McKenzie and Senator Kevin Meyer. 2012 Alaska Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors: L-R; Chris Story, April Frick, Dave Somers, Eva Loken, Paula Laird, Debbie Murphy, Errol Champion, Cora Carleson, Joni Schneider, Les Crane, Kevin Cross, Kathy Westerberg, Helen Jarratt, Michael Droege, Janice Strong, Regional Vice President Gail Hartnett and Don McKenzie. February 2012 • Alaska REALTOR® 21 newsletter2.indd 21 1/20/2012 11:01:32 AM Carol Dopkin Real Estate is celebrating 29 years in business and boasts an impeccable reputation throughout Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley of western Colorado. Carol’s slogan “you’ll love the attention” epitomizes the relationship she maintains with her clients. To benefit from the suite of services that Carol enjoys, contact your HOMES & LAND Publisher. HL7131 newsletter2.indd 22 1/20/2012 11:01:33 AM Maximum Reach Better Presentation Our print and online solutions reach the largest possible audience of homebuyers and sellers. Our diverse marketing tools help you reach homebuyers at the right time, with the right presentation. • Quality Magazine • HomesAndLand.com • Syndication to Over 20 Sites • Targeted Direct Mail Programs • Mobile Devices • Automatic Virtual Tours • Personal Website • Digital Magazine • Featured Listings • Custom Listing Flyers • Magazine Requests Stand Out More Impact Per Dollar Differentiate yourself from online-only agents and show home sellers how their property can stand out in a crowded marketplace. We’re confident no one delivers more impact and value for your marketing dollar. • Win Listings • Client Contact Program • Build Your Personal Brand More Time for Clients By consolidating your marketing, you have more time to provide important services and build client relationships. Generate Leads, Win Listings & Build Your Personal Brand. HL7141 newsletter2.indd 23 1/20/2012 11:01:36 AM PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, PERMIT #262 Alaska Association of REALTORS® 4205 Minnesota Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99503 (907)563- 7133 (907)561- 1779 newsletter2.indd 24 1/20/2012 11:01:38 AM