Dixie Care and Share Christmas Dinner

Message from Larry & Lonnie………

We would like to thank everyone who was involved with the Dixie Care & Share Christmas Dinner. Those of you who cooked Turkeys, Dressing and Pumpkin Squares made it possible for us to serve approximately 1200 people a hot turkey dinner. Those of you who took time out of Christmas Day to volunteer at the Dixie Center were ALL amazing. Thank you so much for helping out wherever it was needed.

It’s a great challenge and a lot of work to put a dinner like this together but with the help of all the volunteers, it was a pleasure to be involved in such a wonderful event.

All of you are greatly appreciated.

Happy New Year and God Bless,

Lonnie & Larry Thamert

New Changes to the MLS System

 1.  Listing Syndication
                      All MLS listings are now syndicated through Point 2 to over 35 sites.  This greatly expands the availability of agents to market their listings to the nation.

  2.  Green MLS
                      Agents are now able to show when their listings have one of three national certificates/designations: National Association of Home Builders, Energy Star and/or LEED.  When the agent checks one of these boxes on the MLS data input, the certificate must be uploaded to the MLS. 

Information on these certificates/designations can be found on the MLS.

Real Estate Today Radio now airing in St. George/Cedar City

Click the "i" above to access a pdf of Frequently Asked Questions

In January of last year, the National Association of REALTORS® announced the national launch of a weekly two-hour talk radio show, Real Estate Today. I am pleased to inform you that the show is now airing in your local market on 105.7 FM KWBR, Saturday and Sundays from 11-1 p.m. (Sa) 2-5 p.m. (Su)

Real Estate Today aims to build consumer confidence in the market and in the long-term value of real estate; show consumers why REALTORS® are the most credible, trusted source of real estate information; and convince them that using a REALTOR® when buying, selling, or investing in real estate is the smartest decision they can make.

The show offers a number of benefits and opportunities for your local association members. We’ve created a Real Estate Today resource section on REALTOR.org that explains more about the show and can help you explain the benefits of the program to your members.

In addition, I’ve attached some talking points for your reference. You can also listen to any of the past radio shows at www.RETRadio.com.

If you have any questions about the show itself, please contact Stephen Gasque at 202-383-1172 or sgasque@realtors.org.

Best wishes,
Michelle

Michelle D. Wardlaw
Public Affairs Associate
National Association of Realtors®
Washington, DC

Great Information Shared by Linda Higgins

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to increase sales through new media, then mark your calendar to attend The Shift Summit on Jan. 19, 2011, at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City from 2 to 5 p.m. The Utah Association of REALTORS® is partnering with Love Communications to provide three hours of training on marketing strategies using new media tools like Facebook, Twitter, blogs, geolocation, LinkedIn and YouTube. Local and national new media experts will provide the fast-paced training.

Click the information Icon for more details or to register.
UAR members can get a $20 discount off the $100 dollar registration cost by typing in the promotional code “UAR.” Space is extremely limited so make sure to sign up as soon as possible. This is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to improve their online marketing and social media presence. Register at ShiftSummit.org.

WCBR Annual Christmas Party

What a great group that showed up to the annual WCBR Christmas party at the Dixie Center on the 3rd! Thanks to Nisi Maile and the Programs and Socials Committee for putting a great venue, meal, and entertainment program together.

 The ‘volunteers’ that had the guts to go up on stage knew they were potential victims…… and they still did it! We had a lot of fun at their expense, didn’t we? Thanks Roger, Mike, and Amber!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May the Holidays bring you happiness and joy, and the New Year great success!

Realtors raised large contribution for "Coins For Kids"!!!!

The Washington County Board of REALTORS Community Relations Committee represented by President Rand McCullough presents a check to COINS FOR KIDS representative Greg Basso in the amount of $950.00. Also pictured, Director Jack Scott and President Elect Cindy Campbell.

 
 
 
 
We also need to give a lot of credit to Annette Williamsen of Coldwell Banker, the WCBR Community Relations Chairwoman, for getting the cans out to the offices and the enthusiasm way up! She was not present for the photo but was very important in the results! THANKS ANNETTE!

Local REALTOR Honored as Entrepreneur of the Year

(St. George, Ut – December 2) Debbie Heisler, a Washington County REALTOR, has been awarded the 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Washington County Women’s Council of REALTORS Chapter. This annual award recognizes a REALTOR member who fully exercises their potential as an entrepreneur and real estate industry leader, and who shares their time, talent and expertise with others in the profession and in the community.

Debbie hails to us from upstate New York, was the 2009 WCR President, has been a REALTOR for over 10 years and holds her GRI designation. She is a major multi-tasker, very intuitive, very organized, and contributes her success to coaching her clients thoroughly through the real estate process. She is extremely cyber-savvy and created our WCRWASHCO website. She has volunteered for the Jubilee of Trees, Coins for Kids, KW Cares, Reality Stores in High Schools, as well as many WCR fundraising events.

Debbie’s warm personality, unconditional mentoring, and service to others is inspiring

Local LENDER Honored as Member of the Year

St. George, Utah – December 2, 2010) Stacy Spendlove, a Senior Home Loan Specialist with Southwest Community Credit Union for 25 years, has been awarded the 2010 Member of the Year Award by the Washington County Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS (WCR). This annual award recognizes a volunteer who has made a notable contribution to the life of the chapter by sharing their time, talent and expertise with others in the profession and in the community.

Stacy has been 2010 Ways & Means Chair for WCR and has helped them raise funds and awareness for the Dove Center, Habitat for Humanity, etc., through WCR’s Annual SOLD-OUT Fashion Show, Luau, Sock Hop and other charitable events. Her creative talents and endless energy helped WCR achieve their lofty 2010 goals. She has also lent her talents to the Jubilee of Trees for the past 25 years, as well as serving as President for the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women for the past 2 years.

She has 3 grown sons and loves living in the country with her dogs, Molly and Charlie.

HOLIDAY GALA AND INSTALLATION DINNER A HUGE SUCCESS!.......

The Washington County Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS Christmas Gala is always one of the most anticipated holiday events of the year. Recently held at the Bloomington Country Club, WCR treated it's members and their guests to delicious fare, a fabulous silent auction, and live entertainment from the incredible piano talents of Heidi Skinner and outstanding vocals of Tammy Houchen. Platinum Sponsor, Tim Bertie, headed up WCR's LIVE auction, and the bidding began with fabulous prizes donated by Dillard's and other WCR members. 
See all the pictures by clicking here

2010 President, Kathy Vause, announced that it's local Chapter was now officially the largest Chapter in the State of Utah, and she thanked her 2010 Board for their combined talents and generous support which contributed to this outstanding achievement. WCR is a National network of REALTORS with more than 16,000 members.

The evening’s spotlight was on the new 2011 Governing Board, as Beth Tolbert, National and Local Past President installed the organization's new officers; Jodi White, President; Becky Jones, President Elect; Sue Hahn, VP/Membership; Tammy Houchen, Secretary; Sandy Thompson, Treasurer; Stacy Spendlove, Ways and Means; Pat Showalter, PR/Marketing; Sarah Border, Programs/Education; Claudia Hansen, Sponsorships; Cheri Kaye, Hospitality; Debbie Heisler, Technology/Website; Debbie Hartman, Affiliate Memberships and Kathy Vause, Nominating Committee.

WCR 2009 Past President, Debbie Heisler, was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year; and Ways and Means’ Chair, Stacy Spendlove, was chosen as Member of the Year. WCR congratulates Jodi White and her 2011 Governing Board and looks forward to another outrageous year!

See all the photos by clicking here

If you would like more information or would like to join The Women's Council of Realtors®  contact:

SUE HAHN

TOLBERT & NIELSEN REALTY GROUP,

Cell - (435) 632-9262

suehahn1@msn.com

YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!!

Giving Back Makes you Feel GOOD!!!!!

The Community Relations Committee is inviting all WCBR membership and their families to support Dixie Care & Share and the Salvation Army this holiday season by volunteering to help out with this year’s Annual Christmas Dinner Dec. 25th.  For more detailed information or to volunteer please contact Larry or Lonnie Thamert, Prudential St. George Realty, directly by email -  LT@LarryandLonnie.com or by phone 435-668-6178.

We Need Volunteers To:

1) Sort Christmas Toys for the kids on December 22nd at 2:00 P.M. Location to be announced.


2) Help Christmas Day at the dinner between 9:30 A.M. to around 5:00P.M. Shifts are no longer than 3 hours so that folks aren’t away from home and family too long.

3) Cook turkeys- Dixie Care & Share will provide turkeys, pans and containers for the drippings for gravy. Turkeys can be made in advance and delivered to DC&S or brought to the dinner Christmas Day (early!).

4) Cook Dressing- Pans will be provided

5) Cook Pumpkin Squares-Pans and recipe will be provided.

Noteworthy Information

A recent e-mail from County Commissioner Alan Gardner

The County could use the help of the realtor association and they would also provide an additional service to their clients.

The State Legislature passed a law years ago that gives the owner of a primary residence a 45% discount in their property tax over a non primary residence (2nd home). If a person has a rental that is rented and it is the primary residence of the renter it also qualifies for the 45% discount. In order for the owner to qualify they need to obtain a form from the Assessor’s office, fill it out and return it to them.

This is a law that is unique to Utah so an out of state buyer has no idea of it. Many instate buyers have no idea either. The Assessor’s office mails out these forms but often they get set aside or people don’t realize the importance of returning them. In that case they are assessed the full amount and it may be several years before they become aware of the situation and have paid several thousand in extra taxes. If realtors could make their buyers aware of the law and the need to fill out the form it could greatly help the situation.

We are going to make another effort to request this of the title companies also and ask them to have the form present at closing but if would help if the realtors would also make buyers aware.

Thanks for your help

Alan Gardner

County Commissioner

News From The Board Leadership Team!

Your Board Leadership Team just returned from the NAR Convention in New Orleans Monday night (Nov. 8th) and I wanted to highlight what the underlying theme of the whole conference was……. “Home Ownership Matters”. You’ll see this as the central theme to much of the Association’s Public Awareness Campaign for 2011, and here’s why: There are and will be a segment of the media and the government that has been and will be pushing the idea that ‘maybe it’s not the right time to own a home’…… They quote declining prices and troublesome mortgages as their main reasons; in addition the critics say, home owners are getting an unfair subsidy (the Mortgage Interest Deduction or MID); one that benefits only the rich.

Read the Full Article.....Click Here


Here’s what you, as Realtors® in Washington County and throughout Utah and the USA should be saying to everyone you talk to: There is NO Better Time to BUY…… It is Not Just Pricing that is the logic here, but the deeper reasoning, such as the feeling that your children get when they ‘come home’ (like you did when you were young….); the pride in a neighborhood of Home Owners, not home-renters; or, do you want to change the landscaping????....go ahead; and more ‘feelings’ just like it. If you own or have ever owned a home, you know the feeling; sell that feeling!


Here’s another few facts that you can quote. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist wrote: Government data show that home owners already pay 80–90 percent of the income tax in the United States, and almost two-thirds of those who take the deduction are middle-income earners. Our economy NEEDS homeowners.


We were able to participate in a multitude of meetings that helped decide the ongoing growth of the NAR and the Realtor Professionals that make it up. Realtors® are now about 1,100,000 strong and on a growth curve, not a decline. Not all areas of the nation are the same in regards to value and unit sales; we were in that top tier of growth in the boom, we are still in that same category in the bust, but we all know that we are pulling out of that slump. We see new homes being built; we see our sales boards fill up with new sales….yes, the values are lower, but the unit sales are strong. Keep up the good work.


In future updates I’ll touch on some other areas of the meetings that might interest you…. for now….. keep up the positive attitude; it’s showing!

Thanks to
J Rand McCullough
For providing this information

Giving Back to the Community is Contagious

On Thursday October 21st Sommer Bowler, President of the Board of Trustees, Michelle Hill and some friends of Habitat and members from the Family Selection Committee knocked on the Juett family’s door to tell them that they had been selected as the next Habitat family. Jonathan turned “green” but luckily he didn’t faint! They were all smiles as they were packed in a Suburban donated by Newby Buick to take the family out to see their Habitat home in LaVerkin. This will be Habitat’s 16th home in Washington County. It is a purchased foreclosed home that will be rehabilitated for the family. The Juett family was then given a tour of the house. They were so thrilled with the house in its existing condition, but updates are necessary.

The ground breaking ceremony was held Friday October 29th. Guests were invited to wear their jeans and start working on the home immediately after the ceremony. Several volunteers from the Army, Coldwell Banker, WCBR, Salisbury Homes and the community showed up to help begin the renovations. Jon and Amber are so enthusiastic about doing their part that they immediately starting working on their sweat equity hours. Already the home is starting to look like “home sweet home”.

Michelle Hill
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah
(435)674-7669

Thanks to Meri Crandall for sharing this story!

Check your pockets.....Its time for Coins for Kids!!!

Washington County Board of Realtors®

The WCBR Community Relations Committee is collecting donations of money for Coins for Kids.  Any donation amount is appreciated.  The deadline to donate is Dec. 6th.  Cans will be at the board office and all major brokerages.

Thank you for your generous donation!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

You are cordially invited to the Annual WCR (Women's Council of Realtors®) Holiday Gala & 2011 Installation

Tis the Season to Be Happy!!!

Thursday, Dec 2nd @ 6:00 pm
Bloomington Country Club

• Installation of Jodi White & her 2011 WCR Governing Board
• Amazing Silent Auction
• Outrageous Live Auction
• Gourmet Dinner
• Mesmerizing Entertainment

$10/Members.....$25/Non-Members

RSVP  Jodi White 229-0633

Pepsi Refresh Project

The SUHBA Southern Utah Green Build council has successfully submitted a grant idea for $25,000 to "Paint Our Red Rocks Green - Promote Sustainable Living in the Desert!"

The way this works is the public votes on all the grants submitted for October.  The Top Ten in this category will be awarded grant funds by the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Voting

• Vote by sending a text to 73774 with 102870 in the message.

We need your votes everyday!

The Washington County Board of Realtors is lending their group's support to the families of the two Washington County High School students who were tragically struck by lightning.

The Washington County Board of Realtors is lending their group's support to the families of the two Washington County High School students who were tragically struck by lightning in front of a local High School on October 5th.  The two boys were transported by Life Flight Air Ambulance to a Las Vegas Extreme Critical Care Burn Unit.  The Washington County Board of Realtors is urging all Local Realtors to make donations if possible to the two families of the injured boys.  The local office of Coldwell Banker Premier Realty is assisting this donation drive by accepting donations at their 157 East Riverside Drive office.  These donations should be made payable to Snow Canyon High School.  These much needed funds will be divided equally with the two families who have been impacted by this life changing lightening strike.  Thanks again.  We all know these accidents could have happened to anyone of us.  It is at times like this when communities can come together and create bonds that last a lifetime.

Realtors Elect New Officers

Installation for 2010-2011 officers and directors for the Washington County Board of  Realtors took place at the Dixie Convention Center on Sept. 16, 2010.  UAR National Director, Jim Brihghurst of Salt Lake City installed the new officers.  He said,"your Board and its executive officer Vardell Curtis are known throughout the state and nationally for the premier organization and quality of Realtors".  The Realtors have been huge contributors to Habitat for Humanity, Coins For Kids, Dixie Care & Share and numerous other Not for Profit groups.

Outgoing president, Kathy Nielsen passed the gavel to incoming president Rand McCullough, whose theme was "Climbing to New Heights".  His optimistic speech about the future of St. George housing was enthusiastically supported by 850 Realtors in Washington County.

"Our future is bright and though home values are down from previous years, we live in a very desirable community with weather and quality of life that will fuel the desire to live in Washington County".  His challenge was to climb to new heights and every individual can be better with their individual effort.

Education Committee Still Cranking

According to Meri Crandall, chairperson for the WCBR Education Committee, they are winding down their activities after a successful "School Daze" event for the board or Realtors at Desert Hills High School.

The committee is now focusing on the GRI classes and the ABR classes for the rest of the year. 

Meri's term as chair of this committee will be up in September, and she says "We are looking for someone to head up this committee."

If you are interersted in this position, please contact Meri or one of the board of directors. ( See the list of directors at the bottom of this page) 

Realtor Golf Event A Success

A donation of $6200 was given to the Dove Center
from the Golf Event.

Armed Service Members Have Extra Year for Home Buyer Tax Credit

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) wants members of the military, foreign service, and intelligence communities to know that they may have an additional year to buy a home and claim the home buyer tax credit, which expired to most Americans on April 30.

The law provides qualified service members who served on official extended duty outside of the United States for 90 days or more at any time between January 1, 2009, to April 30, 2010, another year to buy a home and claim the credit. They have until April 30, 2011, to sign a sales contract and until June 30, 2011, to settle and close on the home. Both the $8,000 first-time and $6,500 repeat home buyer tax credits are included in the rule.

“Congress recognized that many service members may have missed out on the home buyer tax credit due to being posted overseas,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. “It is only fitting that they be given another year to take advantage of this opportunity in appreciation of the sacrifices they have made serving our country.”

“Qualified service members” are defined as a member of the uniformed services of the United States military, a member of the Foreign Service of the United States, or an employee of the intelligence community.

The rule that requires buyers to repay the credit if they move out of their home within three years has also been waived for qualified service members if they have to sell their home due to receiving government orders for extended duty service.

NAHB provides information on the home buyer tax credit, including eligibility requirements and links to home buying resources, on its consumer website http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com./

Local Realtor® Is Serving The Children

Chantel Markel, Realtor® with Tolbert and Nielsen Realty Group, is involved in helping children find some peace in their lives by being active in the foster children programs of the Washington County area.

A wonderful article paying tribute to Chantel's efforts was published in the Spectrum.  To read the whole article go to:  http://www.thespectrum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201005060455/LIFESTYLE/100506003

We applaud Chantel as one of the exempelary agents doing good things apart from real estate in our community.

St George Housing Market Shows Signs of Recovery

A recent article in The Salt Lake noted that the real estate market in St. George and Washington County is showing sings of revovery.

To see the whole article click on this link: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_15046557?source=email

Real Estate Agents Compete In Race

St. George hosted the Ford Ironman St. George tri athlon competition and out of some 2,500 participants there were three who were local real estate agents.

Coldwell Banker wants to applaud not only the other athletes who put forth their best effort in the St. George Ironman by show ing courage and strength but also congratulate Greg Sampson and Brittany Dell, both of Coldwell Banker Premier, as well as Candice Calder, of River Realty, for taking part in the triath lon and showing that even real estate agents run the distance, swim the miles and bike the roads to get it done.
BY THE SPECTRUM & DAILY NEWS

LOCAL REALTOR® awarded SFR® Designation

KAY HANCOCK, GRI, ABR, SFR and Owner of Real Estate Professionals, was recently presented with her certificate for successfully fulfilling the educational and experiential requirements to earn the SFR (Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource). Kay Hancock came to St. George from the Roosevelt, Vernal area in 1984, and was licensed as a real estate agent with Green Valley Real Estate, selling condominiums at Green Valley Resort. In 1987 she started her own real estate company in St George, and is an exclusive buyer's broker 100% of the time. Prior to the start of her real estate career, Kay became an insurance agent with New York Life Insurance Company in 1977, and in the first year sold more than two million dollars worth of insurance to become a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table. In 1978 she received her Real Estate Broker's License and was the owner/broker for Labrum Real Estate full service offices in Roosevelt, Vernal and Richfield.


Kay was licensed as a Certified General Appraiser for Utah and Idaho, and was an Associate Member of the Appraisal Institute 1987 to 2005. She received her appraisal education through the Appraisal Institute taking classes in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Maryland, Texas, California, and Oregon. Kay also received her Idaho Brokers license through the College of Southern Idaho and opened her own office in Driggs, Idaho. She was also the broker for the Real Estate of Jackson Hole, in the Driggs office for over a year.

Active in community service over the years, Kay has been on the Dixie Health Care Foundation Board of Trustees, was involved in the formation of the Jubilee House, and served on the Roosevelt Area Chamber of Commerce as a member, director and Vice President. One of the original organizers of the Uintah Basin Board of Realtors, Kay received the Professional Image Award and the Top Investment Sales Person award from that Board. She was a member of the NY Life Star club, Top Club and the first Utah woman to become a member of the Woman's Leader's Round Table. She was licensed by the State of Utah as a Real Estate Instructor for over eight years. Kay and her husband have 5 children, 20 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. As a member of the LDS Church, Kay has served in many positions. She loves to play golf, dance, read and garden.

The SFR certification program includes training on how to manage short sale, foreclosure and estate-owned transactions. Contact the Washington County Board of Realtors for more information on designation courses at 628-7374.

Women's Council Auction Needs Businesses To Donate

The auction scheduled for the Women's Council of Realtors Fashion Show needs businesses to donate items that can be used for a silent auction.  Proceeds go to Habitat For Humanity.  Auction date is Sat. April 24, at Sun River.  Contact Marlene Ritzman at: marlene@equityutah.com

 

Time for the OPEN HOUSES in Washington County
will be from
11A.M. to 3 P.M.
WATCH FOR THE AD IN
THE SPECTRUM
or go to: http://www.sgtrends.com/
To See All the Homes Listed For The Open House

Local REALTOR® awarded SFR® Designation…

KIM JULIAN with REMAX FIRST REALTY, was recently presented with his certificate for successfully fulfilling the educational and experiential requirements to earn the SFR (Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource) Designation. Kim has dedicated over thirty years of his life to the real estate industry, earning multiple professional designations, including CRS (Certified Residential Specialist, GRI (Graduate of Realtor Institute), ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), and E-Pro (techniques for evaluating and using Internet tools). Additionally, Kim is trained to assist home owners in assessing their options when faced with difficulties in making their home loan payments. Kim has served as a past president of the Washington County Board of REALTORS, and is currently an Associate Broker with Remax First Realty in St. George. The SFR certification program includes training on how to manage short sale, foreclosure and estate-owned transactions. It also provides resources to help Realtors stay current on national and state-specific information as the distressed home market evolves. Sellers who are left no choice but to go after short sales can also benefit from the knowledge and insight that an SFR-certified REALTOR can provide. Contact the Washington County Board of REALTORS at 435-628-7374 to learn more about upcoming designation courses in 2010.

Town Meeting For Realtors

The Washington County Board of REALTORS is very pleased to announce a special Town Hall Meeting with Derek B. Miller, Managing Director for the Governor's Office of Economic Development. You may recognize Derek as having previously served as the Director of the Utah Division of Real Estate. His tremendous efforts while serving in that capacity continue to benefit us today in the real estate industry. Derek is often introduced by Governor Herbert as "one of three members of his Economic Dream Team." You are invited to come see why the Governor appointed Derek to lead the way.

Derek will be able to spend a little time with us on Thursday, April 8th beginning at 2:00 p.m. His remarks will be focused on the Mission of the Governor's Office on Economic Development and specifically, what factors relocating companies look for when considering Utah. He will also let us know how we, as a State, compare to others and he will advise us specifically on how we, as REALTORS, can engage in promoting economic development.

All interested WCBR Members are invited to attend this meeting with Derek Miller and learn just how his "real estate" experience comes into play with the economic development of not only the State of Utah generally but also Southern Utah specifically. An RSVP is not required but it will aid us in making sure we have adequate meeting space prepared. Please let us know if you intend to attend. Thanks!

WHEN - Thursday, April 8, 2010, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE - Washington County Board of REALTORS Office

Where's The Photo? No Pic, No Flex!

A Memo from the MLS Committee

PHOTOGRAPHS - A minimum of one photo is already a required field under the current policy. However, effective immediately, new listings in the system will not be activated until the photo is actually downloaded and a part of the listing data entry.

Commercial properties will be exempted from this policy due to the very confidential nature that sometimes is associated with listings of this type.

LISTINGS OF DEACTIVATED or SUSPENDED AGENTS - Our existing MLS Rules & Procedures Manual addresses the procedure in dealing with listings should a Brokerage become suspended, deactivated, or otherwise cease to function as a real estate entity. However, the policy is unclear should an individual agent find themselves, for whatever reason, unable to maintain their status as a REALTOR Member. Therefore, the MLS Committee has expanded the policy to include a procedural cure when this circumstance presents itself. (Section 1.16)

Realtors® To Present “FOLLOW YOUR STAR” FASHION SHOW

The St. George Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® would like to invite you to their 3rd Annual Fashion Show & Luncheon Gala, “Follow Your Star”, benefiting Habitat for Humanity, as well as the scholarship fund and leadership education for the local chapter. This exclusive gala will be held at the Sun River Ball Room on Saturday, April 24th at 11:30 A.M. Hosted by Celebrity Emcee "Robynne from Star 98FM Soft Rock, WCR’s Fashion Show Benefit will provide live entertainment, and will include opportunity drawings for incredible prizes and a silent auction. Bring your friends and family and enjoy an elegant luncheon, gourmet dessert bar, and fabulous fashions provided by Dillard's. Space is limited, so please make your reservations early at (435) 574-3433. Don’t delay, as this event has sold out two years running. Individual tickets are $20, or you may purchase a table of 8 for $144 ($18 each). The members of WCR contribute time, talent and financial resources, building a partnership of agents assisting those in need of a helping hand.

Release of New Affiliate Directory

The Washington County Board of REALTORS® Affiliates Committee is proud to announce the release of their Third Edition Affiliate Directory, available NOW at the Board Office. The 2010 Directory not only showcases those affiliates who support your businesses, but presents some colorful new features - a table of contents page, quick reference numbers, and includes picturesque landscapes of St George, it’s golf courses and surrounding areas.

In addition to the Directory, the Affiliates Committee has designed a new tri-fold brochure, which is a condensed version of the Directory, listing all Board affiliates without their ads. A place setting has been provided for your business card or sticker. In addition to the Affiliate Directory, this brochure is a handy marketing tool for use in Realtor listing packages and is being distributed to all the Real Estate brokerages by the Affiliates Committee members. Additional copies have been placed in all of the Brokerages boxes at the Board Office.

Realtors, please continue to encourage your favorite vendors who have provided valuable services to your business in becoming affiliate members. We need to continue to grow our Affiliate membership, which is a benefit to us all. - Linda Mattson, Chair, Sandy Thompson, Co-Chair/Affiliate Committee.

Invite Other Professionals To Be At The Open House

The Public Relations Committee met on March 23rd and agreed that it would be a great enhancement to the STATEWIDE OPEN HOUSE if those who will be holding houses open would invite a professional for some other sector of the real estate business to be at the homes with the agents; For example, a title officer, a lender, a home inspector, a CPA, or real estate attorney to help answer questions from the public and to help draw a bigger crowd to the event.

It was decided that each individual agent would be responsible for inviting the professional of his or her choice to the open house.  The local advertising for the Statewide Open House will make reference to professionals for other disciplines being at the homes, but will not say which ones will be where.