Welcome to the Washington County Utah Board of Realtors® Blog

It is our hope that WCBR members will use this blog to gather information and to comment on things of interest in our industry.
Please add your comments. Thanks!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

2012 Tour Schedule

Here it is!  The 2012 Open House Tour Schedule.  Included in this schedule you will find all of the outlying areas that will now be included as a visual presentation along with the weekly tour!  To the right of each tour that is scheduled you will find the outlying area(s) included for that week.
This schedule can also be found by logging into your flexmls account.  Go to Daily Functions, MLS Intranet cick on Tour Information and Tour Schedule.  Print from there!

Call Linda Higgins at the Board Office if you have any questions or e-mail her at
with your listing requests!


Monday, September 19, 2011

On to 2012.wmv



This video is to say THANKS to all of the Washington County Board of Realtors Committee chairs and their Members, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee for such an OUTSTANDING JOB just takin' care of business for our Members this past year! And THANKS for your support of me and my questionable ideas.... Take a few minutes and give a look.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Election Results 2011-12

WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS


 
2011-2012 WCBR Election Results


The election process as defined by the Bylaws of the Washington County Board of REALTORS has now been completed with the following election results for your information.

Joining President Cindy Campbell, Treasurer Sam Haslem, Immediate Past President Rand McCullough, Director Meri Crandall and Director Jack Scott will be:


President Elect Craig Morley

Director Susan Hansen

Director Lorin Nielsen

Director Larry Thamert

Congratulations to those individuals who have been elected to serve. All will be formally installed as local board officers and directors on Thursday, September 15th during the monthly luncheon at the Dixie Center. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation for all candidates who cared enough about our Association to commit to being included on this years ballot.
® 1070 W 1600 S Street Suite A101 St. George, Utah 84770 (435) 628-7374 Fax (435) 634-1113 9/12/2011

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Podcast #32 HAFA Updates

UAR podcast connection header
HAFA Updates
The U.S. Treasury Department has made new changes to the short sale process as outlined in the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program. Learn what the changes are in this week's Podcast Connection.
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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Message from Ron Phipps'


FROM THE PRESIDENT
New Leaders, New Passion
A new class of NAR leaders will be meeting in Chicago next week for Leadership Summit. It's a time when we draw upon the talent, experience, and wisdom of REALTORS® across the country, not only for the betterment of the association but of home owners, renters, and all who need shelter. Volunteer leaders put their entire hearts into their roles. When we talk about a Call for Action or work we're doing to forward home ownership, we're able to do it with the passion and energy that fresh leadership provides every year.
Hear more in Ron Phipps' latest President's Podcast >

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Supra Upgrade for Blackberry

A message from SUPRA

Dear Supra Customers,

Fannie Mae has informed its listing brokers and Asset Management Providers (AMPs) that, effective July 1, 2011, “an electronic lockbox must be used if available in [the] area.”

Fannie Mae instructs that the electronic lockbox should be placed in a primary location such as the front door to market a property.

Fannie Mae appraisers, contractors, inspectors and employees will access the property using a mechanical combination lockbox that is placed in a secondary location such as a back or side door. However, Fannie Mae specifically informs its brokers and AMPs that buyer’s agents and buyer’s lenders are not permitted to use the mechanical combination lockbox.

Fannie Mae’s action should increase the use of electronic lockboxes and discourage code sharing. For more information, please refer to Fannie Mae’s FAQs, located here.

Sincerely yours,

The Supra Team

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

There is a new website http://www.embracingourheroes.com/ which is a new
 website put up to support our families and soldiers in our area.  It offers
 different resources and information for the families as well as information
 to the community about those in this area who serve.


Airport Update

A resolution amending airport rates and charges for long term parking
 at the terminal building was approved at $2/day or $60/month.  The daily
 rate is $4/day.  The airport will begin charging for parking on July 1,  2011.

Information source: WCBR Government Affairs Committe

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Women's Council Of Realtors ® Fashion Show

Check out the pictures (available for sale) of the Fantastic
Fashion Show Event that raised money for "Hope Pregnancy Center"

Click Here to View the Pictures

Friday, April 29, 2011

Podcast #15

In this week's Podcast Connection, get the latest information about real estate market conditions from President-elect Lori Chapman. See what's happening statewide with inventory, sales and prices. Watch the video below to learn more.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Podcast #13 February Statistics

In this week's Podcast Connection, get the latest information about real estate market conditions in Utah. The February data includes information about homes sales, the median sales price, inventory levels and more.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Watch NAR President Ron Phipps in a New Video

BROKERS FORUM

Our next BROKERS FORUM is scheduled for Thursday, March 24th at 10:00 a.m. Are there any issues or items that you would like to see added to the agenda?  Please let me know your ideas and suggestions at your earliest convenience.

Thanks!

Vardell H Curtis, RCE
Chief Executive Officer
Washington County Board of REALTORS
1070 West 1600 South, Suite A101
St.George, Utah    84770
Office 1-435-628-7374
Fax 1-435-634-1113
Cell 1-435-632-0240

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Podcast #6- Code of Ethics Changes


In this week's Podcast Connection, Peter Christensen, UAR legal counsel, explains the 2011 updates to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Click to see the video now!

NAR Works for YOU, Posted by Ron





Upcoming Continuing Education Classes

March 17th and 18th Get 16 CE hours on technology at the GRI 200 class, "Making Technology Work for You", taught by Dan Walker from Salt Lake City.  Class hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm both days.  Early Bird sign-up cost is $100 NOW through March 4th, then $125 until start of class.  Audit the class for $75.  Register at the Board Office today!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Get Your Tickets Now!!!!!

St George Area  PARADE OF HOMES
WCBR members may purchase tickets at the Board Office.
Buy 10 or more and pay $10.00 each
Realtor passes are $10.00 – one per Realtorhttp://www.paradehomes.com/

Homes open daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
February 18th – 27th, 2011 (closes at 5 pm February 27th)

Visit – www.ParadeHomes.com for more details



Thursday, February 3, 2011

2011 RPAC Rally Ride!

Come Support the
2011 RPAC Rally Ride!


Your RPAC donation of $1000 or more will entitle you to the premier 2011 RPAC event! Ride your motorcycle, drive your convertible, or cruise in your sedan.
You do not want to miss this event!

When: Wednesday, June 8 – Friday, June 10

Where: Sandy, St. George, Zion’s National Park, Park City 

Who: All REALTOR® members are invited to attend with a minimum donation of $1000 to RPAC. Affiliate members are also invited to attend with a minimum donation of $1,500 to RPAC. (Only 15 affiliate spots are available.)

Schedule: Wednesday, June 8: Meet at the REALTOR® Campus in Sandy and be ready to hit the road at 10 am sharp! Riders will drive beautiful byways while heading south to St. George where the Washington County Board of REALTORS® will host a reception at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, June 9: Riders will enjoy a hot and hearty breakfast at the Washington County Board starting at 7 am. Kick stands up at 8 am for a scenic drive through Southern Utah and Zion’s National Park. Riders will continue north to Park City for dinner and lodging at the Canyons Resort.

Friday, June 10: Riders will depart Park City and return to the REALTOR® Campus in Sandy where brunch will be served.  (For those members who serve on the UAR board of directors, meetings will begin after brunch.)

Meals: Each rider who signs up for the rally will be provided lunch and dinner on June 8, breakfast, lunch, and dinner June 9, and brunch June 10.

Lodging: Various condos have been offered for our use in St. George the night of June 8. The UAR is coordinating lodging for those interested in staying at one of these condos. Otherwise, riders are responsible for their own housing.  Thursday, June 9, riders will stay in Park City at the Silverado Lodge, which is part of the Canyons Resort.

Fuel: Riders will be given cash to help cover fuel costs. The rally will make multiple pit stops along the route for gas and snack breaks.

Sponsorships: Sponsorships for the rally are available. For more information, please contact Megan Brimhall at 801-676-5200 or megan@utahrealtos.com.

An envoy will accompany the riders to ensure all personal effects are transported with the riders. For further questions about the rally, please contact:

UAR President, Kenny Parcell at 801-636-0222 or kenny@kennyparcell.com 
UAR RPAC Fundraising Chair, Gary Cannon at 801-573-8282 or garycannon@remax.net

CCIM Course offering

The CCIM Chapter of Utah is sponsoring the CI 101 Course.  The course will be held at the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS Campus in Sandy UT and provides CE credit.   Details are as provided below – registration info is hyperlinked in the body of the message.

Will you kindly include the information in your media publications to your members for the weeks remaining until March 4th.  If you are aware of commercial brokers in the area who are not members of your board could you please forward me their contact information.

Thank you for your continued support and participation!!


CCIM 101 Course — Financial Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate, March 4-5 & 7-9
Increase your knowledge and increase your earnings! CI-101 serves as your introduction to the CCIM designation education. Learn to apply the CCIM Cash Flow Model to make your investment decisions based on wise investment fundamentals. This class will also introduce two other important tools—the CCIM Strategic Analysis Model, and the CCIM Decision-Making Model. Join highly experienced instructor and   collaborate with other students in small class setting.  For more information and registration, click here. CE Credit



C. Hilea Walker
CCIM Education CoChair



Another Informative Video from "The Real Estate News Channel"

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

LEARN MORE ABOUT POINT2!

As a member of the Washington County Board of REALTORS®, Point2 is happy to bring you a FREE live webinar, presented by one of Point2's very own Solutions Specialists. The best part is, you can login from your home or office computer!
This informative session, "Point2 Listing Syndication and Online Marketing", will outline the many benefits provided to you through Point2. Also, you'll be able to ask any questions about Point2 you might have during the live question-and-answer period.
The details of this event are as follows:
Sign-up:
Thursday, February 10th, 2011
9:00AM -10:00AM MSTClick here to register for this presentation!
If you are unable to attend this session, please check back here for future presentations for your Association.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Introducing the Utah Association of REALTORS® Podcast Connection

The Utah Association of REALTORS® is pleased to roll out a new membership newsletter, the UAR Podcast Connection. This new series of podcasts is designed to keep you informed about the legal, legislative and market trends affecting REALTORS®. We’ll also keep you updated on the latest Association news.
Our first podcast introduces the volunteers who will be serving in UAR leadership this year. We hope you enjoy learning about them and staying informed about Utah real estate news through this new communication tool.


                                              Click to see the first Podcast

Thursday, January 13, 2011

You’re invited to REALTOR® Day at the Legislature 2011

Friday, February 25, 2011
South Towne Expo Center and Utah State Capitol

Join the Utah Association of REALTORS® on Feb. 25 for a day of education and networking. This year, the annual REALTOR® Day at the Legislature event will begin with presentations at the South Towne Expo Center, including a speech by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, and will conclude with a luncheon with legislators at the Capitol Rotunda.
The event is free to all UAR members. Members must register by Feb. 18 or before the event is sold out, whichever comes first. REALTORS® are encouraged to register for both the education and luncheon well in advance as space is extremely limited this year.
Schedule
8 a.m. - Check-in/breakfast begins at the South Towne Expo Center (Room 300A-300D)

9-11 a.m. -
Education presentations

11:20 a.m.
- Shuttle busses leave Expo Center
(Note: Parking is extremely limited at the Capitol during the legislative session. All attendees are strongly encouraged to ride the shuttle busses to ensure they are able to participate in the luncheon.)
Noon - Luncheon at Capitol Rotunda

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

2010 4th Quarter Report on Commercial Real Estate in Southern Utah

2010 brought many changes to the real estate community. There were changes in the lending environment, bank regulations, inventory/pricing, and investor confidence. With all those changes things came together during the later part of the year and the 4Q brought some positive hopeful news. My office saw a significant increase in sales and leasing activity, as did significant parts of the market. Some of our larger neighboring communities have seen Banks get more aggressive about selling product and getting a fresh start in 2011. Some areas have seen a bit of speculative construction beginning to happen and several major business announcements took place.Here’s hoping that it will continue forward in to 2011!
Click on the above image to see the 2010 4th Quarter Market Report
 You will find new business announcements, vacancy and absorption figures, leasing rates, and other helpful information. For the most part there was some positive absorption and rates held steady for the first time in 6-7 quarters.
On the residential side we continue to see a number of properties going into a notice of default status and also foreclosure. The Good news is that these properties are being priced right by the Lenders and are moving at a rapid pace. There continues to be strong Buyer demand and some ability to get these properties financed. commercial tends to trail residential real estate.


Wes G. Davis, MBA, MCRE
Sr. Vice President of Sales and Leasing
243 E St. George Blvd. Suite 200St. George, UT 84790
Office: (435) 628-1609
Fax: (435) 627-5706

Thursday, January 6, 2011

ST. George Area Parade Of Homes

Make plans now to attend the 2011 St. George Area Parade of Homes and you will find this event to be unlike any other! The housing industry has been faced with tremendous challenges in recent years, but our message is the Southern Utah housing industry, including thousands of building professionals, are enduring and continue to build high quality homes that contribute to a beautiful community!
February 18-27, 2011