January eNewsletter
A publication by the Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS® Issue XIII 2020
A Message from the President
Dear REALTOR® Family,

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and were able to spend some quality time with your friends and family celebrating the holiday season.  

As 2019 comes to a close, many of us will reflect on the highs and lows of the year while focusing on our goals set for the new year.

What are you goals for 2020? Some of my personal goals include; more time for myself (this makes my list every year), more service to my community, and finally to take a long overdue vacation. 

As we wrap up 2019, I would like to thank everyone who helped with our Annual Children’s Christmas Party. There are so many components to this event and without all of you we could not pull it off!

Thank you to the Special Events Committee for the planning, and to SARCF for raising funds to serve the needs of the children. Thank you also to all of our shoppers, wrappers, decorators, photographers, station captains, Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, the Grinch and all of our chaperones.

I know the children who attended this year's party will feel its impact for the whole year. The love and compassion that is shown by our members and community partners makes me so proud to be part of such an amazing association. 

Please mark you calendars for our monthly General Membership Meetings throughout 2020. Our January 8th General Membership Meeting will feature City Mayors from Aumsville, Keizer, Salem, Silverton and Stayton. This will be a great way to get updates on these areas so we can better serve our clients. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Happy New Year!

-Judy Gysin 
In this issue...

TOP STORY: New MVAR Blog
2020 Dues
GMM Mayors' Update
Upcoming Classes & Events
Committee Chair Updates
Letter from the Executive Officer
New Members & Affiliates
OAR & NAR Updates
Thank You to our Sponsors
Industry News
Top Story
Be in the know by following our blog!

Since not everything can be squeezed into our monthly newsletter, and we have so many cool and interesting things happening, we launched a blog. The most recent posts are conveniently displayed on the front page of our MVAR website and all posts can be found here at this link:

I've paid my dues!

Bonus points (or swag while it lasts) for those who have paid their dues already. But if you haven't paid yet, don't despair, there's still time.* Questions? Read our blog post, "5 Top Benefits of Paying Your Dues." Be among the majority of REALTORS® who can say, #Ivepaidmydues


4 Ways to Pay!
(Dues remain the same at $619.00)

1) Call us and speak with our friendly payment angel Cheryl. 503-540-0081 ext.101
2) Mail dues to P.O Box 4114, Salem OR 97302
3) Pay online here
4) Stop by our office to pay and pick up some swag (while supplies last).

Breakdown: Local $149.00, State $285.00, National $185.00

* Notice: Annual dues invoice is payable by January 1, 2020. A $50 late fee will be assessed February 1, 2020. If not paid by March 15, 2020 your NRDS# will become inactive and a $100 reinstatement fee will be assessed.

Upcoming Classes & Events
General Membership Meeting
&
Updates from City Mayors
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 8, 8:30 am-10 am
Cost: Members $10 Non-Members $15

Join us at our General Membership Meeting where we will hear from Mayors Chuck Bennett (Salem), Cathy Clark (Keizer), Kyle Palmer (Silverton), Hank Porter (Stayton) and Jim Kinsbury (Sublimity) . Breakfast will be served. Doors open at 8 am.
(No CE Credit)


New REALTOR®
Member Orientation

Date: Tuesday, January 14th
Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: MVAR Office

Orientation covers benefits, resources, terminology and proper REALTOR® advertising. Any REALTOR® members who wish to attend are welcome

Willamette Valley Regional GAC

The next Willamette Valley Regional Government Affairs Committee Meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14, 11:30-1:00pm at WVMLS in Salem. We will have several important local issues updates, and Jeremy Rogers, OAR Director of Public Policy and Legal Affairs, will be there to give a preview of the 2020 Oregon Legislative Session. Pizza will be served and All MVAR, PCAR, and WAOR members are welcome to attend! No RSVP needed.

Date: Tuesday, January 14th
Time: 11:30-1 PM
Location: WVMLS

2020 OREF Forms Update (Scottish Rite)

Annual Forms Update, 2 Hours Continuing Education Credit
When: Friday, Jan 17, 9-11 AM
Where: Scottish Rite Center
2020 OREF Forms Update (Mt. Angel Festhalle)

Annual Forms Update, 2 Hours Continuing Education Credit
When: Wednesday, Jan 22, 9-11 AM
Where: Mt. Angel Festhalle
Risk Advisory, Septic 101
(1 CE Credit)

Small business owner and septic system expert Robb Barnes is currently an instructor for the Oregon Onsite Wastewater Association (O2WA) state conferences and for the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) septic system inspector class. He is a certified NAWT inspector, past president of O2WA, past president of the Oregon Environmental Services Advisory Council, on-site system class instructor to Oregon Association of Realtor members, both individually and jointly with DEQ, throughout the state. He was also a licensed real estate broker in the state of Oregon.

When: Thursday, Jan 23, 12- 1 PM
Where: Scottish Rite Center
GRI Buyers

In this course, you will learn foundational tools to build trust and create lasting relationships with your buyers. Course content includes the initial buyer consultation, working with multicultural/generational buyers, customizing the home search, negotiations, effective communication skills and more.


When: Friday, February 28, 2020, 9 AM -4 PM
Where: Oregon Association of REALTORS®
Committee Chair Updates
North Santiam Council Update

I’m excited that both our Stayton and Sublimity mayors will be joining us at our January General membership meeting--Mayor Hank Porter from Stayton and Mayor Jim Kingsbury from Sublimity. They will give a brief update on city happenings and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. 

The city of Sublimity is currently working on updating their development code. It’s a good time to get involved if you live or have clients in Sublimity. 


Heidi Hazel
North Willamette Council Update

The North Willamette Council (NWC) of the Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS® was established to enable the members in the jurisdiction formerly served by the North Willamette Association of REALTORS®, to maintain their visibility and identity within their community, to continue Consumer Outreach and the Advocacy of REALTOR® issues, and to promote private property ownership in that area.

The Professional Development Committee has scheduled some great classes in Mt Angel for the first quarter. Also, check out other classes scheduled in the Salem area as well. Be sure to check out our website at www.midvalleyassn.realtor for more information.

REALTORS® serving on the Council include Mike Roth, Chair, Gina Audritsh, Lisa Santana, Maryann Mills, Trudi Schmidt and Faith Bowers. Our next meeting will be scheduled in late January. There are many committees you can be involved with and we would encourage you to become involved with your Association.

Know that staff is available to answer any of your questions and assist you with any of your needs as well at 503.540.0081.

-Mike Roth, NWC Chair
MVAR Community Fund Update

This year we completed our 30th Annual Children's Christmas Party. We hosted 156 children who are members of the STEP Program in the Salem-Keizer School District. This is a program that provides educational support that helps students without a home, or in transition to achieve success in academics. Such support may include transportation, school supplies, access to academic support, etc. We have been told by the school district that for those students who attend our Children's Christmas Party it seems to positively impact their attitudes for the remainder of the school year.  See the photo galleries here.

Along with funding MVAR's Children's Christmas Party, we love to give back to the community in other ways as well. We received toy donations from the FOX 12 Toy Drive and had the opportunity to drop off toys at the UGM Simonka Place as well as Center for Hope & Safety on December 20th. 

In December, our board also approved to give to grants to Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival Association and Connection 365. The Oregon Coast Youth Symphony Festival is an event held yearly that allows high school kids the opportunity to travel to the Oregon Coast and perform with other high school kids throughout the state. The association is hoping to help encourage keeping music in the Oregon schools. Connection 365 is an organization that serves youth and families to support the development of their hope and future by providing them with counseling, mentoring, skill building and educational services in a safe environment.

-Sarie Scott, Community Fund President
Video Credit: Diana Dettwyler, MVAR Marketing Assistant
SARCF is responsible for the Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS® Annual Children's Christmas party, where gifts, festive activities, and lunch is provided to approximately 150 children in the Salem-Keizer area who are in need .
Willamette Valley
Government Affairs Committee Update

 
Thank You MVAR Members!

THANK YOU to the over 40 MVAR members who attended the joint “Our Salem” Comprehensive Planning workshop in November. Over 100 members of MVAR, SEDCOR, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Marion County Homebuilders Association gathered on November 19 to give feedback to the City of Salem on how Salem should grow and develop. 

The City of Salem is updating the Salem Area Comprehensive Plan, which guides future development in the Salem area. Thank you for being a positive voice for development, infrastructure, and home affordability and livability in Salem. We will continue to keep you engaged and up-to-date on this multi-year project in 2020. Stay tuned!

Changes to Salem’s Multi-Family Design Standards
Salem is proposing changes to its design standards for multifamily housing. The goal of the project is to help meet the community’s housing needs by removing barriers to the development of multifamily housing and also ensuring that the new development is compatible with existing neighborhoods. MVAR supported the changes, with the exception of not allowing balconies to be placed on the side of a property facing a single-family zoned property. At its November 19 meeting, the Planning Commission approved the proposal and made further changes, including allowing balconies to face single-family zoned properties, continuing to allow garages to count toward multifamily parking requirements, allowing parking in smaller multifamily developments to be located between buildings and the street, and further reducing the parking requirements for small developments. The proposal now goes before the Salem City Council for consideration.

Upcoming Meetings:
The next MVAR GAC meeting will be on Tuesday, January 7, 12:00-1:00pm at MVAR’s office.

The next regional Willamette Valley Government Affairs meeting will be on Tuesday, January 14, 11:30-1:00pm at Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service (3421 25 th St. SE in Salem). The meeting will focus on several local issues updates from around the region, as well as a preview of what to expect in the February Legislative Session. All MVAR members are welcome to attend!

Happy Holidays to You and Yours! See you in 2020!
- Holly Sears

For more information about any government affairs related issue, please contact Willamette Valley Government Affairs Director, Holly Sears, at willamettevalleygad@gmail.com or (503) 931-0876.
Photos of REALTORS® from the "Our Salem" Meeting at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
MVAR Special Events Committee


The Special Events Committee started the year off with a toast to unity! We are excited to have several new members along with our seasoned veterans and have a great year planned to honor, celebrate and care for our REALTORS® and Affiliates!

The Christmas Party was a huge success –thank you so much for your generous contributions and constant passion for this event. We absolutely make a difference in the lives of these children! This event is successful because of you!

Here’s looking forward to 2020 – MVAR Awards Banquet; Annual Member Appreciation BBQ; Soup Wars and ending with our annual Children’s Christmas party!

Positivity and energy will guarantee a successful year from the Special Events Committee! Let’s get this party started – 2020 here we come!

-Lisa McCormick & Jazmin Hayworth, Chair & Vice Chair
Lisa McCormick, Cherry Creek Mortgage Co.
Jazmin Hayworth, First American Title
Executive Officer Update
A message from your Executive Officer
Greetings REALTORS® and Affiliate Members,
 
Happy New Year! The holidays went by very quickly in December and it is hard to believe here we are in 2020!!
 
Welcome new REALTORS® and Affiliate Members ! See the list below.
 
Looking ahead in the new year , we just completed our annual retreat with the Board of Directors and Officers of your Association. It was an amazing day working with leadership who commit their time in planning our future and what is best for the REALTOR® members of your Association. The Vision is Thriving Communities through real property ownership . Our Mission; Advocate, Educate, & Serve Upholding our Code of Ethics.

Designated Realtors check your inbox this week for the Annual Certification form required with your membership here at the Association. Please remember new brokers have 30 days, from the day their license is pulled into a REALTOR® Office to join a REALTOR® Association.

Sponsorship Opportunities were mailed in late November and early December. This week I will send reminders out to those we haven't heard from or were lost over the holidays! We are excited to share new benefits and opportunities of Sponsorship this year. If you were overlooked, please give me a call 503.540.0081 x 103 or email jean@midvalleyassn.realtor to discuss.
 
Check out the many educational opportunities scheduled in the upcoming months ahead! You can look at dates prior to our notice by visiting our website at www.midvalleyassn.realtor.  

Speaking of the website in case you missed something, there is now a Blog on our home page for recent announcements! Also new on the home page is Things to Know section where you can find items of interest.
 
We are back to monthly General Membership Meetings on the 2 nd Wednesday of each month. Watch for the many educational opportunities each month for you to attend. GRI designation classes will begin in February of this year.
 
Our professional staff is here to serve you. Please give us a call 503.540.0081 or stop by the office if you have any questions or need assistance, Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
 
Have a successful January REALTORS®.

-Jean Wheat-Palm
Welcome New REALTORS®
Kami Smith
Nickolas Gill
Andrea Kutzer
Brenda Sohnrey
Maryann Sheppard
Lynelle Blum
Northwest Professional Realty
Bledsoe Santana Team Realty, LLC
John L Scott WSL
Keller Williams Capital City
The Salem Real Estate Group
Blum Real Estate
Welcome New REALTOR® Transfers
Charlene Miller
The Salem Real Estate Group (Previous- Lincoln City Board)
Welcome New Affiliates
Bobbie Artus
Sandra Luna
Brandy Fuller
Maeghan Egli
Sarah Carpenter
Kimberly Chichester
Dolly Davis
Ticor Title
Ticor Title
Ticor Title
Ticor Title
Fidelity National Title
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.
Industry News & Announcements
Silverton Property Tours

To submit a property for tour: write “TOUR” on the listing information sheet.
Send to: Harcourts NW Oregon Realty Group | Fax: 503-873-7195 or
Email: officemanager@nworg.com by 5:00 pm on preceding Tuesday.

The next scheduled property tour is on January 9th, starting at Lighthouse Home Loans.
Click here to view the schedule for the upcoming weeks.
OAR & NAR Updates
Oregon Housing Economic Summit, Jan 16th 2020

Code of Ethics Training is now a Three Year Cycle (After 2021)

The NAR Board of Directors approved a change to NAR’s Code of Ethics training requirement from a two year cycle to a three year cycle.

The Leadership Team sought feedback from several committees before bringing the proposal before the Board of Directors.

The current Cycle 6 deadline is extended from Dec 31, 2020 to Dec 31, 2021.


HB 2001 - Housing Choices

House Bill 2001 aims to provide Oregonians with more housing choices, especially choices more people can afford.

The law, passed by the 2019 Oregon Legislature, allows people build to certain traditional housing types, such as duplexes, in residential zones. These housing types already exist in most cities, but were outlawed for decades in many neighborhoods.

This bill will require updates to local laws that currently limit what sorts of housing people can build, helping to reduce housing costs and while giving more choices for housing types.


National Association of REALTORS®
What:  The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.3 million members, including NAR’s institutes, societies, and councils, involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Who:  Our membership is composed of residential and commercial REALTORS®, who are brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors, and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry. Members belong to one or more of some 1,300 local associations/boards and 54 state and territory associations of REALTORS®. They are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Why:  Working for America's property owners , the National Association provides a facility for professional development, research and exchange of information among its members and to the public and government for the purpose of preserving the free enterprise system and the right to own real property.

The Term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics .
C2EX
Commitment to Excellence
Developing and enhancing 11 competencies that indicate a REALTOR®'s commitment to ethics, advocacy, technology, data privacy, and customer service..

REALTOR® MEMBER BENEFITS


OAR has partnered with  Johnson Benefit Group, Inc.  to provide Oregon Association of REALTORS® members access to group insurance rates. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Johnson Benefit Group, Inc at 503-656-3232 or email Dave at:  dave@jbg-inc.com  or KB at:  support@jbg-inc.com

Medical: All insurance and coverage options (excluding dental-see dental below)
Medical Coverage with EverMed.
Dental & Vision insurance is now available for members through  Ameritas . Offering multiple plan designs with a new option for Vision benefits.  Ameritas  gives you the ability to see any dentist you want. Going in network will give you the biggest savings as it stretches your benefit farther through agreed upon discounts. Orthodontics is included with some of our plans. Vision can only be purchased in conjunction with Dental. 

The Oregon Real Estate Agency provides you the necessary information to renew your license, transfer your license, how to enter and update your records for hours of continuing education through out the year. You will also find the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS)
and the Oregon Real Estate
News-Journal.

The National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliated Institutes, Societies, and Councils provide a wide-range of programs and services that help members increase their skills, proficiency, and knowledge. Designations and certifications acknowledging experience and expertise in various real estate sectors are awarded by NAR and each affiliated group upon completion of required courses. Designations & Certifications here!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Why bank with Umpqua?
Because we're the kind of bank you'd take home to meet your parents-
the kind of bank you'd be proud to introduce to all your friends.
245 Commercial St SE Suite 200 Salem Or 97301 | Phone: 503.945.2139
Watch for the 2020 Sponsorship opportunities
coming your way this month.
Columbia Sportswear Employee Store
REALTORS® have access to the store every Wednesday. Simply show your business card to receive exclusive access for you and your guests (up to 4).

The Certified Real Estate Team Specialist certification is designed to improve team development, individual leadership skills, and financial performance. The courses provide the tools, strategies, and knowledge that are required of today’s real estate professionals who are either considering or currently operating in a team environment. It is for team leaders, team members, those looking to start a team, and those who simply want to sharpen their management skills.

or contact
the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) at   info@REBInstitute.com
or 800-621-8738.
 

FAQs - NAR’s Partnerships with Commercial Listing Platforms
Frequently Asked Questions About NAR’s Partnerships with Commercial Listing Platforms


  1. Which companies have NAR partnered with to offer commercial data listing services to members?
  2. What are the NAR member discounts on these platforms?
  3. What about the third platform option, Catylist?
  4. Where did these partnerships originate?
  5. How do these listing platform partnerships benefit NAR members?
  6. How does RPR integration help?

Commercial REALTOR® Informative Links

The National Association of REALTORS® advocates every day on behalf of the nation's 1.3 million REALTORS® and 75 million property owners. NAR is widely considered one of the most effective advocacy organizations in the country.
We work for you by advocating for federal, state, and local policy initiatives that strengthen the ability of Americans to own, buy, and sell real property. We also work with you, by providing a wide variety of resources to foster and harness the grassroots strength of the REALTOR® Party.
RPAC: Where Does The Money Go?
RPAC is one of the most bipartisan PACs in the country, giving to both Democrats and Republicans alike. The only stipulation is that the candidate be a member of the REALTOR Party® - members of Congress and candidates who suppor REALTOR®-friendly issues. Through direct contributions, our opportunity race program, and independent expenditures, we ensure that REALTOR® issues are heard on Capitol Hill.

Starting your Career?
You may have aced your licensing exam, but there’s still so much to learn about prospecting for leads, cultivating strong relationships with clients, negotiating the sales process, and guiding a transaction smoothly to the closing table. For those starting out, REALTOR® Magazine’s Rookie Tool Kit provides timeless guidance on topics such as how to choose a brokerage and how to begin generating business. Also, subscribe to our e-newsletters  to be sure you are getting the latest practical tips and trend information for your business. And be sure to check out the REALTOR® Benefits Program  for discounts and offers available exclusively to NAR members.
laptop-business-woman.jpg
Code of Ethics Training
REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time within two-year cycles. The two-year requirement is new and you can find out more here! . The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.    
MVAR 2020 Leadership


Executive Committee
Judy Gysin, President
Chad Harvey, President Elect
Ashleigh Fordham, Vice President
Heidi Hazel, Secretary
Sue Curths, Treasurer
Kelly Martin , Past President

Directors
Patrick Sieng
Ryan Steckly
Damonian Pike
Onna McColly
Zach Fischer
Deanna Gywn

North Santiam Council Chair
Drew Johnson

North Willamette Council Chair
Mike Roth
Trudi Schmidt

Affilliate Director
Jazmin Hayworth

OAR Past President & WVGAC Representative
George Grabenhorst

Administration
Jean Wheat-Palm, Executive Officer
Cheryl Lolkema, Admin/Accounting Assistant
Diana Dettwyler, Marketing Assistant



 Committee Chairs
Government Affairs
Patrick Sieng

Professional Development
Sabrina Jones

Special Events
Lisa McCormick & Jazmin Hayworth

Professional Standards
Laura Dorn

Grievance Review
Don Meyer
Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS®
Website: www.midvalleyassn.realtor
Office phone: 503.540.0081
Email: info@midvalleyassn.realtor
Office Hours: M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm
Location: 2794 12th St Salem Or 97302
Mailing: PO Box 4114 Salem Or 97302
Woo Hoo! You made it all the way to end! Way to go!!! (-: