February eNewsletter
A publication by the Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS® Issue XIV 2020
A Message from the President
Hello REALTOR® Family,

I cannot believe it's February already. Who is ready for Spring? I know its been a mild Winter but the smell of fresh cut grass and the recent sunshine has given me “Spring Fever”.

We kicked off the New Year with a great General Membership Meeting and had the privilege of hearing updates from mayors from Keizer, Salem, Silverton, Stayton and Sublimity. Thank you to our Professional Development Committee for all their hard work preparing for this meeting as well as all our topics and great speakers scheduled throughout the year. 

As your 2020 president, I intend to attend most of the committee meetings throughout the year and had the pleasure of attending my first MVAR GAC Committee Meeting in January.

This committee is busy preparing to interview candidates running for local City Council positions as well as monitoring the 2020 Legislative Session. I urge anyone who is interested in our local government to join this committee and have the opportunity to have a voice in our community.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for the following awards: REALTOR® of the Year , Commercial REALTOR® of the Year , Affiliate of the Year , Rising Star Award and Allan Jones Lifetime Achievement Award . Please submit your nominations before February 14 th  2020. I hope to see you at our MVAR Annual Awards Banquet to honor the recipients of these awards on March 5, 2020. Tickets are on sale now with early bird pricing.

Thank you for your membership and continued commitment to Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS®

-Judy Gysin 
In this issue...

TOP STORY: Annual Award Nominations
Annual Awards Banquet
February GMM
Upcoming Classes & Events
Committee Chair Updates
MVAR Community News
Letter from the Executive Officer
New Members & Affiliates
OAR & NAR Resources
Thank You to our Sponsors
Final Features Section
Top Story
Sponsored by:

Diamond: RMLS & WVMLS
Platinum: Landmark Professional Mortgage Company, Oregon State Credit Union,
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
Gold: Maps CU, Washington Federal Bank, Umpqua Bank
Silver: Academy Mortgage, Beutler Exchange Group,
Cherry Creek Mortgage, Willamette Valley Bank

Upcoming Classes & Events

New REALTOR®
Member Orientation

Date: Tuesday, February 11th
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: MVAR Office

Orientation covers benefits, resources, terminology and proper REALTOR® advertising. Any REALTOR® members who wish to attend are welcome.
General Membership Meeting
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 12, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM
Cost: Members $10 Non-Members $15

Join us at our General Membership Meeting, for networking, speaker and a delicious breakfast. Topic is Appraisal Update w/ Speaker Jeff Walker. Breakfast will be served. Doors open at 8 am.
(1 CE Credit)
Risk Advisory: Water Mitigation
(Mt. Angel Festhalle)

What: Founder John Lombardi of John's Waterproofing will be discussing water intrusion, remedies to water intrusion and discounts for agents. 1 CE Credit
When: Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020, 9 AM-10 AM
Where: Mr. Angel Festhalle
Risk Advisory: Well Drilling
(Scottish Rite)

What: Kevin Manger will provide an overview of Oregon's domestic well testing for RE transactions including requirements and exemptions. 1 CE Credit
When: Thursday, Feb 27, 12-1 PM
Where: Scottish Rite
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®
SRES Designation (Early Bird Pricing)

Date: 3/20-3/21
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM
Location: Scottish Rite
Cost: $250
$25 Off Early Bird Discount through 2/28
Code: SRESEARLYBIRD

The Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation is for REALTORS® who want to be able to meet the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating, or refinancing residential or investment properties. By earning the SRES® designation, REALTORS® are prepared to approach mature clients with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions.

Adults aged 50+ represent more than 20% of the U.S. population. For most senior adults, the homes that they live in are their largest asset and account for most of their net worth. Completion of the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) Designation Course is an essential step for REALTORS® in understanding the distinct real estate goals, concerns, and needs of seniors today.

This course looks at key differences in housing options, from age-restricted communities to age-in-place design to assisted living; applications of the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA); the ins and outs of reverse mortgages; the use of pensions, 401k accounts, and IRAs in real estate transactions; and developing a team of senior specialists, including estate planners, reverse mortgage lenders, clutter and staging specialists, and more.
Committee Chair Updates

Willamette Valley Regional GAC

The next Willamette Valley Regional Government Affairs Committee Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10th , 11:30-1:00pm at WVMLS in Salem.  Pizza will be served and all MVAR, PCAR, and WAOR members are welcome to attend! No RSVP needed.

Date: Tuesday, March 10th
Time: 11:30-1 PM
Location: WVMLS

North Santiam Council Update

The city of Stayton is reviewing plans on the proposed annexation of 19.1 acres on the north side of Fern Ridge Rd. The current proposal is for a 98-space mobile home park.  Read more here
 
The city of Sublimity approved updates to their development code. To Review the changes click here .

The City of Turner will be hosting on open house Thursday February 4 th from 4:00-7:00 pm for the redevelopment of the Ball Property.  The City of Turner will be listing this property for sale and redevelopment mid-April 2020. Please RSVP to clerk@cityofturner.org

-Drew Johnson, North Santiam Chair
MVAR Community Fund Update
Dessert Auction at Annual MVAR Awards Banquet

Every year SARCF holds a dessert auction to raise money for our community fund. This year we're excited to host the auction again featuring mouthwatering concoctions from local chefs. If you'd like to participate in donating a dessert, submit the form here at this link. There is also an option to donate money and have the committee select a dessert on your behalf.

-Sarie Scott, Community Fund President

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 .
MVAR Professional Development Committee Update
The Professional Development Committee has been working hard to coordinate several upcoming education opportunities for 2020! We have an exceptional line up of speakers already confirmed for our membership meetings, monthly risk advisories and educational seminars. With the merge of the North Willamette members, even more opportunities will be available for you to earn CE in Mt. Angel! Join us this month, February 26th, at the Mt Angel Festhalle for an education seminar presented by John’s Waterproofing- I don’t think the timing could be better for a seminar on water mitigation!

It was a privilege to hear from our local Mayors at the general membership meeting last month. You can expect we will continue throughout the year to add value to the meetings with great speakers and presentations! This month’s meeting will feature an update on appraisals presented by Conser Appraisals. 

A big thank you to Rob Barnes who recently presented for our risk advisory on Septic Systems. We received great feedback and have asked Rob to do a more advanced septic class in the spring in Mt Angel, stay tuned! This month you will also have an opportunity to learn more or freshen up your knowledge on wells and springs. Sippel Well will be presenting on this topic at Scottish Rite on February 27th and then again on March 25th in Mt. Angel. 

Plan ahead- check the MVAR calendar for dates on all our upcoming events and educational opportunities!  

-Sabrina Jones, Professional Development Committee Chair
Willamette Valley
Government Affairs Committee Update

 
Next “Our Salem” Workshop on March 17 – Please Attend!
If you’ve recently attended the MVAR General Membership meetings, you’ve heard that the City of Salem is updating its Salem Area Comprehensive Plan, which is the document that guides future growth and development in the Salem area. 

Thank you to those who participated in the joint “Our Salem” workshop meeting held in November to provide feedback on the issue. This is a multi-year project and we will be asking for MVAR member participation throughout the entire process. 

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the next “Our Salem” Workshop on Tuesday, March 17, 11:30-1:30 at Courthouse Square (555 Court St. NE in Salem). The City staff will present different growth scenarios based on the feedback they received last fall. REALTOR® participation continues to be essential in this process. Thank you for planning to attend and for being a positive voice for development, infrastructure, and home affordability and livability in Salem. 

May 19, 2020 Primary Election
It may still feel like winter, but May is just around the corner! Salem City Council has four seats up for election this year, including Wards 1, 3, 5 and 7. The MVAR Government Affairs Committee has formed an Interview Committee to interview all candidates running for Salem City Council.

Interviews will take place on March 12, just after the March 10 filing deadline. The recommendations from that Committee will then be presented to the MVAR Board of Directors for their approval. We look forward to introducing the MVAR-supported candidates at the April 8 General Membership meeting. 

In the meantime, please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25, for REALTOR® Candidate Walk Day.  Candidate interviews for other areas in MVAR’s jurisdiction, including Silverton, Woodburn and Keizer, will take place after those cities’ filing deadlines, which are usually at the end of summer.

Upcoming Meetings:
WVGA GAC: The next regional Willamette Valley Government Affairs Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10, 11:30-1:00pm at Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service (3421 25th St. SE in Salem).

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.
MVAR Special Events Committee

Hi there!

We are busy planning the 2020 Annual Awards Banquet. Get ready for a night of Roaring 20’s with splash and sparkle. We are very excited to create a beautiful, cool and elegant vibe to celebrate the remarkable folks in our industry.  Don’t forget to dress in roaring 20’s theme – flapper women and dapper gentlemen.

We will be combining the Dessert Auction again this year with our Awards Banquet. Bring your heart of giving (and your wallet) so you can bid for your dessert. See you there!


-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,

Here we are in February with Groundhog Day and Super Bowl Sunday this past weekend!

Welcome new REALTORS® ! See the list below.
 
Designated Realtors, have you signed and returned your Certification? If you have not completed your form, please complete the Certification here . Do you have questions regarding your responsibilities as a Designated REALTOR®? Give me a call anytime . Please remember new brokers have 30 days, from the day their license is pulled into a REALTOR® Office to join a REALTOR® Association.

Many thanks to our annual Sponsors and Advertising Partner s supporting MVAR throughout the year. Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities are still available. ( C lick here to review ). We are excited to share new benefits and opportunities this year. If you were overlooked, please give me a call to discuss.
 
Check out the many educational opportunities scheduled in the upcoming months ahead! You can look at dates prior to our notice sent. Visit us 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.

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 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
 
Have a successful February REALTORS®.

-Jean Wheat-Palm
Welcome New REALTORS®
Ashley Nasbe
Joshua Klinge
Melissa Monroy
Kathleen Ketelson
Felicia Cobb
Kate Woodrum
Don Kraus
Jordan Hill
Keller Williams Capital City
Berkshire Hathaway HSREP
Premiere Property Group, LLC
Premiere Property Group, LLC
BrightHome Real Estate Group
Keller Williams Capital City
Blum Real Estate, LLC
EXP Realty, LLC
Welcome New REALTOR® Transfers
Chad Koch
Nichole Martin
Bruce Friedrichsen
Kerry Nutter
Oregon ACLB
EXP Realty
HomeSmart Realty Group
New Home Star Oregon, LLC
Clark County Board of REALTORS®
Central Oregon Assoc. of REALTORS®
Polk County Board of REALTORS®
Springfield Board of REALTORS®
Local News, Announcements & Tips
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 February 6th, starting at MAPS Credit Union.
Click here to view the schedule for the upcoming weeks.
Safety Tips for REALTORS® and Homeowners
6 ways to fool burglars into thinking you're home

Your home: You love it, but sometimes you have to leave it.

Whether it's the eight hours a day or eight days on a dreamy beach, allowing your biggest investment to fend for itself can be stressful. And it's a legit concern; when your home looks empty, break-ins happen. A lot. Ugh.

You could deter burglars by never leaving your house again. Or you could do the next best (OK, way better) thing, and just make it look like someone is there all the time. Here's how. .
OAR & NAR Resources
Corporate Activity Goes Into Effect January 1, 2020

Some REALTORS® and brokerages have recently received a letter from the Oregon Department of Revenue reminding them that Oregon’s new Corporate Activity Tax goes into effect January 1, 2020. Find out what you need to know about the tax:


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. 

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.


That's Who We "R" National Campaign

Today is an exciting day for REALTORS® as the next wave of NAR’s national ad campaign, T hat’s Who We R® campaign launches.  The new ads for 2020 capture who you are as REALTORS®, and the authentic relationships you have with your clients and communities.
In 2019, the campaign focused on communicating the REALTOR® difference to consumers. This year, it shows consumers what that difference looks like in-action, by focusing on the real partnership and human moments along the journey to property ownership. You will see bold visuals and hear inventive alliterations that bring the iconic “R” to life, and messaging that asks consumers to “Look for the R” for reliable guidance throughout the real estate process.
In addition to new TV commercials, today marks the integrated launch of new radio and digital audio spots, paid social ads, as well as new campaign materials you can leverage in your local market.
Visit www.ThatsWhoWeR.realtor to find downloadable social posts, digital banners, print ads, and links to campaign merchandise. For easy personalization and immediate social sharing in a few taps, download the new Photofy app with preloaded campaign materials at https://photofy.com/nar .
Remember, this campaign is a member benefit, and it becomes much more powerful when you associate yourself with the REALTOR® brand. Wear your REALTOR® pin with pride, and incorporate the REALTOR® logo into your promotional materials. That way, when potential clients are “looking for the R”, they will look to you!

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 .
Commitment to Excellence
In 2018, the National Association of REALTORS® proudly launched Commitment to Excellence (C2EX), a program that empowers REALTORS® to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to conducting business at the highest standards. NAR’s C2EX program was selected as a 2019 Learning! 100 award winner from Elearning! Media Group.

This award honors organizations for fostering a culture of professional growth, innovation, and organizational performance. Past recipients include Amazon Web Services, AT&T, the American Heart Association and NASCAR.

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.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Diamond
Platinum
Gold
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
Silver
Advertising Sponsors
Final Features Section
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.

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® Information
Commercial real estate is an important and distinct segment of the industry and member population. The Oregon Association of REALTORS® works hard in the legislature to promote jobs, economic development, statewide internet infrastructure, and more to benefit the commercial broker. Specifically, we:
  • Provide continuing education opportunities specific to commercial real estate.
  • Advocate for pro-business tax incentives and regulations.
  • Support availability of shovel-ready sites for economic development.
  • Support Small Business’ Tax Roll-Back to provide businesses with tax relief.
  • And are involved in ongoing discussions with the Governor’s office regarding overall tax reform which is the Governor’s focus in 2015.
For additional resources, please visit the:  National Association of REALTORS® Commercial Division

Since 1969, the  REALTORS® Political Action Committee  (RPAC) has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States.

The purpose of RPAC is clear: voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who understand and support their interests.

These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee and other political fundraising are the keys to protecting and promoting the real estate industry. 

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.

Code of Ethics Training
R EALTORS® 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!

 
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
Still need to pay your dues? Don't despair! Call our friendly payment Angel Cheryl (-:
503-540-0081 ext. 101