The Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS® is proud to give back to our community and offer scholarships to prospective students who live in the jurisdiction we serve including surrounding areas, and who are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the achievement of dreams , but may not have the means to make it possible.

 

Two $500 scholarships are awarded annually to prospective students demonstrating intent to pursue either an academic or vocational career at an accredited college, university or vocational institution. Mid- Valley Association of REALTORS® applauds the commitment to the continuation and enhancement of each applicant's education.

This year, a very generous MVAR Board Member reached out to donate an additional $1,000 which was then matched by the SARCF Board of Directors, allowing for five (5) recipients to be awarded $600 scholarships towards their pursuit of education .

We were encouraged to receive so many Scholarship applications this year, which made for a very challenging review for the Scholarship Task Force Committee to make their selections. The committee reviewed each student's submission of their essays as to why the importance of receiving a scholarship, along with career objectives, schools applying for, community service or volunteer activities and much more.

Congratulations to the following 2020 Graduate Scholarship Award Recipients:

Sierra Alford, Jefferson High School

Amber Davis, Stayton High School

Anne Farris, McNary High School

Amber Hill, Salem Academy

Olivia Orozco, West Salem High School

Thank you to all the students who submitted Scholarship Applications. Follow your dreams and good luck in your future.

Thank you to our Scholarship Task Force Committee members , Ashleigh Fordham, Zach Fischer, Joni McClintock and Traci Benjamin who volunteered their time and commitment to this program.

General Membership Meeting

Virtual Live Webinar

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Meeting 8:30 am Lending Panel 9:00 am

(1 CE Hour)

Hear from our panel of lending professionals; Landmark Professional Mortgage, U.S. Bank, Churchill Mortgage and Maps CU

Have a lending question for the panel of professionals?

Send us your question to [email protected]

Individual Registration required to receive Continued Education Certificate.

Certificates will be mailed within 5 business days of event.

Professional Development Committee

The Professional Development Committee has a great lender panel organized for you at this month’s General Membership Meeting ! We are excited to welcome four home loan professionals from different corners of the lending arena in this live webinar meeting. MVAR will welcome speakers from Landmark Professional Mortgage, US Bank, Churchill Mortgage and Maps Credit Union. There will be an opportunity to submit questions for the panelists prior to the meeting in your general membership invite email.

This month there are two FREE live webinars - Sippel Well Drilling (6/4) and Lead Based Paint (6/25). The following continuing education topics were cancelled due to Covid-19 and are also in process of being rescheduled; Flood Insurance, Septic 101/Advanced Septic and Radon. Watch the MVAR calendar to see when these are rescheduled later this year!

Many thanks to the continued involvement from the following committee members: Heidi Hazel (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals) , Judy Gysin (Gysin Realty Group), Gary Bauer (Knipe Realty), Traci Benjamin (Churchill Mortgage), Tracey Sherrell (Fidelity National Title), Deanna Gwyn (Blum Real Estate). We are also glad to welcome our newest member, Kristi Sieng (Realty One Group Willamette Valley).

The committee collectively brainstorms pertinent content and coordinates knowledgeable speakers for all of your local continuing education opportunities.  Please feel welcome to reach out to any one of us on the committee with topics you would like to see offered as continuing education.

Well Wishes,

Sabrina Jones, Chair

Kindness Closet Grant Recipient

Kindness Closet of Salem is a new nonprofit focused on helping provide some basic needs for the unsheltered in the Salem area. Prior to COVID – 19 we were just beginning our outreach to provide a place to shower with privacy and dignity. This outreach was paused due to the "stay home save lives" order, however it is our plan to resume. The guests were provided with a shower, clean clothing as well as a place to sit and relax and enjoy a cup of hot coffee and breakfast. What we learned from the guests was they have a lot of clothing- however no place to affordably wash the clothing they have. It is our vision to support our community with this need and provide a way for them to affordably do a load of laundry while they can shower with privacy and dignity.

During COVID-19 we were contacted by a partnering agency and were asked to help support vulnerable, unsheltered individuals who were in the high-risk category for the virus by providing meals. They were provided a hotel room; however, they were asked to self-quarantine and not leave the hotel.

Since mid-March the Kindness Closet of Salem has provided daily meals for around 40 of these high-risk individuals totaling 2,590 meals as of Sunday, May 24. We are working with the partnering agency on an exit plan for this program, and we have learned from this experience we have a solid volunteer base that will rise to the challenge when the need is set before them.

During this time, we also learned of some needs of those struggling. We were able to facilitate the donation and delivery of a washer and dryer to a multi-generational family, as well as a refrigerator for a single mom who recently was able to be housed.  It is because of the generosity of our community that we can be the conduit of this kindness to those in need.

We so appreciate the grant of $2,000.00 from Mid-Valley Association of REALTORS® Community Fund and plan to use it to sustain the current outreach of meals to the unsheltered, continue to support the provisions for basic needs and prepare for the relaunching of the shower outreach and plan for the vision of supporting families with affordable laundry service.

Thank you to the Community Fund for supporting Kindness Closet. – Amber McClelland

Government Affairs

May 19th Primary Election Recap *

The May 19 Primary Election was not a success for the pro-bridge candidates running for Salem City Council. MVAR-supported candidates Jan Kailuweit, Brad Nanke and Reid Sund worked exceptionally hard on their campaigns, but in the end voter turn-out was not on their side. The Ward 5 Council race between MVAR member Jose Gonzalez and Holly Oakes-Miller is still too close to call but currently Jose is leading by 126 votes and final results will be confirmed on June 4. Although a third bridge appears even farther into our future as a result of this election, it is imperative that MVAR communicate and work with the new Council about the benefits of policies that encourage and promote home ownership in Salem. MVAR would like to say a big Thank You to all members who volunteered on behalf of MVAR-supported candidates – whether it be through giving a PAC donation, making phone calls to voters or waving signs – your participation is greatly appreciated.

City of Salem Proposed Planning Division Fee Increases

The City of Salem Planning Division is proposing fee increases in the upcoming FY20-21 for the purpose of hiring three new positions and to become 100% funded through fees. The City needs over $1 million in additional revenue to support these two goals. The three new positions would include a Planning Manager, Sign Inspector and a Zoning Inspector at a total of $430,500 for the three positions. Currently, the City is at a rate of 69% for cost recovery through fees and an additional $590,385 is needed to reach 100% cost recovery.

The Mid-Valley Assn. of REALTORS®, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the Marion County Homebuilders Association submitted a letter in opposition to the fee increases, stating that due to the economic downturn businesses are currently facing from the pandemic, the likelihood of less development as a result of the downturn, and the possibility that the additional funds could be diverted to the City’s general fund if one or all of additional positions are not needed. If you are a member of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, you can attend the Chamber’s upcoming Public Policy Meeting via Zoom, 7-8:30 am on June 4th, to hear more about this issue.

For more information about any government affairs related issue, please contact Willamette Valley Government Affairs Director, Holly Sears, at [email protected] or (503) 931-0876.

North Santiam Council Update

 An article in the Statesman Journal just recently highlighted the Santiam Hospital in regards to Telehealth , and patient health.   Read the article here.    

The Santiam Teen Center will be hosting a golf scramble at the Santiam Golf Club August 29, 2020. Click here for event information .

Drew Johnson, North Santiam Council Chair

North Willamette Council Update

At our May's monthly MVAR Board of Directors Meeting we approved a donation of $2,580.00 to support the North Willamette Valley Habitat for Humanity efforts in helping families. Kari Johnsen, Executive Director NWV Habitat for Humanity in Mt. Angel shared with us, "As you are aware families are in need for housing and stability more than ever. MVAR's donation will go a long way helping families of the Northern Willamette Valley" .

Mike Roth, North Willamette Council Chair

Lisa McCormick, Chair

Cherry Creek Mortgage Co.

Jazmin Hayworth, Vice Chair

First American Title

Special Events Committee

Greetings from the Special Events Committee!

What an extraordinary time we are in.

The goal of the Special Events Committee is to provide just that – relationships!! 

Last month we shared with you the date change for our Annual Member Appreciation Picnic and asked for you to save the date! Unfortunately, it appears we must postpone the event until further decisions are made about social distancing and when we may come together in the park. Our hope is this will be our coming out party and we can all actually make it happen when the rules allow us to do so! 

Our committee members will continue to plan accordingly for other events moving forward into the rest of the year, such as Soup Wars and the Annual Children's Christmas Party. Stay tuned!

Stay safe, be healthy, and let’s keep on keepin on! We got this! 

Lisa McCormick, Chair

Christine Piercy 

Tara West-Mulhern  

Wendie Lawson 

HomeSmart Realty Group  

Gysin Realty Group, LLC 

Keller Williams Capital City  

Lila Timmons 

Peggy Legrande 

NextHome Picket Fence Realty 

Peggy Legrande Real Estate  

Mia Collier 

Coldwell Banker Mountain West, LLC

Are You a Principal Broker Looking for Professional Development?

Join the Principal Broker Academy this fall in Bend, Oregon

OAR is offering a new resource just for Principal Brokers! This comprehensive program is like no other. It is designed to provide professional development for any Principal Broker, whether new, seasoned, or aspiring. This course will be a blended learning experience with both in-person and online session.

This program features 4 full days of classroom-style learning, with additional online pre-learning. Registration price includes breakfast and lunch on all four days. This academy qualifies for 28 hours of Continuing Education.This is the last session taking place in 2020.

Please note: This course does not meet the new REA requirement for first-time Principal Broker license renewals. 

Need Help with Tech?

Tech Helpline is now available as a free OAR member benefit!

Beginning May 19th, all OAR members will have access to the Tech Helpline. There are no additional fees. This is a member benefit offering support for hardware, software, networking and digital devices. The Tech Helpline will troubleshoot problems and offer solutions on a variety of topics:



Support is available Monday - Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific Time. Call (888) 804-8226 or visit the online chat support at http://chat.techhelpline.com or email [email protected]. For a complete list of computer support visit this link. http://www.techhelpline.com/computer-support.

Interested in Participating in an OAR Committee?

OAR Committee Application Deadline is July 1, 2020

 

Are you interested in participating on an OAR Committee? OAR is looking for members to get involved with the association. There are several committees to choose from covering business issues, diversity, government affairs and many more.

Committee assignments are made every year before fall convention by the President and President-Elect with the input of senior staff. Application deadline is July 1, 2020.

NEW! OAR COVID-19 Hotline

OAR has launched the new COVID-19 Resource Hotline!

 

The hotline is opened to all members who have questions specific to COVID-19 and financial assistance resources.

 

We have received several calls already and look forward to continuing to be a great resource to OAR members.

 

We now have a  COVID HOTLINE  webpage that may also help answer questions with our new FAQ document. Be sure to check it out!

COVID-19 Resource Hotline Phone 503-587-8884 Hotline will be open 9:00am-3:00pm

View the full OAR Buyer/Seller Advisory

V iew all OAR COVID-19 Resources

NAR: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Guide for REALTORS®

Applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) can prove to be a challenging puzzle. In this video, two labor and employment attorneys and two REALTORS® share their expertise and offer advice on the unemployment application process.

Watch here

See also guidance for Oregon PUA here

NAR: Spring 2020: Reinventing How Communities Work in the Age of COVID-19

Check out this special issue of NAR's magazine, On Common Ground, NAR's to read about how homeownership will evolve post-pandemic; what nonprofits and local governments are doing to help preserve homeownership; and, what unique public-private partnerships are doing to create resources for those experiencing housing insecurity. There's also a feature to look at how local governments are re-tooling public spaces to accommodate social distancing, as well as spotlight how businesses are adapting to the new landscape.

Read it here!

Uncommon Ground is a free, semi-annual magazine published by NAR, and presents a wide range of views on smart growth issues, with the goal of encouraging dialog among REALTORS®, elected officials, and other interested citizens.

NAR: Right Tools, Right Now

In light of the challenges presented by  COVID-19 , and its impact on the real estate industry, NAR is taking steps to support members through these uncertain times . The Right Tools, Right Now initiative, which was activated once before in 2009, makes new and existing NAR products and services available for  FREE or at significant discounts – right now – and is available to REALTORS® .

NAR is Funding 2 Months of Telehealth

Members TeleHealth provides access to a network of more than 2,300 board-certified physicians, who can address non-emergency medical issues via smartphone, tablet or computer.

Enrollment in the NAR-funded benefit is limited , so we ask that you check first with your insurance provider, even if it’s Medicare, as you may already have access to telemedicine.

Learn more here.

Discounted Online Courses and Certifications : NAR’S E-PRO® CERTIFICATION COURSE , 50% Off Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification Application Fee

PRICING STRATEGIES: MASTERING THE CMA (PSA) , plus many more here !

Webinars : C2EX Webinars , Upcoming Financial Wellness Webinars , plus many more here!

Digital Transaction and Marketing Tools : REALTOR Team Store® branded facemasks, Social Media for REALTORS®: Digital Marketing-Download , and many more tools here!

Timely Data and Information: read more here!

NAR Coronavirus Hub

Be sure to visit the NAR coronavirus Hub for updates and explanations of legislation. National Association of REALTORS® has great guides for Realtors®. 

Featured Guides:

·     General Guidance During COVID-19

·     Open House Guidance During COVID-19

·     Transaction Guidance During COVID-19

·     Shelter-in-Place Guidance During COVID-19

VIEW ALL NAR COVID-19 RESOURCES

Coronavirus Guidance: Commercial Real Estate



COVID-19 and its long reaching effects continue to change the way we conduct our everyday business, and commercial real estate practitioners continue to adapt to these changes on a daily basis.

The resource guide Commercial REALTORS® is updated daily to navigate the changing landscape in the industry.

As Oregon continues to move forward with opening businesses, we are excited to announce that beginning Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 the ReStore will be OPEN with limited hours. You can now shop from Tuesday - Saturday from 11 am - 4 pm. These limited hours gives staff more time to sanitize before and after public access and fulfill online orders. Additionally, our donation center will be open on Tuesday, 5/26/2020 and every Tuesday afterwards, from 11 am - 4 pm (or until full). Donations are all self unload only.   Please visit our Facebook page or our website www.SalemHabitat.org for more information.

Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Willamette Valley | 1220 12th St SE, Salem, OR 97302  

To better serve our customers during these challenging times, we’re now offering online shopping. Customers can browse and pay for items online and then arrange a no-contact curbside pickup. We’re starting with a small selection of items and will update/add items regularly. 

Thank you for shopping at the Woodburn & Canby ReStores and for supporting NWV Habitat!

SHOP NOW ‌ ‌

Consumer Outreach for REALTORS®

That's Who We "R" National Campaign

The new ads for 2020 capture who you are as REALTORS®, and the authentic relationships you have with your clients and communities.

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!

Read more here.

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Advertising Sponsors

Advertising Partners

Golf with OAR this Fall

The OAR HOME Foundation’s Driving it HOME Golf Tournament is a great way to network with other industry professionals while enjoying a fun afternoon of golf, food and drinks – all while benefitting a great cause.

Last year, over 150 golfers helped make this tournament one of the most successful events we had ever put on. This year will be even better! Be sure to register early, as this tournament will sell out!

The new tournament date is Thursday, October 1 ^st .  Existing registrations and sponsorships will automatically be transferred. 

 

This event is critical for the HOME Foundation’s fundraising efforts. A large portion of the funds that are generated from this event contribute significantly to the amount available at year end for grant giving.

 

Oregon is beautiful in the early fall and Langdon Farms is a spectacular backdrop for what is the best golf tourney of the year! This year’s event will be even better as it will provide a much-needed opportunity to see your peers, in-person.

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 three-year requirement is new and you can find out more here! .