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When it comes to rising home prices, not many states can beat Oregon, where prices rose by 10% between January 2015 and January 2016. Source: CoreLogic
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Upcoming PMAR Events
Thursday, March 17th
Friday, March 18th
Friday, March 18th
Thursday, May 26th
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Advocacy Update
Your power, your vote
 By now you've probably noticed it's an election year. The candidates for President of the United States are on the air waves and seemingly omnipresent. Although Bernie and Hillary, The Donald, Cruz, Rubio and Kasich take up the majority of the news reports, what is happening locally and regionally is equally important; maybe -- arguably -- more important, as what decision-makers/elected officials do in your city, county and the region can have a bigger impact on your day to day life.
Read the full article
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Protecting Your Business...Around the Region
From transportation fees to emergency communication system updates, local governments are set to propose a wide array of funding proposals and charter amendments to their voters. Get the inside scoop on what you may be asked to decide during this election season.
Read the full article
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Legal Update
PMAR Legal Counsel Phil Querin on real estate mediation in Oregon
As most Realtors® know, as well as their clients who have been involved in a real estate dispute, mandatory mediation is usually the first step in the dispute resolution process. I say "mandatory" because under the statewide OREF Residential Real Sale Agreement form ("Sale Agreement"), there is a big disincentive for refusing to mediate; if one prevails in arbitration without first having offered or agreed to mediate, they are not entitled to an award of attorney fees against the other side. As a result, almost all disputes arising under the Sale Agreement go to mediation first, and only if that process is unsuccessful, will it proceed to arbitration. Read the full article.
If you would like to receive Phil Querin's periodic e-newsletters, please sign up at the link here.
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In My Opinion
Six things that bother Gary Taylor
Gary Taylor addresses a few of the things he's overheard recently about the real estate business that give him pause, from TRID ("The Reason I Drink"?) to unresponsive agents.
And in his signature fashion, Gary doesn't hold back.
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Tips for Your Business
Expectation management and you
 It happens: You and your team are giving your all to maintain a good working relationship with clients, but sometimes they just don't return the favor.
Maybe they're looking at homes without you. Or, your sellers are off canvassing the town for buyers. Worse yet, it seems like they're doing everything possible to sabotage the sale of their listing.
Sound familiar? Then you need an "expectations contract."
Read the full article.
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Open House To Review Updated FEMA Maps Tomorrow, March 17th
 Updated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate maps will be available for public review at an open house from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on March 17th at the Washington County Public Services Building at 155 N. First Ave., Hillsboro.
Attendees will learn about the new digital flood plain maps -- the primary regulatory tool used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the insurance industry to regulate floodplain development and rates for flood insurance policies. The geo-spatially referenced digital maps will be used by providers of federally insured mortgages and insurance agents to determine who must purchase flood insurance, and the cost of that insurance, if it's necessary. In addition, the maps will be used by county and city officials for floodplain management and permitting purposes.
Representatives from Washington County, FEMA, the State Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and consultant Amec Foster Wheeler will be available to answer questions.
For more information about flood plains within Washington County, visit the flood information website or contact Rocky Brown, flood plain manager, at 503-846-7914 or [email protected].
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Sustainability Tip
Green your home and earn a tax credit
 In recent years, the average tax refund has totaled about $2,700. If you're fortunate enough to get back that much from the IRS, then consider investing your tax refund in your home with a green-friendly project. Read the full article.
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PMAR Leadership Profiles
Richard Caplan, Windermere Stellar
A long-time association volunteer, Richard has real estate running through his veins. From past leadership experience in Governmental Affairs to Finance to President, Richard encourages other agents to "get out of your sales bubble for a few minutes a month to share and learn" from your fellow Realtors®.
Mark Meek, Summa Real Estate Executives
Mark believes that in order to make a difference, you need to get involved. Noting that association volunteerism isn't just about giving of your time, Mark says, "I get more from my leadership involvement than I can ever repay."
Marissa Sainz, Pearl District Properties
A native Chicagoan and former commercial agent, Marissa brought to residential sales the same passion for leadership she had in the commercial field. In Marissa's own words: "If you want to be heard, join a committee!"
Read all profiles here.
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Affiliate Spotlight
Kathy Comolli, Chicago Title Company of Oregon
As Vice President/Sales Manager of Chicago Title Lake Oswego, Kathy is proud to provide her clients with the expertise and exceptional customer service that they need and expect in today's fast-paced market.
Georgann "Georgie" Earl, Old Republic Home Protection
A believer in the importance of taking time off to relax and recharge, Georgie works as hard as she plays. With the adage "We Care" held close, Georgie strives to not only be a "one-year warranty company" to her clients, but to be her clients' home warranty company for a lifetime.
Read the profile here.
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The Lighter Side of PMAR
I get by with a little help from my (fuzzy) friends.
Creative real estate agents will try just about anything once (or even twice) to ensure their sellers get the price they want. But have you ever thought about using a little help from (wo)man's best friend? Read the full article.
What creative ways have you used to sell property? Share your stories with us on Facebook and Twitter!
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Updates from PMAR
BOD Updates: Click
here for a recap of recent actions of the PMAR Board of Directors.
In Memoriam: Faye O'Bryant: PMAR made a donation in her name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
PMAR Membership Recap (3/15/2016):
Realtors®: 5,682
Managing Brokers/Owners: 736
Affiliates: 40
Institute Affiliates: 97
Life Members: 59
Secondary (dual) Members: 107
Pending Applications: 15
Total: 6,736
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