Here is the schedule of remaining Membership Meetings for 2008. This will be updated periodically as I get more information and decisions are made about locations and speakers:
The Board of Directors for the Southern California Chapter of CRS met today in Hawthorne (the day before our final membership meeting of 2008) for strategic planning for 2009.
The purpose of this meeting was to review the Chapter accomplishments for 2008, our financial status, introduce new board members, and discuss the goals and strategy for 2009 which includes CRS 2-day classes, membership meetings and speakers, the 2009 budget, learning opportunities, and other issues relevant to the Chapter and its membership.
Our key focus is on continuing to provide opportunities and tools for our CRS Chapter members to grow their businesses and, in particular, cope with the challenging market we find ourselves in, especially with respect to dealing with REOs and short sales, and provide the best possible services for their clients.
The REO classes have been well received, with sold-out attendance, and more are planned for 2009, along with other 1-day learning opportunities, in addition to sponsoring the 2-day classes that are required for the designation.
At our membership meeting tomorrow you will learn more about the coming year and what we have planned to help you grow your business and continue to differentiate yourselves as the "best of the best." We feel very strongly that having the CRS designation provides a distinct advantage over the competition, and CRS agents have a reputation for being the best. And being a member of the Chapter also affords great opportunities for sharing referrals.
We are proud to have several Platinum sponsors who help us in many ways to promote our Chapter and its mission. We look forward to their continued sponsorship and opportunities to work with them, and hope YOU will supprt them in their business as well.
Bank of America
Hallmark Escrow
Express Copy
Coast Cities Escrow
Old Republic Home Protection
Here are a few photos from our meeting today. We look forward to a very exciting 2009 and a terrific opportunity to showcase our Southern California Chapter members at the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and CRS meetings in San Diego next November 2009. Stay tuned for more information about the events we are planning for the convention.
Our last educational and networking meeting in 2008 is next Friday, November 21 from 9 until 2 PM at the Ayres Hotel in Hawthrone just off the 5 freeway.
Steven Spile teaches “Top Ten Legal Issues in Today’s Market”
focusing on short sales and foreclosures
Friday, November 21, 2008 ~ 8:30am
Join us for a Special Discussion and Update on how membership in the Southern California CRS Chapter can be the “Point of Difference” that makes you money!
THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO ALL . COME LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CRS DESIGNATION AND OUR CHAPTER
We will welcome the 2009 Southern California
CRS Chapter Executive Board:
Deborah Kniss, President Marlene Bridges, President-Elect
Debbie Browne, Treasurer Richard Lombari, Jeff Dowler, Secretary
The SoCal CRS Board will be installed by Marylea Todd, CRS, GRI and
2007 Medallion Award Winner and National CRS Director.
Marylea will also provide a current National CRS update.
Location:Ayres Hotel, 14400 Hindry Avenue, Hawthorne/Manhattan Beach, CA 90250 (310) 536-0400 Call for overnight room reservations.
Cost: Early bird price SoCal CRS Members $35.00 & non-member $45.00. After November 14th —SoCal CRS Members $45.00 & non-members $55.00. Speaker and lunch included.
No refunds will be given.
Class Admittance Policy on all Southern California CRS Sponsored Classes and Meetings:
Your confirmation will be emailed and serves as your receipt. Without record of your payment, attendee will be required to pay with either check or credit card on the day of the event prior to admittance to the class/meeting. If payment is later verified, attendee will receive a refund. No unpaid guests will be admitted.
Our first Southern California Chapter of CRS-sponsored classes with C.J. Johnson and Silver Lining Productions were held in October with resounding success - both classes were sold out and we have a waiting list.
Because of demand, and the urgent need for folks to become better acquainted with REOs, we are again offering this 2-day series.
We are pleased to present our Member Spotlight for the 3rd quarter of 2008 for the Southern California CRS, GARY ERICSON with GE Realty in Thousand Oaks, California.
Please feel free to contact Gary with GE Realty if you need assistance with your real estate needs in the Thousand Oaks vicinity, or if you are a CRS and would like to make a referral in that area.
As a member of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Chapter with a Heart Committee, I would like to personally thank the following for their generous donation of products and services that enabled us to raise funds to benefit 4 diffferent Habitat for Humanity Chapters in our region:
Our Q3 meeting was held at the beautiful Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula's wine country.
Many thanks to VICKI PUTERBAUGH for all the arrangements in the winery's new conference center.
A smaller group of folks gathered at the Pechanga Casino to attend Night at the Improv with 3 comedians. It was a fun night of laughs. A bit over the top at times, IMO.
DEBORAH KNISS led an outstanding meeting, jam packed with information including updates about the two new REO classes we are co-sponsoring with Silver Lining Workshops. Don't miss this opportunity to attend these two classes being offered in October in San Dimas on the 3rd and the 24th to become more knowledgeable and proficient at REO listings.
MICHAEL HEGNA from Bank of America shared his perspective on what has happened in the banking world and what lies ahead. Knowing that wholesale loans are more than 1.5 X as likely to go into default as retail means an increased focus on direct lenders going forward. There will be more programs for first time buyers from BOA, as well as a continued emphasis on getting buyers into homes and helping them keep them
The 2009 slate of officers was announced - Deborah Kniss (President), Marlene Bridges (President-Elect), Debbie Browne (Treasurer) and Rich Lombari (Secretary).
We heard from RON CANNING, our Regional Vice President, and a number of attendees had the opportunity to meet him personally and chat a bit. We appreciate that he took the time to come all the way out here from Ohio to attend our meeting and show support for all that our Chapter is doing.
DICK BETTS challenged many to further embrace technology in their marketing going forward. With the increasing number of buyers and sellers who are using technology, we need to be there in order to be successful and to run our businesses more effectively. Blogging, websites, and text messaging are just a few of the things we need to be using.
We held our ANNUAL FUND RAISING auctions for HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, with the 50/50 raffle, a SILENT AUCTION of 6 prizes, and a LIVE AUCTION of 3 prizes, hosted by Ken Nordstrom, an auctioneer. The final count of monies raised is not complete, but we know the auctions and additional cash donations left nailed to THE STUD thus far TOTAL $2136.00(Folks who attended The Improv donated $5 for the cover charge so I'm waiting for the final tally). THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
The Southern California Chapter of CRS is proud to present the member spotlight for our second quarter, DEBBIE HAKE. She was not able to remain for the video at the Q2 meeting so it was completed yesterday at our Q3 meeting in Temecula.
Please feel free to contact Debbie with Keller Williams for your real estate needs in the Westlake Village/Ventura County area.
Here are the items being offered at the SILENT AUCTION at the Southern California Chapter of CRS membership meeting on Friday September 26, 2008 in Temecula. All proceeds will benefits Habitat fo Humanity Chapters in Southern California (you may designate the Chapter you wish your contribution to benefit - Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County, Temecula [Inland Valley], and San Diego).
Bidding begins at 9 adn will end around 12 noon.
You may TEXT MESSAGE me at (760) 840-1360 with Item #, bid amount and YOUR NAME
(for example - 1, $50, JOE SMITH)
ITEM #1
EGG Photo 360 Degree Lens for Virtual Tours (with adaptors
$600 value $50 opening bid$10 increment
ITEM #2
5’3” x 7’9” Egyptian rug
$250 value $75 opening bid $10 increment
ITEM #3
Art Vase
$225 value $75 opening bid $10 increment
ITEM #4
Supra IBox #1
$100 value $50 opening bid $10 increment
ITEM #5
Supra IBox #2 (same as above)
$100 value
$50 Opening bid
$10 increment
ITEM #6
Harvest Gift Basket - a large basket with Wilson Creek wine and glasses plus other goodies with a Harvest theme (donated by Property ID)
Bank of America has been a Platinum Sponsor of the Southern California Chapter of CRS for a number of years, and we value their support tremendously. In addition to their financial support, BofA provides a number of loan programs for consumers, and SoCalCRS members have an opportunity to work with one of the largest banks around and some of the best loan programs.
Our Bank of America representatives are always available to share information and provide assistance with regard to mortgages, and they attend each of our membership meetings to help members better understand what is going on in the mortgage world. Their discussion at a recent meeting of the Countrywide takeover is just one example.
The banking world has gone through some dramatic changes in recent weeks which will have a major impact on us and our market. The next membership meeting of our Chapter THIS FRIDAY September 26 in Temecula is an opportunity to learn more.
$ $ $ $ $
Mike Hegna (Pacific Southwest Region) and his team will discuss the Merrill Lynch acquisition & Countrywide transition and give us an update on how all of the changes on Wall Street will affect our market conditions.
This meeting is open to all - Chapter Members, non-members, and those who want to know more about becoming a CRS. Come hear DICK BETTS educate us on on "Technology Tools to Update Your Marketing Style."
The Southern California Chapter of CRS® & Silver Lining Workshops Present
REO 101 & REO 102 for the 21st Century
REO 101 – The Basics:
Date: Friday, October 3, 2008 9a.m.- 4 p.m.
Cost $99 for this CRS® Sponsored Event (normally $149)
• Overview of the REO Marketplace
• BPO Business Module for Immediate Cash Flow & Future Listing Opportunities
• Proper BPO Preparation
• Hands-on BPO Training Session
• The BPO/REO Resume
• Registering for BPO Business & More
REO 102 – You Get An REO Listing… Now What?
Date: Friday, October 24, 2008 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost $99 for this CRS® Sponsored Event (normally $149)
• How to Effectively Manage REO Listings
• Cash For Keys – a Win/Win Scenario
• Asset Preservation
• Property Tracking/Property Management Systems
• Marketing to Investors: Cash is King!
• The Who, What, When, & Where to Register for New REO Business & More
WHERE: CITRUS VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
655 w. Arrow Highway, San Dimas, CA 91773
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
RESERVATION HOTLINE (661) 972-9642
VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER & DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Our big fund raising event to benefit Habitat for Humanity is coming soon!
At our 3rd quarterly educational and networking meeting in Temecula, CA on September 26 you will have the chance to:
Learn lots about using technology in your marketing
Network with other real estate professionals from Southern California
Participate in our LIVE AUCTION and SILENT AUCTION to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.
Enjoy a wine tasting after the event
This event is OPEN TO ALL.
While many are already CRSs, many are not. It's a great chance to learn more about technology, and chat with folks who have taken their careers to a new level by obtaining the CRS. Find out about how you can become a CRS, and the benefits of joining our local Southern California CRS Chapter. Why not visit our website to learn more!
Here are the prizes we will auction during the LIVE AUCTION:
1. FREE REGISTRATION for the 2009 Sellabration in San Fransciso 2/5 - 2/7
2. A 3 day 2 night stay in a terrific condo in Mammoth Lakes
3. A Trio of Meals for 2 at your home prepared by Chef Pamela Croft, Founder of Dinner at Home
Plus the opportunity to network with other real estate professionals from other areas and possibly pick up or share a referral.
AND even coming away with some great learnings on how to be THE BEST listing agent, close more listing presentations, understand and deal with your sellers' motivations AND objections, and much more.
I'd say the value of this deal is pretty high. If you get ONE MORE LISTING this year as a result your ROI is about 10 X (or more) the cost of this CRS 201 LISTING STRATEGIES course. Even if you don;t plan to become a CRS, this could be a terrific chance for your to improve your skills with one of the best CRS courses around.
Don't miss your chance.
CRS 201 will be held in the San Diego area t the North San Diego County Association of REALTORS in Vista on Wednesday and Thursday September 17 and 18 from 8:30 - 5 each day.
Southern California CRS Chapter members have another marketing and branding option on our website. And since CRS members and consumers can access our regional roster when looking for a CRS, you want to be sure to captivate readers with some additional information about yourself.
Here is a short video that will explain how to edit your member page on our website in the members only area. It only takes a few minutes.
Here's your chance to become an outstanding LISTING AGENT.
Strategies to gain new listing business AND to help your clients are essential in this highly competitive and challenging market, whether you are a new agent or an experienced one.
This class is co-sponsored by the Southern California Chapter of CRS.Visit our site for more information, and learn how to become a CRS and find out about the benefits of joining our local CRS chapter.
Here's YOUR chance to obtain a strong competitive edge. Only those professionals who learn proven listing strategies will win over the client and increase their conversion rate. Listing Strategies provides students with the important skills necessary to conduct successful listing presentations, price a home to sell, close the transaction and market and promote effectively. This course will take students through an actual listing presentation that helps them understand the key steps in this process and create a system for success.
Topics include:
Conducting an effective listing presentation
Seller guidance and counseling
Pricing a home to sell
Closing techniques
Marketing plans and servicing systems
Sellers needs and motivations
Early reg: $285; after 8/29/08: $310, reg. deadline is 9/12/08
Instructor: Richard Sands, CRS
Since 2000, Mr. Sands has served as the Director of Education at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Greenwood Village, Colorado. He was instrumental in redesigning the company's new agent training program, creating a coaching and accountability program for agents called Performance Track. As a CRS instructor, Mr. Sands motivates his students to take their businesses to the next level.
Here's the 3rd Quarterly message from the Southern California CRS Chapter 2008 President Deborah Kniss, introducing the Board of Directors and sharing some information about the upcoming EDUCATIONAL and NETWORKING meeting to be held at Wilson Creek Winery on Friday September 26 in Temecula.
(I apologize that there were some issues with the tripod so you will hear some background noise)
If you attended the first two quarterly General Membership meetings this year, I hope you have already used your new tools and networking to increase your sales. As President, that is one of my stated goals for active Chapter members. In regards to classes, you will soon see information about a new two day class on Finance that is a must-have for this market, as well as special training on effectively maintaining an REO account – watch your email notices for more information!
This is the time, especially if “you don’t feel like it”, to get involved with the Chapter. If you would like to find out more information about the Board of Directors and what opportunities are available to you, please contact me direct. Real estate sales is all about staying cutting edge in your knowledge and skills, as well as staying connected with others.
I hope you will attend the next educational and networking meeting in Temecula – it is going to be a very important, fun event spread over two days. We will start with some fun on Thursday evening, September 25, at the Improv. Our General meeting will be held at the gorgeous Wilson Creek Winery on Friday, September 26, where Dick Betts (national speaker on technology) will be showing us how to start and maintain a Blog, how to text like a professional and much more. Of course you can’t have a seminar at a winery without doing some wine tasting afterwards!
This is also the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions about how to get more involved with the Chapter and network with a national representative from CRS, Ron Canning, who is flying in from Ohio to be with us.
Also, remember that by attending the meeting, your name will automatically be entered in a drawing to be in the “Member Spotlight”. The winner will be videotaped and profiled on our website and spotlighted in our next newsletter! I look forward to seeing you there.
Deborah Kniss, 2008 Chapter President
Stay the “Best of the Best” with the Southern California Chapter of CRS!
Here's a VIDEO message from our Chapter President, DEBORAH KNISS, about our upcoming Chapter Membership Meeting on March 14 and some things the Chapter is doing to help YOU with YOUR BUSINESS in 2008. We have an outstanding line-up of speakers, starting with Bernice Ross. We hope to see you at our next meeting. (NOTE: You may have already received this message in an email from Kari Casarietti)
As always, we want to hear from you regarding what you need to be more successful in your business. Please don't hesitate to let us know at any time. I will post a list of the current board members and Area Vice Presidents - any of them would be happy to speak with you about any questions that you have and to discuss how we can better serve you.
Be sure to check out our website from time to time as we update the information and add more features.
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