Certificates for the free class are being mailed so if you paid your dues in full by December 15th, keep watching the mail for yours! As a reminder, in order to receive your free class, you must present the certificate to receive the discount!
The 2010 Lunch & Learn Schedule has been basically set:
Date Topic*
Thursday, January 28 Procuring Cause: Unraveling the Mystery
Thursday, February 25 Getting in Good Form - Filling Out the RE-21
Wednesday, March 10 The Arbitration Alternative: Avoiding Costly Lawsuits
Wednesday, March 31 Real Estate Marketing in the Age of Social Media
Thursday, April 29 Understanding the "Ps and Qs"
Wednesday, May 26 The Ins and Outs of Home Inspections
Wednesday, June 9 An Overview of the Title and Escrow Process
Wednesday, June 30 Understanding Your New Buyers: Marketing to Generation 'Y'
Thursday, July 29 Prizes, Incentives, and Gifts: The 3-Legged Stool
Wednesday, August 25 Using Real Estate and Related Investments Inside IRAs & Other Qualified Plans
Thursday, September 9 Real Estate Marketing in the Age of Social Media
Wednesday, September 29 Getting in Good Form - Filling Out the RE-21
Wednesday, October 27 Procuring Cause: Unraveling the Mystery
Thursday, November 14 The Ins and Outs of Home Inspections
Thursday, December 16 Selling in a Historic District
Wednesday, December 29 The Arbitration Alternative: Avoiding Costly Lawsuits
*Topics Subject to Change
Thank you for your amazing participation and we'll continue to develop new ways to better serve your needs!
Happy Holidays!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) The Smart Right Thing to Do
Later today members of ACAR's Home From Work Task Force will be presenting our version of Home From Work (called Welcome Home Idaho) to the Boise Metro Chamber. Not to a monthly membership meeting, but to the staff management as an HR benefit for Chamber employees.
What's "Welcome Home Idaho"? ...Thanks for asking....Welcome Home Idaho is one of our critical initiatives for 2010.
"Welcome Home Idaho" is a sure fire way to make our Valley more attractive to employers considering expansion or relocation. Its a guaranteed way to increase responsible home ownership among an employee base. Its a proven way to connect HUD partner agencies (like NHS or IHFA) to people needing home ownership assistance.
Based on the successful HOPE Foundation program in Las Vegas, Welcome Home Idaho prepares REALTORS to help people who are interested in purchasing their first home, but don’t know how to get started or who to trust.
Over the course of two training sessions, HOPE Foundation founder Dawn Lane has trained nearly 50 Valley REALTORS in the Home From Work Essentials.
Last week, during the Bringing Workers Home Housing Summit, NAR Regional VP Jim Johnston addressed the conference on how/what and why this program is so important for Idaho. Here is an excerpt...
"As you know, American homeowners and homebuyers are facing some tough challenges today. According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ 2009 State of the Nation’s Housing Report, at last count, nearly 18 million Americans were severely cost burdened (paying more than 50% of their income on housing). But I’ve learned over the years that great challenges also present great opportunities—opportunities for innovation and creative solutions.
Employer-Assisted Housing, usually referred to as EAH, is one of those solutions; it can help address the housing issues of today’s workforce through a broad range of creative models. By implementing even the most basic EAH benefit, employers can have a positive impact on both their employees and their community.
For employees an EAH benefit can mean: the opportunity to own a home of their own for the first time; more time to spend with their family if they buy a home close to their jobs; and safety and security for their family over the long-term. Despite the challenges, homeownership continues to be one of the best long-term financial investments a person can make. In fact, it is the primary way most families build wealth.
And, there are other more immediate benefits to both homeowners and the community. Studies show that children of homeowners do better in school, and homeowners are more active in their communities.
And let’s remember, Housing Education, a core element of an EAH benefit program, is key to ensuring that prospective buyers are well-informed about the process and understand the financial commitment and responsibility of buying a home."
Read the rest of the Jim's remarks.
Overe the next months we will be bringing you more information about this and other REALTOR programs that will continue our Valley's economic recovery.
What's "Welcome Home Idaho"? ...Thanks for asking....Welcome Home Idaho is one of our critical initiatives for 2010.
"Welcome Home Idaho" is a sure fire way to make our Valley more attractive to employers considering expansion or relocation. Its a guaranteed way to increase responsible home ownership among an employee base. Its a proven way to connect HUD partner agencies (like NHS or IHFA) to people needing home ownership assistance.
Based on the successful HOPE Foundation program in Las Vegas, Welcome Home Idaho prepares REALTORS to help people who are interested in purchasing their first home, but don’t know how to get started or who to trust.
Over the course of two training sessions, HOPE Foundation founder Dawn Lane has trained nearly 50 Valley REALTORS in the Home From Work Essentials.
Last week, during the Bringing Workers Home Housing Summit, NAR Regional VP Jim Johnston addressed the conference on how/what and why this program is so important for Idaho. Here is an excerpt...
"As you know, American homeowners and homebuyers are facing some tough challenges today. According to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ 2009 State of the Nation’s Housing Report, at last count, nearly 18 million Americans were severely cost burdened (paying more than 50% of their income on housing). But I’ve learned over the years that great challenges also present great opportunities—opportunities for innovation and creative solutions.
Employer-Assisted Housing, usually referred to as EAH, is one of those solutions; it can help address the housing issues of today’s workforce through a broad range of creative models. By implementing even the most basic EAH benefit, employers can have a positive impact on both their employees and their community.
For employees an EAH benefit can mean: the opportunity to own a home of their own for the first time; more time to spend with their family if they buy a home close to their jobs; and safety and security for their family over the long-term. Despite the challenges, homeownership continues to be one of the best long-term financial investments a person can make. In fact, it is the primary way most families build wealth.
And, there are other more immediate benefits to both homeowners and the community. Studies show that children of homeowners do better in school, and homeowners are more active in their communities.
And let’s remember, Housing Education, a core element of an EAH benefit program, is key to ensuring that prospective buyers are well-informed about the process and understand the financial commitment and responsibility of buying a home."
Read the rest of the Jim's remarks.
Overe the next months we will be bringing you more information about this and other REALTOR programs that will continue our Valley's economic recovery.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
November Homes Sales Increase 100% Over 2008
But then again...November '08 home sales were the lowest (269) in a very long time.
Total homes sold in November were 533; up 98% compared to last year. What a difference 12 months and a Home Buyer Tax Credit makes!
Typically sales in November lessen as the year nears end. Over the last 4 years the average change in sales from October to November is -9%. (This excludes last year's 36% plunge.)
November '09 sales were 9% down from October. Consistent with what we would expect. Pending sales in November were 649.
First time home buyers continue to drive our market. The announcement of the Tax Credit extension and its expansion to include current homeowners should enable us to continue to move in the positive direction. 44% of homes sold in November were <$160,000.
The fundamental demand for housing is driven by jobs. What happens in our employment market will determine how long this modest recovery can continue. Anecdotally...there are signs that some Valley employers are getting stronger. Mandatory overtime, longer hours, reinstatement of pay cuts...all are happening now.
Median home price nudged up 1% from October to $159,700. Existing homes continue to hold their value relatively well. New homes median reversed its downward slide as it increased from $147,390 in October '09 to $149,900 in November.
Inventory has dropped under 3,000 homes for the first time since May of '06. We now have less than 5 months of inventory (existing and new) in our most demanded price category. Likely this is supporting the tenuous grip median sales price is holding to.
Market pace increased in November as days on market fell to 76.
On the less positive side...as you saw in the Statesman yesterday, distressed properties continue to hurt our friends and family. Among all active listings, 46% are either short sales, in foreclosure or REO's. 37% of all November sales were also distressed. Although this less than the 45% we were experiencing last March, it is too high.
Our community offers resources to help families in housing crisis that we sometimes overlook. Neighborhood Housing Service's Foreclosure Prevention Counseling program continues to have a greater than 90% rate of success in helping our neighbors avoid foreclosure. Its completely free to homeowners. Click here for more information and an intake package that must be completed before counseling can begin.
What I'm hearing about December is good. Buyer interest, offer presentations and closings are all up. The key is going to be how supportive our lender partners will be.
Yesterday President Obama chided the banks for poor results in assisting in our recovery...comparing them to "overpaid ball players who've had a bad season". “Given the difficulty that businesspeople are having as lending has declined, and given the exceptional assistance banks received to get them through a difficult time, we expect them to explore every responsible way to help get our economy moving again.”
Total homes sold in November were 533; up 98% compared to last year. What a difference 12 months and a Home Buyer Tax Credit makes!
Typically sales in November lessen as the year nears end. Over the last 4 years the average change in sales from October to November is -9%. (This excludes last year's 36% plunge.)
November '09 sales were 9% down from October. Consistent with what we would expect. Pending sales in November were 649.
First time home buyers continue to drive our market. The announcement of the Tax Credit extension and its expansion to include current homeowners should enable us to continue to move in the positive direction. 44% of homes sold in November were <$160,000.
The fundamental demand for housing is driven by jobs. What happens in our employment market will determine how long this modest recovery can continue. Anecdotally...there are signs that some Valley employers are getting stronger. Mandatory overtime, longer hours, reinstatement of pay cuts...all are happening now.
Median home price nudged up 1% from October to $159,700. Existing homes continue to hold their value relatively well. New homes median reversed its downward slide as it increased from $147,390 in October '09 to $149,900 in November.
Inventory has dropped under 3,000 homes for the first time since May of '06. We now have less than 5 months of inventory (existing and new) in our most demanded price category. Likely this is supporting the tenuous grip median sales price is holding to.
Market pace increased in November as days on market fell to 76.
On the less positive side...as you saw in the Statesman yesterday, distressed properties continue to hurt our friends and family. Among all active listings, 46% are either short sales, in foreclosure or REO's. 37% of all November sales were also distressed. Although this less than the 45% we were experiencing last March, it is too high.
Our community offers resources to help families in housing crisis that we sometimes overlook. Neighborhood Housing Service's Foreclosure Prevention Counseling program continues to have a greater than 90% rate of success in helping our neighbors avoid foreclosure. Its completely free to homeowners. Click here for more information and an intake package that must be completed before counseling can begin.
What I'm hearing about December is good. Buyer interest, offer presentations and closings are all up. The key is going to be how supportive our lender partners will be.
Yesterday President Obama chided the banks for poor results in assisting in our recovery...comparing them to "overpaid ball players who've had a bad season". “Given the difficulty that businesspeople are having as lending has declined, and given the exceptional assistance banks received to get them through a difficult time, we expect them to explore every responsible way to help get our economy moving again.”
Monday, December 14, 2009
You Can't Do That
This is a good article from Mr. Internet he talks about the "problem solvers" and the "problem avoiders"
There is a (soon-to-be-former) highly paid business consultant of mine that lately seems more interested in telling me what *can’t* be done rather than helping me achieve my goals. Caution is a necessary quality for any successful business person, unless it turns into a brick wall for the sake of not making mistakes.
Henry Ford was told in no-uncertain terms by his top engineers that casting a V-8 engine block was impossible. He responded by literally locking them in a room until they figured it out (you know the rest).
T
here is a huge difference between being a problem solver and a problem avoider. Something happened to this business consultant (who is also a friend). He used to be excited about possibilities and think innovatively. Now his main focus seems to be circling the wagons, figuring you have a better chance of staying alive, even if you don’t go anywhere.
Highly effective people will figure a way around, over or through the “brick walls” that place themselves in the way of every worthwhile endeavor. Don’t expect outsiders to take the ball and run with it. It takes something very special (that each of us have deep inside) to quiet the voice of naysayers…
More than anything else, it is a clear and consistent sense of purpose. When the objective is compelling enough, you will find a workable, effective way to make it happen.
-Ralph Marston
It’s the easiest thing in the world to say that something can’t be done and is a favorite pastime for those content to stay on the sidelines. Ultimately, achieving any goal or pursuing any worthwhile endeavor is totally up to you. Just remember that your deeply held sense of purpose is your shield that will protect you from the slings and arrows of those who haven’t found theirs yet.
There is a (soon-to-be-former) highly paid business consultant of mine that lately seems more interested in telling me what *can’t* be done rather than helping me achieve my goals. Caution is a necessary quality for any successful business person, unless it turns into a brick wall for the sake of not making mistakes.
Henry Ford was told in no-uncertain terms by his top engineers that casting a V-8 engine block was impossible. He responded by literally locking them in a room until they figured it out (you know the rest).
T
here is a huge difference between being a problem solver and a problem avoider. Something happened to this business consultant (who is also a friend). He used to be excited about possibilities and think innovatively. Now his main focus seems to be circling the wagons, figuring you have a better chance of staying alive, even if you don’t go anywhere.
Highly effective people will figure a way around, over or through the “brick walls” that place themselves in the way of every worthwhile endeavor. Don’t expect outsiders to take the ball and run with it. It takes something very special (that each of us have deep inside) to quiet the voice of naysayers…
More than anything else, it is a clear and consistent sense of purpose. When the objective is compelling enough, you will find a workable, effective way to make it happen.
-Ralph Marston
It’s the easiest thing in the world to say that something can’t be done and is a favorite pastime for those content to stay on the sidelines. Ultimately, achieving any goal or pursuing any worthwhile endeavor is totally up to you. Just remember that your deeply held sense of purpose is your shield that will protect you from the slings and arrows of those who haven’t found theirs yet.
Friday, December 11, 2009
November Sales Show Continuing Recovery!
Preliminary numbers are in for November and they are very solid.
First of all, we have to remember that the announcement of the tax credit extension didn't come until well into November. So, there was real impetus to try to close as quickly as possible...
Total sales are 533 homes. This is nearly a 100% increase compared to November 2008 sales of 269!
Our median sales price held firm at $155,000. This is down 15% from 2008. New home's median actually went up about $2,000 from October.
Days on market is holding at about 84 days. Not much change form '08 or from what we've seen the last few months.
Homes in the price range of <$160,000 accounted for 36% of all sales in November.
The full data set will be available later today. Watch for an updated commentary later.
First of all, we have to remember that the announcement of the tax credit extension didn't come until well into November. So, there was real impetus to try to close as quickly as possible...
Total sales are 533 homes. This is nearly a 100% increase compared to November 2008 sales of 269!
Our median sales price held firm at $155,000. This is down 15% from 2008. New home's median actually went up about $2,000 from October.
Days on market is holding at about 84 days. Not much change form '08 or from what we've seen the last few months.
Homes in the price range of <$160,000 accounted for 36% of all sales in November.
The full data set will be available later today. Watch for an updated commentary later.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Young Professionals Social Hour
The Young Professionals are having a Social Hour TODAY for December. Join us for drinks at the Barbacoa in Boise. Get Directions
We'll be there from 4pm to around 6pm, getting drinks and getting to know each other! Expand your network!
We'll be there from 4pm to around 6pm, getting drinks and getting to know each other! Expand your network!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
I Missed You Too...
I feel terrible...my last post was 5 days ago...when I came to log in, security said, 'Oh sure, now you want to come back." The thing is, last week was so amazingly active, we didn't slow down enough to write.
Last week in Boise we had a confluence of Real Estate Leadership, Policy and Futurism.
Alice Martin, NAR VP for Leadership Development, did not 1, but 2 days of contemporary leadership coaching. On Tuesday for association exec's it was 6 hours on how to best apply lesser know NAR resources to help with current organizational challenges.
On Wednesday more than 50 volunteer leaders from IAR, Caldwell AOR, Nampa AOR, WCR and ACAR jammed the IAR conference center learning "Lessons in Executive Leadership from Abraham Lincoln". All I can say is "hold on" there's 50 new sheriffs in town all wanting to make next year the best ever.
Thursday morning the marquee at the Center on the Grove read "National Housing Conference"...right here in Boise. NAR contacted our own Miguel Legarreta to host the national "Bringing Workers Home" conference for more than 150 housing professionals from the Pacific Northwest. NAR Region 12 VP, Jim Johnson kicked off the event with compelling numbers demonstrating the need for a coalition of business community and government leaders to answer our need for sustainable housing opportunity. Mayor Bieter spoke next about Boise and the Valley and what's coming next in their eyes. He reminded us that Boise is the 3rd largest city in the Northwest...when did that happen?
Thursday night we said "Thank you" to Russ Dane for his leadership this year and welcomed Jim Paulson as 2010 President. Joining Jim for installation by Julie DeLorenzo, IAR 2010 President, were Pres-Elect Laurie Barrera, VP Kit Fitzgerald, reelected Director Eric Jensen and new Directors Dave Ferguson and Wendy Alexandre. Just a note...we used Life's Kitchen to supply the food. We got great food at a great price and in the process continued to support one of our REALTOR's Community Foundation partners.
Friday morning came pretty early to 50 REALTORS singed up for Dawn Lane's "Home From Work" program. Want to know how Boise can beat Denver in the next employer solicitation...this is the answer. Dawn explained how REALTORS can work directly with employers to help establish EAH programs that improve the lives of everyone. This was the second time Dawn taught this program here. The first class, six months ago, drew maybe 10. This time 60 signed up! We will be offering the program in its new 2010 form in the spring. Stay tuned.
Whew...Glad to get all that out.
Thanks to everyone who helped put last week together. It was a huge week-long production and you pulled it off brilliantly.
With just a few weeks left this year, we're wrapping up projects and planning 1st qtr events. Before you know it the Circle of Excellence Banquet will be upon us...and it will sell out like it did last year. Stay tuned.
Last week in Boise we had a confluence of Real Estate Leadership, Policy and Futurism.
Alice Martin, NAR VP for Leadership Development, did not 1, but 2 days of contemporary leadership coaching. On Tuesday for association exec's it was 6 hours on how to best apply lesser know NAR resources to help with current organizational challenges.
On Wednesday more than 50 volunteer leaders from IAR, Caldwell AOR, Nampa AOR, WCR and ACAR jammed the IAR conference center learning "Lessons in Executive Leadership from Abraham Lincoln". All I can say is "hold on" there's 50 new sheriffs in town all wanting to make next year the best ever.
Thursday morning the marquee at the Center on the Grove read "National Housing Conference"...right here in Boise. NAR contacted our own Miguel Legarreta to host the national "Bringing Workers Home" conference for more than 150 housing professionals from the Pacific Northwest. NAR Region 12 VP, Jim Johnson kicked off the event with compelling numbers demonstrating the need for a coalition of business community and government leaders to answer our need for sustainable housing opportunity. Mayor Bieter spoke next about Boise and the Valley and what's coming next in their eyes. He reminded us that Boise is the 3rd largest city in the Northwest...when did that happen?
Thursday night we said "Thank you" to Russ Dane for his leadership this year and welcomed Jim Paulson as 2010 President. Joining Jim for installation by Julie DeLorenzo, IAR 2010 President, were Pres-Elect Laurie Barrera, VP Kit Fitzgerald, reelected Director Eric Jensen and new Directors Dave Ferguson and Wendy Alexandre. Just a note...we used Life's Kitchen to supply the food. We got great food at a great price and in the process continued to support one of our REALTOR's Community Foundation partners.
Friday morning came pretty early to 50 REALTORS singed up for Dawn Lane's "Home From Work" program. Want to know how Boise can beat Denver in the next employer solicitation...this is the answer. Dawn explained how REALTORS can work directly with employers to help establish EAH programs that improve the lives of everyone. This was the second time Dawn taught this program here. The first class, six months ago, drew maybe 10. This time 60 signed up! We will be offering the program in its new 2010 form in the spring. Stay tuned.
Whew...Glad to get all that out.
Thanks to everyone who helped put last week together. It was a huge week-long production and you pulled it off brilliantly.
With just a few weeks left this year, we're wrapping up projects and planning 1st qtr events. Before you know it the Circle of Excellence Banquet will be upon us...and it will sell out like it did last year. Stay tuned.
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