SMTAR Bits and Pieces

SMTAR Bits and Pieces http://www.SMTAR.com News and Important Info from the Southern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS en-us DECEMBER 2009 BITS AND PIECES
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WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EDITION

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

2009 SMTAR AWARD WINNERS

LOCKBOX BATTERY PROBLEMS

ANNUAL DUES ARE NOW DUE

TAR ISSUES MOBILIZATION FUND

TAR HOTLINE RESPONSE: $50 FOR REFERRALS?

UPCOMING EDUCATION

DATES TO REMEMBER

SYMPATHY NOTICES

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

If you received this newsletter by e-mail and would like to be removed from our mail list, please reply to the e-mail with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation of removal.

Need some statistics? Find them on our website by visiting www.SMTAR.com and clicking on "News".

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

SMTAR is pleased to present new members for the month of November:

Tommy Beech - First Realty, Pulaski
Kara Morgan - Keller Williams Realty, Spring Hill
Gary Powell - New Horizon Realty, Decaturville
Jerri Scharber - Exit Realty King & Associates, Spring Hill

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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

Happy Holidays!

As I write my very last President's newsletter this month, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over this past year. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to represent Southern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS as your President this year!!

The President's office will be well-filled next year. Your incoming President, Fay Robinson, is no stranger to the office; having served as President in years past. We will all be well-represented with her as our President.

Congratulations to all the award winners from our REALTOR Celebration (Installation Dinner) a few weeks ago. If you missed being there, you missed a great night. The food was exceptional and the fellowship was even better!! The award winners were extremely deserving. Make sure you congratulate them!

Best wishes to you all for a very merry Christmas and a safe, prosperous & happy New Year!!

Thanks again for all your support over this past year.. but it's not goodbye! I'll see you on Facebook!

Regards,
Devon Montgomery
President

SMTAR's Facebook link (Be sure to copy and paste the entire link into your browser if you are unable to click!):
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbia-TN/Southern-Middle-Tennessee-Association-of-REALTORS/38462364810

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2009 SMTAR AWARD WINNERS

The 2009 REALTOR(r) Celebration themed "Diamonds & Pearls" was an affair to remember. Of the things remembered are this year's award winners!

REALTOR(r) of the Year - Bonnie Hickman

Andy Akin Distinguished Service - Melissa Potts

Career Achievement - David Jent

Pioneer Award - Jimmy Dugger

Student of the Year - Rob Huey

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LOCKBOX BATTERY PROBLEMS

When changing the batteries in your lockboxes (especially if changing multiple batteries at once) please ensure that the serial number on the battery cover matches the serial number on the side of the lockbox. Some locks have been returned to the association office with two different serial numbers on the box.

Please be sure to change batteries as soon as the message light begins to flash. When the main battery is depleted, the lockbox begins to rely on its internal backup battery. If the backup is depleted, the box will no longer function.

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ANNUAL DUES ARE NOW DUE

The 2010 Membership Dues for the Southern Middle Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r) has been invoiced to membership. Please be sure your dues are paid by January 1st to ensure that your services are not interrupted. We must remind principle brokers that failure to pay their dues invoice may result in interruption of services to the entire firm, including but not limited to MLS services.

At this time of year, many licensees re-evaluate their choice of REALTOR(r) Associations. If anyone you know is interested in membership with SMTAR, please have them contact Mary or Rebecca at the Association Office.

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TAR ISSUES MOBILIZATION FUND

Primary REALTOR(r) members will notice a $15 fee on their annual dues invoices for the TAR Issues Mobilization Fund. This fee (in addition to the other fees listed) is mandatory for all primary REALTOR(r) members.

From time to time, issues arise in the legislative arena that may have a negative impact on our industry. The IM Fund will be utilized to cover the expense of addressing those issues and ensuring that REALTOR(r) voices are heard in all of the necessary places.

For more information regarding the Issues Mobilization Fund, as well as the TAR Dues Increase for 2010, please visit the following website:
http://tarnet.com/files/pdf/TAR_Dues_Explanation.pdf

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TAR HOTLINE RESPONSE: $50 FOR REFERRALS?
[From: TAR Digest 11-17-09]

QUESTION: A local home inspector is offering to pay REALTORS $50 for any referrals. The REALTOR isn't being asked to perform any services. Does this violate RESPA?

ANSWER: Under RESPA, "No person shall give and no person shall accept any fee, kickback, or thing of value pursuant to any agreement or understanding, oral or otherwise, that business incident to or a part of a real estate settlement service involving a federally related mortgage loan shall be referred to any person." 12 USC 2607(a).

A real estate settlement service defined as:
"...any service provided in connection with a real estate settlement including, but not limited to, the following: title searches, title examinations, the provision of title certificates, title insurance, services rendered by an attorney, the preparation of documents, property surveys, the rendering of credit reports or appraisals, pest and fungus inspections, services rendered by a real estate agent or broker, the origination of a federally related mortgage loan (including, but not limited to, the taking of loan applications, loan processing, and the underwriting and funding of loans), and the handling of the processing, and closing or settlement."

Therefore, in our opinion, a home inspector would likely be viewed as a real estate settlement service since pest inspections and surveys are classified in that manner. We would NOT recommend accepting anything for any referrals to home inspectors.
[SOURCE: TAR's Legal & Ethics Hot Line Attorneys]

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UPCOMING EDUCATION

Please note: The 2010 Education Calendar has not yet been determined. We anticipate that a schedule of classes will be available in February or March 2010.

Ethics
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
9:00AM - 12:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
Cost is $40, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

RealTracs 1
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
12:30AM - 3:30 PM 3 Hours of CE
This FREE course is available to all RealTracs Users. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Monthly RealTracs Training
CANCELLED FOR DECEMBER

DON'T FORGET OUR ONLINE COURSES AT WWW.SMTAR.COM!!!!

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DATES TO REMEMBER

December 24-25, 2009 - Association CLOSED for Christmas
December 31, 2009 - Association CLOSED for New Year's Eve
January 1, 2010 - Dues payments are due. Association Office is CLOSED. Please do not leave dues payments on the premises during closed hours.

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GET WELL NOTICES

Aubrey Tycer - Tycer Property Inspections, recovering from Triple Bypass Surgery

Rebecca Hughes - daughter of Kay Kay Williams with Re/Max Elite in Columbia. Rebecca is suffering from very serious complications arising from a recent surgery.

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SYMPATHY NOTICES

Fern Hickman - Mother of Frick Hickman with Coldwell Banker Barnes in Columbia
Rev. John E. Points - Father-in-law of Teresa Points with Keller Williams Realty in Spring Hill
Mary Katherine Hines - Mother of Ronnie Hines with Keller Williams Realty in Spring Hill
Ed Turner - Father of Kristi Richardson with David Jent Realty in Lewisburg

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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Association Office		931.381.5556
Mary Scott, Association Executive	scottm@realtracs.com
Rebecca Head, Office Manager	rebeccah@realtracs.com
Tammy Brown, Administrative Assistant	tammyb@realtracs.com

SMTAR 2009 President
Devon Montgomery		931.364.5678
devon@devonmontgomery.com

RealTracs (Middle Tennessee Regional MLS)		800.397.9282
Member Login: www.RealTracs.net
Public Login: www.RealTracs.com

2009 MLS Director
Matt Collins		931.359.6231
matt@grovercollins.com

Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r)		615.321.1477
www.TARNET.com

Tennessee Real Estate Commission		800.342.4031
www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec
National Association of REALTORS(r)		800.874.6500
www.REALTOR.org

]]> Wed, 9 Dec 2009 NOVEMBER 2009 BITS AND PIECES
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WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EDITION

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

TAX CREDIT EXTENDED!

ANNUAL DUES BILLING THIS MONTH!

UPCOMING EDUCATION

DATES TO REMEMBER

SYMPATHY NOTICES

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

If you received this newsletter by e-mail and would like to be removed from our mail list, please reply to the e-mail with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation of removal.

Need some statistics? Find them on our website by visiting www.SMTAR.com and clicking on "News".

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

SMTAR is pleased to present new members for the month of October:

Brian Bates - Big Tree Realty - Hohenwald, TN
Dayla Burklow - Russell Realty - Lewisburg, TN
Holly Hoyt - New Horizon Realty - Decaturville, TN
Anne Morrow - Re/Max Pros - Lawrenceburg, TN
Steve Sweet - Bob Parks Realty - Franklin, TN

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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

Hope this finds you high on life and not just on a sugar high from all the leftover Halloween candy!!

As of this writing, it looks like we will get the extension to the $8000 tax credit for 1st time home buyers that we have been anticipating!! In addition to the 1st time buyer credit they are also expanding it to homeowners who have lived in their homes in excess of five years with a $6500 tax credit. Hopefully this will give us all an added push to our business.

Our Annual REALTOR Celebration (Installation Dinner/Dance) is coming up in just a few more days!! Hopefully you have your ticket and plan to attend this event on November 21st at the UAW Banquet Hall in Spring Hill. Good food, the installation of our 2010 Board of Directors, awards presentations, Leadership Academy Graduation and wonderful fellowship with our fellow REALTORS will be on the night's agenda. I'm sure there will be a few surprises too!! Hope you are planning to attend.

Need education?? Check our Association's website for available courses. There is always education available to take. There are even on-line courses that can be taken if your schedule doesn't allow for you to come into the Association Office. Questions?? I'm sure Rebecca or Mary will be glad to assist you in finding the courses that fit your needs as well as your schedule!

Best wishes to you all for a safe & happy Thanksgiving!!

As always, let me know how I can help you! I am a phone call away. Until next month - I'll see you on Facebook!

Regards,
Devon Montgomery
President

SMTAR's Facebook link (Be sure to copy and paste the entire link into your browser if you are unable to click!):
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbia-TN/Southern-Middle-Tennessee-Association-of-REALTORS/38462364810

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TAX CREDIT EXTENDED!

NAR announced Friday that the voice of REALTORS(r) across the nation had been heard in Washington. President Obama has signed bill H. R. 3548 into law! The Homebuyer Tax Credit deadline has been extended through April 2010 and the requirements have been expanded to include those who already own a home. As with all things government - there is a little "red tape" to snip through, but this victory on Capitol Hill should prove fruitful in the days ahead.

REALTORS(r) will need to bone up on their Tax Credit knowledge so that their clients will not miss out on this opportunity. Here are the sources of information that you will need to review:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html?portlet=7

http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/home.html

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ANNUAL DUES BILLING THIS MONTH!

This is a reminder that your annual dues billing should arrive in your e-mail inbox toward the end of this month. The amount of local dues that you will pay for 2010 has not yet been set. The Board of Directors will address this topic at their next meeting on November 19th. We do know that the amount due will be AT LEAST $420 and that it will be due on January 1st. Some members have elected to prepay their dues with the understanding that they will be billed for any additional amount due at the regular invoicing time. Please be sure to let us know if you wish to receive invoices at a specific e-mail address, and keep an eye out for the invoices between now and December 1st.

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UPCOMING EDUCATION

Please note: The 2010 Education Calendar has not yet been determined. We anticipate that a schedule of classes will be available in February or March 2010.

Ethics
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
9:00AM - 12:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
Cost is $40, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Monthly RealTracs Training
Thursday, December 17, 2009 - Two sessions are available.
Please log in to RealTracs.net, click on "Member Info" and then "Training Classes". Courses offered at SMTAR are listed under the location of "Southern Middle TN" in the left column. To register for any of these classes, click on the "Register" link to the right of the course. You must have a RealTracs User ID to attend, and the courses are free.

DON'T FORGET OUR ONLINE COURSES AT WWW.SMTAR.COM!!!!

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Saturday, November 21st - REALTOR(r) Celebration

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SYMPATHY NOTICES

Clark Rose - REALTOR(r) member with ERA Crunk Realty in Savannah
C. Nicks Williams - brother-in-law of Kay Kay Williams with Re/Max Elite in Columbia
George Farris - father of Marlin McGrew with Coldwell Banker Barnes in Columbia
Ray Helms - nephew of Bettie Gunter with Re/Max Leading Edge in Fayetteville
James Tate - father of Danny Tate with David Jent Realty in Lewisburg
Nadine Andrews Masterson - sister of Gilly Andrews with Progressive Realty in Columbia
Genette McBroom - mother of Linda Walker with White/Woodard Realty and Elaine Waggoner with Waggoner Appraisals, mother-in-law of Gerald Waggoner with Waggoner Appraisals (all Columbia)

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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Association Office		931.381.5556
Mary Scott, Association Executive	scottm@realtracs.com
Rebecca Head, Office Manager	rebeccah@realtracs.com
Tammy Brown, Administrative Assistant	tammyb@realtracs.com

SMTAR 2009 President
Devon Montgomery		931.364.5678
devon@devonmontgomery.com

RealTracs (Middle Tennessee Regional MLS)		800.397.9282
Member Login: www.RealTracs.net
Public Login: www.RealTracs.com

2009 MLS Director
Matt Collins		931.359.6231
matt@grovercollins.com

Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r)		615.321.1477
www.TARNET.com

Tennessee Real Estate Commission		800.342.4031
www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec
National Association of REALTORS(r)		800.874.6500
www.REALTOR.org

]]> Sun, 8 Nov 2009 OCTOBER 2009 BITS AND PIECES
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WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EDITION

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

DUES INCREASE SET FOR 2010

AGENCY STILL A PROBLEMATIC AREA FOR REALTORS(r)

SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION NEEDS YOUR HELP

GET WELL NOTICES

UPCOMING EDUCATION

DATES TO REMEMBER

SYMPATHY NOTICES

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

If you received this newsletter by e-mail and would like to be removed from our mail list, please reply to the e-mail with the word REMOVE in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation of removal.

Need some statistics? Find them on our website by visiting www.SMTAR.com and clicking on "News".

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
SMTAR is pleased to present new members for the month of September:

Ron Daniel - New Horizon Realty - Decaturville, TN
Keith Killebrew - BMA Properties - Fayetteville, TN
Aimee Tackett - Middle Tennessee Realty & Auction - Hohenwald, TN
Cathy Worrilow - Farm & Home Real Estate - Fayetteville, TN

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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
Hello Fall!! Looks like the season is changing and Fall is rolling in. I'm sure everyone is enjoying the cooler temps.

We recently returned from the Tennessee Association of REALTORS annual convention. This year it was held in Point Clear, Alabama on the gorgeous Mobile Bay. I enjoyed some great education sessions and renewing friendships with some great REALTORS from across the whole state. Congratulations to Rob Huey from David Jent Realty in Chapel Hill for winning the GRI Student of the Year award at the convention. What a huge accomplishment!! This year our Board of Directors selected Fay Robinson as our nominee for TAR's REALTOR of the Year award. While Fay was not selected for this award, she was recognized and SMTAR was very well represented! BJ Swinehart of Knoxville was installed as our 2010 TAR President. Emil Mongeon from right here in Middle Tennessee is this year's President Elect. I'm sure both of them will do an outstanding job in their positions. Next year's convention will be held in Memphis. Start making plans now to attend and don't miss out on this wonderful annual event!

Our own installation is coming up in November!! November 21st will be our annual event. It is being held again this year at the UAW Banquet Hall in Spring Hill. Fay Robinson will be installed as our 2010 SMTAR President along with the 2010 Board of Directors. The 2009 SMTAR Leadership Academy will also receive their graduation award on this same night. There is also a lot of other awards to be given out --- make plans to attend to find out who the REALTOR of the Year will be!! Contact the Association office for more information or to reserve your tickets!

As always, let me know how I can help you! I am a phone call away. Until next month - I'll see you on Facebook!

Regards,
Devon Montgomery
President

SMTAR's Facebook link (Be sure to copy and paste the entire link into your browser if you are unable to click!):
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbia-TN/Southern-Middle-Tennessee-Association-of-REALTORS/38462364810

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INCREASE IN REALTOR(r) FEES SET FOR 2010
Each REALTOR(r) member of SMTAR must pay dues locally to SMTAR, to our state association (TAR) and to our national association (NAR) on an annual basis. These dues are due on January 1st of each year, and it is anticipated that you will be billed for these dues in mid-November. From time to time, various needs of the association call for the increase in the amount of dues you must pay. Here is a breakdown of the changes to your REALTOR dues for 2010:

Local Dues - In 2009, this amount was $200 with a discount available if you pay with cash or check. Our Board of Directors will evaluate recommendations received from our Finance Committee regarding the 2010 dues amount at their next meeting. It is not yet known whether or not a change in your local dues will be necessary.

State (TAR) Dues - The Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r) has added a $20 dues assessment to their dues for 2010. As a result of this assessment, the dues amount required by TAR will change from $70 to $90. Please note that an additional $15 Issues Mobilization Fund Assessment had already been approved for the 2010 dues. This fee will be billed as a separate line item. The total amount that will be paid to TAR on your behalf will be $105. We understand that many of you may have concerns regarding the increase in your TAR fees for 2010. Some of your questions may be answered in a letter posted by TAR President Fontaine Taylor at the following link:
http://tarnet.com/files/pdf/TAR_Dues_Explanation.pdf

National (NAR) Dues - The National Association of REALTORS(r) has not implemented a change in their dues rates for 2010. REALTOR(r) Members will pay an $80 dues amount plus a $35 Public Relations Campaign Fee to NAR. Please note that the Public Relations Campaign Fee is mandatory for REALTOR members as does not fund any political campaign.

As of the date of this newsletter, your projected TOTAL dues amount for 2010 is AT LEAST $420.

Please feel free to e-mail any questions you may have to SMTAR@realtracs.com

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AGENCY STILL A PROBLEMATIC AREA FOR REALTORS(r)
According to NAR's 2009 Legal Scan, agency issues are still at the top of the list of risks for those who list and sale in the real estate industry. Check out this article in your REALTOR(r) Magazine online:

http://www.realtor.org/rmolaw_and_ethics/articles/2009/0909_legal_agency

In additon to a very brief summary of the Legal Scan report, you'll also find links to help you gain a better understanding of Agency requirements.

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SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION NEEDS YOUR HELP
The SMTAR Scholarship Foundation needs your help to fulfill the dreams of a handful of individuals graduating high school in the class of 2010. This year, we'd like to offer recognition at our 2009 REALTOR(r) Celebration to those agent's donating to our Scholarship Booster Program.

Contributors may donate in any dollar amount, however, the following categories of donation will be recognized:

Gold Patron - $200 Donation
Silver Patron - $100 Donation
Bronze Patron - $50 Donation

As always, we appreciate your continued support of the Foundation, and your contributions are tax deductible.

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UPCOMING EDUCATION

Ethics
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
9:00AM - 12:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
Cost is $40, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

RealTracs 1
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
12:30AM - 3:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
This FREE course is available to all RealTracs Users. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Monthly RealTracs Training
Thursday, October 21, 2009 - Two sessions are available.
RealTracs 2 9:30AM & Statistics 12:30PM
Please log in to RealTracs.net, click on Member Info and then Training Classes. Courses offered at SMTAR are listed under the location of Southern Middle TN in the left column. To register for any of these classes, click on the Register link to the right of the course. You must have a RealTracs User ID to attend, and the courses are free.

DON'T FORGET OUR ONLINE COURSES AT WWW.SMTAR.COM!!!!

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Saturday, November 21st - REALTOR(r) Celebration; Tickets are on sale now! Call 931.381.5556 or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

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SYMPATHY NOTICES

Lena Battershell - Mother of Brent Battershell with Blue Ribbon Realty in Columbia
Joe Wallace - Grandfather of Stacey Booker with David Jent Realty in Chapel Hill

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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Association Office		931.381.5556
Mary Scott, Association Executive	scottm@realtracs.com
Rebecca Head, Office Manager	rebeccah@realtracs.com
Tammy Brown, Administrative Assistant	tammyb@realtracs.com

SMTAR 2009 President
Devon Montgomery		931.364.5678
devon@devonmontgomery.com

RealTracs (Middle Tennessee Regional MLS)		800.397.9282
Member Login: www.RealTracs.net
Public Login: www.RealTracs.com

2009 MLS Director
Matt Collins		931.359.6231
matt@grovercollins.com

Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r)		615.321.1477
www.TARNET.com

Tennessee Real Estate Commission		800.342.4031
www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec
National Association of REALTORS(r)		800.874.6500
www.REALTOR.org

]]> Sun, 17 Oct 2009 SEPTEMBER 2009 BITS AND PIECES
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WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EDITION

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

LITTLE BITS

METH AND OUR HOMES

CREDIT CARD SECURITY

GET WELL NOTICES

UPCOMING EDUCATION

DATES TO REMEMBER

SYMPATHY NOTICES

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

If you received this newsletter by e-mail and would like to be removed from our mail list, please reply to the e-mail with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation of removal.

Need some statistics? Find them on our website by visiting www.SMTAR.com and clicking on "News".

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
SMTAR is pleased to present new members for the month of August:

Michael "Keith" Childers - Elite Real Estate - Lewisburg, TN
Chris Diestelow - Access Realty - Fayetteville, TN
Sylvia McAlister - BMA Properties - Fayetteville, TN
Brent McLay - Russell Realty - Lewisburg, TN
Adam Smith - BMA Properties - Fayetteville, TN
Drew Young - Bolles Realty - Fayetteville , TN

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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
Happy September!! Hopefully everyone enjoyed a safe and relaxing Labor Day. Labor Day usually signals the end of summer. Summer this year seemed to come and go before we even realized that summer was here!

September brings the Tennessee Association of REALTORS annual convention. This year it is being held at Point Clear, Alabama which is on Mobile Bay. I am sure it will be a great chance to network with REALTORS from all over the state as well as some awesome education sessions with some fabulous speakers. Hopefully, you have your reservations and are planning to attend this annual event. If not, tune in next month for a full report!

October 7th we will have our business luncheon in Pulaski. This is always a well attended luncheon with some great food and fellowship at the First National Bank in Pulaski. Look for an e-mail to make your reservation. We hope you will make plans to attend!

Don't forget our annual Installation Dinner/Dance that is coming up before we know it. This year's event will be held on November 21st at the UAW Banquet Hall in Spring Hill. We will install our new Board of Directors along with our 2010 President, Fay Robinson. Watch your e-mail to make reservations for this yearly event!!

As always, let me know how I can help you! I am a phone call away. Until next month - I'll see you on Facebook!

Regards,
Devon Montgomery
President

SMTAR's Facebook link (Be sure to copy and paste the entire link into your browser if you are unable to click!):
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbia-TN/Southern-Middle-Tennessee-Association-of-REALTORS/38462364810

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LITTLE BITS

A new FAQ is available on RESPA Rules. Click the link below to download:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/ramh/res/resparulefaqs.pdf

Some affilate brokers may have noticed that they have received education credit from the Tennessee Real Estate Commission for courses completed December 25th 2008. Because this is the Christmas Holiday, it is highly unlikely that anyone completed a course on this date. Because of the policies implemented during the beginning of the license staggering process, the actual dates of education courses completed from January 2007 to December 2008 FOR SOME, BUT NOT ALL, AGENTS were changed to December 25, 2008. This change was necessary to allow TREC's education database to recognized education that was allowed to "roll over" during the staggering process. The ripple effects of this change in expiration dates are beginning to slow, and should stop altogether by the end of next year.

A note on education - many of you are waiting to the very last minute to complete the education that TREC requires for your license to be renewed. In years past, it was very easy for SMTAR to accommodate this situation because all licenses expired at the same time. This simultaneous expiration created a high demand for courses. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find courses on short notice for one or two people. We encourage you to have your educaition requirments completed at least 60 days BEFORE your license expires. If you DO allow your expiration date to pass and have NOT completed the required education, your license will be reflected as "Delinquent" at TREC, and you cannot legally do business. The "Delinquent" status is instituted the day your license expires rather than the day after.

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METH AND OUR HOMES
One of the education courses offered at SMTAR is called "Meth and Its Makers". Every time we've offered this course, we are asked the same question: "What is Meth?" It is astounding to us to know that there are REALTORS(r) out there who do not know about this dangerous drug and the affect of its production on the properties that are used as labs.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a dangerous and highly addictive illegal drug that is made, sold and used right here in our own back yard. This drug is "cooked" in kitchens located in homes, cars, and tents across the nation. Rural areas are very popular for the making of this drug because the process used creates a very strong, very noticeable odor that travels quite some distance. The effects of this drug are not limited to the person who uses it. The chemical process involved in its production creates toxic fumes that leech into every material they come into contact with. In the same fashion that cigarrette smoke permeates clothing, fumes from the methamphetamine production penetrate the drywall, wall studs, and floor materials. A person exposed to these chemicals will absorb the toxins, as well, by inhalation and also by skin contact.

Empty rural or secluded homes are very popular for the production of Meth. If these homes are not properly cleaned once the meth lab is shut down, then the next inhabitants of the property are likely to become very (sometimes gravely) ill. A "proper cleaning" does not mean that you pick up a jug of Lysol and go to it. In order for a property that has been used to create meth to be certified as "clean", it has to have been decontaminated by professionals trained and state-certified to do the job. Once a lab is discovered, properties are quarantined until they can be cleaned.

Your duty to your client is to disclose "any adverse facts" about a property. If you are aware that a home has been used to create methamphetamine, you should disclose this information to potential buyers as an adverse fact. The buyers, then, have the right to request a Certificate of Fitness showing that the property has been cleaned. Only a Certified Industrial Hygenist or Certified Methamphetamine Lab Hygenist is qualified to issue a Certificate of Fitness for a home that has been deemed unsafe for human inhabitance by the state.

As a real estate licensee, we urge you not to turn a blind eye to the dangers of this drug as it pertains to your business. Cleaning of contaminated properties is extremely expensive and the process from seizure to release of the property is very lengthy. Statistics below show the number of properties that have been seized in the SMTAR region since 2004:

Giles County - 6
Lawrence County - 6
Lewis County - 0
Lincoln County - 5
Marshall County - 1
Maury County - 1
Perry County - 0
Wayne County - 3

DEA National Clandestine Laboratory Register - http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/seizures/tennessee_pg1.html
TDEC Registry - http://tennessee.gov/environment/dor/pdf/quarantined.pdf
Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force Lab Search - http://www.rid-meth.org/frmSearchSite2.aspx

We hope that you will take the time to use the following resources to educate yourself on this growing issue in the real estate industry:

www.MethFreeTN.org
http://tennessee.gov/environment/dor/meth/
A True Tennessee Story: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009534042_methhouses26.html?syndication=rss&rssref=a

These numbers seem small, but the majority of these properties remain quarantined and are uninhabitable. It is important to the safety of potential buyers to disclose that a home was used as a meth lab if you become aware of this information.

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CREDIT CARD SECURITY
New policies concerning the retention and safeguarding of credit card information are now in effect at the SMTAR office. Because of the requirements of the policy, we must ask that members refrain from submitting credit card information to us in e-mail or in any online medium or chat (i.e. Facebook). Credit card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes cannot be kept "on file", so please be prepared to provide this information each time you pay by credit card at our office.

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GET WELL NOTICES
Clark Rose - ERA Crunk Real Estate - Recently diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Marlin McGrew - Coldwell Banker Barnes - Recovering from a recent car accident

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UPCOMING EDUCATION

Ethics, Energy & Efficacious Behavior - DVD
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
9:00AM - 12:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
Cost is $40, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Monthly RealTracs Training
Thursday, September 17, 2009 - Two sessions are available.
RealTracs 1 9:30AM & RT Webmail and SPAM Management 1:00PM
Please log in to RealTracs.net, click on "Member Info" and then "Training Classes". Courses offered at SMTAR are listed under the location of "Southern Middle TN" in the left column. To register for any of these classes, click on the "Register" link to the right of the course. You must have a RealTracs User ID to attend, and the courses are free.

CORE 09/10
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
1:00PM - 5:00PM 4 Hours of CE
Cost is $55, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Social Media
Thursday, October 1, 2009
9:00AM - 12:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
Cost is $45, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Closing the Tough Ones
Thursday, October 1, 2009
12:30PM - 2:30PM 2 Hours of CE
Cost is $35, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

DON'T FORGET OUR ONLINE COURSES AT WWW.SMTAR.COM!!!!

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, October 7th - General Membership Meeting

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SYMPATHY NOTICES
Robert Brindley, Sr. - Owner of Brindley Construction and First Realty Group of Pulaski.

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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Association Office		931.381.5556
Mary Scott, Association Executive	scottm@realtracs.com
Rebecca Head, Office Manager	rebeccah@realtracs.com
Tammy Brown, Administrative Assistant	tammyb@realtracs.com

SMTAR 2009 President
Devon Montgomery		931.364.5678
devon@devonmontgomery.com

RealTracs (Middle Tennessee Regional MLS)		800.397.9282
Member Login: www.RealTracs.net
Public Login: www.RealTracs.com

2009 MLS Director
Matt Collins		931.359.6231
matt@grovercollins.com

Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r)		615.321.1477
www.TARNET.com

Tennessee Real Estate Commission		800.342.4031
www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec
National Association of REALTORS(r)		800.874.6500
www.REALTOR.org

]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2009 AUGUST 2009 BITS AND PIECES This advice was given to attendees at the General Membership Meeting held on August 6, 2009.
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WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EDITION

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND ELECTION

REALTRACS TIP OF THE MONTH

ARE WE BEGINNING TO SEE SIGNS OF RECOVERY IN THE SMTAR REGION?

CONGRATULATIONS TO GROVER COLLINS - TREC CHAIRMAN

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS - SMTAR'S ANNUAL REALTOR(r) CELEBRATION

SCAMS, VIRUSES, ANNOYANCE, OH MY!

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FANS

UPCOMING EDUCATION

DATES TO REMEMBER

SYMPATHY NOTICES

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

If you received this newsletter by e-mail and would like to be removed from our mail list, please reply to the e-mail with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation of removal.

Need some statistics? Find them on our website by visiting www.SMTAR.com and clicking on "News".

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
SMTAR is pleased to present new members for the month of July:

Jennifer Taylor - Century 21 AAA Associates - Fayetteville, TN
James Bennett - Century 21 Buddy Tankersley Realty - Lewisburg, TN
JoAnn Koch - Century 21 Kelso Realty - Lawrenceburg, TN
Ronald (Bucky) Herrin - ERA Ben Porter Real Estate - Fayetteville, TN
David Sanders - ERA Ben Porter Real Estate - Fayetteville, TN
Scott Jackson - Russell Realty - Lewisburg, TN

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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

August has already rolled around and most kids are already back at school for another year. I always used to tell my kids when they were younger that my favorite fall color was school bus yellow (they were NOT amused)!! The summer seems to go by quicker each year.

We are now VERY close to having the required 1000 pre-ordered REALTOR license plates that we needed to begin production. If you haven't already ordered yours, be sure to visit the TAR website (tarnet.com) for an order form, pricing and additional info.

If you missed our August business luncheon in Lewisburg, you missed a great meeting! Jimmy Dugger, our Program Committee Chair put together a great and informative meeting with some outstanding speakers. Mike Dinwiddie, Spring Hill Mayor and Mike Herron, UAW Chairman gave us an updated report on the status of the General Motors plant operations as well as the town of Spring Hill as a whole and how the upcoming GM plant becoming idle could effect everyone in Middle Tennessee. The presentation was not near as bleak as one might have expected and gave us a great deal of hope and encouragement for our business. We were also able to meet our 6 scholarship winners ~ what a deserving group of young people!

Our August business luncheon always includes our annual election of officers. After voting took place and the ballots were tabulated -- your 2010 officers will be:

President - Fay Robinson
President-Elect - Jason Jent
Secretary-Treasurer - Melissa Potts
Director - Jonathan Hickerson
Director - Jennifer Graham
Director - Della Beyer
Director - Debra Griggs
Immediate Past President - Devon Montgomery

Congratulations and many thanks to our 2010 Board of Directors for agreeing to serve.

Don't forget to check our SMTAR website for any education you might need. Our association is a great source for the education requirements that you need to re-new your license. Don't let your renewal deadline slip up on you before getting the continuing education you need.

As always, let me know how I can help you! I am a phone call away. Until next month, I'll see you on Facebook!

Regards,
Devon Montgomery
President

SMTAR's Facebook link (Be sure to copy and paste the entire link into your browser if you are unable to click!):
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbia-TN/Southern-Middle-Tennessee-Association-of-REALTORS/38462364810

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND ELECTION
As reported in the preceding President's Letter article, the 2010 Board of Directors has been approved by membership. We look forward to working with all of you next year!

In addition to the Election, and excellent program was arranged by Jimmy Dugger, Program Committee Chair. Spring Hill Mayor Michael Dinwiddie presented the economic status of the city of Spring Hill and its potential impact on the surrounding community. UAW Local 1853 GM Unit Chair Mike Herron presented the current status of the General Motors facility in Spring Hill. Mr. Herron's guests were Local 1853 Vice President Tim Stannard and an IS Leader introduced only as "Jack".

Mayor Dinwiddie advised that a technical training center and movie theater are in the works for Spring Hill in the near future. The city is still pursuing construction of a hospital and plans to break ground on the medical office portion of this project in the spring. Mayor Dinwiddie encourages everyone to "start focusing on positive things" rather than the negative.

Mr. Herron with the UAW reports a more positive outlook for the Spring Hill GM facility than what we have seen thus far in the media. Some workers were laid off as a result of the changes that the company has made nation-wide. However, 800 workers are presently reporting for duty in the plant and the company is busy locating products that can be produced there. Mr. Herron stresses that this facility is the largest and most technologically-advanced of the GM facilities. The equipment installed is very new, making it unlikely to be added to GM's shutdown list. The facility will be idled and additional job loss is expected near the end of this year, however Mr. Herron feels that this will not be a permanent situation. Mr. Herron also notes that the company has quite a bit of difficulty convincing workers to leave Middle Tennessee. He states that the "quality of life is so good here" that retirees and current workers prefer to stay right where they are.

The potential for additional jobs due to new businesses in Spring Hill coupled with a more stable outlook for the GM facility are great news for the economy of Southern Middle Tennessee. We would like to thank Mayor Dinwiddie and Mr. Herron for their comments, and hope that their positive outlook for our area will spread to all of those in our community.

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REALTRACS TIP OF THE MONTH

A widely-used practice among RealTracs users is to adjust the listing price on a listing by a small amount so that it will appear on the Hot Sheet Report. The Hot Sheet Report shows new listings, listings that have had a change of status, and listings with a price change for the days specified in the report criteria. It is an excellent means of obtaining a quick overview of what's available. However, if ANY price change would cause a listing to appear on the Hot Sheets, then EVERY agent would adjust the price by a dollar or two per day so that the listing would remain on the Hot Sheets for a longer period of time. This activity would, therefore, defeat the purpose of the Hot Sheets altogether. To maintain the integrity of the Hot Sheet Report, the system will only recognize price changes of $1,000 or more for the Hot Sheet Report. As a side-note, be sure that your seller is aware of any changes to price you make!

Another tip that we came across while researching this issue: there is a $500 fine for failure to notify the MLS of a change of status of a user with your company within 10 days of that change. This is very important to remember when an agent or staff person LEAVES your office.

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ARE WE BEGINNING TO SEE SIGNS OF RECOVERY IN THE SMTAR REGION(r)

It is too soon to tell, but the decline of the real estate market in the SMTAR region may be slowing. An analysis of closed residential property graphed data in Giles, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Perry and Wayne counties over the last 31 months shows fewer sharp declines in the number of properties sold. Average sale price seems to be levelling out, and some of our counties may be nearing their "rock bottom". Because we never know what rock bottom might be, it is too hard to predict when we will begin to see more positive change in our area. The fact that the changes in our data are now less drastic than they were are an indicator that the market may be establishing an equilibrium. A stable market is the thing we must need the most at this point because we must have a stable foundation in place before we can begin to rebuild.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO GROVER COLLINS - TREC CHAIRMAN
SMTAR would like to congratulate REALTOR(r) member Grover Collins with Grover Collins Realty on his recent election to the position of Chairman of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission. We'd like to wish him the best of luck as he tackles this challenging position.

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS - SMTAR'S ANNUAL REALTOR(r) CELEBRATION

Be sure to mark your calendars! The annual installation of Officers and Directors event at SMTAR turns 30 this year and is sure to be a blast.

The REALTOR(r) Celebration, formerly known as the Installation Dinner and Dance, will kick off ticket sales in just a few weeks. Join us for "Diamonds and Pearls" on Saturday, November 21st as we welcome our 2010 Board of Directors and present annual Awards to our outstanding REALTOR members. We hope to see you there!

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SCAMS, VIRUSES, ANNOYANCE, OH MY!
SMTAR regularly receives reports of fraud, scams, viruses, etc. Until just a few years ago, our response was to forward these alerts to membership via e-mail. For verifyable, urgent, and dangerous alerts, we will continue to do this. Unfortunately, not all reports can be verified, and we do not want to forward information that may be inaccurate. We DO however, want to let you know about some of these potentially inaccurate alerts because they often bring to light potential safety issues, and give us an opportunity to remind you of the dangers of your business.

In an effort to provide useful and accurate tips and warnings regarding safety, SMTAR will kick off a new section on its website dedicated to updating you on recent (and past) concerns regarding computer and workplace safety. This section is scheduled to launch during REALTOR Safety Week beginning September 13th. We hope that you will visit often so that you may stay abreast of potential threats.

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THANKS TO ALL OF OUR FANS
Not too long ago, SMTAR met an important benchmark on the popular social networking site: Facebook. We are pleased to announce that we now have more than 100 fans of our Facebook Page, and hope that this number will continue to rise. It is important to note that many of our fans are not SMTAR members. The question we have for you is: What are you waiting for?! Become a fan of our page today!

The Center for REALTOR(r) Technology reports that 84% of 1,189 REALTORS(r) who responded to a recent study use social networking. 76% of those folks surveyed use Facebook. To match that number in SMTAR members, SMTAR's Facebook page will need over 390 fans!

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UPCOMING EDUCATION

Social Media
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
9:00AM - 12:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
Cost is $45, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Closing the Tough Ones
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
12:30PM - 2:30PM 2 Hours of CE
Cost is $35, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Ethics
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
9:00AM - 12:00 PM 3 Hours of CE
Cost is $40, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

RealTracs 1
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
12:30PM - 3:30PM 3 Hours of CE
Course is FREE, MUST HAVE AN MLS USER ID TO ATTEND. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

Monthly RealTracs Training
Thursday, August 20, 2009 - Two sessions are available.
Tax 9:30AM & RealTracs Plus 12:30PM
Please log in to RealTracs.net, click on "Member Info" and then "Training Classes". Courses offered at SMTAR are listed under the location of "Southern Middle TN" in the left column. To register for any of these classes, click on the "Register" link to the right of the course. You must have a RealTracs User ID to attend, and the courses are free.

CORE 09/10
Thursday, August 27, 2009
1:00PM - 5:00PM 4 Hours of CE
Cost is $55, DISCOUNTS are available. Call 931.381.5556 for registration information, or e-mail SMTAR@RealTracs.com.

DON'T FORGET OUR ONLINE COURSES AT WWW.SMTAR.COM!!!!

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DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, September 7, 2009
BOARD OFFICE CLOSED IN OBERSVANCE OF LABOR DAY

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SYMPATHY NOTICES

William Norris Shaw - uncle of Rand Shaw with Re/Max Elite in Columbia - We would like to pass on that Mr. Norris was 90 years old and was driving a tractor when he passed away. He is a true representation of the phrase "You're only as old as you feel!"
Henry C. Ledford - grandfather of Clay Ledford with David Jent Realty in Lewisburg.
Travis Smith - brother of Clay Ledford with David Jent Realty in Lewisburg. Mr. Smith passed just days after Clay's grandfather.
Parnell Bruno - mother of Theresa Bartel with Land & Home Realty in Hohenwald.

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IMPORTANT CONTACTS
"

Association Office		931.381.5556
Mary Scott, Association Executive	scottm@realtracs.com
Rebecca Head, Office Manager	rebeccah@realtracs.com
Tammy Brown, Administrative Assistant	tammyb@realtracs.com

SMTAR 2009 President
Devon Montgomery		931.364.5678
devon@devonmontgomery.com

RealTracs (Middle Tennessee Regional MLS)		800.397.9282
Member Login: www.RealTracs.net
Public Login: www.RealTracs.com

2009 MLS Director
Matt Collins		931.359.6231
matt@grovercollins.com

Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r)		615.321.1477
www.TARNET.com

Tennessee Real Estate Commission		800.342.4031
www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec
National Association of REALTORS(r)		800.874.6500
www.REALTOR.org

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:00:00 *****VOTING REMINDER!***** Mon, 3 Aug 2009 SAFETY REMINDER FOR REALTORS
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-real-estate-showing-body,0,1645758

In this case, the victim AND the person who found him were in your profession. Neither is a position that anyone should be forced to be in, but it DOES happen and there are things you can do to help prevent it.

We would like to remind our REALTOR family that safety should be at the forefront of all of your dealings with clients and other REALTORS. Take the time to ensure that someone knows your itenerary and check in with someone throughout the day as you are showing your properties. Make sure you have a file containing identifying information on anyone that you plan to visit a property with. Keep the same information on all of your clients to avoid violations of Fair Housing laws.

More tips are available at REALTOR.org and will be presents on SMTAR.com during REALTOR Safety Week beginning September 13th. Do not ignore the value of YOU for the value of $$$.
]]> Tue, 21 Jul 2009 JULY 2009 BITS AND PIECES
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WHAT'S INSIDE THIS EDITION

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

REALTRACS TIP OF THE MONTH

YOUR TAR DIGEST MAY STOP COMING

NEW MEMBERS

PRE-ELECTION NOTICE

REALTRACS AND POINT2 AGENT BEGIN SYNDICATOIN AGREEMENT JULY 21

REALTOR(r) CREDIT UNION NOW OPEN! OH - AND THERE'S HEALTH INSURANCE, TOO!

UPCOMING EDUCATION

DATES TO REMEMBER

SYMPATHY NOTICES

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

If you received this newsletter by e-mail and would like to be removed from our mail list, please reply to the e-mail with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line. You will receive a confirmation of removal.

Need some statistics? Find them on our website by visiting www.SMTAR.com and clicking on "News".

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
SMTAR is pleased to present new members for the month of June:

Heritage Bank & Trust - New Affiliate Member
Lee Anne Coble - Russell Realty, Lewisburg, TN
Heather Knox - Russell Realty, Lewisburg, TN

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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

Hopefully everyone enjoyed a wonderful and safe July 4th holiday!! Summertime fun in the sun, good food, fireworks and some time with family & friends make for a great day!
Registration is now open for the Tennessee Association of REALTORS annual convention in September. This year's convention will be held in Pointe Clear, Alabama. Our state convention is always a fabulous event. It is a chance for networking with agents across the state, education classes with some exceptional speakers - all at a great location! Make your plans now to attend. For more information and schedule, visit the TAR website at www.TARNET.com.
Our next business luncheon will be held August 5th in Lewisburg. This luncheon will include the election for next year's Board of Directors. Please be sure to attend and vote for our slate of Officers & Directors. If you can't attend, absentee ballots are available. Look for e-mails soon with more details about the luncheon and voting.
Just a reminder that the Lockbox Maintenance & Service Fee is now due. If you have not already paid this, please get your fee paid as soon as possible to avoid your lockbox access being terminated.
As always, let me know how I can help you! I am a phone call away. Until next month - I'll see you on Facebook!

Regards,
Devon Montgomery
President

SMTAR's Facebook link (Be sure to copy and paste the entire link into your browser if you are unable to click!):
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Columbia-TN/Southern-Middle-Tennessee-Association-of-REALTORS/38462364810

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REALTRACS TIP OF THE MONTH

Lately, we've noticed that e-mails that we WANT to receive are being snatched up by the RealTracs Spam Firewall. E-mails such as the TAR Digest, that have always gotten through, have become snared in the firewall net. Even member e-mails have gotten stuck.

As a result, we have learned that we must check the firewall more often than once per day, but we do not necessarily want to receive notices from the firewall more frequently than once per day. (What would be the point of the firewall then?) The best way to check for a message that you might be missing is to log directly into your firewall account.

There is no link to the firewall anywhere in the RealTracs system except from an e-mail message that you receive FROM the firewall. That doesn't mean that you can't create your own link. There are a few ways you can do this. First, you could memorize the link, which is spam.realtracs.com (no www). Next, you could type this link into your web browser and add it to your "Favorites" list. Finally, you could just create a custom link on your home page in the RealTracs system (RTM).

If you need further information on how to create a custom link in the RealTracs Manager, please visit:
http://www.southernmiddletennessee.com/rtlinks.htm
Custom links can be used for any website, and the RealTracs Manager allows you to organize them in a neat and tidy fashion.
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YOUR TAR DIGEST MAY STOP COMING

On July 14th, the Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r) will begin sending their newsletter (the TAR Digest) to the e-mail address that is currently reflected in the National REALTOR(r) Database. To ensure that you continue to receive the TAR Digest, please verify that your e-mail address in the National REALTOR(r) Database (NRDS) is correct.

Visit www.REALTOR.org
Click on "My Account"
If you have previously registered with REALTOR(r).org, please log in. Otherwise, click on "Click here to register."
Once logged in, click on "View Your REALTOR(r).org profile and contact information" to verify your e-mail address. If you need to change your address, simply type the new one in and click on "Update Preferences".
Please note that changes to your e-mail address may affect the way you log in to your TAR Online Forms. Any changes made in the NRD System will take at LEAST two days to be reflected in TAR Information.

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TAR'S NEW GUIDE TO AGENCY LAW

Agency Law is, without a doubt, one of the hardest legal issues to define, discuss, address, and follow in Tennessee. Your Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r) has just published "A Guide to Tennessee's Agency Law" to help you understand the law, and they've managed to pack loads of information into only 22 pages. We know this may seem like a lot, but this is a topic that deserves 22 volumes.

The Guide is available in PDF format that can be downloaded and saved on your computer, or you can print it if you have "old fashioned" tendencies. (By the way, your association staff has "old fashioned" tendencies!) Here's the link at TAR.

http://tarnet.com/files/pdf/Guide_To_TN_AgencyLaw.pdf

We have also linked to this document from "REALTOR(r) Links" on our website at www.SMTAR.com.

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PRE-ELECTION NOTICE
The Nominating Committee has submitted the following slate of Officers and Directors for 2010:

Jason Jent ~ President-Elect
Melissa Potts ~ Secretary/Treasurer
Jonathan Hickerson ~ Director (1 year) (to complete the unexpired term of Melissa Pratt)
Jennifer Graham ~ Director (3 years)

The following Directors will return for 2010:

Fay Robinson ~ President
Jim Fullerton ~ Director (1 year)
Della Beyer ~ Director (2 years)
Debra Griggs ~ Director (2 years)
Devon Montgomery ~ Director (1 year) Immediate Past President

In accordance with the Board bylaws, additional candidates for the offices to be filled may be placed in nomination by a petition signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the active REALTOR members. Petitions should be submitted to the Association Office no later than 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2009. All names submitted by petition will be verified for qualifications fulfillment before being placed on the ballot. (Present membership total is 512.)

The election will be held at the August 5th General Membership Luncheon Meeting in Lewisburg. For those not planning to attend the luncheon, absentee ballots will be sent out the afternoon of July 22nd.

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REALTRACS AND POINT2 AGENT BEGIN SYNDICATOIN AGREEMENT JULY 21

We are pleased to announce that RealTracs has partnered with Point2 Agent to provide members the very best in listing advertising - with listing syndication. Syndication will provide you and your listings with the marketing exposure you desire, at no cost to you.

Not only will you have free advertising of your listings in as many places as possible, but all statistics and prospects generated by your listings will be provided right back to you - free of charge. The great part is that you enter and edit your listing information in RealTracs as usual and the changes are updated everywhere!

RealTracs will keep members updated on their progress, and automatic listing syndication will begin July 21. More details will follow in the coming weeks via the email address found in your RealTracs online roster. If you need to change or update your email address, please go to My Page and select Edit your Roster Entry.

For answers to frequently asked questions and more, visit point2.realtracs.net or contact RealTracs via Info@RealTracs.com.

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REALTOR(r) CREDIT UNION NOW OPEN! OH - AND THERE'S HEALTH INSURANCE, TOO!

At NAR's Midyear Meetings in Washington, D. C., it was announced that the REALTOR(r)'s Federal Credit Union is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS! This is a big move for our industry, and we hope that it will take a very positive direction for our members as it moves forward into the future.

If you would like to find out more about the services offered at RFCU, please visit:
http://www.realtorsfcu.org

While we are on the topic of what NAR has done for you lately, we'd also like to remind you that a health insurance program for REALTORS(r) is now available. To find out if you qualify for this new service, visit:

http://www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/benefits_partners/core_health_insurance

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UPCOMING EDUCATION

Monthly RealTracs Training
Thursday, July 16, 2009 - Two sessions are available.
RealTracs II 9:30AM & Statistics 12:30PM
Please log in to RealTracs.net, click on "Member Info" and then "Training Classes". Courses offered at SMTAR are listed under the location of "Southern Middle TN" in the left column. To register for any of these classes, click on the "Register" link to the right of the course. You must have a RealTracs User ID to attend, and the courses are free.

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DATES TO REMEMBER

August 5, 2009
General Membership Meeting and Election

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SYMPATHY NOTICES

Melba Carroll - grandmother of Jim Fullerton with David Jent Realty in Lewisburg
Blaik Hickman - brother of Frick Hickman with Coldwell Banker Barnes in Columbia
Mable Cagle - mother of Sharon Counce with Coldwell Banker Counce-Hooper in Lawrenceburg (Mrs. Cagle is the mother-in-law of Robert Counce and grandmother of Carl Counce, also REALTORS(r) in this firm)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Association Office		931.381.5556
Mary Scott, Association Executive	scottm@realtracs.com
Rebecca Head, Office Manager	rebeccah@realtracs.com
Tammy Brown, Administrative Assistant	tammyb@realtracs.com

SMTAR 2009 President
Devon Montgomery		931.364.5678
devon@devonmontgomery.com

RealTracs (Middle Tennessee Regional MLS)		800.397.9282
Member Login: www.RealTracs.net
Public Login: www.RealTracs.com

2009 MLS Director
Matt Collins		931.359.6231
matt@grovercollins.com

Tennessee Association of REALTORS(r)		615.321.1477
www.TARNET.com

Tennessee Real Estate Commission		800.342.4031
www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/trec

National Association of REALTORS(r)		800.874.6500
www.REALTOR.org

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000