1. LEADERSHIP TRAINING: The WCR-Metro STL
THE GO 2 NETWORK FOR ST. LOUIS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS...
leadership program has started and will include
GET IT HERE, GET IT NOW
independent study, seminars, attendance at national
The WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine is a monthly publication of leadership summits, networking events with local
the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of members, class projects and much more. This pilot
REALTORS®. For more information, visit the WCR-Metro program enters its second year and will be a model
STL website at www.WCRSTL.org. To submit an article or program for other chapters in future years.
inquire about advertising opportunities, contact Michelle Silies at
NETWORKING EVENTS: Recognizing that real estate
MSilies@PREASignatureRealty.com.
sales is about relationships, WCR-Metro STL will again
host a series of networking events including events
A Message from President with the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and
Eastern Missouri and a joint meeting with the St. Charles
Elizabeth Robb Women's Council of REALTORS®.
SOCIAL MEDIA: As Dieter Pauwels discussed at the
January 2010 Business Resource Meeting, the only
constant is change. In 2010, the WCR-Metro STL is
embracing change by expanding its member resources
and assistance through the use of social networking sites.
Here are some of the planned changes:
In 2010, the leadership of the Metropolitan St. Louis
Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS® • LINKEDIN / FACEBOOK: Establish our
intends to continue its mission of empowering real estate LinkedIn Group and Facebook Fan Page as
professionals to succeed in the current real estate market resources for our members. The LinkedIn Group
by providing resources that REALTORS® and affiliates and Facebook Fan Page will include regular
can use in their daily real estate practice. announcements of chapter meetings and events,
notices of free technology and other training
BUSINESS RESOURCE MEETINGS: This year's line- sessions offered by members, articles and tips for
up of guest speakers and discussion panels will address use by our members and their clients and links,
a wide variety of issues ranging from life coaching videos and audio featuring real estate news and
to networking to technology to community leadership training.
and much more. The line-up includes national speakers,
regional leaders and some of our own WCR-Metro STL • TWITTER: Use Twitter to disseminate weekly tips
members who will offer their knowledge, experience and for use of our members and their clients. The
insights to assist our members to push their business to weekly tips will address such topics as the purchase
new heights in 2010. of a home, sale of a home, home staging, title
insurance, mortgage loans, home inspections, home
1
2. maintenance, new building products, technology, • Article: Building a Strong Internet Presence by
sales skills development and much more. Blogging–Real Topics that Drive Traffic and
Generate Leads - p. 16
If you aren't a member or haven't renewed your
membership for 2010, I would encourage you to do so • 2010 Leadership Program - p. 18
by clicking on Join Now at www.wcr.org and discover • Upcoming Training Events - p. 18
why the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter is the "Go 2 • Upcoming State and National Meetings - p. 19
Network for St. Louis Real Estate Professionals." To
hear first hand some of the great reasons to join WCR- • Our Sponsors and Supporters - p. 20
Metro STL, please see the "Word on the Street - Member • Our Leadership - p. 21
Testimonials" section of this newsletter.
Have a Fun and Prosperous 2010! NOTES FROM THE EDITOR:
WCR-Metro STL President Elizabeth Robb In this issue, the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the
Women’s Council of REALTORS® launches a new
monthly newsletter with a new name and a new look.
In This Issue of the WCR Metro Together with our social networking sites and soon
to be relaunched website, the newsletter–entitled WCR
St. Louis E-Zine (January, 2010) Metro St. Louis E-Zine–aims to provide our members
with news and insights that can be used to address
the complexity and challenges of the current real estate
market. Some elements, such as the President’s Message,
Event Calendar, Program Announcements, New Member
Introduction and others, will be familiar. However, the
new electronic platform allows us to expand the scope of
IN THIS ISSUE: the newsletter as follows:
• Message from Our President - p.1 • The platform supports the development of more in-
• Editor's Notes - p. 2 depth articles related to the subjects of our Business
Resource Meetings by allowing the creation of
• 2010 Membership Drive - p. 3 articles from RSS feeds and website URLs.
• New Member Introductions - p. 4 • The platform allows the use of links in articles
• January Business Resource Meeting - p. 4 directing WCR members to websites, blogs, videos
and other web resources for additional information
• Article: Developing a Blueprint for Success - p. 5 associated with the subject of the article.
• Article: Starting Out Right in 2010–Setting Goals • The platform allows us to disseminate the newsletter
and Shaping a New Attitude - p. 7 in more formats such as .PDF for printing or e-
• Article: The Google Virtual Library and the Search mailing, RSS feeds for reading on one’s computer
for Self-Improvement - p. 8 or distributing content to social networking and
other websites, Mobipocket for downloading to
• Tech Toolbox–Websites to Track Your 2010
Amazon Kindle and other Mobipocket compatible
Resolutions - p. 9
devices and ePub for Sony eBook readers and other
• Word from Our Sponsor - p. 9 compatible devices.
• Article: New Government Regulations May Impact • Shortly, we will also be making the newsletter
Your Closing Date - p. 10 available via streaming audio and via downloadable
• Many Faces of WCR-Metro STL - p. 11 MP3 audio files for listening on Smartphones, iPods
and other devices.
• 2010 Chapter Fundraising Events - p. 12
• The newsletter will be archived and available on our
• Word on the Street/WCR Testimonials - p. 13 Chapter's website as well as available on Twitter,
• WCR-Metro STL Social Networking Sites - p. 15 the WCR-Metro STL Facebook Fan Page and the
2
3. WCR-Metro STL LinkedIn Group, expanding its NEW MEMBER APPLICATIONS: New Membership
reach to non-members as well as the general public. Forms can be found on the WCR-Metro STL Facebook
Fan Page under e-Docs Resource Center in the
However, the success of our new newsletter will depend Membership Folder or on the WCR-St. Louis website at
on the contribution of each and every member. Here is www.wcrstl.org.
how you can participate:
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION RESOURCES:
• Suggest topics for articles. Here are some WCR-Metro STL resources to assist in
• Submit photographs and articles for inclusion in the new member recruitment:
newsletter.
• Member Recuritment & Retention Kit: Download
• Advertise in the newsletter. Or, encourage your the Member Recruitment & Retention Kit found at
colleagues and favorite local businesses to advertise www.WCR.org in the Members Only Section under
in the newsletter. Chapter Tools.
• Disseminate the newsletter to your colleagues with a • Video-The Benefits of Membership: View the
note encouraging them to become a WCR member. WCR Video found at www.WCR.org in the
• Provide constructive criticism and feedback. Members Only Section under Chapter Tools.
• Be patient as we make changes to the newsletter. • Brokerage Sales Meeting Speakers - If you need a
speaker for an upcoming sales meeting to discuss
INTERESTED IN ASSISTING WITH THE the Benefits of WCR Membership as a part of the
NEWSLETTER? Contact Michelle Silies at 2010 WCR-Metro STL Membership Drive, please
MSilies@PREASignatureRealty.com. contact Jillian Butler at 314-677-6100.
• WCR-Metro STL Facebook Fan Page: Membership
2010 WCR-Metro STL Forms and the Member Recruitment and Retention
Kit can be found on the WCR Facebook Fan Page
Membership Drive under e-Docs Resource Center in the Membership
Folder or on the WCR-St. Louis website at
www.wcrstl.org. The Video can be found on the
WCR-Metro STL Facebook Fan Page on the Wall
or in the Box Tab under Videos.
INTERESTED IN ASSISTING WITH THE 2010
WCR-METRO STL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE? Contact
Like many professional organizations, the Metropolitan
Jillian Butler at 314-677-6100 or Brett Nelson at
St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s Council of
636-795-5781. The challenge for the February Business
REALTORS® is a member supported and member
Resource Meeting is for each member to attend and
driven organization. The strength of our local chapter is
to invite a guest to discover the Benefits of WCR
based on its ability to attract and retain new members.
Membership.
2010 RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION CONTEST:
National and state member recruitment and retention
contests are now underway. The state recruitment
contest offers a cash prize to the member who recruits
of the most new members. The national recruitment
contest is for the chapter that recuits the most members
with 20 points awarded for new member applications
received before February 28 and 15 points awarded
for new member applications received from March 1
through March 31. The retention contest is based on
the percentage of members retained based on 2009
membership figures.
3
4. New Member Introductions
Please welcome our newest WCR-Metro STL members
and encourage them to get active in their local
WCR chapter. In addition, if you have recently joined
WCR-Metro STL, please consider attending one of the
upcoming New Member Orientation sessions to see why
the WCR-Metro STL is the "Go 2 Network for St. Louis
Real Estate Professionals."
NEED MORE INFORMATION ON THE BENEFITS
OF WCR MEMBERSHIP? Contact Brett Nelson at
636-795-5781.
WCR-Metro STL Business
Resource Meeting - January
2010
The keynote speaker for this month's Business Resource
Meeting was business and life coach Dieter Pauwels.
Mr. Pauwels is a professional certified life and business
coach, speaker and author. He facilitates personal and
organizational transformation and works with both
individuals and teams to create new possibilities,
navigate change and maximize their productivity and
personal effectiveness. His presentation focused on the
need to embrace change and developing the right mental
attitude to embrace change.
For more information, visit the Dieter Pauwel's website
at www.DieterPauwels.com. The website includes a
description of his life and business coaching services,
4
5. blog posts and other articles, video and much more.
Mr. Pauwels also offers a FREE 45 minute life and
business coach session. For more information, click on:
Free Coaching Session.
RECOMMENDED READING:
• Do I Need a Life Coach?
• 10 Ways to Build a Positive Mental Attitude
• Top 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Setting
Your Personal Goals
• Understanding and Living Your Core Values
• Change What Really Matter
RECOMMENDED PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
BLOGS:
• Pickthebrain.com
• Ririanproject.com
• Talent Development Resources
Developing a Blueprint for
• Lifeoptimizer
Success in 2010
With the start of a new year, we earnestly make
resolutions to improve our personal and professional
lives over the next 12 months. For those few precious
days or weeks, we zealously pursue these resolutions.
However, after the holidays are over, the hectic pace of
everyday life begins. With each passing day, we seem
to lose our ardor and the intensity of our commitment to
pursuing our new goals. By mid to late January, we are
deeply entrenched in the grind of our everyday lives. The
resolutions that we so ardently made are relegated to the
back of a junk drawer and are forgotten. So this year,
instead of simply making resolutions, I developed a plan
that I intend to use as my blueprint for success in 2010:
STEP 1-EMBRACE CHANGE: Before I set my goals
for 2010, I made a list of five daily affirmations. The
affirmations focus on my ability to effect change in my
daily life. It included such affirmations as:
• I can and will take control my daily life.
• I can and will effectuate change in my daily life.
5
6. • I acknowledge that there are things in my daily life that they are first made, they can and should appear to be
I will not be able to control or change. impractical, unrealistic or even impossible to attain. I
wrote out five personal and five professional goals. Even
• I will strive for progress, not perfection, in reaching
reading them now make me laugh. For example, I
my goals.
spent twenty years adding to my waistline. One of my
• I understand that it is insane to continue with the same visionary statements is to return to my college weight. It
activities and expect different results. is a visionary statement because I am trying to undo in
These affirmations are simple reminders that no plan one year that which took me twenty years to build up.
is perfect. In real life, our goals and plans to reach STEP 4-BREAK VISIONARY STATEMENTS INTO
them must be fluid and must change with our personal A SERIES OF MILESTONE GOALS: After re-reading
circumstances. We cannot and won't be able to change my affirmations, I realize that I will not be able to make
everything. I also used the affirmations to refocus my permanent changes or achieve the goals in my visionary
thoughts. Instead of thinking in absolute terms such "I statements overnight or even in a matter of weeks.
will always..." or "I will never...", I set my resolutions When I look at the goals, they can seem overwhelming.
and personal goals with the simple recognition that I However, for each long-term goal in each visionary
am committed to making progress towards these goals. statement, I set a series of milestone goals with one new
Whether it is a weight loss goal or a sales goal, I goal to be met each month. For example, for weight loss,
recognize that I am looking for gradual and steady I set a series of progress and related goals: January -
progress or change, not immediate perfection. elimination of fast food in-take; February - start regular
STEP 2-TAKE PERSONAL INVENTORY OF CORE fitness program; March - reduce carbohydrate in-take;
VALUES: After I finished writing my five daily April - start regular running program; etc.
affirmations, I then took a personal inventory of my core STEP 5-ANNOUNCE YOUR MILESTONE GOALS: It
values. By the term "core values," I mean those unifying is difficult to make life-altering changes unless you have
principles and beliefs that guide my conduct and bring the support and encouragement of colleagues, friends and
me personal satisfaction. I then wrote down ten core family. For each goal, I selected a partner to act as my
values. After making the list, I then asked why these mentor, coach and/or sounding board for change. Too
values were important to me. Often, a value such as often, we don't share our goals. Instead, we attempt to
income or job security was really a subset of a deeper pursue our goals in isolation. When we commit to a goal,
and more concise value like providing for my family. As write the goal down and announce the goal to others, it
I reviewed the list, I then narrowed my core values to a strengthens our commitment to reach the goal. With the
list of five items. While making this list, I noticed that support and encouragement of others, we are more likely
my daily actions and my core values were not always to accept short term set backs in pursuit of our long-term
consistent. For example, working long hours did not goals.
match my strong commitment to family. By reducing my
STEP 6-TRACK YOUR SUCCESS: It is much easier
core values to writing, I intend to use the list as a reminder
to achieve a goal when you have a sense of personal
of what is and isn't important to me. When you take the
satisfaction. When you pursue a goal, develop a plan and
time to think through your fundamental values and then
monitor progress toward achieving the goal, you generate
commit yourself to living your life consistent with them,
a feeling of success within yourself when each small step
you feel a surge of mental strength and well-being. You
in the plan is accomplished. You tend to feel more in
feel stronger and more capable. You feel more centered
control and more motivated to proceed with the next step
in the universe and more competent of accomplishing the
to reach the lofty goal. When you track your progress
goals you set for yourself.
and generate the feeling of success, it becomes an easy to
STEP 3-CREATE VISIONARY STATEMENTS WITH do thing. When you clear the first few hurdles, you then
LONG TERM GOALS: Woody Allen once was asked develop a psychological momentum that enables you to
"How can you make God laugh?" He responded "Tell address and handle adversity that would otherwise be
God your future plans." Although I don't remember the setbacks to achieving your goal. If you need software to
context in which the line was uttered, I do remember what track your goals, consider using free software available
it meant to me. To me, it is important to set visionary to create your plan and to track the tasks necessary to
goals. These visionary statements are lofty goals. When meet your goals.
6
7. STEP 7-TAKE ACTIONS: After you have set your monthly and weekly goals, you take ownership of your
goals, take action. Each day review your milestone goals success or failure and become accountable.
and your long-term goal and take some small step to • Start each week by reviewing your goals. Constantly
reach the goal today. remind yourself of your goals by writing them on a white
Reprinted by Permission of Ryan Shaughnessy / The board, putting them on a laminated card in your wallet,
Lafayette Report-All Rights Reserved (2010). list them on your PDA, etc. By reviewing your goals, you
stay focused on what is important and you achieve greater
awareness of what may be distracting you or impeding
your progress towards achieving your goals.
• After you have set your goals, create action plans for all
goals with specific completion dates. Place these dates
on your calendar. Track your progress on tasks, review
your plan, and make adjustment.
Starting Out Right in 2010 - CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT:
Setting Goals and Shaping a • Eliminate clutter. Start by clearing your work space
New Attitude or desk of clutter. Develop a filing system whereby you
eliminate clutter by placing items in a short term file on
your desk for immediate review, file it your file cabinet,
or toss it in the trash. When you finish your office, tackle
your car and then your briefcase.
• When you feel overwhelmed, stressed or simply have a
mental block, get up and out of the office. Walk in the
park, get a coffee, or visit with family and friends. Get
When you start a new job or take a new position, you
some fresh air, sleep, exercise or whatever you physically
often start with a great explosion of positive energy.
need to rejuvenate you. The important thing is to take a
However, when the activities performed at the outset
break and then start with a fresh look at the problem.
don't generate immediate results, it is hard to stay
focused, to keep on point, and to remain motivated. Here • Take a look at your work environment. Ask whether
are some tips: your work environment is holding you back. Some
people thrive in a loud and chaotic office or can multi-
DEVELOP A VISION AND A PLAN:
task and work from home while managing kids, dogs, etc.
• Ask yourself the basic question - Does your vision Others need a quiet, clutter-free environment.
and actions determine your success? Or, do you let
ESTABLISH YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM:
circumstances dictate your success? Once you accept
personal responsibility for your success or failure, you • Ask your sales manager what his or her priorities are
can develop the winning attitude necessary to stay for 2010. Don't assume you know what the priorities are.
motivated and succeed in sales. • Contact your customers and thank them for their
• Develop a vision and a plan for what you want to business. Ask for referrals. Take an interest in your
achieve in 2009. Before you set goals, analyze what did customers, stay in regular contact with them, and offer
and didn't work for you in 2009. By doing so, you can your services to them as the life needs change.
develop a plan with goals that focus on your strengths and • Find a networking, mentor or similar group. By sharing
seeks to make improvement regarding your weaknesses. experiences and exchanging ideas and participating in
LOOK FOR PROGRESS (NOT PERFECTION): such a group, you develop professional relationship that
will give you a sounding board for improving your sales
• After you develop your vision and start working on
and business skills.
your plan, establish personal and professional goals in
writing for 2010. Goal setting is extremely important. • Don't try to do everything yourself. Outsource small or
Otherwise, you are letting circumstances such as market even large project. Consider hiring a virtual assistant to
conditions dictate your success. By setting annual,
7
8. handle the things that you don't have the time, skills or
inclination to handle.
The Google Virtual Library
IMPROVE YOUR SALES SKILLS: and the Search for Self-
• Remember that it is physically impossible to be good Improvement
at everything. Whether it is sales skills, search engine
optimization or some other aspect of your real estate
business, hire others to assist you in improving your
skills. I strongly believe that new real estate agents
should invest in their future by hiring a sales coach to
guide them through their first year in business.
• Allocate thirty minutes a day to reading or listening The power and ambition of Google never ceases to amaze
about your profession. I strongly believe that new real me. I had heard about Google Books and its ambitious
estate agents should invest in a professional sales library project to create an online library. However, I only
to learn more about how to sell, how to manage their time, recently started exploring its content. You can find a
and how to manager their business. book for almost any topic in any genre. Here are just
a few of the books that may be useful to improve your
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR GOOD FORTUNE:
sales, marketing or life skills.
• When you start questioning your success or start to
TIME MANAGEMENT: Try over 600 different time
bemoan your personal situation, remember that everyone
management books ranging from the 80/20 Principle to
has faced personal challenges in their life. Review the life
Getting It Done to Time Management Inside and Out
stories of historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and
to the Personal Efficiency Program to 10 Natural Law
other to discover how they failed before they succeeded.
of Successful Time and Life Management to The On
Examine your life and be thankful as there is always
Time On Target Management Program to Complete Idiot
someone less fortunate than you are.
Guide to Organizing Your Life and many more.
With the right motivation, right plan and right attitude,
DECORATING OR HOME IMPROVEMENT: Try
you can take control of your future and be as successful
over 1000 different home improvement and decorating
as you want to be. Success requires self-discipline and
books from Wind Energy Basics to the Backyard Idea
action. No one ever achieved success without working
Book to Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and many
hard. So start on the path to success today!
more.
Reprinted by Permission of Ryan Shaughnessy / The
BUSINESS PLANNING: Try over 700 different
Lafayette Report - All Rights Reserved (2010).
business planning books from How to Write a Business
Plan to Strategy Safari to Business Plans for Dummies
to the One Day Marketing Plan and many more.
INTERNET MARKETING: Try over 600 different
internet marketing books from 101 Ways to Promote
Your Website to Web Copy that Sells to Search Engine
Optimization for Dummies to Buzz Marketing with Blogs
for Dummies to The Art of Digital Branding to Effective
E-Mail Marketing.
REAL ESTATE SALES: Try such books as the Real
Estate Sales Handbook, Consultive Real Estate Agent,
Listing and Sales Success, Modern Real Estate Practice,
the Real Estate Sales Guide, Millionaire Real Estate
Investor, Sales Genius, Road to Wealth, and many more.
With a virtual library of books and magazines at your
fingertips, it is hard for me to imagine any excuse for
not setting your sights high in 2010, improving your
8
9. skills and changing your life today. For those of you
who have set your goals and have started the process of
self-improvement, I wish you an outrageously successful
year.
Reprinted by Permission of Ryan Shaughnessy / The
Lafayette Report - All Rights Reserved (2010).
A Word from Our Sponsor -
PARAMOUNT MORTGAGE
From the WCR-Metro STL
Tech Toolbox - Websites to This month's Business Resource Meeting was
Track Your 2010 Resolutions generously sponsored by PARAMOUNT MORTGAGE
COMPANY. We would like to thank our sponsor for
their support as well as their informative presentation.
Ruth Battle, Senior Vice President of Paramount
Mortgage, outlined several issues and offered tips on how
to best manage the loan process.
TIP 1 - BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TIME FRAMES.
Did you make any personal resolutions or set business
goals for 2010? New federal laws and regulations mandate waiting
periods for almost every aspect of the loan transaction.
Here are four websites from the WCR-Metro STL Tech There are no more "last minute" closings or dramatic
Toolbox to assist you in setting your goals, developing a changes at the closing table.
daily action plan and tracking your success.
TIP 2 – ACCURACY IS IMPERATIVE.
• www.getgoaling.com New federal laws and regulations mandate precise
• www.disciplanner.com disclosure of fees. Realtors should anticipate providing
accurate third party information such as title fees to the
• www.trackngraph.com
lender early in the loan process.
• www.goalsontrack.com
TIP 3 - HOME VALUATION CODE OF CONDUCT.
Here are two websites from the WCR-Metro STL Tech Realtors should be aware of appraisal related issues
Toolbox with articles on performance management: associated with the HVCC. Common complaints include:
Timely submission and review of appraisals, national
• www.mindtools.com appraisal firms unfamiliar with local conditions, low
• www.top10salesarticles.com valuations and poor communication. To avoid problems,
take a proactive approach providing accurate information
For reviews on these and other websites, visit regarding the subject property and comparable sales.
www.makeuseof.com.
TIP 4 - CONSUMER PROTECTION - PARTICIPATE
IN THE PROCESS.
It is important to be aware of proposed of proposed
legislation, understand possible consequences and voice
concerns. New federal laws and regulations mayresult in
9
10. increased fees and rates, closing delays, and less efficient When it comes to the Extended Federal Home Buyer Tax
service from lenders. Credit, you can't afford to wait until the last minute to
purchase a new home. The government changed some
TIP 5 - USE A LENDER YOU TRUST.
of the laws and regulations associated with mortgage
There have been dramatic changes in underwriting and lending including the adoption of the Home Ownership
regulatory guidelines. In today's market, experience and Equity Protection Act ("HOEPA"), the Housing
matters. It is important in today's market to have a lender and Economic Recovery Act ("HERA"), new Truth
who is knowledgeable regarding guidelines and has a in Lending Act disclosure regulations, and the Home
plan to get loans closed. Valuation Code of Conduct ("HVCC"). To view the
INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? new Truth in Lending Act regulations, click on: Revised
TILA Regulations.
For more information on Paramount Mortgage's
loan products and services, contact Gordy Here is a summary of the regulations:
Pilkington at 314-372-4324 or via e-mail to
• Initial Loan Disclosures: Within three business
gpilkington@paramountmortgage.com. Or, visit their
days after the submission of a loan application by
websiteat www.ParamountMortgage.com or their
the borrower to the lender, the lender must provide
corporate blog at www. ParamountMortgage.com/blog.
the borrower with the initial Truth in Lending Act
RECOMMENDED READING - Recent Articles Posted disclosures.
to Paramount Mortgage's blog:
• Mandatory Review Period: The lender may not
• Some Areas Hot; Others Take a Breather close the loan until seven business days after
the delivery of the initial Truth in Lending Act
• Top Savvy Home Buying Tips for 2010 disclosures.
• Are Free Credit Reports Really Free? • Revised Disclosure Requirements: If the APR
• Giving the Gift of a Down Payment disclosed on the initial Truth in Lending Act
disclosure increases by more than .125%, the lender
• IRS-Tips About The Extended Home Buyer Tax
must provide the borrower with revised Truth in
Credit
Lending Act disclosures at least three business days
• Proposed Missouri Program to Pay First-Year prior to the closing date.
Property Taxes
• Appraisal Report: The lender must provide the
borrower with a copy of the appraisal report three
business days prior to the closing date.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON THE APR
The borrower, their agent and the lender must be aware
of these requirements and must manage the loan process
to minimize the possibility of delays in closing dates
New Government Regulations attributable to changes in the APR. Here are common
occurrences that may impact the APR and may thereby
May Impact Your Closing Date trigger the requirement that the lender provide revised
Truth in Lending Act disclosures to the borrower with or
without the three day waiting period after the delivery of
the disclosures:
• Unlocked Rate
• Change in Loan Amount
NEW GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS MAY
• Loan Product Changes
IMPACT YOUR CLOSING DATE
• Rate Re-Lock due to Market Improvements
10
11. • Change in Closing Date • Promptly issue any revised Truth in Lending Act
disclosures at least 3-days prior to the closing date.
• Changes in Loan or Settlement Fees
For the Settlement Agent:
HOW TO AVOID DELAYED CLOSING DATES
In today's lending climate, it is important that the • Provide the lender with accurate settlement fees
purchaser/borrower, real estate agent, lender, and upon receipt of the initial title order.
settlement agent work together to ensure timely closings.
Each participant in the sales transaction has a role to play. With a little planning, these new regulations shouldn't
Here are some general tips and suggestions: impact you closing date.
For the Borrower/Purchaser: Reprinted by Permission of Ryan Shaughnessy / The
Lafayette Report - All Rights Reserved (2010).
• Obtained a credit based pre-approval letter prior to
searching for a new home.
• Plan for at least a 30 day close.
• Request a written time line of the loan process so
you know and understand the deadlines for each step
in the loan process and understand the impact that
missed deadlines may have on your closing date.
• Review the appraisal requirement and consider
whether or not to waive the 3-day review period
The Many Faces of WCR-Metro STL
prior to closing.
• Select your loan product and lock your interest rate
at least 10 business days before the closing date.
For the Real Estate Agent:
• Set realistic expectations by providing the borrower/ Despite the first heavy snow storm of the season, WCR-
purchaser with a time-line with milestone dates Metro STL still had a very nice turnout of 60 members
associate with the loan process. and guests at 2010's first Business Resource Meeting to
listen to nationally renown guest speaker Dieter Pauwels.
• Discuss the new regulations with the borrower/
purchaser specifically explaining what actions or NEXT UP - BUSINESS RESOURCE MEETING:
changes might impact the closing date. The Mega Networking Event with the Home Builders
Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri is set for
• Manage the loan process, including missed
February 4, 2010. Click here for the February Business
deadlines that could impact the closing date.
Resource Meeting flyer. To make your reservation,
• Confirm that accurate settlement fees are promptly contact Shelly Clark at Shelly@CardinalSurveying.com
sent by the settlement agent to the lender at least 10 or 636-357-5062.
days prior to the closing date.
RESERVATION POLICIES: Due to space limitations
For the Lender: and contractual commitments, WCR-Metro STL is
discontinuing the availability of "walk-in" registrations
• Promptly obtain information from the settlement for its Business Resource Meetings. A limited number
agent regarding closing fees. of additional "stand-by" registrations will be available at
each meeting. However, a "stand-by" reservation does
• Promptly issue the initial Truth in Lending Act
not guarantee entrance and is subject to availability.
disclosures at least 3-days after the submission of
To guarantee a seat and lunch at the meeting, you are
the loan application.
strongly encouraged to make a reservation by contacting
• Confirm selection of the loan product and lock the Shelly Clark at Shelly@CardinalSurveying.com prior to
interest rate at least 10 days prior to the closing date.
11
12. noon on the Monday before the meeting. Reservations
may be cancelled prior to noon on the Tuesday before
2010 WCR-Metro STL
the meeting. Cancellations after this deadline will not be Fundraising Events
honored and all "no shows" will be invoiced for the full
ticket price. In the event that a person is unable to attend
after the cancellation deadline, a substitute may attend
the meeting by notifying the person at the registration
table of the substitution at the time of check-in.
GOT PHOTOS? Post under the Photo Section on the
Boxes Tab of the Facebook Fan Page. This month's
photos provided courtesy of Liz Connolly and Barbara
Keathley.
Don't miss our first 2010 WCR-Metro STL fundraising
and networking event on February 11th. The MARDI
GRAS HAPPY HOUR AND KARAOKE EVENT will
be held at Big Daddy's in Soulard at 1000 Sidney Street.
Space is limited to the first 120 people so register early!
Doors open at 4 pm with free drinks and appetizers
from 5 to 8 pm. Sponsored contestants will perform for
votes in karaoke contest. Karaoke sponosrship is $30
per individual or duet and votes may be purchased at
$1 per vote. Event tickets for this event are $30.00 per
person. Costumes, masks and beads are encouraged. Fax
ticket reservation form to Bob Sargent at 314-628-2196.
This event is generously sponsored by Assured Title
Company, American Eagle Credit Union, Continental
Title and USA Mortgage.
Registration forms can be found at http:// www.box.net/
shared/dqiiq7rvmu.
12
13. Word on the Street... WCR
Testimonials
This Month's WCR-Metro STL Spotlight on Success
goes to the 2009 Governing Board, our active WCR
membership and our WCR sponsors and supporters in
the business community. Excellence takes time and
commitment. To each member who volunteered for a
committee or event, your hard work was noticed and
appreciated. Just see the comments from our members
SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE GREAT WCR-
below:
METRO STL FUNDRAISING AND NETWORKING
EVENTS: • Beale Leubben/Buyer’s Protection Group: The
St. Louis Women’s Council of REALTORS® is
• May 19th - URBAN BUS TOUR. This event will
the best resource for education, networking, and
start in Clayton and will include stops in Clayton,
relationships. I have sent countless referrals to
Lafayette Square, Soulard and more. Food and
agents in WCR through my association with this
beverages will be provided at each stop. Early
excellent organization. Our members are the most
bird tickets purchased before April 30 are $40 per
professional experts I have ever had the good
person.
fortune to work with!
• July - TBD - MAN AUCTION. This event will be
• Ryan Shaughnessy/PREA Signature Realty:
held at Jive & Wail in Maplewood. Auction will
By regularly attending the business resource
feature some of your favorite WCR members on the
meetings, we also developed relationships with real
auction block.
estate professionals as well as affiliates. These
• August 11th - CRAZY BOWL. This event will be relationships have been invaluable. I don't know
held at Saratoga Lanes in Maplewood. any other group that is as inviting, welcoming
• November 10th - 2010 VENDOR EXPO AND and readily willing to offer assistance as our local
FASHION SHOW. This event will be held at the WCR chapter. We met experienced brokers, sales
Sheraton Westport Chalet. managers and agents who were willing to share their
insights, experiences and resources. These people
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN EVENT? We are some of the best and brightest in the industry and
are currently looking for sponsors for our 2010 WCR- we are proud to call them our friends and colleagues.
Metro STL fundraising and networking events. For more • Bob Sargent/USA Mortgage: The WCR is an
information on sponsorship, contact Bob Sargent at excellent way to promote what I do in the real estate
bsargent@usa-mortgage.com. industry. I make home mortgages for buyers of real
estate. By attending these meetings and working
on the governing board, I have developed many
fantastic friendships and business relationships. The
WCR offers tremendous leadership opportunities.
The WCR resource meetings are also great for
13
14. learning about the latest trends and what works well promotes education, professional development and
in today's market place. relationships. I have learned so much from our
programs and speakers. It’s virtually impossible
• Joan Taylor/Assured Title: It is my pleasure to be a
not to grow and become a better person when you
member of the Women's Council of REALTORS®
are around this group! My favorite thing about
in St. Louis. Involvement in the organization has
being part of our chapter is the interaction with
offered me the tools to succeed in today's market.
our membership and the way our members build
The Women's Council of REALTORS® has top
each other up instead of constantly competing with
notch leaders who recognize the need for education,
each other. This group of professionals will not
networking and relationship building to provide
only teach you what they know, but will also cheer
agents with the tools and support needed to grow
you on, celebrate your success and support you
their business and be successful! Hats off to this
whenever you are in need. You just couldn’t ask for
organization and the determination to be on the at
a better organization to devote your time to while
the cutting edge of real estate in St. Louis.
working to improve yourself and your business!
• Evren Senol-RE/MAX Results: There is no
• Danielle Bond/American Eagle Credit Union: Our
substitute for experience and human interaction. I
Chapter of WCR is exceptional! Although I have
believe that my business has grown because of my
only been a member of the Chapter for a few
interactions in WCR. I keep learning new things
years, my network of close Business Associates
at every meeting and also by interacting with the
has definitely grown. I have definitely noticed an
Realtors and Affiliates I met at WCR. I could be
increase in business since joining WCR. On a
locked up in an office making phone calls, doing
personal note I would like to thank Carolyn Mantia
paperwork, etc. all day long, but I choose to better
for pulling me away from the wall and encouraging
myself and have more fun while achieving that at
me to have an active membership.
WCR.
• Elizabeth Robb/Robb Partners, Affiliate of
• Ben Davenport/Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions:
Dielmann Sotheby's International Realty: I have
It's more than just face time. It's more than just
enjoyed the educational opportunities of Women's
marketing. It is a chance to build relationships.
Council for a number of years. On the national
WCR is not just business, but it is loads of fun. WCR
level, no other organization offers such cutting edge
meetings are a way for me to meet people who know
information. On the local level, the organization
tons of other people. That's good for relationships
fosters opportunity for individual growth. I am
and business.
proud to be a member.
• Shelly Clark/Cardinal Surveying: When I first
got involved with WCR a few years ago, I thought Participation isn't just showing up... It's getting involved!
that the main reason I would go to the luncheons Interested in getting involved by joining a committee
would be to rub elbows with folks in the real estate or sponsoring an event? Contact Carolyn Mantia at
industry. I must admit that while I do enjoy this carolynmantia@gmail.com.
aspect of what Women's Council has to offer, I
find myself getting even more out of the programs
at the luncheons. This organization is focused on
helping you to better yourself, your relationships
and YOUR BUSINESS. That's the bottom line...
we're all here to make money - and the programs
have encouraged me to think outside the box, go
places I hadn't thought of and trust in myself. Who
wouldn't want to be a part of Women's Council?
• Michelle Silies/PREA Signature Realty: The
Women’s Council of REALTORS® has afforded
me an opportunity to connect with an
incredibly professional group of individuals that
14
15. Establish yourself as the expert in your field, share your
Join WCR-Metro STL on Your expertise with members, and grow your referral business.
Favorite Social Networking Sites TIP NO. 4-Post your personal or corporate Facebook Fan
Page URL under the Discussion Section of the LinkedIn
Group or the Discussion Tab on the Facebook Fan Page.
Make it easy for your business partners and colleagues to
find your Fan Page on Facebook. Facebook Fan Pages for
WCR-Metro STL members will appear on the Favorite
Page Section of the Facebook Fan Page.
JOIN WCR-METRO STL ON YOUR FAVORITE TIP NO. 5-Submit an article for inclusion in the next
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES: issue of the WCR METRO ST. LOUIS E-ZINE. If your
article is selected for inclusion in the WCR METRO
• FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: Become a Fan of the
ST. LOUIS E-ZINE, win a FREE AD in the next
Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's
WCR METRO ST. LOUIS E-ZINE.
Council of REALTORS® on Facebook: http://
www.facebook.com/WCRStLouis TIP NO. 6-Follow WCR-Metro STL on Twitter. Our
Twitter Username is: @WCRStLouisMO. Daily tips are
• TWITTER: Follow the Metropolitan St.
published to the WCR-Metro STL TwitterFeed. Here is
Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of
the current line-up of daily tips:
REALTORS® on Twitter: @WCRStLouisMO or
http://www.Twitter.com/WCRStLouisMO • Mondays - Inspection Tip of the Week (available
• LINKEDIN GROUP: Connect with now)
the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of • Mondays - Lender Tip of the Week (starting
the Women's Council of REALTORS® 01/2010)
on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?
gid=2395493&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr • Tuesdays - Twitter Tuesday (available now)
• YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Coming Soon-The WCR- • Tuesdays - Title Tip of the Week (starting 01/2010)
Metro STL Channel on YouTube.com. • Wednesdays - Going Green (available now)
7 EASY TIPS ON HOW TO GET STARTED USING • Wednesdays - Legislative Affairs (starting 01/2010)
THE WCR-METRO STL SOCIAL NETWORKING • Thursday - LinkedIn Pros (starting 01/2010)
SITES:
• Thursday - Real Estate Technology 2.0 (available
TIP NO. 1-Write an introduction discussing your now)
business, business philosophy, practice areas, website,
• Friday - Sales Tip of the Week (available now)
new products, etc. Gain recongition for your personal
or corporate brand. Post to Discussion Section of the • Friday - Facebook Friday (starting 01/2010)
LinkedIn Group or the Wall on the Facebook Fan Page. • Saturday - Motivational Movies (available now)
TIP NO. 2-Post photographs or videos from WCR- • Saturday - YouTube Sales Training Videos
Metro STL events. If your photograph is selected for (01/2010)
inclusion in the WCR METRO ST. LOUIS E-ZINE, win
a FREE AD in the next WCR METRO ST. LOUIS E- If you don't have or use a Twitter account, read the
ZINE. most recent Tweets on the News Section of the LinkedIn
TIP NO. 3-Post your RSS URL for your personal or Group or the Boxes Section of the Facebook Fan Page.
corporate blog under the Discussion Section of the TIP NO. 7-Post your WCR testimonials under the
LinkedIn Group or the Discussion Tab on the Facebook Discussions Tab of the LinkedIn Group and the
Fan Page. Your blog will then be included in News Discussions Tab of the Facebook Fan Page.
Section of the LinkedIn Group and in the Blog Section
under the Boxes Tab on the Facebook Fan Page. THIS MONTH'S SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT...
Special thanks to Mike O'Shea for his regular
15
16. Tuesday posts to the News Section of the LinkedIn know where to start" to "My broker doesn't provide
Group discussing insurance issues associated with the us with a blogging platform."
ownership and sale of residential property. • Category 2: I often get comments that bluntly
claim that "blogging" simply doesn't work. Often,
these comments start with "I tried it for a month..."
and end with "it didn't generate any leads or
income."
There is often a common thread to these discussions. In
both cases, the failure to start blogging and the failure to
Building a Strong Internet continue blogging often is directly related to the failure to
develop a blogging strategy, the failure to identify your
Presence by Blogging - Real target audience and the failure to write dynamic posts.
Topics that Drive Traffic and Add into the mix the use of an inferior blog platform, the
failure to understand keywords and the basics of search
Generate Leads engine optimization, the failure to integrate your blog
into your other marketing plans, lack of commitment and
poor execution - and you have a pretty good recipe for a
disastrous, time wasting experience with blogging.
WHAT BLOG POSTS GENERATE LEADS?
Now, after my first 12 months of blogging, I decided
to look back upon my 400 blog posts in an attempt to
BLOGGING AS AN INTERNET MARKETING determine what topics seemed to generate views and
STRATEGY comments, what topics seemed to elicit a comment or
When it comes to building an internet marketing inquiry, and what topics seemed to generate traffic to my
presence, real estate agents should have a multi- website, active leads and even commission income. In
prong strategy that includes a brokerage website, an conducting this unscientific review, there seemed to be
agent website, a blog, listing feeds to search portal certain categories that generated more interest. However,
sites, participation in forums and social networking interest in the form of comments and business generated
sites. Despite the growing popularity of blogging as a from the post often were not mutually exclusive or even
marketing tool by businesses generally, real estate agents related. Some of my posts that received few or even no
still appear to be reluctant to embrace blogging as a comments often were the posts that generated substantial
marketing strategy to build their internet presence. In the or meaningful traffic to my website, active leads and even
2009 NAR Technology Survey, 8% of Realtors viewed commission.
"blogging" as "important" for generating leads whereas So, after reviewing my posts, I found that almost all of
20% of Realtors viewed "blogging" as "unimportant". my posts could be placed in one or more of the following
WHY BLOGGING DOESN'T GENERATE LEADS categories:
(FOR SOME)?
• #1 - HyperLocal Neighborhood Posts: These
So, why are Realtors so reluctant to embrace blogging posts focus on a single city, neighborhood or
as an internet marketing strategy? In speaking at sales even street and ranged from market reports and
meetings at brokerages in the St. Louis area, I often available properties to neighborhood news and
receive two common responses to this question: events. Often, these posts received the fewest
number of comments. However, these posts
• Category 1: I often get comments that seem to
generated the most inquiries, leads and income.
indicate that real estate agents are intimidated by
blogging. The comments range from "I don't write • #2 - Market Reports - These posts focus on market
well..." to "I don't have any great insights to offer" statistics ranging from single year reports to ten year
to "I don't have time to write articles" to "I don't summaries on existing home sales, housing starts,
and more. These posts generated the least number
16
17. of comments but delivered the most traffic to our seem generate too many inquires but were well
website. received by existing customers and clients.
• #3 - Legislative/Regulatory Update Posts: These • #8 - Reblog or Link Posts: These posts were
posts focus on regulatory and legislative issues often used because of time constraints, involved a
on national, state and local levels and ranged specialized field or were just so well-written that
from annual legislative updates to commentary they needed to be disseminated to my readers in
on pending legislative proposals to summaries of their original form.
current regulatory changes - particularly related to • #9 - Lists/Best Of Posts: These posts focus on
FannieMae and FHA lending guidelines. Often, top or best of lists prepared by national news
these posts had the largest number of comments magazines, foundations, etc. It is difficult to
which developed into a healthy debate on the issues determine the impact of these posts had - except that
at hand. Although these posts didn't seem to interest they promoted the areas that we serve.
consumers in general, the posts did generate interest
from other real estate professionals - particularly on • #10 - Best Practice Posts: These posts generally
LinkedIn Groups. started as "rants" and were often toned down after
further reflection. Occasionally, these were direct
• #4 - Business Profile Posts: These posts focus or indirect responses to other posts read on a specific
on restaurant reviews, profiles of neighborhood issue. Although these posts weren't intended to
businesses and an occasional interview with a generate direct business, these posts were extremely
neighborhood leader. These posts provided some effective in explaining our business philosophy and
of greatest exposure for our brokerage. More practices.
importantly, these posts developed relationships
resulting in some joint marketing and referral • #11 - Motivational Posts: These posts were often
business and enhanced our reputation as focused on staying motivated in a down market.
neighborhood specialists. Also, these posts served Again, they didn't seem to generate much business.
as good content for customers who were relocating However, often they were the most enjoyable to
to the neighborhoods that we serve. write and were often used in connection with sales
meetings.
• #5 - "How To" Instructional Posts: These posts
focus on sales training, technology and social • #12 - Satire Posts: These posts were intended
networking sites. Often, these were multi-part to highlight specific positions and to tell a story
series. These posts were the most highly read using a combination of humor and sarcasm.
by my own agents, assisted in the recruitment of • #13 - Informational Posts: These posts generated a
new agents and resulted in a number of speaking good deal of non-real estate related business and
engagements with professional associations, civic often suffered from being too technical or too long.
groups, and other real estate brokerages, title However, these posts used hypothetical situations
companies, and other real estate professionals. to describe how such situations and issues could or
These posts served as great introductions to other should be addressed. The posts often explained our
real estate professionals in the area. approach and problem solving skills.
• #6 - Research Posts: These posts were based • #14 - Video/Photo Posts: These posts generated
on real estate related research studies conducted occasional requests for re-use of the photos. If we
on a range of issues. Often, these posts were were grading these posts, we would probably give
related to current events or trends and included it an incomplete. Too few posts to truly get a good
commentary that often generated widely divergent read on the impact that they could have.
opinions on the validity of the studies, missing data,
etc. These posts generated interviews and inquiries • #15 - Listings Posts: These posts were difficult to
from journalists. track when using html from other sources. When
the posts were based on direct content as opposed
• #7 - Either/Or Posts: These posts were generally to html code, the posts improved our placement for
designed to compare and contrast particular select keywords on Google search results.
services, loan programs, etc. These posts didn't
17
18. • #16 - Public Service Announcements: These posts • Tiffany Hamilton, Hamilton Group Real Estate
were intended solely to show support for a particular • Jai Morris, Gateway Real Estate Sources
issue. Often, they were only tangentially related
to real estate. However, they were intended and • Andrea Lenzen, Prudential Alliance
received as "we care about you" statements.
This year's program has already started. Here are some
So, before you say blogging doesn't work, first answer upcoming dates:
this question: Did you post original content for a clearly
defined audience with a good value proposition and a
concise call to action that offered a personal insight, a
tangible benefit for the reader, or an interesting, unusual
or controversial slant on a current event or issue? If you
can't answer "yes", then the blogging experiment may
have failed because of poor execution or planning and not
because blogging is "unimportant" as a marketing tool.
If you are a real estate professional and are new to
blogging, the time is now to sign-up for an ActiveRain
blog. There is no better real estate community or
more supportive blog platform to learn the basics of
blogging and discover some great tips on how to make
blogging work for you and your business.
Reprinted by Permission of Ryan Shaughnessy / The
Lafayette Report - All Rights Reserved (2010).
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE 2011
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM? Get involved today and get
your applications in early for next year's leadership class.
2010 WCR-Metro STL
Leadership Program
Upcoming Training Events
Congratulations to this year's participants in the 2010
WCR Metropolitan St. Louis Leadership Program:
• Shelly Clark, Cardinal Surveying & Mapping
• Michelle Silies, PREA Signature Realty FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE
• Danielle Bond, American Eagle Credit Union UPCOMING PROGRAMS, CLICK ON THE
GRAPHICS BELOW TO GO TO THE EVENT
• Kitty Williams, Assured Title
SPONSOR WEBSITES.
• Karen Robertson, Coldwell Banker Gundaker
18
21. • VP, MEMBERSHIP
• Jillian Butler
• Keller Williams Realty St. Louis
• jillbutler@kw.com
• SECRETARY
• Beale Luebben
• Buyers Protection Group/ABA Inspections
• beale@bpgwi.com
• TREASURER
• Vivian McBride
• First American Title
• vmcbride@firstam.com
Our Chapter Leadership
MISSION STATEMENT 2010 STANDING COMMITTEES
We are a network of successful REALTORS® • BUDGET & FINANCE CHAIR
empowering individuals to exercise their potential as
• Danielle Bond
entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
• American Eagle Credit Union
• dbond@abecu.org
2010 CHAPTER OFFICERS
• PRESIDENT
• Elizabeth Robb • BY-LAWS/STANDING RULES CHAIR
• Robb Partners, Affiliate of Dielmann Sotheby’s • Jane Miller
International Realty • Heartland Bank Mortgage
• erobb@robbpartners.com • jmiller@heartland-bank.com
• PRESIDENT-ELECT • MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
• Carolyn Mantia • Brett Nelson
• RE/MAX Results • Advantage Realty
• carolynmantia@gmail.com • brettn8@yahoo.com
21
22. • NOMINATING CHAIR • AUDIT CHAIR
• Past President Jean Ewell • Mary Carter
• Keller Williams Southwest • RE/MAX Best Choice
• jeanewell@aol.com • mary@askmary.info
• PAST PRESIDENT 1 • AWARDS & RECOGNITION CHAIR
• Jan Thomas • Chris Woods
• Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty • St. Louis Association of REALTORS®
• connetwithjan@janthomas.net • cwoods@stlrealtors.com
• PAST PRESIDENT 2 • CHAPTER EXCELLENCE CHAIR
• Sharon Wynn • President-Elect Carolyn Mantia
• Keller Williams Realty St. Louis • RE/MAX Results
• sharon@thewynningteam.com • carolynmantia@gmail.com
• PROGRAMS & EDUCATION CHAIR • HOSPITALITY & RESERVATIONS CHAIR
• Liz Connolly • Shelly Clark
• INhanceIT! Home Staging • Cardinal Surveying & Mapping
• liz@inhanceitstaging.com • cardinalsurveying@sbcglobal.net
• WAYS & MEANS CHAIR • LEADERSHIP CHAIR
• Bob Sargent
• Jane Martin
• USA Mortgage • Coldwell Banker Gundaker-South County
• bsargent@usa-mortgage.com • jmartin130@aol.com
2010 SPECIAL COMMITTEES
• PARLIAMENTARIAN
• AFFILIATE CHAIR • Mary McBride
• Joan Tobin • RealtyNET Mary McBride
• Reverse Mortgages Specialist/USA Mortgage • rnmcbride@aol.com
• jtobin@usa-mortgage.com
22
23. • PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR
• Michelle Silies
• PREA Signature Realty
• msilies@preasignaturerealty.com
• SLAR LIAISON
• Chris Woods
• St. Louis Association of REALTORS®
• cwoods@stlrealtors.com
2010 TASK FORCES
• Technology Task Force
• Ryan Shaughnessy
• PREA Signature Realty
• ryan@preasignaturerealty.com
23
24. highlight our chapter’s commitment to the core mission
THE GO 2 NETWORK FOR ST. LOUIS REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS...
of developing the leadership skills of our members.
GET IT HERE, GET IT NOW
Here are some great upcoming leadership training
The WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine is a monthly publication of
programs:
the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of
REALTORS®. For more information, visit the WCR-Metro MARCH 9, 2010
STL website at www.WCRSTL.org. To submit an article or WOMEN IN THE BOARDROOM
inquire about advertising opportunities, contact Michelle Silies at
The Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s
MSilies@PREASignatureRealty.com.
Council of REALTORS® is co-sponsoring a networking
event and round table discussion with local women
A MESSAGE FROM THE business leaders at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The panel
will include: Beryl Raff/Helzberg’s Diamonds, Gina
PRESIDENT Galgano Hoagland/Collaborative Strategies Inc. and
Laura Herring/IMPACT Group. For more information on
this event, click on Women in the Boardroom.
MARCH 11, 2010
WCR LIVE - ST. LOUIS BROKER CONFERENCE
CALL - PORTRAITS IN LEADERSHIP EPISODE
The Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s The Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s
Council of REALTORS® strongly believes that its Council of REALTORS® is sponsoring a FREE
core mission is to identify, develop and support the conference call as a part of its WCR LIVE internet
next generation of industry leaders. It isn’t just about radio show and podcast. This episode will include a
identifying natural leaders who already have strong round table discussion on identifying, developing and
leadership skills. It is about identifying members with supporting leaders as well as such topics as the benefits of
potential, encouraging their participation, providing mentoring, how to effectively delegate tasks, how to deal
leadership training and offering opportunities to our with micro-managers and more. For more information on
members to fulfill their potential and to be future the show, click on WCR LIVE.
leaders. In this month’s President’s Message, I wanted to
1
25. MARCH 19, 2010 • In This Issue - Editor's Notes - p. 2
WCR LEADERSHIP SUMMIT • 2010 Membership Drive - This Month's Challenge
- p. 3
The Women’s Council of REALTORS® is sponsoring
its annual leadership training summit that will include • New Member Introductions - p. 5
training, practice and take-away tools regarding such • Get the New WCR Toolbar - p. 5
topics as leadership essentials, public speaking skills,
planning and delivering effective meetings, time • Business Resource Meeting-February, 2010 - p. 7
management skills and conflict management strategies. • A Word from Our BRM Sponsor - INhance IT! - p. 8
For more information on this event, click on WCR
Leadership Training. • A Word from Our BRM Sponsor - Assured Title -
p. 11
MARCH 25, 2010
• Next Business Resource Meeting - Technology
WCR METRO ST. LOUIS E-ZINE Panel - p. 12
The March edition of the WCR Metro St. Louis E- • WCR Reservations - p. 14
Zine will feature articles on leadership training as well
as a spotlight on WCR leaders called “Portraits in • 2010 Fundraising Events - p. 15
Leadership.” Articles will discuss the character traits • WCR LIVE - Streaming Audio and Podcast - p. 17
of leaders, leadership styles and current approaches to
• WCR Leadership Program Update - p. 19
business leadership.
• Stay Informed - Prop A - Metro Sales Tax - p. 19
Space is limited for these events and these events sold
out last year - so register today! If you are interested • Member Article - Expanding Your Sphere of
in participating in the WCR-Metro STL, we have a Influence - p. 20
leadership position and role for you. To become more • Member Article - The WCR Open - p. 21
involved, please contact me at erobb@robbpartners.com
to discuss available committee assignments suitable to • Google Tools for REALTORS® Series - Google
your time constraints and interests. Calendar - p. 23
Elizabeth Robb, 2010 WCR-STL President • Google Tools for REALTORS® Series - Google
Alerts - p. 29
• Google Tools for REALTORS® Series - Google
Wave - p. 31
• Google Tools for REALTORS® Series - Google
Base - p. 36
• Upcoming WCR Events and Meetings - p. 39
IN THIS ISSUE • Our 2010 Leadership - p. 40
• Our Contributors and Sponsors - p. 42
NOTES FROM THE EDITOR:
NEW CORPORATE SPONSOR - INVESTORS TITLE
In this issue, the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of
IN THIS ISSUE: the Women’s Council of REALTORS® is pleased to
announce that Investors Title Company is now the
• A Message from Our President - p. 1 corporate sponsor for the 2010 WCR Metro St. Louis
2
26. E-Zine. With the generous support of Investors Title be uploaded to the WCR Metro St. Louis Facebook
Company, we will be able to continue the expansion and Fan Page. If you would like a copy of any photograph
real estate news coverage of WCR Metro St. Louis E- for your personal use, please send an e-mail to me at
Zine. MSilies@PREASignatureRealty.com.
DELIVERY METHODS REPRINTS
For this issue, we have expanded our media formats We encourage our WCR members to share the
to include an audio version (MP3) of the WCR Metro WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine with their colleagues.
St. Louis E-Zine. The audio version is powered by For permission to use the articles contained in
Odogio.com. Current methods of delivery for the WCR the WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine with attribution
Metro St. Louis E-Zine include e-mail, download to the author, contact Ryan Shaughnessy at
from WCR-Metro STL website, RSS feeds and now Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.
MP3 downloads. If you are a member and did Thanks for reading, and we'll see you next month.
not receive a copy of the January Edition of the
WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine, please e-mail me at Michelle Silies, 2010 Public Relations Chair
MSilies@PREASignatureRealty.com.
MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS
We would encourage members to make their mark on
the WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine. It can be as simple
as posting a photo, suggesting a topic, submitting a
website review, etc. or as complicated as submitting a
full-length article on substantive subjects ranging from MEMBERSHIP DRIVE - THIS
RESPA to the CVC and more. Member contributors
receive a FREE box advertisement in the WCR Metro MONTH'S CHALLENGE
St. Louis E-Zine as our thank you for your contribution.
The next deadline for member contributed articles and
other submissions is MARCH 11, 2010. To submit
an article, photograph, etc., please send it to me at
MSilies@PREASignatureRealty.com.
ADVERTISMENTS
The Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's
Don't see your ad in WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine? It
Council of REALTORS® continues its 2010
isn't too late to take advantage of the 10 ad insertions
Membership Drive. Last month, we encouraged our
for $100.00 promotion. Expose your product or service
members to bring a guest and potential member to
to over 1000 REALTORS® per month. For a limited
the MEGA Networking Event jointly sponsored with
time, we will even create your advertisement. For more
the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and
information on advertising opportunities, contact Mary
Eastern Missouri. The response was overwhelming
Carter at mary@askmary.info.
with approximately 146 WCR members and guests in
PHOTOGRAPHS attendance.
You spoke... we listened. In addition to the inclusion For March, we renew our challenge to each WCR
of substantive articles in the WCR Metro St. Louis E- member to actively reach out to their colleagues and
Zine, we will be expanding our photographic coverage lender, title, inspection and other partners to recruit new
of WCR events in future additions. Elena Collins and members by exposing guests and potential members to
MaryAnn Manion have volunteered to take and edit our Business Resource Meetings. Unlike our challenge
photographs at WCR events. These photographs will for February, we are encouraging each WCR member
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