i. 3 / vol. II

www.samcar.orgMonthly Newsletter of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®

March2009

SAMCAR

Legislative

CAR

In this issue...

Message from the CEOpage 1

Message from the Presidentpage 2

New Members | FEB 2009page 2

DRE Commissioner Davi updates SAMCAR Brokers page 5

Combined Tour:Strategies for 2009page 7

Central Tour:New Year, New You!page 8

2009 SAMCAR Green Expopage 9

Housing Expo coming soonpage 10

RSVP 2009 Volunteers Needed page 10

Green Building Ordinancespage 5

Green Cities page on samcar.orgpage 5

Septic Regulation Updatepage 4

MLSMLSListings, Inc. Updatespage 6

NARThe Stimulus Packagepages 3 & 4

Monthly Newsletter ofThe San Mateo County

Association of REALTORS®

www.samcar.org

tel. (650) 696-8200fax (650) 342-7509

2009 PresidentPresident Elect

Region 25 ChairDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirector

Affiliate DirectorDirectorDirector

Olivia T. EdwardsJennifer TastoMarianne Zanone RushTim AuranEric BerggrenRobert BrisbaneJohn CliffordNini De La Fuente-PecsonBobbi DeckerSuzan Getchell-WallacePhillip HoustonAnne OlivaEdgar TulcanazaSusan VaterlausDavid Zigal

SAMCAR {RE}source is published monthly by the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®,850 Woodside Way, San Mateo, CA 94401 and distributed to more than 4,000 recipients. E-mail samcar@samcar.org your questions or comments.

BoARd of diReCtoRS

Philip B. Tedesco, RCE, CAE

Chief exeCutive offiCeR

editoRiAL teAM

Director of Government Affairs Publications Designer

Michon Coleman Dalen Gilbrech

Copyright © 2009

Our VisionThe Voice for Real Estate Professionals and

Property Owners in San Mateo County.

Message from the Ceo

Philip B. Tedesco, RCE, CAESAMCAR Chief Executive Officer

As we progress into 2009, and more year-end information becomes available, I am continually being asked by members how last year compared to

2007 in terms of agent production, etc. so I thought I would focus on that in this issue and provide a brief update.

I have reviewed the MLS information and am able to provide statistics for the county. In 2008 in San Mateo County, the number of subscribers to MLS Listings, Inc. dropped close to 18%, from 3,701 subscribers to 3,142 subscribers. An additional 16% drop is being projected by MLS Listings Inc. for 2009.

The information below shows the number of transactions by agents throughout San Mateo County over the past two years. Please keep in mind that this information only reflects those transactions reported to MLS Listings, Inc.

2008 MLS Production Statistics

Interestingly, although the number of MLS subscribers dropped last year, the ratios remained were very similar. I am curious to see if 2009 yields similar numbers. Please let me know if there is any other information that might be useful to you in terms of performance benchmarks. If it is available, I will certainly do my best to pull it together! You may reach me at ptedesco@samcar.org or directly at (650) 696-8221.

0 transactions

1 transaction

2 − 5 transactions

6 − 10 transactions

11+ transactions

42%

16%

27%

9%

7%

44%

16%

26%

8%

5%

20082007transactions by agentsin San Mateo County*

* information only reflects those transactions reported to MLS Listings, Inc.

REALTORS®

Welcome New MembersThe Following Members Joined in February 2009

AFFILIATES

Carolann Brlecic, Keller Williams S.F. Properties

Jorge E. Castro, Prudential California

Lanting Chen, BayCal Realty Corporation

Douglas Chin, ZipRealty, Inc.

Humberto Corea, Real Estate Equity Group

Tiffanie Craig, New Light Realty, Inc.

Patrick Darcangelo, Braddock & Logan Services

Thanh Chi Do, Exit Realty, WEM & Associates

Alma P. Gomez, Rev Realtors

Nancy Hobson, Coldwell Banker

Kara Koenig, William De Martini, Broker

Patrick Luu, Coldwell Banker-DCP & Assoc.

Mee Teck Mo, Exit Realty, WEM & Associates

Katherine Roth, Rev Realtors

Mathew Thomas, Connect Realty. com, Inc

Lucy Zamattia, Marshall Realty

Michael Zhang, Exit Realty, WEM & Associates

Jessica De la Roca, Specialty Funding

Paul Erickson, Guarantee Mortgage Corp.

Juan Linares, Western Exterminators

Robert Lomelin, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Tom McNamee, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Meghan M. O’Neill, MacCorkle Insurance Service

Brian Persons, San Francisco Chronicle

Jennifer Piccinini, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Alma Portillo, Guarantee Mortgage Corp.

Daniel Pryce, Guarantee Mortgage Corp.

Rick Vujovich, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Message from your 2009 PReSideNt

Olivia Edwards2009 SAMCAR President

Last week, during our regular weekly office meeting, one of our REALTORS®, Phyllis, was asked how

she was able to put three homes into escrow in the last two weeks by the other REALTORS® in my office who were under the impression that the current economy is slow. (Their justifiable reflection of their reality.)

Phyllis simply stated that in January she decided to call all of her leads she got from last year, one after another.

Intention and optimism is the moral of that story. But there is more. Intention with a plan.

Making the call is one thing, but knowing what to say is another. Do you know what to say when you make the call? Top agent, Donna Marie, who has been in the business successfully for over 30 years, still practices her scripts and dialogues regularly. How about you?

Optimism is a way of life. Some might argue that “I’m a realist”. Do you agree we cannot change what happens “to” us, but we can change what happens “in” us? The refreshing thing is you have a choice. One might habitually choose the negative approach, but why?

To take control of your destiny, you need to take control of your daily activities, get a plan

intention and optimism will get you through!

in place with intention. Here is a plan that works: time blocking. Block your time daily, weekly and monthly on your calendar with activities like “script practice,” “prospecting,” “follow up on leads,” “face to face appointments,” “open houses,” “showing & listing appointments,” “marketing and servicing,” “grunt work,” “proactive networking,” “education seminar,” “reflect and planning” and “personal time”.

Speaking about a plan: Out of the many initiatives SAMCAR is putting together, I am excited about SAMCAR’s first Housing Expo taking place on May 2nd at the San Mateo County Event Center. This event will place our members directly in front of the consumers. Not only will we present first time home buyer and investor information, but we will also present the value of working with a REALTOR® and we will explain to the attendees why this is the best time to buy a home. We encourage you to purchase a booth or volunteer.

Remember this is your organization; we value your input and your participation. We are fortunate to have a very competent and giving group of volunteers. But then, there are never enough helping hands, so please let us show you how you can help! Why don’t you include “volunteerism” in your time blocking? Call SAMCAR today to get involved.

March 2009 2

NAR uPdAte

H.R. 1the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” passed the House on

February 13, 2009, by a vote of 246 - 184. Later that day, the Senate also passed the bill by a vote of 60 - 38. The President signed the bill on Tuesday, February 17th. The bill is a $780 billion package, with roughly 35% of the package devoted to tax cuts (mostly for 2009) and the rest to spending intended to occur in 2009 and 2010.

The mix of provisions of interest to REALTORS® changed frequently throughout the legislative process, with changes continuing to be made just hours before the measure was released prior to the vote. In the end, the elements of NAR’s housing agenda were included. Congress and the President have announced that a finance and housing package (including tax provisions) will be the next “big” initiative, so Congress has by no means finished its work as it affects the housing industry and REALTORS®.

The bill includes the following provisions:

homebuyer tax CreditThe bill provides for an $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser’s income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

fhA, fannie Mae and freddie Mac Loan LimitsThe bill reinstates last year’s 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans. These limits were equal to the greater of 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750. For the few areas where the 2009 limits were higher, the higher limits will apply. In addition, the bill includes language providing the HUD Secretary with the discretion, if warranted, to increase the loan limit for any “sub-area”, i.e., an area smaller than a county. The Secretary’s discretion is again limited by the $729,750 cap. These 2009 limits will expire December 31, 2009.

The inclusion of these loan limit provisions in the final bill is a victory for homeowners, buyers and REALTORS®. While these new limits were included in version of the original stimulus bill approved by the House, the bill first approved by the Senate did not. NAR’s Call for Action to both the House and the Senate prior to the final vote advocated strongly for the provisions which were then included in the final bill approved by both Chambers.

Neighborhood StabilizationDivision A, Title XII of the bill provides $2,000,000,000 in additional funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The NSP was created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2089 (Public Law 110–289) to provide grants through the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) to states and localities to address the problems that can be created when whole neighborhoods are decimated by foreclosures. The funds can be used to purchase, manage, repair and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties. In addition, the funds can also be used by states and localities to establish financing methods for the purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed properties. After purchase the homes must be used to assist individuals and families with incomes at or below 120% of area median income. Twenty-five percent of funds must be used for households with incomes at or below 50% of area median income. By leveraging their expertise in partnership with others from both the public and private sector, REALTORS® in many communities have been making important contributions to their local communities’ neighborhood stabilization programs.

Commercial Real estateCommercial real estate is impacted primarily through those provisions of the bill focused on green building and energy efficiency as well as business tax incentives. H.R. 1 provides significant funds for state energy programs, which could be used to support commercial property owners’ investment in energy efficiency upgrades while commercial property owners seeking to invest in alternative energy systems for onsite power generation would benefit from the Department of Energy Renewable Energy Loan Guarantees Program. Of particular benefit to small businesses would be certain provisions of the bill that provide tax relief in the area of bonus depreciation and capital expenditures, as well as the 5-Year carryback of net operating losses for small businesses.

Rural housing ServiceThe bill provides an additional $500 million to existing USDA Rural Housing programs. The RHS provides both a guaranteed loan program and a direct housing loan program for those meeting the program’s eligibility criteria. The direct loan program will receive $270 million while $230 million will be allocated for unsubsidized guaranteed loans. It has been reported that this level of funding would provide for an additional 192,000 homeowners.

American Recovery andReinvestment Act of 2009The Stimulus Package

March 20093

NAR uPdAte

SepticRegulationUpdateRecently, the State Water Board (SWB) held a series of regional hearings to gath-er public input on newly proposed septic system regulations. C.A.R., after working for years to ensure that the eventual

understands that the SWB may be looking at revising the regulations, there are remaining concerns that the revision would be to impose the regulations at POINT-OF-SALE!! This is obviously not the best outcome. C.A.R. believes there is still much to be done and is actively engaging legislators to enlist their help. Stay tuned for further developments and a possible Red Alert. For more information, please contact Michon Coleman, your Government Affairs Director, at (650) 696-8204 or via email at mcoleman@samcar.org.

Low income housing GrantsAllow states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing, including those with or without tax credit allocations.

tax-exempt housing BondsTax-exempt interest earned on specified state and local bonds issued during 2009 and 2010 will not be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). In addition, financial institutions will have greater capacity to purchase tax-exempt state and local bonds.

Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits & GrantsTo promote green jobs and energy independence, ARRA invests significantly in efforts to make homes and buildings more energy efficient. The bill provides state and local governments with $6 billion in energy efficiency and conservation grants for energy audits, retrofits and financial incentives. Through 2010, homeowners will be able to claim a 30% tax credit (up from 10%) for purchases of new furnaces, windows and insulation. Another $5 billion will be available to modernize the nation’s electricity grid and install smart meters on homes that help to save consumers money. There is also $5 billion for weatherization assistance for low income households and $2 billion for federally assisted housing (Section 8) efficiency efforts.

transportation investmentsThe bill provides $46.7 billion to states and localities for capital

investment for surface transportation projects including highways, bridges, transit, and rail projects. NAR policy supports increased spending on the types of transportation infrastructure addressed in the bill with the exception of Amtrak and high-speed inter-city rail where NAR has no policy. These investments will tend to moderate traffic congestion and support a variety of transportation alternatives which will improve the quality of life of American communities and bolster the value of real estate.

Broadband deploymentThe bill creates $7.2 billion in grants to promote broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas and for mapping the availability of broadband service in the U.S. Any entity is eligible to apply for a grant including municipalities, public/private partnerships and private companies as long as they comply with the grant conditions. The grants are subject to “network neutrality” requirements to ensure that broadband networks be free of restrictions on content, sites, or platforms, on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and on the modes of communication allowed.

The bill also charges the FCC is with developing a national broadband plan that shall seek to ensure that all Americans have access to broadband capability and shall establish benchmarks for meeting that goal.

These provisions are important victories for REALTORS® because increased broadband access promotes economic growth and expands opportunities for home sales. A 2006 Commerce Department report determined that property values are 6% higher in communities where broadband is available.

Please go to the URL below to see a summary of HUD’s final RESPA rule,as well as NAR’s perspective on the Department RESPA changes:

http://www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/RESPA09_NAR.pdf

Summary of hud’sfinal ReSPA Ruleand NAR’s Perspective

regulations are not overly burdensome to property owners or businesses, had to oppose the current proposal. Since then, after much public outcry against the costs and challenges that these regula-tions would create, the State Water Board was forced to reschedule the Santa Rosa meeting and postpone the hearing in Sacramento. The Santa Rosa meeting was so well attended, that the local fire marshal was forced to close down the event. The deadline to submit comments has also been extended until February 23rd.

Please note that this fight is not over. While C.A.R.

CAR uPdAteS

March 2009 4

GoveRNMeNt AffAiRS

On February 5th at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlingame, 110 SAMCAR Broker/Managers heard Jeff Davi, the California Department of Real Estate Commissioner, give an update on the state of the DRE, upcoming fee increases and a new consumer outreach program to help beleaguered homeowners facing foreclosure avoid being taken advantage of by fraudulent assistance programs.

update on dReThere are now 529,000 licensees in California, down from a peak of 549,200 in 2006.

With the drop in licensees, has also come a drop in revenue generation for the Department of Real Estate which relies on fees to keep its depart-ment afloat. The reserves are dropping and the department only has 20 months of revenue left.

Mr. Davi pointed out that the licensing fees are today what they were in 1982. Starting in July 2009, salespersons four year license renewal fees will be $240 and Broker fees will be $300. Davi reported that the license population continues to decline but enforcement cases are rising.

foreclosure updateMr. Davi told the attendees that we are not at the bottom of the foreclosure problem yet. There were 39,267 notices of default in December. This has caused a burgeoning new industry of

DRE Commissioner Jeff Davi (center) is joined by (from left) SAMCAR Directors Robert Brisbane, Sue Vaterlaus, SAMCAR CEO Philip Tedesco, 2009 SAMCAR President Olivia Edwards and SAMCAR Director Suzan Getchell-Wallace

New Data Base ofGreen Building OrdinancesIn recent years, numerous local governments in California have implemented green building ordinances. These measures are intended to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease other harmful environmental impacts. Depending on how these ordinances are structured, they may or may not impose additional costs on the price of a home. It is important for REALTORS® to be familiar with any green building ordinances in the communities where they sell homes. The California Attorney General’s Office has compiled a data base of local green building ordinances in California.

For more info, go to:http://ag.ca.gov/globalwarming/pdf/green_building.pdf.

Please be sure to visit the new “Green Page” recently launched on the Government Affairs section of the SAMCAR web site. On this page, we will link you to useful information from CAR and NAR green policy and guidelines. You will also be provided information about local green building initiatives and cities we believe have the most efficient and equitable green policies. For more information, please always feel free to contact Michon Coleman, Government Affairs Director at (650) 696-8204 or via email at mcoleman@samcar.org.

loan modification companies to spring up. The operators will contact people in default and try and get fees upfront to “help” the homeowner avoid foreclosure. The DRE has a list of com-panies that actually have a real estate license to do this type of business. They have created a new slogan entitled, “Log on, look ‘em up and check ‘em out”. If you suspect someone who is running a scam operation, check them out on the DRE website and report them. “We need you to report violations. We are always looking for better ways to reach consumers,” said Davi. “I can’t stop homeowners from being victims of fraud, but I can promise you this. If we get a complaint about someone committing such a crime, we will investigate and we can make sure they aren’t around to do it again.”

The DRE has created “Project Homeowner-Pro-tecting Our California Homeowners’ Dream”

to further assist consumers who are in danger of losing their homes. They are partnering with large mortgage companies and bringing a mobile loan modification office to the hardest hit areas of California to help people within their own communities. This is being funded by the mortgage companies, not by the DRE.

New Regulations Affecting LicenseesStarting in July of this year, you need to put your DRE number on your business cards and “first point of contact” information. It was suggested to include it on your email signature, as well.

The DRE commissioner invited SAMCAR members to visit the DRE Web site at: http://www.dre,ca.gov/ for e-license processing, to check on the status of a license, new requirements, or to file a complaint. He stressed the DRE is very much complaint-driven.

Real Estate Commissioner DaviGives Update to Broker/Managers

SAMCAR Government Affairs Launches Green Web Page

Please visit the “Green Page” at:http://www.samcar.org/index.cfm/green_cities

March 20095

BRokeR/MANAGeR MeetiNG

Interim East BayPromotional AccessProgram Extended into 2009Until the larger Bay Area-wide Reciprocal Access Program is completed, MLSListings and the East Bay MLS’s have extended the promotional access program through June 30. Subscribers will need to renew for the second 6 months for an access fee of $49 (CCAR); $50 (Bay East); $55 (EBRDI), covering the entire six months, just like before. This program will not allow listing input. If you’d like to enter listings, the current fee of $25 (EBRDI); and $50 (CCAR/BE) per listing applies. No initiation fee will be charged. Access through any one program provides access to listings in all 3 East Bay MLS’s.

Supra Keybox Management Available in MLSListings Proon February 17thIn cooperation with GE Security, MLSListings will integrate Supra keybox management functionality into its Listing Management software the evening of February 16th. The new functionality can be found under the “My Listings” tab under “Action.”

Subscribers who wish to utilize this functionality will need to know their Lag ID number, which is assigned by their primary local Association.

New MLS Rules Effective March 1Software Recently UpdatedAs a result of the NAR/DOJ settlement, all MLS’s are required to adopt rules related to Virtual Office Websites (VOW’s). MLSListings posted its new rules (and related information) in its Reference Library on February 2nd. Log on to MLSListings Pro, then paste in the following URL:https://pro.mlslistings.com/info/pdf/MLS_Rules_Showing_changes.pdf.

The latest edition of Express News provided additional information about the impact (or lack thereof) on its subscribers. For those agents and brokers who do not plan to create and operate a VOW, there is really only one aspect of the new VOW policy and rules that is important.

Sellers now have the opportunity to opt out of ALL internet marketing of their listing, including VOW’s and IDX sites. This “yes/no” option was reflected in the Listing Management software update on February 10th. The “no” option requires a signed Seller Opt-Out Form.

Reciprocal AccessContinues to Run SmoothlyAfter two full weeks of operation, the new Single Sign-On Reciprocal Access program with the MLS’s of the San Francisco Association of REALTORS®, BAREIS, and MetroList is running smoothly. All subscribers are able to enter free reciprocal listing into 3 key MLS’s in the Bay Area and Central Valley with no additional log-in or password via the newly activated links on MLSListings Pro. They are also able to search listings in these MLS’s at no charge.

This new service is the result of concerted efforts on the part of all the participating MLS’s. It represents one step in an evolving, industry-wide effort to bring you a wider geography of MLS data with fewer barriers and costs. This step simply provides the option to enter free reciprocal listings across a large common market area. That area will be enlarged in the next couple of months when the three MLS’s from the East Bay join this effort.

Participants are asked to remember that each MLS has its own set of rules that must be followed when entering and maintaining listings.

Also in development is a data-share between these MLS’s so that you can use one system to search listings across the entire 17-county area from Mendocino to Monterey and from the coast to the Nevada state line. More information on the East Bay addition and the upcoming data-share will be available later this quarter.

MLSLiStiNGS uPdAte

eduCAtioN

Social Networking andInternet Marketing Seminarsfeaturing national recognized real estatetechnology presenter, Amy Chorew

WheN Thursday, May 7 at SAMCAR9:30 a.m. Registration and networking10 to 11 a.m. Create Quality online Leads

& Contacts through Social Networking11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Leverage Your Listings: Get more in

return for your online marketing

CoSt Each class is $25 or $40 for both.Sign-up Call SAMCAR at (650) 696-8200 to reserve your spaceThis seminar is being held in conjunction with the local chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Visit www.amychorew.com for more information about this dynamic speaker!

Attention Affiliates!

SAMCAR Affiliates! The Spring/Summer 2009 edition of SAMCAR’s bi-annual Affiliate Directory will be published soon. Please take the opportunity to enhance your listing!

Enhance YOUR Listing! More information, including listingenhancement options is availble online at:http://www.samcar.org/index.cfm/affiliate_directory.htm

The Affiliate Directory is distributed to all SAMCAR Affiliate and REALTOR® members online and a limited number in print.

March 2009 6

ASSoCiAtioN NeWS

At the Combined Tour meeting on February 3rd, David Young, Coldwell Banker, San Carlos provided a pep talk about the market to his fellow colleagues. David reminded the attendees, who were raptly attentive, that sales volume is actually up right now. He told the crowd that he had read Alan Greenspan’s recent book and realized there are many intricacies tying the global market, inflation and timing of the market together. Mr. Young brought into the picture the possibility of inflation due to the government printing between $350 and $750 bil-lion for the national bailout. Mr. Young pointed out that there is a large possibility for prices to shoot up when this occurs, which is good news for anyone purchasing a home during the next 18 months.

In terms of sellers in this market, they need to understand and accept the realities of this market in terms of pricing models. Many sellers are still hung up on what they still think their homes are worth vs. what buyers are willing to pay right now.

news fromCoMBiNed touR

Mr. Young encouraged people to “change the way you do business if you want to be successful in 2009”. Getting out there and doing the nuts and bolts of sales like knocking on doors for example. Mr. Young relayed a story about how he asked a young man who was sell-ing pizza coupons door to door to work with him to help find sellers. “The young man went door to door making a lot more money help-ing me sell homes than selling coupons! I found out there are a lot of REALTORS® living in San Carlos from this endeavor, but I also got some solid leads.” Being inventive, creative and persistent is key. He ended with, “There are a lot of commissions out there…let’s go and earn some!”

Eric Berggren, SAMCAR Director, gave a brief C.A.R meeting update. He told the attendees that on the cultural diversity in housing front there are multi-cultural opportunities, especially in the Korean

Homes sales are up, the median price is down, which is leveling the playing field for buying a home. Prices are coming down to

realistic levels and affordability is nowat 59% in California.

2009 SAMCAR President Olivia Edwards stands between David Young, Coldwell Banker San Carlos (left) and SAMCAR Director Eric Berggren (right).

ChangingStrategies for 2009

market. He discussed the diverse cultures of potential clients and the need to understand the nuances to better serve your clients.

The Housing Opportunity Committee discussed the Federal Stimulus Package, Government Sponsored Enterprise Reform and Financial Regulation Reform, along with a Senate Bill coming up for vote later this year. Mr. Berggren said that SB 49, sponsored by the California Building Association, would give a $10,000 tax credit to purchase brand new homes. C.A.R. opposes SB 49 unless amended to apply the proposed tax credit to all sales of single family residences intended to be the principal residence of the purchaser, and if so amended, will remove its opposition. Mr. Berggren shared with the attendees how loan requirements are changing daily, which makes mortgage attainment more difficult and certainly is challenging our mortgage affiliate members. He mentioned that loan modification requests are up, but most end up back in foreclosure within a few months after a modification has been made.

The plan President Obama is putting forth would have bankruptcy judges able to change the terms of the mortgage in order to stem additional homes from going into foreclosure. The current good news is that homes sales are up, the median price is down, which is leveling the playing field for buying a home. Prices are coming down to realistic levels and affordability is now at 59% in California. Mr. Berggren stated that housing has to lead the way out of the recession.

As a reminder, the California REALTOR® Expo will be held October 6 - 8, 2009 at the San Jose Convention Center, and the California REALTOR® Showcase will be held June 3 - 4, 2009 at the Sacramento Community Convention Center.

March 20097

ASSoCiAtioN NeWS

Bobbi Decker, Intero Real Estate, shared with us lately that she wants to see more positive news and energy at our tour meetings to offset the seemingly endless barrage of bad news about the housing market. Talking the talk and walking the walk, Bobbi shared a“Positive News” presentation at the Central Tour Meeting on February 10th entitled, “New Year, New You!” to lend some advice and strategies on surviving and thriving in the current market. She brought her special brand of optimism and energy when she lent the following advice to our members. Ms. Decker began by asking everyone to create a mental list of their five greatest strengths, then to list their five greatest weaknesses. Then she asked, “Which was easier?” She laughed when she said, “It’s pretty easy to come up with the second list, am I right!?” 80% of people asked to do this found it was much easier to list their weaknesses than their strengths. “Keep your strengths out in front of you and remember to focus on those more consistently”, Ms. Decker advised. Ms. Decker showed her “Winning Strategies” PowerPoint presentation. Here are the points she covered:

news fromCeNtRAL touR

Bobbi said that when you start to get down about the gloomy housing news, to remember that there is a limited supply of inventory in San Mateo County. The Bay Area is the “Gateway to the Pacific Rim” and people want to come and live here. “Can you imagine living on the East Coast and dealing with that weather!? We are so lucky to live here in an area where you won’t die if you go outside without your coat on! Everyone wants to live in California!” She also reminded everyone that real estate has always been a way to build long term wealth.

If you would like to ask Bobbi for a PowerPoint presentation of her speech, contact her directly at bobbi@bobbidecker.com.

“Winning Strategies”

Focus on your goals and objectives.

You must have a written goals and objectives.

You must develop a business plan; this is essential to success.

Check on your business plan every three months to make sure you are on target.

Knowledge is key about product, people and contracts.

Go tour! You have to know your product.

Get to know people-be a communicator and a listener.

Take the time now to better your skills and get the training you need.

Know the contracts in depth.

Create a community presence by performing community service. Consider volunteering for the RSVP program!

Negativity in the media is going to continue around you because it sells newspapers. Rise above it.

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in wrapping up her presentation, Bobbi shared these tipsthat should be tacked onto your refrigerator and followed without fail!

Don’t let others dismiss your ideas.

Don’t let rejection slow you down.

Don’t be afraid of failure-consider it feedback!

Don’t listen to nay sayers.

You certainly don’t need the combination of the media, negative people and colleagues. Do what you can to stay away from negative influences.

Be grateful and thankful.

Keep a journal and write notes about what you are grateful for.

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To learn more about ways to be successful and also get a glimpse into human behavior, Bobbi suggested reading Success magazine and the books, “The Tipping Point”, “Outliers” and “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell. Bobbi’s presentation also provided some take away thoughts:

“Go where tomorrow is, let everyone else catch up!”

“There are no age limits to success: Colonel Sandersstarted Kentucky Fried Chicken in his 60’s”

New Year, New You Strategies for Success

March 2009 8

2009 GReeN exPo

Matt Golden, CEO of Sustainable Spaces, and the keynote speaker at the SAMCAR Green Expo on January 29th said it best, “There is a paradigm shift in the way people are thinking about the environment and what they can do to mitigate their impact.” As the 150 REALTORS® who attended the event

learned, most of the impact people make on the environment is with their homes. Mr. Golden discussed energy saving tech-niques that homeowners can do to lower their energy bill and lessen their energy consumption. The attendees picked up some of the same kind of green tips from the 15 exhibitors and other speakers featured at the event.

“I felt we did a great job at organizing our first Green Expo” Affiliate committee member and event organizer, DeNize Lawrence, stated. “I heard from many of the attendees that they

were glad they came and were thankful for the resource material SAMCAR and the exhibitors provided. We will definitely put this event together again in 2010.”

Attendees were all treated to reusable tote bags by Solar City, picked up home energy information tips from Matt Golden, Sustainable Spaces, learned about green building permits and updates from the City of San Mateo and were told about solar energy rebates and large order discounts from Solar City energy consultants.

“It is important for our REALTOR® members to see the value of learning about how to help their clients green their homes”, 2009 SAMCAR President, Olivia Edwards, stated.

“We are in a unique position to counsel our sellers on the value added to their home by considering energy saving components that will help move their homes off the market quickly. It has been proven that homes sell faster and for more money when they

SAMCAR Green Expo UnitesREALTORS® With Green Professionals SAMCAR REALTORS®, Affiliates and clients at the First Green Expo held at

the Elks Lodge in San Mateo on Thursday, January 29, 2009.

(left to right) Mary Doyle Murphy, 2009 SAMCAR President Olivia Edwards, Matt Golden, CEO, Sustainable Spaces, and SAMCAR CEO Philip Tedesco

DeNize Lawrence with 2009SAMCAR President Olivia Edwards.

have been retrofitted with energy saving appliances, insulation, and other efforts to bring down the overall costs of running the home.” As Matt Golden stated, “Your mortgage is the number one expense of having a home, the energy costs of your home are second. Why wouldn’t energy costs be of the utmost importance in knowing about when you are purchasing a home?”

You can hear Matt Golden speak at the SAMCAR Housing Expo on May 2nd at the San Mateo County Event Center and pick up free resource material from green exhibitors at the “green section” of the event. For more information go to the event page at:http://www.samcar.org/index.cfm/special_events/housing_expo.htm

You can also obtain the NAR Green Designation at SAMCAR on July 29th, 30th and 31st. Contact Alane at SAMCAR to get registration information at alane@samcar.org.

Thank you to Ed Bright, State Farm Insurance, for sponsoring Matt Golden, Sustainable Spaces and Corrin and Virginia Trowbridge, Farmers Insurance, for sponsoring the City of San Mateo and DeNize Lawrence, All California Mortgage, for sponsoring Solar City. Thank you to our SAMCAR members who worked together to make the Green Expo a great success and for the exhibitors and sponsors who supported the Affiliate Committee’s efforts.

March 20099

uPCoMiNG ASSoCiAtioN eveNtS

Are you seeking a marketing opportunity to directly connect with the home buying and investing public? Do you want to share your expertise, resource material and knowledge with people seeking help in the home buying process? Then sign up today to become an exhibitor at the SAMCAR Housing Expo on Saturday, May 2nd at the San Mateo County Event Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The SAMCAR Housing Expo was created to empower people with homeownership education so they could make an intelligent and well informed decision when purchasing a home. The SAMCAR Housing Expo will feature speakers, exhibitors and non-profit organizations

The rEaLTOr® Service Volunteer Program (rSVP) is slated for the week of May 4-8 and we are asking for YOUR help! We are currently seeking members to volunteer a few hours to help seniors and the homebound with household tasks like replacing smoke detector bat-teries, flipping a mattress or washing the windows. During the RSVP week SAMCAR offers assistance to San Mateo County homeowners or renters who are dis-abled or who are 55 years or older and need some help with maintenance tasks around their homes.

2009 SAMCAR Housing Expo:Exhibitor Opportunities Available Now!

covering topics such as first time home buying, green real estate, foreclosure avoidance, investing, understanding credit scoring, and more. The Housing Expo will be extensively marketed and we expect over 500 attendees to this FREE educational event.

Exhibitor tables are $225 and spaces are limited and will be placed on a first come, first paid basis. Each exhibitor will receive one six foot draped table with two chairs. We will make every attempt to place exhibitors near the speaking areas of the exhibitors’ expertise. DEADLINE to sign up as an exhibitor isFriday, April 10, 2009.

Thank you to the following sponsors for supporting the 2009 Housing Expo!

PRESENTING SPONSORSThe Michael Haigh Team - JP Morgan/Chase Bank, N.A.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

EVENT SPONSORMLSListings, Inc. | Bank of America | Flip Video

CO-SPONSORSColdwell Banker, Fahey Properties | I-800-Got-Junk? | Marshall Realty

McGuire Real Estate| AMS Bekins | Pensco Trust

Please contact Beckie Patane at SAMCAR at beckie@samcar.org or go to:http://www.samcar.org/index.cfm/special_events/housing_expo.htm

Volunteers Needed To Offer Service to Help Seniors2009 RSVP is happening May 4 – 8

Sponsored by the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®

Peg, an elderly homeowner who received help last year, was so grateful to Anne Oliva and her office mates for their help at her home, that she came by to give them a thank you card and candy. We hope you will consider making the day of a senior in our community!

RSVP is a community outreach program offered each year to seniors and the home-bound by SAMCAR members in cooperation with various community organizations and senior centers. During RSVP Week, teams of REALTOR® volunteers and affiliates visit senior citizens and perform various cleaning and maintenance tasks free of charge.

The program is open to qualified seniors who cannot otherwise perform certain household tasks due to physical or financial constraints. If you know of a senior in need of help, the deadline for seniors to request free assistance is Saturday, March 6th. If you would like to volunteer or need more information, please contact Beckie Patane at(650) 696-8220 or via email atbeckie@samcar.org.

The RSVP community outreach program was launched in 2001. Last year alone, 500 REALTORS® and Affiliates provided free help to 352 homeowners.

Want to Volunteer? Need more information? please contact Beckie Patane(650) 696-8220 or via email at beckie@samcar.org or go to: http://www.samcar.org/index.cfm/rsvp_program.htm

March 2009 10

Classes & Events

Weekly Education, Events & Tour CalendarMARCH 2009

March 59:30 a.m.

PACifiCA Legislative Committee MeetingLocation: RE/MAX Dolphin - 450 Dondee Way, Suite 7, Pacifica

March 1110 a.m.

CoAstside Legislative Committee MeetingLocation: Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce

& Visitor’s Bureau - 235 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Legislative Committee Meetings

SAMCAR Board of Directors Meetings

March 258:30 a.m.

sAMCAR Board of directors MeetingMembers welcome to attend these monthly meetings. | Location: SAMCAR

March 1310 a.m.

PRdsforms.com training Class (also April 10 @ 10 a.m.)Location: SAMCAR | Instructor: Bob Johnson | Sign-up: 650-696-8200

April 98 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GRi 112: environmental Concerns, Construction overview and Land UseLocation: SAMCAR| Cost: $149Registration: http://www.eDesignations.com or 888-785-4800

March 189:30 – 11 a.m.

PeninsULA Legislative Committee MeetingMembers welcome to attend these monthly meetings. | Location: SAMCAR

April 311 a.m. – 1 p.m.

LUnCH & LeARn: Microsoft oUtLooKLocation: SAMCAR| Cost: FREE; available to SAMCAR members onlyInstructor: Lynn Pesonen | Registration: (650) 696-8200

March 209 a.m. – 5 p.m.(by appointment only)

Precision Ultrasound Health screenings @ sAMCARLocation: SAMCAR | Appointments: (877) 487-7324Flyer: http://www.samcar.org/userfiles/file/Health09_Ultrasound2009MAR.html

March 611 a.m. – 1 p.m.

LUnCH & LeARn: Microsoft eXCeLLocation: SAMCAR| Cost: FREE; available to SAMCAR members onlyInstructor: Lynn Pesonen | Registration: (650) 696-8200

March 128 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GRi 111: investment Property AnalysisLocation: SAMCAR| Cost: $149Registration: http://www.eDesignations.com or 888-785-4800

March 119 a.m.also March 16 / 1:30 p.m.

Legal dangers of short sales , Reo’s and foreclosuresLocation: SAMCAR | Presenter: Dave HamersloughCost: Free, for SAMCAR members | Sign-up: (650) 696-8200

March 181 – 4 p.m.

ReVei Continuing education optional Review and testingTopics: Ethics, Agency, Fair Housing, Trust Fund Handling, Risk Management, Legal and Marketing Update. This is a home-study program, please order your materials early. Location: SAMCAR | REVEI: (800) 582-7979Cost: $79 ($89 non-member) | Register: (650) 696-8200

March 191 – 4 p.m.

Reo sales!! A Gold mine or only the shaft? with GUy BeRRyLocation: SAMCAR | Cost: $30 | Register: (650) 696-8200

April 291:30 p.m.

duane Gomer’s Popular optional Review & Group testingTo test on the five 3-hour courses this day you must receive materials by April 27. Location: SAMCAR | Cost:$79 ($89 non-member) | Register:(650) 696-8200

Marketing MeetingsTuesday, March 3

MLS Tour Sheet Deadline Reminder

Broker/Property toursTuesdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to add tours in MLSMondays, 11 a.m. Entry deadlines are subject to change for holidays.

Deadline for Monday holidaysprior Friday at 11 a.m.

View tour sheet by Monday afternoonhttp://www.samcar.org/index.cfm/tour_information.htm

FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 6

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa22 23 24 25 26 27 2801 02 03 04 05 06 07

8:30 a.m. February Combined TourElks Lodge 229 West 20th AvenueSan Mateo

Presentations: Matt Golden, CEO, Sustainable SpacesHome performance testing and retrofitting tips to save money on energy costs - valuable information for you AND your clients!

Breakfast SponsorEd Bright, State Farm Insurance

9 a.m. Half Moon Bay TourCommunity Center 535 Kelly AvenueHalf Moon Bay

9:30 a.m. Pacifica TourCommunity Center 540 Crespi DrivePacifica