Ask Kate

I’ve been to a few Broker Opens where I’ve received $5 for coming or a gift card.  Is this something I have to share with my broker or can I just keep it?

Attending a Broker Open is considered a licensed activity for which any payment would have to go through your broker.  The License Law does not discriminate when it comes to compensation.  $1, $5 and gift cards are all considered compensation and must be paid through your broker.  Your broker certainly has the right to allow you to keep the compensation and this should be addressed in your contractual agreement with them. 

MORe Events

Residential real estate expert Steve Harney is presenting his Keeping Current Matters Seminar from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6th, in the Mainstreet offices. You will learn how to use current trends and the media to your advantage in diminishing buyer uncertainty and educating uninformed sellers on pricing strategy. The seminar is complimentary for Mainstreet members. Click here for more information or click here to sign up for the seminar.

Credit Lunch and Learn: JoAnn Sworan, the Credit Doctor, will present a Lunch and Learn Seminar on Credit 101 – Find Your Pot of Gold!!!. The seminar will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17th, in the Tinley Park Office. Guaranteed Rate is sponsoring the complimentary lunch. Click here for more details.

Don’t miss the complimentary e-PRO Workshops featuring Floyd Arnold on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, from 9-10:30 a.m. in the MORE Downers Grove Office and from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Tinley Park Office. The e-PRO course has been re-released with fresh content, which is now included with any e-PRO enrollment at no additional charge. E-PRO is the only technology certification program approved by NAR. Anyone who attends the e-PRO workshop can receive a complimentary full-featured website. To register for the workshop, click here or call toll free 1-866-377-6627. Click here for more info on the Downers Grove workshop or click here for more info on the Tinley Park workshop.

V.I.R. Member Miles Boone will be taking headshots for MORe members at a reduced rate of $50 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Mach 16th, in our Downers Grove Office and on Friday, April 16th in our Tinley Park Office. To set up an appointment, please call Ron at (630) 324-8422 or Amy at (630) 324-8428. Click here for more information.

REALTOR® Nationwide Open House is April 10-11. Watch for details in the coming weeks!

MORe News

Summit, Understanding the Latino Market, will be April 8, 2010, at the Doubletree in Oakbrook from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. MORe >

Home Start Program - Illinois Housing Development Authority will be offering a complimentary session on the program on March 12, 2010, in the Naperville MORe office from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. To register, please e-mail IHDA.

Looking to market the “Green” aspects of your seller’s property? MORe has recently been authorized to use the Sustainable Real Estate Alliance Green Disclosure Statement now available under the Forms Section in ConnectMLS.

Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® is teaming-up with Community BenefitBar to provide a NO cost (not even postage) unique internet marketing tool designed to help REALTORS®

• Stay top of mind with current and future clients!
• Have positive ultimate exposure within your community!
• Make a difference in your community, with organizations you care about!
• Most Importantly, Generate New business!

1) Members please click here for information and either fill out the                       

     Contact us form or sign up (takes about 3 minutes). 

2) Someone from Community BenefitBar will contact you to explain how easy it is to get started

     and show you why this is a perfect fit (about a 7-10 min call).

We can guarantee;

• NO cost-NO selling-NO training-very little time needed!
• Thousands of organizations already doing this in the USA as well as 9 other countries!
• We have been live with our technology since January of 2007

You will make a positive difference with organizations of any size that you care about; littleleague teams, schools, religious organizations, charities, universities, associations, clubs…etc. For additional information on this unique Internet marketing tool, please click here to sign up at or contact Jeff Boraz at (636) 346-3386 or Keith Grosz at (314) 616-1954, they will be happy to walk-you through the process and answer all of your questions.  

Education News

Salesperson Renewal: There will be no renewal for the salesperson licenses next year on 04/30/11 because of the transitioning from a salesperson to a broker status. The salesperson renewal has been extended to April 30, 2012, at which time a total of 18 hours of continuing education will be required; 9 hours CORE/9 hours ELECTIVE. Get started on your C.E. NOW so that your full concentration can be on completing the transition phase.The transitioning for a salesperson will be: 1) need to pass a proficiency exam and 18 hours of C.E. or complete a 30-hour post broker course and pass the exam between 05/01/11 thru 04/30/12!!! Note: If you decide to complete the 30-hour post broker course there will be no C.E. required. Questions can be directed to the MORe Education Department.

IAR, in conjunction with Mainstreet, is offering another Short Sale, Foreclosure Seminar on May 26, 2010, in Tinley Park from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Spread the word! Are you interested in receiving NAR’s latest certification – SFR? This is the Short Sale.Foreclosure Resource Specialist. Seats are limited to the first 43 registrations. Click here to view the simple steps to fulfill the SFR requirement and to register for this class. Tell other REALTORS® about this great opportunity to learn more about the hot topic of real estate. Your ability to close short sales and foreclosures depends in part on your confidence in seeing these transactions through. Begin building your confidence today by gaining more knowledge by attending this class for $99 for members/$119 for non-members.

IAR legal counsel answers questions about license law. Click here to watch IAR’s latest webinar, “Questions on the License Law Rewrite?“ recorded Feb. 18TH with IAR Chief Legal Counsel Steve Bochenek and IAR Hotline Attorney Betsy Urbance. Click here to review the Most Frequently Asked Question list to clear up myths you’ve heard about the rewrite!

Broker Renewal: Renewal post cards were sent out late last week for the April 30, 2010, broker renewal by IDFPR.The postcard gives the broker a website to renew online and instructions for renewing by mail.Please make sure you have completed your CE BEFORE processing your online renewal.Questions regarding the postcards/renewal will need to be directed to IDFPR by calling 217-785-9300. Or visit IDFPR for additional information.Remember: You cannot renew online unless you have the required pin number from the post card and your state license number.On this website brokers can renew online via credit card, print off a renewal form to mail in, or get the toll-free number to renew via credit card using a telephone.

Want a HUD key? Want to know more about HUD listings?HMBI controls all HUD listings in Illinois and neighboring states. Contact HMBI, Inc., at (773) 714-9200 or click herefor further instructions and to view their listings.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® in conjunction with MORe Education presents the 2010 Continuing Education Class Schedule. For a full schedule of classes, including C.E., Pre-Licensing and Designation, click here.

Designation Corner

March 2010 DESIGNATION INSIDER ISSUE

Completed the ABR Designation

Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR)

Nutan Bansal
Charles Rutenberg Realty of IL
1755 Park St., Suite 180
Naperville, IL 60563

Heide Fralic
Coldwell Banker Primus Realty
1242  Eola Road Unit F
Aurora, IL 60502

Meghan Hopkins
Coldwell Banker Primus Realty
1242  Eola Road Unit F
Aurora, IL 60502

Clemencia  Molano
Coldwell Banker Residential
990 W Army Trail Rd
Carol Stream, IL 60188-9068

Completed the SFR Certification

Short Sale.Foreclosure Resource (SFR)

Cindy L. Ayers
L.W. Reedy Real Estate

Earning credit for GRI Course I has never been easier. Submit the $95 administration fee with a completed application to the REALTOR® Institute along with proof of completion of an approved program (see application). Click here for a copy of the GRI schedule.

MRED News

Did you know MRED holds classes on using connectMLS at all three Mainstreet locations.  Classes should be taken in order (connectMLS 1-7), seats are limited so register ASAP by visiting MRED or by calling MRED at 630-955-2754. Classes are complimentary; however a credit card reservation is required. You are only charged $35 if you do not show up for a class you are registered for or if you did not cancel within the 2 business day cancellation policy. Click here for a schedule of classes in the MORe offices. Please NOTE if we do not have enough agents registered 1 business day prior to the class being held it WILL be cancelled and registrants will be notified via email and telephone. Please call at the above number with any questions. If you would like to see other training locations, click here.

Government Affairs
Mainstreet’s attorney reviewed the Calumet City Federal Court approved ordinance. Click here for a summary of the point of sale inspection ordinance. Click here for a complete copy of the ordinance. Click here for a consent provision and click here for a conditional buyer certificate. If you have any further questions, please contact South Government Affairs Director Tom Joseph..

Call to Action: Stop Senate Bill 3001. Thanks to all who continued to send emailsto your Senator urging a NO VOTE on Senate Bill 3001which ispending on the Senate floor. SB 3001, sponsored by Sen. Susan Garrett seeks to grant counties the authority to increase the cost of recording real estate related documents with proceeds to be used for a county defined “affordable housing program.” IAR feels a case has not been made for this program and we are STRONGLY opposed to giving authority to a county to impose yet another fee on property owners WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL. The bill grants a county board the authority to impose a charge that begins at $5 in 2010 and 2011 which can be increased up to $10 after 2019. While over 2,600 REALTORS® have already responded to the Call to Action it is important that YOU do so as well! Please take action by contacting your senator via the IARActionCenter.

REMINDER: Agents who are listing properties that may be vacant and/or foreclosed and have a buyer in place need to make sure any outstanding water bills and/or citations and/or liens are resolvedbefore purchase as village governments are facing financial challenges themselves. Furthermore, it is unfair to the local village that outstanding debts by the previous owner and/or present seller that you may be listing on behalf of are not properly accounted for.Checking with the village on citations and liens would help greatly. This issue can create challenges for our industry as municipal governments consider more creative ways to attempt to hold up transactions which is what we do not want.

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE SELLERS TO BE CURRENT BEFORE CLOSING, ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT DO NOT HAVE A REAL ESTATE

TRANSFER STAMP IN PLACE !

REALTOR® Store

due to new changes in laws regarding credit. Items will now have to be paid for at the time of purchase and we do accept all forms of payment. Questions, please contact Tracy Polgar.

The following forms have been updated with the most recent license law changes. These forms are only available online through our site and will be available shortly through Connect.

6000 Residential Exclusive Right to Sell Marketing Agreement
6001: Mobile Home Exclusive Marketing Agreement
6002: Commercial Property Exclusive Marketing Agreement
6003: Exclusive Agency Marketing Agreement
6004: Vacant Land Exclusive Marketing Agreement
6005: Residential Exclusive Right to Lease
6016: Exclusive Buyer Representation
6018: Notice of Buyer Representation
6052: Residential Exclusive Agency Lease Marketing Agreement

Updated Store Order Form: MORe >

City Clips DVDs now on sale: March 1st through March 31st, all City Clips DVDs are 15% off! The DVDs feature more than 40 scenes from around your town or city, professionally narrated. Perfect for running at your open house or to give a client new to town. Please e-mail Tracy Polgar if you have any questions.

Sentrilock News

Sentrilock Blackberry SmartCard Reader and Card Utility Sentrilock users will now be able to renew their SentriCards using any Blackberry phone and Blackberry SmartCard Reader. Users can purchase the reader directly from Sentrilock. MORe >

Commercial News

March Commercial Seminar: “Business Resources and Strategies,”is the program for the March Commercial Seminar from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. on Friday, March 12th, in the Downers Grove Office. Learn about resources and strategies for the small business. Cost is $10 for non-subscriber members and $15 for non-subscriber and non-MORe members at the door. For more information, click here or contact Nancy Willig at 630.324.8414.

Certificate of Completion: Receive a Certificate of Completion by attending five or more Commercial educational seminars during 2010. After each educational seminar that you attend, you will receive a letter of acknowledgement from the committee. After meeting the criteria of five or more educational seminars, you will receive your Certificate of Completion at the end of the year. All sessions must be completed in this calendar year. Commercial events are held on the 2nd Friday morning of each month (or as otherwise scheduled). Cost is $50 for the remainder of the year.

Each event will conclude with a networking haves and wants session.  Bring your commercial deals, listings. This is a great opportunity to market and develop leads.

2010 Schedule

March 12--Small Business Resources and Strategies

April 16--Commercial CE-Challenges, Insights, Opportunities

** NOT PART OF SUBSCRIPTION PLAN** check our website

May 14--Intro to Multi-Family Inv.Property Evaluations 5+ Units

June 11--Commercial Financing

July--No Seminar

August 13--Understanding A Commercial Lease

September 10--Closing A Commercial Transaction

October 8--Attorneys’ Panel – Best Practices

November 12--Tax Base Commercial Issues

December 3--Forecast Breakfast

Professional Standards

The new 2010 Code of Ethics is here! Click here for the new Code of Ethics. Call the Professional Standards Department for questions.

Respect for the Public:Follow the “Golden Rule” – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

What’s the Buzz?

COSTCO is inviting members, families and friends of Mainstreet to a special event from 7-8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd, at the Oak Brook Costco Store. Refreshments will be served and drawings and door prizes will be held every hour from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. Click here for more information.

The 2nd annual Southern Suburbs Walk for Lupus Now will be held beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 1st, at Bicentennial Park, 3401 W. 203rd, in Olympia Fields. The money raised for this event will help the Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter continue their mission to inform, educate, and promote awareness of lupus, and to support those affected by the disease. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. There are over 1.5 million Americans diagnosed with lupus and 65,000 are in the state of Illinois. For more information or to register, click here or contact the Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter at 312-542-0002.

The DuPage Homeownership Center (DHOC) is offering a great opportunity to reach your target market of potential first-time home buyers.DHOC, a HUD-certified, nonprofit housing counseling agency serving DuPage County, along with the DuPage County Department of Community Services, is sponsoring the 18th annual Free Home Buyers Fair on Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the DuPage County Administration Building in Wheaton.The fair offers first-time buyers one-stop-shopping for information on real estate services, mortgage products, community amenities and much more. DHOC also offers workshop sponsorship opportunities for Realtors.

Exhibiting at the Fair is a great way to meet hundreds of potential first-time buyers and exhibit packages are available starting at just $300. Click here to obtain more information, including a complete Exhibitor Information Package, or call Jennie or Dave at (630) 260-2500, ext. 2501. This event is part of DuPage Money Smart Week, a county-wide collaborative educational effort to increase financial literacy among the general population.

Let us know what you’re doing that’s newsworthy! Are you using any innovative business approaches? Received any awards? Have a human interest story? Do you have any new ways of dealing with diverse clients? Click here to send your story. If we think the local media will be interested, we’ll ship it off to them pronto – and – we’ll jot it down in this section of E-blast. Questions? Contact Ron Brow.