Well - time has really flown by since the last time I posted to this spot. Don't you always hear how time has flown by especially at this time of year? Not only is it Christmas time and everyone is in a hustle and bustle to get things done, just past Christmas is the end of the year. So we are tyring to get all sorts of things done. In the real estate business, agents are wrapping up the year and planning their strategy for next year. Year end stats are being prepared and Award of Excellence forms are ready to go out.
Here at the Board office we are ordering new contracts, re-doing office forms with the 2011 date, working on dues billing and getting it ready to send out. Plus we have a party tomorrow to put on and a Board of Directors meeting at lunch tomorrow. So we are busy, busy, busy.
We have had a good year at the Rogers Board. We have lost some members since last year, but this is a down market and some REALTORS have discovered they unfortunately cannot be just a REALTOR and have had to get a second job. My hat is off to you as I have trouble keeping up with my house with my one job. Although as bad as it is here, we are still better than a lot of areas in the country. Northwest Arkansas is a great place to live and work. The unemployment rate is lower in Benton County than the nationwide average and our employers are good companies. We need to remember this as we start to gripe about the economy. We are blessed to be here.
I hope your Christmas plans are in full swing and you have shopping done and are ready to enjoy the season. If you are traveling, please be careful and don't wind up a statistic. We have a daughter traveling home from Dallas and I will feel better when she gets home next week.
Also, please take some time to reflect on the reason for all the celebrating. Sometimes I have trouble deciding what a dancing penquin has to do with the birth of Christ, but maybe it is because a dancing penquin just makes you smile and be happy for a while. And I believe Christ wants us to be happy and enjoy life! Sometimes illness, and tragedy and our own thoughts make that hard, but we should continue to try to overcome all negativity.
Well, so much for my sermon today.
I really enjoy my job and am happy to be here to serve you. I hope you enjoy yours too. I also think that 2011 is going to be a good year. If I don't write again between now and the New Year -
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Good Monday Morning! The first Monday morning in a while that has been rainy and cloudy. We need the rain, but it has been so pretty it's hard to welcome the rain. Maybe the trees will start turning their beautiful colors now. It seems kind of late for them to turn this year. Nevertheless, this is the time of year you need to carry your camera with you, because you never know when you will come across a beautiful tree and landscape or maybe the sun hitting a tree a certain way that will make a wonderful shot. (Just make sure you are stopped when you take the photo and don't do any "drive-by shootings" that might get you in a wreck.
War Eagle Craft fair is this coming weekend. We had Motorcycles a couple of weeks ago and now we have crafters! I think the crafters might be a little more quiet than the bikes, but you still have to watch out for them because they don't know the area either.
I just got a new fangled phone last week and I am trying to learn how to use it. I kept whining that I wanted a new phone and now that I have one, I have to learn how to use it. I had to ask the poor guy at Verizon how to answer a call! I wonder if they get that question a lot. Maybe they should write a book about some of the questions they get asked. It would be interesting. I also got a new computer in the office two or three weeks ago and I went from Windows XP '03 to Windows 2010. I am still looking for stuff on my computer too. So I have had technology shock for the last month. I sometimes think I am too old for this. But I think I can absorb this and carry on. I just to have to ask my children or someone about 20 years younger than me what to do. Always ask someone younger than you for tech advice. They grew up with this stuff and it is like second nature to them. Aren't we glad they are around!
This past Saturday night our own Candace Landers became Candace Linderman. She has worked here at the Board office for 12 years and has grown up here in the office and knows nearly everyone in the Board. I am lucky to have her working here. And she is lucky to have me because her mother and I went to school together and there have been several times I'll make a statement and she tells me that sounds just like something her mother would say! So I think she is lucky to have two women giving her their opinion!
Anyway back to the wedding. Candace married Edward Linderman who is a very nice sweet man and you could just really tell they are in love and meant for each other. It was so nice and refreshing. I just love weddings that aren't big productions and you don't lose sight of why you are there! No offense to huge weddings, but they sometimes seem like a competition with others. But Congratulations to Candace and Eddie and may they have the rest of their lives to grow with each other and love each other! (But please hurry back to work!)
Next week, Thurs. Oct. 21 will be the Rogers Board of Realtors Monthly membership meeting. It will be a lunch meeting and lunch will start serving at 11:30. The meeting will start at 12:00 noon. It is Affiliate Appreciation and Affiliates will be given a time to tell about their company, products and/or services. It will also be the Annual Election of Officers. Members only will be able to vote. Voting will take place before the meeting. Please RSVP to the Board office before Tuesday, Oct. 19. The Magic Hat drawing will take place at the meeting and the amount is up to $800.00!!! You must be present to win!!! Hope we will see you there!
Well, I am signing off for now. Hope someone out there is reading this and will tell someone else to read it too! Hope your Real Estate business is doing well. Only 3 more months of this year left! Who can tell what 2011 will bring?
Thank you --Cindy Keeling
War Eagle Craft fair is this coming weekend. We had Motorcycles a couple of weeks ago and now we have crafters! I think the crafters might be a little more quiet than the bikes, but you still have to watch out for them because they don't know the area either.
I just got a new fangled phone last week and I am trying to learn how to use it. I kept whining that I wanted a new phone and now that I have one, I have to learn how to use it. I had to ask the poor guy at Verizon how to answer a call! I wonder if they get that question a lot. Maybe they should write a book about some of the questions they get asked. It would be interesting. I also got a new computer in the office two or three weeks ago and I went from Windows XP '03 to Windows 2010. I am still looking for stuff on my computer too. So I have had technology shock for the last month. I sometimes think I am too old for this. But I think I can absorb this and carry on. I just to have to ask my children or someone about 20 years younger than me what to do. Always ask someone younger than you for tech advice. They grew up with this stuff and it is like second nature to them. Aren't we glad they are around!
This past Saturday night our own Candace Landers became Candace Linderman. She has worked here at the Board office for 12 years and has grown up here in the office and knows nearly everyone in the Board. I am lucky to have her working here. And she is lucky to have me because her mother and I went to school together and there have been several times I'll make a statement and she tells me that sounds just like something her mother would say! So I think she is lucky to have two women giving her their opinion!
Anyway back to the wedding. Candace married Edward Linderman who is a very nice sweet man and you could just really tell they are in love and meant for each other. It was so nice and refreshing. I just love weddings that aren't big productions and you don't lose sight of why you are there! No offense to huge weddings, but they sometimes seem like a competition with others. But Congratulations to Candace and Eddie and may they have the rest of their lives to grow with each other and love each other! (But please hurry back to work!)
Next week, Thurs. Oct. 21 will be the Rogers Board of Realtors Monthly membership meeting. It will be a lunch meeting and lunch will start serving at 11:30. The meeting will start at 12:00 noon. It is Affiliate Appreciation and Affiliates will be given a time to tell about their company, products and/or services. It will also be the Annual Election of Officers. Members only will be able to vote. Voting will take place before the meeting. Please RSVP to the Board office before Tuesday, Oct. 19. The Magic Hat drawing will take place at the meeting and the amount is up to $800.00!!! You must be present to win!!! Hope we will see you there!
Well, I am signing off for now. Hope someone out there is reading this and will tell someone else to read it too! Hope your Real Estate business is doing well. Only 3 more months of this year left! Who can tell what 2011 will bring?
Thank you --Cindy Keeling
Friday, September 17, 2010
Another beautiful Friday
Well, it has been a few Fridays since I have posted on this blog. I have lots of things to talk about this time.
The ARA annual convention just happened this week and I think it was a huge success. I have only heard good comments about it. If you have never been to an ARA convention you really need to consider it. Not only do you hear some top speakers in the industry, you are able to make some great friends from across the state. I have been involved with the state association since before I started working here, and have met some good folks. Of course they are mostly great because they live in Arkansas! But it is good to form those relationships across the state. They could be good for referrals and sometimes when you talk to them you find out how good we have it here in NWA. Everyone I talked to from across the state really liked Rogers. One lady said she had not been up here in 5 or 10 years and was just amazed at how it had changed! Welcome to the Metropolis of Arkansas!
Each convention starts with an Opening Session. This first session started with a Color Guard posting the colors (this is always impressive to me), then a prayer, pledge, and the National Anthem was sung by Realtor Keyla Reed from the Metro Board of Realtors. Keyla sang acapella and it was very good. It brought tears to my eyes. It was so good to be in room full of people dedicated to helping others make their home ownership dreams come true. Rogers Mayor Steve Womack gave some opening remarks and then speaker Jane Jenkins Herlong gave a wonderful presentation. (I did not get to hear this as I had to leave to go to a Doctor's appointment with my daughter.) The rest of the sessions were very good and quite informative.
Tim Grooms, Head Legal Council for the ARA, was the last speaker of the convention and if you have never heard Tim speak you are missing something. Tim is the lawyer that puts the stamp of approval on our contracts each year. He is a champion for Arkansas Realtors.
Next years convention will be a 3 day Caribbean cruise. I don't think the Board will send me on a cruise, so I am not expecting to go to this convention, and it is in October so I am not sure I want to be on the ocean this time of year. Start making plans to attend in 2012 in Little Rock!
Don't you just love Fall? I can't wait until it gets a little colder though, and you can have soup and chili and a fire in the fireplace! Then when it gets really cold, I will be wanting the summer back. But this past summer was entirely too hot for me! But fall, football, and cool, crisp evenings are my favorite time of the year. And if you are a football fan, you have got to listen to Kenny Chesney's new song "The Boys of Fall". Even if you aren't a country music fan, if you ever had anything to do with a football game, you will love this song!
Remember you only have a couple of more weeks to get your license renewed for 2011. And hopefully you have completed your Continuing Ed for this year too. Also remember that the Rogers Board is providing a link on our website (www.rogersbor.com)
to Online CE with a company called CE Shop. There are some interesting classes online and you can take them in your PJ's or whatever - whenever you want! They send the info to the AREC so they have record of your CE. Try it out this year and see what you think! The deadline is Thursday September 30, 2010.
Well, I think I will close for now. I will try to post again next week.
I wonder if anyone is reading this!!!
Have a great week!
The ARA annual convention just happened this week and I think it was a huge success. I have only heard good comments about it. If you have never been to an ARA convention you really need to consider it. Not only do you hear some top speakers in the industry, you are able to make some great friends from across the state. I have been involved with the state association since before I started working here, and have met some good folks. Of course they are mostly great because they live in Arkansas! But it is good to form those relationships across the state. They could be good for referrals and sometimes when you talk to them you find out how good we have it here in NWA. Everyone I talked to from across the state really liked Rogers. One lady said she had not been up here in 5 or 10 years and was just amazed at how it had changed! Welcome to the Metropolis of Arkansas!
Each convention starts with an Opening Session. This first session started with a Color Guard posting the colors (this is always impressive to me), then a prayer, pledge, and the National Anthem was sung by Realtor Keyla Reed from the Metro Board of Realtors. Keyla sang acapella and it was very good. It brought tears to my eyes. It was so good to be in room full of people dedicated to helping others make their home ownership dreams come true. Rogers Mayor Steve Womack gave some opening remarks and then speaker Jane Jenkins Herlong gave a wonderful presentation. (I did not get to hear this as I had to leave to go to a Doctor's appointment with my daughter.) The rest of the sessions were very good and quite informative.
Tim Grooms, Head Legal Council for the ARA, was the last speaker of the convention and if you have never heard Tim speak you are missing something. Tim is the lawyer that puts the stamp of approval on our contracts each year. He is a champion for Arkansas Realtors.
Next years convention will be a 3 day Caribbean cruise. I don't think the Board will send me on a cruise, so I am not expecting to go to this convention, and it is in October so I am not sure I want to be on the ocean this time of year. Start making plans to attend in 2012 in Little Rock!
Don't you just love Fall? I can't wait until it gets a little colder though, and you can have soup and chili and a fire in the fireplace! Then when it gets really cold, I will be wanting the summer back. But this past summer was entirely too hot for me! But fall, football, and cool, crisp evenings are my favorite time of the year. And if you are a football fan, you have got to listen to Kenny Chesney's new song "The Boys of Fall". Even if you aren't a country music fan, if you ever had anything to do with a football game, you will love this song!
Remember you only have a couple of more weeks to get your license renewed for 2011. And hopefully you have completed your Continuing Ed for this year too. Also remember that the Rogers Board is providing a link on our website (www.rogersbor.com)
to Online CE with a company called CE Shop. There are some interesting classes online and you can take them in your PJ's or whatever - whenever you want! They send the info to the AREC so they have record of your CE. Try it out this year and see what you think! The deadline is Thursday September 30, 2010.
Well, I think I will close for now. I will try to post again next week.
I wonder if anyone is reading this!!!
Have a great week!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Last Friday in August
Yes, it is the last Friday in August, school is in session, there is a ever so slight coolness in the air in the morning and all is right with the world. September begins next week and I can't remember what happened to make August go by so fast. I guess that is what getting old will do to you.
September is going to be a busy month. The Arkansas REALTORS Association annual convention will be helped here in Rogers in September, so there is a lot to do to get ready for it. You need to be registered by Monday, August 30th to get the Early Bird price. After the 30th, you can only register at the door. So get signed up now. If you have never been to an ARA convention, you have been missing out! The speakers and Exhibits are well worth the price of your registration. Hope to see you there!
Make your plans now to attend the October Rogers Board of Realtors meeting. It will be a luncheon at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers. This will be our election of Officers and Directors, and we will be featuring our Affiliates. The Affiliates will be given the opportunity to set up a table and info about their company and services. This is always a fun meeting. Also, we will be drawing from our famous "Magic Hat" and the amount is up to $800.00. That is nothing to sneeze about. The date is Thursday, Oct. 21. More to come on this. Oh, there is no meeting in September since we will be attending the convention!
I am really struggling with allergies right now due to the dry weather conditions. Just thought I would throw that out there. Hope you are feeling fine.
We had planned a Realtors Night at the Ballpark for Sept., 2nd, but we have had to cancel that due to lack of participation. I really hate that because the ARVEST Ballpark is really a fun place to be. It is a great American past time and good family fun too. Maybe next year we can get more people involved.
Well, I am closing for now. I can't think of much else to say. I'll catch you later...
September is going to be a busy month. The Arkansas REALTORS Association annual convention will be helped here in Rogers in September, so there is a lot to do to get ready for it. You need to be registered by Monday, August 30th to get the Early Bird price. After the 30th, you can only register at the door. So get signed up now. If you have never been to an ARA convention, you have been missing out! The speakers and Exhibits are well worth the price of your registration. Hope to see you there!
Make your plans now to attend the October Rogers Board of Realtors meeting. It will be a luncheon at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers. This will be our election of Officers and Directors, and we will be featuring our Affiliates. The Affiliates will be given the opportunity to set up a table and info about their company and services. This is always a fun meeting. Also, we will be drawing from our famous "Magic Hat" and the amount is up to $800.00. That is nothing to sneeze about. The date is Thursday, Oct. 21. More to come on this. Oh, there is no meeting in September since we will be attending the convention!
I am really struggling with allergies right now due to the dry weather conditions. Just thought I would throw that out there. Hope you are feeling fine.
We had planned a Realtors Night at the Ballpark for Sept., 2nd, but we have had to cancel that due to lack of participation. I really hate that because the ARVEST Ballpark is really a fun place to be. It is a great American past time and good family fun too. Maybe next year we can get more people involved.
Well, I am closing for now. I can't think of much else to say. I'll catch you later...
Monday, August 23, 2010
It's Monday Again
Well, welcome to Monday again. I have not had much success writing here on Friday's so let's see how I can do on a Monday. It is still HOT!!! I think I would rather have a "rainy days and Mondays always get me down" day. These hot days are getting me down.
We have a lot going on here at the Board office. The work out on Walnut Street is almost done. The curbing is not finished (at least I hope they are not done), but the intersection of 2nd and Walnut is complete and it does look nice. Come on downtown someday and see what you think.
We are still taking Early Bird registrations for the ARA Convention. That is coming up pretty soon, so if you have not registered, you will want to do that this week. The last day to register online is Aug. 30th and this is the last day of the Early Bird rate also.
Arkansas Special Olympics is sponsoring a drawing for a Samsung 42" LCD HDTV. The second place prize is a GT Outpost Disc Bike (or a $450 toward the purchase of any other bike) from Lewis & Clark Outfitters in Rogers. Tickets are $2.00 each; 3 for $5.00 or 15 for $25.00. Please contact the Board office, Deana Dial 640-5355, Doug Patterson 636-6633 to purchase tickets. You do not need to be present to win. The drawing will be at the convention.
In case you did not know, the Real Estate industry lost a great Realtor a couple of weeks ago. Stacy Walton, Prudential Northwest Arkansas RE, passed away suddenly at his home on August 12th. Stacy, 49, leaves a loving wife and 2 young sons. An account has been set up at ARVEST bank for education for his sons. Such a vibrant young life leaving us so soon is sometimes hard to understand, but everything happens for a reason and in God's own timing. Please keep Stacy's wife, sons and family in your prayers and thoughts.
We hope your business is picking up and looking up for you as we head into the last part of the year. Go to www.realtor.org to see what NAR's economist has to say about the coming year and the year ending.
I am going to close for now. I hope to hear from some of you after posting this.
We have a lot going on here at the Board office. The work out on Walnut Street is almost done. The curbing is not finished (at least I hope they are not done), but the intersection of 2nd and Walnut is complete and it does look nice. Come on downtown someday and see what you think.
We are still taking Early Bird registrations for the ARA Convention. That is coming up pretty soon, so if you have not registered, you will want to do that this week. The last day to register online is Aug. 30th and this is the last day of the Early Bird rate also.
Arkansas Special Olympics is sponsoring a drawing for a Samsung 42" LCD HDTV. The second place prize is a GT Outpost Disc Bike (or a $450 toward the purchase of any other bike) from Lewis & Clark Outfitters in Rogers. Tickets are $2.00 each; 3 for $5.00 or 15 for $25.00. Please contact the Board office, Deana Dial 640-5355, Doug Patterson 636-6633 to purchase tickets. You do not need to be present to win. The drawing will be at the convention.
In case you did not know, the Real Estate industry lost a great Realtor a couple of weeks ago. Stacy Walton, Prudential Northwest Arkansas RE, passed away suddenly at his home on August 12th. Stacy, 49, leaves a loving wife and 2 young sons. An account has been set up at ARVEST bank for education for his sons. Such a vibrant young life leaving us so soon is sometimes hard to understand, but everything happens for a reason and in God's own timing. Please keep Stacy's wife, sons and family in your prayers and thoughts.
We hope your business is picking up and looking up for you as we head into the last part of the year. Go to www.realtor.org to see what NAR's economist has to say about the coming year and the year ending.
I am going to close for now. I hope to hear from some of you after posting this.
Friday, July 30, 2010
It's a HOT Friday!
Well, it is Friday and I am writing in the Blog. I think I have missed a couple of Fridays. I am writing this then leaving for the afternoon. I am going to the doctor with my daughter who has been having some stomach problems and wants me along. I am still glad they still need their Mom for something. Anyway after that my husband and I are going to eat at Venesian Inn early this evening.
There is a lot going on right now. We are trying to prepare for the upcoming Arkansas Realtors Association convention here in Rogers and that includes trying to find vendors for the Exhibit Hall. We are also trying to get local agents to register for the convention. This is such a good opportunity for you to attend, because you do not have to pay lodging or travel expenses. And you get to hear some really great speakers!
Starting today the area we start selling tickets for a Drawing to benefit Special Olympics. The prizes are a Samsung 46" LCD HDTV and second prize is a GT Outpost Disc Bike or $450.00 towards the purchase of any other bike from Lewis & Clark Outfitters. We only have until the convention to sell the tickets and the prizes will be given away at the Convention. (You need not be present to win.) Tickets are $2.00 each, 3 for $5.00 or 15 for $25.00. Contact me or Deanna Dial for more information or to purchase your tickets.
I am on my way to Chicago next week (Wednesday through Friday) for the annual NAR Leadership Summit. Every year NAR holds this seminar and invites all Executive Officers and incoming Board Presidents for sessions on Leadership and how to work together as a team and introduce National Leaders for 2011. It is a really worthwhile time for the new President and EO to get together and start planning for the next year. Jonathan Moore of Lindsey & Associates will be going with me. It should be very enlightening!
I am going to make this short as I need to get going on my afternoon off. Too bad I can't spend it at some swimming pool just lounging around. But I have several things I need to get done. My car really needs a good cleaning out. I went through the car wash the other day in hopes that it would rain, but no such luck. So now I just have to clean it out before something starts growing in there.
Hope you are having a good summer and you get everything done you want to accomplish this summer. August is a busy month with school starting back and winding down on summer activities. My husband has a Birthday Tuesday, Aug. 3 and then our anniversary is the 10th. 36 years together is a long time. More on that later...
See ya!
There is a lot going on right now. We are trying to prepare for the upcoming Arkansas Realtors Association convention here in Rogers and that includes trying to find vendors for the Exhibit Hall. We are also trying to get local agents to register for the convention. This is such a good opportunity for you to attend, because you do not have to pay lodging or travel expenses. And you get to hear some really great speakers!
Starting today the area we start selling tickets for a Drawing to benefit Special Olympics. The prizes are a Samsung 46" LCD HDTV and second prize is a GT Outpost Disc Bike or $450.00 towards the purchase of any other bike from Lewis & Clark Outfitters. We only have until the convention to sell the tickets and the prizes will be given away at the Convention. (You need not be present to win.) Tickets are $2.00 each, 3 for $5.00 or 15 for $25.00. Contact me or Deanna Dial for more information or to purchase your tickets.
I am on my way to Chicago next week (Wednesday through Friday) for the annual NAR Leadership Summit. Every year NAR holds this seminar and invites all Executive Officers and incoming Board Presidents for sessions on Leadership and how to work together as a team and introduce National Leaders for 2011. It is a really worthwhile time for the new President and EO to get together and start planning for the next year. Jonathan Moore of Lindsey & Associates will be going with me. It should be very enlightening!
I am going to make this short as I need to get going on my afternoon off. Too bad I can't spend it at some swimming pool just lounging around. But I have several things I need to get done. My car really needs a good cleaning out. I went through the car wash the other day in hopes that it would rain, but no such luck. So now I just have to clean it out before something starts growing in there.
Hope you are having a good summer and you get everything done you want to accomplish this summer. August is a busy month with school starting back and winding down on summer activities. My husband has a Birthday Tuesday, Aug. 3 and then our anniversary is the 10th. 36 years together is a long time. More on that later...
See ya!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Finally Friday!
Hello on Friday! It has been a few Fridays since I have written, so I thought I better catch up. It has been a busy week here in the Board office so I am taking time today to get caught up with the pile of paper that is on the top of my desk and some e-mails that I need to go back through and make sure I completed the task related to it. How do things get so cluttered?
It has also been HOT this week. Of course, it is July in Arkansas so what else would you expect it to be?
One exciting thing that happened this week was the announcement that Rogers was rated #10 in the nation of best small cities to live in. I am a native, so I have always known this. And if you go anywhere else and then come back home, you will know that for certain! We have grown tremendously since I was in high school, but Rogers still has the "small town" feeling. Having grown up here, to some of the old timers, I am still "one of those Hughes girls". I have 3 sisters and we have all heard that growing up. When my father passed away I remember answering the "Now which one are you?" question several times at his visitation. I am sure that happens in small towns all over the U.S. Just one more good thing about living in a small town. I did hear a local DJ talking about Rogers getting this honor, and he said he felt like this award was for all of Northwest Arkansas too and not just Rogers. Sorry, I disagree. The only local name I saw on that list was Rogers. NW Arkansas is a good place to live - But Rogers is the best!
Your 2011 license renewal is coming up in a couple of months and the Rogers board is offering a new way for you to do your CE. We have aligned with The CE Shop to offer you new AREC approved classes you can take on-line. Prices are right in line with classroom CE and you can take these sitting home in your PJ's. Your certificate will be e-mailed to you and to the AREC so you don't have to worry about that either. Go to our website at www.rogersbor.com and check it out!
And don't forget the ARA convention that is coming up in September. Get registered early. Also during July we are having a contest to see who can get the most people registered for the convention. The winner must have at least 5 members registered under them. Have them fill out the registration form, put your name on the form, then send form and money to the Board office and we will send it to the state. The winner wins their registration fee refunded to them.
Also, vendor booth space for convention is available for $500 per 10 x 10 booth which includes electricity, draping, etc. Call me for more info.
I was getting ready to close, but had to make a few comments about the work being done in downtown Rogers right now. (Well, not now because they have gone home for the day.) Anyway, as you may or may not know, downtown Rogers is giving its intersections a face lift and they are now working on the intersection of W. Walnut and 2nd St. which is a very busy intersection. Our office is located at the corner of 3rd and Walnut and the section of this whole block is torn up. The Rogers Water Dept. has been tearing up the brick right in front of our office and for the week they got out 103. I am afraid they have a looonnnng way to go! It is sometimes quite comical to watch them. We also put a trash bag out for them and even put some of their trash in it to show them what it was for, and there is now a Dr. Pepper can within a foot of the bag and a water bottle within 3 feet of it. We are going to watch and see how long it takes them to realize what it is there for! Also, we've realized it takes several men to fix one piece of machinery. This mostly involves standing around and discussing the thing more than anything. Although today one guy did back his truck up to the machine and had a tool box he got some tools out of and I think he finally fixed it. Then they went to lunch. Oh well, I am sure it will all look good when it is done. And we will have some good entertainment. (Except don't ask Candace about the hefty guy who wipes his face by raising the bottom of his tee-shirt to his head.)
Have a great weekend and a good week of listing and selling property! Get out and see the people since it is a people business!
It has also been HOT this week. Of course, it is July in Arkansas so what else would you expect it to be?
One exciting thing that happened this week was the announcement that Rogers was rated #10 in the nation of best small cities to live in. I am a native, so I have always known this. And if you go anywhere else and then come back home, you will know that for certain! We have grown tremendously since I was in high school, but Rogers still has the "small town" feeling. Having grown up here, to some of the old timers, I am still "one of those Hughes girls". I have 3 sisters and we have all heard that growing up. When my father passed away I remember answering the "Now which one are you?" question several times at his visitation. I am sure that happens in small towns all over the U.S. Just one more good thing about living in a small town. I did hear a local DJ talking about Rogers getting this honor, and he said he felt like this award was for all of Northwest Arkansas too and not just Rogers. Sorry, I disagree. The only local name I saw on that list was Rogers. NW Arkansas is a good place to live - But Rogers is the best!
Your 2011 license renewal is coming up in a couple of months and the Rogers board is offering a new way for you to do your CE. We have aligned with The CE Shop to offer you new AREC approved classes you can take on-line. Prices are right in line with classroom CE and you can take these sitting home in your PJ's. Your certificate will be e-mailed to you and to the AREC so you don't have to worry about that either. Go to our website at www.rogersbor.com and check it out!
And don't forget the ARA convention that is coming up in September. Get registered early. Also during July we are having a contest to see who can get the most people registered for the convention. The winner must have at least 5 members registered under them. Have them fill out the registration form, put your name on the form, then send form and money to the Board office and we will send it to the state. The winner wins their registration fee refunded to them.
Also, vendor booth space for convention is available for $500 per 10 x 10 booth which includes electricity, draping, etc. Call me for more info.
I was getting ready to close, but had to make a few comments about the work being done in downtown Rogers right now. (Well, not now because they have gone home for the day.) Anyway, as you may or may not know, downtown Rogers is giving its intersections a face lift and they are now working on the intersection of W. Walnut and 2nd St. which is a very busy intersection. Our office is located at the corner of 3rd and Walnut and the section of this whole block is torn up. The Rogers Water Dept. has been tearing up the brick right in front of our office and for the week they got out 103. I am afraid they have a looonnnng way to go! It is sometimes quite comical to watch them. We also put a trash bag out for them and even put some of their trash in it to show them what it was for, and there is now a Dr. Pepper can within a foot of the bag and a water bottle within 3 feet of it. We are going to watch and see how long it takes them to realize what it is there for! Also, we've realized it takes several men to fix one piece of machinery. This mostly involves standing around and discussing the thing more than anything. Although today one guy did back his truck up to the machine and had a tool box he got some tools out of and I think he finally fixed it. Then they went to lunch. Oh well, I am sure it will all look good when it is done. And we will have some good entertainment. (Except don't ask Candace about the hefty guy who wipes his face by raising the bottom of his tee-shirt to his head.)
Have a great weekend and a good week of listing and selling property! Get out and see the people since it is a people business!
Monday, June 21, 2010
HOT! HOT! HOT!
It is definitely Monday, and it is the first day of summer. I just had to post on here that it is hot! And our office has no air conditioning today. I came in today and the air conditioning was blowing hot air. We turned it off, I made a trip to Walmart for fans and it is now holding steady at 85 degrees! The landlord says they have called a guy and he is supposed to be here today. But if it is not fixed in an hour or so, we're headed home to where I know it is cool!! In fact I usually have to put on socks at home because my feet get cold. As you may or may not know our office is in an old, old building in downtown Rogers and is made out of concrete blocks, so when the sun hits that side of the building, it will get hotter! And yes, I am complaining. I know I shouldn't but I guess I am spoiled! My Dad worked outside his entire life and I honestly don't know how he did it. He actually worked for SWEPCO as a line crew foreman, and bless those guys hearts, they were always there in the heat and in the cold and ice to make sure we all had electricity. If you see anybody working outside, maybe we should tell them thank you! My Dad has passed on now, and was retired for 9 or 10 years before he died, and now I wish I had told him thank you for what his job was!
Anyway, no big news I just wanted to vent. And if the Rogers Board office is closed this afternoon, you will know why.
Hope you stay cool wherever you work!
Anyway, no big news I just wanted to vent. And if the Rogers Board office is closed this afternoon, you will know why.
Hope you stay cool wherever you work!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Is It Already June?
Well, my intentions were good, but I can't believe that I haven't posted anything since May!
A lot has transpired since then, so this might be kind of lengthy.
Let me tell you what is coming up with the Rogers Board of Realtors. First off, our next meeting is next week and we are having a picnic at the Prairie Creek Grand Pavilion out on beautiful Beaver Lake. This will be on Thursday, June 24 and the burgers will come off the grill at 11:30 or so. The great folks at First National Bank of Rogers and the girls from Realty Title are bringing all the food and drinks. A big thank you goes out to them. We will have a short meeting and best of all there will be door prizes and we will have the drawing out of the Magic Hat for $500.00. If no one wins this month it grow to $600.00 next month. Come on out and join the fun! Call the Board office and let us know you will be attending.
Then on Thursday July 1, we are having Rogers Board of Realtors night at the Ballpark! Tickets can be purchased from the Board office and are $7.00 for a reserved seat. This is a great time for a family night and a time to be with your fellow Realtors. (This is also Thirsty Thursday at the Ballpark and that means Dollar Beer and Pepsi products.)
As all good Americans know, the 4th of July will be on a Sunday this year and therefore Monday July 5th is a legal holiday. So the Board office will be closed that day. Yipee! A 3 day weekend!
I just want to remind you that the Arkansas Realtors Association annual convention will be held in Rogers this year. The dates are September 13-15. The convention committee has been hard at work planning a great convention for you. It would be a shame if you did not attend when it is right here in your own backyard. It is being held at the John Q. Hammons center and will have 2 full days of motivating, informative speakers. There will be Kick-Off social on Monday night at our own Eddie Haskells. Registration is open now. But beginning July 1 there will be a contest to see who can register the most people for the convention. The registrations are to be sent to me. Then whoever has the most registrations over a minimum of 5 will win their registration free! Copies of the registration form can be found on the ARA web site. Or you can get one off our website at www.rogersboardrealtors.com.
Also, in conjunction with the convention, we have a need for vendors to purchase booth space at the convention to make the Expo a huge success. If you know of a vendor that might benefit from 600 Realtors let us know and we can call them about booth space. This can be any vendor plus the usual banks, mortgage companies, title companies, and insurance companies. At the Expo last year the most popular booth was a lady selling jewelry, scarves, and clothes!
Don't forget your MLS dues are due to the ARMLS office in Lowell by the 30th of this month. You don't want anything interrupting your MLS access. These dues are $300 and can be mailed to the ARMLS office in Lowell, paid to them in person, or you can pay them online.
I have some exciting news about online CE, but I don't want to share this info until we have it all ready to go! Watch for that news.
Well, I am going to end this blog now and then keep you updated next week.
Go out and make it a great week. We are so blessed to live here in Northwest Arkansas! Start each day to be resolved to make every comment you make a positive. You will be surprised how it makes you feel to think and say only positive thoughts.
"No one ever hurt their eyesight by looking at the bright side of life." Anonymous
A lot has transpired since then, so this might be kind of lengthy.
Let me tell you what is coming up with the Rogers Board of Realtors. First off, our next meeting is next week and we are having a picnic at the Prairie Creek Grand Pavilion out on beautiful Beaver Lake. This will be on Thursday, June 24 and the burgers will come off the grill at 11:30 or so. The great folks at First National Bank of Rogers and the girls from Realty Title are bringing all the food and drinks. A big thank you goes out to them. We will have a short meeting and best of all there will be door prizes and we will have the drawing out of the Magic Hat for $500.00. If no one wins this month it grow to $600.00 next month. Come on out and join the fun! Call the Board office and let us know you will be attending.
Then on Thursday July 1, we are having Rogers Board of Realtors night at the Ballpark! Tickets can be purchased from the Board office and are $7.00 for a reserved seat. This is a great time for a family night and a time to be with your fellow Realtors. (This is also Thirsty Thursday at the Ballpark and that means Dollar Beer and Pepsi products.)
As all good Americans know, the 4th of July will be on a Sunday this year and therefore Monday July 5th is a legal holiday. So the Board office will be closed that day. Yipee! A 3 day weekend!
I just want to remind you that the Arkansas Realtors Association annual convention will be held in Rogers this year. The dates are September 13-15. The convention committee has been hard at work planning a great convention for you. It would be a shame if you did not attend when it is right here in your own backyard. It is being held at the John Q. Hammons center and will have 2 full days of motivating, informative speakers. There will be Kick-Off social on Monday night at our own Eddie Haskells. Registration is open now. But beginning July 1 there will be a contest to see who can register the most people for the convention. The registrations are to be sent to me. Then whoever has the most registrations over a minimum of 5 will win their registration free! Copies of the registration form can be found on the ARA web site. Or you can get one off our website at www.rogersboardrealtors.com.
Also, in conjunction with the convention, we have a need for vendors to purchase booth space at the convention to make the Expo a huge success. If you know of a vendor that might benefit from 600 Realtors let us know and we can call them about booth space. This can be any vendor plus the usual banks, mortgage companies, title companies, and insurance companies. At the Expo last year the most popular booth was a lady selling jewelry, scarves, and clothes!
Don't forget your MLS dues are due to the ARMLS office in Lowell by the 30th of this month. You don't want anything interrupting your MLS access. These dues are $300 and can be mailed to the ARMLS office in Lowell, paid to them in person, or you can pay them online.
I have some exciting news about online CE, but I don't want to share this info until we have it all ready to go! Watch for that news.
Well, I am going to end this blog now and then keep you updated next week.
Go out and make it a great week. We are so blessed to live here in Northwest Arkansas! Start each day to be resolved to make every comment you make a positive. You will be surprised how it makes you feel to think and say only positive thoughts.
"No one ever hurt their eyesight by looking at the bright side of life." Anonymous
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Merry Month of May
Hello!
The month of May is in full swing. Last weekend was U of A commencement and Mother's Day. I hope you didn't forget your Mother. You are probably in trouble if you did. And after the deadline of the Tax Credit, you probably have lots of follow-up work to do on all those contracts you wrote during the last week on April.
May is always a busy month. School is winding down, graduations are taking place, baseball and softball season is just gearing up and vacations are being scheduled. One of my daughters is a 2nd grade teacher and she is counting down the days until school is out. I thought this might be a 2nd grade teacher thing, but one of my nieces' husband teaches at Huntsville High School and he is also counting the days as is my oldest sister who teaches at Heritage High. So, what summer plans do you have? If you have young children try to take some time for them. They are only young once. And if you have college age children, hang on, because this is a whole new time for you! I had to change my whole mind set and when they came home on weekends, etc. I really
One of my daughters is moving to Dallas this weekend. I am not sure how I feel about this. I know Dallas is only 5 hours away and she is young and this is a good opportunity for her and she has a great job and all that. But it is really hard for me to accept this change. Two of our other children have lived away from NWA (one even in Dallas) but they had roommates and people to take care of them, but this one will be on her own. We do have relatives who live in the area, so maybe I will just have to rely on them. Anyway, think about me this weekend as I try to put on a "happy for you" face, that we mothers have learned to do.
Well, the info about my daughter is not about real estate, but it is about changes. And if you think about it, if you are representing a buyer or seller, those people are going through major changes in their lives. Buying a house is the biggest purchase they will ever make. Some are downsizing and some are moving up. Some are moving across the country and others are moving down the street. Whatever the circumstances, you can bet there are emotions involved and a good Realtor will recognize this, and make sure they act accordingly.
Next week is the May membership meeting for the Rogers Board of Realtors. We are having a picnic at the lovely Grand Pavilion at Prairie Creek. I've got my cooks lined up and am looking for some entertainment. I am hoping the weather will hold, because we do not have a contingency plan. We have some great Affiliates that are providing most of the food and we really appreciate them. I would like to see a big number of our members out to enjoy this networking time together.
Two other things about changes and I will end this. Two businesses in downtown Rogers recently have closed their doors and both have been in Rogers as long as I can remember. George's Flowers closed their doors a few weeks ago. I grew up in Rogers and this was the only flower shop around for a long time. Any time I got a corsage or flowers, (even my flowers in my wedding) they came from George's. They were a mainstay in Rogers. And then just this week I noticed a sign on the marquee' of the Hi-D-Ho that said "Store Closed". This was another icon for any person that went to the old Rogers Junior High and the old, old Rogers High School. At that time the H-D-Ho was about where the parking lot for the Rogers School Administration is now. But it was the after school hang-out for many years. Sorry to see it go too! See what I mean about changes. Sometimes I just feel old!
I usually write on here on Friday, but I had to write today because I will be in Dallas making sure my confident daughter is settled into her new "townhouse" . I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy whatever point you are in your life.
Oh- did I mention our other daughter is moving back in with us? Now that is going to be a whole other column on change!
Make it a good one...
The month of May is in full swing. Last weekend was U of A commencement and Mother's Day. I hope you didn't forget your Mother. You are probably in trouble if you did. And after the deadline of the Tax Credit, you probably have lots of follow-up work to do on all those contracts you wrote during the last week on April.
May is always a busy month. School is winding down, graduations are taking place, baseball and softball season is just gearing up and vacations are being scheduled. One of my daughters is a 2nd grade teacher and she is counting down the days until school is out. I thought this might be a 2nd grade teacher thing, but one of my nieces' husband teaches at Huntsville High School and he is also counting the days as is my oldest sister who teaches at Heritage High. So, what summer plans do you have? If you have young children try to take some time for them. They are only young once. And if you have college age children, hang on, because this is a whole new time for you! I had to change my whole mind set and when they came home on weekends, etc. I really
One of my daughters is moving to Dallas this weekend. I am not sure how I feel about this. I know Dallas is only 5 hours away and she is young and this is a good opportunity for her and she has a great job and all that. But it is really hard for me to accept this change. Two of our other children have lived away from NWA (one even in Dallas) but they had roommates and people to take care of them, but this one will be on her own. We do have relatives who live in the area, so maybe I will just have to rely on them. Anyway, think about me this weekend as I try to put on a "happy for you" face, that we mothers have learned to do.
Well, the info about my daughter is not about real estate, but it is about changes. And if you think about it, if you are representing a buyer or seller, those people are going through major changes in their lives. Buying a house is the biggest purchase they will ever make. Some are downsizing and some are moving up. Some are moving across the country and others are moving down the street. Whatever the circumstances, you can bet there are emotions involved and a good Realtor will recognize this, and make sure they act accordingly.
Next week is the May membership meeting for the Rogers Board of Realtors. We are having a picnic at the lovely Grand Pavilion at Prairie Creek. I've got my cooks lined up and am looking for some entertainment. I am hoping the weather will hold, because we do not have a contingency plan. We have some great Affiliates that are providing most of the food and we really appreciate them. I would like to see a big number of our members out to enjoy this networking time together.
Two other things about changes and I will end this. Two businesses in downtown Rogers recently have closed their doors and both have been in Rogers as long as I can remember. George's Flowers closed their doors a few weeks ago. I grew up in Rogers and this was the only flower shop around for a long time. Any time I got a corsage or flowers, (even my flowers in my wedding) they came from George's. They were a mainstay in Rogers. And then just this week I noticed a sign on the marquee' of the Hi-D-Ho that said "Store Closed". This was another icon for any person that went to the old Rogers Junior High and the old, old Rogers High School. At that time the H-D-Ho was about where the parking lot for the Rogers School Administration is now. But it was the after school hang-out for many years. Sorry to see it go too! See what I mean about changes. Sometimes I just feel old!
I usually write on here on Friday, but I had to write today because I will be in Dallas making sure my confident daughter is settled into her new "townhouse" . I hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy whatever point you are in your life.
Oh- did I mention our other daughter is moving back in with us? Now that is going to be a whole other column on change!
Make it a good one...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Finally Friday!
I think I may be getting the hang of blogging. I did my newsletter for May this week and sent it out and this is not that much different. But I don't know if anyone is reading this but me. How do I tell? I am sure someone can tell me.
I can run a report on my newsletter and see how many were sent out and how many were opened. It is kind of depressing to do that because only 18.8% of the newsletters I sent out were opened. I am going to work on getting that number up- not sure how yet, but I will figure it out!
How do you like this Spring? The weather has been pretty good. Some days I wish I could move my desk outside and work. Or forget the desk - I'll just go sit outside with a good book.
Things in the Real Estate market seem to be looking up. We have had a lull in our business at the Board office this week, but I think it might be everyone is following up on contracts written last week to qualify for the Tax Credit. That is over for now, but remember it has to close by July 1, 2010.
I gave these stats out in my newsletter, but I am going to repeat them because we do have people ask us about this. Dale Stinton (NAR COO) stated in 2007 there were 3 million Real Estate Licensees and 1.2 million REALTORS. Today we have 2.4 Million Licensees and 1.4 million REALTORS. Even though the number of licensees is down, the number of those licensees beingREALTORS is up. That means we have more agents that have sworn to follow a very complete comprehensive Code of Ethics. Good job!
There is a lot going on in NW Arkansas these days. The Primary election is heating up to be a good one and there are record numbers of Early Voters. Exercise your right to vote. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion by casting that vote. Remember our Government is "of the people by the people for the people." (Or something like that.)
The Spring Craft Shows are going on this weekend, Graduation ceremonies for the U of A are also this weekend and I have heard about a bike race going on in Fayetteville too. Plus the big Buddy Bass Tournament sponsored by the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce is Saturday. What a great place to live where you have so much going on all the time! Oh, and don't forget Mother's Day Sunday May 9. Being the Mother of 4 grown children and fortunate enough to have my Mother still here on Earth makes this a special day for me. I am one of 4 daughters my mother raised.
Well, I think these blogs are supposed to be shorter than I am making this one. I like to write and so I get carried away. Sorry about that!
Go out and make it a great weekend and a fantastic week!
I can run a report on my newsletter and see how many were sent out and how many were opened. It is kind of depressing to do that because only 18.8% of the newsletters I sent out were opened. I am going to work on getting that number up- not sure how yet, but I will figure it out!
How do you like this Spring? The weather has been pretty good. Some days I wish I could move my desk outside and work. Or forget the desk - I'll just go sit outside with a good book.
Things in the Real Estate market seem to be looking up. We have had a lull in our business at the Board office this week, but I think it might be everyone is following up on contracts written last week to qualify for the Tax Credit. That is over for now, but remember it has to close by July 1, 2010.
I gave these stats out in my newsletter, but I am going to repeat them because we do have people ask us about this. Dale Stinton (NAR COO) stated in 2007 there were 3 million Real Estate Licensees and 1.2 million REALTORS. Today we have 2.4 Million Licensees and 1.4 million REALTORS. Even though the number of licensees is down, the number of those licensees beingREALTORS is up. That means we have more agents that have sworn to follow a very complete comprehensive Code of Ethics. Good job!
There is a lot going on in NW Arkansas these days. The Primary election is heating up to be a good one and there are record numbers of Early Voters. Exercise your right to vote. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion by casting that vote. Remember our Government is "of the people by the people for the people." (Or something like that.)
The Spring Craft Shows are going on this weekend, Graduation ceremonies for the U of A are also this weekend and I have heard about a bike race going on in Fayetteville too. Plus the big Buddy Bass Tournament sponsored by the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce is Saturday. What a great place to live where you have so much going on all the time! Oh, and don't forget Mother's Day Sunday May 9. Being the Mother of 4 grown children and fortunate enough to have my Mother still here on Earth makes this a special day for me. I am one of 4 daughters my mother raised.
Well, I think these blogs are supposed to be shorter than I am making this one. I like to write and so I get carried away. Sorry about that!
Go out and make it a great weekend and a fantastic week!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Not quite Friday
Well, I said in my last post I was going to post each Friday, but today is Thursday, so I am going to go ahead and post today. This has been a quiet week so far, so I am hoping all our Realtors are out busy showing property and writing contracts and listing property!
Tomorrow, April 30, is the last day to write a contract to be eligible for the Extended Tax credit. I have not heard much in the way of any further extensions or new programs. I think they are waiting to see if this actually was effective in helping to boost the economy. We will have to wait and see what the number crunchers and Congress decides. Just remember those contracts you wrote that are eligible for the Tax credit must close by July 1, 2010.
This month has just flown by. (I think they do that because I am older. Notice I didn't come right out and say "OLD" - just older.) May is one of my favorite months because spring is in full swing, flowers are blooming, you can plant a garden, school is wrapping up, baseball/softball seasons are just getting started, graduations happen, and on and on. Plus Mothers Day is in May. Those of us who are lucky enough to have our Mothers still with us get to stress over what to get them. I have decided in my wisdom as a mother of 4, that it really doesn't matter what you get - just that they remembered you!
The Rogers Board of Realtors May meeting will be a picnic lunch at the Prairie Creek Grand Pavilion. Let's all pray it doesn't rain that day. We will have hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixin's to go with them. We will have a short meeting and the rest will be fun!! Hope you can make it.
The Grand Pavilion is a great place to have picnics and would be a wonderful place for a family reunion. It can be reserved at the Army Corps of Engineers office here in Rogers.
If you haven't been downtown Rogers lately, drive on down and see all the work they are doing on the intersections. It will be really nice when they get through. Stop by our office and say "Hi". We would love to see you.
I hope to draw more attention to this blogspot and maybe get someone else besides me to post here. If you are reading this... let me know what you think!
Talk to you next week! Go make it a great week and take each day as a gift!
Tomorrow, April 30, is the last day to write a contract to be eligible for the Extended Tax credit. I have not heard much in the way of any further extensions or new programs. I think they are waiting to see if this actually was effective in helping to boost the economy. We will have to wait and see what the number crunchers and Congress decides. Just remember those contracts you wrote that are eligible for the Tax credit must close by July 1, 2010.
This month has just flown by. (I think they do that because I am older. Notice I didn't come right out and say "OLD" - just older.) May is one of my favorite months because spring is in full swing, flowers are blooming, you can plant a garden, school is wrapping up, baseball/softball seasons are just getting started, graduations happen, and on and on. Plus Mothers Day is in May. Those of us who are lucky enough to have our Mothers still with us get to stress over what to get them. I have decided in my wisdom as a mother of 4, that it really doesn't matter what you get - just that they remembered you!
The Rogers Board of Realtors May meeting will be a picnic lunch at the Prairie Creek Grand Pavilion. Let's all pray it doesn't rain that day. We will have hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixin's to go with them. We will have a short meeting and the rest will be fun!! Hope you can make it.
The Grand Pavilion is a great place to have picnics and would be a wonderful place for a family reunion. It can be reserved at the Army Corps of Engineers office here in Rogers.
If you haven't been downtown Rogers lately, drive on down and see all the work they are doing on the intersections. It will be really nice when they get through. Stop by our office and say "Hi". We would love to see you.
I hope to draw more attention to this blogspot and maybe get someone else besides me to post here. If you are reading this... let me know what you think!
Talk to you next week! Go make it a great week and take each day as a gift!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday is here again
Hello -
I am going to try to remember to write in this blog every Friday. Let's see how I do.
I have been out of the country this past week attending an AE (Association Executive) Conference in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It was quite an experience and I even learned a little French. I knew they spoke French, but I didn't know that was the first language and English was the second. I am sure they had a hard time understanding this Arkansas twang just like I had no clue what they were saying in French. Even my wake up call each morning was in French. All I knew was they were calling to wake me up. I am sure it was nice, but you would never prove it by me.
All of the attendees of this conference were AE's (like me) or CEO's of Realtor Associations and our counterparts from Canada. We all seem to have the same issues and face the same challenges. Of course our geography and area cultures are different, but our memberships are all REALTORS trying to make the best of a difficult time. Every AE I talked to, not matter where they were from, commented their numbers were down due to the market. But we all are looking for ways to improve our services, and ourselves. I learned quite a bit and hope to be able to put that new knowledge to work for my members.
I got to know some of our Arkansas AE's better and found even though we were from all parts of the state we had some things in common and some things that were different. These ladies are a great group of women (there are also a couple of men AE's in Arkansas but they weren't in Quebec) that I have grown to rely on for answers to questions and I value their opinions. I hope in your business you have someone like that also. We all need them!
Now, back to my time in Quebec. I really love AMERICA! My cell phone worked there, but I had to get an International calling plan for one month. My debit card, which I use all the time, did not work and I was advised not to try it. Well, I tried to use it in the Quebec airport on an ATM and it didn't work. I didn't get any money back. I would pay for something in American dollars and got change in Canadian money and I had no clue if it was right or not. Oh, and the TV in my room only had about 6 channels that were English. I saw an ad for Walmart in French. That was really weird. I thought I was going to get to watch some Little House on the Prairie - it was in French! Laura Ingalls should not be speaking French! BUT - in all fairness - Quebec City is very rich in history, and is a very clean city. The food is excellent and all meals start with great bread. The people are really nice with the exception of a couple of cab drivers. And I am sure they think we Americans are crazy. I enjoyed the experience of being in another country, but I was thrilled to use my debit card in Chicago O'Hare at McDonalds. (I got McNuggets at a McDonalds in Quebec and they were McCrouquettes.)
Well, I better go for now. It is 5 o'clock in downtown Rogers and the chimes from the Methodist church one block a way will start ringing any time now. I just love that. I remember those chimes ringing from my childhood. But that is a whole 'nother blog!
Have a great weekend and next week! Hope your business and your life is going great!
I wonder if anyone is reading this.....
I am going to try to remember to write in this blog every Friday. Let's see how I do.
I have been out of the country this past week attending an AE (Association Executive) Conference in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. It was quite an experience and I even learned a little French. I knew they spoke French, but I didn't know that was the first language and English was the second. I am sure they had a hard time understanding this Arkansas twang just like I had no clue what they were saying in French. Even my wake up call each morning was in French. All I knew was they were calling to wake me up. I am sure it was nice, but you would never prove it by me.
All of the attendees of this conference were AE's (like me) or CEO's of Realtor Associations and our counterparts from Canada. We all seem to have the same issues and face the same challenges. Of course our geography and area cultures are different, but our memberships are all REALTORS trying to make the best of a difficult time. Every AE I talked to, not matter where they were from, commented their numbers were down due to the market. But we all are looking for ways to improve our services, and ourselves. I learned quite a bit and hope to be able to put that new knowledge to work for my members.
I got to know some of our Arkansas AE's better and found even though we were from all parts of the state we had some things in common and some things that were different. These ladies are a great group of women (there are also a couple of men AE's in Arkansas but they weren't in Quebec) that I have grown to rely on for answers to questions and I value their opinions. I hope in your business you have someone like that also. We all need them!
Now, back to my time in Quebec. I really love AMERICA! My cell phone worked there, but I had to get an International calling plan for one month. My debit card, which I use all the time, did not work and I was advised not to try it. Well, I tried to use it in the Quebec airport on an ATM and it didn't work. I didn't get any money back. I would pay for something in American dollars and got change in Canadian money and I had no clue if it was right or not. Oh, and the TV in my room only had about 6 channels that were English. I saw an ad for Walmart in French. That was really weird. I thought I was going to get to watch some Little House on the Prairie - it was in French! Laura Ingalls should not be speaking French! BUT - in all fairness - Quebec City is very rich in history, and is a very clean city. The food is excellent and all meals start with great bread. The people are really nice with the exception of a couple of cab drivers. And I am sure they think we Americans are crazy. I enjoyed the experience of being in another country, but I was thrilled to use my debit card in Chicago O'Hare at McDonalds. (I got McNuggets at a McDonalds in Quebec and they were McCrouquettes.)
Well, I better go for now. It is 5 o'clock in downtown Rogers and the chimes from the Methodist church one block a way will start ringing any time now. I just love that. I remember those chimes ringing from my childhood. But that is a whole 'nother blog!
Have a great weekend and next week! Hope your business and your life is going great!
I wonder if anyone is reading this.....
Friday, April 9, 2010
It is a Fabulous Friday!
Isn't this the best weather? Cool mornings, nice daytime temperatures and cool evenings. I love springtime in the Ozarks. I am not real wild about the pollen and the havoc it wreaks on my sinuses, though. Our normally black driveway turns yellow with pollen this time of year.
I am here in the office by myself today and I was here by myself yesterday. Candace is sick. I told her she needs to go to the doctor, but we'll see what she does. She is among the millions of Americans who do not have medical insurance. It will be interesting to see what Mr. Obama's plan will do to help her. (Hope I don't sound too negative about the plan).
The National Association of Realtors has declared this weekend as National Open House weekend. We have REALTOR balloons and some brochures on the Home buyer's Tax Credit, which by the way ends this month. We have had several people pick up balloons and the newspaper is running some specials to get the word out about the Open Houses. It sounds like the weather is going to cooperate and maybe there will be a lot of buyers out looking for a house just like the one you have open! Good luck to all the REALTORS having an Open House this weekend.
Thursday, April 15 is the April Rogers Board of Realtors membership meeting. This is a great meeting every year, because we are giving out Award of Excellence plaques to all the recipients. We had 91 members who qualified and will be receiving an award. I expect we will have even more next year. Congratulations all who qualified!
The meeting will be a luncheon meeting at the Center for Non-Profits in Rogers. Lunch is being catered by Cuisines of Rogers, and will start serving at 11:30pm. Call the Board office at 636-5875 or e-mail rogersbd3@cox-internet.com if you plan to attend.
I will stop for now. Thank you to all who read this. If you have any suggestions for this blog don't hesitate to let me know!
Have a great weekend!
I am here in the office by myself today and I was here by myself yesterday. Candace is sick. I told her she needs to go to the doctor, but we'll see what she does. She is among the millions of Americans who do not have medical insurance. It will be interesting to see what Mr. Obama's plan will do to help her. (Hope I don't sound too negative about the plan).
The National Association of Realtors has declared this weekend as National Open House weekend. We have REALTOR balloons and some brochures on the Home buyer's Tax Credit, which by the way ends this month. We have had several people pick up balloons and the newspaper is running some specials to get the word out about the Open Houses. It sounds like the weather is going to cooperate and maybe there will be a lot of buyers out looking for a house just like the one you have open! Good luck to all the REALTORS having an Open House this weekend.
Thursday, April 15 is the April Rogers Board of Realtors membership meeting. This is a great meeting every year, because we are giving out Award of Excellence plaques to all the recipients. We had 91 members who qualified and will be receiving an award. I expect we will have even more next year. Congratulations all who qualified!
The meeting will be a luncheon meeting at the Center for Non-Profits in Rogers. Lunch is being catered by Cuisines of Rogers, and will start serving at 11:30pm. Call the Board office at 636-5875 or e-mail rogersbd3@cox-internet.com if you plan to attend.
I will stop for now. Thank you to all who read this. If you have any suggestions for this blog don't hesitate to let me know!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Spring is here!
It's been a week since my last post. In that time I have made a trip to Dallas to help our daughter find a new place to live. She is relocating from here to Dallas with her job and I am trying not to get upset yet. It is hard to let one go, but I know she can handle it and is young and all that. Things do change. (I'll keep telling myself these things.)
The weather has changed to spring. It has been a gorgeous week all week long and then today we had our first small storm today and it is now back down to 54 degrees. And this is spring in the Ozarks!
We have had a lot of people in the office for maps and lock boxes. It sounds like things are picking up around here. Isn't Northwest Arkansas a great place to live?
Speaking of Northwest Arkansas - I attended an ARA Convention Committee yesterday and things are starting to take shape for a great convention this year. As you know, the convention will be held in Rogers and is sponsored by the Metro Area Board of Realtors. Dates are Monday Sept. 13 - 15th. Exhibit spaces are on sale now and exhibitors will be showcasing their companies to hopefully over 600 Realtors from all over the state. Give the Board office a call if you have any questions about a booth in the Expo Hall. The convention will be held at the John Q. Hammons center in Rogers.
Also - Northwest Arkansas - The NWA Naturals are back! Opening day at ARVEST ballpark is Thursday, April 8.
The April Board of Realtors meeting will be on Thursday, April 15th. This will be a lunch meeting with Cuisine's Catering. Award of Excellence plaques will be given out at this meeting. Call the Board office at 636-5875 or e-mail us at rogersbd3@cox-internet.com if you plan to attend.
Well, that is all for now. I hope your weekend is wonderful and the Easter Bunny is good to you!
The weather has changed to spring. It has been a gorgeous week all week long and then today we had our first small storm today and it is now back down to 54 degrees. And this is spring in the Ozarks!
We have had a lot of people in the office for maps and lock boxes. It sounds like things are picking up around here. Isn't Northwest Arkansas a great place to live?
Speaking of Northwest Arkansas - I attended an ARA Convention Committee yesterday and things are starting to take shape for a great convention this year. As you know, the convention will be held in Rogers and is sponsored by the Metro Area Board of Realtors. Dates are Monday Sept. 13 - 15th. Exhibit spaces are on sale now and exhibitors will be showcasing their companies to hopefully over 600 Realtors from all over the state. Give the Board office a call if you have any questions about a booth in the Expo Hall. The convention will be held at the John Q. Hammons center in Rogers.
Also - Northwest Arkansas - The NWA Naturals are back! Opening day at ARVEST ballpark is Thursday, April 8.
The April Board of Realtors meeting will be on Thursday, April 15th. This will be a lunch meeting with Cuisine's Catering. Award of Excellence plaques will be given out at this meeting. Call the Board office at 636-5875 or e-mail us at rogersbd3@cox-internet.com if you plan to attend.
Well, that is all for now. I hope your weekend is wonderful and the Easter Bunny is good to you!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Good Morning!
Happy Spring and did we get a present from Mother Nature or what? The snow coming down was one of the prettiest I have ever seen. It was nice to sit in my living room in front of the wood stove and watch it coming down knowing I did not have to be out in it. But today it will all be gone as the temperature is supposed to get up to 70 degrees.
We hope that with the great spring weather will come some buyers ready to get out and look at property and then BUY! Remember the TAX CREDIT ends on April 30. The property must be under contract by April 30 and close by July 1 to qualify for the credit of $8000 for a first time home buyer and $6500 for a move-up buyer. See all the details at www.realtor.org.
We have had two great Realtor After Hours the past two months. The first was sponsored by WACO Title and Trust Title and was held upstairs at the Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette office. The March After Hours was sponsored by BancorpSouth and was held in their building on So. 52nd St. Thank you to these Affiliates for sponsoring these for us. We love our Affiliates!
Our April meeting will be a luncheon meeting at the Center for Non-Profits and Awards for Excellence will be given out. The meeting will be held on Thursday April 15 (tax day!) and will start serving at 11:30am. Make your plans to be there.
Watch this spot for more info on upcoming meetings and things going on in the Real Estate World.
Happy Spring and did we get a present from Mother Nature or what? The snow coming down was one of the prettiest I have ever seen. It was nice to sit in my living room in front of the wood stove and watch it coming down knowing I did not have to be out in it. But today it will all be gone as the temperature is supposed to get up to 70 degrees.
We hope that with the great spring weather will come some buyers ready to get out and look at property and then BUY! Remember the TAX CREDIT ends on April 30. The property must be under contract by April 30 and close by July 1 to qualify for the credit of $8000 for a first time home buyer and $6500 for a move-up buyer. See all the details at www.realtor.org.
We have had two great Realtor After Hours the past two months. The first was sponsored by WACO Title and Trust Title and was held upstairs at the Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette office. The March After Hours was sponsored by BancorpSouth and was held in their building on So. 52nd St. Thank you to these Affiliates for sponsoring these for us. We love our Affiliates!
Our April meeting will be a luncheon meeting at the Center for Non-Profits and Awards for Excellence will be given out. The meeting will be held on Thursday April 15 (tax day!) and will start serving at 11:30am. Make your plans to be there.
Watch this spot for more info on upcoming meetings and things going on in the Real Estate World.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Let's Try again
Well, I must apologize because I had actually forgotten this blog and I am now ready to catch up and keep you posted on the Rogers Board of Realtors blog. (Actually I watched the movie "Julia & Julie" and remembered the Board has a blog.)
My last entry was in June and a half of a year has passed since then.
2009 ended on a hopeful note that 2010 is going to be better and we have already had evidence of a good start to the year.
2010 has started and we have gone through our Annual Dues billing process and did lose some members going inactive. We also lost a few to other Boards in the area, but not as many as anticpated.
RBOR has started some new programs this year in connection with our monthly meetings. We have moved the meeting location to the Center for Non-Profits in the old Mercy Hospital in Rogers. We had a fantastic turn-out for that meeting. Cuisines Catering catered the lunch for us and did a great job. Then in February we had a REALTORS After Hours and had another good turn-out for that get together. We have another REALTOR after hours scheduled for March and are anticipating another energetic crowd.
We have had 16 new REALTORS so far this year. Welcome to these great folks and we hope your career in Real Estate will be a successful one for you! We are here to help you. We had an office (EXIT Realty Premier of Springdale)that was formerly with the Metro Board join our Board so we also welcome them and look forward to their input in the Rogers Board
We have had two significant mergers of companies here in Northwest Arkansas. Weichert-Clark Long merged with The Griffin Company and is now Weichert Realtors - The Griffin Company. They have gone from 4 offices to 2; one in Springdale and one in Rogers.
And just within the last couple of weeks Coldwell Banker Faucette and Harris McHaney Realtors have merged into Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette. (The hardest thing the agents may face is saying their office names!) The Rogers Coldwell Banker office will be moving into the Rogers Harris McHaney office and the Johnson Harris McHaney office will be moving into the Fayetteville Coldwell Banker office. Good Luck to these companies and agents involved in the mergers. They face a lot of changes and new exciting opportunities.
Well, I am stopping for now as I have rambled on and on. I will definitely try to get back here before six months have passed.
Good selling!
My last entry was in June and a half of a year has passed since then.
2009 ended on a hopeful note that 2010 is going to be better and we have already had evidence of a good start to the year.
2010 has started and we have gone through our Annual Dues billing process and did lose some members going inactive. We also lost a few to other Boards in the area, but not as many as anticpated.
RBOR has started some new programs this year in connection with our monthly meetings. We have moved the meeting location to the Center for Non-Profits in the old Mercy Hospital in Rogers. We had a fantastic turn-out for that meeting. Cuisines Catering catered the lunch for us and did a great job. Then in February we had a REALTORS After Hours and had another good turn-out for that get together. We have another REALTOR after hours scheduled for March and are anticipating another energetic crowd.
We have had 16 new REALTORS so far this year. Welcome to these great folks and we hope your career in Real Estate will be a successful one for you! We are here to help you. We had an office (EXIT Realty Premier of Springdale)that was formerly with the Metro Board join our Board so we also welcome them and look forward to their input in the Rogers Board
We have had two significant mergers of companies here in Northwest Arkansas. Weichert-Clark Long merged with The Griffin Company and is now Weichert Realtors - The Griffin Company. They have gone from 4 offices to 2; one in Springdale and one in Rogers.
And just within the last couple of weeks Coldwell Banker Faucette and Harris McHaney Realtors have merged into Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette. (The hardest thing the agents may face is saying their office names!) The Rogers Coldwell Banker office will be moving into the Rogers Harris McHaney office and the Johnson Harris McHaney office will be moving into the Fayetteville Coldwell Banker office. Good Luck to these companies and agents involved in the mergers. They face a lot of changes and new exciting opportunities.
Well, I am stopping for now as I have rambled on and on. I will definitely try to get back here before six months have passed.
Good selling!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
