In This Issue of the WCR Metro St. Louis E-Zine (January, 2010) - 01/14/10 06:24 PM

IN THIS ISSUE:
Message from Our President Editor's Notes 2010 Membership Drive New Member Introductions January Business Resource Meeting Article: Developing a Blueprint for Success in 2010 Article: Starting Out Right in 2010–Setting Goals and Shaping a New Attitude Article: The Google Virtual Library and the Search for Self-Improvement Tech Toolbox–Websites to Track Your 2010 Resolutions Word from Our Sponsor Article: New Government Regulations May Impact Your Closing Date Many Faces of WCR-Metro STL 2010 Chapter Fundraising Events Word on the Street/WCR Testimonials Join WCR-Metro STL Social Networking Sites Article: Building a Strong Internet Presence by Blogging–Real Topics that … (0 comments)

WCR-Metro STL Newsletter Supporters - 01/14/10 08:00 AM




 
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Other WCR Meetings - 01/14/10 07:48 AM


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Upcoming Training Events - 01/14/10 07:08 AM
 


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Building a Strong Internet Presence by Blogging - Real Topics that Drive Traffic and Generate Leads - 01/12/10 12:52 AM
BLOGGING AS AN INTERNET MARKETING STRATEGY
When it comes to building an internet marketing presence, real estate agents should have a multi-prong strategy that includes a brokerage website, an agent website, a blog, listing feeds to search portal sites, participation in forums, and social networking sites.  Despite the growing popularity of blogging as a marketing tool by businesses generally, real estate agents still appear to be reluctant to embrace blogging as a marketing strategy to build their internet presence.  In the 2009 NAR Technology Survey, 8% of Realtors viewed "blogging" as "important" for generating leads whereas 20% of Realtors viewed "blogging" as … (1 comments)

New Government Regulations May Impact Your Closing Date - 01/12/10 12:10 AM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NEW GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS MAY IMPACT YOUR CLOSING DATE
When it comes to the $8,000.00 Federal First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, you can't afford to wait until the last minute to purchase a new home.  The government changed some of the laws and regulations associated with mortgage lending including the adoption of the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act ("HOEPA"), the Housing and Economic Recovery Act ("HERA"), new Truth in Lending Act disclosure regulations, and the Home Valuation Code of Conduct ("HVCC").  To view the new Truth in Lending Act regulations, click on:  Revised … (3 comments)

The Google Virtual Library and the Search for Self-Improvement - 01/11/10 11:44 PM

The power and ambition of Google never ceases to amaze me.  I had heard about Google Books and its ambitious project to create an online library.  However, I only recently started exploring its content.  You can find a book for almost any topic in any genre.  Here are just a few of the books that may be useful to improve your sales, marketing or life skills.
Looking to Lose Weight:  Try Men's Health, Women's Health, Cycling, or over 600 different weight loss books ranging from The Zone to the Atkins' New Diet Revolution to the Sonoma Diet and many more.
Time Management Training:  Try … (4 comments)

Developing a Blueprint for Success in 2010 - 01/11/10 11:34 PM

With the start of a new year, we earnestly make resolutions to improve our personal and professional lives over the next 12 months.  For those few precious days or weeks, we zealously pursue these resolutions.  However, after the holidays are over, the hectic pace of everyday life begins.  With each passing day, we seem to lose our ardor and the intensity of our commitment to pursuing our new goals.  By mid to late January, we are deeply entrenched in the grind of our everyday lives.  The resolutions that we so ardently made are relegated to the back of a junk … (1 comments)

Join WCR-Metro STL on Your Favorite Social Networking Sites - 01/11/10 07:43 PM

 
JOIN WCR-METRO STL ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES:
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: Become a Fan of the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WCRStLouis TWITTER: Follow the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS on Twitter: @WCRStLouisMO or http://www.Twitter.com/WCRStLouisMO LINKEDIN GROUP: Connect with the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2395493&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Coming Soon-WCR Channel on YouTube.com. 7 EASY TIPS ON HOW TO GET STARTED USING THE WCR-METRO STL SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES:
TIP NO. 1-Write an introduction discussing your business, business philosophy, practice areas, … (0 comments)

2010 WCR-Metro STL Leadership Program - 01/11/10 09:53 AM
 

Congratulations to this year's participants in the 2010 WCR Metropolitan St. Louis Leadership Program:
Shelly Clark, Cardinal Surveying & Mapping Michelle Silies, PREA Signature Realty Danielle Bond, American Eagle Credit Union Kitty Williams, Assured Title Karen Robertson, Gateway Real Estate Sources Tiffany Hamilton, Hamiltan Realty Group Jai Morris, Coldwell Banker Gundaker-Hillsboro/ Festus Andrea Lensen, Prudential Alliance This year's program has already started. Here are some upcoming dates:
January 28th - Diehlman Sothebys - Working Session #1 February 10th - TBA - Working Session #2 March 8th - Women on Boards Seminar March 19th - Chicago, Illinois - WCR Leadership … (0 comments)

Word on the Street... WCR Testimonials - 01/11/10 08:44 AM

 
This Month's WCR-METRO STL SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS goes to the 2009 Governing Board, our active WCR membership, and our WCR sponsors and supporters in the business community for a job well done. The commitment of time and contribution of resources from our members and sponsors have made our chapter the "Go 2 Network for St. Louis Real Estate Professionals." Each member and sponsor has contributed to the success of the organization. Here are what some of your colleagues are saying about WCR-Metro STL:
 
Beale Leubben/Buyer’s Protection Group:  The St. Louis Women’s Council of Realtors is the best resource … (0 comments)

The Many Faces of WCR-Metro STL - 01/11/10 07:59 AM
 

Despite the first heavy snow storm of the season, WCR-Metro STL still had a very nice turnout of 60 members and guests at 2010's first Business Resource Meeting to listen to nationally renown guest speaker Dieter Pauwels.

 
NEXT UP - the Mega Networking Event with the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri set for February 4, 2010. To make your reservation, contact Shelly Clark at Shelly@CardinalSurveying.com or at 636-357-5062.
GOT PHOTOS? Post under the Photo Section on the Boxes Tab of the Facebook Fan Page. This month's photos provided courtesy of Liz Connolly nd … (0 comments)

2010 WCR-Metro STL Fundraising Events - 01/11/10 07:08 AM
 

 
 
Don't miss our first 2010 WCR-Metro STL fundraising and networking event on February 11th. The MARDI GRAS HAPPY HOUR AND KARAOKE EVENT will be held at Big Daddy's in Soulard at 1000 Sidney Street. It is limited to the first 120 people so register early! Doors open at 4 pm with free drinks and appetizers from 5 to 8 pm. Contestants will perform for votes in karaoke contest. Votes may be purchased at $1 per vote. Tickets for this event are $30.00 per person. Costumes, masks and beads are encouraged. Fax ticket reservation form to Bob Sargent … (0 comments)

From the WCR-Metro STL Tech Toolbox - Websites to Track your 2010 Resolutions - 01/10/10 12:23 PM

 
Did you make any personal resolutions or set business goals for 2010?
Here are four websites from the WCR-Metro STL tech toolbox to assist you in setting your goals, developing a daily action plan, and tracking your success.
www.getgoaling.com www.disciplanner.com www.trackngraph.com www.goalsontrack.com Here are two websites from the WCR-Metro STL tech toolbox with articles on performance management:
www.mindtools.com www.top10salesarticles.com For reviews on these and other websites, visit www.makeuseof.com.
 
 
 
 
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Now, a Word from Our Sponsor - Paramount Mortgage Company - 01/10/10 11:21 AM
 

This month's Business Resource Meeting was generously sponsored by Paramount  Mortgage Company. We would like to thank our sponsor for their support as well as their informative presentation.
Ruth Battle, Senior Vice President of Paramount Mortgage, outlined several issues and offered tips on how to best manage the loan process.
TIP 1 - BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TIME FRAMES.
New federal laws and regulations mandate waiting periods for almost every aspect of the loan transaction. There are no more "last minute" closings or dramatic changes at the closing table.
TIP 2 – ACCURACY IS IMPERATIVE.
New federal laws and … (0 comments)

WCR-Metro STL Business Resource Meeting - Embracing Change with Dieter Pauwels - 01/09/10 01:00 PM

 
The keynote speaker for this month's Business Resource Meeting was business and life coach Dieter Pauwels.
Mr. Pauwels is a professional certified life and business coach, speaker and author. He facilitates personal and organizational transformation and works with both individuals and teams to create new possibilities, navigate change and maximize their productivity and personal effectiveness. His presentation focused on the need to embrace change and developing the right mental attitude to embrace change.
For more information, visit the Dieter Pauwel's website at www.DieterPauwels.com.The website includes a description of his life and business coaching services, blog posts and other articles, … (0 comments)

Welcome to the New WCR-Metro STL Members - 01/09/10 12:43 PM

Please welcome our new WCR-Metro STL members:

If you are a new member or would like to become a new member, New Member Orientation sessions will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Westport Sheraton Chalet on the following dates: March 4, May 6, August 5, October 14 and December 2 before the Business Resource Meetings.

Need more information on the Benefits of WCR Membership? Contact Brett Nelson at 636-795-5781.

 
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2010 WCR-Metro STL Membership Drive - 01/09/10 10:54 AM

Like many professional organizations, the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® is a member supported and member driven organization. The strength of our local chapter is based on its ability to attract and retain new members.
2010 RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION CONTEST: National and state member recruitment and retention contests are now underway.  The state recruitment contest offers a cash prize to the member who recruits of the most new members.  The national recruitment contest is for the chapter that recuits the most members with 20 points awarded for new member applications received before February 28 and … (0 comments)

Our Chapter Leadership - Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors - 01/09/10 09:35 AM
MISSION
We are a network of successful  REALTORS® empowering  individuals to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
 
2010 CHAPTER LEADERS
 
PRESIDENT
Elizabeth Robb
Robb Partners, Affiliate of Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty
erobb@robbpartners.com
 
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Carolyn Mantia
RE/MAX Results
carolynmantia@gmail.com         
 
VP, MEMBERSHIP
Jillian Butler
Keller Williams Realty St. Louis
jillbutler@kw.com
 
SECRETARY
Beale Luebben
Buyers Protection Group/ABA Inspections
beale@bpgwi.com         
 
TREASURER
Vivian McBride
First American Title
vmcbride@firstam.com
 
Budget & Finance Chair
Danielle Bond, American Eagle Credit Union
dbond@abecu.org         
 
By-Laws/Standing Rules Chair
Jane Miller, Heartland Bank Mortgage
jmiller@heartland-bank.com     
 
Membership Chair
Brett Nelson, Paramount Mortgage Company
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A Message from WCR-Metro STL President Elizabeth Robb - 01/08/10 05:37 PM

In 2010, the leadership of the Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS intends to continue its mission of empowering real estate professionals to succeed in the current real estate market by providing resources that Realtors and affiliates can use in their daily real estate practice.
Business Resource Meetings: This year's line-up of guest speakers and discussion panels will address a wide variety of issues ranging from life coaching to networking to technology to community leadership and much more. The line-up includes national speakers, regional leaders and some of our own WCR­Metro STL members who will offer … (0 comments)

Starting our Right in 2010 - Setting Goals and Shaping a New Attitude - 01/08/10 03:44 PM

When you start a new job or take a new position, you often start with a great explosion of positive energy.  However, when the activities performed at the outset don't generate immediate results, it is hard to stay focused, to keep on point, and to remain motivated.  Here are some tips:
Develop a Vision and a Plan:
•  Ask yourself the basic question - Does your vision and actions determine your success?  Or, do you let circumstances dictate your success?  Once you accept personal responsibility for your success or failure, you can develop the winning attitude necessary to stay motivated … (0 comments)

Call to Action for Missouri Realtors - 01/08/10 03:36 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
Missouri Association of Realtors President T. David Rogers issues call to action to Missouri Realtors to support current fundraising events for RPAC to raise funds for lobbying on issues of importance to real estate professionals.  Mr. Rogers specifically cites the need to monitor and develop grassroots opposition to future proposals for a 1% transfer tax.  In the current market, owner/sellers, purchasers and real estate professionals can ill afford to pay a transfer tax on the sale of real estate.  For example, for the sale of a … (0 comments)

Building a Strong Internet Presence by Blogging - Real Topics that Drive Traffic and Generate Leads - 01/08/10 03:28 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
BLOGGING AS AN INTERNET MARKETING STRATEGY
When it comes to building an internet marketing presence, real estate agents should have a multi-prong strategy that includes a brokerage website, an agent website, a blog, listing feeds to search portal sites, participation in forums, and social networking sites.  Despite the growing popularity of blogging as a marketing tool by businesses generally, real estate agents still appear to be reluctant to embrace blogging as a marketing strategy to build their internet presence.  In the 2009 NAR Technology Survey, 8% of … (1 comments)

Sales Motivation - Vince Lombardi and The Second Effort - 01/08/10 03:25 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
A Brief Profile of Vince Lombardi
ESPN named Vince Lombardi "Coach of the Century."  In 1959, Vince Lombardi took over as head coach of the hapless Green Bay Packers with a record of 1-10-1.  Starting from day one, he transformed the Green Bay Packers from perennial losers to champions.  In doing so, he was a great motivator and instilled in his players a sense of commitment and mental toughness.  Over 9 seasons, he amassed 89 wins culminating in six divisional championships, five NFL championships and two Superbowl victories. 
His Business … (3 comments)

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended and Expanded to include Repeat Buyers - 01/08/10 03:23 PM

Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco-TX-Homes (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):
 
 
Purchase by a Dependent
There was no age limitation on the original bill and amended for the November Tax Credit. Taxpayer must be at least 18 years old to qualify for the credit. For married taxpayers, the taxpayer shall be treated as meeting the age requirement if the taxpayer or spouse meets the age requirement.
Repeat Buyers
There is no criteria that home buyers must "move up" in house. Only that they lived in the house for the past 5 out of 8 years as a primary residence. … (0 comments)

Real Estate Technology - Facebook Fan Page Series - Creating Your Facebook Fan Page - The Basic Set Up - 01/08/10 03:21 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
In this series on How to Set Up a Facebook Fan Page for Real Estate Associations, Brokerages and Agents, we will discuss the basics on how to set up a Facebook Fan Page.  Here are the topics in this series:
How to Set-Up a Basic Facebook Page How to Create Customized Tabs for Facebook Fan Page HTML/FBML Code, Cheap Tricks and Short Cuts, and Other Design Ideas Strategies for Using Facebook Fan Page to Market and Sell Real Estate Step 1 - Go to Facebook Home … (1 comments)

Real Estate Technology - Facebook Fan Page Series - Creating Your Facebook Fan Page - Creating a Custom Facebook Fan Page Tab - 01/08/10 03:21 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
In this series on How to Set Up a Facebook Fan Page for Real Estate Associations, Brokerages and Agents, we will discuss the basics on how to set up a Facebook Fan Page.  Here are the topics in this series:
How to Set-Up a Basic Facebook Page How to Create Customized Tabs for Facebook Fan Page HTML/FBML Code, Cheap Tricks and Short Cuts, and Other Design Ideas Strategies for Using Facebook Fan Page to Market and Sell Real Estate In today's installment, we discuss how to … (0 comments)

Real Estate Technology - Facebook Fan Page Series - Creating Your Facebook Fan Page - HTML/FBML Code, Cheap Tricks and Short Cuts, and Other Design Ideas - 01/08/10 03:20 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
In this series on How to Set Up a Facebook Fan Page for Real Estate Associations, Brokerages and Agents, we will discuss the basics on how to set up a Facebook Fan Page.  Here are the topics in this series:
How to Set-Up a Basic Facebook Page How to Create Customized Tabs for Facebook Fan Page HTML/FBML Code, Cheap Tricks and Short Cuts, and Other Design Ideas Strategies for Using Facebook Fan Page to Market and Sell Real Estate In today's installment, we discuss in two … (0 comments)

Real Estate Technology - Facebook Fan Page Series - Creating Your Facebook Fan Page - Strategies for Using Facebook Fan Pages to Market and Sell Real Estate - 01/08/10 03:20 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
In this series on How to Set Up a Facebook Fan Page for Real Estate Associations, Brokerages and Agents,
we will discuss the basics on how to set up a Facebook Fan Page.  Here are the topics in this series:
How to Set-Up a Basic Facebook Page How to Create Customized Tabs for Facebook Fan Page HTML/FBML Code, Cheap Tricks and Short Cuts, and Other Design Ideas Strategies for Using Facebook Fan Page to Market and Sell Real Estate In today's installment, we discuss some strategies … (0 comments)

The Missouri Housing Development Commission Announces New Real Estate Tax Assistance Program - 01/08/10 03:19 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
The Missouri Housing Development Commission approved on December 18, 2009, a $35 million economic development package which included $15 million to fund a new Real Estate Tax Assistance Program.   The new Real Estate Tax Assistance Program  is intended to provide funding for the payment of the first year of property taxes for qualified home buyers who purchase a new or existing home after January 1, 2010.   The new Real Estate Tax Assistance Program also includes funding for energy efficiency and energy conservation repairs and improvements. 
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2009 Market Conditions Report for Condos and Lofts Sold in Lafayette Square (St. Louis City, Missouri) - 01/08/10 03:17 PM

Via Ryan Shaughnessy, Broker/Attorney - Your Lafayette Square Real Estate Partner (PREA Signature Realty - www.preasignaturerealty.com):
LAFAYETTE SQUARE HOUSING REPORT - 2009 CONDO SALES
Interested in purchasing or selling a condominium in Lafayette Square?  Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381 or send an e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.  Or, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or our blog at www.LafayetteReport.com.
HISTORICAL TRENDS
The Lafayette Square housing market as a whole continues to outperform compared to trends in the St. Louis City and St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area.  Despite this good news, condominium sales in Lafayette Square remain flat compared to 2009.  Here are some general … (0 comments)