This September, go the extra mile and accelerate your business past the limits!
Online Registration ENDS September 3.
Do you feel the need - the need to speed past your competition? At the Annual Convention and Trade Expo you'll do just that! Gain a competitive edge by attending a variety of CE courses and making new business contacts in the Trade Expo. Start planning to attend today and click here to register online.
Click Here to Download the Convention Brochure
Click Here for the News Regarding Destin and the Oil Spill
Click here to download the schedule of events.
The Personal Scheduler will be updated with changes and meeting locations approximately 2 weeks before the Annual Convention & Trade Expo.
OPENING SESSION WITH DAVE TIMMONS
“Leaders Who ROCK!”
Great leaders, like rock stars, have an unsurpassed KNOWLEDGE of their art and craft and the COURAGE to use it! They build deep RELATIONSHIPS with those they need to influence and are driven to OUTPERFORM their best-ever performances. Dave Timmons will not only share the secrets that will make you ROCK, he will also thread some favorite rock songs throughout this program.
First-Time Attendee Orientation
Is this your first experience at a GAR convention or meeting? You won’t want to miss this informative session that will give you speedy and concise guidance on how to make the most of your time this week.
GAR Grand Opening Cocktail Party in the Trade Expo
Start the Annual Convention off right by saying hello to your fellow REALTORS® at the Grand Opening Cocktail Party. Enjoy an evening of food, fun, cocktails and networking! (Ticketed Event/Cash Bar)
Thursday Night Party
(Ticketed Event/Cash Bar)
Trade Expo Activities
Find great ideas for your business as you stroll through an exciting line-up of vendors. Don't miss the networking opportunites in the trade expo!
TUESDAY 9.21.10
Certification Course - Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certification
(Pre-registration required)
Instructor: Chuck Jonaitis
8:30 a.m. - 5-30 p.m. (6 hours CE)
For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” real estate transaction. Knowing how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities are not merely good skills to have in today’s market - they are critical. For more information visit http://rebac.net/.
Designation Course - ABR Elective: Real Estate Marketing Reboot
Instructor: Carol Moson
As a buyer’s representative, it is critical to employ a creative and memorable marketing approach while clearly communicating your services and value based on your buyer’s needs and expectations. In this one-day course, explore both traditional and cutting edge strategies to “reboot” your marketing efforts and take them to the next level. You will also examine various tools and technologies available to maximize your marketing impact. For more information visit http://rebac.net/.
GREC Broker Course (Pre-registration required)
Instructor: Greg Dunn
Can you distinguish between brokerage myths and truths? This GREC Course will provide you with invaluable information – whether you’re already a broker or thinking about becoming one. Learn the latest on GREC license law and regulations for brokerage firms and managing brokers and find out about the pre-planning considerations for opening a real estate brokerage firm in Georgia. Evaluate the pros and cons of brokerage business models for specific real estate markets and specialties and more.
WEDNESDAY 9.22.10
Session A: Feng Shui for Berthas & Berts:
Sell Your Listing with Less Work!
Instructor: Carol McGinnis-Yeje
9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
The goal of any listing agent is to capture that buyer when they first tour the home. Feng Shui principles incorporate proven techniques to help achieve a fast sale. These principles are unusually similar to what most folks learned from Mom and Dad . . . just pure “common sense.”
Session B: Do’s, Don’ts & Risk on the Internet
Instructor: Amy Chorew
This course outlines the most common misconceptions and misapplications of Web site technology in the world of online personal, property and prospecting promotions. This course is designed to help students learn from some of the mistakes being made by all too many – most unintentional, but some all too intentional. We will discuss:
Session C: Lights, Camera, Action!
Using Video to Market Real Estate
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Session D: License Laws & Rules Update
THURSDAY 9.23.10
Session E: Objection Overruled - Taking Care of BUYER Objections
Instructor: Pat Johnson
1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Session F: Investment Analysis for the
Commercial REALTOR®
Instructor: Andre Van Rensburg
1:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
The more you know, the more there is to learn. This CCIM instructor will prove that there is always more to learn. Come take a new look at the basics of commercial real estate, including understanding of the assessment process for valuing real estate including market analysis, comparative analysis and cash flow projections. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the foundations of investment analysis for commercial properties!
Session G: Listing the Buyer
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Session H: Right Tools! Right Time!!
RIGHT HERE!!!
Instructor: Tom Gillett
FRIDAY 9.24.10
Session I: Lease Purchase vs. Lease Option
Instructor: Howell Haunson
8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Session J: Right Tools! Right Time!!
Session K: Death & Taxes are Certain...
I’ll Take Taxes
Instructor: Stan Anderson
8:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Think your client should appeal a property tax? Get the scoop on the property tax system. Gain confidence in researching tax records. Find out how to communicate a course of action to clients who think an appeal is warranted.
Session L: At Auction: The Outcome is
Income for Agents
Instructor: Uladia Taylor
Expand your scope of real estate services. Learn about real estate auctions and partnering with real estate auction firms. Note: This course is not intended to certify real estate professionals to be auctioneers or to call auctions.
Session M: The Latest and Greatest: FBI’s/GBI’s Take on Mortgage Fraud
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Session N: You Can’t Fool All of the People
all of the Time
Instructor: Dwayne Carte
Session O: And the Survey Says...
Session P: Objection Overruled –
Taking Care of SELLER Objections
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Session Q: Fundamentals of Buying & Selling Rural Properties: Basics of Brokerage of Rural Properties
Instructor: Don Webb
1:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Explore the differences between residential, commercial, and land brokerage. Topics will include the tools and techniques needed to evaluate rural property. In addition, examine the process of buying and selling land and the unique skills necessary for successful land investment.
STAN ANDERSON
Stan Anderson began his teaching career in 1970. A year later, he became a licensed agent and then a broker in 1974. Stan has been a Certified Appraiser since 2000. The first six years Stan was a Certified Appraiser, he worked in the Fulton County Tax Assessor's Office. In 2006, Stan began his own tax agent business. Stan has also worked as a real property appraiser. Stan has taught for the Fulton County Taxpayers Foundation, made presentations to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and has been a guest on the John Adams radio program. Stan has a BS Degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Georgia State. He is a member of the 400 North Board of REALTORS®.
- Session K: Death & Taxes are Certain… I’ll Take Taxes
DWAYNE CARTE, ABR, SRES and GREEN
What does our next speaker have in common with Barry Manilow, Jerry Seinfeld and the Chippendales? They have all played Las Vegas! Dwayne is a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota. He serves on several local, state and NAR committees. He is also currently the President of the Twin Cities Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and member of the 2010 NAR Leadership Academy. Dwayne has been asked to speak for the national association in addition to state and local REALTOR® associations in more than 20 states. His goal is to provide career & business building sessions that are interactive, informative and invigorating.
- Session N: You Can’t Fool All of the People All of the Time
- Session O: And the Survey Says…
AMY CHOREW
Amy Chorew is a national real estate trainer highly experienced at helping managers and agents maximize the infinite opportunities that technology offers them. Her knowledge of the industry and the latest technologies available along with her unique ability to translate it all into easy to understand language make her a consistently toprated trainer throughout the country. Her relaxed and confident training style allows students to learn in a stress free and enjoyable environment. In 2009, her expertise in the area of Social Networking and the tremendous impact it is having on the industry has given agents and brokers the tools to move from traditional marketing to Web 2.0 marketing. She shows agents how online video, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, podcasts and other multimultimedia tools are an effective way to capture today’s buyers and sellers.
- Session B: Do’s, Don’ts & Risk on the Internet
- Session C: Using Video to Market Real Estate
GREG DUNN, ABR, GRI,
Greg Dunn received a Georgia real estate license in 1972 and is currently licensed as a broker and approved instructor. A graduate of Columbus State University majoring in both real estate and accounting, Greg is a member of the Georgia Real Estate Commission’s Education Advisory Committee and is active in his local Board of REALTORS®, in the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, and in the Georgia Real Estate Educators Association (GREEA). In 1989, the Columbus Board of REALTORS® recognized him as “REALTOR® of the Year.” Greg was also recognized as “Educator of the Year” in 1999 by GREEA and in 2001 by the Georgia Association of REALTORS®.
- GREC Broker Course
- Session D: License Laws & Rules Update
- Session G: Listing the Buyer
TOM GILLETT, ABR
Tom Gillett has been a mainstay in real estate and appraisal education for over twenty years with over thirty years in real estate industry. Having worked as a salesperson, broker and appraiser, Tom now focus’ his efforts in education. Currently, Tom instructs over five hundred classes per year in varied real estate subjects and has been a contributing author for companies such as Prentice-Hall Publishing, Applied Measurement Professionals, The Psychology Corporation, Thomson-Computaught, Thomson South-Western, Dearborn Publishing and the Georgia Real Estate Commission. In addition to writing the real estate career manual Breakaway To Success, Tom co-authored the textbook GEORGIA REAL ESTATE: An Introduction To The Profession along with Texas attorney Charles J. Jacobus. Tom’s achievements include being named 2003 Georgia instructor of the year by the Georgia Association of REALTORS®. In 2006, Tom was honored with the Distinguished Career award from the Georgia Real Estate Educators Association.
- Session H and J: Right Tools! Right Time!! RIGHT HERE!!!
HOWELL HAUNSON
Howell Haunson has been involved professionally in real estate since becoming a licensed salesperson at the age of 18. He obtained his brokers license and was a practicing attorney focusing on real estate issues by the age of 26. Howell received both a Juris Doctorate and Masters of Law Degree from Atlanta Law School, where he graduated Valedictorian of his class of 123. As an attorney with Morris | Hardwick | Schneider since 1986, he is a Partner of the firm, the Director of Education and serves as Executive Vice President of LandCastle Title. Howell has had several articles published in The Atlanta Business Chronicle, The National Mortgage Professional Magazine, The Georgia Mortgage Press, REALTOR® Magazine, The Barrow News and DS News.
- Session I: Lease Purchases vs. Lease Option
- Session M: The Latest and Greatest: FBI’s/GBI’s Take on Mortgage Fraud
PAT JOHNSON, ABR, AIS, CRB, DREI, GRI, SRE
Pat Johnson is a real estate broker, licensed instructor and former training director for one of the largest real estate firms in Georgia. Students enjoy her engaging and insightful presentations, which come alive with illustrations from her personal real estate experiences from working in the trenches with successful agents and brokers for more than thirty years. She teaches and provides consulting services for private brokerage firms, local boards, proprietary schools and real estate commissions. Her many years of industry volunteer service includes: the Georgia Real Estate Commission Education Advisory Committee; GAR Forms, Professional Standards and Equal Opportunity/Diversity committees; and GRI Governor. She is a past President and serves on the 2010 Board of Directors of the Georgia Real Estate Educators Association, which honored her with its 2007 Distinguished Career Award.
- Session E: Objection Overruled – Taking Care of BUYER Objections
- Session P: Objection Overruled – Taking Care of SELLER Objections
CHUCK JONAITIS, ABR, GREEN, GRI, SRES
Chuck Jonaitis was born in Chicago and spent most of his life growing up in Minnesota. Chuck came to Georgia in 1989 and was licensed in 1995. He obtained his associate brokers license in 1998. He has served his local board in every position, and was named the REALTOR® of the Year for the 400 North BOR in 2004 and 2008. He has chaired Professional Standards and State and Local Government Affairs at the state level, and has served on numerous other committees, including 6 years as a GRI Governor and 2 years as a Regional Director. Chuck is a licensed pre-license instructor with Georgia MLS and teaches CE courses for the Georgia Association of REALTORS®. He is an approved instructor for the ABR, SRES, SFR and the GREEN designations.
- Certification Course – Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Certification
CAROL MCGINNIS-YEJE, ABR, ABRM, GRI, GREEN, SRES
Carol McGinnis-Yeje was licensed in Georgia in 1981 and acquired her real estate broker’s license in the mid-80’s. Her experience varies from condo conversions and multi-million-dollar apartment buildings to on-site sales. Carol has managed real estate offices and focuses now on her training talents. In 2005 she was approved by GREC to teach real estate pre-license courses and has written many CE courses. In addition, Carol is an approved REBAC instructor and an approved CNE instructor. Carol has served her local real estate association as both a local and state director, chaired a six-county Grievance Committee, and was Broker’s Council Chairman. She has also served in various capacities for the Women’s Council of REALTORS® and International Real Estate Council of Georgia. Carol’s formal education includes business marketing, religion, and psychology. As a Certified TV Producer, hosting her own TV show on a local cable channel for 2 years. As an internationally-known singer/songwriter, Carol incorporates entertainment in all of her classes. Her philosophy is: “We all learn better when we are enjoying the experience.”
- Session A: Feng Shui for Berthas & Berts! Sell Your Listing with Less Work!
CAROL MOSON
Carol Moson ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, is an associate broker. She is a graduate from State University of NY at Albany. She began a real estate career in 1981 as a part-time agent after teaching high school biology for 17 years. Carol slowly built up her business and was putting in full-time hours in essentially two full-time jobs. After eight years of doing this, she had an opportunity to manage the office so she left teaching and went into real estate as a full-time career. She moved to Georgia in 1995 and had to virtually start from scratch to gradually build a successful business.
- Designation Course: ABR Elective: Real Estate Marketing Reboot
ULADIA TAYLOR
Uladia Taylor began her auction career in 1989 with government surplus auctions for the DeKalb County School System in Decatur, GA and progressed to be a contributor with auction firms such as Red Baron Antiques, Atlanta Auction Company, King Auction Gallery, Slotin Folk Art Auctions, Four Seasons Antiques & Auctions and Accelerated Marketing Partners. Uladia has attained the highest designation available to auctioneers – the coveted CAI. She successfully sells real estate at auction and is a profitable and entertaining benefit event auctioneer. Uladia earned her Benefit Auction Specialist certification, making her one of less than 200 auctioneers in the United States and Canada with certified fundraising event skills. Further, she has attained her Certified Estate Specialist designation qualifying her to service and support estate administrators and probate attorneys. Uladia serves at the appointment of the Governor to the State of Georgia’s Auctioneers Commission. She also served as Vice President and Treasurer for the Georgia Auctioneers Association. She is a member in good standing with the Georgia Auctioneers Association, the National Auctioneers Association, the DeKalb Association of REALTORS® and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Uladia is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Club and was elected the 2007 Member of the Year for the DeKalb Women’s Council of REALTORS®.
- Session L: At Auction: The Outcome is Income for Agents
DAVE TIMMONS – KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dave Timmons is a motivational leadership speaker and leadership artist who teaches people how to develop successful leadership skills and become brilliant in the Art of Leadership through six dynamic attributes (or “Strings”) found in GREAT Leaders. Audiences are inspired to take action to improve their leadership skills when they learn the secrets of: connection, trust, courage, truth, inspiration, and action. Dave’s combination of music, message, humor, and immediate action techniques make him unforgettable!
- Keynote Speaker: Leaders Who Rock
- Leadership Connection
ANDRE J. van RENSBURG, ALC, CCIM, CIPS
Andre J. van Rensburg specializes exclusively in commercial real estate and has worked in various part of the world, including South Africa, the UK and the US. He is currently the President of a commercial real estate firm in Florida. He was the President of the Commercial Board of REALTORS® of Saint Augustine and Saint John’s County Board of REALTORS® and was the Chair for the Education Committee for the Florida Commercial Alliance. He is also the President for the North Florida Chapter of CCIM. Andre has taught various real estate courses presented a number of webinars and delivered presentations about various aspects of commercial real estate. In addition to being a GAR Partners in Education instructor, Andre is a senior instructor for the CCIM Institute and REALTORS® Land Institute.
- Session F: Investment Analysis for the Commercial REALTOR®
DONN WEBB
Don Webb, President and CEO of The Greenwood Project, is an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. He is also a seasoned and successful land investor and is widely regarded as a leading authority on the topic of Rural Property. Don is the author of Maximizing the Land Ownership Experience, A Practical Guide to Buying Land, and The Top Ten Mistakes, Myths, & Truths of Land Ownership. He is also a monthly contributor to Game and Fish magazines, distributed nationwide. Don’s core belief is that we need to leave the earth better than we found it, and he believes that land ownership and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources are an undeniable path to achieve financial and quality of life goals. Through live seminars, webinars, and his audio and video series, Don has educated both novices and professionals on the benefits of land ownership. He is a natural at what he does and is always excited to share his stories, experiences, and expertise with others.
- Session Q: Fundamentals of Buying & Selling Rural Properties: Basics of Brokerage of Rural Properties
Speed to the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort where paradise is only a short drive away!
Spend four days accelerating your professional skills and catching up with your counterparts from across the state at one of Florida’s premier luxury resorts!
Make your reservations early before rooms run out. Please contact the hotel directly at 800.622.1038 to make your reservations. Hotel Rates for the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort begin at $135 and do not include taxes, service charges, fees or other incidentals. Click here to see rates for each type of room. Book online at www.sandestin.com and enter group code 21C2GR to receive GAR special rates. All meetings will take place at the Bayside Conference Center and the Linkside Center.
Click here for more information about the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's amenities.
Click here for a property map and more room information.
Registrations will not be accepted by telephone!
DEADLINES:
Payment must be post-marked by the following dates in order to take advantage of the special registration fees:
Early Bird Registration Fee - by August 1, 2010
Regular Registration Fee - August 1, 2010 - September 3, 2010
On-Site Registration Fee - after September 3, 2010
What does a registration fee include?
A full registration includes all education sessions, committee meetings, the Grand Opening Cocktail Party, Thursday Lunch on the Go, Thursday Happy Hour, Thursday Night Party, Friday Brunch and the Continental Breakfast on Saturday.
What does a registration fee does NOT include?
A registration fee does not include the President’s Banquet ticket and any Designation Courses offered.
Cancellation Policies:
- Written cancellations prior to September 3, 2010 will reflect a $40.00 service charge.
- Due to contract obligations, no refunds will be given after September 3, 2010..
- All meeting cancellations and requests for refunds must be made in writing and mailed or faxed to the GAR office. Cancellations will not be taken over the phone.
Transfer Policy:
GAR does have a transfer / assignment policy that allows a member who needs to cancel to transfer his and her registration to another person. A form can be obtained at www.garealtor.com under Meetings and Conventions. A transfer cannot be completed without this form and a non-refundable service charge of $25.00. Only the individual transferee is authorized to pick up the registration packet.
Ticket Sales:
Tickets for Special Events are sold on a first-come, first served basis. ALL SALES FINAL AFTER SEPTEMBER 3, 2010 on Special Event Tickets.
Hotel Information:
To make your hotel accommodations, contact the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort at 800/320-8115. Limited number of room at the Bayside Inn starting at $135.00 for Bayside rooms and $145.00 for Bayview rooms plus 12% taxe. Other rate options throughout the property range from $160.00 to $350.00 plus 12% tax. Please inform the hotel that you are with the Georgia Association of REALTORS® group. Deadline for booking your hotel room with Sandestin is August 23, 2010. Rooms are not guaranteed to be available at the GAR group rate after August 23rd and rooms are based on a first come - first served basis. We strongly suggest attendees book their hotel room as soon as possible to guarantee lodging at the headquarters hotel. At the present time, no overflow hotel has been established. BOOK ONLINE AT: WWW.SANDESTIN.COM AND ENTER GROUP CODE 21C2GR.
Attire:
Attire for the convention will be business casual for all meetings, networking functions and educational session. The exception being the Friday night Banquet which is black-tie optional.
How to participate in the GAR Convention or GRI Room Share Exchange:
1. Send an email to conventions_garealtor.com to be invited to the group.
2. You will receive an email entitled as such: “Google Groups: You've been invited to GAR Convention or GRI Room Share Exchange”
3. Open this email and click the link to accept the invitation.
4. You will then be directed to a page where you can create a Google Group account or sign in if you already have one. You will need an account to participate.
5. You will receive an email from Google entitled “Google Email Verification”, which you must open and verify your email address.
6. Once you join the group, you can view current postings or submit a posting under the “Discussions” header.
7. If you are posting an ad, please following the sample format outlined below; doing so will allow Google Groups to automatically compile similar ads under one header. Of course, you will modify the quantity and gender to meet your preferences.
a. Convention: Seeking (1) Male Roommate
b. GRI: Seeking (2) Female Roommates
8. It will also be helpful if you would include the following information in the body of your email:
a. Dates of arrival and departure
b. Smoking preference
c. Habits (early/late riser, snores, sleep with TV on, etc.)
d. Whether you want people to respond to you only (vs. a posting the entire group can see)
9. In order to specify how your message is posted, click “more options” located to the right of the posting header, then click “Reply” for a public response or “Reply to author” for a private message.
If you have questions or need assistance regarding GAR Convention Room Share Exchange, please contact Rebecca Deshazo at 678-597-4134 or conventions_garealtor.com.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West
Destin, FL 32550-7268
(850) 267-8000
GPS Coordinates: 30.378230, -86.330954
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is located on the Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Panama City, eight miles east of Destin. Of all the Southeast resorts, Sandestin offers the most desirable year-round sand, surf and golf vacation experience for families and groups. The 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the premier destination in Northwest Florida. Sandestin is the only resort in the area situated on both the Intercoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico.
Click here for more driving directions and airport information.
Driving Directions From Atlanta:
This route is primarily on a four-lane highway and takes approximately 5.5 hours.
For the latest information on the Gulf of Mexico and how it affects Sandestin, click here.
Online Registration Opens February 3
Check back after February 10, for more information.
Click here to register online.
Take advantage of Early Bird savings! Register online on or before August 17, 2010, for only $159! After August 1, the price will increase to $199 until September 3. After September 3, only on-site registrations will be accepted. The on-site registration price is $239.
Click here to see who has already signed up to attend the 2010 Annual Convention & Trade Expo. Please allow up to ten business days for registered attendee names to be listed. Please use the links below to download the appropriate forms. Please send completed forms to Rebecca DeShazo via fax at 770-458-6992 or via email at rdeshazo_garealtor.com.
Note: if you have already registered (either online or via the paper form) and wish to purchase additional tickets, please use the Registration Change Form.
Paper Registration Form
Transfer Request Form
Registration Change Form
Current Exhibitors
Click Here to download the Trade Expo Schedule of Events.
For More Resources Such as the Following Click Here
Floor Plan
Booth Rental Form
10 Reasons to be a Exhibitor
Contact Rebecca DeShazo for information on becoming a vendor at the 2010 Annual Convention & Trade Expo.
Georgia Association of REALTORS® 770.451.1831 3200 Presidential Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, 30340 www.garealtor.com
