Course Creators will be at the Tucson Association of REALTORS® Expo at the Tucson Convention Center on Thursday, September 15th. We will be demonstrating how to use videos as part of the educational demonstrations throughout the day. We have lots more to share with ya’all  and we look forward to seeing ya’all there.

This years Expo offers agents FREE admission. FREE parking and a FREE classes. There are lots of things occurring at this year’s expo so take a look at the Full Event Schedule/Activities. Do not miss the education class in the morning from national speaker and trainer, Terri Murphy, “High Customer Care for Today’s Buyers and Sellers” from 9:00 – 12:00. We have had the opportunity to hear Terri at other national events. She possesses a wealth of knowledge, will give you practical ideas that you can actually use to build your business and she will be fun and entertaining. You will not be disappointed. You must register with TAR in advance in order to attend Terri’s session. Why not do that today?

Stop By And See Us at Booth #707 in the Education Corral

You are going to have a ball at this year’s Expo. We promise as always to bring you education and information so that you “Get It! Use It! and Become More Successful Because of It.” We look forward to seeing you there. The Expo lasts from 10am to 4pm at the TCC (260 S. Church Ave.).  This is the ultimate education and networking event for REALTORS® in Southern Arizona.

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs. General By Course Creators 520.360.0280

What does FHA look like today?  FHA loans are on the rise so it is critical to know the current requirements for these products. Determine how you can use them to help your clients and close more transactions in the months ahead?

In a distressed market, buyers are looking for ways to be able to make the repairs and rehab a property.  Enter the FHA 203(K) program! Learning what it is and how it works add to the information you need in your arsenal.

Innovative and Renovative Lending

Sponsored By: Fidelity National Title

Held At: 6760 N. Oracle Rd., #100, Tucson, AZ

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Tuesday, September 13, 2011

QR (Quick Response) Codes are rapidly becoming all the rage and we get asked questions about them all of the time. The use of QR codes by real estate agents is being discussed lots of places in articles like one entitled “More Real Estate Agents Using QR Codes to Share Information,” recently published in the Southwest Missourian. A QR Code is a type of matrix barcode or two dimensional code designed to be read by smartphones (such as a Droid or iPhone). The codes consist of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. They are simply an easy way to direct an end user to a specific URL (website location) more easily. Previously, for example in the world of real estate, we would have just put our website (Go to www.BuyAHouse) on a FOR SALE sign. Today we have the ability to put a QR code on the sign and when smart phone users scan the image they can be directly to that site automatically. Because the QR code can take the user to any URL that exists on the internet, we could have chosen to redirect the user to just the listing, a virtual tour, a YouTube video or additional homes for sale (any specific page or URL). A video has even been created regarding how to creatively use QR codes. Here is what we need to know:

1. You can generate a QR code for FREE. Use Google’s URL Shortener. On this site for those with a FREE Google account, you simply cut and paste the URL that you would like the QR code to be linked to. The Google tool will generate a shortened URL and if you click on “Details” it wil provide you with a QR code to that site. Simply copy and paste the QR code into any printed material.

2.The other benefit of utilizing a QR code is that it can be tracked. For example, you can return to Google’s URL Shortener site where you created the code and bey clicking on “Details” you will know how many times and on what dates your QR code was scanned by someone. Free sites like Google’s URL Shortener will track the number of scans, but it will not capture the user’s contact information.

3. In order to have a QR code which when scanned captures the user’s information (such as their email or phone number you will have to choose a proprietary system that enables you to do that. Like most free QR codes, Google’s system does not include that feature. If you would like to know more about what those types of services are and how they work, one of the most successful ones is found at ReadMyRear.Com.

4. To use your smartphone to scan a QR code you will have to download an application for your phone that reads these codes. Which one will work for you will depend on the type of phone that you have. Search the code reader for your phone and download the application.

QR codes are being used in a lot of creative and interesting ways. It will benefit all of us to know more about them and the ways people are using them to create more busines.

Last week 24/7 Wall Street posted a blog denoting America’s Ten Sickest Housing Markets. Tucson was ranked #1. Before you buy into all of the negative hype and media information, we think that there are a few additional things that you need to know.

Turns out many of the cities mentioned are up in arms about their rankings and a simple Google search will lead you to a lot of protest comments by the folks in Atlanta, Oklahoma City and elsewhere that were singled out as the sickest markets.

In Tucson, we believe that the analysis, commentary and even the overall message of the post misses the point.

For a more accurate and useful presentation of information…check out the Sound Rebuttal on the link below. This blog post is for anyone who lives, works, plays or invests in Tucson, AZ.  If you agree with the opinions expressed here, please share this article!  Enjoy!

To READ the SOUND REBUTTAL just click here!

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs. General Course Creators 520.360.0280

Investors and second home buyers are coming back into the market. We want to help you get your fair share of this market by understanding who they are and the characteristics of the homes that they are buying. Do you know what is important to meeting and serving the needs of this market sector?  If not, join us and find out how you can serve these clients in the US as well as Mexico and Canada!

Treasured Properties and Their Owners



Sponsored By: Title Security

Held At: 6390 E. Tanque Verde, Tucson, AZ

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Monday, July 18, 2011

We all agree that real estate is changing faster than ever before.  The key is to provide millionaire service by understanding client needs in this shifting market place.  Join us for the day and you WILL be able  to integrate proven agency strategies to succeed in good, bad and mediocre time.  Providing consistent millionaire service will increase the consistency of your business, reduce the stress in your life and satisfy your clients.

Two best selling books have set the format for these revolutionary continuing education courses. The Millionaire Real Estate Agent & Shift both offer some of the principles, concepts and models that will be discussed for your success in caring for your clients!

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Sponsored By: 
Keller Williams Southern Arizona. 

Held At:
Tucson Association of REALTORS – 2445 N. Tucson Blvd.,
Tucson, AZ

Thursday, July 8th

To register for Providing Millionaire Service, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM:

http://mreaclass.eventbrite.com

To register for SHIFTing Your Focus, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM:

http://shiftclass.eventbrite.com

For students today who joined us at the Tucson Association of REALTORS for the course; “Commissioners’ Rules Applied to Ethical Practices Today”, here is the link to the advertising article at the Arizona Association of REALTORS written by Tom Adams and Michelle Lind.

Thanks for joining us in class.

Remember when we first started talking about short sales and REO’s and some of the agents jumped on the bandwagon early, saw the opportunities of a trend, built relationships with lenders and closed lots of REO and short sale transactions because they established their place in that market early? Remember how you wondered where they got all those listings? Opportunities are always present in real estate if you understand the trends and move early on them.Don’t miss out this time around.

In Tucson, Arizona you are at the start of a strong investor trend. Get ready now. We are not the only ones who think so.  On June 3rd Inman News released an in depth special report “10 Best Markets for Real Estate Investors.” The report analyzed a number of factors that investors look at including, pricing, anticipated appreciation market rents and other factors and ranked Tucson as the 4th best market in the United States. Get a copy of the full report.

Among the statistics that are appearing in our industry:

• Investors accounted for 21 percent of transactions in the first three months of 2011, and 33 percent of transactions during that period involved cash buyers — the highest share since NAR began tracking that statistic at the end of 2008.

• Distressed property sales including foreclosures and short sales accounted for 40 percent of existing-home sales in March, NAR said, and investors bought 54 percent of those properties, according to economic research firm Capital Economics.

As we begin to clear out the inventory of distressed properties there is going to be a huge demand for capable, qualified and competitive companies to complete repairs on properties to either make them ready for sale, improve them so that investors can rent them out or make repairs so that the property can be resold at higher value to profit investors. This whole process can be extremely time consuming. The process of inspecting the property, gathering bids, coordinating subcontractors and supervising the repair work, permits and certifications is daunting. As real estate professionals we should be ready to provide sound alternatives and easy options to investors, REO asset managers and other buyers who are dealing with purchasing distressed properties.

In our market companies such as Marlboro Development LLC offer agents and buyers a one-stop shopping solution. Most REO asset managers and HUD 203(K) lenders require a licensed contractor such as Marlboro Development, LLC. With a simple phone call and  at no cost, Marlboro Development, LLC will do an in-depth property inspection and review items delineated by the asset manager or potential investor buyer as needing repair. They address both minor and major repairs including:

• Plumbing and fixture repair and/or replacement
• Roofing and structural issues and repairs
• Painting, Landscaping and Property Clean Up
• Electrical and HVAC systems
• Service restoration
• Stucco and drywall repair
• Permits & zoning issues
• Carpeting and floor recovering
• Appliances & Cabinetry

Marlboro will review the property, issue a written bid and provide other documentation required by asset managers and lenders. The comprehensive one-stop property bid is provided free of charge to real estate agents and/or potential buyers. The client is under no obligation to complete any specific repairs and will only incur costs for work which they select from the bid list. Once the client has requested repairs from the bids provided,Marlboro handles the obtainment of all necessary permits, schedules the work, supervises the subcontractors and completes the work within the tight time frames required in today’s real estate transactions. It costs your investor, bank client or buyer NOTHING to get a free bid so that you can compare it with other repair options.

This is a great ancillary service provider to have at your availability given he number of distressed properties and the return of investors to the market. Why wouldn’t we get free bids on all properties and use it to market the property or offer it as an additional item of value to our buyers.

Click here to become a fan of Marlboro on facebook today. If you want a bid you can also call (520) 490-8825 or email: Mark1003@MSN.Com

FLAT FEE SEPTIC SERVICE:

Right now Marlboro Development is offering a flat fee for bank owned properties of $765.00 that includes the labor to dig up the septic, the pumping (1250 Gallon) tank, disposal fee, inspection and Pima County’s certification. The price does not include any repairs necessary to pass the inspection. It repairs are required, the owner and agent are notified to obtain approval. Water must be available at the property to run a leach field test and flush the toilets. Acccess to the property must be provided and certifications can be obtained for properties outside of Pima County

Are you struggling to get noticed on the Internet?

Do you want people to notice you and become your fans?

Then you will want to come to this FREE 1 hour presentation on how to successfully
market yourself, get noticed and develop a loyal business following on the internet!

Let us show you in one hour how to click your way to:

• Positioning yourself as the expert that you are and
have fun doing it!
• Examples to drive your business.
• Social Media is not magic, it’s the key to attracting &
engaging your business audience on the internet today.
• Using Facebook, You Tube, Trulia, Zillow and Linkedin
in your business.
• Nurture relationships and build momentum

These FREE 1 Hour Sessions Are Sponsored by Fairway Mortgage at one of 4 locations on June 23, 2011

9:00am Fairway Mortgage 5401 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 101
10:30am Fairway Mortgage 5401 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 101
1:30pm Fairway Mortgage 5151 E. Broadway, Suite 1700
3:00pm Fairway Mortgage 5151 E. Broadway, Suite 1700

You MUST REGISTER for this event due to limited seating. To register email

Kris@CourseCreators.com, or

Call (520) 360-0280

If you are interested in a private session, click here or call 520.360.0280!

Real Estate CE 3 Hrs. General Course Creators 520.360.0280

Investors and second home buyers are coming back into the market. We want to help you get your fair share of this market by understanding who they are and the characteristics of the homes that they are buying. Do you know what is important to meeting and serving the needs of this market sector? If not, join us and find out how you can serve these clients in the US as well as Mexico and Canada!

Treasured Properties and Their Owners

Sponsored By: Tucson Association of REALTORS®

Held At: 2445 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ

9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Wednesday, June 22, 2011