GSAR Hot News - County Executive McMahon and NAR Chief Economist Yun headline Aug. 20 Raising the Bar #3

Top Headlines for August 14

County Executive McMahon, NAR Chief Economist Yun headline next week's Raising the Bar #3

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon will deliver a county update and NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun will provide an economic update during Raising the Bar #3 on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m.

Yun will share his insight on the national economy as well as a look into our local marketplace and the economic impact of COVID-19.

Following Yun's presentation, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon will provide us with an update on the state of the county.

Click here to register for this informative event. Here is a flyer to share with your fellow agents.

Thank you to our sponsor, Empower Federal Credit Union

Remember, if you attend all 4 Raising the Bar seminars OR 3 Seminars and Community day (which was held on March 4) you will receive a 20-percent discount on your local GSAR dues for 2021!

Consumers, REALTORS® should be wary of stimulus package scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning this week about scammers targeting consumers with a variety of scams related to the yet-to-be-determined second federal stimulus package.

REALTORS® and their clients and customers should be aware of mortgage assistance scams that offer help in exchange for an upfront payment. "It's illegal for companies to charge you before they help you with your mortgage, but that doesn’t stop scammers from trying," wrote the FTC's Jennifer Leach in a blog post. "If you find yourself behind on your mortgage, talk with your mortgage servicer right away to see what options you have." Learn more about the current round of scams here.

Many GSAR members regularly take advantage of the discounted BJ's Wholesale Club membership benefit. To take advantage of the current sign-up opportunity, sign up using the links below before September 15.

New BJ's members save between $30 and $60 for an annual membership! Renewing members save between $15 and $30, and receive an extra month of membership! Click here for the flyer with more details on each program

If you are a renewing BJ's member, use this application

If you are a new BJ's member, use this application

Applications must be submitted by email to teneyck@cnyrealtor.com by September 15. Sorry, no exceptions.

MLS Tips

Keep an eye out for the CNYIS billing

The next semi-annual billing for CNYIS is on its way to you. The bills were sent to your broker, so be sure to check your office mailbox for your bill. This payment is due on or before September 15 and covers MLS service for Oct. 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. You can click here to view your balance and make a payment in your member portal.

Tips for mastering adding and editing listings in Matrix

In this video tutorial, you'll learn about the general workflow of adding and editing a listing. Matrix has many YouTube videos available to teach you tips and tricks of the program. Within Matrix, click on the "Help" tab and "Matrix Video Tutorials."

Education

Matrix classes scheduled in August

for beginners and advanced users

Check out these virtual Matrix classes taking place this month. There's something for everyone. If you are just learning Matrix, or if you are a seasoned agent looking for some more advanced tips and features of the program, there's a class for you. Register for these and all education classes here in your member portal.

Matrix Intro Part 1

August 19 - 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. via Zoom

Get started with Matrix, one of the most important tools in your real estate toolbox! You'll learn how to use all of the buttons, widgets and menu options on the homepage. Methods of searching and working with your contacts will also be covered. Formal training in Matrix will save you time and frustration. Earn 1.5 CEU

Matrix Intro Part 2

August 19 - 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. via Zoom

This is a continuation of “Matrix Intro Part 1.” Learn some of the advanced features of Matrix. Topics include setting up your Hotsheets and Market Watch reports. You'll also learn how to: enter and edit listings; how to search public tax records and the Realist database; and how to print address labels for your prospecting mailings. Earn 1.5 CEU

Matrix 2: Auto E-mail & Customization

August 26 - 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. via Zoom

Save time and make your life easier by learning how to automate client/customer contacts and how to customize your Matrix account. Keep your contacts up to date by setting up automatic e-mails so that Matrix does the work for you! Did you know that you can reverse prospect and track active listing activity? You'll learn how to do that and more in this class. Earn 1.5 CEU

Matrix 3: Comparative Market Analysis

August 26 - 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. via Zoom

The Matrix CMA feature will help you prepare an accurate comparative market analysis for your clients. You'll get tips on how to choose the best comparable properties and how to put the whole report together to present to your client either electronically or in person. Earn 1.5 CEU

Upcoming Virtual Continuing Education

Matrix Intro Part 1

August 19, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Matrix Intro Part 2

August 19, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Stay Inside of Fair Housing Laws to Stay Outside of Jail

August 25, 9 a.m. - noon

Matrix 2: Auto E-mail & Customization

August 26, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Matrix 3: Comparative Market Analysis

August 26, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

View the complete monthly schedule

Weekly webinars and classes weekly calendar on members side of cnyrealtor.com

NOTE: Virtual CE classes require that you have a camera and a microphone. You must view a Zoom tutorial or be familiar with the basic Zoom functions. In order to receive CE credit, you must be visible and be able to communicate verbally during the entire class - no exceptions.

Designation courses still available at drastically reduced prices

Prices go up on September 1, so don't miss out!

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist - was $295, now only $125!

August 17 - 19, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - 12 hours of CE

Specialize in the 50+ real estate market by expanding your knowledge of: current lifestyle and housing trends; how life stages impact real estate choices; and how to develop a network of resources.

CIPS - Asia/Pacific - was $150, now only $50!

August 25 - 27, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - 7.5 hours of CE

This course introduces real estate professionals to the basic skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate international transactions with Asian clients.The course benefits both experienced real estate professionals as well as those just getting started.

Thanks to our sponsors

Member Benefits and Events

Line up your foursomes for GSAR's upcoming golf outing

We know how much our REALTOR® and Affiliate members love this annual event, and we are excited to be able to hold it again this year. Mark your calendars and get your foursomes lined up for September 21 at the Links at Erie Village. In order to bring this event to you in a safe and responsible manner, it will look a little different, but we know everyone will still enjoy golfing together and sharing the day. Keep an eye out for registration information in the coming days in the next HotNews, on the MLS News and Alerts and our private Facebook page.

Join us Monday to learn more about ShowingTime and more in our next T3 seminar

Join Martin Carpenter on August 24 for GSAR's next Tech Tips & Training seminar from 1 - 3 p.m. He will show you tips and tricks for MLS products including "hidden" features of ShowingTime, FastStats, and more. You will walk away with new ways to make use of our MLS products more efficiently!

Thank you to our sponsor, HH&K

GSAR Featured Member Benefit

Delta Sonic Car Wash

Through your GSAR membership, you can receive corporate discounts for car washes, interior cleaning, Super Kiss and more. Your tickets mailed directly to you at no additional charge. The tickets never expire and are good at any location. Plus, you can enjoy the NEW discounted rates for business select monthly unlimited plans for the Super Kiss tag and 10 min. interior tags! Contact Elaine Rallo at 585-797-3592 today and tell her that you are with GSAR.