November - rockford area association of realtors

The Voice For Real Estate in the Greater Rockford Area
November/2004
Recognizing RAAR’S
Excellence
through its
Members

November is a
time of year to
set aside some
time to look
back at our successes
and our
mishaps.
Though we are
fast approaching the end of the year, we can
still review where we had positive and negative
results in our business. Most importantly
we can take great pride in the service we
gave to our clients.
If we are to move forward in the constant
task of improving ourselves, taking a thorough
introspection is most important.
Revisiting where we have been helps us to
be grateful for what we have today. We are
able to be thankful for those relationships
we’ve been able to develop, and the people
in those relationships.
Our Association is no different in this annual
exercise of reflection upon its pitfalls and
accomplishments. I thought we might experience
some nostalgia and take a look over
the last ten years and what some of the Past
Presidents’ outlook and feelings were for us
then.
The 1995 president Jean Crosby states, “If
we hesitate and do not remain on the cutting
edge of information technology, we will no
longer be the center-core of the Real Estate
Transaction.”
1996 President, Ernie Hunter, had this to say,
“The next logical step on this technological
ladder is for Brokers and Agents to launch a
more strategic marketing campaign by placing
themselves and their listings On-Line.”
1997 President, Jonathan Krause, commented
on our Association, “...consider what it
would be like to have no membership at all,
and then draw our conclusions as to
whether the dues and fees are worth it. First
and most obvious would be the lack of any
comprehensive data base for disseminating
listing information. Would we get all the
newest listings in a timely fashion? What
would we do for sold comps?”
1998 President, Patricia Brake, expresses her
viewpoint by saying, “We are all an
Association of common goals and wishes to
provide housing at an affordable price, for
everyone. We all share a common goal of
understanding each other and working
together for everyone’s fulfillment.”
The 1999 President, David Dale Johnson,
says, “Your Rockford Area Association of
REALTORS® is recognized as being among
the most progressive and professional
Associations in the nation. We should anticipate
changes that are likely to occur,
embrace them, and identify how we as
REALTORS® and individuals can capitalize
on them.”
The New Millennium 2000 President, Dan
Marske, proudly expresses his concerns,
“There is a topic in our country I feel cannot
President’s Message
by Lee Nalewanski, 2004 President
be talked enough about or too much attention
given- professional safety. The Education
committee of RAAR has recently developed
a REALTOR Watch and Safety Program. It is
one of only a few such programs in our
country.”
Frank Wehrstein, our 2001 President, directs
the Association by stating his viewpoint, “I
am a firm believer that by going to these
conventions and actively participating in the
vast array of programs, conferences and seminars,
agents are able to see first hand, all
that is happening in our industry and in the
world of Real Estate.”
2002 President, Brad Auker, expresses his
opinion by saying, “I imagine that by now
most all of the REALTORS® have been
trained on our new internet based MLS. Isn’t
it fantastic! ... at the National Business
Meetings in Washington D.C., Terrie and I
were at the Expo and we decided to take a
look at other vendor’s MLS systems. I was
amazed at what was being offered. Email
capabilities, client and prospect management,
drop down boxes for everything. We
had started the design for our internet based
system but no one really knew what it would
look like. I knew ours would be good.”
2003 RAAR President, Carl Wasco, states,
“RAAR Objectives: to encourage, foster and
maintain high standards of conduct in the
transaction of real estate business as
expressed in the REALTOR Code of Ethics
and provide a facility for the education and
the exchange of information, business methods
and transactions with other REALTORS®
for the purpose of raising the standards of
real estate practice and preserving property
rights in the public interest.”
And finally, 2004 President, Jackie Combs,
informs us by saying, “I recently attended
the Illinois State convention held in
Rosemont. There seemed to be two topics
that had many discussions surrounding
them. First, the National Do Not Call
Registry...the Do Not Call Registry has been
reactivated and those engaged in cold-calling
should register. The second issue that still
seemed to have people confused was the
new web based VOWS (virtual office websites).”
What more can be said? Looking back, I am
thankful that we were fortunate to have had
good leadership representing us. Thanks to
all the Past Presidents and their leadership
teams for having vision and being prepared
to guide us through times of change. Be
grateful, do something nice for someone
else, call a long time friend and let them
know you appreciate their friendship, take
the time to hug your loved ones, be kind to
yourself... you deserve it. Have a good
Thanksgiving everyone! Live long and prosper.
– Lee Nalewanski, 2005 President
2
…thru
the GRAPEVINE
A ROCKFORD AREA
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®
PUBLICATION
6776 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 395-6776 • FAX (815) 395-6770
Raarmls.com
2004-2005 OFFICERS
President:
Lee Nalewanski
President-elect:
Jim Barbagallo
Secretary/Treasurer:
Ginger Sreenan
2004-2005 DIRECTORS
Tracy Eastman
Tom Ewing
Vickie Krueger
Paul Gambino
Karl Gasbarra
Linda Matthews-Elliott
Diane Meltmar
Joyce Niehaus
Jackie Combs
Chief Executive Officer:
Terrie Hall
Managing Editor:
Jacqueline Cozzi, Director
2004-2005 Grapevine Committee:
Peggy Werner
Barb Doty
Linda Fleming
Kay Galloway
Lynn Hansel
Alan Huston
Anthony Jenkins
Barb Key
Janie Neuschwander
Kathy Roos
Audrey Thompson
Brian Thompson
Pat Young
Opinions expressed in any signed articles of this
publication are those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the opinions of the
Rockford Area Association of REALTORS ® .

2 0 0 4 - 2 0 0 5
Officers and Directors
Jim Barbagallo
President-Elect
Jackie Combs
One Year Director
Paul Gambino
Two Year Director
Linda Matthews-Elliott
One Year Director
John Howard of
Dickerson & Nieman
was named, by the
Past Presidents, the
2004 Individual
of the Year on Friday,
September 24th.
John has officially become an
Association icon and deservedly so.
He has served two terms as a Board of
Director, several years as RPAC Chair,
Lee Nalewanski
President
Tracy Eastman
One Year Director
Karl Gasbarra
Two Year Director
Diane Meltmar
Two Year Director
Ginger Sreenan
Secretary/Treasurer
Tom Ewing
Two Year Director
Vickie Krueger
One Year Director
Joyce Niehaus
One Year Director
3
RPAC Major Donors-
Year Ending June 2004
Again, the Rockford Area Association
of REALTORS®, not only hit the mark,
but they exceeded it in their Annual
RPAC Contributions. Reaching 280%
of the NAR established goal, based on
$15 per member, RAAR collected
$36,911. RAAR’s RPAC Committee
will continue their efforts to increase
the member participation level from
its current 55%. To be considered an
RPAC participant, one must contribute
at least $20. Of the $36,911,
$16,937.40 was collected from the
annual dues statement. RPAC is an
insurance policy for your career...
..make it a part of your business plan
in 2005 to become a participant by
donating at least $20! Below is a list
of the major donors for year ending
June 30, 2004. A full list of contributors
will follow in a future mailing.
Crystal “R”s ($2,500)
Frank Wehrstein
Sterling “R”s
($1,000)
Jim Barbagallo
Jackie Combs
Dick Crosby
Jean Crosby
David Dale Johnson
Jan Mansfield
Sandra McTernan
Lee Nalewanski
John Howard named 2004 Outstanding Individual of the Year
Chair of Professional Standards, devoted
many hours to serving diligently on
the Member Services Committee, MLS
Committee, and Social Committee.
John also teaches the NAR required
ethics training. And, last but not least,
he will always be known as Mr Play
Day for he has served as Chair of that
committee for more years then he
probably would like to admit.
Mr. Howard is also active in his com-
Governor’s Club
($500)
Karen Barbagallo
Terrie Hall
Darcy Thorp
Stephanie Tonnies
Carl Wasco
Mike Dunn
Audrea Thompson
munity by volunteering for his church,
St. Bridgetts. In addition to all of his
time volunteering, John also spends
quality time with his wife Maria and
two children Ryan and Becky.
In addition to the recognition that John
received from the Association, his family
recognized him that night as well at a
surprise 50th birthday party following
the Installation Dinner. Kudos to you
John!

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A Star Spangled Evening
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2004 Installation Dinner
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LATEST SCUTTLEBUTT
Recent Illinois Disciple Cases
Several broker licenses were indefinitely
suspended or canceled and refused
renewal for two years for failure to complete
continuing education requirements
for the 2002 renewal period.
A broker license was reprimanded and a
$500 fine was assessed for, while serving
as a managing broker, the broker failed
to ensure that earnest money checks on
three HUD/VA transactions were
deposited and disbursed in a timely
manner.
A broker license was suspended for 12
months for a managing broker who
failed to obtain a real estate broker corporation
license for a corporation, failed
to supervise the real estate activities of
the corporation and, as a result, allowed
a salesperson to manage the corporation
and an unlicensed person to engage in
real estate activities on behalf of the corporation.
Several broker’s licenses were refused
renewal for failure to satisfy Illinois tax
liabilities. (IDFPR, August 2004)
Wireless Subscribers Protected
According to NAR, the Federal
Communications Commission’s rules
regulating “mobil service commercial
messages” (MSCMs) issued August 12,
require any business seeking to send a
commercial electronic mail message to
first check the FCC’s wireless domain
name list to assure that the commercial
message is not being sent to any of the
listed domains, as the sender needs,
“express prior authorization” from the
MSCC recipient in order to send commercial
messages to those individuals.
The rules prohibit the sending of MSCMs
unless: 1) the sender has the express
prior authorization of the recipient; 2)
the sender is forwarding message to
his/her device; 3) the person forwarding
the message has not received any sort of
inducement from the original sender nor
does the MSCM promote a product of
the sender; or 4) the recipient’s domain
name is not found on the list of commercial
mobile service domain names
posted on the FCC’s Web site. (NAR,
9/04, FCC, 8/04)
Asians Rank High in Income
According to Kang & Lee Advertising’s
Asian American Market section of the
firm’s Web site, Asians have the highest
percent of households in the $75,000 or
above annual income. The section
includes data such as population size,
ethnic composition, language preference,
income, purchasing power and
more. A link to the site can be found in
IAR’s International Section of the Web
site. (American Demographics, 8/04)
“Fair Pay” Regulations
Workers earning $23,660 annually or
less are eligible for overtime pay for
working more than 40 hours a week.
Read the Illinois Chamber’s analysis of
the new regulations including “10 Things
Every Employer Must Do to Comply with
DOL’s New Overtime Regulations.”
www. ilchamber.org
Social Security Number Requirement
Restricted
Use of social security numbers is
restricted by amendments to the
Consumer Fraud and Deceptive
Business Practices Act, effective July 1,
2006. Among the stipulations, the Act
prohibits a requirement that a user must
give his or her social number as a prerequisite
to access an Internet Web site
“unless a password or unique personal
identification number or other authentication
device is also required to access
the Internet Web site.” For more information,
see Legal Case Studies in the
September 2004 edition of the
Designated REALTOR Exclusive newsletter.
(IAR Legal Counsel, September
2004)
IAR Contributes to Hurricane Relief
The IAR Executive Committee voted to
contribute to NAR’s Relief Foundation to
aid REALTORS® and victims of the hurricanes
in Florida. To date dozens of
REALTOR® Associations and hundreds
of members have contributed to the fund
for a total of $785,000.
Phishing Scam Brochure Available
The Federal Bank, Thrift and Credit
Union agencies have published a
brochure with information to help you
identify and combat the Internet scam
known as “phishing,.” The term is a play
on the word “fishing,” and that’s exactly
what Internet thieves are doing – fishing
for confidential financial information,
such as account numbers and passwords.
With enough information, a con
artist can run up bills on another
person’s identity. To obtain a copy go to
http://www.occ.treas.gov/consumer/Phis
hBrochFINAL-SCREEN.pdf
6
RAAR AWARDED
FAIR HOUSING
GRANT
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
REALTORS® Equal Opportunity Cultural
Diversity Committee selected the
Rockford Area Association of REAL-
TORS® and its Equal Opportunity
Committee and Affordable Housing
Committee to be the recipient of a
$3,000 grant in recognition of its innovation
and support to NAR’s diversity
objectives. “The Association’s actions
and program will serve as models for
other Associations across the nation.”
states Fred Underwood, Senior Policy
Representative of NAR.
Some of the projects and efforts that
have been implemented to fulfill the
objectives stated in NAR’s strategic plan
have been, a clothing drive for the
underprivileged trying to enter the workforce,
sponsorship of the At Home With
Diversity Certification Course,
Accessibility Equipment Drive for those
with disabilities, establishment of
alliances with grassroots organizations
that support fair housing, implementation
of a window display in a blighted
area that promotes homeownership, the
sponsorship of educational programs
with representatives from HUD and
FHA, and participation in the Rockford
Area Affordable Housing Coalition
Annual Home Buyer Fair.
Expanding the diversity of the
Association leadership, developing
strategies that will foster fair housing,
and increasing the relevance of the
Association in the community are
always important and will continue to
be a priority as the Association’s efforts
continue into the future.
The Rockford Area Association of REAL-
TORS® Equal Opportunity Committee
and the Affordable Housing Committee
are to be commended for their initiative
and passion to keep the membership
educated while promoting fair housing
and encouraging homeownership.

Don’t Forget Your
Favorite Charities
this Holiday Season
For the past several years the
Grapevine Committee has provided a
list of local organizations that would
welcome your consideration during
the holiday season. If you would like
to contribute to an organization this
holiday season and are not sure where
or how to handle your gift, below are
just a few of the many charitable
opportunities that are available.
Obviously, there are too many to name
them all, therefore, a website is being
provided for additional assistance in
locating various local organizations in
need. Rockfordnonprofits.com
A new one has been added to the list
and suggestions are always welcome
for future printing. Many of you have
probably heard of the Annual
Christmas Walk which features decorated
homes throughout the city. What
many of you may not have realized is
that all the proceeds generated from
the event go to Changepoints, Inc., a
not for profit corporation funding
scholarships for people who are
unable to pay for the mental health
they need. The event will be held on
Saturday, December 4th from 11:00
a.m to 5:00 p.m. Various retail stores
will be offering discounts to those who
present their attendance ticket stubs.
Tickets can be purchased for $25 at
Lonnie’s Carpet Max, Village Green
and Oman & Oman Counseling. For
more information call Changepoints,
Inc. at 639-9405.
Holiday Specific Programs:
Sponsoring Organization:
Patriots Gateway
Program:
Adopt a Family or Child Program
Suggested Contributions: Toys and/or
Monetary gifts
Contact Person:
Barb or Denise 967-0413
Address:
615 S. 5th Street
Sponsoring Organization:
Rockford Reach-Out Jail Ministries
Program:
Angle Tree Program
Suggested Contributions:
Physical or monetary gifts to be given
to children of incarcerated adults
Contact Person:
Laura DeVries (987-5933)
Sponsoring Organization:
Rockford Register Star
Program:
Empty Stocking Club
Suggested Contributions:
Monetary gifts that will purchase toys
Contact Person:
Nancy Rainwater (987-1228)
Mailing Address:
C/O Amcore Bank
P.O. Box 1537
Rockford, IL 61110
Sponsoring Organization:
Nancy J. Smith America Red Cross
Program:
Benefits those at the homeless shelter
Suggested Contributions:
Monetary gifts, essentials, soap, socks
Address:
809 Cedar Street
Sponsoring Organization:
Rockford Girls and Boys Club
Program:
Christmas Program
Suggested Contributions:
Gifts for all children’s age groups
Contact:
Darlene (972-5973)
Address:
330 15th Ave.
Other Not-For-Profit Organizations:
(AC = Acceptable Contributions)
Goodwill
4618 E. State Street
965-7810
(AC): Most items accepted
Park Panty
5441 Harlem Rd
654-8783
(AC): Food Items
Rockford Rescue Mission
715 W. State Street
965-5332
(AC): Food, Clothing, furniture, appliances,
monetary gifts
Rock River Chapter of Red Cross
727 N. Church Street
Contact: Rahim Balsara (963-8471)
(AC): Monetary Gifts
7
Salvation Army (Bell Ringers)
(AC): Cash
The MILL (Motivating Individuals for
Learning & Living)
Contact: Richard Gubbe (877-3440
ext.#123)
AC): Event Tickets, Sports Equipment,
Gift Certificates, Monetary Gifts
Charity Guide
• Money and property items are tax
deductible provided they are given
to an organization that is classified
by the IRS as a 501 (C)
Organization.
• Although a receipt is not required
by the IRS for donations of less than
$250, it is recommended to maintain
records of all contributions.
• Larger donations such as automobiles
and property, certified
appraisals are necessary.
• Tax deductions must be filed in
the same year as the donation.
• Cash donations must be separate
from property donations when you
itemize your deductions on your
1040 form.
Outstanding
Committee
Recognized
The Member Services
Committee, chaired
by Brad Auker, was
recognized on Friday,
September 24th as
the Outstanding
Committee of the
Year.
Some of the recommendations that
came out of this committee were as
follows:
• Replacement of hard copy mailing
with online mailing
• Establishments of fines for violations
• Offering AAA memberships at
reduced fees
• Augmentation of online payment
• Offering of Pocket Real Estate
Software Program
• Updating Lock Box Policy

Mark Your Calendars!
Meetings are held at Association offices unless otherwise noted.
November
3-8 NAR Convention- Orlando
4- Affordable Housing Committee 9:00 a.m.
5- Grapevine Committee 12:00 p.m.
11- General Membership Breakfast Meeting- Forest Hills Country Club
Speaker: Dennis Thompson, Rockford School Superintendent
8:30 Breakfast- 9:00 Program
12- CE- Nancy Morgan- AGY466/RD912
16- Equal Opportunity Committee 11:00 a.m.
16- Education Committee 1:30 p.m.
18- WCR Luncheon- Forest Hills Country Club
18-19 Supra Basic and Palm Training
19- RPAC Committee 11:30 a.m.
29- GRI week begins- Peoria, IL
December
7-9 Indoctrination
16- Holiday Open House 5 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
24- Association Offices Closed
31- Association Offices Closed
January
13- Professional Standards- Lisle,IL
20- CE- Jean Crosby- COR-A-1608/COR-B-1614
25-26 GRI- Schaumburg, IL
February
1-2 GRI- Schaumburg, IL
17- CE- Lynn Mandison-COR1627A/AGY452
March
18- CE-Lynn Madison-COR1628B/LL115
April
CE- Jean Crosby-COR1611A/COR1618B
Note: Making note of events on one’s calendar does not replace the registration
process. Registration forms for all events will be mailed at a later time and must
be submitted with payment to reserve a seat.
Rockford Area Association of REALTORS ® September Comparative Sales
HOUSES AND CONDOS
2004 2003 2004 YTD 2003 YTD
Sales 558 619 5145 4950
Volume $74,536,379 $75,096,431 $647,807,723 $599,624,210
New Listings 901 745 7793 7047
Average Sale $133,578 $121,319 125,910 121,136
Current Listings 2152 1861
8
Member Meanderings
AGENTS
Dropped
Samir Ogorinac, Greg Hackman Realtors
Todd Harmsen, Dickerson & Nieman
John Stenerson, Dickerson & Nieman
Lynette Eberhardt, Gambino, GMAC-Roscoe
Christine Darby, Dickerson & Nieman
Jay Halpin, Gambino, GMAC
Jill Torre, Prudential Crosby
Wanda Whitaker, McKiski
James Mathenia, Whitehead Inc-Roscoe
Brenda Ricci, Whitehead Inc.- Roscoe
Rhonda Hatton, Whitehead Inc.-Roscoe
Ken Ledene, C-21 Country North-Byron
Transfer
Ernie Hunter, Ranger Realty, LLC
Linda Nicholson, Ranger Realty
Jan Lamb, Gambino, GMAC
Eve Dano, Gambino, GMAC
Kathy Zwick, C-21 Country North
OFFICE
New
Ranger Realty
4930 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
387-1700 Fax 387-1385
Address Change
Real Estate Advantage
404 Mallard Rd.
Winnebago, Il 61088
Phone Change
Pioneer Real Estate
229-0946
AFFILIATES
New
1st Step Mortgage
309 South Towne
Belvidere, IL 61114
Contact: Shane Hartje
Dropped
HCP Mortgage
ALL CLASSES
2004 2003 2004 YTD 2003 YTD
Sales 664 673 5870 5472
Volume $80,958,674 $81,088,613 708,684,136 $651,789,504
New Listings 1054 883 9333 8327
Average Sale $121,926 $120,488 120,730 $119,114
Current Listings 2932 2658