Some FACTS about the GRI Designation:

- GRI, which stands for Graduate REALTOR® Institute, is a nationally recognized professional real estate designation
- The GRI designation is a real estate industry designation similar to various industry designations such as CPA, MD, CEO, etc.
- The GRI designation is considered the nation’s number one real estate designation
- This designation may only be earned after successfully completing a rigorous educational program. This program requires 92 hours of live course instruction from a statewide faculty selected because of extensive experience in their own areas of expertise.
- This designation is available only to members of the local, state and National Association of REALTORS®
- GRI is recognized nationwide as the standard for real estate professionalism and knowledge.
- The GRI designation is granted through the California Association of REALTORS® whose courses of study meet the standards established by the National Association of REALTORS®

We congratulate Amanda on her graduation!

Restaurants with Senior Discounts

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigans: discount varies by location
Bobs Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain Ds Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCis Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culvers: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off bakers dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gattis Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardees: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silvers: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
McDonalds: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak˜n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
White Castle : 10% off (62+)

Retail and Apparel with Senior Discounts

Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belks: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Modells Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
GroceryAlbertsons: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Frys Supermarket: free Frys VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
Great Value Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppes Marketplace: 5% off (62+)
TravelAlaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Travelers Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Activities & EntertainmentAMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa : $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Cell Phone DiscountsAT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)
MiscellaneousGreat Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)

This year we ventured to Downtown Edmond, where I found a local Italian restaurant that had glass blowing for entertainment! Before our reservation we walked around the shops downtown and spent our remaining time at Vintner’s Cellar (a.k.a. The Wine Bar) where we enjoyed a glass of wine and a seasonal fruit and cheese platter. Our sever was very knowledgeable and the cheese platter was delicious! A must for any wine lover.

Italian Jim’s Restaurant & Bella Forte Glass Studio is located just across the street. There’s a wonderful glass sculpture in the front window so you can’t miss it. Italian Jim’s offers an intimate but comfortable dining experience, with great food and friendly service. For a reasonable price, you can reserve the “VIP room” which has a window looking into Bella Forte Glass Studio… allowing you to eat and watch glass creations while you eat!

The artists (Chris and Micah McGahan) came around and introduced themselves. They brought over a beautiful vase and told us they would be making a piece similar in size and shape as it. We watched from inside the restaurant until we ordered, and then went next door so we could get the full experience… and what a difference that made! They Chris and Micah were so informative and friendly. They explained what they were doing and why they were doing it. We learned SO MUCH! From the history of glass making, to the types of tools used (and why), to the coloring, shaping, stretching, blowing, and cooling. It was an amazing experience, and the food was just as good!

I would definitely recommend this restaurant/studio for any type of event. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will never look at glass the same!

Those looking to make home improvements may be able to save some big money thanks to a new energy-efficient rebate program from Oklahoma Natural Gas. Expected to last the next three years, the program has $7.6 million available annually for homeowner rebates on qualifying, energy-efficient natural gas appliances and equipment, offered on a first-come, first-served for units purchased, installed or serviced after September 14th.

Rebate items include:

•$30 Rebate – 26-Point Heating System Checkup
•$150 Rebate – 92% to 95.9% Efficient Natural Gas Furnace or Boiler
•$550 Rebate – 96% Efficient Natural Gas Furnace or Boiler
•$1,950 Rebate – Electric Resistance to Natural Gas Furnace Conversion
•$1,950 Rebate – Natural Gas Back-Up Furnace to Supplement Air Source Heat Pump
•$50 Rebate – Natural Gas to Natural Gas energy factor of .67 or higher
•$250 Rebate – Natural Gas to Tankless Natural Gas energy factor of .82 or higher
•$850 Rebate – Electric to natural gas energy factor of .67 or higher
•Up to $680 – Natural Gas Clothes Dryer
•$750 for Eligible New Home Construction

Jim Roth, a former Oklahoma corporation commissioner writes: Right now, back at your home, apartment, or place of residence, you are probably wasting a ton of money on power you aren’t even using. I am not just talking about the roommate who forgot to turn off the air conditioner on his or her way out of the door, again! I’m talking about the refrigerator running, the wireless router being plugged in, the laptop charging, or many of the other types of appliances that are running inefficiently and costing you extra cash.

As consumers, sometimes we quickly forget how much it actually costs us to turn on that dryer, or take that hot shower. But the reality is, these appliances cost Oklahomans millions of unnecessary dollars each year, just to turn on or heat up. Plus, many of these household items can cause excess pollution in the form of CO2.

Oklahoma Natural Gas has launched an incredible incentive program to help encourage the use of natural gas appliances and increase demand. If you are an overly cautious consumer like I am, you might be wondering what the catch is. The catch is really Oklahoma’s energy future. By increasing the utilization of natural gas, we are helping Oklahoma.

It is a fact that Oklahoma is a rich natural gas state. In some ways, our proven supply is the envy of the world. This blessing is something that will continue to make Oklahoma an energy leader in the United States. Greater utilization of natural gas will drive our economy forward because it’s a native resource.

ONG’s rebate program helps some customers who do the following:

• Install natural gas heating equipment.
• Install natural gas water heaters.
• Install natural gas dryers.
• Construct energy-efficient homes.

The ONG programs motivate customers to begin utilizing natural gas. Because, let’s face it, the facts are in: Utilizing natural gas saves money, it supports our local economy, and it’s much better for the environment. By utilizing these types of appliances, you can potentially cut your bill in half and reduce the amount of harmful CO2 that is emitted by close to 60 percent.

This program highlights some important goals that all Oklahomans should share: reducing energy consumption costs, reducing consumer costs and reducing the impact we have on the environment and economy of Oklahoma. Additionally, these incentives help create a healthier Oklahoma. Better yet, making these changes will improve the value of your home.

Plus, ONG’s program also incentivizes the construction of energy-efficient homes. Building your home to meet more efficient building standards will make you a pioneer. Eventually, home construction in our state and the country will have to be more efficient.

So, why not encourage Oklahoma to be a leader and get ahead of the curve?

*Article from About.com and JournalRecord.com
*Image from Google

All my listings are submitted to various 3rd-party Real Estate websites. All these calls happened to be directed from Trulia.com. I told the first caller it was under contract and was never for rent. On my next call I asked a few more questions and found that someone had listed my condo… all bills paid… for $650 a month! Again.. ALL BILLS PAID! No wonder I was getting so many calls! I asked the gentlemen if he would forward the email response.

In the email, the scammer was using the same last name of my client saying they were missionaries overseas and just wanted someone they could trust to take care of their property. It also went on to say to disregard the Realtor’s sign in the yard or what they may see on the internet about the property… that it was no longer for sale!

Also, coincidentally, the same week I was contacted by a buyer wanting to purchase an $800,000 house I have listed. She said she was a cash buyer who had recently “inherited” money. When I asked to see her proof of funds, she sent me a copy of a letter from Nigeria stating she had inherited 6 million dollars! Talk about a major RED FLAG… but there are people out there who are too trusting and indeed fall for these kinds of things!

In talking with several Realtor friends of mine, I found that many are receiving emails from an “out of town” buyer from China wanting to put an offer on a high dollar property… each Realtor got a different address and the buyer seemed offended when they asked for proof of funds.

The general rule of thumb is… if it’s too good to be true… IT IS!

Here are a few Tips on How to Identify Email Scams:
1- Does the email start out with Sir/Madam?
2- Are there misspellings in the email?
3- Are there character mistakes in the email? (Ex: Hello,my nameis Susie)
4- Is there excessive capitalization?
5- Does the email reference God, UK, Cashier’s Check, Doctor, Nigeria, Reverend, etc?
6- Is the email from a free email provider? (Ex: Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail, etc)
7- Does the email refer to another person or agent?
8- Does the email reference wanting to move in sight unseen?

If the email has a majority of these commonalities, then the chances are very good it is a scammer. If you are unsure, it is best to not reply to the email.

Let’s try to help raise awareness that these scammers are getting more creative and more unique in their ways to get into YOUR pocket.

Image from Google

The term “REALTOR®” is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics (which in many cases goes beyond state law). In most areas, it is the REALTOR® who shares information on the homes they are marketing, through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Working with a REALTOR® who belongs to an MLS will give you access to the greatest number of homes.

Using an Agent and the Obligations that are Owed to You
An agent is bound by certain legal obligations. Traditionally, these common-law obligations are to: Put the client’s interests above anyone else’s; Keep the client’s information confidential; Obey the client’s lawful instructions; Report to the client anything that would be useful; and Account to the client for any money involved.

NOTE: A REALTOR® is held to an even higher standard of conduct under the NAR’s Code of Ethics. In recent years, state laws have been passed setting up various duties for different types of agents. As you start working with a REALTOR®, ask for a clear explanation of your state’s current regulations, so that you will know where you stand on these important matters.

The Difference between a Buyer’s and a Seller’s Broker
Suppose you sign an offer to buy a home for $150,000. You really want the property and there’s a chance other offers are coming in, so you tell the broker that “We’ll go up to $160,000 if we have to. But of course don’t tell that to the seller.” If you’re dealing with a seller’s agent, he or she may be duty-bound to tell the seller that important fact. In most states, the seller’s agent doesn’t have any duty of confidentiality toward you. Honest treatment might require that the agent warn you that “I must convey to the seller anything that would be useful so don’t tell me anything you wouldn’t tell the seller.”
TIP: If you’re dealing with seller’s agents, it’s a good idea to keep confidential information to yourself. These days many home buyers prefer instead to hire a buyer’s broker, one who owes the full range of duties, including confidentiality and obedience, to the buyer. A buyer’s broker is often paid by the seller, regardless of the agency relationship.

How to Evaluate an Agent
In making your decision to work with an agent, there are certain questions you should ask when evaluating a potential agent. The first question you should ask is whether the agent is a REALTOR®. You should then ask:
• Does the agent have an active real estate license in good standing? To find this information, you can check with your state’s governing agency.
• Does the agent belong to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and/or a reliable online home buyer’s search service? Multiple Listing Services are cooperative information networks of REALTORS® that provide descriptions of most of the houses for sale in a particular region.
• Is real estate their full-time career?
• What real estate designations does the agent hold?
• Which party is he or she representing–you or the seller? This discussion is supposed to occur early on, at “first serious contact” with you. The agent should discuss your state’s particular definitions of agency, so you’ll know where you stand.
• In exchange for your commitment, how will the agent help you accomplish your goals? Show you homes that meet your requirements and provide you with a list of the properties he or she is showing you?

Article from Realtor.com
Photo from Google

Under a new state law, any lender who agrees to a short sale—which by definition will yield insufficient funds to cover the outstanding loans on a property—must accept it as payment in full for all loan balances. That is a good thing for upside-down homeowners who need to sell, says the California Association of REALTORS®.

In a prepared statement applauding Gov. Jerry Brown for signing SB 458 into law, the association observed that previously a first mortgage holder could accept an agreed-upon short sale payment as full payment for the first mortgage but a junior lien holder could still hound the seller for the full amount owned on the junior lien.

“The signing of this bill is a victory for California homeowners who have been forced to short sell their home only to find that the lender will pursue them after the short sale closes, and demand an additional payment to subsidize the difference,” says association President Beth L. Peerce.

“SB 458 brings closure and certainty to the short sale process and ensures that once a lender has agreed to accept a short sale payment on a property, all lien holders—those in first position and in junior positions—will consider the outstanding balance as paid in full and the homeowner will not be held responsible for any additional payments on the property,” she adds.

Those shopping for a home in the $500,000 to $1 million price range should not tarry. That is because they will probably face higher interest rates and more strict underwriting standards and will need to make a larger down payment later this year when conforming loan limits increase, cautions California Association of REALTORS® President Beth L. Peerce.

“Would-be buyers on the fence need to act well before Sept. 30, when the conforming loan limit is set to be lowered, to avoid a higher cost of homeownership,” Peerce said in a prepared statement.

Lowering the limits on mortgages eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could have a broader impact than on individual homebuyers, says Peerce. “As the housing market tries to gain a more solid footing, the decrease in conforming loan limits that is scheduled for later this year could adversely affect the market,” she says.

Copyright (c) 2011, The Press-Enterprise, Riverside, Calif.

Article from http://rismedia.com/2011-07-25/california-realtors%C2%AE-applaud-new-law-on-short-sales/

I recently submitted an offer on a property (the first day it was listed) and the listing realtor never advised me there were multiple offers. I found out the next day (although the response time was 10pm that night) that the Seller had taken another offer. It was a hard phone call to make to my buyers who, like me, didn’t know we were in competition and yet still submitted an excellent offer.

I’m curious as to your common practice when you have multiple offers on a property. My policy starts with a written agreement for consent/non-consent to disclose the presence of multiple offers. I explain the pros and cons of disclosure and let my Seller’s choose. So far, all of them have chosen the option to disclose. If I get multiple offers, I let all parties know the situation, and allow a reasonable amount of time for the buyers to make any adjustments to their offer, should they choose to do so. Most buyers choose to edit their offer when in competition, and that always brings my Sellers the best offers to choose from. I then present the offers in a non-biased manner at the same time and let my Seller’s take it from there.

I believe this should be the common practice for all Realtors. Not only is it 100% fair to all parties… but when working for a Seller, this routine works in their best interest, and why wouldn’t we all want that?

*Image from Google

Frontier City has introduced a concert line up this year with music for every member of the family. This weekend, you’ll want to put on your “Boogie Shoes” and “Get Down Tonight” when KC & The Sunshine Band rock the stage on Saturday, June 4th.

It’s back to back 80’s with Rick Springfield on Saturday, June 11th and Eddie Money on Saturday, June 18th.

Frontier City is the place to be this August as rock band Switchfoot, Edmond native Greyson Chance and hip hop star Sean Kingston all take the stage at Frontier City’s Starlight Amphitheatre.

All concerts are FREE with park admission.

•Saturday, April 30th Red with Addison Road and KJ52
•Sunday, May 29th Grupo Montez de Durango
•Saturday, June 4th KC & The Sunshine Band
•Saturday, June 11th Rick Springfield
•Saturday, June 18th Eddie Money
•Saturday, July 16th TBA
•Saturday, July 23rd Blood, Sweat and Tears
•Saturday, August 13th Switchfoot
•Friday, August 19th Greyson Chance
•Saturday, August 20th Sean Kingston

Visit Frontier City for additional information. All shows are subject to change.

*Image from Google
*Article from 405 Moms

Visitors to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum enjoy family entertainment at its finest during the annual Chuck Wagon Gathering & Children’s Cowboy Festival. On Memorial Day weekend, authentic chuck wagon crews prepare delicious cowboy favorites for folks to sample, like biscuits and stew, beans and cobblers.

Stage entertainment ranges from a hilarious Old West Medicine Show to the sounds of acclaimed western singer Red Steagall and balladeer, Don Edwards. Activities include stagecoach and covered wagon rides, weaving and rope making. When the sun gets too hot, visitors find their way up the hill to enjoy the sprawling museum complex, or watch their children take part in the hands-on activities in the children’s building. Chosen by the American Bus Association in 2004 as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, this exciting event attracts more than 10,000 people.

Visit http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/Default.aspx for more info!