March 2022
GSMAR Newsletter #39
The Month of Transition
Stuck in a brown and gray world for three months can get some people, me included, yearning for a change in their world. The lack of sunlight and exposure to the outdoors can drive you a bit nuts. However, we have salvation in the month of March as it is that transitioning month from the drab cold days of Winter to the longer warmer ones of Spring. I look forward every year to seeing the new buds on trees and flowers. Already the daffodils are out and the signs of Spring not only warm the land but it warms our souls. March is that month where we celebrate everything green and Irish as we come to commemorate St. Patrick. We also love the Spring forward that our clocks get on the 13th, when we get that extra hour of daylight after work. The days of going home in the twilight hours are over! Spring officially begins on the 20th as our days are evenly bisected with 12 hours of day and night. So much to look forward to this month. So, dust off those yard tools, lawnmowers and outdoor gear and let’s celebrate this month of transition.
Our upcoming Golf Tournament needs more sponsorship from you, the REALTORS of GSMAR. In order for this tournament to reach its goal and surpass last year's numbers, we need a huge step up from our 600+ members. Below is the official flier from the event organizers. Please help.
New From NAR
Has anyone seen the new NAR Ads? If not, check them out below.
Shop the REALTOR® Store today at https://store.realtor/ for all the educational products and resources you need to boost your business and save 10% when you use code 10OFFAEMVP by March 31, 2022.
New From TNREALTORS
As we Spring forward, TNREALTORS is already thinking about Fall. TNREALTORS Fall Convention is now open for registration. Get more info and register here https://tnrealtors.com/fallconvention-2022/
We'd proudly like to welcome the following new Affiliate Members to GSMAR
Bentley Radon
Bentley home inspection now has radon testing. In our area, we have higher levels of radon according to the TN Radon website. Make sure you're protected by scheduling your test today.
Dream Builder Construction
Darrell Allo
Our projects include new construction cabins and homes, repairs/restorations, and additions. Occupied and fully operational job sites are never a problem. We can also plan, manage, and build multi-phase projects.
Debra Loss Agency, Farmers Insurance
Debra Loss
As your local Farmers® agent in Sevierville, TN, my team and I help customers like you identify the insurance coverage that best fits your needs. This process is straightforward and personalized to help make you smarter about insurance. We have the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options--whether that's auto, home, renters, investment cabins, business insurance, workers compensation, life, recreational vehicles, motorhomes or retirement. We service all surrounding communities from Dandridge to Knoxville.
And Brand New Today
Education Committee
Because Education is the Key to Success, this year we are running a contest to see who can get the most CE hours this year.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded to those who have the most CE hours from Jan 1, 2022 to December 1, 2022. This will be awarded at our Awards Ceremony at the end of the year.
1st place gets a free Designation Class paid for in 2023, 2nd and 3rd places get their choice of a free Certification Class paid for in 2023.
Let the contest begin!
Education Update
Our PSA class that was scheduled for March 2nd has been set for another date which is to be announced. Also, our ABR classes scheduled for March 14th and 15th have been set for another date too. Both will be added to the GSMAR calendar as soon as those new dates are confirmed.
We’ve added some new classes for this month. Please see and register on Navica. Go to the Navica Home page and click the link above the calendar that says “Register for Association Event” When you click that, it will take you to the large calendar where you can click on any of our listed classes or events to register for it and see the details.
You can also see our calendar on this website (gsmar.org) under the calendar page. Stay ahead of the events and classes and plan for them months out with this option. Once the month or event gets closer, it will then be added to the Navica calendar for registration.
Lakeway is offering the GRI classes this year. They have also shared their Residential Core Class Schedule as well.
Contact Lakeway for more information 423-587-2266
Scholarship Committee
I am pleased to announce that the Great Smoky Mountains Association of REALTORS® (GSMAR) will be offering a $1000 Scholarship to a graduating senior at each of the high schools in Sevier and Cocke counties and later in the year we will also be offering the $200 grant program for a Kindergarten Teacher at each school. The Scholarship Notice and Application is attached. Details for the Kindergarten Grants will be sent out later in the year.
Should you have any questions please contact myself or Rebecca Marcum Rebecca@gsmar.org.
YPN Committee
Join us for the following YPN Event.
We'd like to thank all our sponsors for helping us with it.
1 hour RPR class on March 9th @GSMAR 9a-10a
Come learn first hand what RPR is and does!
What is Realtors Property ResourceⓇ (RPRⓇ)?
Realtors Property Resource® (RPR®) tells the story of a home, neighborhood or city — beyond the listing — by compiling all the info revolving around subject parcels from the web into one, easy to use system that conveys the information in an agent/brokerage-centric and brandable way. It's that information that's essential in the home buy or sale process.
Who is it for?
Only available to REALTORS®
No third party or public access
Included in yearly NAR dues, RPR® does not cost REALTORS® any extra money
What does it offer?
Comprehensive data, powerful analytics, and dynamic reports
Easy access to detailed property and market information
Tools for Agents, Brokers, Commercial, Appraisers, Associations and MLS
Want to learn more?
Visit the RPR blog to learn more about how RPR can boost your business or attend a free webinar to learn more about what the tool can offer you.
Transaction Desk is a tool for organizing your real estate life. Offered by the TNREALTORS and run by the company Lone Wolf, you as our member, have two ways to login to it. One way, through Navica, is the most obvious. Click on the Search Tab on Navica, then look to the right side under the External Links section for the Transaction Desk link. The other way is through the TNREALTORS site, which you will have to login to. Once logged in, go to the Members Tab at the top of the page. Then a drop down menu will come up. The Transaction Desk link will be at the top of the menu.
For any questions concerning Transaction Desk, please contact TNREALTORS at 877-321-1477
GSMAR cannot help with any issues involving Transaction Desk.
Clocks Spring Forward on
March 13th
Progress Report
We have so many updates that have happened and are continuing to happen here at GSMAR and I wanted to give you some updates in this month’s newsletter.
Haskins Hall is coming along. As you know with your own businesses right now, coordinating subcontractors, electricians, etc. is hard work. We are PUSHING for this to all be completed by our Membership Breakfast on April 7th.
What’s happening? I’m glad you asked!
The wireless network in the entire building has been updated and can accommodate over 700 people.
Brand new speakers (18 of them) have been installed
Two 85” 4K smart TV’s have been installed for class viewing
A 65” 4K smart TV for the instructor to view Zoom participants in hybrid classes has been installed
A Full HD camera for Zoom has been installed above the 65” TV so Zoom participants can see the instructor during classes.
Speakers, a computer and 2 monitors along with the hardware needed to run hybrid classes has been installed in the media center upstairs.
9 new LED light strips have been installed
Updated and classy carpet squares (technically rectangles) will be installed to assist with sound dampening and the look of the room.
An insulated wall is being constructed over the exposed block to assist with sound dampening and to finish the room.
The remaining concrete block will be painted the same as the wall color
A sliding barn door is being installed to utilize the small triangular space as a storage area and to assist with sound dampening.
New tables with power inserts as well as new chairs will be in this room to make your classroom/meeting attendance more comfortable and functional.
As you may have heard, I also have big dreams for the upstairs when it comes to our members. I am working on creating a small and inviting workspace for our members. A place where you can stop by and write an offer or do a little work on your way between appointments that will be functional and comfortable.
We will be adding 2 bar height tables with bar stools in front of the window that overlooks the beautiful scenery. When this is finished, it will also have a printer in case you need to print a few pages before you head out and a refreshment area where you can grab a snack, drink or cup of coffee while you work.
Obviously this is not meant to take the place of your own office/home office (or we would have to charge you rent HA HA!), but we want you to have a space to use when you are out and about and just need to stop by. You are WELCOME here!
Thank you for your patience as we put the finishing touches on this project! As I said, we are working hard to get this accomplished by the Membership Breakfast in April. I wanted to make sure you knew about the BIG changes coming your way so you can be as excited as we are!
GSMAR CEO
Rebecca Marcum