i. 12 / vol. III

www.samcar.orgMonthly Newsletter of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®

Winter2010/2011

in this issue...

SAMCArMessage from the2010 Presidentpage 1

Message from theExecutive Officerpage 2

Message from theincoming 2011 Presidentpage 3 SAMCAR Installation“Celebrates Success!”pages 3 & 4

SAMCAR members bring cheer to San Bruno residentspages 7 & 8

Affiliate Spotlight: Marat Shubpage 8

LegislativeLegislative Update:Mortgage Interest Deductionpages 5 & 6

Point of Sale Policy Defeatedpage 7

education“Future of the Housing Market and Real Estate Technology” event slated for February 17page 10

Lunch & Learn free technology courses in January/Februarypage 9

Mobile Marketing Made Easypage 10

FoundationFoundation Updatepage 9

2011 SAMCAR CommitteesBecome a leader in YOUR association, join a SAMCAR Committee.For a list of committees and to download the application formwww.samcar.org/Committees

monthly newsletter of the

San Mateo CountyAssociation of realtors®

www.samcar.org

tel. (650) 696-8200fax (650) 342-7509

2011 PresidentPresident-Elect

Region 25 ChairDirectorDirectorDirector

TreasurerDirectorDirectorDirector

Affiliate DirectorDirectorDirectorDirectorDirector

Sue VaterlausAnne OlivaJennifer TastoRobert BrisbaneBobbi DeckerSuzan Getchell-WallacePhillip HoustonKaron KnoxDennis PantanoJohn ProutyCorrin TrowbridgeMichael VerdoneFrank VentoDiane WilsonDavid Zigal

SAMCAR {RE}source is published monthly by the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®, 850 Woodside Way, San Mateo, CA 94401 and distributed to more than 4,000 recipients. E-mail samcar@samcar.org your questions or comments.

2011 BOARD of DIRECTORS

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

SAMCAR Executive Officer

Director of Government AffairsDirector of Public Affairs

Government Affairs Coordinator

Steve Blanton Michon Coleman

Julie ZiemelisAlex Khalfin

Copyright © 2011

Our VisionThe Voice for Real Estate Professionals

and Property Owners in San Mateo County.

Be a part of YOUR ASSOCIATION IN 2011

ART DIRECTION / EDITORIAL DESIgN

Publications Designer Dalen Gilbrech

2011 ASSOCIATION DUeS

2011REALTOR® Dues invoices have been posted to youraccounts and can be paid online byclicking the “Pay Your Dues” bannerat www.samcar.orgThank you for your continued membership!

To log in to pay your Association dues you will need your NAR ID (NRDS number) and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). Your NAR ID can be found on the cover of your ReALTOR® magazine or on your NAR membership card. If you have any questions please call SAMCAR at (650) 696-8200.Please remember to pay your dues today. A late fee will be assessed as of February 1, 2011

Jennifer F. Tasto2010 SAMCAR President

Message from your 2010 PReSIDeNT

This year has been challenging in so many ways. Yet, I am proud of so many of you, for rising to the challenge and fulfilling our theme for 2010, “REALTORS® Make a Difference.” To each of you,

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your participation in SAMCAR and our San Mateo County community.

You have made a difference in the lives of your clients and significantly, our fellow REALTOR® members.

SAMCAR is an association of members, for the members. Each of you, whether it is through participation in a committee, attending association events, or sharing your knowledge through our education programs, has strengthened us.

For these reasons, I am humbled and truly honored to have served as your 2010 President.

I ask that you join me in supporting Sue Vaterlaus, our incoming 2011 Presi-dent. As we move forward, she will need the same enthusiasm and commit-ment from each of you that helped carry me through this year.

Together, we can continue to make a difference with Our 2011 President, Sue Vaterlaus.

ReAlTORS®

Welcome New MembersThe following members joined in NOV/DEC 2010

Shauna M. Banks,Intero Real Estate Services

Neil Brandom,Brooks Street Property Inc.

Shirley Brown, Coldwell Banker

Sandra Davis,BHG J.F. Finnegan REALTORS®

Daniel Ding, Century 21 Realty Alliance

Avelino Duarte,Intero Real Estate Services

Kathy Goodell,Intero Real Estate Services

Mita R. Kapadia,RE/MAX Star Properties

Marcia Kimball, Coldwell Banker

Yvonne Lee, Compass Real Estate

Eric Ma, Bay one Realty

Larry Pamplin,Century 21 Realty Alliance

Mercedes D. Pinkard,C & R Realty, Inc.

Susan Price,Carrick & English Real Estate

Paul Safavi, Alain Pinel Realtors

Roger Siu, Financial United Realty

Lorraine Smith, ZipRealty, Inc.

John So, New Star Realty & Investment

Steve Blanton, RCe, CAeSAMCAR Executive Officer

WIReLeSS INTeRNeT CONNeCTIONSAMCAR listened to our members who wanted WiFi access in our building so they could remain connected while they were volunteering at SAMCAR or attending events and classes. By provid-ing free WiFi to our members, we also have opened the door to live on-line classes for you to receive the training you need.

ReBARCAMP SAN MATeO COUNTY SAMCAR implemented one of the first association-led free social media un-conferences in the country. Over 100 members received free internet market-ing education and collaboration during the day long event. The feedback was so strong for this “open discussion” type of education, that we are holding a similar type of event on February 17.

DeLAYeD MATRIx CUTOveR Listening to our members concerns with the speed in which the Matrix cutover was oc-curring and not quite feeling ready for the brand new technology, SAMCAR worked with MLS to delay the cutover until the end of 2011. We will continue to offer classes and training so you will be ready next Fall!

OffICe vISITS No one can operate in a void. The Board of Directors and I have been scheduling office visits to meet with the SAMCAR brokers and mem-bers in their offices to listen and learn about how we can help you do your business better and how we can help. Please contact me if you would like for

us to come out and meet with your of-fice. Steve@samcar.org

SAN BRUNO fIRe ReLIef When tragedy hit San Bruno in September, SAMCAR members sprang into action. Together they helped raise over $7000. The ef-forts of the North Tour folks were es-pecially commendable for the effort they put into reaching out to elected officials, holding an auction and then hosting a “Holiday Burger Feast” to lift the spirits of the victims. I am so very proud of the spirit of our REALTOR® community.

eDUCATION Due to the recession SAM-CAR reacted with free or low cost class-es from a variety of experts from our Affiliate members, the real estate tech-nology field and the banking and legal community. Dozens of classes hosted hundreds of SAMCAR members. We invite you to take advantage of these classes in 2011, the feedback on the top-ics and speakers has been excellent!

SAMCAR STAff We welcomed a new Events Manager, Nasreen Wills to the SAMCAR family. As you may know I am a relative newcomer too, and it has been a pleasure and an honor to lead our staff. Your SAMCAR staff members shined in 2010 to serve you, to imple-ment the ideas and projects from the Board of Directors and by offering their ideas about how to create more benefit for you, our members. Big KUDOS go to them!

Message from the exeCUTIve OffICeR

A Look Back As We Move Forward

I think it is important to highlight and share some of the key successes SAMCAR enjoyed in 2010 so that you, our members, can be assured we continue to remain a strong, vibrant and innovative orga-

nization striving to meet our members’ needs.

I look forward to leading SAMCAR forward with our new President, Sue Vaterlaus and our dedicated Board of Directors. I wish for you all a very successful and happy New Year!

WINTeR 2010/2011 2

Message from your 2011 PRESIDENT

Nearly 220 real estate professionals and invited guests enjoyed an elegant holiday event, ceremony, and networking opportunity

at the 2011 SAMCAR Installation on December 9.

www.samcar.org/awards

Sue Vaterlaus2011 SAMCAR President

REALTOR® of the Year, geoff Craighead (right) REALTOR® Emeritus honoreesCarol Bullock • george Edsell • Kaye O’Halloran • Juliette Silver-goldman

Community Service Award recipient, Judy Ploshay

As your incoming 2011 SAMCAR President, I would like to thank everyone who attended the Installation event on December 9. It was an honor to be surrounded by so many peo-ple who are passionate about the real estate industry and support our Association. On be-half of SAMCAR and myself, I want to say thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a fun and successful celebration. A spe-cial thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Steve Titsworth, who kept the evening rolling along with high spirits and humor.

I would additionally like to thank many special guests and elected officials for their support

and attendance, and to recognize all the peo-ple who have served as President of our As-sociation over the years and provided sound leadership (see list at left)

Thanks to the people who made it happen: Steve Titsworth, who drove all the way from Lincoln to be the MC; Alan Louie and N. Ka-meron Flores-Maxfield for each of their great photography; Marsetti Landscape for the wonderful event decorations; Chobe Tunes for the excellent music; The entire Special Events Committee, and the SAMCAR staff, es-pecially, Nasreen Wills, Event Coordinator. You are all wonderful!

installation officer

Steve goddard, 2010 C.A.R. Presidentfrom visiting associations

Don Faught, 2010−2011 Treasurer for C.A.R.Christina Chung CREAA, 2010 President

Amy Kong, CREAA 2011 PresidentMichelle Velez, 2011 CAMB President

Fel Anthony Amistad, 2011 FAREPA PresidentRob Platt, 2010 President of the Alameda AOR

Tricia Thomas, CEO, Bay East AORKevin Brown, 2010 Director, Bay East AOR

Darnella Barnes, Past President, Delta AORRalph garrow Jr 2011 President, Delta AOR

from santa clara county association of realtors®gene Binsbacher, CEO

Karl Lee, 2010 Presidentfrom silicon valley association of realtors®

Paul Cardus, Executive OfficerJeff Bell, 2010 President

gene Lentz, 2011 PresidentSuzanne Yost, 2012 President-Elect

our elected officials

California State Senator Leland Yee Representative David Baruto

California State Assembly Member Jerry HillSan Mateo County Supervisor-Elect, Don Horsley

City of Pacifica Councilmember-Elect Len StoneCity of Pacifica Mayor pro Tem Maryann Nihart

SMCCCD Trustee, Richard HoloberMillbrae City Council Members

gina Papan, Daniel Quigg, and Nadia HoloberRedwood City Council Jeff gee

San Bruno Vice Mayor Rico Medinasamcar past presidents

gary Meyer, 1995Jerry girouard, 1996Allan Bernardi, 1997

Larry Franzella, 1998Marianne Zanone Rush, 1999

Claire Earley, 2000Jim Meader, 2001

Dennis Pantano, 2002Jeanne garde, 2003

David Zigal, 2004Melanie Hildebrand, 2005

John gieseker, 2006geoffrey Craighead, 2007

Sue Walsh, 2008Olivia Edwards, 2009

Jennifer Tasto, 2010

Phot

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WINTeR 2010/20113

overview of the 2011 INSTALLATION

The buzz of 220 real estate professionals enjoying the advent of the holiday season and the joy of celebrating with their peers and col-leagues hung in the air at the elegant green Hills Country Club in Millbrae on December 9 for the 2011 SAMCAR Installation event.

Congratulations to the REALTOR® of the Year, geoffrey Craighead (Craighead Associates), Affiliate of the Year, Ed Bright (State Farm In-surance) and Community Service Award, Judy Ploshay (Coldwell Banker). 2010 C.A.R. President, Steve goddard, installed the 2011 SAMCAR President, Sue Vaterlaus, RE/Max Star Properties and the 2011 SAMCAR Board of Directors. The incoming Board of Directors are . . .Sue vaterlaus, President (RE/Max Star Prop-erties); Anne Oliva, President-Elect (Marshall Realty); Jennifer Tasto, Region 25 Chair (Prop-erty Services); Phillip Houston, Treasurer (Coldwell Banker); Robert Brisbane (Mcguire Real Estate); Bobbi Decker (Intero Real Estate); Suzan Getchell-Wallace (Coldwell Banker Fa-hey Properties); Karon Knox (Prudential Cali-fornia); Dennis Pantano (Pantano Properties); John Prouty (Prudential California); Corrin Trowbridge (Trowbridge Insurance); Michael verdone (Economic Concepts); frank vento (Dolphin Real Estate); Diane Wilson (Pruden-tial California); David Zigal (David Zigal REAL-TOR®) Steve Titsworth, Master of Ceremonies, also recognized the recipients of the C.A.R. Honor-

ary Member-for-Life and NAR Emeritus desig-nations. Additionally, Steve announced and recognized the outgoing committee chairs from all the committees. Sue Vaterlaus officially accepted the position of SAMCAR President where she announced her theme for 2011, “Celebrate Success”. She challenged the audience to think positive and look toward a bright 2011. Her goal is for the SAMCAR membership to take a positive ap-proach, which in turn, will spark positive re-sults and therefore generate a more produc-tive year. The event was crackling with energy through-out the evening, with networking continuing in-between presentations. Johnny Marshall, Marsetti Landscaping and Design, provided the décor, which filled the room with the scent of cinnamon from the amazing table arrange-ments. The group enjoyed the hot passed ap-petizers, the sit down dinner of a duet of Beef Wellington and prawns and a decadent des-sert buffet. Dancing to the music, provided by D.J., Chobe Oliva, concluded the evening’s festivities.

“The event was a great success!” Ann Palermo, Event Committee Chair, stated. “We are ex-tremely thankful to our sponsors who made the event possible and to the Events Commit-tee for their volunteer help in creating an ex-tremely fun and memorable event!”

2011 Installation Event“Celebrates Success!”

www.samcar.org/events

Affiliate of the Year, Ed Bright (center) C.A.R. Honorarary Members-for-LifeClaire Earley • george Edsell • Robert Marshall • Don McFarland

2011 SAMCAR President, Sue Vaterlaus

On behalf of SAMCAR and President, Sue Vaterlaus, we wish to thank the following sponsors and volunteers for their help.

corporate sponsorsdiamond

The Examinergold

Carr, McClellan Professional Law Corp.MPF Builders and ConsultantsProperty I.D.

event sponsorsinstallation sponsor ($1000)MLSListings, Inc.event sponsor ($600)Bank of Americafriends of samcar ($200)Baker BrothersChobe TunesDécor StagingEd Bright Insurance, State FarmHisco/CRES Home WarrantyMarsetti Inc.Trowbridge Insurance Company special events committeecommittee chair

Ann Palermo, Old Republic Title Company,special events committee members

Peter Ahern, Coldwell BankerDenise Baker, Marshall RealtyKhristina Berquist, Old Republic Home ProtectionMaryann Bologna, The ExaminerToni Burrows, Hisco/CRES Home WarrantyAlex Castillo, BHg J.F. Finnegan RealtorsOlivia Edwards, Mcguire Real EstateSuzan getchell-Wallace, Coldwell Banker Fahey Prop. Marlin Handley, Homeguard IncorporatedVal Hardwick, AMS BekinsJohn Marshall, Marsetti Inc.Anne Oliva, Marshall Realtygary Pellegrini, RoofRXBrian Persons, San Francisco ChronicleCraig Thorson, Century 21 Realty AllianceVirginia Trowbridge, Trowbridge InsuranceSusan Vaterlaus, RE/MAX Star PropertiesCid Young, Bay Area Real Estate Services

WINTeR 2010/2011 4

GOveRNMeNT AffAIRS

MortgageInterestDeductionPays Dividendsfor Homeowners

REALTORS® Needto Help Protect ThisHomeownership Benefit

Although recent reports of plans to eliminate or modify the mortgage interest deduction are widely exaggerated, the Na-tional Association of REALTORS® will remain actively engaged to ensure that the nation’s 75 million home owners will continue to receive this important benefit. The Deficit Reduction Commission has released its recommenda-tions toward reducing the U.S. deficit, which include modifying a number of popular tax breaks, including the mortgage interest deduction. President Obama created the 18-member, bipartisan commission earlier this year to identify ways to balance the bud-get by 2015. The commission does not have any legislative power, and the commission’s report is just the first step of a lengthy pro-cess.

Now that the report has been published, it is reviewed by mem-bers of Congress who will decide if they want to incorporate any recommendations into legislation, although they are not re-quired to do so. If altering the MID ever becomes a discussion point in Congress, the REALTOR® community stands ready to de-fend it. The MID is both a powerful incentive for home ownership and one of the simplest provisions in the tax code. The MID allows an individual to deduct mortgage interest paid on mortgage debt of up to $1 million. The deduction is available for interest on mortgages for a principal residence and one ad-ditional property. Individuals claiming the MID also must itemize their taxes. The ability to deduct the interest paid on a mortgage can trans-late into significant savings at tax time. For example, a family who bought a home this year with a $200,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, assuming an interest rate of 4.5 percent, could save

MID in action: A family who bought a home this year with a $200,000, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, assuming an inter-est rate of 4.5 percent, could save nearly $3,500 in federal taxes when they file next year.

MID continued on page 6

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

If you’re looking for someone who knows mortgages, here’s someone to know.

Jean LuMortgage Loan Officer650.346.7720jean.lu@bankofamerica.comhttp://mortgage.bankofamerica.com/jeanlu

Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and condi-tions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. 00-62-0290D 04-2009 AR72866

WINTeR 2010/20115

GOveRNMeNT AffAIRS

Ask your Senator to defend theMortgageInterestDeductionsamcar will continue to monitor this issue closely. in the meantime, please call your senators to ask their help in defending homeownership and the mortgage interest Deduction. they need to hear from YoU today!

Senator Dianne Feinstein(202) 224-3841 Senator Barbara Boxer(202) 224-3553 talking points to tell them: - I am a constituent and a REALTOR®. - I have been on the front lines of the housing crisis. I can assure you that even talk of changing MID harms an already fragile market. - I am strongly opposed to the Deficit Commission’s proposal to either limit or eliminate the Mortgage Interest Deduction. - News reports saying that Congress threatens to repeal or limit MID will keep potential buyers on the side-lines and further delay the housing recovery.

nearly $3,500 in federal taxes when they file next year. According to the most recent IRS tax return data available, 65 percent of families who claim the MID earn less than $100,000 per year. “Homeowners already pay 80 percent to 90 percent of U.S. federal income tax, and among those who claim the MID, almost two-thirds are middle-income earners,” said NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “If the tax break is modified or eliminated, home values could fall 15 percent nationwide, as buyers dis-count the value of the MID in their purchase offers.” The MID saves the average homeowner thousands of dollars at tax time and helps American homebuyers get into their first house.

The [Mortgage Interest Deduction] allows an individual to deduct mortgage interest paid on mortgage debt of up to $1 million. The

deduction is available for interest on mortgages for a principal residence and one additional property. Individuals claiming the

MID also must itemize their taxes.

In today’s market, eight out of 10 homebuyers must borrow money to buy a home. For aspiring home owners who don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to buy a home outright, tax benefits like the mortgage interest deduction help them begin building their future through hom-eownership.

MID continued from page 5

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S reserve your ad spot today! Contact Dalen gilbrech at SAMCAR: dalen@samcar.org or (650) 696-8206

Your ad Here!Newsletter ads are just $150 per month (or $75 per

month with a concurrent Tour Sheet ad) and provide great exposure to your fellow reALtOr® and

Affiliate members, and industry professionals.

Questions and reservations: Dalen gilbrech(650) 696-8206 or dalen@samcar.org

WINTeR 2010/2011 6

your association in the COMMUNITY

The plan seemed pretty ambitious . . .

ONe Hold an auction to raise monies to have a free holiday feast and get together for the residents of the Crestmoor Park area to lift their spirits after the September tragedy. Then invite some notable politicians to drive attendance to the meeting. Then, personally invite the residents of the neighborhood to a feast to help them heal financed by the funds raised at the auction. Fi-nally, invite a few local celebrities and let the residents socialize in a comfortable atmosphere and let them begin their healing by sharing stories with each other. 1,2, 3, right?

Well, as a matter of fact, that is exactly what happened and it all worked out beyond expectations! Members of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® North Tour meeting reached out to their local politicians, San Bruno Mayor, Jim Ruane and

1-2-3 SAMCARREALTORS® and AffiliatesBring Cheer to San

Bruno Residents

Pointof SalepolicyDefeatedThe State of California requires every city and county in California to adopt and periodically update a Housing Element as part of its general Plan. The purpose of the Housing Element is to ensure that lo-cal governments adequately plan to meet the housing needs of all people within the community.

The County of San Mateo is currently in the process of updating its Housing Ele-

ment. As originally drafted, the San Mateo County Housing Element included a point of sale inspection program. If adopted, this program would have required that all multi-unit rental property being trans-ferred to new owners undergo presale code inspections, and that all necessary repairs, rehabilitation, and other actions required to comply with building, safety, and other codes be completed before title to a multifamily rental property may be transferred to new owners.

At the November 2 San Mateo County Board of Supervisors hearing, the County Planning staff presented the Board with a draft Housing Element which included a presale code inspection program as de-scribed above.

SAMCAR strongly opposed the pre-sale code inspection program, pointing out to the Board that it was an inefficient way to address the unsafe conditions of rental property, as less than 1 percent of rental properties sell each year in San Mateo County. SAMCAR members also pointed

out that point of sale inspections are ineq-uitable since it places a community-wide problem on the shoulder of a small group: those buying or selling a home. We asked the Board to look at other more proactive ways to address the health and safety of rental property in the County.

The Board of Supervisors heard SAMCAR’s concerns and at the December 7 hearing voted unanimously to take out the presale code inspections program from the draft Housing Element and directed staff to submit the Housing Element to the State of California without the point of sale re-quirement.

government Affairs staff would like to thank all SAMCAR members who called or emailed the Board of Supervisors to voice their opposition to the point of sale inspection policy. We would like to thank Sue Vaterlaus, geoff Craighead, David Zi-gal, Michael Verdone and Dave Blewett for attending the hearing and speaking on be-half of SAMCAR.

gOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Congresswoman Jackie Speier, both of whom willingly came to the auction and REALTOR® meeting to share an update with the attend-ees. The Congresswoman even created a coveted auction item by of-fering to have lunch with the winning bidder and three guests. This item, along with many others, helped the organizers raise a whopping $5,300 within 90 minutes!

Mike “The Murph” Murphy (left) from the San Francisco Giants visited tables of children at the event, talking to them about baseball and

asking how they were doing.

SAN BRUNO continued on page 8

WINTeR 2010/20117

your association in the COMMUNITY

FEATURINgMarat Shub, 2011 affiliate council chair

Bank of the West

Marat Shub is the incoming 2011 Chair of the SAMCAR Affiliate Council. As a home mort-gage consultant at Bank of the West since 2006, Marat has donated numerous volunteer hours this year. As the Affiliate Committee vice-chair, he helped develop and promote the “Anatomy of a Transaction” series and many of the other educational seminars that the Affiliates Committee co-sponsored with SAMCAR in 2010. “I look forward to the in-creased responsibility next year on a personal and professional level,” Marat stated.

Marat enjoys being involved with SAMCAR and attends many of the functions that SAM-CAR creates and volunteers to help make them successful. He helped at the Holiday Season Auction to raise funds for Second Har-vest Food Bank and the SAMCAR Foundation and spoke on a lending panel to educate RE-

ALTORS® about current mortgage news and products. Born and raised in Ukraine (the former Soviet Union), Marat came to the US when he was 13. He joined the United States Coast guard as a means to thank his parents and his new coun-try for the freedom he enjoyed. He served for over nine years in active duty and served as a Russian translator, performed aviation main-tenance and was involved in rescue missions. From his time serving with the Coast guard, Marat says that he strives to always pay at-tention to the smallest details, as those small details could always change the flow of the transaction. “My motto is: Always be ready, whatever life/work throws my way,” he added. “I enjoy helping people achieve homeownership

and helping REALTORS® close their transac-tions successfully. Bank of the West mortgage products are tailored to fit a wide range of borrowers; most of our customers brag about our great jumbo rates and we have won a JD Power Award 3 years in a row for fantastic cus-tomer service. Whether it is a purchase or a re-finance, or simply listening to the needs of the customer and giving them mortgage advice, my goal is to prepare the borrower for a suc-cessful financial transaction.”

Although he enjoys helping his clients, “Fam-ily is always number one for me. Our new baby girl is our latest priority and she joins our first child, Tyler, who is almost 3.”

You can reach Marat at (650) 579-4997or marat.shub@bankofthewest.com

AFFILIATE SPOTLIgHT

TWO REALTORS® and Affiliates walked the Crestmoor neighborhood with invitation fli-ers for the residents and reached out to them directly to let them know about the holiday meal. Meanwhile, other REALTORS® were reaching out to Mike “The Murph” Murphy from the San Francisco giants who resides in San Bruno and was too happy to come to the Big Mouth Burger to speak to the children and residents.

THRee 150 people showed up to share in the feast at Big Mouth Burger on Monday, November 29. The restaurant was a meeting place immediately after the explosion and gave residents a place to watch the news and get updates.

The first to show up was a Crestmoor resident who picked up burgers to-go so he could share it with his son, who is still recovering from his burns at St. Francis hospital. The other residents came in and in no time, stories, hugs and smiles were being shared along with burgers and fries. “The Murph” quietly visited tables of children and discussed baseball and asked them how they were. Volunteers at the event were in agreement that his presence was a great gift to the residents and it was wonderful to see him come out and support his San Bruno neigh-

bors in such a humble and giving way. “This was such a great way for the residents of Crestmoor to come to-gether for a social event. It was an opportunity for people to smile a little bit”, Anne Oliva, Marshall Realty, and one of the event organiz-ers, stated. “I am so proud to be a part of the real estate community. Everyone came together to raise the funds, deliver the invitations and be here tonight to help these folks have a great time. This is truly what community is all about,” Oliva concluded.

150 people − including many SAMCAR members and volunteers − showed up to Big Mouth Burger in San Bruno on Monday, November 29

to provide a holiday meal and a supportive community gathering.

SAN BRUNO continued from page 7

WINTeR 2010/2011 8

FOUNDATION UPDATE

free software training courses

MicrosoftPOWERPOINTJanuary 14 / 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.at SAMCARLearn to design and enhance your slide show presentations. We’ll work with presentation designs, bulleted lists, insert-ing photos and clip-art; apply animation effects and how to present a slide show manually and automatically.

MicrosoftPOWERPOINTnext stepsfebruary 11 / 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.at SAMCARTransform basic presentations into a powerful means of communication. You’ll create dynamic and visually appealing slides by inserting photos, logos, graphs and tables as well as learning special animation affects such as playing music and videos.

SAMCARFoundation Update

learn more about SAMCAR’s Charitable Foundationand download the grant application online at

www.samcar.org/Foundation

thanksgiving was made more festive for community members need-ing a good meal when the SAMCAR Foundation delivered a $2000 check to the Second Harvest Food Bank on November 23. The donation was made possible by the generosity of our members during the Holiday Season Auc-tion on November 2. HOLIDAY AUCTION“On behalf of the SAMCAR Foundation, I would like to thank all those who participated in SAMCAR’s 2nd Annual Holiday Season Auction. Whether by providing auction items or bidding, you have made a difference. The fact that we could help ensure 4,000 meals were served to families and people in need for Thanksgiving is so gratifying,’ Suzan getchell-Wallace, 2010 Founda-tion Chair said. “When we think of the assistance we were able to offer to our neighbors, we should be proud of the work that the real estate community can offer together.”

Thank you to the SAMCAR membership for volunteering, supporting and at-tending the events that provided the funds this year to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of people in need in 2010.

2010/2011 LeADeRSHIPA special “thank you” goes to outgoing Foundation Chair, Suzan getchell-Wallace. We appreciate her dedication, volunteerism, and tireless enthusiasm for leading the Foundation. The SAMCAR staff, volunteers and the countless people her efforts helped, are deeply grateful. Thank you, Suzan! We wel-come, Eric Berggren, as the 2011 Foundation Chair.

Outgoing 2010 Foundation Chair Suzan Getchell-Wallace (left)with 2011 SAMCAR President Sue Vaterlaus 2011 Foundation Chair Eric Berggren

WINTeR 2010/20119

Check online for a schedule of upcoming meetings, events and classes

www.samcar.org/Calendar

UPCOMINg EDUCATIONAL EVENT

Start your year off with a strong picture of the local and state housing market and the trends for real estate marketing and technology in 2011. SAMCAR is host-ing a “Future of the Housing Market and Real Estate Technology” conference on February 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Location TBA)

PReSeNTATIONSCome hear an economic outlook report from C.A.R. Chief Economist, Leslie Ap-pleton-Young, and learn how national forces are affecting the housing market and what can you expect in the next few months. Mike Simonsen, CEO, Altos Research will share a local housing trend report using real time statistics and predictive analyt-ics to tell you exactly how the market is performing and where the market may be heading and why.

Nicole Nicolay, Agent Revolution and

“My Tech Opinion”, will share her insights about real estate tech trends, tools you need to have to compete in the industry and tips on applications and sites that will help you rock your business in 2011.

Open ended discussion sessions will take place in the latter part of the after-noon to include topics on lifestyle mar-keting, mobile technology, broker tools and more.

SeeKING exHIBITORSExhibitors will showcase innovative prod-ucts and services to help you streamline and grow your business in 2011.

Exhibitors and sponsors are now being sought. Exhibit tables are $150. Please contact Nasreen Wills at (650) 696-8220 or Nasreen@samcar.org. Contact Julie Ziemelis at juliez@samcar.org for more information about the program and speakers.

Get A Glimpse Into theFuture of the

Housing Marketand real estate technology

thursdayJanuary 201 to 2 p.m. / located at SAMCARcost: Free

instrUctor shashank shekhar, Arcus Lending and social media trainer, will help you greet 2011 by getting the basics on going mobile to attract and communicate with today’s consumer.

YOu WiLL LEARN:— Why you should focus on mobile marketing?

— QR codes – what are they, how to

create one and Top 10 ways to use them to get more eyeballs for your listings and your website

— How to use “text to get more info” to

get more buyer leads for your listings

— Top 10 mobile apps for REALTORS®

— Developing a mobile friendly web-

site – why it’s critical and how to do it

To sign up, please call

(650) 696-8200Space is limited, registration required.

Future of the Housing Market and Real Estate

TechnologyThursday, February 17, 2011

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Location: TBA

SAVE the DATE

Exhibit tables are $150For more information please contact

Nasreen Wills at SAMCAR(650) 696-8220

nasreen@samcar.org

SEEKiNG EXHiBiTORS

For information about the program and speakers, contact Julie Ziemelis

juliez@samcar.org

GENERAL iNFORMATiON

WINTeR 2010/2011 10

Classes & Events www.samcar.org/calendar

Weekly Education, Events & Tour Calendar

January 129 a.m.

Coastside Legislative Committee MeetingLocation: Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce& Visitor’s Bureau - 235 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

January 199:30 – 11 a.m.

PeninsuLa Legislative Committee MeetingMembers welcome to attend these monthly meetings. | Location: SAMCAR

January 69:30 a.m.

PaCifiCa Legislative Committee MeetingLocation: 450 Dondee Way, Suite 7, Pacifica

Legislative Committee Meetings www.samcar.org/legislativecommittees

January 13, 20118 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GRi 109: Residential Real estate financeLocation: SAMCAR | Cost: $149Registration: http://www.eDesignations.com or 888-785-4800

February 108 a.m. – 5 p.m.

GRi 110: Marketing, financing & Managing Commercial PropertiesLocation: SAMCAR | Cost: $149Registration: http://www.eDesignations.com or 888-785-4800

January 1410:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

MLsListings: essentials of MatrixCost: FREE | Location: SAMCAR | Register: (650) 696-8200

January 141 – 2:30 p.m.

MLSListings: Mastering MatrixLocation: SAMCAR | Cost: Free | Register: (650) 696-8200

JanuaRy 2011

January 1411 a.m. – 1 p.m.

LunCH & LeaRn: Hands-on Microsoft PoWeRPointSlide show presentation basics: presentation designs, bullet lists, photos and clipart, animation effects and how to present a slide show.Location: SAMCAR | Cost: Free | Register: (650) 696-8200

January 510 – 11:30 a.m.(also January 26)

the new PRdsforms.com onlineThe new PRDSFORMS.COM is an Instate Solutions that provides PRDS with a solid platform for technology growth.Location: SAMCAR | Cost: Free | Registration: (650) 696-8200

February 179:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

the future of the Housing Market and Real estate technologyExhibitor information: Nasreen Wills, nasreen@samcar.orgGeneral information: Julie Ziemelis, juliez@samcar.org

January 201 – 2 p.m.

Mobile Marketing Made easyShashank Shekhar, Arcus Lending and social media trainer, will help you greet 2011 by getting the basics on going mobile to attract and communicate with today’s consumer.Location: SAMCAR | Cost: Free | Registration: (650) 696-8200

February 910 – 11:30 a.m.(also February 23)

the new PRdsforms.com onlineThe new PRDSFORMS.COM is an Instate Solutions that provides PRDS with a solid platform for technology growth.Location: SAMCAR | Cost: Free | Registration: (650) 696-8200

February 1111 a.m. – 1 p.m.

LunCH & LeaRn: Hands-on Microsoft PoWeRPoint next stepsTransform basic presentations into a powerful means of communication. Location: SAMCAR | Cost: Free | Register: (650) 696-8200

January 2710 a.m. – 12 p.m.

tax strategies for Real estate ProfessionalsLearn about new deductions, based in tax LAW, but presented in simple English that all of us can easily understand.Location: SAMCAR | Cost: $10 | Registration: (650) 696-8200

Marketing MeetingsTuesday, January 4

MLS Tour Sheet Deadline Reminder

Broker/Property toursTuesdays 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

deadline to add tours in MLsMondays, 11 a.m. Deadlines subject to change for holidays.

deadline for Monday holidaysprior Friday at 11 a.m.

View tour sheet by Monday afternoonwww.samcar.org/tour

DECEMBER 31 – JANUARY 7

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa26 27 28 29 30 31 0102 03 04 05 06 07 08

8:30 a.m. January Combined TourElks Lodge 229 West 20th AvenueSan Mateo

Presentation: Marc Weissman, AttorneyLegal Update

9 a.m. Half Moon Bay Tour Community Center 535 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay

9:30 a.m. Pacifica TourCommunity Center540 Crespi Drive, Pacifica