We’re on Track for Great Things in 2006!
Eminent Domain Legislation Passed in Georgia
Thanks in part to a public awareness campaign to Curb Eminent Domain, funded by the GAR REALTORS® Issues Action Committee, Governor Sonny Perdue signed into legislation the most strict laws in the country restricting eminent domain.
Membership
As of July 1, 2006, the total GAR membership count is 39,426. This is an increase of 12 percent from July 1, 2005.
Professional Standards
This year GAR offered nine Professional Standards classes, one in each region of the state. Once again, we had a successful year with approximately 567 attendees, nearly 60 more attendees than last year's classes. This was the first year that the classes offered six CE credits as opposed to the three credits it offered all previous years.
Meeting & Conventions
In February, 842 people attended the 2006 Inaugural Meeting in Savannah at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront. As of July 1, we have 716 people registered to learn "Strategies for Success," the 2006 GAR Annual Convention and Trade Expo. For more information on the Annual Convention, go to www.garealtor.com.
GARPAC
GARPAC’s goal for 2006 is $911,500.00. As of July 6, 2006, we have collected $502,725.29, or 55.2% of our goal. Brunswick-Glynn, Southwest Georgia , Walton-Barrow, East Metro, Carpet Capital, I-85 North, Rabun County, Greater Rome, and Altamaha Basin Boards have all exceeded their goals with a number of other boards following closely behind. GARPAC contributions are up 1% from this time last year, and the number of contributors has increased by 10.5%. In 2005, GAR exceeded the national goal and was recognized during the NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings as the largest percentage of participation in the Largest State category.
Education
GAR partners with local boards and brokers to provide quality and affordable continuing education courses through the Partners in Education Program. The Education Committee reports that in 2005, 361 continuing education (CE) courses were offered in Georgia through this program for 7354 students, including designations courses such as Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Accredited Seller Representative (ASR), and REALTOR® Land Institute (RLI) courses, Resort & Second Home Markets, etc.
The Education Committee also offered 16 CE courses at the 2005 February Inaugural Meeting in Biloxi, Mississippi, plus two designation courses: CRB: Financial Planning & Management and SRES: Seniors Real Estate Specialist. During the September Cruise Convention, 8 CE courses were offered. 978 students took advantage of convention course offerings during 2005.
In April, GAR hosted the Certified International Property Specialist Institute (CIPS), offering four courses: Europe, Asia/Pacific, Americas, and Investment/Finance.
The Committee completed the Safety for the Real Estate Professional project, which provided a DVD and workbook to every Georgia broker. This project received the 2005 Education Program Award from the Georgia Real Estate Educators Association.
In 2006, the Committee is working with the Course Development & Evaluation Committee to develop a DVD and workbook on mortgage fraud. At the February Inaugural Meeting in Savannah, the committee offered 18 CE courses, including two designation courses: CRS 103, Maximize Your Potential, and CRS Ninja Selling. 1,008 students attended education courses at the Inaugural Meeting. For the September Convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 21 CE courses and two designation courses, the ABRM and CIPS: Africa and the Middle East, will be offered.
Course Development
Over a dozen new courses have been approved Course Development & Evaluation Committee since January 2005. This committee evaluates trends in real estate to develop timely topics into courses. This group, working with the Education Committee, developed criteria for both new course and new instructor approval. In 2005, the biggest project completed by both committees was the release of the Safety DVD and workbook. The committee is assisting in the development of the mortgage fraud DVD during 2006.
GRI Board of Governors
The Governors report 983 students participated in the GRI program during 2005. Students can complete the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation by attending the weeklong school, at two-day modules, or online.
The January 2005 GRI school at Callaway was a success: 199 students attended the weeklong school, and 26 students attended the two-day Grad Course, CRB: Strategic Business Management. At the July 2005 GRI school in Savannah, 260 students attended the weeklong school and 50 students attended the two-day Grad Course, RLI: Land 101. 164 students attended the Modules. 168 students attended GRI Broker Cram, and 116 enrolled in GRI Online.
The March 2006 GRI school at Brasstown Valley Resort hosted 256 students at the weeklong school, and 22 students at the two-day REALTOR® MasterSeries course, International Real Estate for Local Markets, a class required for the CIPS designation. Another weeklong school was held July 24-29, 2006 in Savannah, with 340 registered . The CRS 210 course Building an Exceptional Customer Service Referral Business was the REALTOR® MasterSeries course, with 20 registered.
Scholarship
In 2005, 434 Georgia licensees received scholarships from the GAR Scholarship Foundation, with a total of $97,750.00 being distributed. The Scholarship Foundation has accumulated over $1,250,00.00 since its inception.