Brunswick County Association of REALTORS Association Insights Newsletter
2008 Association Insights

It seems time is flying by and summer is just around the corner. As the days are warming it looks like our market is following suit.  Latest figures have sales up 12% from this time last year.  While our numbers may not be setting any records we are heading in the right direction. Actually, our year to date figures are higher than 2004, which in itself is a great sign.

 

It is a fact that consumer spending accounts for about 70% of our gross domestic product (GDP.) Consumer spending is driven by psychology or in other words consumer confidence.   Is there any question why that confidence would be low? Do you hear any good news in the local, state or national media? Of course not as good news is not sensational.

 

It is our intent to try to launch a positive media campaign.  We have a new website www.2008isgreatforrealestate.com   On May 29th we are meeting with members of the local media and plan to share with them “The Real State of Real Estate in Brunswick County.”  We have compiled some great statistics and historical data that will enforce our conclusion that all real estate is local and national figures are not applicable to our market.   Dr. Woody Hall, from UNCW is helping us prepare economic trends and cycles which should reinforce our message.

 

I am sure you have heard the term “Quality of Life” many times. I firmly believe that in order to be effective in helping our clients reach and maintain the highest quality of life we must make sure we are doing all that can be done to help our members achieve the same. This media campaign is just one way we can educate the public and change the negative mindset. I would like to provide this information to all our members so they can share it with their “sphere of influence.”

 

It put a big smile on my face to see over 135 members take advantage of our last CE class at the association office. We still have a number of classes scheduled before June 10th in case you have not fulfilled your annual CE requirements. Visit our web site www.bcarnc.com for dates and to register.

 

I am happy to report the West Brunswick High prom was held at 101 Stone Chimney Place and was attended by over 400 students and parents.  Again, we are meeting the needs of our community with the banquet center while increasing non dues revenue. What a tremendous asset.

 

Grady Watkins

President’s Message

Vol 1, Issue 4, May, 2008
Text Box: Members speak about education Text Box: As I started to pursue a career in real estate, I understood early on that education would be paramount. Full Story Text Box: Marty Cooke, of Cooke Realty, is the newest Brunswick County Commissioner. The Brunswick County Commissioners appointed Marty last week, replacing David Sandifer. Full Story Text Box: Congratulations! Text Box: Educational Offerings Text Box: Do you still need your 2007 CE courses? Click here for updated schedule Guess who...recently received designations? Find out by clicking here Text Box: MLS News and Notes Text Box: Tax Card Info Did you know that the new iMapp product contains a direct link to property tax cards? Get Direction – Check out the NEW Map Web Page Full MLS news & tip here Click here for MLS Charts Click here for April MLS statistics Text Box: Dear Polly: Text Box: Dear Polly: I am looking for a way to differentiate myself from the stiff competition in my marketplace and have come up with a variety of ideas. One “tagline” I have come up with is “The number one REALTOR® for you.” Full Story Text Box: Legislative Update Text Box: Legislative Day-Please reserve Wednesday June 11 on your calendars for Legislative Day. Full Story Coastal Stormwater Rules Update-The proposed stormwater rules are in stakeholder negotiations. Full Story

Full Board of Directors roster here

PODCAST CORNER

 

This month’s feed is on

Loan Assumption and the risks involved

 

 
Text Box: Interested in advertising on the Association website or the Education Room? For details and a rate sheet, click here.

Grady Watkins, 2008

Association President
March, 2008 Association Insights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that activity is picking up make sure you remember that agent safety is paramount! Click here for the updated NCREC agent safety guide.
Text Box: Brunswick County Association of REALTORS

Special thanks to our  Diamond Affiliate Sponsor, Lynn Watkins, with First

Brunswick Mortgage

 

www.FirstBrunswick.com
testText Box: New Members and Transfers Click here for list Text Box: Register for the 2008 NCAR Convention Join us at the NCAR 2008 Convention & Expo in Charlotte! Sign up today at: www.ncarconvention.org.

Click here for full list of meeting sponsors