Colorado Springs Real Estate Journal

Vol.1 No.11 www.csrej.com February 9, 2009

ALSO INSIDEPAgE 6PAgE 5 PAgE 10

HBAAnnualAwardsDinner

Sales & MotivationMaximizing Your Seminar Investment

Local NewsPenrose - St.FrancisRecognized

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDPERMIT 745 COlO SPGS CO

National News ................. Page 2Local & State News ........... Page 5On the Move ................... Page 8Around the Corner ............1

Realtors recognize importance of keeping big banks out of real estate

Ent raises $100,000 for Pikes Peak and Pueblo United Way

IRS gives unmarried co-buyers guidance on tax credit

Allowing large national banks to enter into real estate brokerage and property management could be devastating to the safety and secu-rity of the nation’s economy, which is why the National Association of Realtors® has been calling for legis-lation that would permanently ban

banks from entering into real estate transactions.

“We thank Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., for their leadership in introduc-ing legislation to prevent big banks from expanding their business to act as real estate brokers and man-

agers,” said NAR President Charles McMillan.

During the introduction of the Community Choice in Real Estate Act on Friday, Sen. Boxer said, “Per-mitting banks to engage in com-

Pending home sales show healthy gain

Employee’s raise most in Ent’s history despite tough economic times

Ent Federal Credit Union wrapped up another successful United Way campaign – raising $101,371 exclusively from their employees’ generosity and pas-sion for the community.

Gregg Cawlfield and liz Finn, Ent's co-chairs for the credit union's 2008 campaign, pose with two of the many baskets made by employees for their online auction.

While the leaders and grassroots members of NAHB continue to push hard for revising the home buyer tax credit so that it is substantial enough to stimulate home buying demand and reignite the nation’s faltering

economy, the Internal Revenue Ser-vice has provided guidance on how unmarried co-buyers of a home can take advantage of the credit that is currently available.

“Although the first-time buyer

tax credit hasn’t met the original expectations that it would help get the housing market moving again, it is nonetheless providing a financial

Realtors welcome renewed efforts toward

housing stabilizationCongress and the U.S. Depart-

ment of the Treasury must enact legislative and regulatory priori-ties to stabilize the housing mar-ket and help stop the U.S. finan-cial market’s rapid deterioration, and on Friday, five freshman U.S. senators took decisive action to-ward this goal.

“For months the National Association of Realtors® has urged the importance of stabilizing the housing market to help the nation’s economic future,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “Although steps have been taken, the focus has not been on housing in the way it needs to be. We thank and congratulate five of our country’s newest senators for their leadership in pushing for decisive action to, in their words, ‘restore vigor to our nation’s slumping housing industry.’”

Last November, NAR presented a four-point plan developed to spur home sales and stem the rapid rise in foreclosures by lowering mortgage interest rates and unclogging the credit market, extending the home

Pending home sales increased as more buyers took advantage of improved af-fordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Big gains in the South and Midwest offset modest declines in other regions.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a for-ward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in December, rose 6.3 percent to 87.7 from an upwardly revised reading of 82.5 in November, and is 2.1 percent higher than December 2007 when it was 85.9.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the index shows a modest rebound. “The monthly gain in pending home sales, spurred by buyers responding to lower home prices and mortgage interest rates, more than offset an index decline in the previous month,” he said. “The big-gest gains were in areas with the biggest improvements in affordability.”

NAR’s Housing Affordability index rose 10.9 percent in December to 158.8, the highest on record.2 The HAI shows that the relationship between home pric-es, mortgage interest rates and family in-come is the most favorable since tracking began in 1970.

“Significant uncertainty still clouds the housing market despite improved af-fordability conditions. For a sustainable

See Banks page 2

See Tax Credit page 3

See Ent page 7See Stabilization page 4

See Pending Sales page 4

http://www.csrej.com

2 Colorado Springs Real Estate Journal www.csrej.com February 9, 2009

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Crowds are smaller at International Builders’ Show as industry weathers downturn

Builders, remodelers and other members of the home building industry are back at work this week after more than 60,000 attended the National As-sociation of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show® in Las Vegas Jan. 20-23.

In the midst of the most severe housing down-turn in recent memory, attendees took advantage of more than 250 educational sessions and exhibits showcasing products and services from more than 1,600 companies to arm themselves with informa-tion about the latest industry trends, research and new products – the better to respond to demand when the market returns.

“This attendance speaks to the optimism of our members and the nature of home builders to always anticipate the ‘next big thing,’” said newly elected NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder in Tulsa, Okla. “We continue to advocate for an eco-nomic stimulus package that recognizes how im-

portant the home building industry is to helping the nation get back on track – and when it does, we will be ready.”

Exhibitors noted the drop in attendance from

more than 90,000 at the 2008 International Build-ers’ Show, but said they were not surprised, given the economy – and underscored the importance of maintaining their presence on the show floor. An industry downturn brings out more serious inqui-ries and fewer “tire kickers,” they said.

“People are spending more time talking,” said Shawn Buckland of Adrian Steel in Adrian, Mich., a company that customizes the interiors of work vans and trailers for home builders.

Twice as many exhibitors showcased green prod-uct lines this year, including Progress Lighting of Greenville, S.C., which manufactures high-efficien-cy and LED light products. “Green is definitely the hot topic. People are very interested in understand-ing new lighting technology,” said Vice President of Sales Bob Sale.

International Builders’ Show exhibitors sprawled over 850,000 square feet of space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, including outdoor displays of homes built on site for the Show. Industry profes-sionals also attended educational events and train-ing sessions on a variety of subjects ranging from land development techniques and building science to marketing tools and green product certification.

“We’re in the midst of an industry crisis, yet our members are still busy gaining knowledge about new products and techniques, and networking and learning from each other,” Robson observed. “I’m proud of the resilience of our members even as we work together to improve the market.”

The above article has been provided to you compliments of NAHB and Nation’s Builder News.

Education and exhibits help position builders and remodelers for work ahead

© Oscar Einzig Photography

Twice as many

exhibitors Showcased

green product lines

this Year

merce could compromise their lending decisions and create conflicts of interest while restricting consumer choice and competition among mort-gage lenders.”

Some national banks had petitioned the federal government for the power to own and operate lo-cal real estate brokerage or property management companies. Since 2003 language has been included in annual appropriations bills to temporarily block implementation of these actions. The Community Choice in Real Estate Act would make the prohibi-tion permanent.

“Imagine how much worse the crisis in the fi-nancial sector and our overall economy would be if banks had been permitted to enter into commercial activities such as real estate,” McMillan said. “We hope that Congress will work quickly to close any loopholes and pass laws that maintain the separa-tion of banking and real estate and protect our na-tion’s economy from unnecessary and avoidable risks.”

© Copyright National Association of REAlTORS. Reprinted with per-mission.

Banks from page 1

http://www.ent.com

February 9, 2009 www.csrej.com Colorado Springs Real Estate Journal 3

Director of AdvertisingRachelle Nardo

[email protected]

Director of PublishingJosh Olson

[email protected]

Colorado Springs Real Estate Journal LLC (CSREJ) is locally owned and operated out of Colo-rado Springs, Colorado. CSREJ is published twice a month and dis-tributed through US Mail to nearly all members of The Pikes Peak Association of Realtors® and The Colorado Springs Housing & Build-ing Association and many other industry-related professionals.

CSREJ is not responsible for any opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers. CSREJ shall not be held responsible for any errors in advertising or editorial content.

Realtor® is a registered trade-mark. Sometimes the word Re-altor® or Realtors® will appear without the “®” symbol for the purpose of saving space. The reg-istered trademark should be as-sumed if it is not present.

We welcome the submission of articles, photos and press releases. Please email any considerations to:

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Article Submission•Please submit articles no lon-ger than 700 words in a Word document with an accompa-nying byline and appropri-ate contact information. A headshot is also welcomed. Please submit headshot in JPG format.

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On the Move•Please submit a short bio no more than 150 words for any-one that has joined your team in a Word document or direct-ly in an email. A headshot may also be attached to the email as a JPG.

This is for any business in the industry (Real Estate, Build-ers, Title Companies, Mort-gage Companies, etc.)

Photos/Events•Please attached pictures in JPG format in an email with any notes or captions direct-ly in the email or in a Word document.

Office: 719.217.3433Fax: 719.550.4373

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NAR launches $5 million grant program for workforce housing

benefit to many qualified first-time home buyers,” said Robert Dietz, NAHB’s director of tax issues. “While the tax credit has proven too limited to generate a significant return of pro-spective buyers to the marketplace, it can be a valuable selling tool for home builders, and there are many first-tim-ers who are interested in it.”

Under current law, qualified first-time home buyers who close on their purchase before July 1 can claim the tax credit by completing IRS Form 5405 and entering the allowable cred-it amount on line 69 of Form 1040, the individual income tax return. In a report on the credit, NAHB has esti-mated that the value of the no-interest loan of $7,500 is approximately equal to $4,000, Dietz said.

The instructions for the form indi-cate that the IRS has accepted a rec-ommendation from NAHB and oth-ers in the real estate community on an uncertain area in the law. The instruc-tions for Form 5405 make it clear that unmarried co-buyers of a home can allocate the credit in any “reasonable manner.” In Notice 2009-12, the IRS has defined this to include allocating the credit amount according to the ownership interest or downpayment contribution of the buyers.

These tax credit rules can be use-ful for a first-time home buyer pur-chasing a home with a non-first-time home buyer. The entire allowed credit amount in this case can be allocated to the first-time buyer. Joint first-time home buyers also can allocate the credit amount to ensure that the law’s income phaseout does not reduce the total allowable credit. (See Example 5 of Notice 2009-12.)

The rules for married taxpayers are clear in the statute. Married tax-payers filing a joint return can claim the entire credit on their income tax return. However, married taxpayers filing separate tax returns must claim half the credit on each tax return, and both spouses must be qualified first-time home buyers.

The above article has been provided to you com-pliments of NAHB and Nation’s Builder News.

Tax Credit from page 1

In today's challenging economy, the National Association of Realtors® is taking action to make workforce housing more available. Through the Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants, NAR will award as much as $5.23 million to state Realtor® associ-ations or their housing foundations to support workforce housing initiatives in their states.

One-time grants will be awarded on a sliding scale to state Realtor® programs that promote safe, decent housing for people with low and

moderate incomes who cannot afford to live in the communities where they work. The grants are named in honor of Ira Gribin, a former NAR presi-dent who was a tireless advocate for fair and affordable housing for diverse populations.

“Realtors® build communities and know that today’s tight economy and continuing mortgage crisis are making it even more challenging for working families to purchase and keep their homes,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell

Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “The Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants honor the memory of one of NAR’s great lead-ers, and furthers our commitment of increasing affordable housing oppor-tunities available to a broad range of working families to help them achieve their dreams of owning a home.”

Grants of $50,000 are available to state or territorial Realtor® associa-tions with 5,000 or fewer members.

See Grants page 4

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buyer tax credit, making the increased loan limits permanent, and increasing liquidity in the both the commercial and residential real estate market.

On Friday, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, N.H., Kay Hagan, N.C., Mark Udall, Colo., Tom Udall, N.M., and Mark Begich, Ark., called for their Senate col-leagues to focus on housing in the American Recov-

ery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, S. 1, and to expand the home buyer tax credit through the end of 2009. In a letter to their colleagues, the senators noted that the housing industry has long been the engine that drives our economy and recommended extending the tax credit until the end of 2009 to encourage aspiring and qualified home buyers to come off the sidelines and significantly reduce the nation’s high housing inventory.

NAR agrees with and supports the senators’ ac-tions and vows to work with Congress and the ad-ministration to establish strong housing legislation that will help bring stability to home values, prevent foreclosures and put the U.S. economy on the road to recovery.


housing market recovery and, hence, sustainable economic recovery, we need a significant housing stimulus and mortgage availability for qualified bor-rowers,” Yun added.

The PHSI in the Northeast slipped 1.7 percent to 62.1 in December and is 14.5 percent below a year ago. In the Midwest the index jumped 12.8 percent to 83.7 but remains 1.2 percent below December 2007. The index in the South surged 13.0 percent to 96.8 in December and is 1.6 percent above a year

ago. In the West, the index fell 3.7 percent to 97.5 but remains 17.5 percent higher than December 2007.

NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said the rise in contract signings is en-couraging. “However, housing activity remains weak compared with potential demand, and the market is fragile given the economic backdrop,” he said.

“We can’t take our eye off the need to stimulate housing, which can set the foundation for an eco-

nomic recovery,” McMillan said. “Last week’s ac-tions in the House to eliminate the repayment fea-ture on the first-time home buyer tax credit, and to raise mortgage loan limits, are helpful. However, we need to take additional steps to meaningfully draw down inventory and stabilize home prices.”

McMillan said some enhancements that could bring more buyers into the market include expand-ing the $7,500 tax credit to all home buyers and ex-tending it until the end of 2009, and making loan limit increases permanent. “We also need to direct funds in the Troubled Asset Relief Program to add liquidity to the mortgage market, buy down mort-gage interest rates and increase other forms of cred-it,” he said.

Yun said the outlook for housing and the econo-my is murky. “Although Congress and the Obama administration are taking steps to help the economy, the stimulus package must deal with the root cause of the economic downturn, and apply the right fix to turn it around. If housing is ignored, a significant downward overshooting of home prices would con-tinue to drag the economy down independent of the scale of the stimulus,” Yun said.


Larger Realtor® associations are eligible for $50,000 plus an additional two dollars per member for each member over 5,000.

Funds may be used for activities such as imple-menting a workforce housing program developed by the state Realtor® association or foundation; implementing an NAR workforce housing program within the state; or launching or expanding a Real-tor® education program related to workforce hous-ing.

All state and territorial Realtor® housing founda-tions or associations are encouraged to apply. Local Realtor® housing foundations or associations, indi-vidual Realtors®, and firms are not eligible; however, these groups are encouraged to work with their state counterparts to participate in the program.

Applications will only be accepted during 2009 and 2010. Applications will be reviewed and grants awarded on an ongoing basis throughout the two-year period.

For more information on the Ira Gribin Work-force Housing Grants or to download an applica-tion, visit www.realtor.org/IraGribinGrant.


"If housing is ignored, a significant downward overshooting of home prices would continue to drag the

economy down"

Pending Sales from page 1

Stabilization from page 1

Grants from page 3

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Banning Lewis Ranch Management Company initiated their Preferred Bro-ker Program when the community opened more than a year ago. The Program is designed to recognize real estate brokers who have sold homes within Banning Lewis Ranch, who know the community and its features well, and can be called upon by interested buyers as knowledgeable Banning Lewis Ranch sources.

Since its inception, forty-five brokers have been designated as Preferred Brokers; and six of the 45 have achieved higher recognition for multiple home sales. Those brokers include Dan Egan, Doug Hanchi, the team of Glant & Jim Havenar (Silver Status denoting two homes sold); Sylvia Jennings (Gold Status for three homes sold); and Jamie Mades and Sue McElhaney-Lew (Platinum Status for four homes sold). A list of all the Preferred Bro-kers can be found on the Banning Lewis Ranch website.

“We’ve worked to develop the Preferred Broker Pro-gram so that a home buyer’s introduction to this master-planned community is a positive experience, by having local, go-to experts assisting them.” said John Cassiani, Vice President Project Op-erations. “We encourage everyone in the brokerage community to learn more about Banning Lewis Ranch and share all it has to offer with their clients. Just one sale at any of the home collections entitles brokers to Preferred Broker sta-tus, and we’ll publicly recognize them for their sales efforts.”

“I love introducing homebuyers to Banning Lewis Ranch because the com-munity brings together the rich history of the area, our critical need for sus-tainable development and Colorado's exceptional quality of life,” said Sylvia Jennings, Re/Max Realtors and Banning Lewis Ranch Gold Status Preferred Broker. “After moving hundreds of families over the years, I believe that Ban-ning Lewis Ranch's Guest Builders offer thoughtfully designed and well-priced homes that will not only be a joy to live in, but also offer excellent investment potential.”

To learn more about the Banning Lewis Ranch Preferred Broker Program, visit www.BanningLewisRanch.com and fill out the Broker Interest List Form to receive additional information.

Banning Lewis Ranch “Preferred Brokers” mark early sales successes

National study recognizes Penrose-St. Francis for exceptional quality

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is one of only 270 hospitals to receive HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence Award™. This dis-tinction is based on an independent study released today by HealthGrades, the leading healthcare ratings company.

The study of quality at the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals places Penrose-St. Francis in the top 5 percent for overall clinical quality. Penrose-St. Francis is one of six hospitals in Colorado to receive the award and the only facility in Southern Colorado. It marks the sixth consecutive year Penrose-St. Francis has garnered the award, an achievement only 64 hospitals nation-wide can claim.

According to the HealthGrades study, Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence had mortality rates that were, on average, 27 percent lower than oth-er hospitals, and major complication rates that were 8 percent lower.

For seven years now, HealthGrades has conducted the most comprehensive

SAVE THE DATE! February 13, 2009

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUILDERS

Doubletree Hotel World Arena 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd

8:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

FREE BREAKFAST… REALTORS ONLY! You must present your business card before entering

the trade show. RSVP to the HBA at (719) 592-1800.

SAVE THE DATE! February 13, 2009


Doubletree Hotel World Arena 1775 East Cheyenne Mountain Blvd

8:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

FREE BREAKFAST… REALTORS ONLY! You must present your business card before entering

the trade show. RSVP to the HBA at (719) 592-1800.

See Penrose page 7

http://www.springslandscaping.com

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http://www.cshba.com


HBAAnnual Awards

Dinner

Winners:

AssociAte of the YeAr:

Mike Law, Merrill Lynch

BuiLder/deveLoper of the YeAr

George Hess, vantage homes

reModeLer of the YeAr

Johnny Garcia, B&J General contractors

industrY person of the YeAr

Tom Taylor, La plata communities

LifetiMe AchieveMent

Mayor Bob Isaacs

founders AwArdJon Campbell

Above: Shirley Rouse, Connie and Curt Christofferson, Michelle grove–Reiland (back) and Jerry Reiland.

Below: The Isaacs family was in attendance to except the honor of Lifetime Achievement for Mayor Bob Isaacs.

Left: William and Victoria Stone, with Linda and Tex Stuart.

Below: Heath and Cheri Herber and Pam and Wayne Bland.

Below: The Campbell Family was proud to except the Founders Award on behalf of Jon Campbell.

Above: Paul Finch, Bob Balink, Sarah Jack and Ron Holladay.


LOCAL & STATE

studies of hospital quality in America, producing ratings for every non-federal hospital. Hospitals that receive the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence are those hospitals that excel across the 26 procedures and diagnoses rated.

"We're committed to clinical excellence and pa-tient safety, and this distinguished award reaffirms that commitment," said Dr. Jeff Oram-Smith, Chief Medical Officer for PSF. "It's a direct reflection of our outstanding team of physicians, associates and volunteers."

The study also shows that Distinguished Hos-pitals for Clinical Excellence™ are improving at a greater rate in more procedures and diagnoses than all other hospitals, lowering risk-adjusted mortality rates over the years 2005, 2006, 2007 by an average of 18%.

“Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence comprise an unparalleled group of hospitals that excel across the board, not just in one or two spe-cialties, and they should be commended for their

relentless commitment to exceptional patient care. Patients should expect and demand the same level of care at all hospitals,” said Rick May, MD, Health-Grades senior physician consultant, and an author of the study.

For its study, HealthGrades analyzed almost 41 million Medicare hospitalization records that cov-er the latest three-year period, from 2005 to 2007. Because the hospitalization records come from the federal government, no hospital can opt in or out of HealthGrades' rating process. The analysis is risk-adjusted to account for differences in patient popu-lations between hospitals.

HealthGrades found that Distinguished Hospi-tals for Clinical Excellence™ outperformed all oth-er hospitals across the procedures and diagnoses studied. HealthGrades estimates that 152,666 lives could have been saved and 11,772 complications could have been avoided over the three years stud-ied if all Medicare patients were treated at Distin-guished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence.

Penrose-St. Francis was among HealthGrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2008, the top 1 per-

cent nationwide and the only selectee is Colorado.

For Colorado in 2009, Penrose-St. Francis is ranked as follows:

Best in Colorado for Overall Critical Care•Best in Colorado for GI Medical Treatment •Among the Top Five Hospitals for Overall •Cardiac ServicesAmong the Top Five Hospitals for Cardiol-•ogy ServicesAmong the Top Five Hospitals for Overall •Pulmonary Services

Nationwide, Penrose-St. Francis is ranked:

Among the Top 10% for Overall Pulmonary •Services – 5 Years in a Row (2005-2009)Among the Top 10% for GI Medical Treat-•ment – 5 Years in a Row (2005-2009)Among the Top 10% for Critical Care Ser-•vices – 4 Years in a Row (2006-2009)

For over 15 years, Ent has been a strong sup-porter of the Pikes Peak United Way – raising more than $90,000 for the third year in a row. Ent does not solicit its members for donations to their annual campaign; all funds raised come directly from Ent employees.

Charles Emmer, Ent’s president and chief execu-tive officer said, “We realized $95,000 was an am-bitious goal for the 2008 campaign in the current economy. I am proud of the generosity of our Ent employees – a record breaking donation year like this shows how much our employees care about the community.”

The credit union got innovative with their fund-raising by creating uniquely themed gift baskets for an online auction. Each department and service center created a basket with themes ranging from “A Night on the Town” to “A Weekend with the Fam-ily.” Other fundraising activities at Ent included jeans days, barbeques and tickets sold to a breakfast cooked by members of Ent management staff.

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ON ThE MOvE

Patricia McCue PrudentialProfessional Realtors

Bill Havens, Managing Broker, recently shared with the Prudential Professional team the addition of another broker to their fast growing organization. Patricia Mc-Cue is an experienced broker. Ms. McCue has chosen to live in Colorado Springs because of the great quality of life. She enjoys the active Colorado life style. Patri-cia enjoys working in real estate because she has a true passion for helping people. Regardless if she is working with a buyer or a property owner, Patricia works to make sure that the real estate transaction is a smooth as pos-sible. In addition to being a broker, Patricia is also an Ac-credited Home Stager and member of the International Association of Staging Professionals. She is always pay-ing attention to the many details of a real estate transac-tion. Patricia has joined the Prudential office located at 4065 N. Sinton Road.

Amos garlan PrudentialProfessional Realtors

We are pleased to announce that Amos Garlan, an experienced REALTOR®, has joined the Prudential Professional team. He is a retired U.S. Army of 20 years and decided to make Colorado Springs his re-tirement home. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and completed Personal Fi-nancial and Estate Planning at Colorado Technical University. He specializes in residential property in the greater Colorado Springs area. Amos' expe-rience has allowed him to develop a great knowl-edge of our real estate market. He believes that each transaction should be treated with utmost care and professionalism. Regardless if the property is large or if it is small, Amos gives each client his undivided attention, straight answers, and knowledgeable in-sights. He is a member of the Pikes Peak, Colorado and National Association of REALTORS®.

New Agents at PrudentialProfessional Realtors

Bill Jones We are pleased to announce that Bill Jones, GRI,

an experienced REALTOR®, has joined the Pruden-tial Professional team. He specializes in residential property in the greater Colorado Springs area and has been selling real estate for 34 years. He was previously with Heritage Realty and Langford De-lay. Bill has served on the board of directors with several horse clubs and the El Paso County 4-H Horse Council. He spends his free time Upland Bird Hunting, Big Game Hunting, or fly fishing in the warmer months. Bill’s experience has allowed him to develop a great knowledge of our real estate market. Bill is a member of the Pikes Peak, Colo-rado and National Association of REALTORS®.

Michelle JaroszPrudential Professionals are excited to announce

another experienced real estate broker has joined its family of REALTORS®. Michelle Jarosz is a veteran of real estate sales. She is very knowledgeable in pricing properties to get the quickest transaction, at the highest price with the lowest amount of incon-venience. Ms. Jarosz also works very closely with

mortgage professionals to help her buyers find the right program for their needs. Michelle knows that one size does not fit all. Real Estate is a very per-sonal transaction. Michelle Jarosz looks forward to hearing from you.

Cheryl RiveraBill Havens, Managing Broker, recently shared

with the Prudential Professional team the addition of another broker to their fast growing organization. Cheryl Rivera is an experienced broker. Ms. Rivera has chosen to live in Colorado Springs because of the great quality of life. She enjoys the active Colo-rado life style. Cheryl enjoys working in real estate. Regardless if she is working with a buyer or a prop-erty owner, Cheryl works to make sure that the real estate transaction is a smooth as possible. She is al-ways paying attention to the many details of a real estate transaction. Cheryl has joined the Prudential office located at 4065 N. Sinton Road.

Mayra CarbonellPrudential Professionals are excited to announce

another experienced real estate broker has joined its family of REALTORS®. Mayra Carbonell is a vet-eran of real estate sales. She is very knowledgeable in pricing properties to get the quickest transaction, at the highest price with the lowest amount of in-convenience. Ms. Carbonell also works very closely with mortgage professionals to help her buyers find the right program for their needs. Mayra knows that one size does not fit all. Real Estate is a very personal transaction. Mayra Carbonell looks for-ward to hearing from you.

Jamie CoffmanJamie Coffman has been an elementary school

teacher for the past 16 years in Colorado Springs. For the past 9 years, he has been an elementary computer teacher for staff and students in grades K-5. He has been in real estate since 2005 and spe-cializes in residential real estate in El Paso County.

Jamie is passionate about personal development and empowering others to achieve their goals. That is no different when it comes to buying and selling a home. He wants to be more than an “Agent on the Move” but an “Agent of Change.” Jamie’s clients should leave the real estate relationship with a suc-cess story. It should be a story where they accom-plished their home ownership objectives and one where there was a lasting impression. This impres-sion should reflect what a competent, confident, and honest real estate professional can do to affect their clients, their colleagues, and their communi-ty in a positive way. He hopes that this approach brings a “small town feel” to a larger community like Colorado Springs as he strives to earn your trust and your business.

One way that Jamie spends his quiet time is with fly fishing and fly tying.

Douglas Hanchi Heritage Realty

Douglas Hanchi just joined Heritage Realty. Mr. Hanchi has a Bachelor and Masters of Arts degree. He also has a background in financial markets and investing.

Specializing in negotiating, his goal is to provide the highest quality of service and value to his cli-ents.

New Agents at Keller Williams Partners

Keller Williams Partners Realty would like to welcome the following agents to our office:

Dan Roda Dodi BatemanSuzan gebow Patrick CollinsDeb Vahey John PynePatricia Niemann

Kevin KudrnaKevin was born and raised in the Central Cali-

fornia city of Hanford. After graduating from high school, he went to a junior college for two years earning an Associate’s degree in Criminology. He joined the US Air Force in 1996 as an enlisted air-man in the Traffic Management career field. Kevin earned another Associate’s degree in Transporta-tion and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources in 1999. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2000 as a Logistics officer. During his time in the military, Kevin had the opportunity to live in Japan, Germany, and finally settled in Colorado Springs where he separated from active duty in 2007 where he is currently a captain in the Air Force Reserves. Kevin’s passions in life are God, family, and real es-tate investing. He is happily married with 3 children and a niece.

gloria Mendoza Dowda Realty

Gloria Mendoza has joined Dowda Realty. Glo-ria is a Broker Associate with over 14 years in real estate. She has her GRI, QSC and employing Bro-ker status. She is excited about joining Dowda Re-alty Inc. to learn more about property management and to better assist the public by offering a range of real estate services. She appreciates Dowda's active involvement with the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) and their longtime history with rentals in the Colorado Springs and Denver areas. She welcomes referrals and encourages Realtors to take the opportunity to learn more about the needs of our growing com-munity by becoming involved with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP).

gary Beres Keller Williams Partners

Gary Beres has joined Keller Williams Partners as their new Co-Team Leader. He has been Managed 2 offices for Ken Reyhons Better Homes and Gardens REALTORS, Broker ERA Investors Realty, Manag-ing Broker RE/MAX Properties for 11 years, 1996 PPAR President, 1998 PPAR REALTOR of the Year, Past President of Realtor Service Corporation (several times) and current Director, Past CAR Di-rector, Past CAR Southeast District Vice President and Past NAR Director (3 Years).

Be a Part of this SectionSee Page 3 for Details


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Close on a Todays Home by February 28, 2009 and we’ll fly you and a guest round-trip anywhere in the Continental United States for FREE. We’re even throwing in hotel accommodations for a seven-day trip.

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SALES & MOTIvATION

Maximizing your seminar investment

According to sales trainer Jeffrey Gitomer, the aver-age salesperson spends about $800 each year on self-improvement including workshops, books, tapes, sem-inars, etc. to help them stay motivated and raise the bar for performing in the top ranks of their profession.

Here are some tips on how to maximize the semi-nar experience and increase your ROI (return on in-vestment).

Don't sit with people you came with. DWhen I speak to HBA's, I notice all the companies sit togeth-er-realtors, builders, mortgage brokers, etc. A critical part of the seminar "ROI" is to network and meet others who you can help and they, in turn, can help you. Get out of your com-fort zone and sit at a table where you don't know anyone.

Bring plenty of business cards. There is usually a drawing Dand you can network with others at the breaks and during meals.

Come prepared. Look at the topic and prepare some ques- Dtions that you would like addressed. This is YOUR chance to ask the expert.

Participate! Ask questions; get involved. The seminar is only Das good as what you put into it. The more involved, the more you walk away with gems that will help your business right away.

Introduce yourself to the speaker and ask them your specific Dquestion if time allows. Just give the speaker time to get ready before the seminar and break time to unwind and rest their voice.

Take notes and bring a pen. This sounds obvious but often, I Dsee attendees walk into a seminar sans pen! As the speaker is presenting, keep a separate page for your "action" items so you can begin implementing after the program.

Keep an open mind. Don't have a "heard it all, seen it all" Dmentality. Ask yourself, "How good am I at______?"

Take the information presented and say, "How will this apply Dto what I do?"

At the end of the seminar, find three ideas you will apply and Ddevelop an action plan with how to execute and when.

Share your "take-a-ways" with someone else that will be Dyour "phone buddy" and hold you accountable.

Have a plan ready for the next seminar you attend and I guarantee you will be signing up for more in 2009!

Melinda Brody, MIRM has been inspiring and evaluating salespeople for almost two decades. She offers sales seminars, keynotes and video mystery shopping services for builders across North America. Visit www.melindabrody.com or sign up for her free monthly electronic newsletter by e-mailing her at [email protected].

By Melinda BrodyMelinda Brody & Co.—

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ArOuNd ThE COrNErFebruaryWednesday, February 11Greening Colorado Springs Bring Green Bag Lunch12pm@ City Hall719-385-5421

Thursday, February, 12WCR Luncheon“Guerilla Selling in Hard Times”11am @ Marriott Hotel [email protected] / 393-3532

Trusts 101: Basics & Benefits6pm @ Ent (Campus Dr)719-550-6095

Friday, February 13Breakfast With The Builders8am @ Doubletree [email protected] / 592-1800

Tuesday, February 17Realtor Day at the Capitalcoloradorealtors.com

Wednesday, February 18CHFA Homebuyer Education ClassTom Craddock719-576-0909 ext 222

Online Bill Pay9:30am @ Ent (Campus Dr)719-550-6095

Marketing in Tough Times1pm @ Ent (Campus Dr)719-550-6095

Friday, February 20Landscape Symposium8am @ Doubletree Hotel – World Arena [email protected] / 719-668-3333

Saturday, February 21Reverse Mortgages10am @ Ent (Campus Dr)719-550-6095

Tuesday, February 24Financing College: All About 529 Savings Plans6pm @ Ent (Galley)719-550-6095

Thursday, February 26The Challenge of New Home Sales Management8am@ HBA Centennial, [email protected] 303-551-6724

Design/Build Solutions for Aging and Accessibility8am @ HBA Centennial, [email protected] 303-551-6724

Friday, February 27Business Management for Building Professionals8am@ HBA Centennial, [email protected] 303-551-6724

Saturday, February 28First-Time Home Buyers10am @ Ent (Campus Dr)719-550-6095

MarCHFriday, March 6-8HBA Home & Garden Show1 pm @ Phil Long Expo [email protected] / 719-592-1800

Thursday, March 12WCR Luncheon “Business Planning”11am @ Marriott Hotel [email protected] /393-3532

Saturday, March 14Building a Home: Help from the Ground Up 10am @ Ent (Galley)719-550-6095

Wednesday, March 18State of the Economy8am @ Crowne Plaza [email protected] / 719-592-1800

Colorado Association of Real Estate Appraisers Meeting6:30pm @ Academy HotelGary Eisenbraun | [email protected]

Thursday, March 19Realtor Open House at Vanguard Homes11am @ 16648 Greyhawk In Jackson Creek

Tuesday, March 24Green Day at HBA11:30am @ HBA Office www.cshba.com

Saturday, March 28First-Time Home Buyers10am @ Ent (Galley)719-550-6095

aPrILFriday, April 3Breakfast w/the Builders of Banning Lewis Ranch8:30am @ Banning Lewis Ranch www.cshba.com

Thursday, April 9WCR Meeting “Think Like a Spy” (on Identity theft)11 am @ Marriott Hotel [email protected] / 393-3532

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Journey Homes Keller Homes

La Plata Communities. Legendary Homes

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Robert Scott General Contractors Ron Covington Homes

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Realtors… don’t miss this once-a-year event!


Friday, February 13, 2009 8:00 am.—10:00 a.m.

Doubletree Hotel World Arena 1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard

Visit one-on-one with area builders and developers.

Gather information on the latest new homes and communities… and get a

FREE BREAKFAST… all in one convenient location.

Bring plenty of business cards!

You will need to present your Realtor card before entering the show room, plus there are door prizes throughout the morning.

Visit with the great Builders & Developers

Also visit with the Economic Development Corporation & Pikes Peak Association of Realtors!

The first 225 Realtors through the door will receive a binder to store all the information!

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Colorado Springs Real Estate Journal

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