Your 2014 guide to member benefits and discounts to save you money

Transcription

1 Your 2014 guide to member benefits and discounts to save you money Save on appliances with Sears Commercial Get auto insurance and car rental discounts Find savings on Choice Hotels and LaQuinta Pay less when shipping with UPS Get discounts on printing and office supplies at OfficeMax

2 For $127 in state dues... you get over $2,000 in products and services. For the $127 you paid in state dues for 2014, you get over $2,000 worth of products and services. That s a 20-fold return. Not bad. But it s just the beginning. You receive benefits like the 100-plus forms in the Texas Association of REALTORS library that others can t buy at any price. Your membership makes you part of a voice, 90,000 members strong, ready to fight for our industry and the rights of property owners. And as a Texas REALTOR, you have access to a vast array of discounts and free stuff. Visit the Member Benefits section of TexasRealEstate.com to see the latest discounts and services available to you. Affiliates enjoy benefits, too If you re a local or statewide affiliate member in Texas, you now have access to all benefits of the Texas REALTOR Advantage program except zipform, forms, and legal via TexasRealEstate.com. As long as you re a member in good standing with your local association in Texas or the Texas Association of REALTORS, you can create your own personal sign-in account for TexasRealEstate.com and start taking advantage of the vast array of products, benefits, services, and programs. Questions? Contact our Membership Department at Working for you Help affordable housing in Texas Purchase your I Am a Texas REALTOR specialty license plate for only $30. And get this: $22 of your $30 goes to support affordable housing projects and causes through the Texas Association of REALTORS Housing Opportunity Foundation. By marketing yourself, you ll be helping others. You can even personalize your plate for an additional $40. And you don t have to wait until your vehicle registration renewal. For details, visit TexasRealestate.com/Plate. I ordered 50 open house signs from Lowen Sign Company. After placing my order, they noticed an issue with the text, corrected it before the order was produced, and sent me an clarifying the correction. Not only did I save nearly $3 per sign, but I also had great service. Scott Kesner, Texas REALTOR, El Paso

3 Here s a look at the core benefits of your membership as a Texas REALTOR... Forms software, e-signatures, and online document storage For 2014, Texas REALTORS get an expanded bundle of productivityenhancing zipform products included in your state dues: zipform Plus, the online version of zipform Digital Ink, the e-signature solution that works seamlessly with zipform zipvault, online document storage These three core zipform products are now free for Texas REALTORS. If you still want zipform Standard, the offline version, your Texas Association of REALTORS has negotiated a deep discount for you only $29.95 a year. On top of that, you can get zipform Mobile, to keep transactions moving on your smartphone or tablet, for just $8.45 a year. For more information, visit TexasRealEstate.com/zipForm. Legal tools just for you Texas REALTORS enjoy free access to the Texas Association of REALTORS Legal Hotline. It s your link to an attorney who can provide information on real estate law and related matters. A wide range of topics are addressed, including questions regarding agency, brokerage, closings, license law, listing, regulations, titles, and trust accounts. You can reach the hotline Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at We ve created and compiled a large library of forms, contracts, and addenda specific to Texas real estate transactions. As a member, you can access all up-to-date forms and contracts from TexasRealEstate.com. And if you have Spanish-speaking clients, you will want copies of Spanish translations of forms and contracts. You can download them for free from TexasRealEstate.com. Free! The Texas Association of REALTORS Legal Department created a free template for broker members so you can develop your own broker policy manual, as required by state law. In addition, you have the opportunity to purchase a comprehensive manual covering many aspects of brokerage operations with periodic updates from TAR Legal included. A new property management resource guide, also developed by TAR Legal, is now available via TexasRealEstate.com Model office policies regarding tenant-selection criteria, privacy regulations, and do-not-call, , and fax rules are available as free downloads. You can also access an extensive compilation of members frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the answers concerning realworld legal matters in real estate. To access these valuable members-only legal tools and information, visit the Legal Tools section of TexasRealEstate.com. A strong voice in government If you make a living from the sale of real estate in Texas, you are affected by decisions made at the Capitol. Our efforts have helped pass legislation beneficial to real estate professionals and defeat legislation that would ve cost you more money to run your business. In 2011, we successfully closed a decades-old legislative loophole that allowed even encouraged Texas REALTORS to be wrongfully sued under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. We also created a fill-in-theblanks response letter you can download from TexasRealEstate.com, if you re ever sued under DTPA, to let greedy plaintiff s lawyers know you re off limits. As an association, we work just as hard to protect the interests of private-property owners your clients and customers. For example, we continue to oppose efforts to weaken the strong consumer protections that we originally put into Texas s home equity lending law back in These protections have helped Texas avoid the high foreclosure rates of other states. For more info, visit VoiceForTexas.com. Professional development To be successful in real estate, you ve got to invest in yourself. Texas REALTORS University makes it easier to realize a return on your investment. We offer a wide range of courses approved for MCE credit plus, the top industry designation in Texas, we do it better than anywhere Graduate REALTOR Institute, and the popular Texas Affordable Housing Specialist certification, available only to Texas REALTORS. Ever had trouble keeping up with your MCE? We ve made it easy with My education on TexasRealEstate.com. Find it in the Dashboard for Texas REALTORS. Networking with others The annual Texas REALTORS Conference lets you choose from among many different MCE sessions and the industry s top speakers, learn about the latest industry trends and political developments, and see the newest products and services in the Trade Expo all while making new friends and expanding your referral network. The 2014 Texas REALTORS Conference will be September 5-8 in San Antonio. You won t want to miss it! Visit TexasRealEstate.com to see upcoming events and 3-year calendar.

4 Discounts Tenant screening Shipping Take advantage of members-only discounts when you need to go old school and ship documents or packages. Don t wait to set up your account. Get started at SaveWithUPS.com/tar. What happens when your clients move and the listing doesn t sell? They want it rented out. Fast. That s when you use SmartMove, an online system that provides a quick leasing recommendation on prospective tenants. Bookmark this address: TexasRealtors.MySmartMove.com. Virtual tours Upgrade all your virtual tours with unlimited photos, QR codes, mobile sites, SEO, and social-media tools for $19.99 a month through FloorPlanOnline. Further enhance individual listings with a floorplan starting at $30. To learn more, check out TourProducer.com/TAR. TM. Go mobile, paperless. Impress clients, save time and money! Internet marketing TM. IHouse Web Solutions is the one-stop shop for Texas REALTORS to create or boost your online business. Call or [email protected]. Texas REALTORS get access to a free video series from Paperless Agent. Like what you see? You ll also save $100 when you decide to go through the complete Paperless Agent program. Visit ThePaperlessAgent.com to learn more. Online mapping Dashfly is an online mapping service that optimizes your driving routes as well as tracks your mileage for tax purposes. All Texas REALTORS receive a free standard Dashfly account and 50% off the premium service. Go to TAR.Dashfly.com to get started. Kenya Burrell, immediate past chair, member benefits

5 Tools and discounts you can use (and pass along to your clients) Show them you care Great Moving Adventure DVDs. You never know when you ll be vying for a client who has young children. This animated children s film shows parents you care about their family and eases the kids worries over moving to a new home. (Bonus: Texas REALTORS who participate in the Moving Families Initiative may become eligible for REALTOR membership dues reimbursement.) Office supplies, furniture, technology, and printing Download and print your OfficeMax Retail Connect Card for huge savings... not just on office supplies, furniture, and technology products but also printing with OfficeMax ImPress digital print and document services. Texas REALTOR store Show your Texas REALTOR pride with I am a Texas REALTOR logo merchandise from the new online store powered by OfficeMax. Buy clothing, accessories, and tech products that identify you as a Texas REALTOR Easily create and order business cards Personalize promotional products with your branding at huge discounts Visit TexasRealtorStore.com to start shopping. Jennifer Stroh, liaison, member benefits Appliances and home furnishings Save big on items like televisions, refrigerators, freezers, and more through Sears Commercial. Purchase these items for yourself or extend the discount to clients. Find the item number at Sears.com and call or [email protected]; use account number CU

6 Discounts Lodging Save 15% at any of 5,000 Choice Hotels properties worldwide. Visit ChoiceHotels.com or call and use ID number Save 15% at all La Quinta Inns & Suites nationwide. Call and mention Texas Association of REALTORS or visit LQ.com and use booking code TAR. Car rentals Find great deals on car rentals from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National, Hertz, and Avis at Beneplace.com/TexasRealtors. Expense tracking TaxBot is the easiest way for Texas REALTORS to turn expenses into deductions. Use your phone to snap pictures of receipts and use the GPS to track mileage. All your records are stored safely in the cloud. Texas REALTORS and affiliates get 50% off. Instead of $19.99 a month, you ll pay just $9.99 per month. (Or just $99.99 for the whole year!) To get a 14-day free trial visit tar.taxbot.com. Shopping Auto insurance and more Save 20% off regular prices on all clothing, from business suits to casual wear, at Jos. A. Bank. Your discount also applies to Internet and catalog orders. Call or stop in a store to request your Texas REALTORS corporate card. Mention company ID Texas REALTORS and their families can enjoy the members-only auto insurance discount program plus multiple discounts, including: Accident-free discount Homeowners and car insurance discount Powersports discount Good student discount Pet insurance discount Accident forgiveness benefits Visit TxRealtorsAuto.com for more information. Danny Frank, vice chair, member benefits

7 Discounts Manage your social media presence Use SocialMadeSimple to maximize online social networks to promote your real estate business. The service helps you manage all your social media accounts. You can also take advantage of the new SocialMadeSimple Concierge program, which provides professional bloggers to do your posting for you. SocialMadeSimple accounts for Texas REALTORS are free for 30 days and $16 per month after that a 25% discount off the regular price. Visit SocialMadeSimple.com and use case-sensitive group code smstar. Discount shopping Visit this microsite exclusively for members of the Texas Association of REALTORS. On it you ll find a vast array of discounted products and services. Program information and details are at your fingertips, and convenient links make bargain shopping a breeze. Visit Beneplace.com/TexasRealtors Save tons on real estate signs Save up to 12% off previous lowest prices on thousands of real estate sign options and related products. Call and identify yourself as a Texas REALTOR or visit TexasRealstate.com/Lowen. Protect yourself with preventive health screenings Thanks to this money- and potentially lifesaving benefit, you have the opportunity to screen for unrecognized health problems, such as potential strokes, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases, before they become life threatening. All four vascular screenings are only $135 a special discount for Texas REALTORS. The same four vascular screens would likely cost more than $1,000 at a hospital. To find a screening location near you, visit LifeLineScreening.com/TAR. R Pat Szot, 2014 chairman, member benefits

8 Free services and stuff Virtual tours Texas REALTORS can get free virtual tours that include up to 15 photos, video and music, subtitles, link, and PDF flier! To get your free virtual tour for Texas REALTORS only visit TourProducer.com/TAR. Powered by Texas Association of REALTORS benefits partner FloorPlanOnline. Housing Trends enewsletter Brand and send this free monthly electronic newsletter to your clients and prospects. It s filled with local and national real estate market data and information that helps consumers stay connected to you, their Texas REALTOR. To take advantage, visit the Marketing Tools section of TexasRealEstate.com. Texas REALTOR magazine Succeed in the real world. You get 10 issues of this awardwinning publication a year, and each one is packed with the latest legal, technology, and marketing information. Plus, the new (free) digital edition gives you bonus content, and it s formatted for your tablet or smartphone. Digital edition availabe at TexasRealEstate.com. Blogs for Texas REALTORS and consumers These two blogs bring news, issues, and timely tips to keep you in the know. The Advice for Texas REALTORS blog provides you with legal updates and business tips you can use to better serve your clients. The Advice for Consumers blog has tips on buying, selling, and leasing properties. Check it out at TexasRealEstate.com. Marketing materials Increase your visibility while reinforcing the Texas REALTOR brand. Our broad selection of consumer handouts free fliers that you can download in PDF and personalize with your own contact information reinforce your standing as the consumer s real estate professional of choice. Many are available in Spanish, too. TexasRealEstate.com One website, two audiences, countless possibilities. The new Texas Association of REALTORS website brings together tremendous visual impact, easy-to-find content, and hyperuseful member and consumer tools. This real estate website also helps fulfill Texas consumers need for credible real estate-related information and educates them about what you do as a Texas REALTOR to protect their interests. Use the RSS feed to place headlines on your website that link to the latest news and features on TexasRealEstate.com. You can also share content via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. And, consumers can find you via your listings and your online profile that you complete in the Dashboard for Texas REALTORS. Texas homebuyers and sellers survey data Keep up to date with the consumer trends in Texas, so you can make better marketing and business decisions. We commission this NAR research study on your behalf every year, then give you the results, for free, through TexasRealEstate.com and Texas REALTOR magazine. Do Not Call Sentry Comply with confusing do-not-call rules with this easyto-use online system, free for Texas REALTORS! Member companies are entitled to free use of this compliance tool. To get started, visit Ombudsman program If you have a Code of Ethics complaint to file, or one is filed against you, we offer a free ombudsman program, conducted by phone, as the first step to resolve the matter. Call and ask for Board Services. I save over $2,500 a year on printing and paper using my OfficeMax member benefit. Shad Bogany, Texas REALTOR, Houston

9 Insurance options Health, life, dental, and disability There is no association-sponsored, guaranteed-issue group health insurance for REALTORS. Still, your state association has a number of options for you through these benefits partners: Association Benefits offers a variety of health and medical insurance options for members, their families, and employees. Call Ins/Mark of America offers affordable insurance to our members, members employees, local association staff, and the family members of all three groups. Call Nicholas Hill Benefit Group provides members and their families with comprehensive, affordable health insurance. You can be approved in 24 hours. Call Selected Benefits offers a full range of health insurance and other insurance products. Selected Benefits specializes in tailoring products and services to best suit Texas REALTORS needs. Call All of the partners above offer various insurance products, including life, dental, and disability. You may also want to visit TexasRealEstate.com/Insurance for links to these and other partner sites. Auto and homeowners Nationwide offers members of the Texas Association of REALTORS a special discount on car insurance, which could save you up to $500 a year. Go to TxRealtorsAuto.com to start saving. You may also save on other types of insurance from Nationwide, including insurance for your home, boat, RV, motorcycle, and more. Call , or talk to any Nationwide insurance agent. (Be sure to mention your Texas Association of REALTORS membership!) E&O Pearl Insurance has been serving the real estate community since 1950 and is one of the nation s leading providers of E&O insurance. Association members can enjoy an A+ A.M. Best-rated E&O program, and a variety of life and health products that include major medical, dental, term life, level term life, AD&D, and short-term medical. Call REO Advisors represents several major errors and omissions providers for the real estate marketplace, and its Texas-based agents have decades of experience helping Texas REALTORS with their E&O coverage needs. Call I ve been with Nationwide Insurance since Their rates and customer service are great, and, being a part of the Texas Association of REALTORS, I get an even larger discount! Jimmy Torres, Texas REALTOR, Belton

10 TexasRealEstate.com One website, two audiences, countless possibilities The new Texas Association of REALTORS website brings together tremendous visual impact, easy-to-find content, and hyper-useful member tools. Fast site-wide search Look for what you want directly from the main page Responsive design Adapts to the size of your mobile device Easy-to-use Property and Texas REALTOR searches right from the front page News and content Up-to-date news and content for consumers and members Limited log-in Get what you need fast

11 Benefits partners for Texas REALTORS Here s an alphabetical list of association benefits partners as of Jan. 1, Remember that new partners and programs may be added during the year, as well as updates to partner contact information. For the latest info and links, check out the Member Benefits section of TexasRealEstate.com. Association Benefits Health insurance and other coverage, including disability. Call Beneplace This microsite offers money-saving opportunities for you to buy namebrand products and services you use every day everything from gifts to wireless plans to car rentals. Visit Beneplace.com/TexasRealtors Choice Hotels Receive a 15% discount at more than 5,000 Choice Hotels properties worldwide. Book online at ChoiceHotels.com or call Use ID number to get the discount. Dashfly Use this online mapping service to plan efficient driving routes and track your business mileage for tax purposes. Visit TAR.Dashfly.com and use promo code TAR to get a free standard account and 50% off the premium service. DocuSign Save 25% on this e-signature solution. Texas REALTORS pay just $180/year. Watch for quarterly promotional periods for more savings. Sign up at Docusign.com/TAR. DNC Sentry Member companies are entitled to free use of the DNC Sentry do-not-call compliance solution, an Internetbased system. To get started, visit FloorPlanOnline/TourProducer Free virtual tour for all of your listings including nine photos, music, subtitles, link, and PDF flier. Upgrade to unlimited photos, mobile sites, and more for $19.99 a month. Visit TourProducer.com/TAR. Great Moving Adventure/Moving Families Initiative Save 15% on this award-winning DVD that helps children deal with the challenges they face when moving. Housing Trends enewsletter Share this free monthly real estate market update with clients and prospects to solidify your role as a real estate expert. ihouse Web Solutions Save 65%-75% on startup fees and 15% on monthly fees when paid annually. Call or [email protected] and tell them you re a Texas REALTOR. Ins/Mark of America Life insurance, dental and vision plans, health insurance, and prescription drug cards. Call Jos. A. Bank Save 20% on clothing, from business suits to casual attire. Call or visit a store and mention company ID to request your Texas REALTORS corporate card. La Quinta Inns & Suites Call or visit LQ.com and use promo code TAR when making your reservations. Life Line Screening Screen for health problems such as potential strokes, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases. All four vascular screenings are only $135. Visit LifeLineScreening.com/TAR to find a screening location near you. Lowen Sign Company Save 12% on thousands of products from Lowen Sign Company. (If you re with a franchise, 6% off your company s negotiated online pricing.) Visit TexasRealEstate.com or call Nationwide Texas REALTORS and their families enjoy members-only discounts on auto and other insurance products through Nationwide. Call , visit TxRealtorsAuto.com, or consult any Nationwide agent. Nicholas Hill Benefit Group To compare health insurance plans available in your area, call toll-free OfficeMax Save up to 60% on office products, tech equipment, office furniture, and printing. Visit TexasRealEstate.com/ OfficeMax to get your Retail Connect Card and sign up to shop online. Paperless Agent Visit ThePaperlessAgent.com/Texas to view free video series. Get $100 discount on The Paperless Agent program. Pearl Insurance E&O, health, and other insurance options for Texas REALTORS. Call REO Advisors Specializing in errors and omissions coverage. Call Sears Contract Sales Save big on appliances and home furnishings. Go to Sears.com and pick out your item, then Bill Gillette ([email protected]) or call him at ; use account number CU Selected Benefits Health insurance, health savings accounts (HSAs), dental and vision plans, life insurance, and more. Call SmartMove This cost-effective, easy-to-use online system provides a quick leasing recommendation on prospective tenants. No set up fees, no minimums. Visit TexasRealtors.MySmartMove.com. SocialMadeSimple Maximize your social networks to promote your real estate business. Visit SocialMadeSimple.com and use discount code smstar to save 25% off the regular price. TaxBot Save 50% on expense tracking service and pay just $9.99/month or $99.99/ year. Sign up at TAR.Taxbot.com. UPS Save money on shipping at SaveWithUPS.com/tar. The more you ship, the more you save! zipform To access your expanded bundle of free zipform products, visit TexasRealEstate.com

12 Need help? Contact Ashley Rathburn, your member benefits manager, for tips about how to make the most of your Texas REALTOR Advantage , ext. 169 TexasRealEstate.com Facebook.com/TexasRealtors Twitter.com/TXRealtors YouTube.com/TexasRealtors