When meeting a client alone, you can minimize your risk by adopting these safety precautions

As a reminder, the requirements to use the GAR Forms have changed and only REALTORS® members will be allowed to continue using the forms at no cost. In order to access the GAR Forms as a member for FREE, you must enter your National REALTOR® Database System ID (NRDS #) to confirm your REALTOR® membership.

If you do not already know your NRDS #, you may access your NRDS number at https://reg.realtor.org/roreg.nsf/retrieveID?OpenForm.

The 400 North Board, in conjunction with the Georgia Institute of Real Estate, will offer the SFR® Certification Course on March 23. This course also qualifies as an elective for the Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR®) Designation. This Certification course qualifies for the GAR Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to real estate licensees in the State of Georgia seeking a designation.

While technology continues to evolve the way people buy and sell properties, real estate transactions remain largely based on relationships and trust between agents and clients. To help them connect through online networks and communities, Realtor.com® announces the beta roll out of its mobile-enabled HyperSocial™ agent search tools. Realtor.com, the #1 homes for sale web site, is operated by Move, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOVE), the leader in online real estate.

This year's Circle of Excellence awards presentation banquet will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at the Forsyth Conference Center, located at 7745 Majors Road in Cumming. We encourage you to join your peers for a night of entertainment and cocktails, to recognize your achievement and to network with some of the Top Industry Professionals.

Several local governments have adopted vacant and foreclosed property registration ordinances with varying standards, forms, fees, and fines.  Lack of uniformity has led to confusion for owners and operators of property. HB 110 would standardize these ordinances. Help protect property owners by expressing your support for this important legislation!

Identity theft is a serious and costly crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

REALTOR® University has received approval to operate from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). REALTOR® University's graduate school will offer a state-of-the-art advanced educational opportunity. REALTOR® University's graduate school will allow students to expand their education in what they know best: real estate. With our unique blend of practical and applied learning, students will be able to use this education to advance their careers and better their business and their lives.

2012 President, Melba Franklin, along with the Board of Directors of the 400 North Board of REALTORS® cordially invites you to attend the Annual Holiday Luncheon for Installation of the 2013 Officers and Directors and recognition of the 2012 award recipients. The 2012 Annual Holiday Luncheon will take place on Thursday, December 6th.  More details will follow soon.

The Auction is an energizing event that consists of a silent Auction, live Auction, live entertainment, full buffet and a cash bar. It is a great event for networking and is open to the general public, not just the real estate community. Once again, this year's proceeds will benefit local charities.  More details coming soon!