“We are proud to be one of a handful of brokers nationwide to provide a retirement program like this to its agents,” says A. David Cobo, CEO and chairman of the board. “We want to partner with our agents to provide them with financial investment opportunities for their long-term retirement goals.”

Tax law changes and technology have given way to a plan which allows agents to piggyback on the successful 401k program already in place for employees, managers and executives. Agents will have similar methodology and alternatives that are frequently used by many large sophisticated institutional investors. They will also have the option of rolling in other plans and thereby gaining access to an investment platform, and loan access.

A customized Web site has been constructed which provides a suite of tools to help agents determine how much to invest to be on track to retire when and with the income level they wish. The Web site will provide 24/7 access for enrollment and live phone support during business hours.

“This program will allow our agents to spend their time on what they do best as real estate professionals rather than attempting to navigate what can be complex decisions on their own,” says Cobo.

For more information, visit www.PruRealty.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

RISMEDIA, June 19, 2007-”You are only as good as the people you meet, the books you read, and the tapes you listen to.” — Charlie “Tremendous” Jones

The pace of change both in the world and in the real estate industry is rapidly accelerating. Technology is streamlining operations, transforming neighborhoods into global communities, and enabling real estate agents to go mobile. You can now vacation on the French Riviera while following up with clients in Colorado. In addition, real estate is becoming more of a team sport, empowering agent teams to increase efficiency and boost both productivity and profits.

To thrive in this world of ever-increasing change, you have to keep up with the latest information and technology. You must constantly educate yourself in order to adapt and take advantage of new tools and opportunities that change delivers to your doorstep. You must become a lifelong learner.

Yet, when I talk to agents, I hear all too frequently that they just “don’t have the time to keep up.” I know agents who subscribe to RISMedia’s Power Team Report and Power Broker Network Report and don’t even take the time to read these valuable publications-publications that could ultimately save them tons more time than is required to read the articles!

Some agents refuse to attend industry conferences, falsely assuming that they are a big waste of time and resources. Many agents won’t even crack open a book to learn a new sales or marketing technique or listen to a book on tape or CD. All of these agents are losing out big-time-in time, profits, and personal fulfillment.

Becoming a lifelong learner means plugging yourself into the industry grapevine. Here are some suggestions on how to do just that:

- Attend at least one real estate conference every year. You can usually find one or two valuable sessions or speakers, and even if you don’t, the networking opportunities alone make the investment well worth it.
- Read several articles a day on industry-related topics that interest you. Go to Google News, click “News Alerts” in the left navigation bar, and set up news alerts to have Google automatically notify you about late-breaking news on topics of interest. (Enter very specific search instructions, so you are not inundated with articles that do not interest you.) You need to know what’s happening in your industry as well as in your market. I spend about an hour every morning checking and reading my Google News Alerts stories.
- Pick up a book about selling or any real estate topic that interests you and start reading. You can find plenty of great books on the market that reveal new techniques you may never have discovered on your own and can teach you new skills.
- Listen to tapes, CDs, or podcasts from the top salespeople, real estate professionals, and motivational speakers. If you usually listen to music as you’re driving to meet clients, consider listening to something that’s a little more educational.
- Take classes and obtain certifications. Taking a class can help motivate you and hold you accountable for learning the information. You can take classes on real estate and mortgage fraud, listing homes, representing buyers, or a host of other topics. Get certified in a particular area and you obtain instant credibility.
- Learn new technologies. Spend time learning how to make optimum use of your computer and the software installed on it. Explore your software’s help systems, read a book, or take a class to learn how to boost productivity with features you may not even be aware of. Focus your efforts on learning more about Internet marketing through Web sites and blogs.
- Connect with a mentor or coach. One of the best ways to learn fast is to connect with a top producer. Consider shadowing a real estate professional whom you admire or asking the person to act as your mentor or coach. Success leaves big footprints. Follow them.

I know, I am probably preaching to the choir. The fact that you are reading this is proof that you are part of the minority of agents who actually care enough about your profession to study up on it. Others in our field, perhaps even some of your closest colleagues haven’t gotten the memo. Do them a favor. Send the link to this article to 10 of your colleagues who need it most and cc me when you do it. Working together, we might just be able to convince our colleagues to take at least one step toward improving their future.

Ralph R. Roberts, official spokesperson for Guthy-Renker Home and author of Flipping Houses For Dummies and Foreclosure Investing For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons), can be contacted at 586.751.0000, or by e-mail at RalphRoberts@RalphRoberts.com. To learn more about Ralph, investing in real estate, and protecting yourself against real estate and mortgage fraud, visit www.AboutRalph.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

1. Be prepared – when asking for a flexible summer schedule, be clear on exactly what you want. Have requested dates and hours written down along with your plan to meet work obligations.

2. Be flexible – if your first choice of dates is not possible given vacation schedules or project deadlines, be willing to switch.

3. Be willing to negotiate – a strong negotiation strategy always begins with understanding the needs of both sides. Make sure you know what your employer needs and what you are willing to give them in return by reducing your pay, checking e-mail during your out-of-office days or being accessible by cell phone if needed.

4. Be proactive – If you get a summer schedule, check in with both your boss and your team on a regular basis to make sure that everyone’s needs are being met. At the end of the summer, proactively follow up with your boss to detail what worked and what didn’t with suggestions for improving the process in the future.

JillXan Donnelly, president of CareerWomen.com advises, “Today’s technology makes it easy for employees to stay connected and in touch when out of the office. Checking in – either by e-mail or phone – and then turning off for the rest of the day can give you the time you need and your boss the reassurance that you are committed.”

For more information, visit http://www.CareerWomen.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

Key findings from this survey include:

Most Americans Are Unaware of the Expanding American Homeownership Act

Without any explanation of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, more Americans (26%) favor the legislation than oppose it (9%), while 13% are undecided. However, a majority (52%) are unaware of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007.

After Hearing a Brief Description, Four In Five Americans Favor the Expanding American Homeownership Act

Four in five Americans (80%) favor changing “the rules to make it easier for the FHA to make mortgage loans available to first time homeowners and people with moderate incomes.” Fifty-five percent (55%) feel this way strongly, while just 12% express any level of opposition and 8% are undecided.

African Americans Are Both More Aware and More Supportive of the Act Than Other Groups

Only 35% of African Americans are unaware of the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, compared to majorities of whites (55%) and Hispanics (51%). Without any explanation, four-in-ten African Americans (43%) favor the legislation — a much larger proportion compared to whites (23%) and Hispanics (30%). These elevated levels of support are maintained after respondents heard a brief description; 88% of African Americans favor the Expanding American Homeownership compared again to 78% of whites and 81% of Hispanics.

The survey was conducted by The Mellman Group of Washington, DC. A national sample of 1000 adult Americans were interviewed by telephone from June 8 through June 11, 2007. Respondents were selected using random digit dialing to ensure an unbiased sample. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% level of confidence. For subgroups of the population, the margin of error is higher.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team “Golden Knights” will help commemorate the birthday celebration by jumping into Baltimore’s Camden Yards and Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark during pre-game ceremonies.

During 13 of the scheduled sporting events, several hundred new Soldiers will give their oath of enlistment during pre-game, on-field ceremonies at ballparks and stadiums. Birthday cake-cutting ceremonies at home plate will also take place in several ballparks.

In Baltimore, Gen. Richard A. Cody, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, will administer the Oath of Enlistment to new recruits, and participate in a cake-cutting ceremony. The cake is tentatively scheduled to be made by the “Ace of Cakes”, the Baltimore-based bakery featured on a television show which airs on the Food Network.

At all 11 Major League Baseball games, local Soldiers who are Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom veterans will be participating in the ceremonial “first pitch.” In Miami, Staff Sgt. Tony Culberson, who was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom will be throwing out the game’s ceremonial first pitch.

In Cincinnati, Reds Chief Operating Officer John Allen will be honored in a commendation ceremony during the Reds-Angels game. Allen, who is an Army veteran, will join Col. Donald A. Bartholomew, a Cincinnati native, for a cake-cutting ceremony. Col. Bartholomew will throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch, with Maj. Gen. Thomas Bostick administering the Oath of Enlistment to new recruits.

“The Army’s 232nd Birthday is a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice our Soldiers and their families have made in winning and protecting America’s freedom,” said Col. Thomas E. Nickerson, Director, G7/9 (Strategic Communication, Outreach and Marketing Directorate), U.S. Army Accessions Command.

“U.S. Army Soldiers are mentally, emotionally, and physically strong. They consistently take pride in making a difference for themselves, their families, their communities, and their nation. As we celebrate the Army’s birthday, we also remember our Soldiers, past and present, and honor them for their service to our Nation.”

These birthday activities are in conjunction with the Army’s Patriot Season, which honors America’s soldiers — past, present and future – and their families. Patriot Season runs from Armed Forces Day (May 15) through Independence Day (July 4). Patriot Season also provides opportunities for Army prospects to interact with Soldiers and hear their stories and dedication to protecting our country.

As June 14 also marks the anniversary of the creation of the U.S. flag, the U.S. Army invites the nation to honor America’s Soldiers and the American flag they proudly defend.

The American flag was created in 1777 by Betsy Ross, a seamstress from Philadelphia, two years following the formation of this country’s Army. Although a coincidence that these two symbols of America share an anniversary, Flag Day serves as a reminder to honor the U.S. Army’s dedication to ensure freedom’s light shines as a beacon throughout the world.

Army Birthday Fact Sheet

Army Birthday week includes the celebration of the U.S. Army’s 232nd birthday and Flag Day — both on June 14 — at numerous sporting events across the country as a tribute to the contribution and sacrifices made by soldiers to protect the liberties symbolized by the U.S. Flag. This year’s festivities will take place at Major League Baseball games, Major League Soccer games, NASCAR, NHRA and PBR (Professional Bull Riding).

The venues and teams that will be involved with the Army’s birthday celebration this year include (June 14 unless noted):

- Chicago, Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals – NHRA (June 8-10)
- Phoenix, Los Angeles Avengers vs. Arizona Rattlers – AFL (June 11)

Major League Baseball

- Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago White Sox
- Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Devil Rays vs. San Diego Padres
- Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets
- Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Angels
- Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics
- Metrodome, Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves
- Comerica Park, Detroit Tigers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
- Kaufman Stadium, Kansas City Royals vs. St. Louis Cardinals
- Dolphin Stadium, Florida Marlins vs. Cleveland Indians
- PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Texas Rangers
- Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles vs. Washington Nationals

Major League Soccer

- Washington D.C., D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire (June 16)
- New York City, New York Red Bulls vs. Kansas City Wizards (June 16)
- Los Angeles, Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake (June 17)
- Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Air Show — Sky Soldiers (June 15-17)
- Detroit, Michigan International Speedway — NASCAR (June 17)
- Nashville, Jack Daniels Invitational — PBR (June 16-17)

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

Chris Heller
The Heller Group
Keller Williams
San Diego, California
Years in real estate: 18
Number of team members: 10
Success stat: Sells over 100 homes a year

How do you recruit new team members?
Mostly a lot of people come to us. So for me it’s more a question of “How do I select them?”? First, I want a new person to be an asset and bring something to the team. Anything that we achieve is as a team, so anyone coming on board with us has to be a team player…and they have to be talented.

How do you reward team members?
The compensation is structured so that the more we make, the more they make. I also take the entire team away for fun weekends. In a few weeks (at press time), we will all go to Santa Barbara and I will give each team member $500 spending money. It is good for us to get away as a group.

How do you market the benefits of working with an agent team to clients?
We can give them a lot more time, attention and resources so we can be much more aggressive as a marketer. I ask clients, “Do you want me or do you want your home sold?”

Do you outsource any of the team’s responsibilities?
Yes. Brochures and our marketing materials. We sell really well so we stick to selling.

Do you rely on outside coaching/training? If so, who do you use?
We rely on Mike Ferry for coaching and, of course, Keller Williams. Keller Williams is really first and foremost a training and education company.

What type of advertising demonstrates the biggest return on investment for the team?
We do use the “ad-mobile” that drives around for eight hours in the community with our logo on it. I also sponsor a portion of the freeway to keep it clean and we do a lot of Internet advertising. That said, I don’t do any print advertising. If it sold homes I would do it, but it doesn’t.

How do you differentiate your team from others in the marketplace?
We do whatever it takes to sell a house and sell it quickly. The average time on the market in San Diego for other brokers is 100-plus days. For us, the average time is less than 30 days. We have four people on the team who prospect daily looking for buyers. That’s all they do. We are also very accessible-we always have someone to answer phone calls.

What is the most creative thing you’ve ever done to get a listing?
When I first started out in the business I didn’t know anyone in the area so I concentrated on houses that were “for sale by owner.” One time there was this great house that was “for sale by owner” and I actually had a big bologna delivered to the owner and I wrote him a note saying, “There is no bologna dealing with me.” I got that listing and sold it right away!

Marsha Waddelow
The Marsha Waddelow Team
RE/MAX Associates of Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Area served: Northeast Tarrant County
Number of team members: 4 agents and 3 administrative staffers
Years in real estate: 12

When did you first start your team and why?
I have been selling real estate since 1995 and in the beginning I was obsessed and worked a million hours a week. I broke all the sales records at the brokerage. By 1999 I knew that I needed support and hired an assistant. In July of 1999, my life changed forever when I met Brian Buffini. I learned to ask my client base for business and then it really took off and I started building my team to service all of the clients.

What are the biggest benefits of having a team?
The biggest benefit is that everybody can have time off. This way no one gets burned out. It also gives us a larger presence in the marketplace. And of course our clients get much better service. They can call us 24 hours a day.

How do you manage your team?
I try to operate my team like a mini brokerage. I run the team like a business. I also try to give them ownership of the team by making sure that it’s their achievement not mine. Another thing that I do that most team leaders do not do is I allow them to list and sell.

How do you compensate the team? I give very generous splits. I would rather have four agents who are really cooking than have two or three at 50 percent who are not generating much business. A generous split really motivates them.

How do you motivate team members?
Contests and incentives. Last year I did a contest where if they reached a certain production goal, they won a trip to Las Vegas. If they produced even more, they could win a cruise. I also have a beach house in Galveston, Texas. I use it as an incentive and they love staying there. Team members are also able to do real estate work full time because I give them awesome administrative support. I also discovered early on that my team members need to be recognized, so I give monthly team recognition rewards: top rookie of the month, top producer, and so on.

How do you build client relationships?
I throw client parties every year for our top clients. Last year we rented out an entire aquatic center and threw a water party. We had 300 people. We got to give back to our customers and it generated a lot of business for us.

Julie Vanderblue
President
The Higgins Group (Christie’s Great Estates)
Senior Partner
The Vanderblue Team
Fairfield, Connecticut
Area served: Fairfield and Westport, Connecticut
Number of team members: 17 agents, 3 assistants

What is the most creative thing you’ve ever done to sell a home?
One of my favorite events was called “A Taste of Fairfield County.” We worked with 12 different area restaurants and at each open house a different restaurant catered the food. We said, “Come enjoy dinner on us.”

How do you deal with difficult team members?
I have let a couple of people go. The only time there’s not a fit is when an agent puts the money ahead of the client. In real estate, we are all independent contractors and there are a lot of very strong personalities and they have to be available and share. I am good at putting myself in their shoes. So I make it a conversation not a reprimand. It is, after all, a partnership.

How do you reward team members?
Their commission rate goes up as they bring in more business, and I give bonuses at the end of the year. Profit sharing is also a big motivator.

How do you market the benefits of working with an agent team to clients?
Each buyer is assigned two agents so they are getting two agents for the price of one. Also on the listing side, every single agent has to see the listing before it comes onto the market. They have to know the inventory and we meet every Monday because it’s important that the team knows what each one of us has. This way we do a lot of cross selling. Rather than having one agent you have 17 when you hire the Vanderblue Team.

What role does your broker play, if any, in supporting you and the team?
Rich Higgins is my partner-for him, it is truly about the people and he supports me in whatever I want to do. I have never seen a broker whose goal is “family comes first.” Rich Higgins has only two rules: Family first and the Golden Rule-”Treat others as you would want to be treated.”

What is the single best advantage of having an agent team?
The support-knowing that other people are going to be there. By having a team, I always have someone to pick up the ball. So with our team we are always picking each other up when we’re down and cheering together when we are up.

How do you differentiate yourself in this very competitive market?
We have a top 10 list we give to prospective buyers-the top 10 things the homeowner will miss about living at this address. We try to make the list as personal as it can be. Like, “I will miss sitting in the spa bathroom watching the snow fall.” The point is to make someone else picture themselves living in that home.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Please send them to realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

The following is a partial listing of special wedding packages created for this one-of-a-kind date:

- For the romantics looking to get married beach-side, Mandalay Bay is offering couples the perfect Las Vegas ‘lucky 7′ ceremony on the Mandalay Beach for $1,777.00. The combined service offers weddings, renewals and commitment ceremonies and includes a catered buffet, champagne toast, open bar, entertainment by KC and the Sunshine Band and allows the couple to bring two guests.
- The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino has expanded its wedding ceremony capacity and will now be able to perform an unprecedented 77 weddings; three times the number typically conducted on a busy day. In order to accommodate this increase, The Venetian has extended the hours of operation at all three of its existing wedding locations: The Venetian Wedding Chapels, the bridge in the Ponte al di Piazza and on a Venetian gondola.
- The chapel at Paris Las Vegas is booked solid with more than 35 couples tying the knot. To accommodate more guests, the resort has converted convention space and will perform a mass wedding for 14 couples at 7:30 p.m.
- The Flamingo Las Vegas has 77 weddings scheduled and is performing ceremonies from 7 a.m. to midnight. To accommodate the increase in weddings, another venue has been opened in addition to the regular six areas in the hotel where weddings are performed.

With hundreds of chapels to choose from in Las Vegas, couples also have the option to marry off the Las Vegas Strip. At the Chapel of the Flowers, for example, more than 110 weddings are already planned, with a wait list nearly as long. Unlike Valentine’s Day, these are big weddings, with couples bringing as many as 60 guests. All the main chapels have been booked and a special fourth chapel has been opened.

While weddings are the focus of this lucky day, other resorts and restaurants are taking full advantage of 7-7-07. After their wedding ceremony, couples and guests can head to one of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants, and enjoy a Strawberry Hardway, a specialty cocktail created just for 7-7-07. The name is based on the blackjack hand called The Hardway, a card combination of 7-7-7 (21).

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas also has two special packages that will make anyone feel lucky. The first package, “Seven Ways of Wonderment,” is $7,707 and includes a two-night stay on the 7th floor, seven hours of treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa for two, 7-course dinner with wine pairings at the hotel’s restaurant, 7 a.m. tee time for two players at either Reflection Bay or The Falls Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas and a $777 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus. The second package, “Savory Sensations of Seven,” begins at $777. This package includes a one-night stay on the 7th floor, a 7- course dinner at Medici Cafe and Terrace, a 70-minute spa treatment for two and 7-themed breakfast.

For more information, visit http://www.VisitLasVegas.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

“Pat has been part of our Prudential family for the last 15 years,” noted Bill Keleher, Pru New Jersey’s chairman and CEO. “During that time, her committed efforts have had a profound impact on the growth and success of our company. She has led her departments with an unparalleled level of integrity and professionalism, and her thoughtfully executed business strategies have strengthened our position in every market. Pat’s promotion to senior vice president celebrates her past contributions and acknowledges her newly increased responsibilities as an integral member of our executive team.”

A resident of Old Bridge, Winters joined Prudential New Jersey Realty of East Brunswick as comptroller in 1992. When Prudential New Jersey Properties was formed in December 2000 with the merger of Prudential New Jersey Realty, Prudential Pioneer Real Estate in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater, and Prudential Brown-Fowler of New Providence, she became the administrative manager for the home office and human resources manager for all of the company’s sales offices. Winters was appointed chief financial officer in 2001 and named to the ownership team in 2006.

For more information, visit http://www.PruNewJersey.com?or contact the home office in Somerset at 732-627-8400.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

“She first mentioned it to him, sort of like, ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be great to live in Sagaponack? It’s so beautiful there and so authentic.’ The whole thing was a surprise for her.”

In the closing, the singer paid $16.75 million for a five-bedroom home owned by “Jaws” actor Roy Scheider, who had it listed for $18.75 million. The two-story house overlooks the ocean and borders farmland, but the beach there needs regular replenishment because of erosion and storms.

Two years ago, Scheider and others along the shore got state permits to stack sandbags outside their homes as a barrier against flooding and erosion during a nor’easter. Scheider is staying at The American Hotel in Sag Harbor while his new house is being built.

Stepanian said she showed Joel several properties in Southampton and Bridgehampton but he kept coming back to look at Scheider’s home.

“The whole thing, from beginning to end, was almost more than smooth, almost meant to be,” the agent said.

To those who know him, Joel is a savvy real estate businessman also, buying property that seems sure to increase in value. He has another home in Sag Harbor, about five miles from Sagaponack, as well as a Centre Island estate he’s trying to sell for $32.5 million.

His latest purchase is in a village that’s currently shaping its zoning code, including restrictions on building sizes. In much of the East End, which used to be farmland, many developers have come in and left after making their profit, and megahomes are not what many Sagaponack residents want to see.

Many of the village’s buildings have been recognized by the state and federal government as historic landmarks.

“It’s open space and farmland that gives you a feeling of maybe the way it used to be,” said village trustee Joy Sieger.

As for Joel, she said, “I don’t think it’s a big deal. I’m glad he’s here. He deserves his privacy.”

Copyright © 2007, Newsday, Melville, N.Y.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

John L. Scott agents, brokers, owners, staff, and their friends and families paid $100 each to compete in a Texas Hold’em style poker tournament where the grand prize included entry to the annual Warren Moon/Steve Pool Celebrity Golf Tournament on July 16th at Newcastle Golf Club. Winning placement also included a one night stay at the Westin Hotel in Bellevue, dinner for two at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant, and movie tickets for two.

John L. Scott raised additional funds through the sale of raffle tickets and an auction hosted by KOMO 4 Weatherman, Steve Pool, which saw players bidding upwards of $600 to have lunch with John L. Scott chairman and CEO, J. Lennox Scott.

All money raised will go to the John L. Scott Foundation which benefits Seattle Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.

For more information, visit www.JohnLScottFoundation.com.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

Personnel Notes

Hugh F. Shea, CRP, has been appointed corporate relocation consultant at Weichert Relocation Company. Shea is responsible for marketing the company?s domestic and international relocation services and consulting with corporate human resource professionals on relocation issues and trends. Shea has 16 years experience of real estate and relocation experience and is based in the company?s Philadelphia office.

Gene Stefaniak, longtime Milwaukee Area Realtor and noted leader in the Milwaukee and Wisconsin real estate industries, has joined TWD and Associates, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. Stefaniak brings nearly 50 years of real estate experience and leadership to TWD?s ongoing efforts to represent real estate firms considering sale or mergers of their real estate companies, establishing value and representing them during the sale or merger.

Julie Pensel Woodruff has joined Coldwell Banker Commercial American Spectrum as a sales and leasing associate. Woodruff will be located at the main office in St. Louis, Mo.

Stanko Dimitrov has been appointed as senior network administrator at Mobility Services International, Newburyport, Mass. In this position, Dimitrov is responsible for strengthening and supporting the company?s server infrastructure and providing workstation support.

Frank Shull has been appointed sales manager of Suddath Relocation Systems. Shull will utilize his sales and management experience in the transportation industry to manage the customer service representatives, move counselors, and sales representatives in the Dallas branch. He will work with operations, sales, and administration to ensure the highest level of customer service.

Ray Quist has been named senior vice president, service integration, at Cooperative Resource Services, Ltd., one of the nation?s largest employee relocation service providers. Quist will be responsible for improving the integration among CRS? operating companies, providing more focus on sales and marketing objectives, overseeing the distribution of fixed-fee products and centralizing specific service functions within the entire organization.

Judi Osborn recently joined the staff at ReloAction as a senior consultant. Osborn will coordinate relocation activities for key clients of the firm. Additionally, she will work with dot.com and start-up companies in the Silicon Valley who have chosen ReloAction to manage their relocation programs. ReloAction is a global leader in relocation management based in Pleasanton, Calif.

Mandy Bawa, PHR, has been promoted to vice president of human resources for ReloAction. In her new position, Bawa is responsible for corporate human resources, including recruitment, strategic growth, training, benefits and employee relations. She will also participate in employee enlightenment programs that develop leadership, management skills and personal achievement.

Rosanne T. Remer was appointed to the position of manager of international services at Weichert Relocation Company. Remer is responsible for overseeing the operations of the company?s international services including Worldview, a division of the company that provides international destination services. Remer has 15 years of domestic and international relocation experience and will be based in the company?s Philadelphia office.

T.J. McCormack, CRP, has been named midwest regional vice president of Membership Services for RELO?. In this capacity, McCormack will be responsible for member retention, recruitment, training and performance evaluation to ensure that RELO brokers maximize relocation opportunities and fully utilize RELO member services and products. He brings almost 30 years of real estate experience to RELO and has spent over 18 years in the relocation industry.

Heidi Skaar has joined the Relocation Services Division at First Weber Group in Madison, Wis. as a relocation counselor and will work with area companies and their transferees.

Jennifer White recently joined the Relocation Services Division as the Referral Coordinator at First Weber Group. White has responsibility for servicing all referrals generated through membership in RELO, a referral network of over 1000 independent brokers across the United States and Canada.

Barry Moses, has been appointed secretary and general counsel at Cooperative Resources Services, Ltd. (CRS), a full-service relocation firm based here. Moses will assume the legal, regulatory, corporate secretary and governance functions, as well as responsibility for networking with the corporate and financial communities, coordinating merger and acquisition special projects and managing outside counsel relationships. CRS and its subsidiaries specialize in risk-free, fixed-cost relocation programs.

Rich LaRue, has been promoted to director of franchise relations at Realty Executives International. He will be responsible for overseeing the long-term needs of the franchisees, including managing office grand openings, regional events and agent training.

Personnel Notes

CRP Awarded to Tyler, Mitcham

Tina Tyler and Martha Mitcham have been awarded the Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) designation. At Atlanta-based Northside Realty, Tyler is manager of corporate services and Mitcham is manager of listing services. They are both in the relocation division. To earn the designation, Tyler and Mitcham had to pass a comprehensive examination reassuring their knowledge of the entire relocation industry, including residential real estate appraisal, corporate relocation policies and issues, relocation tax and legal matters, and family relocation issues.