First Quarter President's Message

Barbara DiBlasi Marlin

President’s Message

It is hard to believe that March is already over.  We have had three very successful Business Resource Meetings, a trip to Austin, a district meeting and two networking events.  We collected items for the Ft. Bend Women’s Center in February.  We have built benches and collected nuts for our soldiers serving overseas.

I am grateful for all of the people who are committed to making this organization successful.  No President can do this alone.  Invariably, someone steps up to take on a task and I sigh in relief.  Our governing board is filled with members who see the value in operating a local chapter.  Many have walked in my shoes and appreciate the personal and professional growth that is gained by really getting involved with Women’s Council of Realtors.

I look forward to the next quarter of 2012.  In Apri,l we have a diversity panel scheduled for our meeting. Andi St. Jean will moderate the panel.  Cathy Simeone and Sherrie Fontenot are leading the way for our Basket Auction fundraiser.  We will not have a Business Resource Meeting in May, but we are  planning a great event and the Natural Science Museum, in Telfair during May.  Additionally, Kim Shaw, Theresa Fehr and I will attend the National Mid-Year Meeting in Washington DC, from  May 17-20^th.  National did an amazing job last year of offering training and great speakers.  I cannot wait to see what they have planned for us this year.  I will remember to bring my allergy medication this time.  The foliage in Washington DC was memorable.  In June, we will present a “just in time topic”.  Diane McCoy with Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors will present a legal update on the new lease forms. 

Finally, I would like to mention our strategic partners.  Champions School of Real Estate, Perry Homes, Highland Homes,  Telfair and Trendmaker Homes  continue to support us year after year.  Our meetings and officer travel would not be possible without your support.

At your service,

Barbara

District C Meeting, Summerwood

District C Meeting

“There is no place like home, discovering our role as Realtors in Welcoming our Heroes Home”

On Thursday, March 29, we participated in a joint meeting with the other Houston Area chapters.  The meeting took place in the beautiful Newland Community of “Summerwood” near Lake Houston.  Our annual business plan directs chapters to meet together and plan informative meetings.

Featured Speakers included CMS Larry Holland from Homes for Heroes.  He brought along to recipients of homes that the organization builds for disabled Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Homes are modified for each veteran’s personal needs.  Homes usually cost about $250,000.  The organization has the veteran take a loan for $50,000, and the remaining cost is absorbed by the organization.  100% of all money collected goes to pay for these homes.  More information can be found at www.helpingahero.org

Also speaking at the meeting was Steve Hudson with the Texas Veterans Land Board.  Mr. Hudson spoke about the various loan programs available to Texas veterans who have served 90 days of active duty and who reside in Texas.  Veterans can obtain loans for a lower interest rate , and can purchase land at lower interest rates and down payments than the going rate for non-veterans.  The lots must be at least one acre and the amount of the loan cannot exceed $80,000.  Veterans are also eligible for renovation loans under $25,000.

As part of the meeting, area chapters collected items that will be shipped overseas to our soldiers.  The Ft. Bend chapter collected lots of nuts and won the “best receptacle”  contest.  Theresa Fehr and Kim Shaw designed a fabulous box honoring the branches of service.  Hats off to Theresa and Kim.

Our current WCR Texas State President, Valois Hounsel was in attendance. 

WCR Fort Bend March Meeting

Our March Speaker Michael Robertson

Mike Robertson is CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Robertson Wealth Management, LLC, and host of “Straight Talk Money” on 1110AM/KTEK. Mike has been has been in the financial industry for 36 years and specializes in creating tax-efficient portfolios and retirement distribution strategies, with an emphasis on controlling risk. Mike has been quoted in such publications as the Houston Chronicle, Money Magazine, Business Week, The New York Times, Research Magazine and On Wall Street.  He is a member of numerous boards including the Harry S. Dent Foundation Advisory Board,  Ed Slott Advisory Board, First Allied Securities Chairman Executive Counsel and Bill Good Marketing Board of Directors.  Mike hosts “Straight Talk Money” weekdays from 8am to 9am on 1110AM/KTEK in Houston.  The focus of the show is exactly what the name implies, “Straight Talk” about investing and finances and “Straight Answers” to listener questions.

Michael brought us great information and demographics on Sugar Land and a prosperous outlook on the future of real estate sales in our area!  Thanks Mike!

  

State WCR Meeting, Austin Texas

Our Chapter provided a basket for the auction.

Kimberly Shaw, Theresa Fehr, Barbara DiBlasi Marlin and Evelyn Gordon dressed to the nines for the big celebrity waiter night.

February Business Resource Luncheon

Cindie Stewart "Technology for Realtors"

Cindie has tremendous energy and a real passion for technology that makes a difference in the world of the real estate professional.

New Member!

Diane Cook with  American Title Company















Benches and Barstools Update
We have had some great participation and enthusiastic artist step up to the plate for our "Benches and Barstools" fundraiser.  Don't wait!  Pick up a bench or barstool from us and decorate it in your own personal artistic style!  Proceeds benefit the Fort Bend Women's Shelter and the Fort Bend WCR.

A special thanks to Lani Foster and Telfair a strategic partner for our meeting!

And thank you to Trendmaker, strategic partner for February!

January 12th WCR Fort Bend Business Luncheon Meeting

Top Producer Rookie Panel

We learned the techniques, focus and discipline of the successful rookies.

 Donna Aldrich

    Kim and Barbara

 Nikki and friends

 Ruthie is selling 50/50 tickets

Communicating the Vision

THE MISSION OF THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL OF REALTORS® We are a network of successful REALTORS® empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

"Painting with a Twist" social event January 25th, 2012

"Painting with a Twist"

Who knew we had such talent in the group?

 Our talented leader, President Barbara

 We started with a blank canvas, and some expert advice.

 The room became quiet as the artists flexed their creativity.

 Ruthie is getting her Mojo working.

 Theresa gets her brush loosened up.

 Concentrating.....

 Oooooh, nice!

 I am LOVING this!

And that is how it's done people!

January 10th 2012 Planning and Kick Off Meeting!

Trendmaker Homes graciously extended their model home for our leadership kick off!

 Thank you Trendmaker Homes!  What a beautiful model!

 Fun and Food!

 Let's get this party started!

 Getting our binders and instructions.

 "Getting to Know You Better"

 Great Food

 Great Friends

Great Fun

WCR Fort Bend 2012 "Here We Come"

It's a New Year, and WE ARE READY!

THE MISSION OF THE WOMEN'S COUNCIL OF REALTORS® We are a network of successful REALTORS® empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.