From the Desk of the MLS Coordinator 

Paragon Outage - On Tuesday, July 27th Paragon will be deploying software updates to the MLS System and Paragon will be unavailable from 11 pm on Tuesday until 7 am on Wednesday.  (7/22/10)
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Lockbox Audit - On Monday, July 26th an audit will be conducted of all lockboxes.  If you have more boxes than allowed (1 lockbox per active residential listing plus 1 spare) please turn the extras into the OBAR office.  (7/20/10)
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City by City Statistics - Click Here to view a city by city comparison of statistical data.  (7/20/10)  
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Second Quarter Comp Books - Second quarter comp books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association office.  (7/19/2010
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MLS Rules and Regulations - Revision 23 - Revision 23 to the MLS Rules and Regulations have been approved by the Board of Directors.  Many changes have been made to Paragraph 17 (Internet Data Exchange) concerning your IDX account.  Please make sure your IDX Vendor is aware of these changes.  (7/14/10)
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UC vs. UC/SH - There is some confusion about the use of the two under contract status categories in mls and their proper uses. UC/SH can only be used if both of the following two conditions are met: 
1.  A ratified contract exists between buyer and seller. 
2.  There is an unusual contingency other than the standard financing and home inspection contingencies.  If such an unusual contingency exists (i.e. short sale addendum, subject to mother-in-law approval, buyer wants to get H.O.A. permission to build a fence and raise chickens before closing) then the listing agent may use EITHER the UC or the UC/SH status. 

If the listing agent does not want the property to be shown, then they should use the UC status.  There is no requirement to use UC/SH status unless the agent wants the house shown to potential buyers.  (7/12/10)
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June MLS Statistics - The June MLS Statistics have been posted.  See Links of Interest on left for the latest. (7/12/10)
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Changes to Paragon - The MLS Committee has authorized the following changes to Paragon:
1. The subdivision names for the subdivisions in Bermuda Bay have been renamed.  Now each subdivision name is preceded by "Bermuda Bay".
2. Listings placed in the status "UC/SH" will no longer be distributed by Auto e-mail notification.
3. Back on the Market will no longer be an available status.
4. Agents will no longer be able to re-activate listings that have been in an expired status for more than 60 days.  Designated REALTORS will have access to expired listing for 365 days.  (7/9/10)
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Changes to Paragon - The MLS Committee has authorized the following changes to Paragon:
1. The subdivision names for the subdivisions in Bermuda Bay have been renamed.  Now each subdivision name is preceded by "Bermuda Bay".
2. Listings placed in the status "UC/SH" will no longer be distributed by Auto e-mail notification.
3. Back on the Market will no longer be an available status.
4. Agents will no longer be able to re-activate listings that have been in an expired status for more than 60 days.  Designated REALTORS will have access to expired listing for 365 days.  (7/9/10)
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CE Training - OBAR presents the new one day REBAC Generation Buy Course on Tuesday, July 20 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  The course is being taught by Mark Given.  Click Here for more information and registration.  (07/08/10)
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Paragon E-mail - The problems with the delivery of e-mail from Paragon has been resolved..Paragon has issued an apology for any inconvenience this may have caused.  (7/8/10)
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NXT Lockboxes - OBAR has just received a supply of the new NXT Lockboxes.  The supply is limited.  (7/1/10) 
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Holiday Closure - The OBAR office, the Paragon Help Desk and Sentrilock will be closed on Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day.  (7/1/10)
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Residential Property Disclosure Statement - A new Residential Property Disclosure Statement goes into effect on July 1, 2010.  Any buyer who makes an offer on a property on or after July 1st should receive the new statement prior to making the offer. Check the "Forms and Contracts" section of the NCAR Website or click here for a pdf version.  (6/25/10)
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GeoJet - GeoJet has been repaired and is back up and running.  (6/17/10)
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Beyond Crayons - Learn the basics of Graphing on Friday, June 18 at 9 am in the OBAR Classroom.  Signup now and bring your computer.  (6/14/10)
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Hot Market - Which Cities / Areas on the Outer Bank have the hottest market?  Click Here to find out.  (6/10/10)
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Bagels and Bytes Hits the Road to Corolla - OBAR will be offering two sessions of the popular Bagels and Bytes training in Corolla on Wednesday, June 16 at 9 am and 10 am.  The training will be in the BD&A - Corolla Office classroom. 

Facebook - At 9 am learn the ins and outs of using Facebook in your business. 
Beyond Crayons - At 10 am learn the basics of making graphs using Excel (bring your computer). 

Call 441-4036 to reserve your seat today.  SEATING IS LIMITED (6/10/10)
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May MLS Statistics - May MLS Statistics have been posted.  See Links of Interest for the latest.  (6/9/10)
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More Changes to Paragon - Two new Detailed Views have been added to Paragon.  MLS Agent View and MLS Client View.  Check them out.  (6/7/10)
Changes to Paragon - In an effort to simplify Paragon the MLS Committee approved the elimination of the BOM and Extended status fields.  Paragon has been notified and this change will go into effect today.  Any listings that are currently listed as BOM or Extended will have their status automatically changed to Active.  (6/07/10)
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Bagels and Bytes Hits the Road to Hatteras - OBAR will be offering two sessions of the popular Bagels and Bytes training on Hatteras Island on Wednesday, June 9 at 9 am and 10 am.  The training will be in the Hatteras Realty - Avon Office classroom. 

Facebook - At 9 am learn the ins and outs of using Facebook in your business. 
Beyond Crayons - At 10 am learn the basics of making graphs using Excel (bring your computer). 

Call 441-4036 to reserve your seat today.  (5/27/10)
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Memorial Day - The Paragon Help Desk and the OBAR office will be closed on Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. (5/26/10)
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Sentrilock Newsletter -   Click Here to view the fourth edition of Sentrilock’s Agent newsletter. Lean about the Card Expiration notification, Sentrilock card utility for Mac Computers and more. (5/20/10)
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Buying a New Computer? -   Click Here to view a list of minimum system requirements for the next version of Paragon.
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Paragon Outage - Paragon will be out of service from 12 am On Wednesday, May 19th until 8 am on May 20th for system maintenance.  (5/17/10)
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April MLS Statistics - The April MLS Statistics are posted under Links of Interest.  (5/7/10)
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May MLS Books - The May MLS Books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the OBAR office.  (5/6/10)
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Bagels and Bytes - Sign up now for the May Bagels and Bytes Training.
     1.  May 7 - Using Craigslist - Learn how to use Craigslist.
     2.  May 21 - Beyond Crayons - Learn the basics of making graphs using Excel.
Call 441-4036 and reserve your seat today.  (4/28/10)
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SentriCard Expiration Notifications - Now you can get an e-mail or text message (or both) notifying you when your SentriCard is about to expire.  Click Here to view a short video that instructs you on how to get these notifications.  (4/28/10)
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New Tax Tool CDs - The new (corrected) Tax Tool CDs have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association Office.  (4/28/10)
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All Fields Customizable Report - The Custom Detail #1 Report is now available for e-mailing and for Auto e-mail notification.  (4/26/10)
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New Bank Owned Field - On Monday, April 19, 2010, Paragon will create a new field in the General section of Paragon titled "Bank Owned" and transfer the data from the existing Bank Owned field to the new Bank Owned field.  This change will adversely affect any saved searches with Bank Owned as one of the criteria.  Click Here for more information.  (4/16/10)
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April MLS Books - The April MLS Books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the OBAR Office.  (4/15/10)
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First Quarter 2010 Comp Books - The first quarter comp books have arrived and can be picked up in the Association office.  (4/13/10)
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March MLS Statistics - The March MLS Statistics are posted.  See LINKS OF INTEREST.  (4/7/10)
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The OBAR REALTOR Store - The OBAR REALTOR Store is offering brochure boxes ($10 plus tax). Stop by OBAR and check it out! If you would like to order a Discount Sentrilock Card Reader ($20 plus tax) contact Maureen at maureenn@outerbanksrealtor.com
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Going Green? - Earn NAR's Green Designation.  Click Here to get more information.  (3/31/10)
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April CE Course - The next CE Course will be conducted on April 29th at the Hilton Garden Inn.  The offering will include a Mandatory Update Course and the BICAR Course (BIC's only).  Click Here for more information and to register.  (3/30/10)
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National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) - The National Flood Insurance program expired on Sunday, March 28 and the U.S. Senate adjourned without approving an extension.  As a result, real estate transactions where a new flood policy is required will be delayed.  Click Here to find out more on this issue.  (3/29/10)
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REALTOR® FEST IS COMING - The annual REALTOR®Fest will be held on March 26.  Signup now!    Click Here to register as an attendee.  Click Here to register as an exhibitor. Click Here to view the floor plan.  (3/17/10)
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OBAR WARNING - National Flood Insurance -  There is continuing uncertainty regarding the National Flood Insurance Program.  Click Here to learn how this uncertainty will affect you.  (3/17/10)
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DocuSign and NAR - NAR has selected DocuSign as the official and exclusive provider of Esign services.  Click Here to learn how you can subscribe.  (3/12/10)
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February MLS Statistics - The February MLS Statistics are posted.  See Links of Interest for the latest.  (3/10/10)
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Beach Nourishment - The Town of Nags Head has proposed a beach nourishment plan funded mainly by an increase in the occupancy tax funds.    CLICK HERE and tell us what you think about this plan.  (3/9/10)
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Discount Sentrilock Card Reader - The OBAR REALTOR(R) store has received a limited number of discount ($20 plus tax) card readers.  Call Maureen and reserve yours today.  (3/8/10)
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Paragon NOT compatible with Microsoft Word - If you use Word to form your Remarks / Brokers Notes and then use the cut / paste function in word to place your comments in Paragon chances are you will enter a character or hard return into Paragon that will cause the IDX feed to have errors.  Please don't use Word to generate your comments.  (3/3/10)
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Broker Price Opinion - Click Here to review an article from the North Carolina Association of REALTORS(R) on BPO's.  (3/1/10)
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CE Course - On Tuesday, March 16th Betsy Whitcraft will be conducting a mandatory update course and elective (Resort Property Management).  Click Here for more information and registration.  (2/26/10)
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2010 MLS Services Survey - Click Here to take the 2010 MLS Services survey and be entered into a drawing for one of three $25 VISA Gift Cards.  Survey ends on Sunday, February 28, 2010.  Drawings for the VISA gift cards will be on Monday.  (2/22/10)
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Monthly Supplement Books - The monthly supplement books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the OBAR office.  (2/19/10)
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Education - Learn to use the Mapping feature in Paragon - including Geo Coding listings.  On Wednesday, March 17 from 4 pm to 5 pm, Paragon will be hosting a Webinar on this subject.  Go to Click Here to register for this Webinar.  (2/17/10)
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New Paragon Feature - You can now add documents to the Associated Documents folder by just faxing them. All you need is to print a cover sheet from the Associated Documents maintenance page, put the coversheet on your document and fax it to the number listed. Your document should show up in Paragon within minutes. (2/16/10)
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NXT Lockboxes - A shipment of the new NXT lockboxes has arrived at the OBAR office.  Pick them up while supplies last.  (2/15/10)
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Associated Documents - When saving Associated Documents, listing agents can make these documents available to clients by checking the "Public" box.  If you do not choose the "Public" option buyer's agents WiLL NOT be able to e-mail these documents to prospective buyers.  (2/11/10)
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January MLS Statistics - The January MLS Statistics have been posted.  See Links of Interest for the detailed report.  (2/10/10)
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SFR Certification Course - OBAR presents another "SFR Certification" NAR Short Sales Foreclosure Course on Wednesday, March 10th from 8:30 to 4:30 in the OBAR Classroom.  Also receive 4 hours of North Carolina elective CE credits.  Seating is limited! Click Here for more information.  (2/9/10)
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New Headline Field in Paragon - A new field has been added to the General Section of Paragon titled "Headline".  This text field (30 characters) can be used to market your listing or emphasize property features.  The field cannot be used for self promotion (agent / company name / phone numbers, etc).  (2/4/10)
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Continuous Days on the Market (CDOM) - Paragon is adding a new field today which is titled "CDOM".  This new field will track how long a property has been listed and will not reset unless the property has been removed from the market for a period of 90 days. (2/3/10)
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Sentrilock All Day Login - Sentrilock has added an enhancement to the Sentrilock Home Page that will allow you to be logged in all day.  Click Here for more information.  (2/3/10)
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Paragon Outage - Just a heads up.  Paragon will be out of service from 11 pm, February 2 through 6 am on February 3 while Paragon deploys updates.  (1/27/10)
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ListHub - Agents in offices where the head broker holds an active ListHub account can now create a personal ListHub account just by visiting ListHub.com and filling out the "Create Account" section.  Click Here for more information.  (01/26/10)
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Lockbox Access Log - Want to know who's been in your lockbox?  Click Here to review a short tutorial on the Access Log.  (1/25/10)
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CE Training - Mark Given will hold a CE Training session on February 5, 2010 at the Sea Ranch Hotel. Subjects include -Mandatory Update Course and Sustainable Housing and Building Green.  Click Here for more information and registration.  (01/20/10)
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Sentrilock Mobile - Are you looking for lockbox codes when you're not at your computer?  Login to Sentrilock Mobile (http://m.sentrilock.com) on your cell phone and you can access your codes and view the access log for your lockbox.  (1/15/10)
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COMP Books - The quarterly comp books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association office.  (1/15/09)
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OBAR Membership Survey - Win one of three $50 VISA gift cards by taking the OBAR Membership Survey.  Your feedback is important so we can better serve your needs.  Click Here to take the Survey.  (01/14/10)
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January Lockbox Audit - The MLS Department is performing a semi-annual audit of lockboxes.  If you have more than the rules allow (one box for each residential property and one spare) please turn them in to the OBAR Office, the Corolla Satellite Office or the Hatteras Island Satellite Office.  (1/14/10)  
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MLS Fee Increase - Just as a reminder, on January 1, 2010 the monthly MLS Fee increased for all members by $2.00 / month.  This is the first increase in MLS Fees since January 2005 even though the cost of providing MLS services has continually increased.  (1/14/10)
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CE Training - Mark Given will hold a CE Training session on February 5, 2010 at the Sea Ranch Hotel. Subjects include -Mandatory Update Course and Sustainable Housing and Building Green.  Click Here for more information and registration.  (01/13/10)
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Short Sale / Foreclosure Certification Training - Mark Given will be holding Short Sale / Foreclosure Certification training on Monday, January 25, 2010 from 8:30 to 4:30 in the OBAR Classroom.  Click Here for more information and registration.  (01/12/10)
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Missing Days on Market Field - The missing Days on Market Field problem has been corrected.  (01/12/10) 
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Showings - Just a Reminder - Paragraph 2.1 of the MLS Rules and Regulations require brokers to make appointments with the seller through the listing broker to show property filed with the MLS.  Failure to follow this rule can result in a fine as detailed in the MLS Rules and Regulations.  (01/11/10)   
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December MLS Statistics - The December MLS Statistics Reports have been posted.  Check them out under the Links of Interest.  (01/11/10)
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Missing Days on Market Field - The MLS Department is aware that the DOM field is missing in the All Fields Detail view in Paragon.  Paragon has been informed and they are working to correct this problem.  (01/06/10) 
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OBAR Membership Survey - Your feedback is important so we can continue to serve your needs.  Click Here to take the OBAR Membership Survey for a chance to win one of three $50 Visa gift cards.  (01/05/10)
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Paragon Outage - Paragon will be out of service on Tuesday, January 5 at 11 pm through Wednesday, January 6 at 7 am while program updates are deployed.  The purpose of this deployment is to prepare key parts of the system for Paragon 5.(12/29/09)
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December MLS Books - The December MLS Books have arrived and are in the OBAR office ready for pickup.  (12/11/09)
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November MLS Statistics - November MLS Statistics have been posted.  See Links of Interest / Paragon Links on this page.  (12/8/09)
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Short Sale Evaluation - The MLS Committee has completed their evaluation of how short sale listings, which are under contract, appear in Paragon.  Click Here to read the results of this evaluation.  (12/8/09)  
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OBAR Membership Billing Notice and FAQ's - Want answers to the more frequently asked questions about OBAR Membership Billing?  Click Here for the answers.  (12/4/09)
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ALERT - Sentrilock Problems - Due to high winds in the Midwest Sentrilock is experiencing intermittent telephone issues.  Co-location sites in Denver, CO and Columbus, OH are fully operational and agents should not have any trouble viewing the website or renewing their cards.  (12/9/09)
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Address #2 Field - Please be advised that on December 4, 2009 the field titled "Address #2" will no longer be available on the Listing Input Screen.  The use of this field for information that was not an address has resulted in conflicts with the programming of several features in Paragon.  If you need a street name added to Paragon please contact the MLS Office and we will add the street to the drop-down menu.  (12/3/09)
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Updated VRA Property Management Disclosure Form - The Vacation Rental Addendum Property Management Form was recently updated.  Click Here to view
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Paragon Problems - Paragon problems have been resolved.  Please e-mail me if any additional problems are identified.  Paragon is experiencing periodic problems with their server.  They are aware of the problem and are working to resolve.  I will update this message when more information is available.  (11/27/09)
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Committee Volunteers Needed - Volunteers are needed to serve on all of the various OBAR committees.  Click Here for the Committee Sign Up form. It's a rewarding experience providing guidance for the Association. (11/23/09)
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Holiday Hours - OBAR and the Paragon Help Desk will be closed from Thursday, November 26 through November 29 for the Thanksgiving Holidays.  (11/23/09)
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NAR Short Sales Foreclosure Course (SFR) - There are currently open seats for the SFR certification course that will be conducted on Friday, December 18th at the OBAR Training Center.  Click Here for more information and registration instructions.  Seating is limited.  (11/23/09)
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November Supplement Books - The November Supplement Books are in and ready for pickup at the Association Office.  (11/20/09)
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Real Estate Commission Address Change -  The North Carolina Real Estate Commission's website address is changing from www.ncrec.state.nc.us to www.ncrec.gov.  Please update the link if you have it saved in your Favorites.  The new website address is up and running.  (11/20/09) 
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Next CE Course - OBAR's next CE course will be on Friday, December 4th at the Ramada Plaza.  Course offerings include: Mandatory Update Course and Elective - Social Media, E-Commerce issues and Internet Resources in Real Estate.  Click Here for more information and to register.  (11/20/09)
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Paragon E-Mail Problems - This Problem has been resolved.  Paragon is currently experiencing problems with e-mailing hyperlinks.  They are aware of the problem and are working on it.  You can still e-mail by inserting the listing into the body of the e-mail or as an attachment.  (11/24/09)
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Corolla Lockbox Office - The Corolla Satellite Lockbox Office will be closed from November 20, 2009 through November 29, 2009.  Please see the OBAR office for all your lockbox needs during this time.  (11/18/09)
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EARLY VOTING - Early voting for the 2010 Board of Directors is now in progress.  Come by the OBAR Office and cast your ballot now
- OR -
Cast your Vote at the Annual Business & General Membership Meeting which will be held at 08:30 am on Friday November 20 (Registration starts at 8 am and there is a $10 charge for Breakfast).  Call 441-4036 to register.  At this meeting we will elect our 2010 Board of Directors and present the OBAR 2010 Budget.  Click here for Meeting Info, Bios & Pictures of the 2010 Board of Directors and the 2010 Proposed Budget  (11/17/09)
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Paragon Training - Need some help learning Paragon?  Paragon offers Live and Recorded Webinars on a variety of subjects.  Click Here to find out more.  (11/13/09
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Next CE Course - OBAR's next CE course will be on Friday, December 4th at the Ramada Plaza.  Course offerings include: Mandatory Update Course and Elective - Social Media, E-Commerce issues and Internet Resources in Real Estate.  Click Here for more information and to register.  (11/11/09)
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Relisting with New MLS Number - Are you relisting a property with a new MLS number just to reduce the days on the market?  There is a downside to doing this.   Click Here to learn more about the downside of this practice.  (11/10/09)
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Short Sales - Feedback Requested - The MLS committee has received multiple requests from members who are frustrated with short sales.  The committee continues to monitor the changing situation and is open to making improvements to our MLS system. 
Click Here to review the issues and the suggestions for resolving this complex problem.  Responses should be e-mailed to the MLS Department at daniels@outerbanksrealtors.com. (11/9/09)
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November MLS Books - The November MLS books have arrived and are in the OBAR office awaiting pickup.  (11/6/09)
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REGISTER NOW! - OBAR's Annual Business & General Membership Meeting will be held at 8:30 on Friday, November 20 (Registration starts at 8 am and there is a $10 charge for Breakfast).  Call 441-4036 to register.  At this meeting we will elect our 2010 Board of Directors and present the OBAR 2010 Budget.  Click here for Meeting Info, Bios & Pictures of the 2010 Board of Directors and the 2010 Proposed Budget  (11/6/09)
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Paragon Problems - Paragon says this problem is resolved now.  Paragon is having server issues again so you may experience errors and slow response time.  They are aware of this problem and they are attempting to resolve.  (11/09/09)
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Sentrilock and Cold Weather - Are you ready for winter?  Lockboxes with weak batteries do not like cold weather!  So if your lockbox DOES NOT HAVE a red or Carolina blue dot on the back the box WILL NOT make it through the winter.  You should consider returning the box to the Association for a battery change.  (11/05/09)
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Blackberry Sentrilock Card Reader - Sentrilock, in conjunction with Blackberry, has developed a Smart Card reader which can be used to in the same capacity as your desktop card reader.  Sentrilock has provided the association with 3 card readers and the MLS Department is looking for volunteers to test this device.  If interested, please contact Dan.  (11/5/09)
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ListHub Webinar - Thinking about listing syndication?  ListHub has partnered with OBAR and they are offering a free webinar to Brokers, Marketing and IT personnel.  The webinar will be conducted on Monday, November 9 from 2 to 3 pm.  Additionally, ListHub is offering you the opportunity to win a FREE three month subscription to ListHub (you must be online to win).  Click Here  to register for this event and to learn more.  (11/5/09)
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Windows 7 and Sentrilock - Sentrilock is compatible with Windows 7; however, if you experience a problem with you card reader, check out Links of Interest / Sentrilock Links / Windows 7 Tech Note.  (11/4/09)
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October MLS Statistics - The October MLS Statistics are posted in the Links of Interest (to the left).  The format has changed so if you have any comments please let the MLS Department know.  (11/03/09)
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Infrared Camera Procedures - Beach Home Inspections (Adam Blankenship) will be conducting a seminar on Infrared camera procedures on Monday, November 9, 2009 from 9:30am to 11:30am in the OBAR Classroom.  Click Here to register for this seminar.  (11/03/09)
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Link your Cell Phone to your Sentrilock Card - Click Here to view of 3 minute video on how to link your Sentrilock Card to your Cell Phone.  (11/3/09)
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MLS Security - Do not, under any circumstances, put the combination for a manual lockbox in the Remarks or the Brokers Notes of Paragon.  This information is public and available to millions of people - including some who are not "buyers" and you my be liable for any losses.  (10/30/09)
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Top Producer - OBAR is now Teaming with Top Producer to help you reach more prospects. Click Here for more information.  (10/30/09)
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COMING SOON - Paragon 5 - Paragon 5 will be coming to the Outer Banks during the first quarter of 2010.  Click Here to see what Paragon 5 will do for you.  (10/22/09)
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**SIGN UP NOW - TIME IS RUNNING OUT** - Mandatory CE Classes- Mandatory Update and BICAR CE course will be conducted on November 4 at the Ramada Hotel.  Click Here for registration form and for more information.  (10/21/09)
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October Book Supplements - The October Book Supplements are in the OBAR office and are ready for pickup.  (10/21/09)
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Paragon and Windows 7 Compatibility - On October 22nd Microsoft will release the new Windows 7 Operating System.  Paragon has informed the MLS Department that Windows 7 is compatible with Paragon.  (10/19/09)
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Outer Banks Internet (OBI) IDX Users - OBI has added a new search field (Potential Short Sale) to their IDX search engine.  Check it out.  (10/13/09) 
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Third Quarter Comp Books - The third quarter Comp books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association Office.  (10/13/09)
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Rental Performance - On October 6, 2009, the method used to calculate the Rental Performance field changed.  In the past, the Listing price was used to calculate this field for listings in an Active and Sold status.  Now, when a listing is placed into a Sold status, the selling price will be used to calculate Rental Performance.  10/12/09)
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PARAGON PROBLEMS -  Paragon is currently experiencing problems with agents with a security level of 4 - and that is about everyone - entering and maintaing listings.  They are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue.  (10/9/09)
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September MLS Statistics - The MLS Statistics for September 2009 are available by clicking on the the Link of Interest in the left hand column.  (10/9/09)
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October MLS Books - The October MLS Books are in the OBAR office and are ready for pickup.  (10/08/09)
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Mandatory CE Classes- Mandatory Update and BICAR CE course will be conducted on November 4 at the Ramada Hotel.  Click Here for registration form and for more information.  (9/28/09)
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Updated Tax Tool CD - The updated Tax Tool CD has arrived and is ready for pickup in the Association Office.  (9/25/09)
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1031 Tax Free exchange seminar - Reminder: Don't miss our next Broker Training Seminar, 1031 Tax Free Exchange, Wednesday, October 7th, 9:30 am - 11:30 am, OBAR Classroom
Instructor: Delphine Amrhein, Metlife Home Loan Corp.
Course Description: A basic understanding of the 1031 process and how it applies to lending.
To register, please contact OBAR @ 441.4036 or email maureen at maureenn@outerbanksrealtors.com . (9/25/09)
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MLS Tax Tool CD - For those of you who ordered a Tax Tool CD you will note that the "Update Date" for Dare and Currituck Counties is showing up as August 27, 2008.  Paragon has informed the MLS Department that the data is current as of September 1, 2009; however, they did not change the "Update Date".  They will be issuing new CD's and the MLS Department will let you know when they are available. (9/21/09) 
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September MLS Books - September MLS Books have been received and are available for pickup in the OBAR office.  (9/10/09)
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SA Field in Paragon - The MLS Office has fielded several questions about the SA compensation field in Paragon.  For clarity, the SA compensation field is for the compensation offered by the listing firm to "sellers sub agents."  This field is NOT the listing agent's compensation.  If you're working with a buyer who does not want buyer representation and you show a home where the sellers sub agent compenastion is not offered (SA = 0), you will not be paid.  Many firms only want to compensaate buyer's agents and not sellers sub agents for a number of legal reasons.  (9/10/09)
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Free Paragon Webinars - Click Here to view a schedule of Free Paragon Webinars.  For Webinar registration go to HELP (upper right hand side of Paragon) or Click Here and then click on the tab titled Webinar Registration.  (09/09/09)
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Sentrilock Card Reader for MAC computers - Have you checked out Sentrilock's YouTube Channel instructions on how renew your Sentrilock Card with a MAC?  Click Here to learn more.  (9/8/09)
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Tax Tool CDs - The Tax Tool CDs have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association Office.  (9/7/09)
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August MLS Statistics - MLS statistics have been updated and posted above in Links of Interest.  Check it out!  (9/3/09)
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Paragon Training - Paragon provides free webinar training on a number of topics and the MLS Department has received reports that the training was exceptional.  Click Here to register for upcoming training sessions.  (9/3/09)
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Labor Day Holiday - The Paragon Help Desk and the OBAR office will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.  Normal work hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8th.  Additionally, the Corolla Satellite Lockbox office will be closed on Friday, September 4th through and including Monday, September 5th.  (9/2/09)
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2010 OBAR Board of Directors Nominating Opens NOW - The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® provides essential services to approximately 1000 REALTORS® and Affiliates in the Outer Banks. Our strength is expressed through active volunteers who become the leadership and foresight of the Association.  Annually, we call for capable REALTOR® Volunteers to step up and serve on OBAR's highest volunteer body...the Board of Directors.

There are several Director positions coming open this term. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DETERMINES THE FUTURE of all of OBAR's essential services to you...Will YOU be part of that process?  We are calling for candidates NOW - Are you ready?

CLICK HERE for more information and to view the candidate form...
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2010 CE Schedule - The following continuing education classes will be held on Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Ramada Inn, Kill Devil Hills, NC. 
1.  FHA Basics in Real Estate given by Cynthia Durant from 8:30am - 12:30pm.  (Registration begins at 8 am)This CE Elective is sponsored by HUD and is FREE to all attendees.  Click here for the registration form.

2.  Mandatory Update Course with topics of interest: Agency Disclosure Requirements, Selected Property Management Issues, Due Diligence in Residential Transactions, and Form Changes given by Betsy Whitcraft from 1:30pm - 5:30pm. (Registration begins at 1:00pm)  Click here for the registration form.  (8/27/09)
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New Paragon Field - Paragon has added a new field to Sold Listings that calculates the Selling Price per square foot.  Check it out.  (8/26/09)
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Paragon Mobile - On Thursday, August 27th, from 10 pm to 12 am, Paragon Mobile will be out of service while upgrades are installed.  Paragon Online will be available during this time period.  (8/26/09)
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August MLS Supplement Books - August MLS Supplement Books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association office. (8/7/09)
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County Tax Rates - The 2009 Dare County and Currituck County Tax Rate schedules have been updated and can be accessed in the Links of Interest above.  (8/21/09)
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Paragon Support - Paragon has launched a new site that will help you get support anytime.  Click Here to get more information on this new online support feature. (8/18/09) 
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Sentrilock Card Utility for MAC - Sentrilock has released a Beta version of it's card reader utility that is compatible with MAC computers.  If you want to try it out Click Here and follow the instructions.  (8/14/09)
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Verizon E-mail Server Shutdown - On August 29, 2009 Verizon will discontinue their SMPT Mail Relay service.  What this means to you is that you if you are a Verizon Wireless customer is that you will need to find an alternative service before August 29.   Click Here for more information.  (8/14/09)
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July MLS Statistics - The July MLS Statistics (posted in Links of Interest above) has been updated to include a graph of distressed residential property sales vs the total residential property sales.  From the data gathered it appears that distressed property sales makes up about 24% to 30% of the total monthly sales.  (8/13/09)
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Market Conditions Addendum Report - Calculations - Are you wondering how Paragon calculates all the fields in the Market Conditions Addendum Report?  Click Here for the field calculation details.  (8/12/09)
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Paragon Mobile - Are you using Paragon Mobile?  Click Here to get more information on how to view the MLS on your mobile phone.  (8/10/09)
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August MLS Books - August MLS Books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association office. (8/7/09)
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Associated Documents - Want to help a Buyer's agent sell your listing?  Use the Associated Documents feature in Paragon to give them all the documents they need to make the perfect presentation to their client.   Click Here to learn how to use the Associated Documents feature in Paragon.  (8/7/09)
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Under Contract / Continue to Show Listings - Listings in the status of Under Contract / Continue to Show (UC /CS) are considered active listings and must have their expiration dates maintained in order to remain visible in Paragon.  Please be advised that starting today, when the expiration date is exceeded on a listing in the UC / CS status, the listing status will change to EXPIRED and will have to be maintained to return the listing to an UC / CS status.  (8/7/09)
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Disappearing Photos - Have your photos in Paragon disappeared?  Paragon has found a problem with their server and are working on it.  Your photos will come back shortly.  (8/5/09)
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July MLS Statistics - The July MLS Statistics are posted.  See Links of Interest above.  One statistic that should be noted is the increasing trend in sales.  This is the third month in a row where sales were above 100 units and the sales for June and July exceeded 2008 sales.  (8/4/09)
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Sentrilock Mobile - Are you looking for lockbox codes when you're not at your computer?  Login to Sentrilock Mobile (http://m.sentrilock.com) on your cell phone and you can access your codes.  (8/3/09)
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What Color is your Dot? - If you have a yellow, red or Carolina blue dot on the back of your lockbox you have a fresh battery.  If you have a green, dark blue or no dot on the back of your lockbox you should consider returning that box to the Association for a battery change.  (7/27/09)
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MultiClass  Search - In the past, when you performed a MultiClass search and used "Waterfront Location" as a search criteria, the search results would only show Residential and Commercial listings - not Lot / Land listings.  This error has been corrected so that all listings will appear in a MultiClass search when using "Waterfront Location" as one of the search criteria.  (7/23/09)
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Paragon Outage  - Paragon will be out of service on Thursday, July 23rd from 11 pm to Friday, July 24th at 6 am so that an upgrade can be deployed.  (7/20/09)
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July Supplement Books - The July MLS Book Supplement has arrived and is available in the OBAR office.  (July 23, 2009)
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VOW Include Field - Please be advised that if your Seller has requested that their listing not be included in the Virtual Office Website (VOW) distribution and you have selected "No" in the "VOW Include" field then your listing will also be blocked from IDX distribution even if the "IDX Include" field is checked "Yes".  See Paragraph 18.6 (b) of the MLS Rules and Regulations for more information.  (7/21/09)
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Showing Notifications - Want automatic e-mail notifications from Sentrilock when you listing is shown?   Click Here to learn how to set this feature up in your Sentrilock account.  (7/16/09)
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Discount Sentrilock Smart Card Reader - Looking for a Smart Card Reader but can't afford one from the Association?  SCB solutions provides card readers at a significant discount.  Click Here to check it out.  The required software is available at Sentrilock.com and can be downloaded for free.  (7/15/09) 
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Paragon System Checker - At 6 pm on Tuesday, 7/14/09, Paragon will launch a new System Checker to optimize Paragon Performance with Internet Explorer 8.  It is encouraged that you run the system checker within the next couple of days.  Click Here to find out more... (7/14/09)
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Second Quarter Comp Books - The Second Quarter Comp books are ready for pickup in the Association Office. (7/9/09)
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July MLS Books - The July MLS Books are ready for pickup in the Association Office.  (7/9/09)
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IE8 vs Paragon - A problem has been identified with Paragon running on Internet Explorer 8.  Paragon is working on it and hopes to have it resolved shortly; however, if you are running IE8 and get a message that says "Data Execution Error" or if IE8 shuts down you will need to install the latest version of Sun Java.  For those of you who don't know how to do this please call the HELP Desk at 877-467-4726.  (7/6/09)
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June MLS Statistics - June MLS Statistics are posted.  See Links of Interest above. (7/2/09)
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No Fax Policy - For those of you who have missed it, on May 1, 2009, the OBAR MLS Department replaced the practice of faxing listing paperwork with an "On-Demand Audit" system.  The On-Demand Audit system now requires selected listings to be "delivered" to OBAR (within 24 hours) only when requested by the MLS Department.  Check with your Broker-in-Charge for more details on this new practice.  (7/2/09)
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Sentrilock Bug - Sentrilock has discovered a bug that will effect most of the OBAR Lockboxes on July 4, 2009 from 9:24 pm to 10:24 pm.  During this time period you will not be able to access the lockboxes.  Click Here for more information. (7/2/09)
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Independence Day Holiday - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.  Normal support hours will resume on July 4th.

The Association Office will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.  We will resume normal hours on Monday, July 6.  (6/29/09)
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Paragon 4.1.6 - Paragon will be out of service on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 from 1am to 7am while upgrades (Paragon 4.1.6) are deployed.  Paragon 4.1.6 will make Paragon compatible with Internet Explorer 8.  Click Here more information.  (6/26/09) __________

June MLS Supplement Books - The June MLS Supplement Books are ready for pickup in the Association Office.  (6/17/09)
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Paragon Help Desk - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Monday, June 22, 2009 from 9:30 am to 11:30 am for a company wide meeting.  During this time please call the Association Office for help with Paragon.  (6/17/09)
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Lockbox Audit - ONLY ONE DAY LEFT - On June 15, 2009, the MLS Department will be conducting a lockbox audit to determine which members are not in compliance with the rules (1 lockbox for each residential listing plus one spare).  If you are not in compliance with this rule please return your unused lockboxes to OBAR by June 12, 2009.  (6/11/09)
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Entering Listings into the MLS - The MLS Rules and Regulations require listings to be entered into Paragon within 72 hours of receiving the signed listing agreement.  Failure to follow this rule will result in a $500 fine.  Therefore, if your seller has requested you to delay entry of the listing into the MLS you need their written approval.  This approval should be included in the Contract under "Additional Terms and Conditions".  (6/10/09)
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Duck Satellite Lockbox Office - The Duck Satellite Lockbox office is moving to the Resort Realty office in Corolla and will be closed from Monday, June 8 through Wednesday June 10.  During this time please come to the OBAR office for all your lockbox needs.  when the Corolla Satellite Lockbox opens its hours of operation will be - Monday through Friday - 9 am to 4:30 pm. (6/10/09)
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May MLS Statistics - May MLS Statistics are posted.  See Links of Interest above.  (6/3/09)
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Weekly Paragon Training - As a FREE service, Paragon is conducting weekly training sessions on a variety of topics.  Click Here here to learn more.  (6/2/09)
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Lockbox Audit - On June 15, 2009, the MLS Department will be conducting a lockbox audit to determine which members are not in compliance with the rules (1 lockbox for each residential listing plus one spare).  If you are not in compliance with this rule please return your unused lockboxes to OBAR by June 12, 2009.  (6/2/09)
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Dare County Taxes - MLS Members need to be aware that Dare county collects taxes for all towns except Nags Head.  You should be aware that when listing Head properties you must calculate the town taxes and then add that amount to the Dare county taxes to ensure the proper amount is shown. (6/2/09)
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Outer Banks Legend Passes - As you may know, David Stick, one of the founding members of the Dare County Board of REALTORS(R) and an Outer Banks historian, passed away last week.  Click Here to read his history. (5/29/09)
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Typing in Caps - Are you one of those people that just has to type everything in CAPITAL LETTERS.  In many circles this practice is considered to be yelling.  Click Here to learn more about electronic etiquette.  (5/28/09)
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Broker Price Opinion - Click Here to review an article from the North Carolina Association of REALTORS(R) on BPO's.  (5/21/09)
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Memorial Day Holiday - The OBAR office and the Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2009 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.  (5/21/09)
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Acceptable Listing Status - Short Sales -  The MLS Department has received reports of agents advertising short sale listings as active, when in fact they have one or more signed/ratified contracts and are waiting for bank approval.  This practice is not fair to buyer's agents or buyers.

When a contract is signed by a buyer and seller on a short sale listing but buyer and seller are waiting for bank approval, the listing status should be "Under Contact/Continue to Show" in MLS.

If buyers and sellers have ratified an offer, then the house is under contract.  If bank approval is necessary, then this is a contingency to the contract but the house is still under contract.
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Listing Date - The MLS Department has been asked several times what date to use as the listing date in Paragon.  For clarity, the listing date is the date you receive the signed listing agreement from the Seller.  If the date on the contract differs from the date when you received the listing agreement please note the received date on the contract to prevent confusion if and when the listing is audited.  It should be noted that the fine for failure to enter a listing agreement into the MLS within 72 hours of receipt of the listing agreement is $500. (5/15/09)
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May MLS Books - May MLS Books are in and ready for pickup in the OBAR office.  (5/7/09)
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April MLS Statistics - The April MLS Statistics have been posted. See the link above in Links of Interest.  (5/5/09)
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Paragon Pool Search - At the request of our members Paragon has located all Swimming pools under the "Pools" Feature Category.  You will no longer find pools under "Extras". (5/4/09)
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No Fax Policy - On May 1, 2009, the MLS Department has replaced the practice of faxing listing paperwork with an "On-Demand Audit" system.  The On-Demand Audit system now requires selected listings to be "delivered" to OBAR (within 24 hours) only when requested by the MLS Department.  Check with your Broker-in-Charge for more details on this new practice.  (4/30/09)
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OBAR Office Hours - The hours of operation at the OBAR office will change on May 4, 2009.  The new office hours will be from 8:30 am until 5 pm.  (4/30/09)
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April MLS Supplements - The April MLS Supplement books are in the OBAR office and ready for pickup.  (4/23/09)
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Dare County School Districts - The MLS Department has been informed that many agents are entering the incorrect school district in their listings.  Click Here for an up to date list of Dare County school districts.  (4/21/09)
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Appraisal Related Policy Changes - The FHA has  adopted the Fannie Mae 1004MC Market Conditions Addendum.  Click Here to review a short video on these changes. (4/9/09)
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April MLS Books - The April MLS Books have arrived and are in the OBAR office ready for pickup. (4/9/09)
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Place Holder - A review of recent MLS Listing indicates that many agents are using a place holder for the Owner's Name.  The owners name is required on all listings and can only be omitted from the listing if the Owner specifically requests - in writting - that their name be omitted.  If your owner requests that their name not be shown in the MLS you must explain why the owners name is missing in the Brokers Notes.  Please update you listings as required.
The MLS Rules and Regulations defines a place holder as:
"Place Holder" - An entry in a required field in place of information that can be obtained by due diligence. When verifiable information of a required field is absent or unobtainable, it must be disclosed in the Broker Notes.
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VOW Compliance Update -Click Here to view the latest updates to the VOW fields in Paragon.  (4/8/09)
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Paragon Help Desk Closure - The Paragon HELP desk will be closed on Thursday, April 9, 2009 from 2:45 pm until 4:15 pm for a company wide meeting.  (4/6/09)
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Market Conditions Addendum - NAR has announced that the FHA has adopted the Fannie Mae 1004MC Market Conditions Addendum.  Click Here to review the details. (4/6/09)
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NAR Short Sale Flyer - Click Here to view NAR's latest flyer on Short Sales.  (4/6/09)
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March MLS Statistics - The MLS Statistics Graph has been updated for March.  See Links of Interest above. (4/3/09)
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Northern Beaches Satellite Lockbox Office - The Northern Beaches Satellite Lockbox Office is now located in the Resort Realty office in Duck.  Hours of Operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am until 5pm.  See Linda Harris for your Northern Beaches Lockbox needs.  (3/31/09)
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Paragon Outage - Paragon will be out of service on Thursday, March 26 from 1am until 5am so that additional code can be added.  (3/20/09)
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Paragon Update - Having problems with prospecting e-mail getting to your clients?  Click Here to find out more.  Want to learn more about Internet Explorer 8?  Click Here to find out more.  (3/19/09)  
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March MLS Supplement Books - The March supplement books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association office. (3/19/09)
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Realtor.com export from Paragon - Realtor.com has not been able to get data from Paragon since Thursday, March 12, 2009.  Paragon is aware of the problem and is working to correct.  (3/16/09)
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Paragon Remarks Field - The Paragon Remarks field has been expanded from 512 characters to 4000 characters so you can add more information in the Remarks Field.  However, you must remember that only the first 255 characters are accepted by realtor.com.  The Brokers Notes, which were being used by agents to expand the Remarks field, should only be used for information that is only applicable to other brokers. (3/13/09)
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New Paragon Fields (Hit Count) - Two new fields have been added to Paragon that will allow you to determine the number of times your listing has been viewed by an Agent or Agent's client.  Click Here to learn more. (3/12/09)
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Paragon /AOL - The MLS Department has received many complaints about clients with AOL e-mail accounts not receiving their Paragon e-mails.  Click Here to learn more about this issue.  (3/12/09)
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Paragon Desktop Problems - When Paragon 4.1.5 was released last week a problem occurred with the Paragon Desktop version that keeps the program from Synchronizing.   Click Here  for a procedure to correct this problem.  (3/10/09)
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REALTOR® Victory with Short Sale Commissions - On March 3, 2009 Fannie Mae instructed its servicers not to cut the commissions on Short Sales.  This is a big victory for REALTORS®.  Click Here to read the NAR Article on this issue.  (03-06-2009)   
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March MLS Books - The March MLS Books are in the OBAR office and are ready for pickup.  (3/5/09)
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Short Sale Field Guide - Looking for help on doing short sales?   Click Here to view NAR's Field Guide to Short Sales.  (3/5/09) 
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Auto e-mail notification - It has been reported that multiple (up to 4) e-mails are being generated for each client when using the auto e-mail notification feature in Paragon.  Paragon is aware of this issue and are working to correct the problem.  (3/5/09) 
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Paragon 4.1.5 release problems - After the release of Paragon 4.1.5 last night some problems were noted.  Specifically, some users may experience sporadic login issues and some users may have issues completing listing input or maintenance.  Paragon is troubleshooting these issues and hopes to have them fixed soon. (3/4/09)
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New Paragon Fields - Last night a new version of Paragon (Paragon 4.1.5) was installed.  The upgrade included four new fields, which you will see on the All Fields Detail View, that will aid in the displaying of your listings on Virtual Office Websites (VOWs).  Please Click Here to review the changes to Paragon.  Click Here for more information on VOWs. (3/3/09) 
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February MLS Statistics - February MLS Statistics have been posted.  See Links of Interest above for the latest statistics.  (3/2/09)
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Internet Service to OBAR - Internet service to OBAR has been out of service since early Wednesday morning until about 2:30 pm on Thursday.  Please be patient and we will answer your e-mail requests as quickly as possible. (2/26/09)
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SA Field in Paragon - The MLS Office has fielded several question about the SA Compensation field in Paragon.  For clarity, the SA compensation field is for the compensation offered by the listing firm to "sellers sub agents." - this is not the listing agent's firm's commission.  If a buyer walks into your office, does not want buyer representation and you show a home where sellers sub agent compensation (SA =0) is not offered, you will not be paid.  Many firms only want to compensate buyer's agents and not sellers sub agents for a number of legal reasons. (2/23/09)
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Acceptable Listing Status - Short Sales -  The MLS Department has received reports of agents advertising short sale listings as active, when in fact they have one or more signed/ratified contracts and are waiting for bank approval.  This practice is not fair to buyer's agents or buyers.

When a contract is signed by a buyer and seller on a short sale listing but buyer and seller are waiting for bank approval, the listing status should be "Under Contact/Continue to Show" in MLS.

If buyers and sellers have ratified an offer, then the house is under contract.  If bank approval is necessary, then this is a contingency to the contract but the house is still under contract.

Advertising a home as "active" when in fact it is "under contract" is misleading to other participants and may be subject to fines or other sanctions.  Please see section 1.12 of the MLS Rules and Regulations for further information on this issue. (2/17/09)
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February MLS Book Supplements - The February Supplement books ready for pickup in the OBAR office. (2/17/09)
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MLS Rule of the Day - Unauthorized use of Sentrilock Card - The MLS Rules and Regulations states that Sentrilock cards may not be used by anyone other than the authorized card holder and, if it is determined that a Sentrilock card has been used by an unauthorized cardholder then this event would be considered a violation of the MLS Rules and Regulations and would be subject to a fine of up to $500. (2/10/09)
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Changes to the NCAR Forms Library - In response to difficult economic times and mandatory changes to the MLS rules NCAR has approved four new forms and revised four existing forms.
The new/revised forms were added to the NCAR website last week and are currently available for download in PDF format. The forms have been sent to the forms software vendors and we expect the vendors to have the forms updated in their libraries by the end of February.
1.Short Sale Addendum (to Offer to Purchase and Contract) (#2A14-T) (NEW)
2. Short Sale Addendum To Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement (#104) (NEW)
3. Seller Estimated Net Sheet (#110) (NEW)
4. Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement (#101)
5. Exclusive Right To Sell Listing Agreement (Vacant Land) (#103)
6. Exclusive Right To Represent Buyer (#201)
7. Exclusive Property Management Agreement (Long-term Rentals) (#401)
8. Internet Advertising Addendum (#105) (NEW) (2/10/09)
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MLS Tax Tools CD - The MLS Tax Tools CD has arrived and is ready for pickup in the Association Office.  (2/9/09)
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New MLS Fees -  In November 2008, the Board of Directors approved a new budget that included a number of new MLS fees.  These fees are now in effect and include:
1. MLS Fines - Fines have been increased from $25 to $50.
2. Agent Transfer Fee - The Agent Transfer fee has increased from $25 to $50.
3. Book handling fee - The Book Handling fee has increased from $5.00 a book to $7.50 a book.
(01/02/2009)
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Internet Explorer 8 -Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 8 and is now available for download; however, Paragon strongly recommends that you DO NOT download any version of Internet Explorer 8 until a compatible version of Paragon is available.  The MLS Department will notify you when a compatible version of Paragon is available.  (2/4/09)
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January MLS Statistics - The January MLS Statistics are posted.  See Links of Interest above. (2/3/09)
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OBAR Annual Membership Survey - Thanks to everyone who responded to the annual OBAR Membership Survey.  Your input is essential to customizing the operations of the Association to meet your needs.  Congratulations to the following individuals who won the $50 Visa gift cards: (1/30/09)
1.  Tim Cafferty
2.  Nancy Bailey
3.  Mike Lowack
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Paragon Help Desk - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 from 4:30 pm until 6 pm for a company meeting.  Please direct all you Help Desk questions to the OBAR office during this time period.  (1/26/09) 
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OBAR Office - The OBAR office is open for business.  (1/21/09)
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Hatteras Island Satellite Lockbox Office -  A new Satellite Lockbox Office has opened on Hatteras Island in Avon.  Please see Colony Realty (Leslie Painter) for all you Hatteras Island lockbox needs (new lockboxes, batteries, lockbox covers).  Hours of operation at 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week. (1/20/09)
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Comp Books - The Fourth Quarter 2008 Comp (Sold) books have arrived and are ready for pickup in the Association office.  (1/13/09)
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Paragon Outage -  On Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 10 pm Paragon will be performing planned maintenance on our system.  This maintenance require approximately 8 hours to complete and will result in Paragon being unavailable.  The system should conclude no later than 4 am on Friday, January 16, 2009. (1/13/09) 
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Paragon Mobile - I am very happy to announce that the Paragon Mobile site is setup and may be accessed from any web enabled phone or computer internet browser.  Just go to http://obarmls.mobile.fnismls.com/ and enter your Paragon login and password. Please take a few moments to thoroughly review the site. (1/09/09)
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January MLS Books - The January MLS Books are in and can be picked up in the OBAR Office.  (1/8/08)  ________________________________________

December MLS Statistics - The MLS Statistics graph has been updated for December.  Check out the Links of Interest above to view these statistics.  (1/5/08)
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Paragon Desktop - On 9 p.m. on January 6, 2009 Paragon will release version 4.1.3.7 to Paragon Desktop.  During this time you should not experience an outage. (1/5/09)
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Early Bird Special - As part of our new contract with Paragon, OBAR is being provided with Paragon Mobile for your portable Internet capable devices.  The MLS Department needs 10 volunteers to test Paragon Mobile and provide feedback on the service.  If you want to volunteer, please contact the MLS Department at daniels@outerbanksrealtors.com and we will provide you with everything you need.  Feedback on the service must be received by the MLS Department by Monday, January 5, 2009 so that issues can be resolved and Paragon Mobile deployed to all members.  When this notice is removed from the Paragon Home Page then our quota for volunteers has been met.  (12/30/08)
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MLS Training - Need a little help learning how to use Paragon?  Just call the MLS Department at 441-4036 and make an appointment for your:
   1.  MLS Office Training - One-on-one training at the OBAR office. Let us know what you'd like to be trained on (Paragon basics, searches, auto-e-mail notification, etc) and we'll have the training ready for you.
   2.  Your Office Training - If  more than three people in your office need training, then the MLS Department will perform that training in your office.  (12/29/08) 
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New Years Holiday Closures
     OBAR - In observance of the New Years Holiday, the OBAR office will be closed on Thursday January 1, 2009.  We will reopen for business at 0830 on Friday, January 2, 2009.
     Paragon - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2009 and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2009.
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MLS Rules and Regulations Change - During their December meeting, after further reviewing the issue, the Board of Directors voted to change the MLS Rules and Regulations by removing paragraph 6.1.7 (Frequent Price Change policy).  (12/18/08)
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Sentrilock Card - Having problems getting your Sentricard to read?  Here is a tip from Sentrilock:
     Anytime the lockbox or card reader is not picking up that the Sentricard has been inserted support will suggest cleaning the gold chip on the Sentricard, a pencil eraser works best.  Just like cleaning the lenses on eye glasses things become more clear and readable.  (12/17/08) 
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Annual OBAR Membership Survey - Click Here to take the annual OBAR Membership Survey!  All survey respondents will be eligible to participate in a drawing for one of three (3) $50 Visa Gift cards.  Providing your name on the survey form is optional, but you must include your name to qualify to win one of the three gift cards.  Only one survey response per Member will be accepted.  The survey will end on December 31, 2008.  (12/16/08)
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December MLS Books - December MLS Books are ready for pickup in the Association office. (12/4/08)
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Lockbox NXT - The association has obtained a limited number of the new Sentrilock Lockbox NXT (picture on left) and are now available at the association office.  The NXT Lockbox works exactly the same as the previous design; however, it features an extended life battery and a larger key compartment.  Check it out when you come into the office. (12/04/08) 
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Tax Tool CD Delay - The Tax Tool CD's will be delayed because the data provided by Currituck County was the same as on the last Tax Tool CD.  When new data is available then the CD's will be purchased.  (12/03/08)
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November MLS Statistics -November MLS Statistics are posted.  See Links of Interest above for the link to this data.  (12/2/08)
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Corolla Satellite Lockbox Office
- The Corolla Satellite Lockbox Office will be closed on Thursday, November 27, 2008 and from Monday, December 1, 2008 through December 8, 2008.  Please contact the Association Office for all your lockbox needs during this closure. (11/25/08)
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Property History -In the past, the Paragon Property History Repot was linked to the properties address.  At OBAR's request Paragon is in the process of linking the Property History Report to the properties pin number; however, for this process to work rules must be established to standardize the pin number.  From this point on the only acceptable information that can be placed in the PIN field is the "PIN" / "Parcel" number or "See Brokers Notes".  The following is NOT permitted in the Pin number field:
1.    Punctuation of any kind including:
    a.    Hyphens
    b.    Periods
    c.    Ampersands
    d.    # symbol
2.    Spaces
3.    TBD
4.    See Remarks
5.    No PIN
Additionally, only one PIN number can be entered into the PIN field.  If the property has two PIN numbers then the second number must be entered into the Brokers Notes.  (11/25/08)
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OBAR and Paragon Closure - In observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, the OBAR Office and the Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Thursday November 27, 2008 and Friday November 28, 2008.  The Paragon Help Desk will resume service on Saturday, November 29, 2008 and OBAR will will resume service on Monday, December 1, 2008.  (11/21/08)
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MLS Rules and Regulations Change - The Board of Directors have authorized two new changes to the MLS Rules and Regulations.  The rule changes include:
1. If the Asking Price of a listing changes (increase or decrease) more than once during a 30 day period by less than or equal to 1%, a fee of $100 will be assessed for the second and each subsequent change within the 30 day period.
2. A fine as specified will be imposed for entering information into a listing that could undermine the security of the property being listed - such as putting the sellers phone number in the listing.  
Click Here for an overview of the new rules.  (11/18/08) 
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Outer Banks Internet IDX - For those Agents using the Outer Banks Internet (OBI)  IDX link please be advised that OBI has added a field called "Bank Owned".  So now your internet clients can search for these listings.  (11/18/08)
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Tax Tool CD's - The MLS Department will be ordering Tax Tool CD's in the first week in December.  If you want us to order one for you please contact the MLS Department at daniels@outerbanksrealtors.com.  If you already get one and don't want to get one please contact the MLS Department at daniels@outerbanksrealtors.com. (11/17/08)
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Under Contract Listing - In December 2008, the MLS Department will be performing an audit of all under contract listings to determine whether the listing is still legitimately in an under contract status AND that the projected closing date of all under contract listings reflects the most current information.  For those listings that are not in compliance fines, as specified in the MLS Rules and Regulations, will be assessed. Currently, of the 197 under contract listings over 62 listings have expired closing dates.  Please update you listings prior to December 1, 2008.  (11/17/08)
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Short Sales - What to learn more about short sales?  Login to Realtor.org and then Click Here to check out what an agent needs to know to negotiate a short sale.   Then Click Here to check out NAR's Field Guide to Short Sales. (11/14/08)
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2009 Board of Directors Election - The 2009 Board Election Polls open Today, November 12th at the Association office at 8:30am.  Click Here here to learn more about the election and the candidates. (11/12/08)
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Auto E-Mail Prospecting - Click Here to learn more about Auto E-mail Prospecting.  (11/10/08)
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November MLS Books - November MLS Books are in the OBAR office and are ready for pickup.  (11/10/08)
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Bank Owned (Foreclosed) Property Search - Looking for Bank Owned (Foreclosed) properties or for properties that are Potential Short Sales?  So are your buyers!  How do you find them?  Just follow these simple steps:
1.     If the property is Bank Owned just open a search, go to the Features Category, open up Financing Options and select Bank Owned and then do your search.
2.     If you are looking for a Potential Short Sale, just open a search, customize your search to add "Potential Short Sale" and then do your search.
Remember, you must do these searches separately otherwise Paragon will only be looking for properties that a Bank Owned AND Potential Short Sale.  (11/06/08)
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OBX Sign Ordinance Link of Interest - The OBX Sign Ordinance "Link of Interest" above has been updated to include recent changes to the Village at Ocean Hill Environmental Policy manual and Colington Harbour Protective Covenants.  If you are listing property there you need to review these changes.  (11/06/08)
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Colington and Colington Harbour - To eliminate any confusion, when a property is added to Paragon that is in one of the above listed areas the town name that should be entered into Paragon is Kill Devil Hills. (11/05/08)
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October MLS Statistics - October MLS Statistics are now posted.  See Quick Links above. (11/04/08)
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Rental Performance Field Search - It has been identified that when searching for properties using a specific Rental Performance Field value, such as 0.07, some properties may be missed.  Paragon has identified that:

1.  The Rental Performance field displays 2 decimal places; however, it stores and searches by 6 decimal places.
2.  The Rental Performance field will round up/down to get the 2 decimal figure.

Therefore, if you are searching for a Rental Performance value of 0.07 but the actual performance value stored in Paragon is 0.067848, then this property will not show up in your search.

Paragon is working to correct this problem; however, until corrected, to perform a search for properties with a specific Rental Performance value (such as 0.07) you will need to search for all properties within a range (such as 0.06 to 0.08).  (11/04/08) 
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New Paragon Fields - Two new fields have been added to Paragon:
1. Rental Performance (Annual Rental Income / Asking Price)
2. Rental Performance Last Year (Income History Last Year / Asking Price)

Paragon searches can be customized to search this performance field so you can find the best performing properties for your clients.  (11/3/08)
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Paragon Outage - Paragon be deploying Paragon 4.1.4.11 tonight from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am.  During this time Paragon will be out of service.  Click Here to see what enhancements / repairs are being made.  (10/30/08)
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Virtual Tours - Click Here for some tips from NAR on dressing up your Virtual tours. (10/29/08) 
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Paragon Help Desk Closure - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed for 2 hours on Tuesday October 28, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 5:00pm for a company function.  (10/23/08)
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Median Price Graph - Click Here to review a graph of the Median Price Trends over the last two years.  (10/20/08)
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Paragon Tips and Tricks - Click Here to learn how to Assign / Add a search to a contact.  (9/16/08)  ________________________________________

Paragon Desktop Upgrade -On October 23, 2008 at 7 pm, Paragon will deploy Desktop version 4.1.2.  When you log in you will be prompted to download a patch. 
Following is a list of corrections included in this release:
• 1) Hotsheet changes were being erroneously added to listings where they were not applicable.
• 2) Fields where an ERMS relationship had been created were not filtering correctly on the property search screens.
• 3) The show checked and show all options were not available on the All Fields Detail.
• 4) Attempting to search via listing office would return zero results.
• 5) Selected Paragon system fields were not available for exporting from Paragon Desktop 4.
• 6) When using the quick search function, searching by a street name that contained an apostrophe would return zero results.
• 7) Agents would receive a syntax error when attempting to save a listing where a non-standard hotsheet field had been changed. (10/16/08)
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Monthly and Quarterly Books - Monthly and Quarterly MLS Books are ready for pickup in the Association Office. (10/09/08) ________________________________________

September MLS Statistics - September MLS Statistics are now available.  See Links of Interest above for the latest data. (10/07/08) ________________________________________

Paragon Outage -Paragon will be out of service on Thursday , October 9, 2008 from 8pm until Friday, October 10, 2008 at 2am.  During this time Paragon will be deploying Paragon 4.1.4.10.  (10/07/08)
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GeoJet - GeoJet is currently experiencing problems with the Oblique Aerial Views.  They are aware of the problem and are working to correct the problem.  We will let you know when the problem is resolved.  (9/25/08)
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Paragon Hyperlinks - It has been reported to the MLS Department that members have been having problems with hyperlinks when they are copied out of Paragon and pasted into an Outlook e-mail.  Technically, in Paragon, a hyperlink is not created until you hit the SEND button on Paragon's e-mail.  If you are trying to shortcut the system by copying the link before you send an e-mail it may not work.  The hyperlink must be sent from Paragon before it can be copied and pasted into an e-mail or it may not work.  (9/24/08)
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New to Paragon - A searchable field has been added to Paragon that will allow you to search for Bank Owned properties.  You can find the "Bank Owned" field in the Features category under Finance Options. (9/19/08)
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Sentrilock - Sentrilock has been returned to service. (9/16/08) 
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Paragon 4.1.4 - Paragon 4.1.1 will be released starting on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 10:00 pm until Monday, September 22, 2008 at 6:00 am.  During this time Paragon will be unavailable for your use.  To review the changes being made to Paragon Click Here   (9/18/08)
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Temporary Sentrilock Card Renewal - If you need to renew your Sentrilock Card, please call 513-618-5805 and they will renew your card over the phone. (9/16/08) 
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Sentrilock Service Alert! Sunday, September 14, 9:00 pm. EDT -
Tropical Storm Ike combined with a strong Canadian cold front have caused significant wind damage in the Ohio valley. Sustained winds in excess of 80 mph have left 800,000 people without power and significant damage in Southwestern Ohio. While SentriLock's standby emergency power generation systems and server battery backup have performed properly, our main Internet service provider has lost service on its SONET fiber ring - most likely due to the significant widespread power disruption. The loss of service on the fiber ring has cut voice communications and most data communications to our facility. We have a backup data service provider and that service is up. We have restricted activity to card renewals only.
Normal web access will be blocked until main Internet service restoration occurs. Users who have updated their Card Utility (version 2.03.6 or later) software will be able to renew their cards as that utility is smart enough to reroute activity.
We have our technical staff working over the night time to speed restoration of full service. Hopefully by the time you read this message Monday morning service will have been restored.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. Every effort possible is being done to restore full service.
Thank you.
Scott Fisher, President / CEO (9/15/08)
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MLS Policy Manual - The MLS Policy Manual has been revised to include guidance on the following:
1. The use of the Agent License Field in Paragon
2. Repeat Offender Policy
3. MLS Security Policy
Click Here to check out these changes. (9/5/08) 
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September MLS Books- The September MLS Books are ready for pickup in the Association Office. (9/5/08)
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Board of Directors Nominations - Each year, a Nominating Committee is appointed in accordance with the Bylaws of the Association to select from its active volunteers, at least one candidate for each open position on the Board of Directors.  A slate is then prepared by the Nominating Committee, with consideration given to names submitted on the 2009 Candidate Form.

If you are interested and qualify to serve on the 2009 Board of Directors, please review the responsibilities and requirements, then complete the 2009 Candidate Form and submit it to OBAR via email or fax by September 25, 2008,  If you know of another REALTOR(R) Member who would be ideal to serve in this capacity, please encourage them to apply.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW Specific Requirements, Position Descriptions & the 2009 Candidate Form. (9/5/08)
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MLS Members -With Tropical Storm Hanna approaching we ask you to take into consideration the protection of the Association owned lockboxes in your possession.  If you have checked out a lockbox from the Association you need to make sure appropriate steps are taken to secure the box so that it doesn't get damaged.  The best step to prevent damage to the lockbox is to remove it from the listing and store the box in a secure location. 
Please understand that under our Rules and Regulations, you are responsible for the lockbox and, if it is damaged during the storm, you would be charged the replacement cost for each box which is $100. (9/4/08)
Thank you for your time and consideration - OBAR MLS Leadership & Staff
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August MLS Statistics - The link to the monthly MLS Statistics has been updated and is available for viewing - See Links of Interest above for the latest data.  (09/03/08)
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Labor Day - In Observance of the Labor Day holiday, OBAR and the Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2008.  OBAR and the Paragon Help Desk will reopen again on Tuesday, September 2, 2008.  (8/26/08)
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Contact Manager - Click Here to learn how to use the Contact Manager.  (8/22/08)
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Hatteras Island Satellite Lockbox Office - The Hatteras Island Satellite Lockbox Office will be closed until September 1, 2008.  If you are on Hatteras Island, please come to the Association Office for all your lockbox needs. (8/21/08)
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Paragon 4.1.4 Release Announcement - Paragon 4.1.4, which was originally scheduled to be released on August 26, 2008 has been delayed by at least 2 weeks to correct a number of problems identified in the original release.  I will keep you advised.  Click Here to check out all the changes that will be implemented. (8/20/08)  
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Unauthorized Paragon Access - Just a heads up, paragraph 10.3 of the MLS Rules and Regulations states that any person who shares their login ID and user password with an unauthorized user shall be assessed a $1000 fine for the first offense, $3000 fine for the second offense and a $5000 fine for the third offense.  (8/19/08)
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OBX Sign Ordinances - A link to the City and County Sign ordinances has been added to the "Links of Interest" above.  This list is not all inclusive, but it will point you in the right direction if you're trying to figure out where, when and how you can place your REALTOR(R) signs.  Check it out. (8/15/08) 
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Weekly Real Estate News - Click Here to view the latest Real Estate News from NAR. (08/15/08)      
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Paragon Help Desk Closure - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Tuesday August 19, 2008 from 11:15 am to 12:30 pm for a company function.  Please call the MLS Department during this time if you need any help.  (8/15/08)
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Under Contract / Continue to Show - The MLS Department has identified a number of MLS listings which were, at the sellers' request, improperly using the "Under Contract / Continue to Show" status to encourage additional offers.  Paragraph 1.12.3 of the MLS Rules and Regulations states that there must be an unsatisfied contingency - other than financing - in order to use the Under Contract / Continue to Show status.  Additionally, the listing status must be changed within 24 hours to "Under Contract" when all other contingencies are met or if financing is the only contingency. (8/13/08)
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Weekly News from NAR -  Click Here for the weekly news from NAR. (8/11/08)
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New Paragon Fields - The MLS Committee has approved the addition of two new fields to Paragon - Home Owner Association Contact (HOA) Name and HOA Contact Number.  Be sure you use the Legal name of the Association.  Check them out!  (8/11/08)
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Sewer Connection Moratorium - The Village of Nags Head Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Facility cannot accept the discharge of additional waste until further notice due to problems associated with the treatment system.  Therefore, effective August 19, 2008, no additional sewer connections will be made until further notice. (8/8/08)
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August MLS Books - August MLS Books are available for pickup in the Association Office. (8/07/08)
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**Virus Warning** - If you get an e-mail titled "CNN.com Daily Top 10" DO NOT OPEN IT.  It is a virus.  Click Here to learn more. (8/7/08) 
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New to Paragon - A new searchable field has been added to Paragon that will allow you to search for Bank Owned properties.  You can find the "Bank Owned" field in the Features category under Finance Options. (8/7/08)  
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Proper use of Signs - Every wonder if your For Sale signs are in compliance with the Rules?  Click Here to review the rules established by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.  (8/7/08) 
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Listing Errors -The MLS Department polices MLS listings on a daily basis; however, reviewing over 4,000 listings is a daunting process.  Therefore, we are requesting your help.  If, when reviewing a listing, you find an error, just go to the tool bar above the primary picture.  At the far right end there is a button titled "Correction".  When you press this button an e-mail window will open.  Type in a brief description of the problem and press the send button and the e-mail will be sent directly to the MLS Department and we will take it from there.  This e-mail will not be sent to the listing agent - only the MLS Department. (8/6/08)
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Using the Sentrilock 1 Day Renewal Code - You can use Sentrilock's Card Authorization Renewal System (CARS) to generate a 1 day renewal code for your card.  Just call Sentrilock (877) 736-8745 and press 2 when prompted (you will need your Sentricard serial number and PIN).  The CARS system will give you a renewal code for your card.  To renew your card, go to any lockbox, insert your card, when the CODE light is displayed, press FUNC + 0 + Renewal Code + ENT and your card will be renewed for the day.  Once you get the READY light you can open the key door in one of two ways:
I)  Press FUNC + 3 + ENT or
2) Remove your card, reinsert your card, enter your PIN and then remove your card. (8/04/08) 
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Weekly News from NAR - Click Here for the weekly news from NAR. (8/1/08)
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July MLS Statistics - The link to the monthly MLS Statistics has been updated and is available for viewing - See Links of Interest above for the latest data.  (08/01/08)
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**UPDATE from Sentrilock **- We've been experiencing technical difficulties with our server since early this morning, which is why your Association and Sentrilock are experiencing high call volumes. Agents can still try contacting Technical Support, and we will transfer them to our automated line to get a 1 day code or a renewal code. For those agents that we cannot help immediately we will be more than happy to call back and assist when our servers are working at normal speed. Please let your agents know the issues are on our end and we are working towards a resolution.(8/4/08)  ________________________________________

Using the Sentrilock 1 Day Renewal Code - You can use Sentrilock's Card Authorization Renewal System (CARS) to generate a 1 day renewal code for your card.  Just call Sentrilock (877) 736-8745 and press 2 when prompted (you will need your Sentricard serial number and PIN).  The CARS system will give you a renewal code for your card.  To renew your card, go to any lockbox, insert your card, when the CODE light is displayed, press FUNC + 0 + Renewal Code + ENT and your card will be renewed for the day.  Once you get the READY light you can open the key door in one of two ways:
I)  Press FUNC + 3 + ENT or
2) Remove your card, reinsert your card, enter your PIN and then remove your card. (8/04/08)
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Unauthorized use of Sentrilock Card - Paragraph 2.2.5 of the MLS Rules and Regulations defines the rules for the use of a Sentrilock Card.  Specifically, 2.2.5 states that if it is determined that the Sentrilock Card has been used by an individual who is not the authorized cardholder, a fine will be assessed against both the cardholder and the unauthorized card holder.  If the "unauthorized cardholder" is an MLS Participant, MLS Subscriber or Personal Assistant the fine is $25 each; however, if the unauthorized cardholder is not a member of the MLS the fine is $500.

Additionally, Paragraph 2.2.5 states that assistants and staff employed by the authorized card user shall have limited use of the cardholders card only for acquiring a lockbox at the Association office or for removal of lockboxes from the authorized card user's listings.  It should be noted that the Assistants or Staff members must be registered users of the MLS. (7/31/08)
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Expired Sentrilock Card? - Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are about to show a property and your Sentrilock Card has expired?  You can use Sentrilock's Card Authorization Renewal System (CARS) to generate a 1 renewal code.  Just call Sentrilock (877) 736-8745 and press 2 when prompted (you will need your Sentricard serial number and PIN).  The CARS system will give you a renewal code for your card.  To renew your card, go to any lockbox, insert your card, when the CODE light is displayed, press FUNC + 0 + Renewal Code + ENT and your card will be renewed for the day.  Once you get the READY light you can open the key door in one of two ways:
I)  Press FUNC + 3 + ENT or
2) Remove your card, reinsert your card, enter your PIN and then remove your card. (7/30/08)
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Business Tips -  Click Here to review some business tips from REALTOR® Magazine. (7/30/08) 
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Desktop 4 Upgrade - On Tuesday, August 5, 2008, Paragon Desktop 4 will be upgraded to version 4.1.1.14.  Click Here to learn what improvements are being made to this program. (7/29/08)
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Lockbox Message Light - A blinking message light means that the lockbox is sensing a voltage that is out of the expected range (5.9 to 6.1 volts).  Unfortunately, the replacement batteries that were purchased have a higher rated voltage (6.2 volts).  What this means is that you will receive the message light every time the box is operated until the battery voltage depletes.  A green or blue dot has been applied to the lockbox serial number on the back of the box to indicate which lockbox has had its batteries replaced.  If you get a message light do the following:
1.  Wait until the message light stops blinking.
2.  Enter your PIN # and proceed with using the lockbox.
3.  Turn the box over and look for the green or blue dot.
4.  If the green or blue dot is not there then this box should be returned to the association for maintenance.  (07/29/08)
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GeoJet Mailing Labels - Having problems getting the mailing labels from GeoJet to print inside the label?  Try adjusting your Internet Explorer Page Settings (File/Page Setup) to a top and bottom margin of 0.5 inches.   Click Here to learn more.  (7/28/08)
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Weekly News from NAR - Click Here for the weekly news from NAR. (7/25/08)
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Paragon Help Desk Closure - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Tuesday July 29, 2008 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm for a company function.  (7/25/08)
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Sentrilock Card Reader - The old Sentrilock Card Reader (it has a black or gray body) IS NOT compatible with Microsoft Vista.  Replacement Sentrilock Card Readers, that are compatible with Microsoft Vista, are available for purchase ($98 each) at the OBAR Office. (7/24/08)
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Changes to Bylaws and Beach Driving Resolution - At the General Membership Meeting on July 23, 2008, a vote was held on proposed changes to the Association Bylaws and are effective immediately.  Additionally the membership also voted unanimously to approve on a resolution to support bills to reinstate the interim management strategy governing ORV use in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Click Here to view the Bylaws changes and the Beach Driving Resolution.  (7/24/08) 
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Short Sale Defined - The MLS Department has received numerous calls this morning asking for a definition of Short Sales.  The definition is provided below:
A short sale is when a bank or mortgage lender agrees to discount a loan balance due to an economic or financial hardship on the part of the mortgagor. The home owner/debtor sells the mortgaged property for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, and turns over the proceeds of the sale to the lender in full satisfaction of the debt. In such instances, the lender would have the right to approve or disapprove of a proposed sale.
Extenuating circumstances influence whether or not banks will discount a loan balance. These circumstances are usually related to the current real estate market climate and the individual borrower's financial situation.
A short sale typically is executed to prevent a home foreclosure.  (7/23/08)
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Short Sales -
Many members have asked the MLS Department for guidance on the handling Short Sale listings.  To address this issue the MLS Rules and Regulations (Revision 16) have been modified as follows:
1.  Paragraph 5.1.2, Note 4 was modified to addresses compensation issues.
2.  Paragraph 5.1.3 has been added to address compensation issues when a property is a "Short Sale".

Additionally, a new field has been added to the Residential and Lot / Land Classes that allows agents to designate whether a listing is a "Potential Short Sale".  (7/23/08) 
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Third Party Access to MLS Data via RETS - Several companies have asked for guidance on providing Third Party Access to the MLS Database via a Real Estate Transaction Standard (RETS) feed.  Section 17 has been added to the MLS Rules and Regulations (Revision 16) to address how access is granted. (7/23/08) 
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Quarterly Sold (Comp) Books - The quarterly Comp Books are available for pickup at the Association office.  (7/15/08)
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"Correction" MLS Policy Manual - The MLS Policy Manual has been updated to provide guidance on entering sold information from FSBOs into Paragon for comp purposes only.  Click Here or on the Links of Interest above to review this policy. (7/14/08)
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Weekly Real Estate News - Click Here to view the latest Real Estate News from NAR. (0711/08)       
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Paragon Tax Tool CD's - The Paragon Tax Tool CD's have arrived and are available for pickup or purchase at the OBAR office. (7/11/08)
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New Paragon Field - The MLS Department has received numerous requests to add a new field to Paragon so you can enter your license number.  Paragon, at our request, entered this new field this morning.  This is not a REQUIRED field, but agents are encouraged to enter their license number to assist other members when writing contracts.  (7/11/08)
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July MLS Books - July MLS Books are available for pickup in the Association Office. (7/11/08)
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Paragon Tax Tool CD's - The MLS Department has been informed that Paragon has ironed out the problems with the Tax Tool CD and will be shipping them to OBAR on Friday, July 11, 2008.  We will let you know when they are available for pickup in the OBAR office. (7/10/08)
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Lockbox Failures - The MLS Department has received numerous reports concerning jammed key doors on Lockboxes.  The common cause of this failure has been identified as agents attaching tags to the keys in the lockbox.  The key tag, or attaching string or chain, gets jammed under the door latch and prevents proper operation of the box.  DO NOT put tags on your keys.  If the lockbox is damaged because of a jammed latch you will be charged for a replacement box.  A replacement box cost is $100. (7/8/08)  
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MLS Policy Manual - The MLS Policy Manual has been updated to provide guidance on entering FSBOs into Paragon.  Click Here or on the Links of Interest above to review this policy. (7/3/08) ________________________________________

June MLS Statistics - The link to the monthly MLS Statistics has been updated and is available for viewing - See Links of Interest above for the latest data.  (07/02/08)
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Paragon Desktop - Paragon Desktop is back in service. (7/1/08) ________________________________________

Changes to NCAR Residential Property Forms - On July 1, 2008, new Residential Property Forms are in effect.  All REALTOR® members should be using the 2008 forms no later than September 1, 2008.  There is no extended grace-period this year. To update your Real Fast program just follow the instructions below. 
1. Connect to the Internet
2. Go to the NC Association of REALTORS® website at www.ncrealtors.org
3. Log in with your username and password. Your username is the e-mail address you have on record with the NC Association of REALTORS®. Your DEFAULT password is your National Association of REALTORS® Database System Number (NRDS). Please note that this number is not your license number or your MLS number.  For your convenience, it is printed on the mailing label of your magazine.
4. Click on "Forms & Contracts" on the top left.
5. Click the red Download Now button. Note: If you have Windows Vista, click the link below the button that reads "Need to download the Windows Vista version?"
6. When prompted, click on Open or Run.  If you get a security warning message, click Yes to install.
7. Follow the directions in the Realfast setup program.
The Realfast desktop program should now be updated.  (7/01/08)
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Paragon Help Desk - In observance of the July 4th holiday, OBAR and the Paragon Help Desk will be closed.  We will reopen on Monday, July 7, 2008. (6/30/08) 
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Paragon Speed Issues - Having problems with the speed of Paragon?  Paragon needs your input - Call the HELP desk and let them know.  After you have called the HELP Desk, e-mail daniels@outerbanksrealtors.com and let us know the specifics of the problems you encountered. (6/27/08)
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Weekly Real Estate News - Click Here  to view the latest Real Estate News from NAR.  (06/27/08)
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Paragon 4.1.4 Release Announcement - Paragon 4.1.4 will be released in July and will include enhancements to the Picture Viewer, CMA module, E-mail module, and others.  Click Here to check out all the changes that will be implemented. (6/24/08)  
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Changes to NCAR Residential Property Forms - On July 1, 2008, new Residential Property Forms will go into effect.  Click Here for a summary of the changes or login to http://www.ncrealtor.org and then Click Here to get the new forms.  As in previous years, NC REALTORS members have a 60-day grace period in which to use the 2007 versions of the forms.  All REALTOR members should be using the 2008 forms no later than September 1, 2008.  There is no extended grace-period this year. (6/23/08)
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Weekly Real Estate News - Click Here  to view the latest Real Estate News from NAR.  (06/20/08)
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MLS Training - Need a little help learning how to use Paragon?  Contact the MLS Department at 441-4036 and make an appointment for a little one-on-one training at the OBAR office.  Let us know what you'd like to be trained on (Paragon basics, searches, auto-e-mail notification, etc) and we'll have the training ready for you.  Training is by appointment only. (06/18/08)
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Short Sales - Listing Agents: If you know that the home you are listing is in pre-foreclosure state (potential short sale), please disclose this in the Brokers Notes.  These types of sales will typically take longer to negotiate (about 30 days) and the Buyer's Agent and Buyer should be made aware of this prior to any offers being made.  (6/19/08)
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Body Language in Business - Attached is a link to an article from Amy DuBose, AE (San Marcos Area Board of REALTORS®, Texas) that discusses how to know and understand you and your clients body language.  This is quite an interesting article.  Click here to download. (6/13/08)
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Weekly Real Estate News - Click Here to view the latest Real Estate News from NAR.  (06/13/08)
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Paragon Help Desk Closure - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 6 pm until Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 8 am to support a staff function.  (6/13/08)
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MLS Policy Manual - A link to the MLS Policy Manual has been added to the Links of Interest section of the Home Page.  The Policy Manual details decisions made by the MLS Committee on select issues such as: 1) How do I handle a Foreclosed property?, 2) How do I handle a Short Sale, etc.  This manual will change frequently so check it often.  (6/11/08)
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Tax CD's - The MLS Department expects to receive test copies of the Paragon Tax CD's on Friday, June 13, 2008.  Testing will take about one week and then we will place an order.  We expect the CD's to be in the office and available for distribution by June 18th or 19th.  If you wish to be one of the Testers please call Dan. (6/11/08) 
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June MLS Books - June MLS Books are available for pickup in the Association Office. (6/9/08)
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Paragon Outage - Paragon will be out of service for one hour on Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 12:01 am until until Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 02:01 am.  This outage is to perform routine maintenance on the servers. (6/5/08)
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ATTENTION - Lockboxes - Lockboxes with serial numbers between 0010000 and 0099999 that have not had their batteries replaced are failing with increasing frequency.  Check your boxes and if there isn't a green or blue dot on the back you might want to return the box to OBAR for maintenance. (6/2/08)
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Report Views - Paragon has added a number of customizable Report Views to the Available Report menu to provide you with more flexibility when preparing a report for your clients.  Additionally, the format on several report views has changed to include: 1) Formatting changes to give your client report a more professional view, 2) Addition of a Virtual Earth Map on several views (right click on the map to toggle between a road view and an aerial view), and 3) Addition of quick links (small colored dots with a letter in the middle) to the Tax Record, Property History, Associated Documents, and GeoJet.  Check them out. You will be impressed! (6/2/08) 
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May MLS Statistics - The link to the monthly MLS Statistics has been updated and is available for viewing - See Links of Interest above for the latest data.  Please be advised that two new charts have been added - Total Property sales (broken down by class) and total number of Active Listings (also broken down by class). (06/02/08)
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Weekly Real Estate News - Click Here to view the latest Real Estate News from NAR.  (5/30/08)  
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Paragon 4 Desktop - Paragon 4 Desktop CD's are available in the OBAR office and we will be giving away the first 70 discs on a first come first serve basis.  All other CDs will be loaned for a 5 day period and must be checked back into the either the OBAR office.  The Corolla Satellite Lockbox Office also has a limited number of CD's that can be loaned to agents for 5 day period.  If you are using a dial up connection, please let us know so we can give you the Data Discs to do the initial download.
Click Here to review Paragon's official Installation guide and to review minimum system requirements. Click Here to review the OBAR generated Paragon 4 Desktop Installation guide.  (5/30/08)
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Listing Expiration Notification - Paragon has enabled a new feature that will send a notification e-mail to the Listing Agent on each of the 7 days prior to the expiration of a listing.  This feature will be enabled on May 30, 2008. (5/29/80)
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Homebuilder Bonuses - The N.C. Real Estate Commission has approved a new rule that requires buyers' agents to disclose - in writing - any bonuses they would receive from homebuilders when their clients purchase a new home.  This rule goes into effect on October 1, 2008.  Click Here for more details. (5/29/08)
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Paragon 4 Desktop - Paragon 4 Desktop CD's are available in the OBAR office and we will be giving away the first 70 discs on a first come first serve basis.  All other CDs will be loaned for a 5 day period and must be checked back into the either the OBAR office.  The Corolla Satellite Lockbox Office also has a limited number of CD's that can be loaned to agents for 5 day period.  If you are using a dial up connection, please let us know so we can give you the Data Discs to do the initial download.
Click Here to view the Paragon 4 Desktop Installation guide.
Installation address:  obarmls.fnismls.com  Site ID:  OBARMLS (5/28/08)
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Associated Documents - Currently the Associated Documents feature in Paragon is not working.  Paragon is aware of the issue and are working to correct this problem. (5/27/08)
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Place Holder - The MLS Rules and Regulations defines a place holder as:
"Place Holder" - An entry in a required field in place of information that can be obtained by due diligence. When verifiable information of a required field is absent or unobtainable, it must be disclosed in the Broker Notes.
Owner Name is a required field and must be filled in with the Owners Name.  If for some reason the Owner has requested that their names be withheld from the MLS you must enter "See Brokers Notes" in the Owner Name field AND explain why the owners name is not listed in the MLS.  Use of a place holder is a fineable offense.  (5/23/08)
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Paragon Speed Issues - Paragon needs your help in identifying problems related to speed of the program.  If you are having problems with speed call the HELP DESK at (877) MLS-HELP and let them know.  If you get an unsatisfactory response from Paragon, please e-mail a brief description of the problem, the name of the HELP DESK person you talked to, the time you called and the ticket number that is assigned to your called to the MLS Department at (daniels@outerbanksrealtors.com). (5/22/08)
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Tax Tool CD's - Paragon has had to do some reprogramming of their Tax Tool CD program because one of our counties changed the way they stored the data.  Reprogramming will delay the delivery of the Tax Tool CDs by two to three weeks.  I will let you know when they are available. (5/21/2008)
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Firm Inventory - Paragon has repaired the Firm Inventory search feature and it is now up and running. (5/21/08)
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Changes to NCAR Residential Property Forms - On July 1, 2008, new Residential Property Forms will go into effect.  Click Here for a summary of the changes or login to http://www.ncrealtor.org and then Click Here to get the new forms. (5/19/08)
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Paragon Planned Outage - On Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time Paragon will be out of service for planned maintenance and upgrade. The maintenance and upgrade process will be completed within 6 hours, concluding no later than Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 4:00 a.m. Eastern Time.(5/20/08)
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The Firm Inventory Search feature still continuously returns an error message, the answer I received from our System Support Manager is ,"The fix has been programmed and tested but cannot be implemented until the down time update this next Tuesday evening." You can do an inventory search by, searching Multi-Class, Status Active and then the 2nd criteria is your listing office. My apologies for the inconvenience. (5/14/08)
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Unplanned Paragon Outage - On Thursday, May 8, 2008 at about 11:00 a.m. Paragon experienced  technical difficulties that resulted in an unplanned outage for about 13 minutes.  The problem was caused by software that balances the load on the server that handles the OBAR Paragon program.  This problem was corrected and Paragon was returned to service at 11:13 am. 

However, as of 1100 am today there are still some issues that are as yet unresolved.  Specifically, the Firm Inventory Search feature continuously returns an error message.
If you are experiencing other problems please call the HELP DESK at (877) 657-4357(5/9/08)
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New to Paragon - E-mail Non-Delivery Notification - As of May 7, 2008, Paragon has enabled the Non-Delivery Notification functionality within the Paragon email servers.  This will enable you to receive  automated email messages to your e-mail account informing them that there was a delivery problem with emails that Paragon generated on the member's behalf. (5/8/08)
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Paragon Problems - The following features do not currently work in Paragon.  Paragon is aware of the problem and is working on resolving the issues:
1.  Subdivision Search
2.  Firm Inventory Search.
I will let you know when these problems are resolved. (5/8/08)
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Paragon 4.1.3 - Tonight, Paragon will be updated to version 4.1.3.  Click Here to review the changes being made that will improve speed and functionality.  (5/6/08)
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April MLS Statistics - The link to the monthly MLS Statistics has been updated and is available for viewing - See Links of Interest above for the latest data. (05/06/08)
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 Get a Grip on Short Sales - Click Here to review a number of interesting articles on how to handle short sales.  (5/02/08)
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**PARAGON PROBLEMS** - Paragon has resolved the majority of the problems with the upgrade that was performed last night.  If you are still experiencing problems, please call the HELP DESK at (877) 467-4726. (5/7/08)
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Property History Reports  - Paragon is currently experiencing a problem with the Property History Reports view.  They are aware of the problem and they are working on it. (5/5/08)
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**Paragon Outage** - Paragon will be upgraded next week and and will not be available for your use from Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 10:00 p.m. until Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 01:01 a.m.  Please let me know if you experience any unexpected problems once this upgrade is complete. (5/01/08)
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MLS Rules and Regulations Change - Paragraph 2.7.1 (Reporting Sales to the Service) has changed to require all status changes be provided to the service (OBAR MLS Department) within 72 hours.  Please use the link above to check out these changes. (4/24/08)
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Elizabeth City Paragon / GeoJet Training - The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® MLS Department feels many of our MLS users living outside of Dare County are not able to take advantage of the locally offered Paragon and GeoJet training programs.  Therefore, the OBAR MLS Department, in conjunction with the Albemarle Association of REALTORS®, is offering Paragon and GeoJet training at the Albemarle Association of REALTORS® Office in Elizabeth City (1103 B West Ehringhaus St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909).  
If you are interested in training please contact the OBAR office at 252-441-4036 and we will make the necessary arrangements for you, or you can contact the Albemarle Association of REALTORS® directly at 252-335-5933 to make your reservations.
Training Dates:
            Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 9:00 am
            Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 3:00 pm (4/17/08)

Elizabeth City Paragon / GeoJet Training - The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® MLS Department feels many of our MLS users living outside of Dare County are not able to take advantage of the locally offered Paragon and GeoJet training programs.  Therefore, the OBAR MLS Department, in conjunction with the Albemarle Association of REALTORS®, is offering Paragon and GeoJet training at the Albemarle Association of REALTORS® Office in Elizabeth City (1103 B West Ehringhaus St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909). 
If you are interested in training please contact the OBAR office at 252-441-4036 and we will make the necessary arrangements for you, or you can contact the Albemarle Association of REALTORS® directly at 252-335-5933 to make your reservations.
Training Dates:
            Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 9:00 am
            Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 3:00 pm (4/17/08)
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MLS Books - April MLS Books and First Quarter Comp Books are available for pickup in the OBAR Office. (4/11/08)
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NC Property Disclosure Form Exemptions - Wondering if you need a NC Property Disclosure Form when working with a foreclosed property?  Click Here for more information on the subject from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. (4/10/08) 
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GeoJet Training - The MLS Department will be conducting GeoJet Training on Friday, April 11, 2008 from 1 to 2 pm.  Anyone interested in attending should call the Association Office at 441-4036.  Seating is limited so call today.  (4/1/08 and 4/10/08)
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Jumbo Loans Now Require Two Appraisals - Mortgages that exceed the January 1 conforming Jumbo loan limit ($417,000) may require two appraisals.  Click on this link (HUD Requiring Two Appraisals for Some New Jumbo Loans) to check out the details.  (4/9/08)
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Real Estate 2.0 - Click Here for a link to an interesting article in REALTOR® Magazine about marketing yourself using a variety of social networking tools. (4/7/08)
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Pictures in Paragon - Paragon is currently experiencing server problems and the pictures in listings may not appear.  Paragon is aware of the problem and are working to correct this problem.  They estimate that the server should be back on the line by 6 pm. (4/3/08)
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Internet Explorer 8.0 (Beta Version) - In March 2008, Microsoft released Internet Explorer 8.0 as a Beta version.  It is important that you DO NOT install the beta version software on your computer because Paragon has not yet been fully tested with a stable version of this software.  The MLS Department will inform you - via the Paragon Home Page - when Internet Explorer 8.0 has been fully tested and will support Paragon.  (4/3/08)
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March MLS Statistics - March MLS Statistics are available for your review and use. (4/3/08)
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GeoJet Training - The MLS Department will be conducting GeoJet Training on Friday, April 11, 2008 from 1 to 2 pm.  Anyone interested in attending should call the Association Office at 441-4036.  Seating is limited so call today.  (4/1/08)
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Corolla Lockbox Office - The Corolla Lockbox Office will be closed on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.  It will reopen on Wednesday, April 3, 2008. (3/31/08)
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Tip of the Day - Open House Search - Want to know where the Open Houses are?  You can search for these by pressing the Search Button / Specialty Searches / Tour and Open House and then enter the dates you're looking for.  (3/31/08)
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MLS Training- Paragon now offers two levels of online training for our members - "Essentials" and "Advanced".  "Essential" training is provided at no cost; however, there is a cost for the "Advanced" training.  Click Here to check out this training. (3/28/08)
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GeoJet User Manual - GeoJet has provided us with a detailed user Manual. Click Here to check it out. (3/27/08) 
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VIP/Local Discount Program - Click here for offers available to all Members.  Check back ofter for new VIP Participants. (3/27/08)
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Changing Your Contact Information in Paragon - On March 24, 2008, at 7 a.m., the OBAR Membership system will be linked to Paragon and you will be able to change all of your personal information with OBAR and Paragon without having to fax an Add / Change form to OBAR.  Just follow these simple steps:
1.  Login to http://www.outerbanksrealtors.com/
2.  Click on the membership button (Far left side of the screen underneath the Lighthouse).
3.  Login to your OBAR account using your Paragon User name and Password.
4.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to "Other Services" and click on "Personal Information".
5.  On this page you can do the following:
     a.  Change your Contact Phone Number (The Contact Phone
         number is the number that will show up in Paragon)
     b.  Change your Home Phone, Fax, and Home Address.
     c.  Add additional Phone numbers
     d. When all changes have been made, press the SUBMIT
          button at the bottom of the page. 
     e. Change your e-mail address 
(This e-mail address is the address that will show up in Paragon)

Once you have made any changes to your contact information it will take about 1 hour before they show up in Paragon. (3/21/08)
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MLS Satisfaction Survey - One of the things that came up in the MLS Survey was that MLS Members wanted a Spell Check feature in Paragon.  Paragon already provides this feature in the Remarks Section and the Brokers Notes.  Just look for the  symbol to the right of the Remarks Section or the Brokers Notes.  (3/20/08)
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Lockbox Audit - The January Lockbox Audit has been completed and the audit results show that more than 50 lockboxes have been Lost or Stolen.    Please be advised that the MLS Rules and Regulations states:

2.2.1.2       Members who have lock boxes assigned to their name shall take reasonable measures, care and precautions to protect assigned lock boxes from damage and / or abuse.  If the lock boxes assigned to a member are excessively damaged or abused, then the lock box holder is subject to a fine as specified in Appendix 1. 

Although the MLS Committee will consider a waiver of the replacement cost ($100), all waiver requests must be accompanied with official documentation (for example, a police report) before the waiver will be considered. (3/19/08)
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Branded Material in Associated Documents -

The MLS department has received several complaints about "branding" in the associated documents of some listings.

Branding is defined as listing agent or company contact information or logos that could cause or encourage a potential buyer to contact the listing agent directly rather than work their buyer's agent. 

Per MLS rules and regulations, branding is clearly not allowed in the remarks or the broker notes.  Phone numbers, agent names, photos with company signs and or logos, etc are subject to recurring fines.  This policy has resulted in a clean database and a level playing field for buyer's agents which ultimately encourage more cooperation and trust among agents and firms and more sales for everyone.

In associated documents, branding issues are still important.  Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
1.  A document such as a rental projection or rental history will not be considered branding if it has the normal contact information of the rental agency or rental manager.
2.  A document that is intended to become part of a contract between buyer or seller such as a company disclosure form or addendum will not be considered branding if it normally has the listing company logo or contact information listed.
3.  If a document such as a feature sheet or flyer has listing agent or firm contact information displayed then it will be considered "branding" and will need to be removed and will be subject to a fine.
4.  Any hyperlinks in an associated document or any other part of a listing that lead to branded material are subject to a fine and removal as follows:  If a hyperlink leads directly to a listing agent's or firms' sales related website, then it is obviously branding.  If a link directs viewers to a rental company's website or to a seller's website without listing agent contact information, then it would not be considered branding. 

The MLS department does not actively police associated documents.  If you see a branded document in a listing, please contact the agent or use the correction feature in Paragon to contact the MLS department. (3/17/08)
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MLS Waiver Application - The MLS Waiver Application requires the Participant to "...certify that the individual requesting a waiver will not be engaged in activities that require a real estate license or certification...".  During a review of the MLS waivers submitted during the month of February the MLS Department identified that several of the requests did not meet this requirement and the waiver requests were denied by the MLS Committee.  The MLS Committee further determined that all future MLS Waiver Applications must be accompanied with a brief explanation as to the duties and responsibilities that each applicant will be performing for the Participant.  Only when the Waiver Request Application and the Explanation of Duties and Responsibilities are received by the MLS Department will these documents will be forwarded to the MLS Committee for review. (3/13/08)
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Hatteras Island Satellite Lockbox Office - The Hatteras Island Lockbox Office will be closed from March 17 through March 21, 2008.  If you are in need of lockbox assistance please contact the MLS Department directly. (3/13/2008)
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MLS Training - Have a new Agent or Staff member who needs a little help learning the basics of Paragon?  Contact Karen at 441-4036 and make an appointment for a little one-on-one training at the OBAR office.  Training will be appointment only. (03/11/08)
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March MLS Books - The March MLS Books are available for pickup in the OBAR office. (3/10/08)
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MLS Membership Needs Survey - In an effort to evaluate the needs of our MLS Membership and to help us shape the future of the MLS, we are seeking your feedback.  Please spend a few minutes to provide us feedback on our current MLS system and provide some guidance for us in evaluating future systems and services.  The online survey tool will only permit one response per computer.

The deadline to complete the survey is March 10, 2008.

Click Here for the MLS Vendor Needs Survey.

Thank you for taking your time to complete this survey.  (02/25/08)
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On Monday, February 25, 2008, an MLS Members Need Survey will be distributed to all members of the MLS.  It is extremely important that everyone - staffers as well as Agents - respond to this survey so that our member's MLS needs are clearly understood.  

OBAR is performing this survey in accordance with policy that requires a periodic review of our vendor contracts to ensure vendors meet our members needs.  With the Paragon contract expiring next year, OBAR has contracted with a nationally acclaimed consulting company to develop and distribute a survey to our members to gather information concerning the present system and to evaluate your future MLS needs.

Please note, OBAR is NOT planning on changing our existing MLS vendor and service.  The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the needs and ensure our MLS service suits your needs now and in the future.  If it does become apparent through this survey that our existing MLS vendor is not meeting membership's needs, steps will then be taken to correct the situation by renegotiating or if deemed absolutely necessary, a change of MLS vendors.  In any case, all members will be kept informed and involved throughout.

We are requesting all MLS members respond to this survey within the allotted two weeks to ensure OBAR obtains the most accurate picture of your needs and wants pertaining to the MLS system. (2/22/08)
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Sentrilock Card Holder Lease Agreement - The MLS Rules and Regulations allows every participant in the MLS system, who is legally eligible for MLS access, to hold a Sentrilock Key subject to the execution of a lease agreement.  A new Sentrilock Card lease agreement is now in place and must be signed by all Card Holders.  A signed lease agreement will be required to be on file prior to checking out a lockbox from the OBAR office.  Click Here to get a copy of the lease agreement.

If you would like, you can print out a copy and fax / e-mail / drop-off the completed agreement at the office.  If you need any help with this please give the MLS Department a call at 441-4036.  (2/15/08)
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MLS System Review- OBAR policy requires a periodic review of vendor contracts to ensure that the vendors are meeting our members needs.  With the Paragon contract expiring next year, OBAR has contracted with a Consulting Company to develop and distribute a survey to our members to gather information concerning the present system and to evaluate your future MLS needs.  This survey should be available to you within the next couple weeks.  Watch the Paragon Home Page for future announcements. (2/15/08)
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Short Sales - Listing Agents: If you know that the home you are listing is in pre-foreclosure state (potential short sale), please disclose this in the Brokers Notes.  These types of sales will typically take longer to negotiate (about 30 days) and the Buyer's Agent and Buyer should be made aware of this prior to any offers being made.  (2/13/08)
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Property Location - The MLS department has received a number of complaints regarding the Property Location field.  Please review each of your listings for accuracy while keeping the following in mind:
 
1.  A lot or home is either "oceanfront" or "1 lot-Oceanfront" but by definition a property can NOT be both.
2.  "1 lot -Oceanfront" means that a property has one other deeded lot between it and the ocean which could also mean 2nd row.  Similarly "4 lots-Oceanfront" means that a property has exactly 4 lots between it and the ocean or that it could be considered "5th row".
3.  If a property is seven or more lots from the ocean then it would be classified as "More than 6 Lots Back" or "none".
 
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.  Accurate MLS information is critical for our clients, members and for accurate statistical reporting.  (2/12/08)
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February Monthly MLS Books -The Monthly MLS Books are available for pickup in the OBAR Office. (2/8/08)
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MLS Department - The MLS Department will be closed on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm while the staff attends training.  If you are having problems with Paragon, please call (877) MLS-HELP.  If you are having problems with Sentrilock, please call (877) 736-8745.  We will try to return calls and e-mails when we return.  (2/08/08)
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OBAR Leadership Message -  As a reminder, Participants in the lockbox system are authorized to open lockboxes under the terms specified by the listing broker.  Cooperating brokers and sales licensees MUST contact the listing broker to disclose their agency status and to arrange appointments to show listed property - even if the property is unoccupied - unless the listing broker has given specific permission (through the information published in the MLS or otherwise) to show the property without first contacting the listing broker. (2/7/08)
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Lockbox Audit Results - The lockbox audit has been completed and if you are not in compliance you have been notified by e-mail to return a number of boxes by February 11, 2008.  One thing that the MLS Department noted during this audit is that there are a significant number of boxes that are assigned to people who are no longer members and are currently being used by other agents.  These boxes need to be returned to the Association or ownership needs to be reassigned by February 11, 2008 or the boxes will be deactivated.  Contact the MLS Department for assistance with these boxes.  (2/6/08) 
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Agent Training - Use of One Day Codes - Need to access a lockbox and your card is expired?  If you are not at a computer you can use the Card Authorization Renewal System (CARS) to generate a 1 day code.  Just call Sentrilock (877) 736-8745 and press 2 when prompted (you will need your Sentricard serial number and PIN).  The CARS system will give you a one day access code for your card.  To use a one day code, press the ENT key on the keypad to wake up the lockbox.  When the keypad lights, enter the 1 day code followed by the ENT key and the key door will open.  (2/05/08)
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January MLS Statistics - January MLS Statistics are now available.  Just click on this link.  (02/01/08)
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Semi-Annual Lockbox Audit - The MLS Department is in the process of performing an audit of all lockboxes.  The rules allow one lockbox for each active residential property listing plus one spare.  If the number of lockboxes in your possession exceeds this amount you are requested to return them to OBAR.  Additionally, with the cold weather, lockbox batteries are failing frequently.  If your lockbox does not have a green dot on the back - a green dot indicates that the battery has been changed - you should consider bringing the box to OBAR for a battery change.  (1/29/08) 
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Supplement to the Monthly Book - The supplement to the Monthly Book is available for pickup in the OBAR Office (1/25/08)
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Liability for inaccurate information - NAR has posted an interesting article on Realtor.org concerning the Broker liability for entering inaccurate information into the MLS.  Click Here to review this article. (1/25/08)
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Owners Name - The MLS Department has received a number of complaints about owners names not being entered into several listings in Paragon.  As a reminder, the MLS Rules and Regulations require that a fine be assessed on each listing where the owners name is not entered.  However, if the sellers specifically request - in writing in the listing agreement - that their names be withheld you may enter in the Owners Name "See Brokers Notes" and the Brokers Notes must say "Sellers Name Withheld per Sellers Request". (1/23/08) 
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Quarterly Sales (Comp) Books - The quarterly Sales Books are available for pickup in the OBAR Office (1/18/08)
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Monthly MLS Books - The Monthly MLS Books are available for pickup in the OBAR Office. (1/10/08)
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Virtual Tours - On Tuesday, the Dare County Sheriff presented a letter to the OBAR Property Managers addressing his concern that Virtual Tours are being used by thieves to break into homes in our area.  No action is required on your part; however, you should be aware of this issue.  Click Here to review the Sheriff's letter.  (1/09/08)
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One Day Sentrilock Codes -

Do you need to allow vendors access to one of your listings for repairs or maintenance.  Sentrilock has a feature that allows you to provide access to your listing to select individuals without the need for a Sentrilock Card.  Click Here to lean how to use One Day Codes.  (01/09/08)
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MLS Rules and Regulations Change - The Board of Directors has approved a change to the MLS Rules and Regulations to require the assessment of a $25 fine if the area of the property is not in accordance with Appendix 2 of the MLS Rules and Regulations.  Click Here to access the rules and regulations and scroll down to Appendix 2 to review the approved areas. (12/30/07)
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New MLS Fees - In November the Board of Directors approved a new budget that included a number of new MLS fees.  These fees will go into effect on January 1, 2008 and include:

•·        Non Member MLS access fees - MLS access fees for agents who are not OBAR members will increase from $38/mo. to $58/mo.

•·        Agent Transfer Fee - A $25 fee will be charged to the Broker-in-Charge when an agent transfers into their office.

•·        Book handling fee - A $5 fee handling fee will be included in the cost of each Monthly MLS Listing book and each Comp Book.

•·     Sentrilock Card Replacement Fee - The Sentrilock Card Replacement fee will increase from $10 to $15. (12/31/07)
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New Residential Property Disclosure Form - OBAR has been provided a link to the new Residential Property Disclosure Form.  Click Here to access this new form. (December 28, 2007)
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New Residential Property Disclosure Form - The MLS Department has received several phone calls about the New Residential Property Disclosure Form that is discussed below.  The form that is currently available is NOT the new form.  The new Residential Property Disclosure Form will not be available until January 1, 2008. (December 27, 2007)   
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New Residential Property Disclosure Forms - On January 1, 2008 the new Residential Property Disclosure Forms will go into effect, therefore; any buyer who makes an offer on a property on or after January 1st should receive the new Disclosure Statement prior to making the offer. In addition, unless a listed property was already under contract on January 1st, a seller should complete a new Disclosure Statement for the property.  This effects all listing agreements.  For more details log on to
North Carolina Association of REALTORS Website (user name is your e-mail address and your Password is your NRDS number) for more details.  (12/20/07)
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Corolla Satellite Lockbox Office - The Corolla Satellite Lockbox office will be closed from December 24th through December 26th and from January 31 through January 2nd.  (12/20/07) 
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Monthly Books - Supplement Volume 724) - The Supplement to the December MLS Book is in and available for pickup at the OBAR Office. (12/20/07)
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OBAR Holiday Hours - The OBAR office will be closed on December 24th through the 26th, 2007 and on January 1, 2008 to observe the Holidays.  (12/20/2007)
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Paragon Help Desk - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed on December 25, 2007 and January 1, 2008 to observe the Holidays.  (12/20/2007) 
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OBAR Dues - Just a reminder as you're heading out the door for the holidays...

1.  Annual Dues were billed on December 3, 2007.  These dues are available for online payment.
2.  Late fees will be assessed on February 4, 2008.
3.  Suspensions will be automatically implemented on unpaid dues on March 4th, 2008.

Please note:
When a Designated REALTOR® or MLS Participant is suspended; it does result in automatic suspension of all licensees under you.  We will be required to notify any licensees within your office(s) of the pending suspension due to non-payment. (12/17/07)
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Paragon Spreadsheet Problems - Last night routine updates to the Paragon software were deployed; however, almost immediately problems were identified with the spreadsheet layout.  Paragon in the process of correcting these problems and should have all the necessary fixes deployed by the end of the work day.  Please be patient.  (12/14/07)
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Paragon Help Desk Closure - The Paragon Help Desk will be closed for three hours on Thursday December 13, 2007 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm for a company function.  (12/12/07)
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Lockbox Message Light -A blinking message light means that the lockbox is sensing a voltage that is out of the expected range (5.9 to 6.1 volts).  Unfortunately, the replacement batteries that were purchased have a higher rated voltage (6.2 volts).  What this means is that you will receive the message light every time the box is operated until the battery voltage depletes.  A green dot has been applied to the lockbox serial number on the back of the box to indicate which lockbox has had its batteries replaced.  If you get a message light do the following:
1.  Wait until the message light stops blinking
2.  Enter your PIN # and proceed with using the lockbox
3.  Turn the box over and look for the green dot
4.  If the green dot is not there, contact the box owner and notify them that maintenance is required. (12/07/07)
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GeoJet - GeoJet is now linked to Virtual Earth and the views shown are more current than the views in Paragon Virtual Earth.  To access GeoJet Virtual Earth just open GeoJet (for a selected listing), choose "See Oblique Aerial Images here" and you will find pictures that will impress you.  (12/06/07)
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Monthly MLS Books and Tax Tool CDs - The Monthly MLS Books and the Tax Tool CD's have arrived and are ready for pickup at the association office.  (12/6/07)
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November MLS Statistics - The MLS Statistics "Link of Interest" above has been updated to include November MLS Data. (12/3/07) 
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Tax Tool CDs - Tax tool CD's have been ordered and should be in sometime this week.  The MLS Department will let you know when they are available.  (12/1/07)
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Leasehold Property - The MLS Department has received a number of inquires lately on the listing of Leased Property in the MLS.  The MLS Rules and Regulations state that you can list leased property if the following criteria is met:

1.  The original lease term is for 36 months or greater
                              AND
2.  The lease is recorded with the county.

Please consult the Register of Deeds to determine if the lease on the property you are entering into the MLS is properly recorded before you enter your listing.  (11/28/07)
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Real Fast Forms - The MLS Department has been advised that Internet Explorer 7 is required to use all the features of Real Fast Forms.  Internet Explorer 6 is not fully compatible and you will encounter problems when printing the forms. (11/28/07)
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MLS Rules and Regulations Change - The Board of Directors has approved a change to the MLS Rules and Regulations to require the assessment of a $25 fine if the area of the property is not in accordance with Appendix 2 of the MLS Rules and Regulations.  Click Here to access the rules and regulations and scroll down to Appendix 2 to review the approved areas. (11/27/07)
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Frequently Asked Questions - A new folder has been added to MLS Docs that will be used to document frequently asked questions.  Check it out.  (11/27/07)
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GeoJet Enhancement Survey - In an effort to improve their product, GeoJet has asked our members to give them advice on how to enhance their product.  Click Here to take a short customer satisfaction survey.  When the survey is complete just fax or e-mail the completed document to the MLS Department.  This survey is a word document and can be filled out on your computer.  (11/26/07)
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Monthly MLS Books - Due to problems with the printer, the November MLS Books have been delayed.  Information that would have been included in the November book will now be included with in the December book.  11/20/07)
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Thanksgiving - The OBAR office and the Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Thursday, November 22, and Friday, November 23 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  We will reopen on Monday, November 26.  (11/19/07)
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Violation of the MLS Rules and Regulations - Recently, the MLS Department has identified several instances where listing agreements were not filed with the Department as required by Section 1.1 of the MLS Rules and Regulations.  In each of these instances the MLS Department was informed that the Sellers did not want the property listed in the MLS.  Please be advised that Section 1.1 states that "All listings ... must be entered..." into the computerized database within 72 hours.  If you sellers do not wish to have the property in Paragon - and the listing agreement states this fact - the listing agreement still must be filed with the MLS Department.  Violation of this rule could result in a $500 fine.  (11/07/07)
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OBI IDX2 Announcement - Outer Banks Internet has increased the amount of information available to your OBI website.  Click Here to view their announcement. (11/07/07)
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GeoJet Survey - The Board of Directors is considering ending the GeoJet service.  Please take the attached survey and tell us what you think.   Click Here to take Survey (11/06/07)
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Tax Tool CDs - The MLS Department will be ordering Tax Tool CDs at the end of the month so if you want to get on the list to get one - OR - you want to get off the list so you don't get one - please e-mail Dan at daniels@outerbanksrealtors.com  (11/1/07)
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October MLS Statistics - The October MLS Statistics have been posted (See Links of Interest).  (11/01/07)
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Virtual Earth Mapping -

Paragon 4 has two mapping features that are quite useful.

1.  Mapping Search - Want to show your clients what properties were are available in a given area?  Paragon provides a search tool that will let you search a map within the boundaries you set.  Just click on Search / Mapping search, find a starting point (either an address or any landmark), define you boundaries with one of three tools (circle / square, or a polygon), click on Display Listings and all the properties that meet your search criteria will appear.  Click Here to view detailed instructions on using the Mapping Search

2.  Driving Directions - Want to give your clients detailed driving instructions to a listing?  When viewing a listing just go to Specialty Views / Mapping, choose one of three views (Road Views, Aerial Views, or Birds Eye Views) and you can provide your client with detailed directions to a listing.  To use this feature just select the listing you want to map directions, select a starting location, click on Specialty View / Driving Directions and you will get detailed directions.  Click Here to view detailed instructions on using the Driving Directions feature. (10/26/07)
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NORTON ANTI-VIRUS ALERT - When Paragon 4 went live a number of issues were identified with computers that are running the Norton Anti-Virus Program.  Paragon has provided us with a document to be used to set up Paragon to be compatible with Norton.  If you have followed the instructions in this link and you still have a problem, please call the Help Desk (877-MLS-HELP)
Paragon 4 vs Norton Anti-Virus
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NORTON ANTI-VIRUS ALERT - When Paragon 4 went live a number of issues were identified with computers that are running the Norton Anti-Virus Program.  Paragon has provided us with a document to be used to set up Paragon to be compatible with Norton.  If you have followed the instructions in this link and you still have a problem, please call the Help Desk (877-MLS-HELP) Paragon 4 vs Norton Anti-Virus
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Frequently Asked Paragon 4 Questions -The Paragon 4 Frequently Asked Questions has been updated to include questions that could not be asked during the Wednesday, October 24, 2007 training session.  The questions and the researched answers can be found at the following link - Frequently Asked Paragon 4 Questions (10/25/07)
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Paragon 4 Problems??? - If you are having any problems with Paragon 4 please e-mail the MLS Department and we will compile a list of questions to provide to Paragon.  Answers to these questions will be published on the Paragon Home Page under Frequently Asked Paragon 4 Questions.  (10/24/07)
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Frequently Asked Paragon 4 Questions -The Paragon 4 Frequently Asked Questions has been updated to include questions that could not be asked during the Thursday, October 18, 2007 training session.  The questions and the researched answers can be found at the following link - Frequently Asked Paragon 4 Questions (10/18/07)
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Inactivation of Original IDX Link - On August 6, 2007 the Outer Banks Association of Realtors announced that a new version of IDX (IDX-2) was available and that IDX-2 would run in parallel with the original IDX feed for 90 days (November 6, 2007) - at which time the original IDX data feed would be inactivated 
What do you need to do?
1.  Your IDX-2 data feed has already been activated and no action is required on your part to activate this data feed.
2. Contact your IDX vendor and make sure they are aware that:
    a. The original IDX data feed will be inactivated on November 6, 2007.
    b. That the software provided to you is set up to handle the additional data provided with IDX-2.
    c. That your IDX link will not be effected by the inactivation of the original IDX data feed.
In August, the MLS Department contacted all the IDX vendors on file and provided them with the data they need to update to IDX-2.  The MLS Department also provided that information again on October 17, 2007.  If your IDX vendor did not receive this information please contact the MLS Department.  For those members who have their accounts through Outer Banks Internet (OBI) - OBI is up and running on IDX-2 and you do not need to contact them.  (10/18/07)
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Expanded Paragon 4 Overview Training - Due to the response for Paragon 4 Training, additional training sessions will be conducted on the following days:
1.  Tuesday, October 23, 2007 from 1 pm to 3:00 pm
2.  Wednesday, October 24, 2007 from 1 pm to 3:00 pm
Call the office to reserve your spot.  Seating is limited!  (10/17/07)
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MLS Training - Have a new Agent or Staff member who needs a little help learning the basics of Paragon?  Contact Karen at 441-4036 and make an appointment for a little one-on-one training at the OBAR office.  Training will be appointment only. (10/17/07)
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Paragon 4 Conversion - On Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 10 pm, Paragon will be out of service to perform the deployment of Paragon 4.  The entire process should take approximately 5 hours and the should be up and running by October 24, 2007 at 3 am.  During this time period your MLS will experience down time. (10/16/07)
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Paragon 4 Overview Training - Paragon 4 overview training will be conducted on the following days:
1.  Tuesday, October 16, 2007 from 9 am to 10:30 am
2.  Thursday, October 18, 2007 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Additional training sessions will be scheduled based on the response to these first two training sessions.  Call the office to reserve your spot.  Seating is limited!  (10/11/07)
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MLS Rules and Regulations Change - Appendix 2 of the MLS Rules and Regulations now provides a definition of all the areas of the MLS.  If you want to know if your listing is in Kill Devil Hills or Colington, check out Appendix 2.  A link to the Rules and Regulations is provided above in the Links of Interest. (10/11/07)
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Area Changes -The following area changes have been or are being made in the Areas listed in Paragon.  Please be advised that these changes will effect your saved searches for auto e-mail notification. 

Changes to Areas
 
Old Area                                                      New Area
 
Colington Harbour - I Gate              Colington Harbour

Colington Harbour - Outside Gate      Colington Harbour

Colington Island                                Colington
 
Seacrest Village                                Southern Shores Oceanside

S of Seacrest Vlge to KH                  Southern Shores Oceanside
 
Washington County - Other            Washington County
 
Currituck Beach Westside               Corolla Westside
 
Outside Elizabeth City                      Pasquotank County
 
New Areas

Williamston
Hertford (town)

(10/10/07)
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OBAR CALL TO ACTION - The proposed amendments to the Storm Water rules will have a tremendous impact to any
development / redevelopment activities in North Carolina's coastal counties.  Please take a few moments to learn how these changes WILL affect you, and then Click Here to Take Action.  TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE....there is only a few days left to make your voices heard.  (10/8/07)
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Paragon 4 Training - Paragon has provided a link to help you with the transition to Paragon 4.  This link also includes some demonstration videos that are really quite good.  Check them out at http://p4help.fnismls.com/ (10/8/07)
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Member Services User Name and Password - OBAR is in the process of linking our Membership Software and Paragon. 
In an effort to minimize the number of user names and passwords you need to remember, you can now use your Paragon information to login and pay your bills at Member Services.  The password in Member Services is limited to 8 characters so you should use only the first eight characters of your Paragon Password. (10/8/07)
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Paragon Desk Top Users - Paragon Desk Top, as it is currently set up on your computer, is unable to see all of the active listings in Paragon.  To correct this problem please take the following steps:  1) Log on to Paragon Desk Top, 2) Click on Preferences / Sync / Maintain Filter and then follow the prompts.  This action will set up your Desk Top to see all the listings in all 13 of our counties.  (9/27/07)
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Address #2 block - Many people have been using the Address #2 block to include additional information that is not related to an address. Using non-address information in this data field disables the GeoJet search for your listing.  Only address information should be used in this field. (9/27/07)
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PARAGON 4 IS COMING - Paragon 4 will be coming on line on October 23, 2007 - are you ready?  Check out the changes being implemented in the Paragon 4 folder.  You can find this folder by clicking the MLS Docs button at the top-right of the Paragon Home Page. (9/25/07)
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Weekly Agent Training -Here is some more e-mail Agent Training. I've tried it and it works great!
1.  Click Here to learn about setting up an Auto e-mail notification.
2.  Click Here to learn about adding or assigning a new search to a contact. (9/25/07) 
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RPAC Auction -It's that time of the year again for one of the biggest REALTOR@ Events of the Year - RPAC.  Click Here to learn more about the upcoming RPAC Auction.  (9/25/07)
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Fishing Tournament - Come join us at the Fishing Tournament on October 19, 2007.  Click Here for more information. (9/20/07)
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Paragon 4 Changes - Click here for an overview of the Paragon 4 Main Menu.  Paragon is making a lot of changes that will make working in Paragon easier.   Check it out! (9/19/07)
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Weekly Agent Training -I've received a lot of questions about how to e-mail a number of contacts from Paragon.  OBAR does not provide lists of Agent e-mail addresses; however, you can download your contacts from Outlook to Paragon and how to create e-mail groups.
1. Click Here to learn how to download your Outlook contacts into Paragon.
2.  Click Here to learn how to create an e-mail a group of contacts. (9/14/07)
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Corolla Satellite Lockbox Office - To better serve our members in the Corolla area, the BD&A - Corolla office has volunteered to operate a Satellite Lockbox Office.  They will be able to issue you new lockboxes, check in returned boxes and provide you with replacement batteries.  Just stop by and see Linda or Debbie at their office between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday, or contact them at 453-3600. (9/13/07)
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MLS Training - Have a new Agent or Staff member who needs a little help learning the basics of Paragon?  Contact Karen at 441-4036 and make an appointment for a little one-on-one training at the OBAR office.  Training will be appointment only. (9/12/07)
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OBAR VIP Program - The OBAR VIP Program (See Links of Interest above) has been updated with new offers.  Check it out!  (9/12/07)
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OBAR Membership Survey Results - Please click here to review the results of the OBAR Membership Survey.  The survey summary provides a great snapshot of our membership make-up, what you think of the association (both likes and dislikes) and what you'd like to see in our future. The majority of our members are satisfied or very satisfied both with the association and our leadership, which is great!  Overall, the results were positive, interesting and informative. (9/11/07)
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Agent Information - As many of you know, the new sales contracts requires the buyer agent and selling agent NCRE Commission License number on the contract form.  OBAR is
currently trying to populate this field in Paragon by installing a link between our membership system and Paragon.  When this link is in place not only will you have access to each members license number but you will also be able to change your personal information (phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc) without having to contact OBAR or fax in paperwork. The link is being established now, but it will not be in place for several more weeks.  I will let you know as soon as the link is up and running.  (9/10/07)
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2007 Agent Training Seminar Schedule - Click Here to view the 2007 Agent Training Schedule.  All courses are offered FREE to OBAR members.  Nonmembers are welcome as long as there is seating available. (9/10/07)
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MLS Statistics  - Want a snapshot view of the last two years of MLS Statistics?  This link has been updated to include the August 07 statistics. Monthly MLS Statistics (9/04/07)
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Broker Price Opinions - Real estate brokers and salesmen occasionally re asked to assist buyers, sellers and others in determining the probable sales prices of particular
parcels of real property.  Click Here to review an article on this subject posted on the Real Estate Commission Bulletin Index under Appraising. (8/31/07)
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Tip of the Day -In order for your listing to show up on Realtor.com make sure you have included the zip code in the listing.  It won't show up if this field is left blank. (8/31/07)
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Labor Day Holiday - The OBAR Office and the Paragon Help Desk will be closed on Monday, September 3, 2007 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.  Have a great weekend! --------------------------------------------------------

2008 Board of Directors Candidate Forms - 2008 Board of Directors Candidate Forms are now available.   If you would like to join the leadership team of the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®, please check out the following links & submit your candidate form today:
Board of Directors Candidate Form
Board & Officer Position Description
Committee / Task Force Sign Up  (8/28/07)
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Virtual Earth - When you are looking at a listing check out the Virtual Earth feature of Paragon.  Click on the Views/Reports button, go to Specialty Views and then click on Virtual Earth. 
Check out the Birds Eye View! (8/27/07)
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OBAR Membership Survey - The OBAR Membership survey will expire on Friday, August 31, 2007.  If you haven't completed the survey please take five minutes to help OBAR shape the future of this organization.  
Click Here to take the OBAR Membership Survey.
Those who submit a completed survey, and provide their name, will qualify for one of the two remaining $50 cash prizes.   Only one survey response per Member will be accepted.  The online survey tool will only permit one response per computer. (8/27/07)
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Paragon Help Desk - For your information, the Paragon Help Desk will be closed from 10:30 am to 11:30 am on Friday, August 24 for an office function. (8/22/07)
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Paragon 4 Changes - The Paragon 4 folder under the MLS Docs button (just above the menu bar) has been updated with new documents describing the new Paragon 4.  I still don't know when
we will be changing to Paragon 4 but will let you know as soon as I have a schedule.  (8/22/07) 

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MLS Statistics  - Want a snapshot view of the last two years of MLS Statistics?  Month by Month MLS Statistics (8/20/07)

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IDX Outage -  The Paragon server that services our IDX account will be out of commission for approximately 8 hours (12:00 our time to 8:00pm our time) on August 22, 2007 for scheduled maintenance. 
Please make your IDX vendors aware of this maintenance.  (8/20/07)

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Sentrilock Card Reader - Want to take your Sentrilock Card Reader with you?  The MLS Department is in possession of one Sentrilock Card Reader that will install in your Lap Top. 
Click on this link and check it out - Sentrilock Lap Top Card Reader. 
This unit will cost you $98 and, if there is enough interest in this product I take reservations and order more. (8/17/07)

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IDX-2 -The following is a message from Outer Banks Internet concerning the upgrade to IDX - 2
       * IDX2 was recently released and we must update our system to work with the new IDX2 data.
       * You do not need to take any action, the obxmls.net service will be updated automatically.
       * Features will be released in phases as they are developed.
       * We do not have any specific time frames at this time for features releases. (8/16/07)

OBAR Membership Survey - If you haven't taken our OBAR Membership survey please take five  minutes to help OBAR shape the future of this organization.  OBAR Membership Survey.    Those who submit a completed survey, and provide their name, will qualify for one of the two remaining $50 cash prizes. Only one survey response per Member will be accepted.  The online survey tool will only permit one response per computer. (8/14/07)

Paragon 4 Changes - A new folder has been added to the MLS Docs section of Paragon (just above the menu bar) describing some of the new products Paragon is coming out with.  We are not slated to get all of these products but if you think they are what you need let us know.  (8/14/07) 

Monthly MLS Books - August MLS Books are now ready for pickup at OBAR. (8/14/07)

Improve you Listing Photos- Check out this link on taking better digital photos. Click here for Tips for Better Digital Photos (8/13/07)

Lockbox Message Light -A blinking message light means that the lockbox is sensing a voltage that is out of the expected range (5.9 to 6.1 volts).  Unfortunately, the replacement batteries that were purchased have a higher rated voltage (6.2 volts).  What this means is that you will receive the message light every time the box is operated until the battery voltage depletes.  A green dot has been applied to the lockbox serial number on the back of the box to indicate which lockbox has had its batteries replaced.  If you get a message light do the following:
1.  Wait until the message light stops blinking
2.  Enter your PIN # and proceed with using the lockbox
3.  Turn the box over and look for the green dot
4.  If the green dot is not there, contact the box owner and notify them that maintenance is required.

IDX-2 Release - The Outer Banks Association of Realtors is pleased to announce that a new version of IDX is now available for our Vendor supported IDX users.  The new version - IDX-2 - has been in the development stage for a while and is now ready to go live.  IDX-2 provides you with more data - virtually all the information available in Paragon - then the original IDX.  (8/7/07)
What do you need to do?
1.  Your IDX-2 data feed has already been activated.  IDX-2 will run in parallel with the original IDX data feed for 90 days (November 5, 2007) so there will be no loss of service to your website.
2. Contact your IDX vendor and make sure they are aware that:
    a.   IDX-2 is now available for use and that you want your IDX account converted to IDX-2.
    b.    Ensure your IDX vendor has a copy of the IDX-2 mapping document.  (I have sent the IDX vendors that I have on file a copy of this e-mail with the mapping attachment)
    c. That the current IDX feed will be disabled on November 6, 2007.

Paragon 4.0 Desktop 4 Release Announcement - In the fall, Paragon will be upgrading Paragon Desktop to Paragon 4.0 (which will be compatible with Microsoft Vista).  Check out the new features by clicking on the attached link - Paragon Desktop 4 Release Announcement (8/7/07)

2008 Board of Directors Candidate Forms - 2008 Board of Directors Candidate Forms are now available.  If you would like to join the leadership team of the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®, please check out the following links & submit your candidate form today: (8/1/07)
Board of Directors Candidate Form 
Board & Officer Position Description 
Committee / Task Force Sign Up

MLS Expansion - As of August 1, 2007, you are now authorized to list in the following counties:  Pasquotank, Perquimans, Bertie, Washington, Martin, Chowan, Gates, and Hertford.  I do not have street names; therefore, when you wish me to add a street name please provide me a copy of the county tax record for the property and I will add the street names as quickly as I can. (8/1/07)

 

Outer Banks Association of Realtors
Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®
201 W. Eighth Street | Nags Head, NC 27959
phone: 252-441-4036 | fax: 252-441-7524 | email: obar@outerbanksrealtors.com