Sonia manages business development and closings for Broker’s Title & Closing, LLC in Bedford, NH and has been an Affiliate member of GMNBR since 2005. During her tenure with GMNBR Sonia has been an extremely active member and was previously named Affiliate of the Year in 2008. Currently, she is a Co-Chair of the Membership/Induction Committee a role that allows her to welcome new members and become a “link” to the organization for them.

The recipient of the Affiliate of the Year demonstrates true professionalism, willingness to give their time for REALTOR^® activities, is service oriented and shows courtesy and consideration to others. Sonia was selected as the 2013 Affiliate of the Year for her continued commitment to professionalism, volunteerism, and community involvement.

When commenting on her award Sonia said “This is a wonderful organization and I feel so at home here. Thank you.”

The REALTOR® of the Year award is an honor that is presented to one REALTOR® annually who exemplifies a high standard of service, REALTOR® spirit, and ethical behavior for the organization.

Steve has been a REALTOR® with Prudential Verani Realty in Londonderry, NH and an active member of GMNBR since 1995. He has served in various leadership roles, currently serving as a GMNBR Director, Education Committee member, and Professional Standards Committee member.  He also serves on the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors, Legal Committee, and Professional Standards Committee.

In 2009 Steve was awarded the GMNBR Good Neighbor Award for his volunteer work with the Salvation Army Kids Café and continues to be extremely involved in their fundraising efforts. Additionally, he volunteers for The Caregivers organization, The Nottingham Food Pantry, Pawtuckaway Lake Improvement Association, NH Adopt- A- Highway, MDA Lock-Up, the annual Prudential Verani Coat Drive and the Relay for Life.

Steve was presented with a citation from Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas who was in attendance, a proclamation from Nashua Mayor Donnalee Lozeau, and a commendation from Governor Maggie Hassan in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to his community.

“Your efforts to excel professionally while giving back to your community are admirable. Your peers have recognized you for your hard work and dedication that you have brought to your profession,” pronounced Governor Hassan.

The award was presented by 2012 REALTOR® of the Year Michael Caouette, “Steve is truly a volunteer of this organization.  He dedicates himself selflessly without any expectation of acknowledgement.”

Steve was humble as always when accepting the award acknowledging previous REALTOR® of the Year winners and future winners.

“Being a REALTOR® is not a job, but a career, and it becomes who you are.”

“Inducting 29 new REALTOR® members into our local board is a positive sign that housing is improving in our immediate market area,” says GMNBR, President Gail R. Athas, who lead the new member orientation class. “We welcome these new members who pledged themselves to abide by a strict code of ethics in their new profession and to protect the American Dream—Homeownership.”

By becoming a REALTOR^® member of GMNBR, the inductees will also hold memberships at New Hampshire Association of REALTORS^® and the National Association of REALTORS^®. GMNBR congratulates all the new members of the Board and wishes them success in their new career in real estate.

Kathleen Abel of DCU Realty, Kate Costley of CB Classic, Paul Dallaire Keller Williams Metropolitan, Vicky DiSabatino of Allison James Estates & Homes, Kenneth Dobson of Century 21 Cardinal, Richard Dorsett Century 21 Advantage Realty, J. Phillip Glantz of Allison James Estates & Homes, Andrew Goddard of Purchase and Sales Realty, LLC, Emily Kelley Purchase and Sales Realty, LLC, David Lee of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Amy Lowe of Allison James Estates & Homes, Annette McCarthy of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Brenda Nadeau of Kokko Realty, Matthew O’Mara of Auger Realty, Evelyn Paradis of Allison James Estates & Homes, Michelle Payelian of Century 21 Advantage, Alison Payne of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Matthew Robinson of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Joseph Rossino of Pierre Peloquin Realty, Nancy Rousselle of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Peter Saunders of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Chris Schleyer of Elm Grove Realty, William Singer of Elm Grove Realty, Bill Skaleris of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Sarah Smith of Fair Deal Properties, Susan Taddeo of Century 21 Cardinal, Stephen Thompson Pat Clancey Realty, Greg William of Pat Clancey Realty, and Deborah Yennaco of Allison James Estates & Homes.

Members of GMNBR responded to the American Red Cross’ continual need for donations and collected 47 pints of blood from the annual event.  That is double the typical amount collected on a Wednesday drive.  “Our members recognize the crucial need for blood donations and we are pleased with the turnout with this year’s event,” said Robin Shargo, GMNBR Blood Drive Chair.

The blood drive is one of many annual traditions for the GMNBR Community Service committee that volunteers their time throughout the year by planning events which will provide assistance to the local communities. “We enjoy reaching out to our community organizations and supporting them not just monetary but also with a hands-on approach,” Shargo said. “It is an honor for us to assist the Red Cross with such an important activity and in knowing that every pint donated helps to make a difference.”

The committee would also like to extend sincere gratitude to Carraba’s Italian Grill in Bedford for supplying a delicious lunch to all our generous volunteers and donors.

Postlets.com (owned by Zillow) is FREE although there may be enhanced membership fees as is typical with these types of sites.

It is a “real estate classified listing creation and distribution platform.”   Here you can create a listing just once and they help you distribute the listing on many of your advertising channels ie> Facebook, Twitter, Google, and many leading classified sites.  It will also store the listing for you when it is no longer active.  This is particularly helpful for those agents that work with rentals that are cyclical.

It is like 1 stop shopping for marketing listings! Note: It would not post the listing to the MLS for you.  It allows up to 25 photos, property details with the description, and a map that would be displayed in a clean professional format.

The best thing I found about this site is once you create your profile and listing with all the pertinent information there is a spot that generates an html code that you can then copy and paste into any Craigslist listing or website if you maintain your own site.

So easy and very professional looking!  Also, it clearly sets apart the “By Owner” Craigslist posts with the “Broker/REALTOR®” posts allowing for branding and space to provide your website links and the necessary disclosures.

For more information check out http://www.postlets.com/ and let us know what you think!?

By: Jessica Perry

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Greater Manchester/ Nashua Board of REALTORS®

The Greater Manchester/ Nashua Board of REALTORS does not warrant, and hereby disclaims any warranties, either express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any website mentioned, information obtained from a Site, or link to a Site. GMNBR does not warrant that Sites will operate in an uninterrupted or error-free manner or that Sites are free of viruses or other harmful components. Use of information obtained from or through these Sites is at your own risk.

“Inducting 17 new REALTOR® members and 5 new Affiliate members into our local board is a positive sign that housing is improving in our immediate market area,” says GMNBR, President Gail R. Athas, who lead the new member orientation class. “We welcome these new members who pledged themselves to abide by a strict code of ethics in their new profession and to protect the American Dream—Homeownership.”

By becoming a REALTOR^® member of GMNBR, the inductees will also hold memberships at New Hampshire Association of REALTORS^® and the National Association of REALTORS^®. GMNBR congratulates all the new members of the Board and wishes them success in their new career in real estate.

The following new REALTORS^® were inducted by GMNBR President Gail Athas, Membership Co-Chair Kathy McCarthy, and Membership Co-Chair Sonia Gauthier:

Daniel Beaudry of Suburban Realty, Inc., Justin Beaudry of Suburban Realty, Inc., Claudia Bowes of Weichert REALTORS®, Mary Brundage of Weichert REALTORS®, Christyne Kennedy of Weichert REALTORS®, Summer Brown  of   Jerome Duval & Associates Real Estate, Kelly Cognan of David R. Webber Associates, Denise Febonio of Brin Realty Group, Sandra Firelli of BH&G- The Masiello Group, Eileen Frank of Angela Harkins and Associates Real Estate, Robert Hynes of Keller Williams Metropolitan,  Lynn Jackson of Keller Williams Metropolitan, Mark Kleiner of DCU Realty, Shaun Page of Elm Grove Realty, Alicia Stutz of BH&G- The Masiello Group, Michael Talasazan of Assist 2 Sell Buyers & Sellers Realty, and John Tenhave of Brin Realty Group.

The following new Affiliate Members were inducted by GMNBR President Gail Athas, Membership Co-Chair Kathy McCarthy, and Membership Co-Chair Sonia Gauthier:

Sarah Lawrence of Liberty Mutual, Patrick McGoldrick of Liberty Mutual, David White of Primary Residential Mortgage, Dennis Williams of HouseMaster Home Inspection, and Lisa Parda of Red Door Title.

BEDFORD, NH – The Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of REALTORS^® (GMNBR) in looking to meet the challenges of home markets and emerging population growth in the Granite State, welcomes its 2013 leadership team of Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs. The leadership will be tasked with meeting the future needs of New Hampshire Home-buyers and REALTORS^® in the coming year. They were recently installed at the Manchester Country Club in Bedford, NH.

Installed as President for 2013 was Gail R. Athas of Manchester, NH.  Gail has been a REALTOR® since 1999 and is currently a Broker Associate with Keller Williams Metropolitan in Bedford, NH.  She has served the GMNBR Board of Directors for 12 years, has also served as the organization’s President in 2007, Vice-President in 2006 and 2012, Director, and Chair of various committees on the board. Gail has also been active at the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS® since 2000.

The installed officers for 2013 were: Theresa Grella of Amherst, NH as Vice President; Tom Van Horn of Amherst, NH as Treasurer; Maggie Kerkhoff of Hollis, NH as Secretary; Rick Stoudt of Nashua, NH as the Immediate Past President; and Angie Kopka of Nashua, NH as a Lifetime Ex-Officio Member

The following individuals were also installed as 2013 Directors: Pamela Dorji of Bedford, NH; Robert Mongan of Manchester, NH; Thom Nofsinger of Amherst, NH; Peter Schwartz of Amherst, NH; Marypat Bilodeau of Manchester, NH; Paul Sargeant of Hooksett, NH, and Steve White of Nottingham, NH.

Appointed by the 2013 GMNBR President Gail Athas are the following committee chairs who will also serve on the Board of Directors in 2013: Maxine Goodhue of Hooksett, NH; Effie Sorrentino of Manchester, NH; Tracy Hawkins of Hopkinton, NH; Kathy McCarthy of Raymond, NH, and Michael Caouette of Bedford, NH.

Additionally, the GMNBR announces the following Non-Voting Board of Directors in 2013: Marla D’Agosta of Auburn, NH; and Bonnie Guevin of Manchester, NH.

For more information please contact the Greater Manchester/Nashua Board of REALTORS^®, please write us or visit our office at 166 South River Rd., Bedford, NH 03110, Call us at (603) 668-1054 or visit us on-line at www.gmnbr.org.

The recipients of this year’s donations were:  Salvation Army/ Kid’s Café- $2,080 , New Horizons Homeless Shelter- $2,310, Angie’s Women’s Shelter- $1509.16, The Way Home- $1000, Nashua Children’s Home $1000, Families in Transition- $1000, Nashua Soup Kitchen- $1000, Boys and Girls Club/ Nashua- $1000, Boys and Girls Club/ Manchester- $1000, Easter Seals/ Seniors Count- $1000, and Scholarship Recipients: Manchester- Ryan Juneau $1000, Nashua- Jennifer Wright $1000.

The GMNBR Community Service Committee members worked tirelessly throughout the year raising funds to make these donations possible, presented the checks to each of the organizations thanked them for the services they provide to the local communities.

“It is an honor to be able to present checks to each of these organizations who are so very thankful for the gift,” said Rick Stoudt, 2012 President of GMNBR.

The donations were made possible through the Community Service Committee’s fundraising efforts. Throughout the year members of the committee raise money with various events for the sole purpose of giving it back to their local communities.

The mission of the GMNBR Community Service Committee is to plan projects and provide services suited to our industry that betters the local communities and enhances the REALTOR^® image. The dedication by the members of both the committee, and GMNBR at large, is extraordinary with each member striving for the same goal – to improve the quality of life in their local communities.

30-Stephanie Bova $50

29-Barbara Cunningham $25 GC to JW Hill

28- Laura Clegg $50

27- Carol Decola 2 tickets to the Palace Theatre

26- Alexis Chiasson $25

25- BIG WINNER! Joe Leary $100 Cash

24-Traci Dexter $25 GC to Martha’s Exchange

23- Monique Lavoie $50 Cash

22- Kathy Hamel $25 Cash

21- Lynne Paul $25 GC to Butler’s

20- Sheryl Kelley – $25 Cash

19- Mark Villiard- $25 Villa Blanca

18- Lynda Kanteres- $25 to Peddler’s Daughter

17- Debi Levine- $25 GC to Xo

16- Trish Norton- $25 Cash

15-Dianne Beaton- $25 GC to T-Bones

14-Diane Bedard- $25 to Crystal Orchid

13- Bobby Wilkins- $25 GC to Stella Blue

12-Meg Malette- $25 GC to Heart & Hand

11- Joe Gagnon- $25 GC to Ignite

10-Kim Kantor- $50 GC to Hooked

9-Joe Gagnon- $25 Cash

8- Traci and Trisha Dexter- $25 to Unums

7-Sharyn Kelley and Katie Jizzy- $25 Picollas

6- Lori Harnett $50 Cash

5- Bobby Wilkins $25 GC to Stella Blue

4- Georgia $50 Fratellos

3- Lynne Paul- $25 GC to T-Bones

2- Chantel Ouelett – $25 Cash

1- Mary Viens 4 tickets to a Christmas Carol at the Palace Theater

New Horizons is an adult homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, and a food pantry serving only New Hampshire residents since 1973. Their mission is to provide food and shelter to the people in need and offer supportive services to individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.

Twenty-one bowling teams came together for GMNBR’s 2^nd Annual Turkey Bowl held at Merrimack Ten Pin, for a fun day of bowling and raffles.  “The annual GMNBR Turkey Bowl is an opportunity for New Horizons to partner with the Greater Manchester/ Nashua Board of Realtors® on a very fun event,” said New Horizons’ Executive Director, Charlie Sherman. “It is a wonderful opportunity to go bowling and at the same time, raise much needed funds for New Horizons at a time when the need is so great.”

The mission of the GMNBR Community Service Committee is to plan projects and provide services suited to our industry that betters local communities, such as New Horizons. The dedication of the members of both the committee, and GMNBR at large, is ongoing with each member striving for the same goal – to improve the quality of life in the local communities in which we live and work.

For more information about New Horizons for New Hampshire please see check their website: http://www.newhorizonsfornh.org/