Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to questions we have been receiving in regard to this event. Thank you for your interest and support.
  1. What is The Housing Game?
    This is the first annual home buyers and sellers expo. The event is being co-sponsored by The Traverse Area Association of Realtors®, The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, and Northwestern Michigan College. The intent is to inform and educate individuals to the process of real estate transactions and introduce them to all of the partners who collaborate to create a successful transaction. Several learning sessions will be offered, and approximately 40 representatives from the community real estate sector will be present . . . Realtors®, Mortgage Companies, Local Banks, Title Companies, etc.
  2. How did this event originate?
    Certain Affiliate Members of the Traverse Area Association of Realtors® asked if we could collectively do something to "beat back" the air of negativity surrounding the real estate industry for the past year or two. The event is designed to promote two key truths:
    1. Now is a GREAT time to buy a home
    2. There is no better consistent, long term investment than your home
    This effort is consistent with the National Association of Realtors® outreach campaign along the line of these two key characteristics.
  3. Why the "Housing Game" Name?
    The focus group that came up with this name was looking for a differentiator that would allow for a marketing theme which stood out from other regional events. Too many events used the words "Home", "House", "Housing", "Symposium", "Conference", "Expo". The "Housing Game" is intended to be an edu-tainment event. Educational, informative, while at the same time entertaining and interactive. Game play promotes the idea of completing a task in order to "move on" to the next level. As younger buyers enter the market they understand the "game" theory approach to the process. Therefore, the action committee, in conjunction with the Traverse City Record Eagle design staff are creating the marketing strategy and promotional materials to reflect this approach. The goal is to make the experience interesting, entertaining, fun, and low presure so attendees may recognize the community involvement and cooperation which went into creating such an event. Hence, "The Housing Game: Real Estate Education for all Ages".
  4. Who is the Target Audience?
    While all persons interested in real estate purchases or sales are encouraged to attend, there is a target audience comprised of first time home buyers, first time home sellers, folks looking for affordable housing choices, and those who may have concerns about their current home ownership options. There are a large number of people who have taken a "wait and see" approach to the real estate market due to the negative media about the market. The "Housing Game" is intended to present a "tipping point" for those who may be ready to proceed but are not sure if now is the time.
  5. Where is The Event Taking Place?
    The venue for our event is the Hagerty Center/NMC Maritime Academy building. One of the partners in this endeavor is Northwestern Michigan College. Presenters and panelists will represent the community at large, the real estate industry in all its facets, and the community college.
  6. April 5th???? That is During Spring Break!!!
    Exactly and Precisely! Among the many reasons are:
    1. Access to classroom space for learning sessions.
    2. Our target audience is most likely saving for that home they want to own, and will not be affording a "Week in the Sun (or Snow)"
    Though many would like a reprieve from Old Man Winter, those who can afford that Spring Vacation are most likely not our community's first time home buyers or first time home sellers. We want to reach out to those who are ready to purchase a home, but need the confidence and the knowledge to "make the next move".
  7. What is the Cost To Attend?
    The event is FREE to the public! Free admission. Free parking. Free instruction. Free market advice.
  8. If I am a member of TAAR, why do I have to pay for a booth?
    Every event costs a considerable amount of money to stage and promote. Expenses will be covered by exhibitor's fees - venue, marketing and promotion. This is NOT a fundraiser but rather a public awareness campaign intended to accurately promote the state of the current regional real estate market and the opportunities it affords. This event falls outside everyone's budget for the fiscal year. However, by sharing the expenses and the resources, we can take a proactive role in stimulating the real estate market in the region and restoring consumer confidence in the housing market.
  9. Who Can Be An Exhibitor?
    Exhibitor space is limited to TAAR Realtor® and Affiliate Members on a "first come, first served" basis. Booth locations are chosen from those not already spoken for (as indicated by the booths which are colored in on the room layout). If any booths are not reserved by three (3) weeks prior to the event, they will be offered to the public, IF their business relates to the real estate transaction process. TAAR reserves the right to determine if a non-member exhibitor meets the requirements.
  10. Who Conducts the Learning Sessions?
    Most of the sessions will have specific subject matter and will be conducted by an expert or panel of experts in that subject. The presenters are still being determined by the panel. If you have expertise in a particular subject related to the real estate transaction, and are interested in being a presenter, please submit your area of interest and your qualifications to The Traverse Area Association of Realtors®. Subjects to be covered are:
    1. Real Estate 101 - A to Z for both Buyers and Sellers
    2. Why You Need a Realtor®
    3. Lending Topics
    4. Mortgage Traps and How to Avoid Them
    5. House Hunting in the Virtual World
    6. Is there GREEN in GREEN?
    7. Home Staging: How to Stage Your House for Sale
    8. Home Inspections
    9. What to Expect at "The Closing"
    10. Now is a GREAT Time to Buy!
    The presenters will leave their "company hats" outside and will present information in a completely unbiased, non-preferential manner. All company promotion will be done by those who have booths in the Expo area.
  11. How will the Event Be Marketed and Advertised?
    We are working with the Traverse City Record Eagle to publish an insert for the Sunday paper. We are also working with Traverse The Magazine. Other marketing is planned though direct mail, handbills, etc. A grant has been written for funds to promote the event through the National Association of Realtors®: Ambassadors for Cities program, public service announcements and press releases will be appearing soon, and, hopefully our members will help get the word out at every opportunity as well.
Any additional comments, questions, or concerns should be directed to kim@taar.com. Remember, It's a GREAT time to buy a home in northwest Michigan!"