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A Word From Roger
 Thank
you for another great year at WHR Group Inc (WHR). I am proud
to say that WHR and its sister companies finished ahead of
2008. This is no small feat considering that most corporations
are 20-50% down in authorization volume depending upon the company
and industry.
How did WHR manage this? By sticking to our mantra that
"Innovative Solutions" bring "Concrete
Results." To this end, WHR established a new company in
2009, Government Relocation Group (GRG) to service clients in the
government sector. This new company has been extremely well
received by government agencies, and while other relocation companies
terminated their government relationships WHR has entered the market
and is extremely successful.
WHR delivers services that can be integrated and customized to a
client's requirements and has developed a long history of providing
customized solutions to clients other relocation organizations refuse
to provide. Over 15 years ago when I started WHR my first clients
were delivering relocation services in-house and I needed to
establish WHR as an innovative provider that could add value to their
organizations. To this end I wrote out WHR's guiding principals
on a 4x6 index card, and I require all WHR employees to possess the
following skills and traits:
· Organization
· Well Focused
· Communication
· Planning
· Goal Oriented
· Excellent Morale
· Principled
and Moral in Character
· High Energy
· Execute
and Focus Daily on Critical Issues
On the flip side of this card I have the following:
"What is critical to my corporate clients?"
1.
Service Delivery → Evaluations
2.
Cost Management → TDOE, DOM, Amended Rates
3. Accountability → Moral, Available and Resourceful Contact
4. Reporting → Regular, Consistent and Accurate
5. Consistency → Stability in a Relocation Supplier
This index card of 15 years is still with me today and sits next to
my phone. I use it to remind myself of what is important for
WHR and it keeps "my eye on the ball" in serving our
clients. This card, combined with the "Golden Rule"
has served WHR extremely well over the years. Whether these two
lists are WHR's "Vision" or "Mission" is
immaterial to me, but having these guiding principals as the bedrock
of what WHR represents is of critical importance.
To our existing clients I want you to know that we are thankful for
your business and it is never taken for granted. I am always
interested in your perspectives and feedback so please email me at roger.thrun@whrg.com.
or call me directly at 262.523.7501.
Even if you are not a client today, I would welcome your feedback and
the opportunity to discuss how WHR may create value for your
organization.
Sincere thanks to all clients, employees, and friends of WHR,
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Why the American economy will
recover even if the housing market doesn't.
By Daniel Gross/Newsweek Web Exclusive
www.newsweek.com
On Tuesday, the National Association of
Realtors reported that pending home sales-an indicator of
future sales activity-fell 16 percent in November, which was much
worse than expected. That pitched the stock market lower and led
analysts to express concerns that a new housing bust would
snuff out the recovery. After all, housing-a massive asset class, a
huge provider of employment and cash for spending-led us into the
ditch in 2008. Without a housing recovery, sustainable growth seems
difficult to imagine. More...
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WHR
Becomes an Official Government Contractor
WHR is pleased to announce that it was recently
awarded official status as a government contractor and have been
approved as a GSA (General Services Administration) contract
holder. On October 6th, 2009 WHR received notification that our
proposal met all of the terms and conditions required by the US
Government, and WHR can now provide relocation services to any
government agency. The relocation services awarded included,
Home Sale Services, Home Marketing Assistance, Destination Services,
and Customized Reporting. Additionally WHR will also be able to
provide additional services including Closing Assistance, Expense
Management, Move Management, Group Move Assistance, and other
customized services that are required and requested by the
government.
This is a significant milestone for WHR as the vetting process to
become a GSA contract holder is significant. The due diligence
performed by the government is extensive in that it compiles
background checks to insure the viability of the organization and
that the contractor (WHR) can meet all of the requirements as defined
by the GSA. WHR has already begun providing relocation services
to one government agency and is looking to expand this offering to
other sectors within the US Federal Government.
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National Association of Realtors
www.realtor.org
Bringing the Dream of
Homeownership Within Reach
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing
market and address the economic challenges facing our nation,
Congress has passed new legislation that:
-
Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up
to
$8,000
to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
- Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current
home owners purchasing a new or existing home between
November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Here is more information about how the Extended Home
Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the
American dream. More...
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National Association of Realtors
RESPA expert, Phillip L. Schulman, Esq., partner in
the law firm of K&L Gates in Washington, DC, answers eight common
questions about the new rule taking effect on January 1, 2010. More...
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Key Rates
Mortgage Rates*
www.bloomberg.com
current l 1 year
30 yr l 5.11% l 5.44%
15 yr l 4.62% l 5.14%
5/1yr
ARM l 4.39% l 5.77%
1/yr
ARM l 3.77% l 5.54%
*rates reflect national average
& may include points
More...
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My relocation counselor was always available to answer
all of my relocation questions.
Ana from
Denver, CO
This is my 5th move with my employer. WHR has been
very professional during each and every move. My employer
has a great partnership with WHR.
Elizabeth from
Orlando, FL
Our Coordinator has been a very calming force during the
relocation process. When problems or questions arise, she helps
us to work through them. She is very efficient.
Christie from
Palos Park, IL
Our coordinating team has been amazing. They are
great with emails and phone contact. They call me or email back
immediately. They are very knowledgeable & so far they have
made me confident that this transition we be as smooth as possible.
Kiran from
Chandler, AZ
Our coordinating team is truly professional and they
know their stuff inside and out.
Jorge from
Mableton, GA
Our coordinating team was absolutely great! Both
have excellent customer service. Our Associate was always
checking to make sure we were fine, or if we had any questions.
Our Coordinator always very polite and very professional. Thank
you!
Erica from
Shawnee, KS
Both members of my coordinating team are extremely
courteous. They have gone out of their way to make sure I
understand the entire process.
Logan from
Houston, TX
My Coordinator was FANTASTIC - he was my sanity during
this process. His customer service is top notch, he's not only an
ace in his craft - he is caring, patient, and calming...HE IS THE BEST!
Carley from
Fort Dodge, IA
To date, our Coordinator has been tremendous throughout
the entire process. She has been quick to respond to questions, knowledgeable,
and extremely helpful.
Jeremy from
Elm Grove, WI
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Buying
or Selling a Home?
Your
rebate will be $5.00 for each one thousand dollars of transaction
value.
Example:
Sell or Buy $200,000 home.
5.00 x 200
= $1,000.00
rebate!
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