Connections April 2014 by REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

April 2014 Inside this Issue: President’s Message

April Month-at-a-Glance

Fair Housing Month

4-6

Affiliate Appreciation Night

6-7

YPN St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Scholarship Info

CAC Food Drive

Upconing Classes

11-17

Awards Info

Membership News

Golf Tournament

CREST

Government Affairs

Local Market Update

Legal Hotline

Scholarship Raffle

WRAR Mission Statement

President’s Message Every year, April is recognized as Fair Housing Month. REALTORS® have promoted and protected the dream of property ownership for millions of Americans for over 100 years. We’ve strongly supported the Fair Housing Act that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. We’re committed to providing professional services to all people in their search for, or sale of, real estate. Please join us on April 7 for our Fair Housing Seminar. It’s free for members & you can earn 2 CEU’s. We’re excited to offer classes on April 9th & 11th to earn the SRS (Seller Representative Designation). This course is designed to make you a better and more productive listing agent. It’s filling up quickly, so register soon! Our annual Awards Celebration is coming up quickly on April 17th at Wachusett Country Club. Who will be our 2104 REALTOR® of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Distinguished Service Award Winner and REALTORS® Choice Award Winner? Join us at Wachusett Country Club to find out. New Agents: Don’t miss the Essentials for Success series on April 29 through May 1 to learn everything you need to get your business going.

The purpose of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® is to:

Day on the Hill is coming up on June 11th. Please join us for a great day at the statehouse to meet your legislators & discuss issues that affect our business and homeownership. Transportation is free and we’ll even buy you lunch!

* Provide members with the resources that enable them to serve the public in an ethical and professional manner

The CMHA walk for the homeless is on Sunday May 18th. We’d love to get a large group of REALTORS® to participate & raise some money for this great cause. Have a great month!

* Take an active role regarding issues affecting sellers, buyers, tenants and landlords.

Dave

Dave Stead 2014 WRAR President

Get on the Bus with Us!

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 1 www.wrar.org

WRAR MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE April 2014 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 5 8-12 Pre-License Course

1 9 Gov’t Affairs Comm Mtg

2 11:30-2 Lunch & Learn w/Shamrock Financial

4 9:30 Past Pres Mtg 1030 Nominating Comm.

7 9-11 Fair Housing Seminar 12 Golf Comm Mtg 5:30-9:30 PreLicense Course

8 9:30 MLS PIN Getting Started: Searching the System 1 MLS PIN Getting Started: Contact Management

9 9-5 SRS Designation Class 9:30 Finance Comm Mtg.

10 2-4 Business Builder Class 4-5 Prof Devel. Comm Mtg.

11 12 9-5 SRS 8-12 Pre-License Designation Class Course

14 5:30-9:30 PreLicense Course

15 8-2 CEU Classes

16 8:30-3 New Member Orientation

17 11:30 Awards Luncheon @ Wachusett CC 2:30 MAR Caucus, Leominster

19 8-12 Pre-License Course

21 Patriots’ Day

23 11:30-2 Lunch & Learn with Southbridge Savings Bank

24 9:30 MLS PIN Getting Started: Contact Management 1 MLS PIN Moving Forward: Listing Management

25 9:30-1:00 CAC Food Drive Packing Day

26 8-12 Pre-License Course

29 9-5 New Agent Training 10:30 BOD Mtg.

30 9-5 New Agent Training

May 1 9-5 New Agent Training

Easter Sunday

WRAR Closed

5:30-9:30 PreLicense Course

28 5:30-9:30 PreLicense Course

Save the Date Friday, May 2

MAR BOD Meeting, Norwood

Monday, May 5

DR Breakfast

Wednesday, June 11 Bus leaves at TJ Maxx Parking Lot at 8:00 am

REALTOR® Day on the Hill State House, Boston

Thursday, June 26 8:30 am

WRAR Annual Golf Tournament Wachusett Country Club, West Boylston

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 2 www.wrar.org

OUR 2014 VIP SPONSORS

Good lenders make good neighbors. Our NextDoor Mortgage Consultants are local people. They know our area, they know their stuff and they know how to get you the perfect loan. Good lenders make good neighbors. Meet a few of our NextDoor Lending officers: From left to right:

Mike Checkosky

Emily DeGray

Paul Nocivelli

NMLS# 719009

NMLS# 719017

NMLS# 47819

Southbridge branch

Charlton branch

Worcester branch

Call us at 1-800-939-9103

Drop on by.

www.nextdoorlending.com Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速 3 www.wrar.org

FAIR HOUSING MONTH - Show your Commitment by Posting the Pledge

April is FAIR HOUSING MONTH

I agree to:

Fair Housing Declaration

 Provide equal professional service without regard to the race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin or sexual orientation of any prospective client, customer, or of the residents of any community.  Keep informed about fair housing law and practices, improving my clients' and customers' opportunities and my business.  Develop advertising that indicates that everyone is welcome and no one is excluded; expanding my client's and customer's opportunities to see, buy, or lease property. Inform my clients and customers about their rights and responsibilities under the fair housing laws by providing brochures and other information.  Document my efforts to provide professional service, which will assist me in becoming a more responsive and successful REALTOR®.  Refuse to tolerate non-compliance.  Learn about those who are different from me, and celebrate those differences.  Take a positive approach to fair housing practices and aspire to follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law.  Develop and implement fair housing practices for my firm to carry out the spirit of this declaration. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 4 www.wrar.org

APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH - Take your Training NOW!

TIO A C LO

N CHA

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速 5 www.wrar.org

APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH - Take your Training NOW!

Fair Housing It’s not an option; it’s the

LAW IT! N R LEA

April 2014 marks the 46th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event and reconfirm our commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as our commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property. WRAR brings you

Jamie Williamson, Chair Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

FAIR HOUSING SEMINAR Monday, April 7, 2014 9:00 - 11:00 am WRAR, 492 Washington St., Auburn Receive 2 CEU’s FREE to all WRAR Members $20 for non-members This class is sponsored by O’Connell & O’Connell, P.C. Attorneys at Law Register online at www.wrar.org OR CALL lYNNE AT 508-832-6600

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 6 www.wrar.org

OUR 2014 VIP SPONSORS

“My goal is to help you grow your business by being an extension of the top quality service you provide to your clients. Let’s grab coffee or a smoothie and I can show you how.” John B. Saari – 508‐740‐7442

Helping more clients and more referral partners through products, education, and communication ‐ Emery is both a direct lender and a broker with 25 lenders to help you close more transactions ‐ FHA lending down to a 600 credit score ‐ Credit Union PMI rates which are 40% lower than traditional lenders ‐ Higher income ratios than traditional lenders ‐ No PMI loans ‐ Credit Union Confidence

www.themortgagebuddy.com

John B. Saari ‐ Emery Federal Credit Union – (508) 740‐7442 themortgagebuddy@gmail.com www.themortgagebuddy.com NMLS: 5529 Emery Federal Credit Union NMLS: 401087

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 7 www.wrar.org

YPN St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Our YPN Group held another great event on March 12th at the Perfect Game in Worcester, sponored by Bryan Larson of Fairway Mortgage, Boston; Jess Albino of The Law Office of Jessica Albino; and Dave Bremer of Shamrock Financial Corporation. Door Prize and Raffle Winners were Emily DeGray of Southbridge Savings Bank and Fran Diaz of RE/MAX Professional Associates in Spencer. The next YPN event will be announced shortly.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 8 www.wrar.org

WRAR SCHOLARSHIP

The Membership Committee of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® is excited to announce the 2014 Scholarship Recognition Program. In the past, through the efforts of our membership, we have granted scholarships to children of REALTORS® and Affiliate members to help further their educational endeavors. Rules & Regulations for Scholarship Awards 1. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of scholas�c achievement including transcripts and awards (50%); leadership ability (10%); community involvement (10%) ; and essay (30%). Applica�on must be submi�ed with most recent transcript. 2. The Candidate must: a) be a high school senior or full-�me college student b) maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher 3. At the discre�on of the Selec�on Commi�ee, candidates may be asked to par�cipate in a personal interview. 4. This Scholarship will be awarded a�er the student has received their rst semester grades. He/she will submit their transcript to Lisa Sprague at the Worcester Regional Associa�on of REALTORS® to receive their scholarship award. In the event that a recipient does not use the scholarship within the allo�ed �me, the next highest candidate in order will be awarded the scholarship. If any winner accepts the scholarship and therea�er does not a�end school or does not maintain reasonable a�endance or grades, the award, or balance thereof, shall be returned to the Worcester Regional Associa�on of REALTORS® Scholarship Fund . 5. Scholarships are designated for children or grandchildren of REALTOR® members of the Associa�on; Affiliate members of the Associa�on, or full-�me staff employees of the Associa�on. 6. Scholarship Applica�ons may be obitained online at h�p://www.wrar.org or by calling the WRAR office at 508-832-6600. 7. The applica�on and all a�achments should be sent to the Worcester Regional Associa�on of REALTORS®,

492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501, no later than May 2, 2014. Any applica�on postmarked a�er that date will be disqualied.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 9 www.wrar.org

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE WRAR Community Action Committee’s

Food Drive to benefit the

Creating a hunger-free community Recommended Food Items Soup, Stew, Chili Dry & Canned Pasta Macaroni & Cheese Cereal, Rice, Beans Canned Fruits & Vegetables Canned Tuna, Chicken & Salmon Peanut Butter & Jelly *NO GLASS PLEASE* We are accepting donations through April 24. Cash donations always welcome! Make checks payable to the Worcester Regional Assn. of REALTORS® Drop-Off Locations Bank of Canton – Auburn Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Worcester ERA Key – Auburn, Spencer, Worcester, Whitinsville Janice Mitchell Real Estate – Holden RE/MAX Advantage 1 – Worcester RE/MAX Professional – Shrewsbury, Charlton, Sturbridge, Spencer RE/MAX Vision - Worcester WRAR - Auburn

Together we Your donations help the Worcester County Food Bank and their 145 local programs feed children, seniors & families! Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

10 www.wrar.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Shamrock Financial Corporation Presents

Take Control of Your Credit

Take Control of Your Life It's a new year - time to take control of your credit! Gain the knowledge to help your clients and yourself! Good credit has always been important for homebuyers, but never as important as it is right now! Bad or less than perfect credit is not a terminal illness. It CAN be cured! It’s important to take the necessary steps towards an improved credit profile now. You will learn: • Tips on what mortgage companies look for • FICO scores versus other credit scores • How to challenge items on your credit report and when not to • How to repair your credit after bankruptcy/foreclosure • Top credit mistakes that EVERYONE makes …and much, much more!

David Bremer, Branch Manager NMLS #22633

Come and learn from a Certified FICO Professional Date: Time: Place: Cost:

Wednesday, April 2, 2014 11:30 am - Registration & Lunch 12:00 - 2:00 pm Seminar with plenty of time for Q&A WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn FREE to WRAR members

NMLS #2227

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

11 www.wrar.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

New agents and top producers from all over the US and Canada say this course exceeded expectations and provided them with cutting-edge tools that leave their competition in the dust!

Earn your Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) Designation. Now recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® Receive 4 CEU’s

Whether you are new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, the SRS Course will redefine your “normal” and reinvent the way you represent sellers. Come learn tips and tools that will equip you to list in today’s marketplace. Increase listings and grow your business. Demonstrate and communicate your value package. Understand and apply the Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice. Understand the comply with state license laws. Understand and apply methods, tools and techniques to provide support and services that sellers want and need. Instructor:

TAKE THE COURSE! Dates: Time: Place:

April 9 and 11, 2014 9:00 am - 5:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA Cost: $299 Register online at www.wrar.org or call Lynne at 508-832-6600

Barbara Fairfield, ABR, CBR, GRI, SRES, SRS, GREEN, SFR Barbara is the Owner/Partner of Dynamic Directions, Inc. - an educational and sales training firm that internationally delivers quality education to associations and companies. Barbara entered the real estate business in 1980. She earned her broker's license in 1985 and co-founded Sterling, Realtors in Middletown, Connecticut. Barbara is a member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors. She has proudly served as the 1999 RPAC chair, as the 2000 Issues Advocacy chair and is presently serving as the 2003 Division Vice President for Member Services for the Connecticut Association of Realtors. Barbara was appointed the 2001 Marketing Forum chair for the National Association of Realtors, served on NAR's 2002 Risk Management committee and is presently serving on NAR's Education Committee. She holds the Accredited Buyer Representative designation, the Certified Buyer Representative designation, the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation and is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

12 www.wrar.org

A monthly educational series brought to you by the WRAR Professional Development Committee

Business Builders

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Business Builder Session 3:

New Forms Training & Mock Paperless Transaction Demo Date: Time: Place: Price:     

Thursday, April 10, 2014 2:00-4:00 pm WRAR 492 Washington Street, Auburn FREE to WRAR Members

lder Bui a s s to ine Bus ered in e a ! n T t d LE en en r, o TAB ou att ill be e yea T! A E h w y WIN time name nd of t a TABL h e r c e Ea , you t the eceiv s r clas ing. A r will e w dra y winn luck

Are you using the right forms? Do you have the new Flood Insurance Form? ZipForms, DotLoop and MAR Forms explained Mock paperless transaction demo Bring your laptop!

FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

This event is sponsored by: Emery Federal Credit Union John B. Saari Senior Loan Officer NMLS #5529 Office: 781-759-1200 Cell: 508-740-7442 .......................................................... Sign me up ! Return this form via fax to 508-832-6620 or email to lwalls@wrar.org. You may also enroll online at www.wrar.org Name ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________ email_______________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

13 www.wrar.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT i

Earn 2 CE’s - Financing (RE25RC08) The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington St. Auburn, MA 01501 April 15th 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Registration 11:30 AM) Lunch and refreshments will be served courtesy of Attorney Jessica Albino. Please remember parking is limited, try to carpool.

        

What to Expect: How to have the best Spring Market ever Learn the costs of waiting to sell and buy Learn how to get more listings this Spring Qualified Mortgage and the ability to repay and what this means for your clients debt financing Submitting strong offers with strong preapprovals Over 50 Mortgage and Credit Gotchas The new generation of homebuyers Gaining market share with first‐time homebuyers and move‐ up sellers Avoiding PMI with less than 20% down Hosts: Bill Murphy of Fairway Independent Mortgage – CMP Jessica Albino of Albino Law Office Center for Real Estate Studies & Training

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

14 www.wrar.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

GRANTS...GRANTS...GRANTS...GRANTS

& Join Us For a 2 Hour InformaƟve Session On Grants Your Buyer Can Take Advantage of NOW!

Wednesday April 23rd 12pm-2pm

The Worcester Regional AssociaƟon of REALTORS® 492 Washington St. Auburn, Ma

Grants We’ll Cover

• Buy Worcester Now • Equity Builder Grant Program

Here you’ll learn how to:

• Capture More Buyers er • Increase Your Current Buyer’s Purchasing Power • Get Your Buyer Up To 15k In Down Payment & Closing Costs Assistance

Host: E DeGra mily South y of b Savin ridge gs Ban k

**Lunch Will Be Provided** To Pre-Register call Lynn Walls at 508-832-6600 or visit www.wrar.org Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

15 www.wrar.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® presents:

Essential Training for New Agents to Start a Successful Real Estate Career

ESSENTIALS for $ucce$$ This course will provide the basic building blocks, fundamental skills and creative techniques to start a SUCCESSFUL real estate career. The courses will also appeal to veteran agents looking for new business opportunities through the use of ever-changing technology tools, online media and internet marketing platforms in order to achieve a much higher level of success.

Day 1 APRIL 29: 2 CE credits – RE32RC03: Technology & Real Estate Brokerage Getting Started - The ESSENTIAL Apps for Success Lead



Instructor:

Jody O’Brien

Jody was the 2003 President of the Northeast Association of REALTORS® and a member of the Board of Directors for the Mass. Association of REALTORS® from 1998 – 2004. Her service awards include Chairperson of the Year Award (twice), 1999 Distinguished Service Award and 2003 Massachusetts Educator of the Year.

Worcester Regional Assn of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501 April 29, 30 & May 1, 2014_ 8:30 am Registration 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Class Attend days individually or save by registering for the entire series.

Generation through today’s technology tools. Media – is our next “client” a tweet away? Location Services – the new town “Square”. Communication – OMG BTW TTFN… Rating & Review – Yelp, I need a real estate agent! Content Sharing – Are they “pinning” away for You…..Tube? Social

Day 2 APRIL 30: 4 CE credits – RE41R05: R.E. Advertising Compliance & the Law and RE62RC10: Comparative Market Analysis Building your Business - ESSENTIAL Strategies for Success Pricing

strategies in today’s market. customer service. Working WITH today’s consumers & handling objections. Negotiate to WIN! Exceptional

Day 3 MAY 1: 2 CE credits – RE10RC07: General Real Estate Laws, Regulations and Practices Closing the Deal - ESSENTIAL Laws, Regulations and Practices for Success Managing

and controlling risk: - Fair Housing - Lead Paint - Brokerage Relationships. Creating a business plan. Goal Setting - reach for the sky and touch the stars. Managing long term success and financial freedom

****************************************************************************

Send to Lynne Walls @lwalls@wrar.org I want to take the steps to Build a Successful Business! Sign me up for:

Save $50!  Day 1 @ $75

 Day 2 @ $75

 Day 3 @ $75

 All 3 days @ $175

Name________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address_________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State___________ Zip_________________ Phone_______________________ email____________________________________________ Credit Card_____________________________________________ exp ___________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

16 www.wrar.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT YOU ASKED - WE DELIVERED!!

A Two-Part Office Leadership Series

Offered exclusively to Brokers & Office Managers

BROKER BASICS

♦ This class was requested at the last DR Breakfast G d for f Brokers B k ith smaller ll offices ffi 3 10 ♦ Geared with off 3-10 agents Class 1: Time: Cost:

Friday, March 21, 2014 9:00 am - 1:00 pm $50.00

ET MPL

♦ Networking ♦ Managing Risk ♦ Analyzing and Implementing Office Policy

Presented by

Jody O’Brien

Class 2: Time: Cost:

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 9:00 am - 1:00 pm $50.00

♦ Expand leadership skills ♦ Creative Office Meetings ♦ Agency Relationships & more ♦ How decisions affect the office and the real estate community

Special: Attend both classes for $75 ............................................................................. Register now - $50 each or all both classes for $75. Fax to 508-832-6620 or email to lwalls@wrar.org. March 21_____ ($50)

June _____($50)

Both Dates_____($75)

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Firm:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address:_________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card/Expiration:___________________________________________________________________________ email:_______________________________________________ phone:____________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

17 www.wrar.org

2014 WRAR AWARDS CELEBRATION

awards 2014 celebration Each year the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速 recognizes its members for their professional achievements including involvement with our Association and contribution to our communities. Join us in celebrating those achievements, including our new TOP PRODUCER Award.

Thursday, April 17, 2014 Wachusett Country Club 11:30 am registration 12:00 Buffet Luncheon & Awards Member Price: $35 Non-member Price: $35 Table of 10: $300

Our Gold Sponsors: Bank of Canton Cahn & Barron, LLC Compass Consulting The Law Office of Jessica Albino MLS PIN Prospect Mortgage Security First MortgaGe

If you are purchasing a table of 10, PLEASE include a separate sheet with the attendee names .

Our Platinum Sponsors Emery Federal Credit Union Fairway NE Mortgage SouthBridge Savings Bank Register online at www.wrar.org or return this form via fax to 508-832-6620 or via email to jdinnocenzo@wrar.org. You may also call the WRAR offices at 508-832-6600. Contact Name:______________________________________________ Company:__________________________________ Billing Address:_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip_______________________________ Phone:___________________________________________ Email:_______________________________________________ Amount Due__________

____Check

____American Express

____Discover

____MasterCard

____Visa

Card No______________________________________________________________ Expiration________________________ Signature_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速

18 www.wrar.org

MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Applicants Jill Bailey Kimberly Dao Crystal Figueroa Deborah Flanagan Christopher Hanson Robin Kelley Allen Kwasniewski Julie Squires Shiloh Therrien

New Affiliates

RE/MAX Professional Assoc/ Spencer Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Worcester Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Worcester Millennium Realty Mendon Sterling Realty Belair Inc. Sterling Quinsigamond Realty Worcester ERA Key Realty Services Worcester RE/MAX Prestige Northboro Orbit Realty Webster

Agents to New Office: Bashar Aloch

Keller Williams Realty

Westboro

Board Transfers Mary Leach from Gr. Boston

Keller Williams Realty-Gr.Worc

Michael Marshall

JJM Insurance Agency Inc. 623 Chandler Street, Worcester MA

Peter Nastasi

Sierra Pacific Mortgage 892 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston RI

Jason Piedrasanto

Braman Termite & Pest Elimination 345 A Greenwood Street , Worcester MA

Carle Sargent

Berlin Insurance Group 61 Milton Street, Worcester MA

Mark Shea

Sierra Pacific Mortgage 892 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston RI

Mark Waxler

Waxler Hospitality Group 41 S. Flagg Street, Worcester MA

Affiliate Transfers Mary Roughan

TD Bank 295 Park Avenue, Worcester MA

OUR 2014 VIP SPONSORS

You could be unknowingly and unnecessarily losing TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS every year in these areas: • Current retirement plan • College savings • Household expenses Compass Consulting Group educates you on how to recover your money. Contact us today to learn about our tax efficient savings strategies where you can immediately start using the money we find. If we look at your situation and find $10,000 to $20,000 that you were losing each year, could you use that money?

om! Thomas M. Valentine Jr. President/Financial Advisor T t c a 645 Chandler Street • Worcester, MA 01602 •508-796-5950 Cont Email: tom@compassconsultinggrp.com • Web: www.compassconsultinggrp.com

Special offer for the members of:

*Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. A Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Compass Consulting Group and Cambridge are not affiliated.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

19 www.wrar.org

WRAR ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

WRAR 16th Annual Golf Tournament Wachusett Country Club Thursday, June 26, 2014 Registration: 8:30 am Shotgun: 9:30 am Luncheon: 2:30 pm Early Bird Rate (May 31 cut-off): Single: $125.00 * Foursome: $500.00 Regular Rates: Single: $135.00 * Foursome: $540.00 Registration includes 18 holes, cart, continental breakfast, luncheon.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to Worcester area non-proﬁts in need.

For more info or to register, contact Jacki D’Innocenzo at 508-832-6600 or via email at jdinnocenzo@wrar.org. You may also send this form to WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501 * FAX 508-832-6620 No. of Players_______

Team Captain:___________________________________________________________

Player 1_______________________________________ Player 2__________________________________________ Player 3_______________________________________ Player 4__________________________________________ Contact Name____________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address___________________________________ City/State/Zip_____________________________________ Phone__________________________________________ email___________________________________________ Amount Due $______

_____Check

_____American Express

_____Discover

_____Master Card

_____Visa

Card No.____________________________________________________ Expiration___________________________ Signature_______________________________________________________________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

20 www.wrar.org

CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE STUDIES & TRAINING Upcoming CEU Courses for April All classes are held at the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® CREST School, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501.. We also hold periodic classes at the Fidelity Bank Building, 478 Mechanic Street in Leominster. WRAR Members in good standing receive FREE LOCAL CEU’s! Tuition for non-members is $30 for each 2-hour CEU. You may register for classes online at www.wrar.org or by calling the WRAR office at 508-832-6600.

Auburn, Monday, April 7, 2014 Time 9:00 - 11:00

Instructor Jamie Williamson

Course Code RE19RC12

Course Title Fair Housing

Auburn, Tuesday, April 15, 2014 8:00 - 10:00

Gene Check

RE51R06

Facilitator

10:00 - 12:00

Gene Check

RE75R12

Federal Housing Admin (FHA) Loans

12:00 - 2:00

Bill Murphy

RE25RC08

Financing

CEU Changes for 2014

Effective January 2014, our 12-hour days of CEU’s will now switch to two 6-hour days, We find that shorter days are more conducive to learning. CEU classes will remain FREE for all WRAR Members. Non members - New for 2014 - Get your 12 education credits for license renewal for only $99.00! Pay all at once and have the luxury of attending the classes you want; at your pace. As always, you may continue to take online courses at the MAR Online Education Center. Contact Lynne Walls at lwalls@wrar.org to schedule your classes. View the complete calendar at www.wrar.org.

OUR 2014 VIP SPONSORS

Spring is here and so are the savings! Let Security First answer all your refinancing questions at your FREE consultation. With FREE PRE-APPROVAL, there’s no reason to wait! Security First has a variety of great mortgage loan products including fixed rate and adjustable rateloans to fit all of your mortgage financing needs.

Call toll free at 800-245-4687

Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Locations: One Ararat Street, Worcester, MA 02116 321 Columbus Ave., Electric Carriage House, Boston, MA 02116 www.securityfirstmf.com * info@securityfirstmf.com NMLS #252771

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

21 www.wrar.org

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS President Obama Signs Flood Day on the Hill REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill is scheduled for WednesInsurance Bill Into Law day, June 11, 2014, at 10:00 am at the State House, Great Homeowners living in flood-prone areas are getting relief from big spikes in insurance costs under legislation President Barack Obama signed into law. On March 21, 2014, President Obama signed the “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act” into law. This law repeals FEMA’s authority to increase premium rates at time of sale or new flood map, and refunds the excessive premium to those who bought a property before FEMA warned them of the rate increase. The bill limits premium increases to 18% annually on newer properties and 25% for some older ones. Additionally, the bill adds a small assessment on policies until everyone is paying full cost for flood insurance.

Hall.

Once again, REALTORS® will have a chance to network and enjoy a continental breakfast before learning about the key legislative issues in 2014 that will affect the real estate industry and private property. Attend the REALTOR® Day on the Hill to get up close and personal with legislators and make an impact on the legislative process. Transportation is provided FREE for WRAR members. The bus will leave the TJ Maxx parking lot in Auburn at 8:00 am. Be sure to register online at www.wrar.org.

OUR 2014 VIP SPONSORS Award Winning Realtors Working with Award Winning Lenders The Mortgage Lending Team at Bank of Canton is proud to work with the Worcester Regional Association of Realtors ®. We’re eager to help you list and sell even more homes, so we’re dedicated to qualifying borrowers and ensuring we’re offering the products that they need, including Buy Worcester Now. Invite your client to experience the difference and find out first hand how our Mortgage Lending Team has maintained a Customer Satisfaction Score of 98%!

Your Trusted Lending Partners: To learn more about our home financing options for your clients, call 508.832.0078, visit us at 850 Southbridge Street in Auburn. Robert Bonofiglio

Regional Lending Manager NMLS# 454887

Gene Michael Deary Area Sales Manager NMLS# 454890

Arlette M. Lynch

Gary Premo

Regional Lending Manager Area Sales Manager NMLS# 39595 NMLS# 454909

508.832.0078 • 850 Southbridge St., Auburn, MA • Member FDIC. Member DIF.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

22 www.wrar.org

LOCAL MARKET UPDATE Local Market Update – February 2014 A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

- 0.6%

+ 6.4%

- 24.6%

Year-Over-Year Change in Closed Sales All Properties

Year-Over-Year Change in Median Sales Price All Properties

Year-Over-Year Change in Inventory of Homes All Properties

February

Single-Family Properties

2013 333 256 $220,000 2,310 5.5 108 91.0% 497

Pending Sales Closed Sales Median Sales Price* Inventory of Homes for Sale Months Supply of Inventory Cumulative Days on Market Until Sale Percent of Original List Price Received* New Listings

2014 434 256 $237,450 1,721 3.8 99 93.3% 551

Year to Date +/– + 30.3% 0.0% + 7.9% - 25.5% - 31.8% - 8.6% + 2.5% + 10.9%

2013 691 594 $219,900 --106 90.9% 1,014

February

Condominium Properties

2013 98 76 $165,000 533 5.8 104 94.4% 125

Pending Sales Closed Sales Median Sales Price* Inventory of Homes for Sale Months Supply of Inventory Cumulative Days on Market Until Sale Percent of Original List Price Received* New Listings

2014 114 71 $182,000 395 3.7 79 94.9% 145

2014 753 562 $244,450 --93 93.0% 1,019

+/– + 9.0% - 5.4% + 11.2% --- 12.5% + 2.3% + 0.5%

Year to Date +/– + 16.3% - 6.6% + 10.3% - 25.9% - 36.5% - 23.6% + 0.6% + 16.0%

2013 178 151 $177,000 --104 93.6% 274

2014 221 159 $182,000 --76 94.5% 277

+/– + 24.2% + 5.3% + 2.8% --- 26.7% + 1.0% + 1.1%

* Does not account for seller concessions. | Activity for one month can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.

Change in Median Sales Price from Prior Year (6-Month Average)** Single-Family Properties

Condominium Properties

All MLS Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® + 20%

+ 40%

+ 15%

+ 30%

+ 10%

+ 20%

+ 5%

+ 10%

- 5%

- 10%

- 20%

- 15%

- 30%

- 20% 1-2008

1-2009

1-2010

1-2011

1-2012

1-2013

All MLS Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

1-2014

- 40% 1-2008

1-2009

1-2010

1-2011

1-2012

1-2013

1-2014

** Each dot represents the change in median sales price from the prior year using a 6-month weighted average. This means that each of the 6 months used in a dot are proportioned according to their share of sales during

that period period. | All data from the Berkshire County Multiple Listing Service Service, Cape Cod & Islands Association of REALTORS® REALTORS®, Inc Inc. and MLS Property Information Network Network, Inc Inc. | Provided by MAR MAR. | Powered by 10K Research and Marketing Marketing.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

23 www.wrar.org

MAR LEGAL HOTLINE - APRIL IS FAIR HOUSING MONTH Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Counsel Justin Davidson, MAR Staff Attorney Q. We are opening a new rental office, and plan on specializing in vacation rentals. As we were brainstorming to create an office policy, one of my colleagues suggested that we deny applicants who are under the age of 25. Is this a good idea? A. No. Massachusetts Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination based upon race, religious creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. Unlike the laws on Lead Paint and Security Deposits, there is no exemption in the Fair Housing laws for short-term rentals. Therefore, your office should not impose any policy to deny applicants based upon their age. Remember, there are forms of legal discrimination, which would allow a landlord or his agent to deny an applicant based on a reason not set forth in the Fair Housing laws. This includes credit scores, references, statements of income (to verify employment), or the fact that an individual is a student. Just be sure to treat all applicants equally. Office policies should be established to eliminate possible differences in treatment by establishing uniform availability of information and uniform procedures in dealing with prospective tenants and purchasers. Q. What are the exemptions for Short-Term Rentals? A. The Lead Paint Law provides an exemption from the requirement that a landlord remove or encapsulate lead paint for rentals of 31 days or less for “vacation or recreational purposes.” For the vacation exemption for short term rentals, the property must be inspected and no chipping or peeling paint be found. There is also an exemption from the Security Deposit Law for rentals of 100 days or less. Q: A landlord recently asked me to market an apartment for her. She told me that she had a “bad” experience with a tenant that received a rental subsidy from the government and that she does not want the apartment shown to someone receiving governmental assistance. I have informed her that I will not work for her with that restriction. Can she rent it herself and exclude prospective tenants who receive assistance?

The decision to rent to a prospective tenant should be based on economics, not prejudice. If the tenant is able to establish both a willingness (through prior rental history or other references) and ability (through income, governmental assistance or a combination of the two) to pay the rent and be a responsible tenant, then they should be fairly considered for the apartment. Any landlord or broker failing to treat a prospective tenant fairly may be subject to legal action by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, as well as through State Court by the aggrieved party. Notably, one of the common reasons given by some landlords for trying to avoid renting to tenants receiving government assistance is the inspection requirement at the inception of the tenancy that many of the programs include. The concept behind this requirement is very simple: people who receive assistance from the government have the right to live in safe, decent housing and the government has the right to ensure that a landlord who is receiving the financial benefit of that assistance provides it. Landlords who maintain their properties in accordance with the state sanitary code should not be concerned about the prospect of an inspection of their property.

Q. I have errors & omissions insurance policy. Even if I get in trouble for discrimination, I am covered under my policy, right?

A: No. It is illegal under state fair housing law for any person to discriminate against tenants based upon their receipt of housing subsidy or a “section 8” voucher. The fact that the landlord may choose to rent out the property herself without the assistance of a broker does not negate her obligation to comply with the law.

A. Probably not. Most errors & omissions insurance policies expressly exclude coverage for discrimination. Even if the policies do not exclude discrimination, cases interpreting the obligation of insurance companies under E & O policies suggest that it is against public policy for an insurance company to cover a person against claims for intentional discrimination. Despite these cases, where a broker (who did not personally engage in discrimination) is charged with discrimination due to the alleged misconduct of a salesperson who works for the broker, Massachusetts law would not prevent the insurance carrier from providing coverage to the innocent broker.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

24 www.wrar.org

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President, Dave Stead Pres. Elect, Brad Roberts Vice President, Kris Koliss Secretary, Sarah Gustafson Treasurer, Conrad Allen Past President, Rochelle Jonswold Kathleen Cooper, Director Jayne DiLiberto, Director Tracey Fiorelli, Director Erika Hall, Director Lorraine Herbert, Director Lee Joseph, Director Judy Patterson, Director Mary Stolarczyk, Director Leslie Storrs, Director Diane Dabrowski, Alternate Kathleen McSweeney, Alternate

SCHOLARSHIP DRIVE RAFFLE WRAR Scholarship Funds are designated for children or grandchildren of REALTOR® members, Affiliate members or full-time staff employees of the Association. Each year our Scholarship Committee reviews all applications, and makes decisions based on factors including academic achievement, school and sports involvement, community activities, work experience and the student’s goals and personal accomplishments. A minimum of two scholarships are awarded each year, with a minimum value of $500 each. We would love to be able to increase these amounts, but are dependent upon the monies available in the fund. In an effort to raise scholarship money, Wendy Burdett of Prospect Mortgage has very generously donated the use of her Myrtle Beach, South Carolina condominum for one week to one lucky winner. Raffle tickets are $25 each. Dates are subject to availability and can be arranged through Wendy. For more information on the condo, visit http://www.vrbo.com/100933.

WRAR STAFF

To purchase a ticket, you may call the WRAR office at 508-832-6600 and ask for Lisa, or return the form below via fax to 508-832-6620.

Executive VP, Colleen Pappas

________________________________________________

Membership Manager, Lisa Sprague Marketing Manager, Jacki D’Innocenzo

DRAWING WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 17 AT THE AWARDS LUNCHEON! I want to enter! I will purchase: _____ One ticket for $25 I would like extra - _____ tickets for a total of $_____________.

Staff Accountant, Maura O’Connor Administrative Assistant, Lynne Walls

Name__________________________________________________________________ Billing Address__________________________________________________________

WRAR office hours are 9:00 am—5:00 pm. For assistance with the MLS Lockbox system, please make an appointment with Lynne Walls at 508832-6600.

_______________________________________________________________________

Please LIKE our facebook page at https://www. fa c e b o o k . c o m / WorcesterRegionalAssociationofREALTORS.

Credit Card_____________________________________________________________

email__________________________________________________________________ Telephone______________________________________________________________

Expiration Date__________________________________________________________

By doing so you will not only get up-tothe-minute information on everything going on at WRAR, but you will help us to increase our visibility while growing your own business network. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

25 www.wrar.org