Connections December 2015 by REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

December 2015 Inside this Issue: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE President’s Message

Month-at-a-Glance

Installation of Officers & Directors

4-6

Membership News

7-8

Fellow REALTORS®, Affiliates and WRAR Supporters: This will be my last newsletter in this capacity so I will start by thanking the people who are on staff and here year in and out doing a fantastic job of maintaining focus and consistency over the constant evolution of the leadership team. We are fortunate to have them and we must ensure that their efforts are being rewarded. Professionalism, commitment and pride go a long way to the respect of any organization.

Professional Development 9-13 REALTOR® Red Sox Rally

CREST

Local Market Update

Legal Hotline

Committee Volunteer Day

WRAR Mission Statement The purpose of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® is to: * Provide REALTOR® members with the resources that enable them to serve the public in an ethical and professional manner

Of most note is that our name change has been approved by the National Association of REALTORS® and your incoming leadership team will have the privilege and responsibility of overseeing that exciting change. As the Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®, we now have a name which more accurately describes the service of our entire membership. We are now better positioned to promote the REALTORS® brand, widen the area of service and reach out to provide better educational opportunities to a wider audience. As I often say to new agents, “At heart you are all social workers and, in the end, we are more concerned about our clients than our bottom line.” I have seen this hundreds of times in my 20 years as a settlement agent. BUT I also know this: current and future trends are designed to lower profit margins and require that our industry adapt to be able to continue to provide personalized service and still be profitable. In my opinion the key to accomplishing that goal is education and professionalism. As a group we must work smarter and be more respectful of each other’s time than ever before. Thank you for your time this past year - it was a pleasure. Thanks everyone

Brad

Brad Roberts 2015 WRAR President

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

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

WRAR MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE December 2015 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 8-2 CEU’s at CREST

2 11-1 Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage

3 5:30 Installation @ Beechwood

5 8-12 Pre-License Course

10 12:30-2:30 RPR

11 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training 12 Recruitment

12 8-12 Pre-License Course

7 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training 5:30-9:30 PreLicense Course

8 12-2 Lunch & Learn w/Wintrust Mortgage

9 9:30 Finance 11 BOD @ El Basha 12 Comm Chair Mtg

14 9 DR Breakfast: MLSPIN 5:30-9:30 PreLicense Course

15 12-2 Lunch & Learn w/Security First

16 17 9-12 The ONE 9 Comm Chairs Thing w/David Hill 9-12 Lunch & Learn w/Prospect Mortgage

WRAR CLOSED 27

30 Last Day to pay dues is 12/31!

WRAR CLOSED

Save the Date!

Thursday, March 24, 2016 Affiliate Appreciation Night at The Worcester Club Thursday, April 14, 2016

WRAR Awards Luncheon at the Wachusett Country Club

Thurdsday, June 23, 2016 WRAR Golf Tournament at the Wachusett Country Club

These make a GREAT CHRISTMAS gift for your REALTORS®!

On behalf of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Charitable Trust Foundation, we are happy to offer the REALTOR® bracelet! The cost is $20.00 and 100% of proceeds will be used for homeless grants and disaster relief!

WRAR has a limited amount on hand and you can pick them up at the office.

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

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Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 3 www.wrar.org

INSTALLATION OF 2016 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Over 150 members and guests were in attendance on December 3 at the Beechwood Hotel to celebrate the past yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments of the Association and to congratulate the new WRAR Officers & Directors. Kris Koliss was installed as our 2016 President, with special guest Kimberly Allard-Moccia serving as her Keynote Speaker and conducting the installation of all officers. We were also honored to have representatives from our State Association in attendance: Corrine Fitzgerald, 2015 MAR Presi dent; Anne Meczywor, 2016 MAR Secretary-Treasurer; and Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Legal Counsel. Senator Michael Moore, a longtime friend of Kris & Fran Koliss, was also in attendance to offer congratulations and support. Senator Moore represents the Second Worcester District (Auburn, Grafton, Leicester, Millbury, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Upton, and Worcester). Congratulations - AND BIG THANKS - to Mike DeLuca, who won the 50/50 Raffle prize of $375. The Raffle proceeds go directly to the WRAR Scholarship Fund. Mike immediately donated his winnings to the scholarship fund as well. Thank you for such a GENEROUS gesture! Congratulations to the following Officers & Directors and best of luck for success in the coming year: President President Elect Vice President Secretary Treasurer Imm. Past Pres.

Kris Koliss Sarah Gustafson Judy Patterson Tracey Fiorelli Mike Meurant Brad Roberts

Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director

Diane Dabrowski Mike DeLuca Erika Hall Lorraine Herbert Lee Joseph Kathy McSweeney Leslie Storrs John Vaillancourt

Alt. Director Alt. Director Alt. Director Alt. Director

Andrew Abu Jim Keenan Leif Rosseland Nathan Stewart

Above, the 2016 Officers & Directors take their oath, administered by Kimberly Allard-Moccia.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORSÂŽ 4 www.wrar.org

INSTALLATION OF 2016 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS Right: Kimberly Allard-Moccia delivering Keynote Address with Kris Koliss Below: Brad Roberts passes the gavel to Kris.

Right: WRAR Executive VP, Colleen Pappas, with Tom Valentine of Forward Financial Services.

Left: Bob Bonofiglio and Gary Premo of Bank of Canton.

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

INSTALLATION OF 2016 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Photos, top left: Pam Kelley & Shannon Johnson of Janice Mitchell RE with Diane DeCiccio, 2012 WRAR President, of Open Door Real Estate. Top right: Brad Roberts, Anthony LaMacchia, Corrine Fitzgerald and Kimberly Allard-Moccia Middle Right: Proud Mom Fran Koliss and Judy Patterson, both of Paramount Realty Group.

Right: Gretchen Antonelli, Forward Financial Services; Kris Koliss, and Kristen Walther, of Norcom Mortgage

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

MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Members

Amos Agyekum Keller Williams Realty Biodun Akande Exit Realty Partners Evan Arsenault Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Mary Ann Bassignani ERA Key Realty Services Shana Besaw RE/MAX Prof. Assoc. Linda Boisvert Keller Williams Realty Norman Boisvert Quinsigamond Realty Kwame Bonsu Exit Realty Partners Nichoel Breau Keller Williams Realty Andrew Bruce Exit Realty Partners Dianne Cariglia Coldwell Banker Andrea Castinetti Exit Realty Partners Laura Coomey Exit Realty Partners James Cooper RE/MAX Prof. Assoc. Wiley Cordone Keller Williams Realty Ariane Da Silva LAER Realty Partners Scott Dennett Keller Williams Realty Manoel Dias XSell Realty, LLC Amy Dwyer Keller Williams Realty Michael Ezzo RE/MAX Prof. Assoc. Caryn Facteau Quaboag Valley RE Jacqueline Forgeron CENTURY 21 Toomey Lovett Jessica Jalbert Exit Realty Partners Sue Kelly B.H.H.S. N.E.Prime Triantafyllo Kyriazis Keller Williams Realty Vi Lai Coldwell Banker Paul Latino RE/MAX Advantage Terese Laurence Exit Realty Partners Karynsue Marchione-Reidy Park Place Realty Deborah McCready Keller Williams Realty Amy Polanik Emerson Realtors Edward Reardon Millennium Realty Peter Rotondo ERA Key - Alliance Realty Franklin Safo-Agyare TopHills Realty Partners Caryl Savard Orbit Realty Elena Scaplen Keller Williams Realty Nathaniel Schur Emerson Realtors Tarryn Snyder Century 21 I & V Walsh R.E. Michelle St. Michael Rhodes Realty Carol Stewart Carol Stewart Patricia Talbot Collins & Demac RE Maria Vecchio Exit Realty Partners Alexa Willoughby Re/Max Vision Brooke Wrenn Emerson Realtors

Worcester Worcester Northboro Spencer Spencer Worcester Worcester Shrewsbury Worcester Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Auburn Sturbridge Worcester Westboro Worcester Worcester Westborough Sturbridge Brookfield Spencer Shrewsbury Whitinsville Worcester Worcester Worcester Shrewsbury Worcester Worcester Auburn Mendon Charlton Worcester Webster Worcester Auburn Shrewsbury Berlin Mendon Shrewsbury Worcester Worcester Auburn

New Applicants Paul Cutler Alyssa D’Amore Suzanne MacKenzie Donna Murphy Levites Peter Normandin Linda Tobey Alexa Willoughby Bruce Wilson

Keller Williams Realty Coldwell Banker C 21 North Shore Realty Smith Realty Group Keller Williams Realty Tangney Properties RE/MAX Vision Exit Beacon Pointe Realty

Worcester Worcester Leominster Mendon Worcester Worcester Worcester Northboro

Agents Transferred to Another Office Evan Arsenault

Exit Beacon Pointe Realty

Northboro

Joseph Beshai

Keller Williams Realty

Leominster

Diane Cariglia

Coldwell Banker

Shrewsbury

Vincent Lanzillo

Paramount Realty Group

N. Grafton

Nick McNeil

Keller Williams Realty

Westboro

New Office Michelle St. Michael

Rhodes Realty

PO Box 257, Berlin

Gary Smith

Smith Realty Group

4 Maple Street, Mendon

New Affiliates Brenden Dion

Fairway New England Mortgage

783 Southbridge Street, Auburn

Heidi Jo Kemp

Fairway New England Mortgage

783 Southbridge Street, Auburn

Julie Galli

Wintrust Mortgage

175 Highland Avenue, Needham

Drew Grandi

Wintrust Mortgage

175 Highland Avenue, Needham

Drawing Winner Congratulations to Jonathan Judkins of Keller Williams Realty, Worcester. Jonathan paid his dues before the November 30 drawing deadline and won his local dues ($280) back! We hope you enjoy this nice little holiday bonus!

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

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Welcome to the newest members of our REALTOR® family, shown above after being inducted into WRAR PIctured far right is Diane DeCiccio, 2012 WRAR President, who conducted the ceremony.

Code of Ethics

Dues Reminder The deadline for payment is December 31 to avoid any late

fees. As a reminder, the following late fee policy is in effect:

• All dues remittance must be postmarked by December 31 in order to avoid late fees.

• Members paying January 1–31 are subject to a $50.00 late fee.

• Members paying February 1-28 are subject to an The National Association of REALTORS® requires all REALTOR® members to complete a REALTOR® Code of Ethics course during the four year period that ends December 31, 2016. WRAR will hold these classes throughout the coming year, and the schedule will be published in January.

• • • •

Learn the role the Code should play in your business. Enhance professionalism and competency. Learn how to use the Code as a viable guide. Learn the benefits of Arbitration vs. Litigation

additional $50.00 late fee.

• Any member not paid by February 28 is automatically suspended per the bylaws.

• Members paying after March 1 are subject to all late fees in effect as well as a $50.00 reinstatement fee.

• Any member not paid by March 31 is automatically terminated per the bylaws.

Also keep in mind that the dues are not refundable, so please be sure you and your broker are renewing before you submit payment.

Sending Warmest Wishes

Congratulations to Chris Whitten of Premeer Real Estate and his wife Lindsey on the birth of their little girl! Kaylee Erin made her way into the world at 8:48pm Sunday evening on November 8th. Mom, baby, Dad and brothers are all doing wonderfully! Congratulations to Jeannine Ellis of MLS PIN and her husband, who have joined the Grandparents Club via their new granddaugher, Elliana. The new baby came into the world on November 16th 8lbs 2 oz, 20 inches long We extend our sympathies to Wendy Burdett of Prospect Mortgage on the loss of her mother-in-law, Dorothy Burdett, who passed away on December 3, after along illness. We also send condolences to Colleen Crowley of Exit Beacon Pointe Realty on the passing of her father-in-law, Gregory Grudinoff, who passed on November 29 at the age of 86. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 8 www.wrar.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  

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       

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     

    

                                                  

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

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prices. This NAR member benefit is yours as a member of

NAR; don’t miss this session to take advantage of this great member benefit. Luncheon Sponsored by Eric Silva of Quick Silva Law DATE: Thursday, December 10, 2015 TIME: 12:30pm – 2:30pm LOCATION: Worcester Regional Assoc. of REALTORS® 492 Washington St Auburn, MA INSTRUCTOR: Kimberly Allard-Moccia www.wrar.org or 508-832-6600

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Finance home repairs or remodels at closing with an FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan Are you looking at a house with “good bones” but it needs a lot of work? The FHA 203(k) loan program provides funds for renovations and repairs of your primary residence by financing the after-improved value rather than the present value of the home1. Qualified borrowers receive a single loan with one closing! • As little as 3.5% down payment • Finance 100% of weatherization/energy efficient improvements2 • Finance construction costs with a single closing • You chose the contractor (must meet lender approval qualifications) • A wide variety of repairs can be included, roofs, kitchen/bath remodels, flooring, paint, room additions, handicap accessibility, new appliances, plumbing/electrical repairs and lead-based paint abatements3

Please join us for Lunch and Learn Kelly Lizotte and Anne Marie Rafferty

December 15 12:00 to 2:00

Worcester Board of Realtors 492 Washington St. Auburn, Ma

1. FHA 203(k) Streamlined loan limited to $35,000 for repairs or renovation. FHA 203(k) Full repair amount is based on the purchase price plus repairs or 110% of the after-approved value, whichever is less. Must include fees, contingency reserve and repairs. 2. Up to an additional $8,000 may be available. Energy Efficient Mortgage Program improvements must reduce energy expense of a home to qualify. Examples of qualifying improvements include central heating/cooling, replacing wall heating units, test and seal ductwork, dual pane or low E windows and sliding doors, exterior doors and sunscreens, attic and wall insulation and water heater replacement. 3. Structural repairs or improvement qualify on the FHA 203(k) Full only

Richard McNally MLO# 21892 Cell: 508-523-7971

Brian Tankersley MLO# 32634 Cell: 508-853-3000

Kelly Lizotte MLO# 32750 Cell: 508-523-6409

Anne Marie Rafferty MLO# 566034 Cell: 508-864-9216

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

Michael Morcone MLO# 1059166 Cell: 774-766-0257

Bruce Varner MLO# 752600 347-615-4444

Susan Bertenthal CT MLO# 1203529 860-384-2945

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Special Event for Brokers and Managers ONLY Attention Office Principals! Register today for WRAR’s upcoming Office Principal Forum:

“MLS PIN A Look at the Future - Policy Changes, Syndication, and More" Only Office Principals and Office Managers are invited. You can be assured you will be in a room of only your peers.

Date: Monday, December 14 Time: 9:00 -10:30 am Cost: $15.00 Breakfast will be served

Panelists include: Kathy Condon, President & CEO MLS PIN John Breault, Director of Customer Support & Quality Assurance, MLS PIN

Topics for Discussion: 1. The Big Picture ♦ Zillow, Trulia & REALTOR.com ♦ How MLS PIN Will be Involved 2. An Update on Status Flags for Listings ♦ Whether Changes are on the Horizon 3. Pinergy's Contact Manager 4. The Latest on VOW's and SEO 5. Your Questions Answered ...and more Register online at www.wrar.org Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Join Bill Murphy and David Hill

Design and Live Your Best Year Ever in 2016!  Be able to set and achieve goals for success in 2016!  Focus on attitudes, actions and disciplines to make it happen for you in 2016!

 You will leave the workshop with the blueprint to master your business to "Live your best year ever in 2016"!

DO YOU WANT - extraordinary results in business but not willing to sacrifice family and personal life? - to achieve more results in the same or even less time? - clarity on your life purpose? If you answered YES to any of these questions, using this ONE THING success principle is perfect for you!

Worcester Regional Association of Realtors Wednesday, December 16, 2015 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Registration 8:30 AM) complimentary breakfast included

RSVP ONLINE: http://www.wrar.org/events.html William Murphy Certified Mortgage Planner 783 Southbridge St Auburn, MA 01501 Office 508-407-8300

Fax: 508-407-8304 wmurphy@fairwaymc.com http://www.fairwaymortgagene.com ID 2289 #1 Mortgage OriginatorNMLS in Central Mass, 2014 MLO ID 19301

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

David Hill Broker 276 Turnpike Rd. Suite 221, 2nd Floor Westborough, MA, 01581 Mobile 774-314-1107

Office: 508-365-3576 http://www.besthomesalert.com logistics@htahomes.com

Certified ONE THING Workshop Trainer Top Real Estate Team in Worcester County, 2014 13 www.wrar.org

REALTOR速 RED SOX RALLY

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速

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CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE STUDIES & TRAINING Upcoming CEU Courses for January 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 $20 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. Time

Instructor

Course Code

Course Title

Auburn - Tuesday, January 12, 2016 10:00am 12:00pm 2:00pm

Jo Ann Szymczak Jo Ann Szymczak Jo Ann Szymczak

RE15RO7 Selling Historic Homes RE63RC10 Environmental Issues RE22RC13 Title 5

Our real estate school is looking for new instructors. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time. Contact Colleen Pappas at WRAR for further details at cpappas@wrar.org.

OUR VIP SPONSOR Overcome Buyers’ Hurdles to

Homeownership with

Down Payment Resource!

Look for this logo on qualified listings

Find Down Payment Your buyers could be closer to homeownership than they realize. Down Payment Resource is now integrated into Pinergy listing data, providing valuable down payment assistance information for eligible listings. Look for their icon on qualified listings in Pinergy, IDX websites and soon, MLS PIN Homes. Click the icon to view suitable programs, including grants, tax credits, 0% interest and deferred payments, closing cost assistance and more. Buyers

customer support evenings & weekends

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

can take a brief, confidential survey to determine their eligibility, matching them to all available programs. DPR helps enhance the marketability of your listings, while helping homebuyers overcome the biggest challenge to homeownership – the down payment. DPR is free for MLS PIN customers. With information on down payment assistance now in one place, you can guide your clients over the financial hurdles of buying a home.

800-695-3000 • www.mlspin.com

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LOCAL MARKET UPDATE Local Market Update – September 2015 A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

+ 23.7%

+ 3.7%

- 17.7%

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

September

Single-Family Properties

2014 463 460 $244,000 3,004 6.8 101 94.3% 836

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

2015 665 552 $255,500 2,485 5.3 92 94.8% 890

Year to Date +/– + 43.6% + 20.0% + 4.7% - 17.3% - 21.8% - 8.9% + 0.5% + 6.5%

2014 4,170 3,938 $255,000 --107 94.7% 7,125

September

Condominium Properties

2014 108 98 $225,000 562 5.2 125 97.3% 167

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

2015 131 138 $224,250 450 3.9 90 96.4% 180

2015 4,913 4,283 $265,000 --104 95.3% 7,326

+/– + 17.8% + 8.8% + 3.9% --- 2.4% + 0.6% + 2.8%

Year to Date +/– + 21.3% + 40.8% - 0.3% - 19.9% - 24.8% - 27.4% - 1.0% + 7.8%

2014 1,012 973 $205,500 --100 96.2% 1,511

2015 1,176 1,043 $217,000 --93 96.3% 1,622

+/– + 16.2% + 7.2% + 5.6% --- 6.1% + 0.1% + 7.3%

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

Median Sales Price

BASED ON A ROLLING 12-MONTH AVERAGE

Single-Family Properties

Condominium Properties All MLS

All MLS

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

$350,000

$300,000

$300,000 $250,000

$200,000 $250,000

$150,000

$200,000 1-2008

1-2009

1-2010

1-2011

1-2012

1-2013

1-2014

1-2015

$100,000 1-2008

1-2009

1-2010

1-2011

1-2012

1-2013

1-2014

1-2015

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

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

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LEGAL HOTLINE Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Counsel Justin Davidson, MAR Legislative & Regulatory Counsel

Q. I have listed a property and the seller has outfitted his home with webcams. He says it is to keep an eye on the property, but I think it is to listen to conversations and see who is viewing the house. Must I disclose to potential buyers and their agents that they are being videotaped? A. Questions regarding the use of webcams or “nanny cams” are becoming more prevalent throughout the nation. Increasingly, sellers worry about safety in their home and wish to monitor showings with these devices. Others may view the use of these cameras as a tactic to give them an edge on negotiations, as they will get a sense of the buyer’s view of the home. If your seller wishes to use a webcam, it is important to have a discussion regarding the legality of these devices when taking the listing. If the webcam has a feature that streams or records audio, the seller must obtain consent from all of the individuals being recorded in advance of the recording. Massachusetts has some of the strictest wiretapping laws in the country; it is one of the few states that requires that all parties involved to give consent. Therefore, it is illegal to record conversations of prospective buyers (and their agents) without their permission. If the webcam does not stream or record audio, or the seller has disabled this feature, the law is not as explicit. Neither Massachusetts nor federal wiretapping laws prohibit video surveillance or require consent from the parties. It is strongly encouraged, however, that if a seller is using a webcam it should be clearly disclosed to all prospective purchasers and their agents. If you represent a buyer, you should consider asking listing agents if there is a webcam in use at the showing. Q: I downloaded an app that allows me to live-stream video from my mobile device. I plan to use it in my marketing packages. Are there any legal issues that I should consider?

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

A: Just as with Nanny Cams that sellers are installing in their homes, there are also legal implications to consider when using live-streaming video apps. Since you plan to use the video for commercial purposes, the standard of “right to publicity” applies. Therefore, if you record any video for commercial purposes, even if there is no audio, you are required to obtain the permission of those shown in the video before it can be used for commercial purposes, whether it is used for a social media post or a digital ad. Those using live-streaming apps should also be mindful of potential copyright infringement. Most of the streaming apps prohibit using the service to record copyrighted content. If you include copyrighted material in your video, you run the risk of having your account deleted and could face a potential lawsuit. You also want to remember that all advertisements are required to include the name of your brokerage. Massachusetts Regulation 254 CMR 3.00(9) states that, “A broker shall not advertise in any way that is false or misleading” and “all advertisements shall include the name of the real estate broker.” Further, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics Standard of Practice 12-5 goes on to say that, “REALTORS® shall not advertise nor permit any person employed by or affiliated with them to advertise real estate services or listed property in any medium (e.g., electronically, print, radio, television, etc.) without disclosing the name of that REALTOR®’s firm in a reasonable and readily apparent manner.” In all of your advertisements, you want to be sure to make it clear that you are a real estate professional and to also include the name of your firm.

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2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President, Brad Roberts President Elect, Kris Koliss Vice-President, Sarah Gustafson Secretary, Judy Patterson Treasurer, Michael Meurant Immediate Past President, Dave Stead

Diane Dabrowski Jayne Diliberto Tracey Fiorelli Erika Hall Lorraine Herbert Lee Joseph Kathy McSweeney Leslie Storrs James Keenan John Vaillancourt

COMMITTEE DISCOVERY DAY On November 5 WRAR hosted our Annual Committee Discovery Day, where members are invited to gather information on the various volunteer opportunities open to them as members of the Association. We were delighted to see over 30 new faces at this event. We anticipate that 2016 committee service will be as fulfilling as it was in 2015. If you are interested in learning more about the committees, please take a look at our Committee Brochure on our website at http://www.wrar.org/documents-library/ or reach out to our EVP Colleen Pappas at cpappas@wrar.org.

Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Alternate Alternate

WRAR STAFF Executive VP, Colleen Pappas Office Manager, Lisa Sprague Marketing Manager, Jacki D’Innocenzo Accountant, Maura O’Connor

WRAR office hours are 9:00 am— 5:00 pm. For assistance with the MLS Lockbox system, please make an appointment with Lisa Sprague at 508-832-6600. Please LIKE our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WorcesterRegionalAssociationofREALTORS. By doing so you will not only get up-to-the-minute information on everything going on at WRAR, but you will help us to increase our visibility while growing your own business network. Be sure to download the WRAR app for easy access to all things WRAR! Visit the iphone store or the google play store and search for WRAR!

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

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