January 2015 Inside this Issue: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE President’s Message
1
Month-at-a-Glance
2
Year-at-a-Glance
3
Tax Extension Update
5
Classes/Events
6-10
Membership News
12-13
CREST
1412
Local Market Update
15
Legal Corner
16
Committee Service Action
17
Happy New Year – and I am thrilled to say New Year! First order of business is a big thank you to Dave Stead and his 2014 leadership team. Thanks to Dave and our truly talented staff, last year was outstanding. Of particular note is the completion of the parking lot extension, which had long been our goal as an association. That completed project not only helps us to continue service to an even larger audience, but also significantly improves the value of our property. As our economy continues to improve we are seeing an influx of new licensees to our industry. This is exciting for the industry and for our Association as we continue to provide outstanding training for agents of all experience levels. It is important that we reach out to newer agents and try to create an inviting and open environment in which we all help them understand our professional standards and the value of increased education and experiential learning.
WRAR Mission Statement The purpose of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® is to:
All the best for a healthy New Year!
Brad Brad Roberts 2015 WRAR President
* Provide REALTOR® members with the resources that enable them to serve the public in an ethical and professional manner * 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 January 2015 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday 1 NEW YEARS DAY
Friday 2
Saturday 3
WRAR CLOSED 4
5
6
7 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training
8 2-4 Bus Builder: Paperless Transactions
9
10
11
12
13 10-4 CEU Classes
14 9:30 Finance Comm. 10:30 BOD
15 4-6 YPN Appy Hour
16 10:30-1 Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage
17
18
19 MLK Jr. DAY
20
21 10-4 CEU Classes
22 12:-2 Lunch & Learn w/Southbridge Savings
23
24 8-12 Prelicense Class
27
28
29
30
31 8-12 Prelicense Class
WRAR CLOSED 25
26 5:30-9:30 Prelicense Class
Save the Date April 16, 2015
Awards Luncheon at the Wachusett Country Club
June 25, 2015
Annual Golf Tournament at the Wachusett Country Club
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速 2 www.wrar.org
WRAR YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE 8‐Jan 13‐Jan 14‐Jan 15‐Jan 16‐Jan 19‐Jan 21‐Jan 22‐Jan 24‐Jan
Business Builder CEU Classes Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. YPN Appy Hour Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage WRAR CLOSED CEU Classes Lunch & Learn w/Southbridge Savings: Grants Pre‐License Classes Begin
2‐Apr
3‐Feb 5‐Feb 10‐Feb 11‐Feb 12‐Feb 23‐Feb 25‐Feb
Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. Professional Development Committee Mtg CEU Classes Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. Business Builder Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage CEU Classes
3‐Mar 4‐Mar 5‐Mar 10‐Mar 11‐Mar 12‐Mar 17‐Mar 25‐Mar
Professional Development Committee Mtg 4‐Apr Pre‐License Classes Begin 7‐Apr Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. 7‐Apr CEU Classes 8‐Apr Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. 9‐Apr Business Builder 14‐Apr Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage 16‐Apr Awards Ceremony 20‐Apr WRAR CLOSED 28‐Apr CEU Classes
5‐May 7‐May
Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. Professional Development Committee Mtg 12‐May Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage 11‐16 May NAR Conference 14‐May Business Builder
2‐Jun 4‐Jun
3‐Jul 8‐Jul
5‐Aug CEU Classes 12‐Aug Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. 18‐Aug CEU Classes
1‐Sep 2‐Sep 3‐Sep
14‐Jul 29‐Jul
WRAR CLOSED Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. CEU Classes CEU Classes
9‐Jun 10‐Jun 11‐Jun 13‐Jun 17‐Jun 23‐Jun 25‐Jun
7‐Sep 9‐Sep 10‐Sep 12‐Sep 18‐Sep 18‐Sep 22‐Sep
1‐Oct
Professional Development Committee Mtg Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. CEU Classes Business Builder Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. Annual Meeting CEU Classes
3‐Nov 4‐Nov
Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. 1‐Dec Finance Committee Mtg. 1‐Dec 6‐Oct Board of Directors Mtg. 3‐Dec 6‐Oct 5‐Nov Professional Development 8‐Oct Committee Mtg 4‐Dec 13‐Oct 5‐Nov MAR Caucus 9‐Dec 14‐Oct 7‐Nov CEU Classes 10‐Nov Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage 10‐Dec 22‐Oct 11‐Nov WRAR CLOSED 16‐Dec 27‐Oct 12‐Nov Business Builder 25‐Dec 14‐Nov Pre‐License Classes Begin 18‐Nov New Member Orientation 24‐Nov CEU Classes 26‐Nov WRAR CLOSED *Programs & Events subject to change. For a complete and updated schedule, visit www.wrar.org.
Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. New Member Orientation Professional Development Committee Mtg CEU Classes Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. Business Builder Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage CEU Classes
Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. Professional Development Committee Mtg Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. Business Builder CEU Classes New Member Orientation CEU Classes WRAR Golf Tournament
Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. CEU Classes Professional Development Committee Mtg WRAR CLOSED Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. Business Builder Pre‐License Classes Begin Legislative Breakfast Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage CEU Classes Gov’t Affairs Committee Mtg. CEU Classes Professional Development Committee Mtg Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage Finance Committee Mtg. Board of Directors Mtg. Business Builder CEU Classes WRAR CLOSED
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 3 www.wrar.org
REAL E ESTATE
2015 VIP SPONSORS
The lAW office OF
JESSICA ALBINO
Real Estate Law with a Personal Touch
Because we're a small office, we can bring a personal touch to our services that larger offices cannot. With more than 18 years in real estate, I know the ins and outs of the system, so I can help you navigate all the requirements and documentation. What's more, I recognize the stresses and demands of buying and selling property. I do everything I can to make the process easier, more equitable, and more efficient, whether adjusting my schedule to fit yours or negotiating terms for you窶ｦ all within competitive fee structures. Simply put, we're not a traditional attorney's office.
Services Our Ofﾏ進ce Provides Representation of Buyers & Sellers Real Estate Conveyance for Lenders Specializing in Mortgage Foreclosures Title Insurance and Title Issues Estate Planning Business Formations 21 Harrison Avenue, Auburn, MA 01501 (T) 774-641-4201 * (F) 508-365-5459 email: albinolaw@live.com Find us on Facebook Worcester Regional Association of REALTORSﾂｮ 4 www.wrar.org
2015 VIP SPONSORS
We work hard for our clients and have developed a solid reputation for honesty and creativity and have built a track record of success that speaks for itself. • Residential mortgage loan closings for lenders and borrowers • Buyer and Seller Representation John “Jay” Barron, Esq.
53 East Central Street | Worcester, MA 01605 | www.centralmasslaw.com Tel: 508-755-5779 | Fax: 508-755-7363 | Email: jbarron@centralmasslaw.com
TAX EXTENSIONS PASSED National Association of REALTORS® President Chris Polychron has issued the following statement on key legislation passed by Congress: “The package of tax extensions approved by the U.S. House and Senate, and headed to the President’s desk for signature, includes important provisions that will help distressed homeowners and commercial property investors with transactions made during 2014. NAR applauds Congressional leaders in both chambers for their effort to pass this legislation before adjournment. “REALTORS® strongly supported the bipartisan Mortgage Forgiveness Tax Relief Act, which was included in the package to prevent underwater borrowers from paying taxes on any mortgage debt forgiven or cancelled by a lender in a workout or after their home was sold for less money than was owed. We are grateful to Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., and Reps. Tom Reed, R-N.Y., and Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y., for championing the provision. “The legislation also includes one-year extensions of the 15-year depreciation schedule for leasehold improvements and the deduction for improvements to energy efficient commercial buildings.” Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 5 www.wrar.org
A monthly educational series brought to you by the WRAR Professional Development Committee
Business Builders
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Business Builder Session 1:
Paperless Transaction Forum Thursday, January 8, 2015 2:00-4:00 pm WRAR 492 Washington Street, Auburn FREE to WRAR Members Back by Popular Demand! Hands on - Bring your laptop! Live help & tech support Paperless transaction demo! Unleash your inner geek! How to conduct the perfect paperless
transaction
2:00-2:30 Paperless transaction demo Paper vs. paperless spoof! 2:30-4:00 Workshop with 5 booths: DotLoop Basic DotLoop Advanced Zipforms Basic Zipforms Advanced General tech support
This class is sponsored by:
And plenty of knowledgable floaters to give extra help! .......................................................... 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® 6 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
YPN Young Professionals Network
Professional Development & Networking Opportunities for today’s REALTOR®
The Young Professionals Network of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® cordially invites you to:
Appy Hour Two Hours of Apps & Appetizers! Date: Time: Place: Cost:
Thursday, January 15, 2015 (snow date, Jan. 29) 4:00-6:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn FREE to WRAR Members
Learn about the BEST apps for your smartphones & tablets to EXCEL in your REAL ESTATE CAREER! Speakers: Joe Schutt, Pat Tauro & Chris Whitten Moderator: Kathleen Cooper Appetizers, Beer & Wine sponsored by Bill Murphy, Fairway Mortgage, and Tom Valentine, Foward Financial Services
Register online at www.wrar.org or fax this form to 508-832-6620 or email to lsprague@wrar.org Name:________________________________________________________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________________________________________________________ email:________________________________________________________________________________________ Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 7 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Start your year off strong and set the tone for a successful 2015! Upcoming Lunch and Learn events at WRAR • January 16th RE47R05: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (Registration 10:30) • February 23rd RE25R08: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (Registration 10:30) What you will learn: • What interest rates are expected to do in 2015 • New conventional loan program for a 3% down payment • How to help the millennial generation understand their student loan debt and housing options • What constitutes a strong pre-approval to get your offer accepted • How to improve credit scores and be approved for the best loan program • Cheat sheet for FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA, and MA Housing
William B. Murphy Certified Mortgage Planner NMLS: 19301 Fairway NMLS: 2289 5 Albert St Auburn, MA 01501 wmurphy@fairwaymc.com www.fairwaymortgagene.com Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 8 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Lunch & Learn with Attorney Nicholas Daviau
the Top 10 legal issues
facing brokers & real estate agents and how to avoid them Date: Time: Place: Cost:
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 12:00 - 2:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn FREE to WRAR Members
Topics to be covered: Misrepresentation Agency Issues or Breach of Fiduciary Duty Fair Housing False or Misleading Advertising Salesperson’s Employment or Independent Contractor Status Environmental Issues Lunch & Refreshments will be served courtesy of
Daviau Law Offices, PC Guiding You Through Each Phase of Your Life
REGISTER ONLINE AT WRAR.ORG or CALL 508-832-6600 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 9 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GOT GRANTS?
& Join Us For a 2 Hour Informative Session On Grants Your Buyer Can Take Advantage of NOW!
Thursday January 22nd 12pm-2pm
The Worcester Regional Association 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 • Increase Your Current Buyer’s Purchasing Power • Get Your Buyer Up To $15k In Down Payment & Closing Costs Assistance
Host: E DeG mily South ray of Savin bridge 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®
10 www.wrar.org
2014 VIP SPONSORS
Homebuyer WorksHop Wednesday, January 21st 6-9pm Worcester Board of Realtors 492 Washington Street (Route 20), Auburn Please use the back entrance!
Are you AfrAid you cAn't buy A house? Join Bank of Canton and American Consumer Credit Counseling and take the first step toward understanding what it takes to buy a house. Familiarize yourself with the homebuying process and get the information you need to prepare yourself for the next step. We want to help!
Topics will include: Understanding Credit • Review your credit file and credit scores • What to do if there is a mistake on your credit report • How to improve your credit score
Introduction to the Mortgage Process • • • • •
Preparing for financing Understanding how your credit score impacts your loan Down payment requirements Getting prequalified Qualifying and applying for a mortgage
For reserved seating, call by Saturday, January 17th – 508.450.6160 Maureen Linehan Sweet Regional Lending Manager NMLS #1115540 508.450.6160 (mobile) 508.832.0078 (office) 781.830.6414 (efax) msweet@ thebankofcanton.com Member FDIC. Member DIF.
Val Tourtelloutte Senior Housing Counselor
first-time homebuyer Attendees receive A
$300 credit towArd closing costs on A
bAnk of cAnton mortgAge!1
1 Offer valid until 12/31/15 Cannot be combined with any other Bank of Canton offer. Limit one coupon per mortgage loan application. Must be presented at time of application. Offer subject to credit approval.
Bank of Canton Mortgage Center • 850 Southbridge Street • Auburn, MA • 508.832.0078
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
11 www.wrar.org
MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Applicants Matthew Charron Katarina Earley Thomas Ingalls Michelle Roberts
ERA Key Realty Services Keller Williams Realty ERA Key Realty Services ERA Key Realty Services
Auburn Worcester Worcester Spencer
Agents Transferred Offices Mark Balestracci Exit Realty Partners Fred Bush Exit Realty Partners Brian Carpenter Exit Realty Partners Gina Chrostowski Exit Realty Partners Brian Coomey Exit Realty Partners Carrie Cross Exit Realty Partners Henry Daviau Jr. Exit Realty Partners Matteo Gentile Exit Realty Partners Nicole Grigas RE/MAX Professional Jeannine Hair Coldwell Banker Richard Kady Coldwell Banker Maura O’Connor Exit Realty Partners Edna Ortiz Exit Realty Partners Judy Patterson Paramount Realty Group Gary Powell Exit Realty Partners Denise Sherman Exit Realty Partners Alica Tomasino Exit Realty Partners Mark Toomy Coldwell Banker Sarah Vo Cedar Wood Realty Group J.Theodore Zajkowski Exit Realty Partners
Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Charlton Worcester Northboro Auburn Auburn N.Grafton Auburn Auburn Auburn Northboro Worcester Auburn
Agents Transferred Board to WRAR Kathleen Goneau Tracy McGrath Amy Mondello Marcia Pessanha Karen Slack Walter Wilde
Keller Williams NC Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty RE/MAX RE Center Keller Williams Realty Coldwell Banker
Leominster Westboro Worcester Westboro Westboro Westboro
New Office Opened Jessica Barber
Exit Realty Partners 469 Southbridge Street
Auburn
New Affiliates Cheryll LeBlanc Mortgage Network
23 Midstate Drive St 116 Auburn
Trave Harmon
Triton Technologies 34 Harvard Street
Worcester
Tech Support Listing The Technology Helpline will no longer be a MAR Member Benefit. It has been removed it from the website, and replaced with language that leads members to helpful tech support phone numbers if they need it for Learner Library, Ziplogix, etc. Here is that link: https://www.marealtor.com/ members/technology/support-phone-numbers
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
12 www.wrar.org
MEMBERSHIP NEWS Scholarship Raffle
Our Young Professionals Networking Group is holding another raffle in support of the WRAR Scholarship Fund. As most of you know, the Scholarship Fund exists to help children and grandchildren of REALTORS® and Affiliate members to help further their education. Scholarships are awarded each spring. In 2014, we gave $4,000 ($1,000 each) to children of WRAR members.
To build up our 2015 Scholarship Funds, we will be selling raffle tickets for $25 each. The winner will receive the use of a cottage in Ogunquit, ME, for the week of June 13th through June 20th, 2015. This holds a $1,300 value. For more information and pictures, visit http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p365187. Thank you to Bryan Larson of Fairway Mortgage, Boston, for the generous donation of the cottage. To purchase a ticket, call Lisa Sprague, Membership Manager, at 508-832-6600, ext. 230, or email Lisa at lsprague@wrar.org.
Top Producer Awards!! Be on the lookout for the Top Producer Awards Application, which will appear in next month’s issue of “Connections. WRAR recognizes REALTORS® for their outstanding levels of production in real estate transactions during the calendar year. This award may be given to Individual REALTORS® and Teams. Last year was our first year offering this recognition and it was outstanding! However, many were left disappointed because they didn’t get their application in. Don’t let that happen to you! Be counted among the TOP PRODUCERS in the Worcester Region!!
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
13 www.wrar.org
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.
Auburn, Tuesday, January 13, 2015 Time
Instructor
Course Code
Course Title
10:00 - 12:00
Jo Ann Szymczak RE26RC07
Appraisal Process
12:00 - 2:00
Jo Ann Szymczak RE25RC08
Financing
2:00 - 4:00
Jo Ann Szymczak RE18RC07
Property Assessments, Valuation & Taxation
Auburn, Wednesday, January 21, 2015 10:00 - 12:00
Brad Roberts
RE04RC12
93A, Consumer Protection & Business Regulations
12:00 - 2:00
Brad Roberts
RE73R1
Veterans Administration (VA) Loans
2:00 - 4:00
Brad Roberts
RE34RC03
National Economic Trends & the Real Estate Professional
Pre-License Classes Our next Pre-License class is scheduled to begin on January 24, 2015, and runs on the following dates: • Saturdays: January 24 & 31; February 7, 14 & 21 from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon • Mondays: January 26; February 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 5:30 - 9:30 pm If you know someone interested in getting their Real Estate License, they may register for these classes online or by calling the WRAR offices at 508-832-6600.
Mortgage Financing with
a Personal Touch
Cheryll LeBlanc
District Manager, NLMS #484281 cleblanc@mortgagenetwork.com (508) 498-7570
www.CheryllLeBlanc.com 23 Midstate Drive Suite 23 │ Auburn, MA 01501 © 2014 Mortgage Network, Inc. NMLS ID# 2668. Massachusetts Mortgage Lender and Broker MC2668. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. Equal Housing Lender.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
14 www.wrar.org
LOCAL MARKET UPDATE Local Market Update – November 2014 A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
- 11.8%
+ 3.7%
- 14.5%
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
November
Single-Family Properties
2013 357 438 $246,000 2,433 5.3 98 93.5% 479
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 421 387 $255,000 2,169 5.0 114 93.4% 382
Year to Date +/– + 17.9% - 11.6% + 3.7% - 10.9% - 6.0% + 16.1% - 0.1% - 20.3%
2013 5,260 5,090 $247,000 --109 94.0% 7,924
+/– - 1.2% - 15.8% - 4.4% - 27.2% - 27.8% + 0.9% - 1.9% - 33.9%
2013 1,209 1,177 $195,000 --117 95.7% 1,781
November
Condominium Properties
2013 86 101 $169,900 548 5.1 93 94.5% 127
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 85 85 $162,500 399 3.7 94 92.7% 84
2014 5,108 4,785 $255,000 --107 94.5% 8,175
+/– - 2.9% - 6.0% + 3.2% --- 1.6% + 0.6% + 3.2%
Year to Date 2014 1,236 1,189 $202,875 --101 95.9% 1,753
+/– + 2.2% + 1.0% + 4.0% --- 13.8% + 0.2% - 1.6%
* 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 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® $350,000
All MLS Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
b a
$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
$100,000 1-2008
1-2009
1-2010
1-2011
1-2012
1-2013
1-2014
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®
15 www.wrar.org
MAR LEGAL HOTLINE Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Counsel Justin Davidson, MAR Staff Attorney
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 more about listening to conversations and seeing 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 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: As alternative energy sources such as solar panels and wind systems become more common, the question as to whether they are subject to Massachusetts property taxes has been asked. Are these systems exempt? Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
A: The Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board recently ruled that solar and wind-powered systems are exempt from property taxes, so long as the system generate hear or energy, and it services property that is subject to property taxes. This ruling stems from a case out of Westborough, Massachusetts where an 845-panel solar system on five acres was assessed for property taxes of nearly $40,000 over a two-year span. The abatements the owner sought were denied, and he appealed to the state’s appellate tax board, which ruled that these systems were in fact exempt, on December 4, 2014. Q: A home that I have listed has been found to have an oil leak in the basement due to a faulty fuel line from the tank to the furnace. Environmental inspection professionals have been called but have not come out yet to do an assessment. The seller is adamant that we not disclose this to prospective buyers since they plan to clean it up before a closing is scheduled and they don’t want to scare buyers away. What should I do? A: Pursuant to the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 93A), you have an affirmative duty to disclose any known material defects about a property to prospective buyers. Although the oil contamination issue your seller facing is not an uncommon one, it could adversely affect a prospective purchaser’s decision to buy the home. In fact, the issue is so common that state environmental rules now require all new delivery lines to be encased in a non-metallic protective sleeve when installed.
Your seller is taking the right steps by contacting qualified professionals to evaluate the problem. This does not, however, negate your duty as a real estate professional to disclose the issue.
For more information, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection has put together a great brochure on the issue of heating oil fuel lines. It is available at http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dep/ cleanup/deline.pdf. 16 www.wrar.org
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
Kathleen Cooper Diane Dabrowski Jayne Diliberto Tracey Fiorelli Erika Hall Lorraine Herbert Lee Joseph Kathy McSweeney Leslie Storrs James Keenan John Vaillancourt
Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Alternate Alternate
COMMITTEE SERVICE We always welcome new members to each of our committees. We encourage you to review the following committee list and let us know which most interests you. You will find that the increased interaction with other members will provide you with new business opportunities you never expected. Each committee has an appointed chair or co-chairs who help to organize the many programs and events offered to our members. Participation on our committees is open to all of our members and affiliated business partners. • • • • •
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE
WRAR STAFF Executive VP, Colleen Pappas Membership Manager, Lisa Sprague Marketing Manager, Jacki D’Innocenzo Accountant, Maura O’Connor Administrative Assistant, Lynne Walls
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 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.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
17 www.wrar.org