July - August 2015 Inside this Issue: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE President’s Message
1
Month-at-a-Glance
2-3
Latest News
5-6
Classes & Events
7-11
Membership News
12-16
CREST
17
Community Action
18
Golf Outing
19-20
Gov’t Affairs
21-24
YPN Summer Outing
25
Local Market Update
26
Legal Hotline
27
RPAC Update
28
WRAR Mission Statement The purpose of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® is to:
Greetings fellow Realtors®! As Spring trends to Summer I hope you are all busy and working smart! There certainly is lots of activity and with the boost of some inventory, we can hopefully get these anxious buyers into new properties. It’s good to see activity on this increased level. Things continue to go well at the Board, thanks in large part to a well organized and hard working staff. Thanks, too, to our many volunteers who make our events so special. We just finished up one of our most successful golf tournaments ever. It was a picture perfect New England day and the golfers took maximum advantage of the weather. The committee was able to make two charitable contributions with the proceeds. Many thanks to the people who worked so hard to make it a success. Finally, I want to repeat to any who have yet to contribute to RPAC to please consider a donation of any amount. The important work of the lobbying arm of the Realtor® Party cannot be underestimated, as the changing economy continues to take aim at the housing industry for further sacrifices. The protection of home ownership is second only to helping people to realize the dream of home ownership and must remain at the forefront of our commitment to our clients and customers. Best to all for a lovely summer.
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 July 2015 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3 WRAR CLOSED
4
5
6
7
8 11 Comm. Task Force
9
10
11
12
13
14 8-2 CREST CEU Classes
15
16 17 5:30-7:30 CEU Class TILA/RESPA
18
19
20
21 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training
22 9-11 CEU Class TILA/RESPA
23
24 9:30-11 Central Mass Transit
25
26
27
28
29 8-2 CREST CEU Classes
30
31
Save the Date Aug. 6, 2015
YPN Summer Outing
Sept. 15, 2015
Power Negotiator’s Playbook
Sept. 18, 2015
Legislative Breakfast
Sept. 23, 2015
YPN Speed Leaning
Sept. 27, 2015
State REALTOR® of the Year Dinner
Sept. 28 & 29, 2015
SRS Designation
Oct. 22, 2015
Annual Meeting at the College of the Holy Holy Cross with NAR Economist Lawrence Yun
Dec. 3, 2015
Installation of Officers & Directors at the Beechwood Hotel
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 2 www.wrar.org
WRAR MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE August 2015 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday 1
2
3
4 8-2 CREST CEU Classes
5 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training
6 10 Prof Dev Comm 12-4 YPN Summer Outing
7
8
9
10
11
12 10-12 High Performance Home
13
14
15
16
17
18 8-2 CREST CEU Classes
19
20
21
22
23
24
25 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training
26
27
28
29
30
31
Get Your REALTOR速 Bracelet! On behalf of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS速 Charitable Trust Foundation, we are happy to announce the rollout of the REALTOR速 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速 3 www.wrar.org
2015 VIP SPONSOR
Effective August 1, 2015: TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures (TRID) Rule TRID is replacing current forms with two new forms: the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. How are these changes impacting business, and what can we do to make for a smooth closing? Best practices and realistic timelines for clients. Find out on September 18th at the next lunch and learn hosted by Bill Murphy of Fairway Mortgage.
Lunch and Learn: September 18, 2015 11:00am – 1:00pm (Registration at 10:30am) WRAR 492 Washington St, Auburn, MA 01501
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® 4 www.wrar.org
WRAR APP IT’S HERE! You asked, and we delivered! We now have our very own app to communicate with our members in a timely fashion. The app links our members to relevant programs, topics and trends. You can check upcoming events, easily link to the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® and REALTOR® Action Center to make your RPAC contribution, and more. You can also download your membership card, which you can use for local vendor discounts. We will also be able to send push notifications as reminders about important topics and events. To get the app, which is available both on iphones and androids, go to the iphone app store or the google play store and search for “WRAR” or “Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®.”
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE
FOR LEASE Professional Office Space 2,200+ sq. ft. • High visibility on Rte 20, Auburn, MA • Minutes to all major routes • Private Offices with Flexible Floor Plan • Conference Room • Ample Parking • Minimum one year lease • Contact 508-832-6600 for details
Do you know someone? Give us a call!
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 5 www.wrar.org
STAFFING NEWS
Effective July 6, our Administrative Assistant, Lynne Walls, will be leaving WRAR. Lynne has been a valued employee with WRAR since 2011 and has provided exceptional customer service for our members. Lynne was also instrumental in developing the monthly educational offerings and pre-license classes and helped to grow the attendance in our classroom. After a careful restructuring of staff, Lisa Sprague will now be Office Manager and the position of Membership Coordinator will be filled over the coming months. Lynne will be spending more time with her family, and we wish her great success in her future endeavors. Please be sure to send her good wishes!
2015 VIP SPONSOR
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• • • • • • •
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www.mlspinhomes.com
FREE Leads!
customer support evenings & weekends
• 800-695-3000 • www.mlspin.com
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 6 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) & THE Effect on Real Estate Closings Receive 2 CEU’s - RE93R15 Dates: July 16 (5:30pm-7:30pm) July 22 (9:00am-11:00am) Place: WRAR, 492 Washington St Auburn Cost: FREE to WRAR Members
This course provides a counseling session to prepare real estate agents and their clients on how to respond to new changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) rules, effective date of August 1, 2015 (pending delay to October 1). These very important sessions will be offered twice monthly through August 1. Lunch & Refreshments will be served courtesy of Mark P. Covotta Branch Manager Stonegate Mortgage NMLS# 65971
REGISTER ONLINE AT WRAR.ORG or CALL 508-832-6600 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 7 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® in conjunction with the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® invite you to this important advisory meeting.
The Road to Success
Date: Time: Place:
Friday, July 24, 2015 9:30 -11:00 am WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA
Special Guests: Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) Transportation Staff Central Massachusetts Metropolital Planning Organization (CMMPO) Staff Jonathan Church, Project Manager Rich Rydant, Project Manager Paul Yorkis, 2015 MAR Vice President for Government Affairs Topics: Major Regional Transportation Planning Activities: Overview of “Federal Certification Documents” *Introduction to the CMMPO *Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP): “Mobility 2040” *Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Highway & Transit Availability of Central Massachusetts “DataCommon” Availability of National and MAR Smart Growth Grants (Paul Yorkis)
Attend this important meeting to find out the long-range mass transit plans for Central Mass. and the present and future transportation solutions for the CMRPC region. Register online at www.wrar.org or call us at 508-832-6600. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 8 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
High Performance Home Date: Time: Subject:
Wednesday, August 12, 2015 10:00 am - 12:00 noon High Performance Home CEU RE86R14 Instructor: Craig Foley, Associate Broker, REALTOR, GREEN, OICP NAR Green REsource Council EverGreen Award 2013 Instructor Craig Foley will present four topics focused on the emerging high performance housing market in Massachusetts: 1.
An introduction to the entire value chain of real estate – green builders and contractors, listing agents, the green MLS, buyer’s agents, appraisers, lenders, and homeowners – and how it relates to the proper valuation of more efficient homes.
2
A deeper focus on building ratings and certifications, such as ENERGY STAR®, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and a Mass Save® pilot program called Home MPG, which introduces asset valuations.
3
A highlight of legislation and incentives to fund energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy, and sustainable design in Massachusetts will give context to where the market is heading.
4.
A review of solar PV on existing homes and how the system could affect your sale.
“Insanely helpful information!” -- feedback from a previous attendee Thank you to our class sponsor:
Register online at www.wrar.org Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 9 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
THE POWER NEGOTIATOR’S PLAYBOOK
Designation/Certification: ABR® & SRS® Elective This one-day course is an interactive experience to help negotiators elevate their game! This course examines all types of negotiation formats and methods so that today’s negotiators can play the game to win. A full spectrum of tips, tools, techniques and advantages will be provided so that negotiators can provide effective results for their client.
Date: Time: Place:
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 9:00 am - 4:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA Cost: $149 Early Bird: $125 by Sept. 1 Instructor: Barbara Fairfield
Register online at www.wrar.org Instructor:
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 i nternationally 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®
10 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:
Sept 28 & 29, 2015 9:00 am - 5:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA Early Bird: $275 until Sept. 1 Regular: $299 Non-Members: $325 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®
11 www.wrar.org
MEMBERSHIP NEWS KUDOS!! WRAR held a two-day Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation Course on June 22 & 23. Congratulations to the following agents who earned their SRES Designation! Cherie Benoit Keller Williams Realty Merillyn Chicknavorian Evergreen Realty Associates Pamela Crawford RE/MAX Professional Associates Robert Dube Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Wor Michelle Fanion ERA Key Realty Services Lori-Anne Hart Century 21 I & V Walsh R.E. Lorraine Herbert RE/MAX Professional Associates Keith Krikorian Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Wor Maribeth Marzeotti RE/MAX Acclaim Michele Miller ERA Key Realty Services Ronald Ouellette RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate Cynthia Rondeau Keller Williams North Central Nina Sable John Vaillancourt Keller Williams Realty Susan VanderZicht VanderZicht Real Estate, Inc. Cynthia Walsh MacKenzie Century 21 I & V Walsh R.E. Judith Wesley Exit Realty Partners Maureen Winseck Fitzgerald Real Estate Paul Yorkis Patriot Real Estate Inc
Worcester Sterling Spencer Worcester Spencer Shrewsbury Sturbridge Worcester Oxford Worcester Worcester Leominster Marlboro Westborough Whitinsville Shrewsbury Worcester Greenfield Medway
Pictured below are the WRAR REALTOR速 Scholarship Winners, Michelle Fanion of ERA Key Realty Services, Spencer ; Instructor Barbara Fairfield, and Cynthia Rondeau of Keller Williams Realty North Central. Each submitted their application and were awarded $250 towards a designation class. Submit your application today; the application can be found on the following pages. The next designation class (SRS) will be held in September.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
12 www.wrar.org
REALTOR® SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
REALTOR® Scholarship Application Fall 2015 The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® has established a Scholarship Program to assist persons in the real estate field who are seeking to obtain a related designation (such as GRI, CBR, CRS, etc.). The Association supports the efforts of REALTORS® looking to further their education through these classes and has allocated funds to assist in the financial cost of these classes. A limited amount of funding is available for each year, allowing for up to a total of $1000 in scholarships being awarded. Awards will be given in the Spring and the Fall. Applications must be submitted by September 1st for Fall consideration. The Scholarship Committee will chose the recipients by September 15 and promptly notify the winners. If multiple qualified applications are received, the recipients may be chosen by a lottery system. Applicant must be a REALTOR® member of WRAR in good standing. Scholarships are for tuition only and are limited to one per person per calendar year. Scholarship reimbursement will be granted for the course requested and approved in the application after documentation of completion of the course is submitted to WRAR. Please complete the following for consideration: Name of Applicant: _____________________________________________________________ Company _____________________________________________________________________ Email Address _________________________________________________________________ Phone number _________________________________________________________________ Are you a REALTOR®? Yes ______
No ______
How many years have you been licensed? _________
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
13 www.wrar.org
REALTOR速 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Educational Background Please indicate the extent of your schooling, including highest level of education achieved and any professional designation programs successfully completed. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program, please indicate institution and field of study. Attach additional pages if necessary.
General Information Why do you believe you are deserving of a WRAR Scholarship?
For what purposes will the scholarship be used?
Are you currently the recipient of any other scholarship(s)? Yes ______
No ______
If Yes, please list sponsoring organization(s)
Signature of Scholarship Applicant __________________________________________ Date _________ Name of person Nominating Applicant (if any) _________________________________________________ Relationship to Applicant _________________________________________ Scholarship Grants will be issued upon successful completion of necessary coursework. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
14 www.wrar.org
MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Members - June Orientation New Affiliates Ama Adadjo Fotoun Albach Stephen Antonellis Genevieve Botelho Kristin Brothers Christopher Brown Megan Byron Jessica Casasanta Dawn Wisbey Joshua Daoust Nicholas Dearent Shirley DeVries Pamela Diotalevi Agnes Dormon Rony Elzoghbi Luis Garcia Charlsey Gentile Afaf Gerges Keith Higgins Michael Hoefling Alicia Howard Pamela Jenoure Dong Liu Stephen Longton Susan Lucey Michael Martin Deborah McGrath Greta Mucho Tony Palmerino Leslie Parece Lawrence Peak Sonya Rastad Trudy Risedorf Robert Roberge Saadia Roman Joseph Simone Devan Sousa Carrie Stevens Nina Sweares Chris Ulinski Mark Valdez Tom Woollacott
Xsell Realty Worcester Coldwell Banker Shrewsbury C21 Commonwealth Milford McGeough Lamacchia. Waltham Real Living Barbara Assoc. Worcester Keller Williams Realty Worcester Century 21 I & V Walsh Shrewsbury ERA Key Realty Services Whitinsville Thrive Real Estate Shrewsbury Keller Williams Realty Worcester Exit Realty Partners Auburn B.H.H.S. N.E.Prime Prop. Whitinsville Kelller Williams Realty Westboro Hope Realty & Associates Worcester Keller Williams Realty Worcester Exit Realty Partners Shrewsbury Exit Realty Partners Auburn ERA Key Realty Services Framingham Nextage M3 Realty Worcester Keller Williams Realty Worcester Keller Williams Realty Worcester RE/MAX Professional Shrewsbury Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Northboro Keller Williams Realty Worcester Andrew Abu REALTORS Westboro Exit Realty Partners Worcester ERA Key Realty Services Auburn Exit Realty Partners Worcester Exit Realty Partners Auburn Exit Realty Partners Shrewsbury Keller Williams Realty Worcester Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Northboro Emerson REALTORS Auburn Heritage Country Realty Uxbridge RE/MAX Professional Auburn Keller Williams Realty Worcester Exit Realty Partners Auburn Executive Park Sutes II Worcester RE/MAX Professional Spencer Exit Realty Partners Auburn Exit Realty Partners Worcester Keller Williams Realty Worcester
New Secondary Office Chris Lefebvre EXP Realty LLC 290 Turnpike Road, Ste.5-361 Westboro Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
Jason Arakelian Mortgage Financial, Inc. 255 Park Avenue, Suite 1000 Worcester Amy Chisholm Law Office of Amy C. Chisholm 19 Salisbury Street, Holden Brian Fenlon Afaf Gerges
Traditional Mortgage, Inc. 92 Maple Street, W. Boylston
Terry Vanslette
Residence Inn by Marriott 25 Connector Road, Westboro
Steven White
Storybook Properties, LLC 197 Prescott Street, W. Boylston
Residence Inn by Marriott 25 Connector Road, Westboro
New Applicants Howard Bregman Kathleen Gonet Patricia Halloran Deborah McCready Mary McDuffie Stephen Minor Kenena Skrzypczak James Wise
Emerson REALTORS RE/MAX Prof. Assoc. Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty RE/MAX Advantage1 Keller Williams Realty Exit Realty Partners
Auburn Spencer Worcester Worcester Worcester Worcester Westboro Shrewsbury
Agents Transferred Jennifer Holland ERA Key Realty Services Gina Bello Exit Realty Partners Sandra Considine ERA Key Realty Services Jamie Fowler Homestead Realty Group Devan Sousa Exit Realty Partners Edmund Manu Xsell Realty Dave Hill Keller Williams Realty Vanthara Somoulaylack Keller Williams Realty Chris Brown Keller Williams Realty Lawrence Peak Keller Williams Realty
Auburn Shrewsbury Whitinsville Millbury Auburn Worcester Westboro Westboro Westboro Westboro
15 www.wrar.org
MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Member Orientation At our June New Member Orientation, 42 new members were installed as REALTORS速 by Dave Stead, 2015 WRAR Immediate Past-President. Welcome to all - we wish you much success in your new careers!
DR Cindy Walsh, Century 21 Irving & Virginia Walsh, was on hand to congratulate newly inducted REALTOR速, Megan Bryon.
Our next New Member Orientation will be held on September 16. Get your application in now, as these classes fill up FAST!
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
16 www.wrar.org
CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE STUDIES & TRAINING Upcoming CEU Courses for July & August 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, July 14, 2015 Time
Instructor
Course Code
Course Title
8:00am
Brad Roberts
RE32RC03
Technology and Real Estate Brokerage
10:00am
Brad Roberts
RE44R05
Understanding Title & Title Concerns
12:00pm
Brad Roberts
RE59R09
Smart Growth/Smart Energy
8:00am
Bob Falter
RE18RC07
Conducting Open Houses & Developing a Safety Plan
10:00am
Bob Falter
RE01R06
Seller Agency
12:00pm
Bob Falter
RE02R06
Buyer Agency
8:00am
Jo Ann Szymczak
RE18RC07
Property Assessments, Valuation & Taxation
10:00am
Jo Ann Szymczak
RE55R05
Leisure Homes, Second Homes & Age Restricted Housing
12:00pm
Jo Ann Szymczak
RE16RC13
Zoning & Building Codes
Auburn - Wednesday, July 28, 2015
Auburn - Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Auburn - Tuesday, August 18, 2015 8:00am
Gray Bourque
RE26RC07
Appraisal Process
10:00am
Gary Bourque
RE51R06
Facilitator
12:00pm
Gary Bourque
RE35RC03
Offers
MAR CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 2015 MAR Conference & Tradeshow September 28-29, 2015 50 Ferncroft Road Danvers, MA 01923 DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore Professional Awards Dinner: $75pp (Sunday, September 27th, 6pm-9pm) Hotel Information: A block of rooms have been reserved at a rate of $139 per night. This special room rate will be available until Friday, September 4th, based on availability. To reserve a room please call the DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore, directly at 978-777-2500 and inform them your with the Mass. Assoc. of REALTORS® group. For additional information or to register, please visit:
https://www.marealtor.com/events/conference-and-tradeshow Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
17 www.wrar.org
WRAR COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
to benefit the elementary and middle school children of Worcester County.
Drive runs from July 1 - August 14. Packing days are August 20 & 21.
We are looking to fill backpacks with the following supplies for elementary and middle school children. Age-appropriate backpacks are needed as well. Anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated! Items Needed 6 Pens 6 Pencils 2 Pkg. of Lined Paper 3 Highlighters 1 Binder 3 Notebooks 3 Two-Pocket Folders 1 Ruler 1 Pencil Case 1 Pkg. of 8 Markers 1 Pkg. of Erasers 1 Box of 24 Crayons 1 Pkg. of 12 Colored Pencils 1 Bottle of Glue or Pkg. of Glue Sticks
Items may be dropped at WRAR, 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA or at the following member offices: Coldwell Banker - Shrewsbury Country Road Realty, Uxbridge ERA Key – Auburn, Spencer,
Worcester, Whitinsville
Janice Mitchell Real Estate – Holden Paramount Realty - Grafton RE/MAX Vision - Worcester
*Cash donations gladly accepted. *In order to assist our volunteers, please do not put supplies inside of backpacks. *If you can help pack or deliver items to schools, please let us know! Help is ALWAYS welcome!
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® * 492 Washington Street * Auburn, MA 01501 * 508-832-6600
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
18 www.wrar.org
GOLF OUTING - COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE Our 17th Annual Golf Tournament was held on June 25th at the Wachusett Country Club. For the second year running, the event was sold out! We’d like to extend sincere thanks to all of our sponsors for making all the extras for the tournament possible. We hear often from golfers that many tournaments in the area charge much more per golfer and offer much less. Our golfers enjoyed a continental breakfast, sponsored by Crowley & Cumminigs, LLC and were given a complimentary drink ticket courtesey of the Law Offices of Scott Wrenn. After a great day of golf in just about perfect weather, a grand barbecue was enjoyed by all. Raffle prizes were plentiful and included a wine basket with local wines from the Nashoba Valley Winery, a beach-themed basket donated by Southbridge Savings Bank, Patriots Tickets donated by BIll Murphy of Fairway Mortgage, Red Sox Club Seats donated by Greg Gentile of Embrace Home Loans, a set of Golf Clubs donated by the Wachusett Country Club, and an Ocean-Front Myrtle Beach Condo vacation donated by Duane Papetti of A1 Realty of Central Mass. We were able to donate $1,000 each to Horizons for Homeless Children and Veterans, Inc., the charities of choice for 2015 for WRAR’s Community Action Committee. Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to all of the participants, volunteers and attendees. We hope to see you back next year.
WRAR President Brad Roberts presents check to Horizons for Homeless Children. Pictured left to right: Megan Seaman & Casey Zink, Horizons; Brad Roberts and Judy Patterson 2015 Golf Committee Member.
WRAR President Brad Roberts presents check to Veterans, Inc. Pictured left to right: Jason Palitsch, Veterans, Inc.; Judy Patterson and Brad Roberts.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
19 www.wrar.org
GOLF OUTING - COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE Attorney Jessica Albino presented the first place prize to the foursome of Alex Martin, Jim Caruso, Gerry Barry and Lisa Houghton.
WinTrust Mortgage presented the second place prize to the foursome from Fairway Mortgage, Shawn Wyse, Jimmy Rannikko, John Rannikko and Mark Chestna.
The foursome from Southbridge Savings Bank took third place: Kyle Hill, Duane Papetti, Scott Auen and Patrick Flynn. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
20 www.wrar.org
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Major Donor Night The WRAR Government Affairs Committee held their major fundraising event on May 21 at the Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton.
Guests were treated to a guided tour as well as a wine tasting and hors d’oeurves. The fellow industry leaders learned more about protecting the real estate industry as Major Investors in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee. Over $15,000 was raised for RPAC. Thank you to all who participated!
Kevin Sears, 2014 NAR RPAC Fundraising Trustees Vice Chair, speaks to the RPAC Major Investors.
The guests receive a guided tour of the winery and wine-making process. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
21 www.wrar.org
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Andrew Abu and Dave Stead enjoying the local wines.
The hostess talks about wine making.
Diane DeCiccio enjoying her new “glasses.”
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
22 www.wrar.org
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ® REALTOR Day on Beacon Hill Forty members of WRAR joined the more than 400 REALTORS® as they filled the Great Hall at the State House on June 10th
at the annual Day on the Hill event. 2015 MAR President Corinne Fitzgerald addressed the REALTORS, MAR General Counsel Michael McDonagh gave a run-down on this year’s legislative priorities, and State Senate President Stanley Rosenberg was the keynote speaker. WRAR provided free round-trip transportation, continental breakfast and lunch for all members. State Political Coordinators prearranged appointments with each of our local representatives and Senators.
Lieutenant Governor Karen Polito with WRAR constituents.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
23 www.wrar.org
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE The Great Hall was filled to capacity.
Governor Baker chats with the REALTORS速
Keynote Speaker, Senator Rosenberg, addresses the crowd.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
24 www.wrar.org
YPN SUMMER OUTING
The WRAR YPN PRESENTS: Corn Hole Tournament! Dunk Booth! Prizes! Music!
Sponsored by Attorney Jessica Albino
Food & Drink Please Bring a Dish & folding Chairs
OUTING
Sponsored by Deb Jordan, Shamrock Financial
August 6, 2015, 12-4 pm WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn Bring a donation for the backpack drive and receive a raffle ticket for the dunk booth! Dunk booth is courtesy of Jess Barber, Exit Realty Partners! Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
25 www.wrar.org
LOCAL MARKET UPDATE Local Market Update – May 2015 A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
- 3.1%
+ 4.2%
- 16.1%
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
May
Single-Family Properties
2014 565 461 $250,000 2,702 6.0 107 95.1% 1,051
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 818 444 $260,500 2,288 5.3 111 95.8% 1,202
Year to Date +/– + 44.8% - 3.7% + 4.2% - 15.3% - 11.4% + 3.9% + 0.7% + 14.4%
2014 2,202 1,736 $250,000 --120 94.0% 3,838
May
Condominium Properties
2014 134 129 $225,000 545 5.0 87 98.0% 175
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 195 128 $218,150 435 4.2 83 95.8% 246
2015 2,603 1,629 $250,900 --129 93.9% 3,793
+/– + 18.2% - 6.2% + 0.4% --+ 7.7% - 0.0% - 1.2%
Year to Date +/– + 45.5% - 0.8% - 3.0% - 20.2% - 15.9% - 4.4% - 2.3% + 40.6%
2014 581 489 $206,000 --102 96.1% 844
2015 659 429 $215,000 --105 95.7% 890
+/– + 13.4% - 12.3% + 4.4% --+ 2.7% - 0.4% + 5.5%
* 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
b
All MLS
b
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
a
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
a
$350,000
$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®
26 www.wrar.org
LEGAL HOTLINE Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Counsel Justin Davidson, MAR Staff Attorney
Q. I am I’m working on taking a listing that was built before 1978. The seller did a lead test from a testing kit that she bought and it was positive for lead paint. A version of EPA’s pamphlet “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” states that studies suggest that home test kits for lead are not always accurate, and that consumers should not rely on home test kits to assure safety. Therefore, does the use of home test kits for lead constitute knowledge of lead-based paint for disclosure purposes? Must this be disclosed to potential buyers? A: Yes, this must be disclosed to prospective buyers. According to a HUD Guidance Memo, “if an owner has information obtained from the use of a home test kit for lead, that information must be disclosed; however, the owner should also disclose information about the reliability of the test kit results.” Therefore, if the testing kit showed the presence of lead paint in the home, this must be disclosed to prospective buyers. It is recommended that the results of the test-kit be affixed to the lead paint disclosure, which will also indicate that the homeowner conducted the test, rather than a trained professional. As always, the prospective buyer shall have a 10-day opportunity to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards. The foregoing also applies to rental properties built before 1978.
force legitimate, n o n discriminatory screening criteria and deny applicants who do not meet that criteria. Poor credit is considered an appropriate reason for rejection. Other examples include a criminal record and a lack of references. Keep in mind, though, that a screening policy of this type must be followed consistently without arbitrary waivers. Deviation from the criteria set by the landlord could be viewed as a form of discrimination against subsidy recipients and other members of protected classes. Q. I have heard from a prospective tenant that there is a requirement under Massachusetts law that a landlord provide an executed copy of a lease within 30 days in order to form a valid tenancy. Is this true? If a tenant does not receive a copy, what effect would it have on the tenancy?
A: Prospective tenants who receive rental assistance are a protected class under state law, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B and, as such, it is illegal to discriminate based on the fact that he or she has a Section 8 certificate or voucher. Applicants may not be rejected solely because they are subsidy recipients, however, a landlord is otherwise free to en-
A. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186, Section 15D states, in part that “a lessor who has agreed orally to execute a lease and obtains the signature of the lessee shall, within thirty days thereafter, deliver a copy of said lease to the lessee, duly signed and executed by said lessor.” This language places the burden on the landlord, or his or her agent, to ensure that the tenant has received a copy of the lease in those circumstances where the landlord has verbally agreed to the tenancy. The statute goes on to include a provision that prohibits any waiver of this requirement within the lease and also makes it possible for a landlord to be fined up to $300 for failure to comply. According to case law in Massachusetts, noncompliance with this law does not in and of itself render an otherwise valid lease unenforceable.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
27 www.wrar.org
Q: The landlord that I represent has stated that he will not accept a tenant application from a tenant who has a credit score below 450. I have received an application from a tenant who is a recipient of Section 8 subsidy who has a credit score of 400. Must the landlord accept this applicant, since he is a recipient of a public subsidy?
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
WRAR RPAC STATUS Each year, the National Association of REALTORS® sets goals that the local associations are encouraged to reach. For 2015, our NAR Goals are:
Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Alternate Alternate
WRAR STAFF
RPAC Donations $24,000 $23,000 $22,000
Executive VP, Colleen Pappas
$21,000
Membership Manager, Lisa Sprague
$20,000
Marketing Manager, Jacki D’Innocenzo
Donations
Current $23,150
RPAC Participation
Accountant, Maura O’Connor Administrative Assistant, Lynne Walls
Goal $23,677
430
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 508-8326600.
425
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405
420 415 410
400 Participation
Goal 426
Current 419
Have you made your fair share contribution this year? If not, please contact WRAR today.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
28 www.wrar.org