Connections June 2016 by REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

Connections Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

June 2016 Inside this Issue: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE President’s Message

Month at a Glance

Habitat for Humanity

Membership News

5-7

Classes & Events

8-20

CREST

Government Affairs

23-24

Local Market Update

Legal Hotline

Community Action

The Power of the REALTOR® “R” At the recent NAR meetings in Washington D.C. this past May Executive Vice President Colleen Pappas and I had an amazing moment where the REALTOR® “R” proved its value and showed its muscle. We were visiting with our Senators and Representatives at the Nation’s Capital and were given a pass to see Representative Joe Kennedy testify on the floor on the House regarding the Opioid crisis in this country and, more specifically, the state of Massachusetts. The day was rainy and the school tour lines were endless, but we thought that we had ample time to see the testimony and get back to our afternoon meeting with Representative Jim McGovern. We were wrong! As we contemplated in the rain whether we should venture forward with the House visit or abandon and head back towards the Rayburn building, we stopped to ask a security guard if there was any way we could bypass the crowd as we had hoped that the pass we had received from Joe Kennedy was our ticket in.

CMAR Mission Statement The purpose of the Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® is to: 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.

As the guard shook his rain-soaked head and said sorry he could not help, he saw my REALTOR® pin and asked if I was a REALTOR®. When I proudly said I was, he said, “Now that is your ticket in,” as he opened the door and let us pass. We were elated to be out of the rain, and the testimony proved to be one of the highlights of the 2016 Hill Visit. Be sure to wear your REALTOR® pin with pride! Happy Selling!

Kris

Kris Koliss 2016 WRAR President

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 1 www.cmarealtors.org

CMAR MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE June 2016 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 1:00 Code of Ethics 5:30 Pre-License Class

2 3:00-5:00 Top Producer Panel

3 9:30 MLS PIN Training

6 8:30 DR Bkfst 5:30 Pre-License Class

7 12:00 Lunch & Learn w/Movement Mortgage

8 9:30 Finance 10:30 BOD 5:30 Pre-License Class

10 9:00 Koffee w/ Kris 10:00 RPR

13 9:30 MLS PIN Training 5:30 Pre-License Class

14 11:00 Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage

15 5:30 Pre-License Class

16 12:00 Lunch & Learn w/Peoples Home Loans

17 2:00 ZipForm Plus Training

18 8-2 CEU Classes @ CREST 4:00 Realtors @ Fenway Park

20 5:30 Pre-License Class

21 REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill

22 9:00 Housing Opps in Worcester 5:30 Pre-License Class

23 8:30 Golf Tournament at Wachusett CC

27 12:00 Lunch & Learn w/Norcom Mortgage 5:30 Pre-License Class

Upcoming Events September - Legislative Breakfast October - Annual Meeting December - Installation of 2017 Officers & Directors

Milestone Certificates If you reached a milestone in REALTOR® membership this year and were unable to attend the Annual Awards Luncheont to receive your certificate, they are available for pick-up at the CMAR office. We are open from 9 am to 5 pm each day.

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 2 www.cmarealtors.org

VIP SPONSOR

“We understand that buying a home is a big step.” - Scott Auen SVP, Retail Lending

Buying a home is so much more than numbers, down payments and mortgage rates. It’s about that feeling of pride and security in owning your own home and we’re here to help make that happen. • Personal attention every step of the way • Fixed and adjustable rate mortgages to work with your budget • Low down-payment programs for first time homebuyers • Home equity loans and lines of credit www.southbridgesavingsbank.com facebook/southbridgesavings 800-939-9103 CHARLTON | HOLDEN | NORTH OXFORD | SOUTHBRIDGE | SPENCER | STURBRIDGE | WEBSTER | WORCESTER

Mortgage

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 3 www.cmarealtors.org

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CMAR Members Volunteer at "Women Build Week" in Auburn

CMAR sent a huge group of participants to Auburn to build during "Women Build Week." Both of families, each of whom will provide 400 – 500 “sweat equity” hours on their homes, worked right alongside them. We're so happy to have spent time helping our community members to own a safe, decent, and affordable home!. CMAR volunteers are the best! Thank you to those that gave their time and energy!

Volunteers Needed to Join Habitat's Northborough Project Committee Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester is looking for volunteers to join its Local Project Committee (LPC) to support the upcoming home builds at 33/35 and 37/39 Main Street in Northborough, Massachusetts. LPC members are individuals from a community who are invested in our mission to build homes, communities and hope. Please contact Deborah Huegel, Director of Development, at 508-7999259, Ext. 118, or Deborah.Huegel@habitatmwgw.org to sign up, or for more information. Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 4 www.cmarealtors.org

MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Applicants Heidi Brooks David Burris Jordan Byron Ellen Cheney Andrew Hentrickx Robert Hughes Michelle Mazejka Robert St. Laurent

Exit Realty Partners Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Exit Realty Partners B.H.H.S. Hathaway ERA Key Realty Services RE/MAX Bell Park Realty

Auburn Worcester Worcester Worcester Worcester Whitinsville Spencer Dayville, CT

New Members - May Orientation Charlene Allain Andrea Austin Philip Babine Renata Banach Raymond Beaudry Christopher Besaw Dana Borges Robert Budack Linda Bujnevicie Kurt Charles Erin Chinappi Michael Deleppo Maria Diran Stephanie Dupuis Jimmy Eldean Deven Ewing Steven Falcone David Floyd Heidi Floyd Mark Gulino Lynda Hafner Debra Hamm Debora Harrington Timmothy Horn-Eldred Matthew Jette Deena Kelly Ken Kowalczyk Brittany Lafleche Sandra Leroux Beni Lukumu Nicholas Manero Melissa Matter Julia McGonagle William Miller Sandra Mines Craig Moran Victoria Morey Jason Mulhern Deborah Nickerson

Exit Realty Partners Houde Real Estate RE/MAX Professional Real Living Barbera Keller Williams Realty RE/MAX Professional Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Exit Realty Partners Keller Williams Realty Premeer Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Waterwheel Realty Exit Realty Partners Exit Realty Partners A- Realty of Central MA Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Blackstone Valley Realty ERA Key Realty Services Century 21 Commonwealth Tomaolo Realty Group Exit Realty Partners LAER Realty Partners RE/MAX Vision Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Exit Realty Partners LeRoux Realty Group Keller Williams Realty RE/MAX Advantage Red Door Realty RE/MAX Professional Coldwell Banker Exit Beacon Pointe Realty ERA Key Realty Services Keller Williams Realty Michael Toomey & Assoc. ERA Key Realty Services

Auburn Marlboro Auburn Worcester Worcester Sturbridge Worcester Worcester Worcester Worcester Uxbridge Bolton Worcester Barre Shrewsbury Auburn Worcester Worcester Worcester Mendon Spencer Milford Shrewsbury Auburn Northboro Worcester Northboro Auburn Holden Worcester Worcester Sturbridge Sturbridge Shrewsbury Northboro Worcester Worcester N.Brookfield Milford

Morgan Nordby Ray Paolucci Matthew Phillipo Pamela Quinn Katie Resseguie Kristy Riendeau Frauke Rowe Rebekah Salamack Tiffany Salo Jillian Saucier Christine Scannell Michael Scannell Marc Tamas Sandra Terlizzi Jennifer Thomas Christine Truax Thomas Vargeletis Robert Vaugh Christine Vigeant

Exit Realty Partners Post Road Realty Exit Realty Partners Coldwell Banker Exit Real Estate Executives ERA Key Realty Services Keller Williams Realty ERA Key Realty Services RE/MAX Professional Exit Realty Partners Exit Realty Partners Exit Realty Partners Century 21 Toomey Lovett Emerson REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Red Door Realty Century 21 NorthShore Gibbs Realty Inc. Emerson REALTORS

Auburn W.Brookfield Worcester Shrewsbury Brookfield Spencer Worcester Worcester Auburn Auburn Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Spencer Auburn Worcester Sturbridge Leominster Rutland Auburn

Agents Transferred to New Office Linda Buckley Elizabeth Callahan Cindi Desmarais Bob Falter Judy Kuhtreiber Melissa Matter

ERA Key Realty Services MA Homes LLC Coldwell Banker Exit Real Estate Executives LAER Realty Partners Red Door Realty

Auburn Brimfield Sturbridge Brookfield Westboro Sturbridge

New Affiliates Dan Woznicki

Mortgage Master 898 Grafton Street

Worcester

Martin Gilman

Santander Bank 5 Whittier Street 2nd floor

Framingham

Shauna Roberts

Santander Bank 5 Whittier Street 2nd floor

Framingham

John Marculitis

Santander Bank 5 Whittier Street 2nd floor

Framingham

Patrick Harvey

Southbridge Savings Bank 2 Center Depot Road

Charlton

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORSÂŽ 5 www.cmarealtors.org

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

On May 18, 58 new members were sworn as REALTORS® by CMAR President Kris Koliss. The class was taught by the ever-popular Kimberly Allard-Moccia. Both are pictured first row, far right, respectively. Congratulations to all!

KOFFEE WITH KRIS

Friday, June 10, 9:00 - 10:00 am CMAR - 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA Join President Kris Koliss at her quarterly Meet & Greet at the CMAR offices in Auburn. Kris will provide a Legislative Update from our recent trip to Washington DC and share her insights on her presidency.

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 6 www.cmarealtors.org

JUNE BIRTHDAYS Wishing a very happy birthday to those celebrating this month! May your year ahead be filled with health, happiness, love and friendship! Ama Adadjo Edwin Baduski Jeri Baily Charles Berube Vascen Bogigian Christine Bonaventura Gillian Bonazoli Maureen Brennan Judi Brink Kimberly Buckley Seth Campbell Marian Carlson June Cazeault Scott Cheney Elizabeth Coffey Jackie Cohen Lenard Cooper Klaudia Dang Pedro Davila Victoria Dehesa Lisa D'Elia Ella DeNault Robert DeNault Manoel Dias Beth Dion Larsen Dwyer Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor

Patti-Anne Faucher Angela Feraco Debra Flot Carolyn Forget Judith Frey Kristine Gaffney Teresa Garney David Gasser Karen Gearin Greta Gega Matteo Gentile James Giguere Mark Giusto Ruth Haddon Lawrence Hemstreet Gina Hultgren Rochelle Jonswold Moses Kadiri Jully Khattar E. Perry King Sophie Kozaczka Jonathan Lacob William Lee Dennis Leroux Arnold Levy Gail Mahoney Joanne Mallozzi

Chris Marsicano Lee Martinelli Kimberly McGrath Tanya Medina George Nanis Paul Novak Anne Nutter Martha Oakes Kathleen O'Connor Jackie O'Dowd Margaret Olson Brandon O'Neal Ronald Ouellette Maria Payne Brande Plourde Peter Plourde Paula Pollard Jon Pouliot Gary Powell Kelly Provost Christine Reilly Jason Richard Donald Richards Tammy Ruda Geralyn Schad Nancy Shaw-Morley Pamela Sholock

Marilyn Smith Judy Solomon John Stelmok Justin Stelmok Albert Surabian Mary Surette Susan Taft Mary Tavolieri Pamela Therrien Jason Tominsky Thomas Walsh Zachary Whitney Christa Wilde Rosa Wyse

Law Office of Harry P. Kotseas Harry P. Kotseas, Esq. * Sharon F. LaPointe, Esq. * Annelle E. Benson, Esq. Highland Title & Closings Real Estate Mortgage Law Purchases & Sales Mortgage Closings Short Sales

Title & Closings Preparation of Wills Business Formation & Transfers Settlement of Estates

94 Highland Street, Worcester, MA 01609 * Tel: (508) 753-5933 * Fax: (508) 755-1244 * contact@kotseas.com Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORSÂŽ 7 www.cmarealtors.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Professional Development Committee brings you:

Secrets for Succe$$ Find out the Strategies for Success with this year’s winners of the Top Producer Awards!

Andrew Abu

Chris Brown

Nathan Stewart

Tracey Fiorelli

Lee Joseph

David Hill, Moderator

Thursday, June 2, 2016 3:00 - 5:00 pm Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street, Auburn Register online: http://www.cmarealtors.org/events.html FREE for CMAR Members Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 8 www.cmarealtors.org

DR & OFFICE MANAGER BREAKFAST The CMAR Professional Development Committee is pleased to present:

2016 Office Leadership Breakfast Series Offered exclusively to Brokers & Office Managers

Shining a Light on Solar Energy: The Pros & Cons of Going Solar Featuring Mark Gratan of Endless Mountain Solar Services Atty. Jim Gerrish will speak to some of the nuances of solar and how it potentially could impact listing contracts and sales contracts

Date: Monday, June 6, 2016 Place: CMAR, 492 Washington St., Auburn Breakfast: 8:30 am Program: 9:00-11:00 am Cost: $15 each How Solar Panels Work Purchase vs. Lease Solar Rebates – Federal & State Net Metering Utility vs. Solar Different Panel Types Contract Agreement – Is it transferable? Warrantied?

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

............................................................................. Register now - $15 each - Fax to 508-832-6620 or email to lsprague@cmarealtors.org. June 6_____($15)

Sept. 12_____($15)

Nov. 14_____($15)

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

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 9 www.cmarealtors.org

LUNCH & LEARN WITH MOVEMENT MORTGAGE

Tuesday 6/7/16 12 Noon - 2 PM

CMAR 492 Washington St Auburn, MA 01501 Lunch will be served greg.gentile@movement.com by 5/31/16

F E AT U R I N G

Greg E. Gentile MARKET LEADER

NMLS: 11831 Ofﬁce: (508) 958-7101 | | Fax: (508) 332-4363 greg.gentile@movement.com | www.1mortgageguy.com

www.movement.com 179 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604

MA-MLO11831, RI, CT-LO-11831, NH-NH11831| Movement Mortgage, LLC is an Equal Housing Lend er. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by MA Banker & Lender # MC39179, Rhode Island Licensed Lender, CT # ML-39179, and NH # 20985-MB. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trad emark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limitedliability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Road , Ind ian Land , SC 29707.

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

10 www.cmarealtors.org

RPR WITH KIMBERLY ALLARD-MOCCIA

Give Us 2 Hours…

And We’ll Give You 166 Million Reasons to Use RPR REALTORS® across the country are enhancing their business by using REALTORS® Property Resource® (RPR®’s) extensive database. In this introductory class, you’ll learn how top agents use RPR as their all‐in‐one data and information source to build their business and impress clients. You will learn:  How to generate stunning property reports  Conduct a detailed CMA in minutes  Research schools and neighborhoods  And much more! Personalized Training on:  Setting up your account  Intro to RPR  RPR MOBILE

FREE TO CMAR MEMBERS!

Register today and learn how to use RPR as your solution to ensure satisfied clients. RPR access is included in your annual NAR dues. There’s nothing to buy – no catch! We promise. DATE: Friday, June 10, 2016 TIME: 10:00 am ‐ 12:00 pm LOCATION: Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501

INSTRUCTOR: Kimberly Allard‐Moccia You may register online at http://www.cmarealtors.org/events.html

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

11 www.cmarealtors.org

LUNCH & LEARN WITH FAIRWAY MORTGAGE

LUNCH & LEARN Presented by Bill Murphy CEU Course: RE25R08 Financing

You will learn…

 Renovation Lending  2016 spring/summer market outlook and what to expect with interest rates  New ways to grow market share  Improving client credit scores  5 ways to help sellers list now! Lunch and refreshments will be served courtesy of Attorney Jessica Albino

#1 Mortgage Originator in Central MA -Banker & Tradesmen

Location: Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington St. Auburn, MA 01501

When: June 14th, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - Registration at 10:30 RSVP ONLINE: http://www.cmarealtors.org/events.html        

Fairwa y Independent Mortgage Corporation 783 Southbridge St. Auburn, MA 01501 508-407-8300 w m u r p h y@ f a i r w a ym c . c o m w w w . f a i r w a ym o r t g a g e n e . c o m

   

Three types of Renovation Lending Preapprovals vs. Pre-Qualifications Learn about the new changes to mortgage financing, loan programs and guidelines in 2016. New projection of interest rates from market analysts and the impact on your buyers' loan programs and purchasing power - What factors will drive rates? Gaining market share from the newest generation of home buyers o The fastest growing home owners market is Generation X and Y o Learn how to appeal to millennials How to improve the buyers' credit scores and maximize their loan options Updates for FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA and MA Housing

Manage Expectations + get more loans closed!

This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification, loan approval or commitment to lend. Other limitations may apply. ©2014 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation NMLS ID#2289 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) EQUAL HOUSING LENDER.

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

12 www.cmarealtors.org

LUNCH & LEARN WITH PEOPLES HOME LOANS

The top 6 things your mortgage Banker won’t tell you...

Or Doesn’t Know.

You Are Invited To A Peoples Home Loans

Lunch and Learn! Earn 2 CEU’s - RE25RC08: Financing

Thursday, June 16th | 12PM to 2PM Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street | Auburn MA 01501 Register at www.cmarealtors.org/events.html

6 Subjects That Will Be Covered: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

TRID Early Issue Closing Disclosures Steps To Improve Credit Scores Understanding Appraisal Valuations Secured Credit Cards and Establishing Credit When Is A Written Verification Of Employment Typically Needed In Place Of Verbal Verification Gifts and Why We Ask For Their Donor’s Bank Statement

Questions about the ever-changing market? Contact me today. We will be the clear guide through the mortgage industry. CEU’s sponsored by McLaughlin, Richards, Biller and Schindel, LLP

Home Loans

A DIVISION OF PEOPLES BANK KANSAS

Michael Dutra

Regional Sales Manager NMLS 13530 Direct: 508.372.9176 Cell: 401.486.6894 mdutra@bankingunusual.com

bankingunusual.com

Your Local Peoples Mortgage Bankers: Chris Galli

Mortgage Banker NMLS 13152 Direct: 877.373.2614 Cell: 508.450.6873 cgalli@bankingunusual.com

Julie Galli

Mortgage Banker NMLS 13150 Direct: 877.373.2614 Cell: 508.864.6064 jgalli@bankingunusual.com

701 Ginesi Drive | Morganville, NJ 07751

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

Jarod DiSanto

Mortgage Banker NMLS 14982 401.533.1303 jdisanto@bankingunusual.com NMLS 690890 Member FDIC

13 www.cmarealtors.org

zipForm Plus Training

Learn how to send documents for signatures, click to sign, and review signed

Date: Friday, June 17, 2016 Time: 2:00—4:00 pm Place: CMAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn

documents using

Hands-on training—bring a laptop or tablet. Class is limited to the first 20 registrants.

tions easily with

zipLogix Digital Ink®, and manage transaczipTMS™.

In this training you will learn:

Most Powerful Tool in Your Hands

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®



How to create templates



How to create a transaction



How to complete the real estate forms



How to share and sign the forms

14 www.cmarealtors.org

REALTOR® DAY ON THE HILL

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 10:00 am at the State House

Join us and make your VOICE HEARD! Seats are Limited Sign up TODAY! Bus departs CMAR parking lot in Auburn at 8:00 SHARP and returns at 3:00 pm FREE to CMAR Members

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Karen Polito, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

http://www.cmarealtors.org/events.html

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

15 www.cmarealtors.org

REALTOR速 NIGHT AT FENWAY PARK

REALTOR NIGHT AT FENWAY PARK Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners

When: Where: Time: Price:

June 18th, 2016 Fenway Park 4:05pm $50.00 per ticket - a portion of each ticket sold will go to the CMAR Scholarship Fund

A great way to celebrate the season with REALTOR速 friends!

For tickets, contact Lisa Sprague at Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS速 508-832-6600 or lsprague@cmarealtors.org All Association Members will have seats in the same section!

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS速

16 www.cmarealtors.org

WORCESTER HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES INFO SESSION

       &   Jim Brooks, Healthy Homes Program Manager from the Executive Office of Economic Development, Housing Development Division

             Learn more about:

• • • •

City of Worcester Post-TRID Down Payment Assistance Review TRID compliant City of Worcester Down payment Assistance Plan Update on Healthy Homes Grants The Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s “One” Mortgage Program

Be sure to attend this session so you can provide the latest information to your clients/potential clients! CMAR is proud to partner with the City of Worcester in taking a proactive approach to addressing Health Issues related to Housing. The City has received a $3,700,000 HUD Grant for Lead Paint Remediation & Healthy Homes issues and this money is available to your clients for home improvements.

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

17 www.cmarealtors.org

CMAR 18th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT CMAR 18th Annual

Golf Tournament0 Wachusett Country Club Thursday, June 23, 2016

Registration: 8:30 am Shotgun: 9:30 am Luncheon: 2:30 pm Single: $125 Foursome: $500

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place, Longest Drive & Closest to Pin Raffles, Door Prizes Strings & Mulligans Available!

Includes 18 holes, cart, continental breakfast, luncheon

A portion of proceeds will be donated to The boys & girls club of Worcester The Bridge of Central MA To register contact Jacki D’Innocenzo at 508-832-6600 or via email at jdinnocenzo@cmarealtors.org. Or send this form to CMAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501 * FAX 508-832-6620. No. of Players__________

Team Captain:____________________________________________________________

Player 1:

Player 2:

Player 3:

Player 4:

Contact Name: Billing Address: Amount Paid: $__________

___Check

___Amex

___Discover

Card No._________________________________________________

___MasterCard

___Visa

Exp.____________________________________

Signature:__________________________________________________________________________________________

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

18 www.cmarealtors.org

LUNCH & LEARN WITH NORCOM MORTGAGE

- YOU ARE INVITED Sponsored and Presented by: Kristen Walther | NMLS #19396

Lunch & & Learn Learn Lunch YOU SPOKE, WE LISTENED….. TOPIC: CREDIT REPAIR Our survey results revealed CREDIT REPAIR as the #1 requested topic!

Our Guest Speaker: The event will be held:

Matt Listro, NCF National Credit Fixers

Monday, June 27th Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm

accompanied by Nikki Olson Credit Repair Highlights To Include:

Place: CMAR

• How credit scores are calculated

492 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501

• The many names of FICO

*Lunch will be provided*

• Credit quiz

Please RSVP by Friday, June 17th to: Donna Grasseschi at 774.241.0770 or Donna.Grasseschi@Norcom-USA.com RSVP is a must as seating is limited.

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

NMLS #71655

19 www.cmarealtors.org

CODE OF ETHICS TRAINING

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.

Code of Ethics Training * * * *

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 For your convenience, CMAR will hold classes on the following dates. All classes are FREE for CMA members, and 2 CEU’s will be awarded. Weds., August 31 Weds., October 12 Sat., November 19 Weds., November 30 Sat., December 10 Weds., December 14 Weds., December 28

9:30 am - 12:00 pm 1:00 - 3:30 pm 19, 12:30 - 3:00 pm 9:30 am - 12:00 pm 12:30 - 3:00 pm 1:00 - 3:30 pm 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Alternately, you may take online training on the NAR website at http://www.realtor.org/code-of-ethics/training. NO CEU’s are awarded for these online classes.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Fulfill your requirements early! You may register online at www.cmarealtors.org or call the office at 508-832-6600. The Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street * Auburn, MA 01501 Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

20 www.cmarealtors.org

CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE STUDIES & TRAINING Upcoming CEU Courses for June All classes are held at the Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® CREST School, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501, unless otherwise noted. CMAR 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.cmarealtors.org or by calling the CMAR office at 508-832-6600.

Time

Instructor

Course Code

Course Title

Saturday, June 18 - Auburn 8:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm

Nelson Zide Nelson Zide Nelson Zide

RE62RC10 Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) RE89R14 Purchase & Sale Agreement in Residential Transactions RE12R07 Condominiums, Cooperatives

VIP SPONSOR School Zones Email Marketing Agent Profiles Home Searches

showing scheduling

Walking ProPerty lines in real time Snapping photos Safety Timer Homesnap Messaging

agent-only fields

You’ll Find Much More Than Homes

Rapid CMAs

Homesnap Pro gives you a wealth of information on just about any home you search for or “snap” with your phone. Regardless of market status, you’ll see estimated values, photos, appreciation potential, rental analysis, property history, and similar homes for sale. Properties for sale show listing information, photos and schools, plus confidential information like disclosures, exclusions, compensation and more. Homesnap Pro helps keep all your customer communications in one place, and lets you connect with other professionals and view their recent deals. It creates CMAs in seconds, and sets a timer for safety when going on showings. MLS PIN subscribers can share their personal link for their clients to download a self-branded version. Homesnap Pro lets you schedule showings for your properties while on the road, and walk property lines with your clients on showings. Search for Homesnap on the Apple App Store or Google Play, and you’ll be snapping happily in no time! “Best Mobile Tool”

“App of the Month”

“Most Addictive”

customer support evenings & weekends

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

800-695-3000 • www.mlspin.com

21 www.cmarealtors.org

VIP SPONSOR

GRAND OPENING!

NEW

WORCESTER

LOCATION!

362 CHANDLER STREET. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15TH 4 PM - 8 PM PLEASE RSVP TO KELLY

FOOD AND BEVERAGES GREAT NETWORKING

Come meet our team and see how wintrust mortgage Can serve you and your Community of buyers and sellers. we are so exCited to be in the worCester market!

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES! Kelly Gaumond

Senior Mortgage Consultant NMLS# 432698

Cell: 774.200.5017 Direct: 781.247.9576 eFax: 847.350.3676

KGaumond@WintrustMortgage.com www.LoansWithKelly.com

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

22 www.cmarealtors.org

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Major Investor Night The Government Affairs Committee held their Annual Major Donor for RPAC Night on Wednesday at the Worcester Art Museum. Kudos to the committee, with Chair, Kathy McSweeny, and Co-Chair, Linda Laney, co-for an outstanding event. BIG thanks to all who attended and made the night a great success! Over $18,000 was raised for RPAC!

GAC Vice-Chair Linda Laney with Chair Kathy McSweeney

Kathy McSweeney; Paul Yorkis, MAR President-Elect; Judy Chamberlain Moore, 2016 NAR Major Investor Council Chair; Kris Koliss, 2016 CMAR President; Rita Coffey, 2016 MAR RPAC Trustees Chair

Rita Coffey, Judy Chamberlain Moore; Diane Dabrowski, CMAR Director; Paul Yorkis, Kathy McSweeney; Jane Fine, GAC State & Federal Political Coordinator

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORSÂ®

23 www.cmarealtors.org

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

iorelli; acey F r T & ll Storrs che ice Mit bert & Leslie n a J : t Her Fron orraine Back: L

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Many thanks to our 2016 Major Investors:

Andrew Abu Lisa Bradley Jeff Burk Michael Deluca Tony Economou Jane Fine Tracey Fiorelli Deb Flot Sarah Gustafson Lorraine Herbert Lee Joseph Kris Koliss

Kathy McSweeney Janice Mitchell Dave Stead Leslie Storrs Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

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Abby

Also thank you to others who donated to RPAC that evening: Maria Navedo Diane DeCiccio Vanessa L'Heureux Nathan Stewart Matthew Stewart Marty Green Linda Laney Duane Papetti Elaine Evans

24 www.cmarealtors.org

LOCAL MARKET UPDATE Local Market Update – April 2016 A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

+ 31.8%

+ 9.8%

- 23.5%

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

April

Single-Family Properties 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

Year to Date

2015

2016

+/–

2015

2016

+/–

591 340 $247,000 2,277 5.4 139 93.5% 1,092

786 465 $271,500 1,720 3.4 115 95.9% 917

+ 33.0% + 36.8% + 9.9% - 24.5% - 36.8% - 17.4% + 2.5% - 16.0%

1,668 1,168 $248,000 --136 93.3% 2,561

2,306 1,557 $255,000 --120 94.5% 2,877

+ 38.2% + 33.3% + 2.8% --- 11.7% + 1.3% + 12.3%

April

Condominium Properties 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

Year to Date

2015

2016

+/–

2015

2016

+/–

165 94 $212,500 459 4.4 112 95.4% 241

199 107 $205,000 372 3.0 105 96.9% 218

+ 20.6% + 13.8% - 3.5% - 19.0% - 31.3% - 6.6% + 1.6% - 9.5%

453 303 $215,000 --115 95.8% 646

585 375 $203,500 --113 96.0% 715

+ 29.1% + 23.8% - 5.3% --- 1.2% + 0.2% + 10.7%

* 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 Entire State

Entire State

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

$350,000

$300,000

$300,000 $250,000

$200,000 $250,000

$150,000

$200,000 12-2007 12-2008 12-2009 12-2010 12-2011 12-2012 12-2013 12-2014 12-2015

$100,000 12-2007 12-2008 12-2009 12-2010 12-2011 12-2012 12-2013 12-2014 12-2015

A rolling 12-month calculation represents the current month and the 11 months prior in a single data point. If no activity occurred during a month, the line extends to the next available data point.

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

25 www.cmarealtors.org

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

Use Caution When Negotiating Via Text and Email In May 2016, a Massachusetts Land Court ruled that a series of text messages can satisfy the Statute of Frauds and bind parties to a real estate transaction. Massachusetts law requires all agreements to transfer real estate to be in writing and signed by the party against whom the agreement is to be enforced. It was only a matter of time before the courts reviewed whether or not a text message could satisfy that standard. The case, St. John’s Holdings, LLC v. Two Electronics, LLC , involved a dispute between two businesses for the purchase of a commercial property. Over the course of several weeks the parties negotiated an unsigned “Binding Letter of Intent” through their respective brokers via email and text messages. Included in an email exchange, which included the brokers’ respective email signatures, was an email from the listing broker stating that the seller was “ready to do this.” The listing broker then followed up with a text message to the buyer’s broker, telling the buyer to sign the Letter of Intent, as prepared by the seller, and submit a deposit, which the buyer did. Some of the text messages included signatures on a first name basis, but not all of them did. During these negotiations, however, the seller received and accepted a higher offer from a different buyer and refused to sign the Letter of Intent with the buyer. Immediately, the buyer sought to enforce the Letter of Intent in a Massachusetts Land Court. Before the Court was whether these text messages could satisfy the Statute of Frauds to bind parties to the agreement. The buyer argued that the Letter of Intent was binding based on the exchange of emails and text messages between the real estate brokers and included all material terms of the contract. The seller, on the other hand, argued that the text messages were merely negotiations and further, did not include the required signature from the seller. The judge sided with the buyer, ruling that the text messages, in addition to the emails, satisfied the statute of frauds and amounted to a binding contract. In reaching Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

his decision, the judge considered all of the email and text messages as whole. “Under the Statute of Frauds, multiple writings relating to the subject matter of the agreement may be read together as long as the writings, when considered as a single instrument, contain all the material terms of the contract.” Additionally, he held that the signatures in the text messages were enough to authenticate the seller: “Typing their names at the end of certain messages containing material terms, but declining to do so for more informal discussions, is indicative that the parties chose to be bound by those signed communications.” The New Trend As you may remember, there was a superior court case in 2012, Feldberg v. Coxall, which presented a similar set of facts and holding. In that case, the court applied the same standard and ruled that the parties could be bound if the material terms of the agreement were present and the parties had the requisite intent to enter into the agreement. Furthermore, it held that signature blocks in emails could meet the signature requirement. What REALTORS® Can Do to the Protect Themselves Realtors® should be aware that negotiations through text and email may bind clients to an agreement. Therefore, great caution should be used when communicating through these means. Unless a client has expressly authorized you to make an agreement on behalf of your client, you should consider including a disclaimer at the bottom of emails that include proposed terms for an agreement such as: “Nothing in this email is intended to create a binding contract for the purchase or sale of real estate. The sender of this email does not have authority to bind a client [buyer or seller] to an agreement via written or oral communications, including by email." Adding this disclaimer, when it accurately describes the agent’s authority, will avoid unintended consequences of email communications. When communicating through text message, it is wise to make similar statements in the beginning of the negotiations. An even wiser approach would be to discontinue negotiating terms through text messages all together. 26 www.cmarealtors.org

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President, Kris Koliss President Elect, Sarah Gustafson Vice-President, Judy Patterson Secretary, Tracey Fiorelli Treasurer, Michael Meurant Immediate Past President, Brad Roberts

Diane Dabrowski Mike DeLuca Erika Hall Lorraine Herbert Lee Joseph Kathy McSweeney Leslie Storrs John Vaillancourt Andrew Abu Leif Rosseland Nathan Stewart

Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Alternate Alternate Alternate

CMAR STAFF Executive VP, Colleen Pappas Office Manager, Lisa Sprague Marketing Manager, Jacki D’Innocenzo

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE to benefit the elementary and middle school children of Central Mass.

Drive runs from June 1 - August 12. Packing days are August 17 & 18. Delivery day is August 19 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 for each Backpack  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 CMAR, 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA or at the following member offices:  Coldwell Banker - Shrewsbury,

Sturbridge , Worcester

 Janice Mitchell Real Estate – Holden  Paramount Realty - Grafton

We need more offices - can you help?

*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!

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® * 492 Washington Street * Auburn, MA 01501 * 508-832-6600

Spring Cleaning Drive for the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester Thank you to all who donated to our Spring Book & Game Drive. If you have any gently used books or toys that you would like to donate, we will happily take them for the Boys & Girls Club. They will put them to great use! Please drop off any items here at the Central Mass. Association of REALTORS®.

CMAR 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/CentralMasslAssociationofREALTORS. By doing so you will not only get up-to-the-minute information on everything going on at CMAR, but you will help us to increase our visibility while growing your own business network. Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

27 www.cmarealtors.org