October 2014 Inside this Issue: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE President’s Message
1
Month-at-a-Glance
2
Dues & Budget Plan
3-4
REALTOR® Domains
6
Classes & Events
7-17
Membership News
18-20
YPN Paint Night
21
CREST
22
REALTOR® Safety Apps
22
Gov’t Affairs
23
Local Market Update
24
Legal Corner
25
Community Action
26
WRAR Mission Statement The purpose of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® is to: * Provide 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.
It’s officially fall & the market is still busy, Many people are looking to move before winter. There are lots of things happening at our association and we have some great education programs going on at our Auburn headquarters. There are two really important topics for this month’s president’s message. The first topic is Safety: There are not many occupations that require someone to meet a total stranger at a remote location knowing nothing about them. As I’m writing this, the reports of Beverly Carter, the REALTOR® who was murdered in Arkansas, are all over the news. She was doing something we all do, meeting a buyer in the evening at a foreclosed home. When asked why she was targeted, the suspect said “because she was a woman who worked alone, a rich broker.” As a REALTOR®, I’m shocked and saddened by this tragedy. Our local association gets regular alerts from members about unusual people calling to see homes, or coming to open houses. NAR has lots of resources and info about REALTOR® safety. There are many things you can do to be safer: To start, be sure to read this month’s Legal Hotline in this issue (page 25). Download and use a safety app (see page 22 for some suggestions), bring someone along with you, or make sure people know where you are. Be prepared and please be careful! The second one is Copper Pipe Theft: Last week I showed a ranch house in a picturesque neighborhood. Everything looked great on the first level, but we were shocked when we went downstairs and the finished basement was trashed. The ceiling was ripped down and all of the copper pipes had been stolen. In another situation, I got a call this morning from an agent who arrived to show a vacant estate property and found someone in the process of stealing the copper pipes. The thief jumped out a first floor window and ran. Copper pipe theft is on the rise. For a long time MAR has been pushing for legislation that would regulate scrap metal dealers, who would be required to maintain records, check ID’s and bag & hold the items they buy for a few days. A person could not pull up in a cab with trash bags full of copper pipes and sell them anonymously. The $300 worth of copper pipes stolen from the houses I mentioned above will cost the sellers thousands to replace. If you see someone stealing copper pipes, don’t confront them, call 911. If you see your state rep or state senator, ask them what they’re doing about copper theft. Have a great month, I hope to see you all safely at the Annual Meeting on 10/22 at Holy Cross College.
Dave Dave Stead 2014 WRAR President
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 1 www.wrar.org
WRAR MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE October 2014 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1 2 10-12 YPN Breakfast - Appraisals & Assessments 2015 DUES available to pay online
Friday
Saturday
3 4 11:30 Lunch & 8-12 Sales PreLearn: Social license Class Security @ Grill on the Hill
6
5 5:30-9:30 Sales Pre-license Class
7 8-2 CEU Classes 9 Govt Affairs Comm
8
9 2-4 Business Builder Class
10
11 8-12 Sales Prelicense Class
12
13
14 12-2 Lunch & Learn w/Shamrock Financial
15 3-4 Committee Volunteer Day
16
17 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training
18
25
WRAR CLOSED
19
20
21 9-1 CEU Classes Leominster 10:30-12 RPR Training
22 23 8:30 Annual Mtg Holy Cross
24 8-2 CEU Classes
26
27 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training
28 9-5 Strategic Planning Retreat 11-1 Lunch & Learn: Fairway WRAR CLOSED except for Lunch & Learn
29 9-4 CBR Class
31 Halloween
30 9-4 CBR Class
2014 MAR Conference & Tradeshow
Sarah Gustafson, WRAR REALTOR® of the Year, is in the running for the State title at the MAR Conference on October 6 & 7, 2014, at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in North Falmouth, MA. Come support her and network with other REALTORS® statewide. You can register at https://marealtorportal.ramcoams.net/Meetings/Registration/MeetingDetails.aspx?mid=f06d7e05-3c0345da-a1e8-bc197ceb20b4
GRI 202 Building a Foundation
Tuesday, October 21, 2014 (8:00 AM) to Wednesday, October 22, 2014 (5:30 PM) Graduate REALTOR® Two-Day Course When: October 21-22, 2014 Where: Greater Newburyport Association of REALTORS®, Newport, MA Instructors:Jeffery Chute and Gary Bourque Price: MAR Member: $250 Register at https://marealtorportal.ramcoams.net/Education/Registration/Details.aspx?cid=ee4a6e1b-322d-4088-abe2-9f485d3af1fa Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 2 www.wrar.org
2015 DUES EARLY PAYMENT INCENTIVES
2015 Dues Incentives If you have not yet received your 2015 dues invoice, please contact Lisa Sprague, as they were emailed to all members on October 1. They will NOT be mailed via US Post office.
Get a head start on 2015 by taking advantage of one our great dues incentives! Your dues include: National Association of REALTORS®: NAR Image Campaign: Mass. Association of REALTORS®: WRAR REALTOR®: WRAR Designated REALTOR®:
$120.00 $ 35.00 $151.00 $272.00 $372.00
h wit ses! g n nni increa u r s ues ear 8 y ocal d L no
* Pay your entire dues in October and be entered into a drawing to win back your ENTIRE 2015 dues - over a $500 savings! Deadline for drawing is 10/31/14. (REALTOR® members only.) * Pay your entire dues in November and be entered into a drawing to win back your LOCAL dues! (October entries are eligible once again in November). Deadline for drawing is 11/30/14. (REALTOR® members only.)
Deadline for dues is December 31, 2014, to avoid late fees. NEED SOME EXTRA TIME? Enroll in our 2015 BUDGET PLAN by October 31, 2014. Reminder: If you do not sign up for the installment plan, your entire 2015 dues payment MUST be received by December 31, 2014 to avoid additional fees. You MUST RE-SIGN for the budget plan each year, even if you were on it the prior year. Late fees go into effect on January 1, 2015 -- there are no exceptions! 2015 DUES MAY BE PAID ONLINE AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2014. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
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www.wrar.org
2015 DUES BUDGET PLAN - STILL TIME TO ENROLL!
2015 Dues Budget Plan Option for REALTOR® Members Under the 2015 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® Budget Plan, you may enroll in the plan to help spread the payments across time plus there are NO LATE FEES!!! Please enroll me in the 2015 plan: (includes a $10.00 service fee per payment) $ 83.00 REALTOR®
1ST INSTALLMENT October 1, 2014
$108.00 Designated REALTOR®
$ 83.00 REALTOR®
2ND INSTALLMENT November 1, 2014
$108.00 Designated REALTOR®
$ 83.00 REALTOR®
3RD INSTALLMENT December 1, 2014
$108.00 Designated REALTOR®
$ 83.00 REALTOR®
4TH NSTALLMENT January 2, 2014
$108.00 Designated REALTOR®
$151.00 REALTOR®
5TH INSTALLMENT February 1, 2015
$151.00 Designated REALTOR®
$155.00 REALTOR®
6TH INSTALLMENT March 1, 2015
$155.00 Designated REALTOR®
Please check here if you would like to contribute your Voluntary Fair Share Amount of $20.00 to RPAC. The budget amounts above do not reflect your contribution. We hope that you will help us reach our 2015 RPAC goal by donating. If you contribute, this one time payment of $20.00 will be assessed to your credit card on October 1, 2014 in addition to the above amount. I hereby enroll in the 2015 WRAR budget plan and understand that processing fees are included in the total amount. If total dues and service fees are not paid AS AGREED, my membership will terminate and I will be subject to all applicable reinstatement fees. Please note dues are non‐refundable. ***The installment plan is available for CREDIT CARD purchase only.
If for any reason the credit card info provided is invalid or declined a $20.00 administration fee will be charged. Please fax to: 508‐832‐6620 or email the form to: lsprague@wrar.org Payment Information Name on Card: _____________________________________________ Billing Address: _____________________________________________ Card#
__________‐ ___________‐___________‐___________
Exp. Date: _____________
Signature _____________________________________________ We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover I understand that WRAR will debit my credit card account as designated above in order to pay the fees and other charges and that all amounts due under the budget plan outlined above will be automatically charged to my credit card. I further understand that REALTOR® dues are non‐refundable.
By signing this form you are agreeing to all the above terms. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
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www.wrar.org
OUR 2014 VIP SPONSORS
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CLAIM YOUR .REALTOR DOMAIN NAME You know website addresses that end with the domain extension .com, most do. And you’ve probably seen others that end in .org, .edu and .gov. But, did you know that hundreds—if not thousands—of new domain extensions will exist soon? They can be for just about anything, including real estate, and are being reviewed by ICANN. That means that soon, many new domains will be approved, allowing consumers to search for the things on the Internet in an entirely new way. That’s why NAR secured the new .REALTOR domain: to clearly provide a trusted source for real estate information online and to bring order to this increasingly complicated online world. Like the term REALTOR®, only REALTORS® can use .REALTOR domains, making it the clearest way to show consumers you are a member of NAR, and you adhere to a higher standard of ethics and are a source they can trust.
Claim your .REALTOR domain as soon as it’s available to take advantage of the exclusive benefits it provides you as a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Starting 10.23.2014, members will be able to go to www. claim.REALTOR for REALTOR domains. The first 500,000 NAR and 10,000 CREA members will be able to claim their first domain FREE for one year. For complete information and guidelines, visit http:// www.about.realtor.
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 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 6 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Securing Your Retirement Transforming Social Security into a winning retirement strategy By Nick Weiss, VP, BlackRock Financial
Get ANSWERS to these Social Security questions: • Can I receive SSI if I am still working? • How much money will I receive? • Can I collect SSI while I receive a pension? • Should I collect at age 62 or full retirement age?
Presented by: Compass Consulting Group & Jackson National Lunch & Learn: Friday, October 3rd, 2014 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Grill on the Hill (Green Hill Golf Course) RSVP by Friday, September 26th: Gretchen gretchen@compassconsultinggrp.com 508-796-5950
President/Financial Advisor
645 Chandler Street • Worcester, MA 01602 • 508-796-5950 Email: tom@compassconsultinggrp.com • Web: www.compassconsultinggrp.com
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 7 www.wrar.org
Business Builder Session 7:
APPRAISALS A to Z
Everything You Want & Need to Know about Appraisals
A monthly educational series brought to you by the WRAR Professional Development Committee
Business Builders
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Date: Time: Place: Price:
Thursday, October 9 2:00-4:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington St. Auburn FREE to WRAR Members
Panel of Experts: *Betty Graham CEO, Frisco Lender Services *Scott Fletcher Head of Underwriting Risk, Frisco Lender Services *Maria Hopkins - SRA, RA, Owner of Maria Hopkins Associates
• • • • • • •
Financial reform legislation and how is it affecting all of us der Buil Life of the appraisal process ess nto a n i s i u a B ntered one ! The agent’s responsibility in the process LET e end r, TAB ou att ill be e yea ET! A h w y WIN time name nd of t a TABL FHA, VA & USDA requirements versus FNMA h Eac , your t the e eceive s r Underwriting red flags clas ing. A r will e w dra y winn Underwriting expectations luck Q&A
Event followed by complimentary wine & cheese reception courtesy of our sponsor!
This event is sponsored by: William Murphy, Certified Mortgage Planner Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. Attorney Jessica Albino, The Law Office of Jessical Albino
.......................................................... 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® 8 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Join us for a “Lunch & Learn” sponsored by Shamrock Financial Corporation
17 Branding Strategies Your Competitors Will Ignore Do you want to learn how to execute a low-cost game plan for converting strangers into clients and raving fans? How to define your target audience so you can grow your pipeline Steps to creating a killer “About Me” bio How to use Social Media as a conversation starter and follow-up tool 14 other must-have tips!
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 Time: 12:00 - 2:00 pm Place: WRAR, 492 Washington Street Auburn Cost: FREE for WRAR Members Presented by:
Shalimar Albanese, Marketing & Events Director Shamrock Financial
Shalimar Albanese
NMLS#2227 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
9
www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
You are cordially invited to
Committee Volunteer Day Wednesday, October 15, 3:00 - 4:00 pm Worcester Regional Assn. of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501
Come learn all about the committees at WRAR, what they offer, what YOU can offer them and how service can help your career! Wine, cheese & light hor d’oeuvres will be served. Please RSVP to Colleen Pappas at 508-832-6600, ext. 106, or via email at cpappas@wrar.org. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
10 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WCR REGION V FALL CONFERENCE “A SEA OF KNOWLEDGE” Nantasket Beach Resort 45 Hull Shore Drive, Hull Ma, 02045 Monday October 20, 2014 9:00 TO 4:00
NATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Tami Bonnell - Brightening Your Future and Others Jeff Chalmers - Building Ships in a Millennium World Bar Code Publicity - Digital Security George Simone of RMS Mortgage presents “Realtor Safety“ Continental Breakfast and New England Style Buffet lunch will be served Vendors/Raffles/Prizes - Cost $60.00 To Register go to www.wcr.org/events/regional-meetings/ Overnight Guests must book Hotel separately ! Limited Hotel Rooms Book Early Hotel Room Block - $80 plus tax 781-925-4500 ( Sunday only, use code WCR) CONTACT JUDY PATTERSON REGION V RVP WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS 978-895-2050 OR judy.patterson@remax.net
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
11 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Give Us 90 Minutes… And We’ll Give You 147 Million Reasons to Use RPR Get introduced to the power of RPR: integrated tax, MLS data, foreclosure, flood maps, valuations, schools, virtually everything you need in one place to be a local market expert! Generate comprehensive buyer and seller reports in seconds, and provide powerful analytics to determine values and list prices. This NAR member benefit is yours as a member of The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® and NAR; don’t miss this session to take advantage of this great new member benefit.
FREE TO WRAR MEMBERS!
DATE: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 TIME: 10:30 am ‐ 12:00 pm LOCATION: CREST SCHOOL @ The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501 INSTRUCTOR: Lesley Lambert
You may register online at www.wrar.org, or fill out this form and fax or email to 508‐832‐6620 or lwalls@wrar.org. Name: Company: Cell Phone: email: Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
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WRAR ANNUAL MEETING
2014 ANNUAL MEETING Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 College of the Holy Cross Hogan Center, 4th Floor 8:30 am Registration & Breakfast Buffet 9:00 am Program Pre-reg - $25 Onsite - $30
2015 Budget 2015 Nominating Committee 2015 Officers & Directors 2015 MAR State Directors 2015 Dues Payment Installment Plan
Thank you to our VIP Sponsors: Platinum Level: Fairway Mortgage New England Sierra Pacific Mortgage Southbridge Savings Bank Gold Level: The Law Office of Jessica Albino Bank of Canton Cahn & Barron, LLC Compass Consulting DCU MLS PIN Prospect Mortgage Security First Mortgage
For more info or to register, contact Jacki D’Innocenzo at 508-832-6600 or via email jdinnocenzo@wrar.org. You may also mail or fax this form to WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501 * Fax 508-832-6620. Contact Name:______________________________________________ Company:__________________________________ Billing Address:_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip_______________________________ Phone:___________________________________________ Email:_______________________________________________ Amount Due__________
____Check
____American Express
____Discover
____MasterCard
____Visa
Card No______________________________________________________________ Expiration________________________ Signature_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
13 www.wrar.org
WRAR SLATE - ANNUAL MEETING
It’s Your Time to Vote The following is the 2015 Slate of Officers, Directors, MAR Directors, and Nominating Committee for the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS. This information and the 2015 budget will be on the agenda at the Annual Meeting on October 22, 2014. The Nominating Committee of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS recommends the following slate of Officers & Directors for 2015 WRAR Board of Directors 2015 President: President Elect: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Immediate Past Pres.:
Brad Roberts Kris Koliss Sarah Gustafson Judy Patterson Michael Meurant David Stead
Directors: Jayne Diliberto Kathleen Cooper Erika Hall Tracey Fiorelli Lee Joseph Lorraine Herbert Leslie Storrs Kathy McSweeney Diane Dabrowski Alternate:
James Keenan John Vaillancourt
Term Expires 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015
MAR Board of Directors 2015 Directors: David Stead Rochelle Jonswold Brad Roberts Kris Koliss Sarah Gustafson Leslie Storrs Tracey Fiorelli Erika Hall
Term Expires 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017
Alternate: Kathleen Cooper Kathy McSweeney
2015 2015
TwoYear Term
2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2016 2017 2017 2017 2015 2015
WRAR Nominating Committee 2015
David Stead Chair, Past President Brad Roberts , President Kris Koliss, President-Elect Rochelle Jonswold Mark Balestracci Randy DeVries Mary Stolarczyk Mary Tavolieri Andrew Abu Jayne Diliberto
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
14 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT You’re Invited!
Lunch and Learn with Bill Murphy of Fairway Mortgage
CEU Course RE25R08: Financing
The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
492 Washington St. Auburn, MA 01501
October 28th 2014 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Registration 10:30 AM) Lunch and refreshments will be served courtesy of Attorney Jessica Albino. RSVP ONLINE: http://www.wrar.org/events.html
What to Expect: Projection of interest rates from market analysts and the impact on your buyer’s loan programs and purchasing power o What factors will drive rates in the next 12 months How to submit strong offers with strong preapprovals Helping the millennial generation understand their student loan debt and housing options Gaining market share from the newest generation of home buyers o The fastest growing home owners market is Generation X and Y How to improve your client’s credit score and maximize their loan options NEW seasoning requirements for short sales and foreclosures Over 50 Mortgage and Credit Gotchas Cheat sheet for FHA, VA, Conventional, USDA and MA Housing Help sellers list now o Creating listing inventory o How to get buyers and sellers off the fence o The costs of waiting to sell or buy a house o Eliminating PMI for move up sellers and buyers with less than 20% down payment Hosted by: Bill Murphy of Fairway Independent Mortgage – CMP Jessica Albino of the Law Office of Jessica L. Albino Center for Real Estate Studies & Training
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.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
15 www.wrar.org
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Set yourself apart from your compe��on with a
CBR Designa�on! ENT M Y PAPLAN LE! LAB I A AV
Dates: Wednesday & Thursday, October 29 & 30, 2014 Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm each day Place: Worcester Regional Assn. of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street, Auburn Cost: $299 - Includes class, CEU’s & luncheon. Having trouble paying? Give us a call! WHY SHOULD YOU EARN YOUR CBR? •
Learn the BEST PRACTICES for Buyer Agency and the SKILLS to guide your buyers through the purchase process and get them to the closing table.
•
Develop the skills and techniques to ATTRACT MORE BUYERS to your business
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EARN MORE MONEY! You will learn to change the way you’ll look at buyers. It will change the way buyers look at you too!
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Turn your “just looking” customers into Clients making offers.
•
Receive 4 CEU’s
•
Affordable Rates as well as a PAYMENT PLAN! Call Colleen Pappas at 508-832-6600 for more info
October 29th luncheon sponsored by: Kwame Bonsu – Bank of America, October 30th luncheon sponsored by: and Mark Waxler - Waxler Hospitality Group
An ease with teaching and an engaging sense of humor enable Roger to provide seminars that are informa�ve, enjoyable, and, ul�mately, protable. Roger has earned a reputa�on as a consummate real estate educator, with recogni�on by seminar students, agency owners, and REALTOR® associa�ons throughout the United States.
CBR DESIGNATION ADVANTAGES
Register online at www.wrar.org or return this form via fax to 508-832-6620. Name:___________________________________________________________________ email:___________________________________________________________________ Billing Address____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card:______________________________________________________________ Expira�on:_______________________________________________________________ ☐ Sign me up for the payment plan! Credit card will be auto-billed on 9/2, 10/2 & 11/2.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
About Roger
Roger Turco�e is a highly sought-a�er na�onal speaker in the realm of real estate educa�on. Roger’s experience as a real estate agent and manager helped him create solu�on-based seminars that empower real estate managers and agents to sharpen their compe��ve edge.
•
NO YEARLY RENEWAL FEES!
•
NO WAITING - Take the class & leave with your Designa�on!
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NO SALES REQUIREMENTS to qualify!
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NO FINAL EXAM!
•
Get a FREE web site pos�ng
•
FREE CBR Logos, promo�onal material, and membership in the Na�onal Cer�ed Buyer Representa�ve discussion group on LinkedIn.com too.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The WRAR Professional Development Committee is pleased to present:
2014 Office Leadership Breakfast Series Offered exclusively to Brokers & Office Managers
RISK
REDUCTION
Date: November 17, 2014 Breakfast: 8:30 am Program: 9:00-11:00 am William Mullen III Bill Mullen is the general counsel for the Greater Boston Association of REALTORS®. An attorney, real estate broker, and licensed real estate instructor, Mullen has served on the Mass. Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors and is past president of the North Shore Association of REALTORS®.
You will be entered into a raffle EACH TIME you attend a session. On November 3, one lucky DR/OM will receive a PIZZA PARTY for their office! Bring a new coat or jacket for our BOD’s Drive for the City of Worcester school children - and receive an extra chance in the Pizza Party Drawing!
We are excited to welcome back Attorney Bill Mullen who will discuss relevant issues. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to get your legal questions answered! This session is sponsored by our PLATINUM LEVEL VIP SPONSOR:
............................................................................. Register now - $15 - Fax to 508-832-6620 or email to lwalls@wrar.org. Nov. 17_____($15) Name:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Firm:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address:_________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card/Expiration:___________________________________________________________________________ email:_______________________________________________ phone:____________________________________
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2014 President David Stead and EVP Colleen Pappas (far right) welcomed our newest REALTORS速 at the WRAR New Member Orientation on September 17.
New Members - September 17 Orientation Lizza Beguiristain Realty Direct Metrowest Westborough Colleen Brosnihan ERA Key Realty Services Worcester David Brossi Brossi Realty Inc. Framingham Erin Brown DCU Realty Marlborough Deanna Brunt Afonso Real Estate Milford Jamie Bundtzen Brossi Realty Inc. Framingham Cara Casamasima Open Door Real Estate Sterling Laurie Church Century21 Commonwealth Milford Arturo Dominguez XSell Realty, LLC Worcester Eric Figueiredo Keller Williams Realty Worcester Laurie Fitzpatrick Coldwell Banker Shrewsbury Elizabeth Flodstrom Century21 Commonwealth Milford Spencer Fortwengler Exit Realty Partners Worcester Yaa Frimpongmaah XSell Realty, LLC Worcester Sharon Garcia RE/MAX Advantage Worcester Joy Garvey Century21 Commonwealth Milford Stephen Gaudet RE/MAX Professional Auburn Alan Gelineau ERA Key Realty Service Auburn Martha Gibson Mendon Area Real Estate Mendon Nicole Grigas RE/MAX Professional Auburn April Grueter Sullivan & Company RE Brimfield James Haynes Artisan Senior Renovations Auburn Tracie Hinman Keller Williams Realty Worcester Jennifer Kittredge Emerson Realtors Auburn Doreen Lefort Brossi Realty Inc. Framingham Edmund Manu Keller Williams Realty Worcester Richard Merlino Keller Williams Realty Worcester Bonnie Narcisi Prudential Prime Properties Whitinsville Edna Ortiz Keller Williams Realty Worcester Jay Ostrosky Collins & Demac RE Shrewsbury
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
Gary Powell Keller Williams Realty Kay Reed Keller Williams Realty Chastelyn Rodriguez Khattar Realty, LLC Beverly Rogers Fine Properties, Inc. Saba Sarsam Keller Williams Realty Lorenzina Savage ERA Key Realty Service Robert Schaftenaar Keller Williams Realty Patricia Soucy Robert B. Love & Co., Inc. Nina Souza DCU Realty Rosalind Stearns Afonso Real Estate Pamela Therrien Orbit Realty Esther Twumasi XSell Realty, LLC Charles Valera LAER Realty Partners Robert Wallace Mendon Area Real Estate Amanda White Charles R. Smith Jr. Carol Yeaton Keller Williams Realty
Worcester Westborough Worcester Shrewsbury Worcester Auburn Worcester Paxton Marlborough Milford Webster Worcester Groton Mendon Worcester Worcester
New Applicants Thomas Creeden Heather Donovan Grace Golden David Hodgdon Stephen Longton
ZipRealty Century21 Toomey-Lovett Coldwell Banker Millenium Real Estate Keller Williams Realty
Framingham Spencer Worcester Mendon Worcester
New Offices Rasheed Warab
Apex Realty P.O. Box 55
Westboro
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS Agent Transfers to New Office Peggy Andrianopoulos Exit Realty Partners Mark Balestracci Exit Realty Partners Jeff Brooks Exit Realty Partners Kerri Burbank Exit Realty Partners Brian Coomey Exit Realty Partners Colleen Crowley Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Robert Fowler Coldwell Banker Kimberley Germain Re/Max Professional Kimberly Haynes Exit Realty Partners Sabrina Kelsey Exit Realty Partners Ed LaPointe Exit Realty Partners Michelle Lussier LAER Realty Partners Brandon ONeal Coldwell Banker Jasmine Randhawa Exit Realty Partners Jennifer Roux Exit Realty Partners Nuntana Savanorke Exit Realty Partners Nancy Thomas Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Michelle Williams Exit Realty Partners Deborah Williams Exit Realty Partners Dawne Woods Exit Realty Partners Rachel Yovan Exit Realty Partners J.Theodore Zajkowski Exit Realty Partners
New Affiliates
Worcester Worcester Worcester Worcester Shrewsbury Northboro Sturbridge Oxford Worcester Worcester Worcester Westboro Worcester Worcester Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Northboro Worcester Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Worcester Worcester
Nicholas Daviau
Daviau Law Offices, P.C. 255 Park Avenue, Suite 1000, Worcester
Heather Dumais
Leominster Credit Union 20 Adams Street, Leominster
Tim O’Leary
Leominster Credit Union 20 Adams Street, Leominster
Board Transfers Zakory Sansossio Shrewsbury
RE/MAX Professional Associates
Reinstated Members Wing Chan Jennifer Jones Richard Rawson
Xsell Realty, LLC Premeer Real Estate Xsell Realty, LLC
Hold the Phone! Pinergy’s MOBILE SITE Has Been REDESIGNED With You in Mind! We’ve just put the final touches on the new, improved Pinergy Mobile Site. It’s easy to use, powerful, and works on any multi-touch, web-enabled smartphone. Now you’ll have access to many of Pinergy’s tools on the road, which is where the real transactions take place. And access is free for all MLS PIN customers. Just point your mobile device to mobile.mlspin.com (you can add a custom icon to your desktop to go directly there in the future). Search, sell, and connect with Pinergy Mobile!
• • • • •
Active, UAG and Sold Listing Searches Location-Based Searching Sortable Search Results Complete Listing Details Interactive Property Mapping
• • • •
Share Property Button Access to Contacts and Property Matches Public Records, Tax Rates & Hot Sheets Works on iOS, Android and Windows Phones
SEARCH SELL CONNECT
customer support evenings & weekends • 800-695-3000 •
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
www.mlspin.com
Pinergy
Add this icon to your phone’s home screen for one-click access!
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS Scholarshp 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速 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.
NAR Conference & Expo - November 7-10, 2014, New Orleans
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速
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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS’ NETWORK
YPN
Young Professionals’ Network
Professional Development & Networking Opportunities for today’s REALTOR®
To benefit the WRAR Scholarhip Fund Date: Time: Place: Cost: Instructor:
Thursday, November 13, 2014 6:00 pm Buca di Beppo, 7 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury $40 per person Amy Hopkinson
Thank you to our Event Sponsors: Pat Tauro – Contour Mortgage Bankers Bill Murphy – Fairway Mortgage Meghan Roche – The Law Office of Meghan E. Roche Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
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CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE STUDIES & TRAINING Upcoming CEU Courses for October 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, October 7 Time
Instructor
Course Code
Course Title
8:00 - 10:00
Craig Reynolds
RE35RC03
Offers
10:00 - 12:00
Craig Reynolds
RE05RC12
Contract Law
12:00 - 2:00
Craig Reynolds
RE07R13
Closing & Settlement
Leominster, Tuesday, October 21 9:00 - 11:00
Craig Reynolds
RE35RC03
Offers
11:00 - 1:00
Craig Reynolds
RE05RC12
Contract Law
Auburn, Friday, October 24 8:00 - 10:00
Bob Falter
RE91R14
Disclosures…Disclosures…Disclosures
10:00 - 12:00
Bob Falter
RE22RC13
Title V
12:00 - 2:00
Bob Falter
RE20R13
Lead Paint
Safety Apps for REALTORS® Real Alert • • • • • •
Ward off a potential Attacker with Quick tap “ALARM” Save precious moments with Quick tap “CALL 911” LOCATE the nearest HOSPITALS using your current GPS location Record “CREEP DATA” details about a suspicious person before they are forgotten Speed dial your emergency contact with Quick tap “ALERT A FRIEND” Handy flashlight
React Mobile • • • • • •
Follow Me - Real-Time Tracking Worldwide Emergency Support Send Emergency Alerts via Email & SMS Post Emergency Alerts to Facebook & Twitter Share Location with Friends Automatic 911 Dialing
Life360
Family Locator by Life360 is the most accurate and powerful family locator App. Using the latest GPS tracking technology, Family Locator lets you create groups, called “Circles”, of family & friends so you can: • Find family & friend locations on a private Map • Know when your family is safe or needs help • Chat one-on-one or with everyone within each of your Circles • Get alerted when a Circle member reaches a destination • Track a stolen or lost phone • Chatting in the Family Locator App is FREE.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
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COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Legislative Breakfast The 2014 Legislative Breakfast, held in conjunction with the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Central Mass., was held on Friday, September 19, at the College of the Holy Cross. Almost 100 people filled the ballrooms as legislators were available to field questions from their constituents. The event was moderated by Kimberly Allard-Moccia, 2014 Immediate Past President of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®. Thank you to our Platinum Level Sponsors, Fairway Independent Mortgage and Southbridge Savings Bank, and our Gold Level Sponsors, Bank of Canton, Cahn & Barron, LLC, Attorneys at Law, DCU, Foward Financial Services, The Law Office of Jessica Albino, MLS PIN, Prospect Mortgage and Security First Mortgage.
WRAR Volunteers work to Beautify Community WRAR volunteers were out on Thursday, September 18th, to revitalize an existing monument in the Greendale section of West Boylston St., Worcester. The monument is a beautiful silk black granite eagle originally envisioned in 1948 by George N. Jeppson, a Norton Company official. He helped to organize a committee of local businesses to donate toward a memorial for all veterans. Community subscriptions were also successful and Jeppson contacted Carl Miles, an American citizen of Swedish birth to create the memorial. A local group, “American Citizens of Swedish Birth,” also assisted in the project. A Place Making Grant from NAR in the amount of $2500 made this possible.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
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LOCAL MARKET UPDATE Local Market Update – August 2014 A RESEARCH TOOL PROVIDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
- 8.7%
- 2.4%
- 7.4%
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
August
Single-Family Properties
2013 494 631 $268,000 2,756 6.2 90 95.0% 733
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 553 568 $259,500 2,562 5.8 85 95.5% 697
Year to Date +/– + 11.9% - 10.0% - 3.2% - 7.0% - 6.7% - 5.8% + 0.5% - 4.9%
2013 4,024 3,669 $247,500 --114 93.9% 6,072
August
Condominium Properties
2013 116 122 $199,500 533 5.3 109 96.0% 158
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 126 122 $222,000 474 4.4 93 96.1% 145
2014 3,893 3,457 $256,100 --108 94.7% 6,288
+/– - 3.3% - 5.8% + 3.5% --- 5.4% + 0.9% + 3.6%
Year to Date +/– + 8.6% 0.0% + 11.3% - 11.1% - 17.6% - 14.4% + 0.1% - 8.2%
2013 914 835 $192,000 --121 95.5% 1,320
2014 942 863 $205,000 --96 96.1% 1,345
+/– + 3.1% + 3.4% + 6.8% --- 20.8% + 0.6% + 1.9%
* 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®
All MLS Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
b 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
$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®
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MAR LEGAL HOTLINE Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Counsel Justin Davidson, MAR Staff Attorney In light of the tragic death of Arkansas REALTOR® Beverly Carter, the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® urges its members to take a moment to review some basic safety precautions. As a real estate practitioner, you’re faced with potentially risky situations every day. Meeting new clients, showing homes, and even walking to your car at night can be dangerous. Remember: when it comes to your safety in showings and open houses, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right take the steps necessary to ensure your safety and that of your customer or client. Although not every situation can be avoided, here are some steps to help you stay safe:
Trust your gut. As a business professional, you are not required to
work with every customer who contacts you. If you do not feel comfortable representing an individual, or feel that your personal safety is at risk, trust your instincts. Under federal and state law, you are prohibited from discriminating against an individual because they are in a protected class. If you are concerned for your safety, however, speak with your broker for advice.
Make a house safe for the buyers and the agent. Listing agents should
ask the Seller to identify any physical dangers in a Property and suggest eliminating those dangers, if possible. During the initial safety check of a listing, practitioners should ensure all rooms have adequate lighting as well. Prior to showings, make sure to turn on the lights, whether it’s daytime or evening. Of course, potential dangerous items in the home, such as guns, should be removed from the home before showings. Be sure to also remove not-so-obvious weapons, such as a block of knives on a kitchen countertop.
Keep the house locked and consider extra monitoring. Doors need to
be kept locked at all times. A home is being presented to the public and it may attract intruders. In some properties, especially vacant ones, it might be a good idea to talk to your seller about installing a wireless security system. Some companies allow you to access the home security system through your smart phone.
Always show properties before dark. If you are going to be working
after hours, advise your associate or first-line supervisor of your schedule. If you must show a property after dark, turn on all lights as you go through, and don’t lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds. Seller should secure or hide valuables and prescription drugs. It is recommended that the Seller and all other occupants of the Property lock up valuables and prescription drugs in a safe place away from the Property until sold. Occupants may wish to rent a safe deposit box. Some banks offer safe deposit boxes free of charge. Agents need to do their part, too. When capturing virtual tours or photographs of the home for marketing purposes, make sure such valuables are not photographed.
Take extra precautions in distressed, vacant homes. When showing a
vacant home, first make sure it is safe to go in. Before entering, you should do a perimeter search around the property. Be aware of signs of squatters, such as broken windows or a kicked-in door. If you see signs that a squatter may be present, do not go inside. Also, homes that have been vacant may have maintenance issues. To prevent accidental injuries, beware of loose floorboards, rotted decks, and unsecure railings.
Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
Keep a record of agents’ whereabouts. Always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back; leave the name and phone number of the client you are meeting and schedule a time for your office to call you to check in.
Be careful at open houses. If possible, always try to have at least
one other person working with you at the open house. Also be sure to require all visitors to sign in, and ask for their full name, address, phone number and e-mail. When the Open House is over, don’t assume that everyone has left the premises at the end of an open house. Check all of the rooms and the backyard prior to locking the doors.
Lead from behind. When showing a home, always have your prospect walk in front of you. Don’t lead them, but rather, direct them from a position slightly behind them. You can gesture for them to go ahead of you and say, for example, “The master suite is in the back of the house.”
You take the wheel. Whenever possible, take your own car to a showing. When you leave your car, lock it. When you arrive at your destination, park your car in front of the property rather than in the driveway. You will avoid having your car blocked in, you’ll have an easier time escaping in your vehicle, and attract attention, if necessary.
Be sure to have cell service. Have emergency numbers programmed
on speed dial, and keep your phone with you at all times. When you’re showing commercial property, thick walls and/or remote locations may interfere with mobile phone reception. Check in advance to be sure your phone is serviceable in the area in which you are showing the property.
Agree on an office distress code. Create a voice distress code, a
secret word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into any conversation for cases where you feel that you are in danger. Use this if the person you are with can overhear the conversation, but you don’t want to alarm them. Example: “Hi, this is Jennifer. I’m with Mr. Henderson at the Elm Street listing. Could you e-mail me the RED FILE?”
You are not alone. If you encounter an individual while working late
or alone in your office, indicate to that person that you are not alone. Say something like, “Let me check with my supervisor to see whether she’s able to see you now.” Of course, there is always a risk of danger, but the above list is just a few of many precautions REALTORS® can take to help protect themselves. There are many other very important safety ideas available from the National Association of REALTORS® Safety Program available free online at www.realtor.org/about_nar/safety. MAR urges every broker to review this important material and share it with their agents at their next office meeting. The Arkansas REALTORS® Association is collecting donations in Beverly Carter’s name through their Hearts & Homes program. For more information, visit arkansasrealtors.com.
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2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President, Dave Stead Pres. Elect, Brad Roberts Vice President, Kris Koliss Secretary, Sarah Gustafson Treasurer, Conrad Allen Past President, Rochelle Jonswold Kathleen Cooper, Director Jayne DiLiberto, Director Tracey Fiorelli, Director Erika Hall, Director Lorraine Herbert, Director Lee Joseph, Director Judy Patterson, Director Mary Stolarczyk, Director Leslie Storrs, Director Diane Dabrowski, Alternate Kathleen McSweeney, Alternate WRAR STAFF Executive VP, Colleen Pappas Membership Manager, Lisa Sprague Marketing Manager, Jacki D’Innocenzo Staff Accountant, Maura O’Connor Administrative Assistant, Lynne Walls
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE Help us to Warm up the Winter! Community Action Committee Hat, Glove & Mitten Drive
Deadline for donations: November 14, 2014 Cash donations welcomed ; Make checks payable to WRAR.
We are collecting NEW Hats, Gloves, Mittens and Socks for Children and Adults to be distributed to local service agencies. Please help in any way you can. NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL! Items may be dropped at the following member offices: ● ● ● ● ●
ERA Key – Auburn, Spencer, Worcester, Whitinsville Janice Mitchell Real Estate – Holden LAER Realty Partners – Northborough, Westborough RE/MAX Advantage 1 – Worcester RE/MAX Professional – Auburn, Shrewsbury, Charlton, Sturbridge, Spencer, Wilbraham ● RE/MAX Vision - Worcester ● Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®
Call to Action by the WRAR BOD Our Board has been made aware by the City of Worcester that there is an urgent need for coats and jackets for city school children. The mornings are quite chilly and many kids are coming to school with no jackets or sweaters. The City is keeping a list of who needs a coat (age & size). If you would like to make a donation, the Board will take care of the shopping. Can you help? Send your check, made payable to WRAR, to 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501
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®
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