Sep2013connections by REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

Connections Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

September 2013 Inside this Issue: President’s Message

September Month-at-a-Glance

Room Rental Info

Membership News

Member Benefits

2014 Dues Budget Plan

Community Action Committee

7-8

Fundraiser for Marcia Head

REALTOR® Safety

10-11

CREST

Government Affairs

Legal Hotline

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.

President’s Message

It’s Labor Day and Back to School time already! We had another very successful Backpack Drive this year and I’d like to give a BIG THANK YOU to all the members of our Community Action Committee for their commitment and hard work getting the Backpacks, collected, filled and distributed. You’re Awesome! That’s a great segue to what I wanted to talk to you about this month. The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® is made up of over 1400 REALTOR® members. To SERVE and REPRESENT you there is a Board of Directors with 15 Directors and 2 or 3 Alternates and 6 Committees: Membership, Community Action, Professional Development, Professional Standards, Government Affairs and Finance. Everyone serving on the Board of Directors and the Committees are just like you, and I’d like to personally extend an invitation to you to get involved. I promise you will get back at least twice what you give in professional relationships, contacts and personal fulfillment. In 2013 we restructured our committees so that members can volunteer as much or as little as they want or can, even just one day -- which we call, “Done in a Day.” You can help with such things as the Backpack Drive, Habitat for Humanity Build Day, checking people in or organizing an event, going to REALTOR® Day on the Hill - you get the idea. Check www.wrar.org or call the Board for more information. Quick update on the numbers: Wow - you’ve been busy! July is the last full month of data we have. Comparing July 2012 to July 2013 Sales are UP almost 10%, with Single Family Sales UP 16.7%, Condos UP 23% and Multifamily UP 11% and sales prices increasing by 11% for SF, 10.5% for CC and 4% for MF. For 2013 Year to Date there has been 4044 sales of Single Family, Condo and Multifamily homes, which is a 9.7% increase over the same period in 2012. Inventory continues to be short partly caused by houses selling on average in 121 days compared to 147 days in 2012. Keep up the Great Work! This is YOUR REALTOR® Board and the Purpose of the Board is to Serve Our Members, Build Relationships and Serve our Communities. Call us if you need anything! Warmest Regards,

Rochelle Rochelle Jonswold

2013 WRAR President Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 1 www.wrar.org

WRAR MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE September 2013 Sunday 1

Monday 2

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

3 9-10 Gov’t Affairs Comm Mtg

5 2-4 Thirsty Thursday: Leveraging Your Database

7 9-3 New Member Orientation

WRAR CLOSED

9 9:30-3:30 MLS Pin Training

10 11-1 Membership Comm Mtg 1:30-3:30 MAR Caucus

11 9- Finance Comm. 10:30-Board of Directors

14 8-8 CEU Classes

16 1-3 Work Smarter Series

17 9:30-1 Conducting Safe Open Houses & Self Defense MAR BOD Mtg.

19 10-12 Fair Housing Seminar 5:30 WCR Masquerade Ball @ Beechwood Hotel

20 Legislative B-fast @ Holy Cross College

21 9-5 RE Sales PreLicense Course

25 9-1 CEU Classes, Leominster

27 9:30-3:30 MLS Pin Training

28 9-5 RE Sales PreLicense Course

2-4 Credit Essentials 29

Save the Date!

Visit www.wrar.org for details

Wednesday & Thursday, October 7 & 8, 2013

MAR Conference & Tradeshow Sea Crest Hotel, North Falmouth, MA

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

WRAR Annual Meeting, Holy Cross College, Worcester, MA

Thursday, December 12, 2013: Installation of Officers & Directors Luncheon Cyprian Keyes, Boylston, MA

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

Hold your Next Meeting or Event with us! * Reasonable Pricing * Great Location * * Corporate Meetings * Training * Social Events * We offer a Boardroom for smaller meetings. Our Boardroom is private and self-contained, and features comfortable executive style chairs. Half Day Rental* - 9:00-1:00 or 1:00-5:00 $25 member rate $50 non-member rate Full Day Rental* - 9:00 - 5:00 $50 member rate $100 non-member rate *Security Deposit Required

We offer classroom style or reception style for larger gatherings. Rental Rates* Members: $25/hour; $75 half day; $125 full day Non-members: $50/hour; $100 half day; $175 full day *Security Deposit Required

Additional Services/Features Available: * LCD Projector * Wireless Internet * Laptop Computer * * Copy or Fax Service * Marketing * Free Parking

Worcester Regional Association of Realtors® * Center for Real Estate & Training 492 Washington Street (Rt. 20) * Auburn, MA 01501 For more information, please contact Jacki D’Innocenzo @ 508-832-6600, ext. 200 or jdinnocenzo@wrar.org Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 3 www.wrar.org

MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Applicants Cherie Benoit Kevin Bergin Candice Bettencourt Kerri Burbank Andrea Carpenter Sara Flagg Karen Gammell Joseph Griffin Barbara Harrington Jeffrey Head Thomas Hoang Melanie Johnson Jonathan Judkins Rosemary Mensah Doreen Mullaly Robert Osol Andy Paleologos John Person Kim Poirier Terese Richards Nathan Riel John Severino Joseph Stake Nancy Thomas David Vitkus

Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Century 21 Toomey Lovett Inc. Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Real Living Barbera & Assoc. Emerson REALTORS Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Eastern Alliance Realty, LLC Champion Real Estate ERA Key Realty Services RE/MAX Advantage1 Century 21 Center Home Realty ERA Key Realty Services Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Hope Realty & Associates Real Living Barbera & Assoc. Cedar Wood Realty Group RE/MAX Prestige Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc ERA Key Realty Services ERA Key Realty Services Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc Coldwell Banker Res. Brokerage Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc RE/MAX Advantage1

Agents Transferred Vicki Aubry Victoria DeHesa Julius Hernandez Anita Land Bryan Larson Susan Lundstrom Dennis Mahoney Jane McGeary Christine Najem Karina Robles Dawn Szczygiel

New Affiliates Worcester Spencer Worcester Worcester Auburn Worcester Shrewsbury Worcester Worcester Worcester Sterling Worcester Worcester Worcester Worcester Worcester Marlboro Worcester Milford Milford Worcester Worcester Shrewsbury Worcester Worcester

Libery Mutual Insurance 771 Southbridge Street Auburn MA

Tim Dion

Merrimack Mortgage Company Inc. 5 Natalie Way Unit A Plymouth MA

Robert Osol

Cedar Wood Realty Group 898 Grafton Street, Worcester MA

William Roland

Sage Bank 430 Main Street, Agawam MA

Steven Salerno Jr.

Sage Bank 430 Main Street, Agawam MA

Gary Smith

Greater Milford Realty 121 Mendon Street, Hopedale MA

Congratulations Congratulations to Jean Paquin of Rick McPhee

Real Estate in Holden. Jean is the winner of a $100 VISA Gift Card from WRAR. Jean completed her member bio and submitted it by the due date of August 16. Thank you, Jean, for helping us to get our member database current!

Prudential Prime Properties Dora Naves Associates Re/Max Professional Associatess Keller Williams Realty Fairway Independent Mortgage LeRoux Realty Group Exit Realty Partners Residential Mortgage Services Cedar Wood Realty Group Cedar Wood Realty Group Re/Max Professional Assoc,

Westboro Marlboro Charlton Westboro Auburn Worcester Shrewsbury Hopkinton Worcester Worcester Shrewsbury

Reinstated Member Jackie Cohen Yary Jaen Deb Leite Darla Prentice Arthur Pulitzer

Kristen Auclair

RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate Su Casa Real Estate Prudential Parent Associates Prentice Realty Group Keller Williams Realty-Gr. Worc

Worcester Worcester Worcester Medway Worcester

Have you filled out your member bio yet? It was emailed to you in early August. Please submit your changes - it’s not too late!

Milestones Sympathies

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Marcia Head, who passed away in July. She was loved and admired by all who knew her.

Office Visits The Membership Committee has developed a

20-minute presentation on the benefits of being a member of the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® and is ready to bring this roadshow to your office! If you would like to schedule a visit, please contact Lisa Sprague for arrangements via Diane Hennessey Equine Homes Real Estate Amherst, NH email at lsprague@wrar.org. Sec.Realtor

Transfer Member

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS® 4 www.wrar.org

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS! Local WRAR Benefits NAR Benefits MAR Benefits REALTOR® Branding & PR Legal Hotline FREE CEU classes for members • The right to use the logo alone is • A potential savings of up to $180 enough to make it worthwhile! Technology Helpline • Regular Learning sessions in our own • NAR commercials working for you and classroom & via online webinars your success Information Resources • Courses for designations & specialties • FREE and reduced cost resources on • Bay State REALTOR® Magazine REALTOR.org • REALTOR® Digest electronic Community Presence newsletter • Community Action drives Information Resources • E-Messaging bulletins • Legislative Breakfast ® • REALTOR Magazine • MARealtor.com • Community Outreach • REALTOR.org • Habitat For Humanity Build Day • RPR.com (REALTOR® Property ReEducation & Designations source) • Professional Development Offerings Scholarships for relatives of REALTOR® • HouseLogic.com/members • MAR 2-Day conference and Affiliate Members • Annual “Profile of Home Buyers & • Professional designation courses Sellers” Report • GRI, CBR, CIPS, SRES, CRS • Online webinars Designations and Specialized Education Educational Opportunities Business Benefits & Discounts • Mid-Year Conference in Washington • Boston Bruins D.C. • Boston Herald Local Dispute Resolution System • Annual National Convention – over • Cambridge Eye Doctors • Grievance & Professional Standards 300 educational sessions • Edible Arrangements Committees • HomeGrade.com Business Benefits & Discounts • Jiffy Lube One on One Communication • AHS American Home Shield Warranty • MAR Vacation Center • E-blast messages Service • Postini • Monthly newsletters e-mailed to each • Avis Car Rental • Sullivan Tire member • Budget Car Rental • VistaPrint • Dell Computer Full-time, trained staff, available by phone • Docusign Shop.MARealtor.com and email • Entertainment Book • www.MARealtorWireless.com • Fedex • Check out the “MVPs” at MARealtor. Interactive website & event registration • Hertz com for more discounts & benefits! Recognition of the best and the brightest • Hewlett Packard • Identity Secure Technology • REALTOR® of the Year • Liberty Mutual • Free access to forms online • Affiliate of the Year • Lowes • Free online CEU classes • Distinguished Service Award • Office Max • Lifetime Achievement Award • SentiLock • Xerox Business & Entertainment Discounts • Staples • RealEstateCalendars.com • BJs • Sharfman’s Jewelers – 10% discount • Herbert Berg Florist – 10% discount • FromYouFlowers.com – 20% discount

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

2014 Dues Budget Plan Option for REALTOR® Members Under the 2014 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 2014 plan: (includes a $10.00 service fee per payment) ST

$108.00 Designated REALTOR®

$151.00 Designated REALTOR®

$155.00 Designated REALTOR®

$ 83.00 REALTOR®

1 INSTALLMENT September 30, 2013

$ 83.00 REALTOR®

2 INSTALLMENT October 31, 2013

$ 83.00 REALTOR®

3 INSTALLMENT November 30, 2013

$ 83.00 REALTOR®

4 NSTALLMENT December 31, 2013

$151.00 REALTOR®

5 INSTALLMENT January 31, 2014

$155.00 REALTOR®

6 INSTALLMENT February 28, 2014

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 2014 RPAC goal by donating. If you contribute, this one time payment of $20.00 will be assessed to your credit card on September 30, 2013 in addition to the above amount. I hereby enroll in the 2014 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 $50.00 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# Signature

__________- ___________-___________-___________

Exp. Date: _____________

_____________________________________________

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® 6 www.wrar.org

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE Your Community Action Committee is made up of dedicated WRAR members with a strong desire to give back to the communities we serve. We can’t thank them enough for all they do to make life better for those in need. In turn, they raise public awareness of REALTORS® and WRAR. The members of our Community Action Committee are our BEST advertising and our BEST representatives! Isn’t it time you took part in this great committee?

Golf Committee The Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS (WRAR) held their 15th Annual Golf Tournament at the Green Hill Golf Club ®

in June.

Each year, partial proceeds of the tournament are donated to a local charity. This year, WRAR was able to contribute $1,000 each to the Friendly House Shelter and the Rainbow Child Development Center, both located in Worcester. Top picture, left to right, Golf Committee members presenting check to the Friendly House Shelter: Wendy Burdett of Prospect Mortgage; Colleen Pappas, WRAR Executive Vice President; Kris Koliss of Paramount Realty Group; Gordon Hargrove, Executive Director, Friendly House; Maria DeJesus, Shelter Director, Friendly House; Judy Patterson, RE/MAX Acclaim; David Samara, Prospect Mortgage.

Bottom picture, Golf Committee members presenting check to the Rainbow Child Development Center: Colleen Pappas, WRAR Executive Vice President; Wendy Burdett, Prospect Mortgage; Judy Patterson, RE/MAX Acclaim; Nancy Thibault, Strategic Communication & Development Manager, Rainbow Child Development Center; David Samara, Prospect Mortgage; and Kris Koliss, Paramount Realty Group.

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

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE Backpack Drive Pictured below is our Community Action Committee with all of the backpacks and school supplies they gathered for school children throughout Worcester county. Sadly, donations from our members were down this year, but that did not deter these dedicated Committee members. Special thanks to Mary Stolarczyk, Marianne Belanger, Fiona Hoare, George Simone, Tracey Fiorelli, Jayne Diliberto, Julia Sprindzunas, Kristine Gaffney and Bella Fox for their hard work and dedication to making this project a success, as well as all of the member offices who served as drop-off locations. Although we did not meet our goal in numbers, we were able to help 250 families!

Fiona Hoare is pictured left with her car stocked for school deliveries. Above is another car on its way to a different school.

Picctured left to right: Jacki Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Innocenzo, George Simone, Marianne Belanger, Mary Stolarczyk, Jayne Diliberto and Kathleen McSweeney Worcester Regional Association of REALTORSÂŽ 8 www.wrar.org

Presents

LOOKS FOR HOPE

A Fashion Show for Men & Women to Benefit the American Cancer Society’s

Hope Lodge, Worcester Thursday, September 26, 2013 The Manor Restaurant & Banquet Facility 42 West Boylston Street West Boylston, MA

Looks

Tickets are $65 per Person

for

Hope

Reserved Tables of Ten are $600 Must come as one check or multiple checks in one envelope

Advance Reservations Only! ** No Door Sales ** Table placement near runway is first-come / first served.

To Benefit Worcester’s Hope Lodge

Cocktails / Shopping - 5:00 pm Welcome / Dinner - 6:15 pm Show - 7:30 pm

IKE’S DEN FINE WOMEN’S FASHIONS

Rt.9 - Shrewsbury

Solomon Pond Mall

FUNDRAISER IN MEMORY OF MARCIA HEAD

Raffle tickets are being sold to benefit the Hope Lodge in Worcester in memory of Marcia Head. Marcia touched the lives of many throughout her career. Only 200 tickets will be sold at $50 each. The grand prize is $1,000 worth of scratch tickets to the Mass State Lottery. Please see any WRAR BOD member or staff member to purchase a ticket.

Phone: _____________________ Ticket #A101

Thank you for your donation in Memory of Marcia Head

___________________________

Winners need not be present to win.

Address: ___________________

Only 200 tickets sold!

Name: _____________________

Raffle to be held (11/13/2013) Prize - $1000. of scratch tickets from Mass. State Lottery

Proceeds from raffle to benefit The Hope Lodge in Memory of Marcia Head $50.00 per ticket

SAMPLE - nOT FOR RESALE

Ticket #A101

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

SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT FOR

REALTOR® SAFETY

September may be REALTOR® Safety Month, but keep safety in mind now and all year long!

SAFETY DOESN’T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT NAR has designed September as REALTOR® Safety Month. And this past June was the 100th anniversary of safety as designated by the National Safety Council (NSC). In that time, nearly 6 million lives have been saved through the collaborative efforts of the people working to save lives and prevent injuries.

U c T Z H

1888

Johnson & Johnson introduced the first aid kit.

1913

National Safety Council was founded, making safety information available to all.

1914

First electronic stoplight was installed in Cleveland, Ohio.

1924

National Conference on Street and Highway Safety convened to establish the first traffic laws.

1954

The “Black Box” flight recorder was invented.

1986

Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion spurs US to review emergency response program.

1996

Airbag and Seat Belt Safety Campaign is established.

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

10 www.wrar.org

SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH Removing Dangers and Working Safely at REOs and Foreclosures

R A N I B E FETY W

FREE SA

Thursday, September 5, 11:00 am

This free NAR safety webinar, presented by safety expert Tracy Hawkins will provide strategies and contingency plans to maximize safety while showing properties, hosting open houses, or evaluating REO, foreclosures, and distressed properties. In this webinar you will: • Learn the safety risks and differences between retail residential sales and distressed property sales • Be better prepared to protect yourself and buyers when viewing distressed property. • Learn what to be aware of during previews and showings. • Discover how to be a good Reporting Partner. Know who to tell when you observe potential dangers and issues. Learn to implement a Safety Plan for working in this specific market.

REALTOR® SAFETY TIPS

Always make sure someone knows where you’re going and who you plan to meet there — including the client’s name and phone number.

Always schedule first meetings with new clients in the office, verify their identity, and introduce them to a colleague.

Always keep a charged mobile phone with you, whether you’re in the office, on the road or at property showings.

For more valuable safety tips, visit www.REALTOR.org/Safety

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

11 www.wrar.org

CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE STUDIES & TRAINING Upcoming CEU Courses for September 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 $30 for each 2-hour CEU. You may register for classes online at www.CrestRealEstateSchool.com or by calling the WRAR office at 508-832-6600.

Auburn, Saturday, September 14, 2013 Time

Instructor

Course Code

Course Title

8:00 - 10:00

Bill Murphy

RE47R05

Residential Mortgage Loan Market & Credit Today

10:00 - 12:00

Bob Falter

RE62RC10

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

12:00 - 2:00

Bob Falter

RE02R06

Buyer Agency

2:00 - 4:00

Jo Ann Szymczak

RE41R05

Real Estate Advertising Compliance and the Law

4:00 - 6:00

Jo Ann Szymczak

RE55R06

Leisure Homes, Second Homes & Age Restricted Housing

6:00 - 8:00

Jo Ann Szymczak

RE20R01

Lead Paint

Leominster, Wednesday, September 25, 2013 9:00-11:00

Craig Reynolds

RE05RC12

Contract Law

11:00-1:00

Craig Reynolds

RE35RC03

Offers

1031 EXCHANGE CLASS NAR TECH EDGE Springfield, MA

Sponsored by the REALTORS® Commercial Alliance of Massachusetts Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2013 Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Place: CREST, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA Speaker: Tim Halligan, CES®, President of Exchange Authority 1031 Exchange refers to the section of the Internal Revenue Code Section that provides for the tax deferred exchange of real and personal property. Come get the FACTS on this important tax information! Call 508-832-6600 to register. FREE for members - $30 for all others.

This one-day, high energy conference is geared towards agents who are eager to learn how current web-based and mobile technologies can benefit their business and clients. Join NAR and the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley on Friday, October 18th at the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley from 9:00am - 4:30pm. ®

This event will be emceed by Bill Lublin. Topics Include: Content Strategy Facebook Digital Identities Social Media

Register Here: October 18, 2013 REALTOR® members $39 Early Bird by October 11 $49 after October 11 For additional information or to register visit: ePRONAR.com/nar_tech_edge

Portable Technologies Mobile Marketing Photo & Video & More!

For more information and to register go to www.epronar.com/ nar_tech_edge.cfm Sponsor Silver:

Realtors Property Resource® (RPR)

For additional information or to register visit: ePRONAR.com/nar_tech_edge

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

12 www.wrar.org

WRAR Presents: THIRSTY THURSDAY

THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE! KNOWLEDGE

Septemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Topic:

Leveraging Your Database Turn your database into a lean, mean referral machine! National speaker and database expert, Greg DeCristofaro, will share new insights on how to make your database work for you and EXPLODE with warm referrals! Topics include: 1. Re-defining your database: importance and purpose 2. Learning from past mistakes 3. Building a referral-producing database using the "Cheat Sheet" 4. Staying in touch using painless "Sphere Calls"

Thursday, September 5, 2013, 2:00 - 4:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn FREE to WRAR members; $30 for all others 3 ways to register: Online at www.wrar.org Call the WRAR office at 508-832-6600 Fill out the form below

Presenter:

Greg DeCristofaro, National Speaker & Database Expert

Our Sponsor:

Chad Rankin RMS - Residential Mortgage Services 324 Grove Street Worcester, MA 01605 860-712-1271

Sign me up ! Return this form via fax to 508-832-6620 or email to jdinnocenzo@wrar.org. You may also enroll online at www.wrar.org Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________________________ email________________________________________________________ Credit Card #____________________________________________________________ Expiration___________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORSÂŽ

13 www.wrar.org

WRAR’S “WORK SMARTER” SERIES TIME IS MONEY!

Learn how to set proper expectations at the beginning of the sales process to avoid disappointments at the end! Panel format - 45 minutes each *Panel of Mortgage Lenders *Panel of Closing Attorneys * Followed by 30 minutes Q&A Panel of Mortgage Lenders

Gary Premo, Bank of Canton; Jim Flynn, First Eastern Mortgage; Wendy Burdett, Prospect Mortgage; David Bremer, Shamrock Financial

Panel of Closing Attorneys

Jessica Albino, Law Office of Jessica Albino; Harry P. Kotseas, The Law Office of Harry P. Kotseas; Christine Zicaro, Loconto, Burke & Madaio, P.C.; Brad Roberts Attorney at Law

Join us on Monday, September 16, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. This is a can’t-miss event - FREE for WRAR Members! Register online at www.wrar.org or call the office at 508-832-6600. Or, return this form via fax (508-832-6620) Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Company:_________________________________________________________________________________ email:____________________________________________________________________________________ Phone:___________________________________________________________________________________ Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

14 www.wrar.org

Residential Mortgage Services & the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速, in conjunction with REALTOR速 SAFETY MONTH, are proud to offer you an opportunity to attend a complimentary CEU class:

RE36R05: Conducting Open Houses & Developing a Safety Plan Instructor: Anita Hill With hands-on demonstrations on common self-defensive moves from two BLACK BELT EXPERTS, George Simone (NMLS #469610) & Christine Johnson (NMLS #756139) Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 CREST School 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501

Registration: 9:30 -10:00 am Program: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Complimentary Luncheon included

Sponsored by:

Scott Wrenn Attorney 1C Swanson Road Auburn, MA 01501

To register, email Lynne Walls, at lwalls@wrar.org, or call the WRAR offices at 508-832-6600. You may also register online at www.wrar.org. SEATING IS LIMITED! REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 9/13/2013 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速

15 www.wrar.org

FAIR HOUSING SEMINAR 2013 marks the 45th anniversary of the 1968 landmark Fair Housing Act. Each year REALTORS® recognize the significance of this event and reconfirm our commitment to upholding fair housing law as well as our commitment to offering equal professional service to all in their search for real property. WRAR brings you

DIVERSITY GOPP USIN ORTU HO

IES NIT

Jamie Williamson, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

RTGROWT H SMA

as she presents a seminar on

FAIR HOUSING

Thursday, September 19, 2013 10:00 am - 12:00 pm WRAR, 492 Washington St., Auburn Receive 2 CEU’s FREE to all WRAR Members $10 for non-members

Fair Housing: ® It’s What REALTORS Do! Please sign me up for the Fair Housing Seminar! Return this form via fax to 508-832-6620 or email to lwalls@wrar.org. Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Company:________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________________________ State:_____________________ Zip:______________________ Email:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Cell:_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

16 www.wrar.org

Credit Essentials brought to you by

Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Place: Worcester Regional Assn. of REALTORS速 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA Price: FREE, includes refreshments Presenter: John Panzella of Credco You will learn: $$ What brings scores up -- and down! $$ Differences between the BIG 3 reporting agencies $$ Scoring Models REALTORS速 - Bring your questions, present scenarios, and BRING YOUR BUYERS!

FOUR ways to register: Call the Worcester Regional Assn. of REALTORS速 at 508-832-6600, return this form via fax to 508-832-6620, via email to jdinnocenzo@wrar.org or register online at www.wrar.org Name______________________________________________________________________ Company___________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________ email______________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速

17 www.wrar.org

BEYOND THE ORDINARY

Register Now for the 2013 MAR Conference & Tradeshow With a full line-up of courses, leading national speakers and instructors, Professional Awards Recognition Dinner, silent auction, and top-notch industry tradeshow, you won’t want to miss this event!

Check out some of this year’s spectacular National Speakers!

For the latest info, log on to www.marconvention.com

Steve Pacinelli

is co-founder, Tech Savvy Agent &

Vice President, Real Estate Events, Move, Inc. This year’s session: *A Day in the Life of the Mobile Agent: Must-Have Apps & Tools *Connecting with Today’s Mobile & Tech Savvy Consumer

Richard Robbins

is co-founder & CEO of Richard Robbins International, Inc., who has spoken live to over 250,000 people worldwide. This year’s session: *Ignite Your Business

Stefan Swanepoel

is widely recognized as the leading visionary on real estate business trends, change and social media. This year’s session: *Real Estate Trends

MAR CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW October 7-8 Sea Crest Beach Hotel North Falmouth, MA

Nobu Hata

is the NAR Director of Digital Engagement, who brings his skill-set to NAR by delivering value-added information both in-person and through the digital domain. This year’s session: *The Changing Face of Real Estate *Lead Generation from Social Media

SPACE IS LIMITED SO

We are proud to have Lee Joseph of Coldwell Banker represent WRAR as our local REALTOR® of the Year as she competes with 16 REALTOR® members from other Associations across the state. Consider attending the MAR REALTOR® of the Year dinner on October 7 and be there to cheer Lee on!

Terri Morrison

is co-author of Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands and has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, BBC and many other stations across the globe. This year’s session: *Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands Sales & Marketing

Terry Watson

is a Distinguished Real Estate Instructor (DRI) who delivered the keynote address at the 2005 MAR Conference & Tradeshow. This year’s session: *Avoiding Real Estate Roadkill *Instructors Gone Wild

* Member Cost until September 20: $139 * New attendee (who hasn’t been to the conference in over 3 years): $119 * Bring a new attendee and you both pay $119

BeBesure toenter enter the WRAR Access Code: sure to your local association access code WORC13 BERK13 Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

18 www.wrar.org

FORECLOSURES & SHORT SALES

Earn 2 CEU’s per class. October 22, 2013 10 am - 12 pm Foreclosures - RE28RC12 12 - 2 pm Short Sales - RE78R13 Worcester Regional Assn. of REALTORS® 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA FREE for WRAR Members; $30 for all others

*The basic process of Short Sales & Foreclosures and changes to the processes *Updates on market activity in distressed sales *”Shadow” inventory, government programs and recent litgation *The challenges today’s Real Estate Professionals encounter and strategies for success in dealing with distressed properties

FOUR ways to register: Call the Worcester Regional Assn. of REALTORS® at 508-832-6600, return this form via fax to 508-832-6620, via email to lwalls@wrar.org or register online at www.wrar.org Name______________________________________________________________________ Company___________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________ email______________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________________

Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE JOIN US AT THE LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST Please join us for the Legislative Breakfast on Friday, Sept. • Allowing municipalities to mandate an unlimited number 20, from 8:30-10:30 at the College of the Holy Cross, where of affordable housing units be set-aside in all residential you’ll have an opportunity to meet with your legislative reps development through “inclusionary zoning” without also and become more educated in the items at hand affecting new providing a density bonus. construction in Massachusetts. • Eliminating the requirement that a density bonus be provided in zoning ordinances and by-laws that permit Here are the items to be addressed : the transfer of land development rights (TDR). • The drastic curtailment of zoning freeze protection for • Requiring notice of public hearings on all zoning permits subdivisions. be given to boards of health. • The elimination of subdivision approval not required (ANR) • Allowing planning boards to require the dedication of up lots. to 5 percent of subdivision land for park or playground • The sanctioning of development impact fees for a broad use by residents. variety of municipal purposes. • Allowing planning boards, rather than the applicant, to • Granting authority to municipalities in certain instances to dictate the form of security that must be posted for the adopt rate-of-development zoning by-laws and ordinances. completion of roads and utilities. • Granting authority to municipalities in certain instances to adopt natural resource protection zoning at densities of 10 Be Educated, Be Informed, Be Present! Register online at acres or more. www.wrar.org or use the form on the following page.

BROKERS: WIN A NEW IPAD Enroll in the FREE Calls For Action (CFA) Program

WHY? CFAs always involve issues that are extremely important to your business; for instance, protecting the mortgage interest deduction, urging passage of a law to deter thefts of copper pipes from homes, and opposing a state sales tax on services. Help increase CFA participation and sign up for the free Broker Involvement Program, PLUS you will be entered to win a New IPAD!* Visit http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtors/brokers/enrollment.html

YOUR COMMITTEE IN ACTION

HOW? Once a part of the Broker Involvement Program, Calls For Action will be sent automatically from you to your agents since they are more likely to open an email that comes from you. The current member response rate to the National and Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® legislative “Call for Action” (CFA) emails is far too low. Learning that you are involved and interested in the issue will encourage agent responses. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Every Massachusetts Broker who has signed up for the program before September 30th will be entered to WIN A NEW IPAD. The winner will be announced at the MAR Conference and Tradeshow in October. Make sure your name is on that list on the NAR site by September 30th of this year to be eligible to win!

Congressman James McGovern and WRAR members are shown on a recent visit to discuss hot federal issues such as preserving the mortgage interest deduction as well as FHA and ensuring secondary mortgage market finance and FHA, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Reform.

Pictured left to right are GAC Chair, Sarah Gustafson; WRAR Now, more than ever, your agents are looking to you for lead- Executive VP, Colleen Pappas; Congressman McGovern; ership and guidance. By showing your support in getting in- WRAR President, Rochelle Jonswold; Committee Members Ed volved in issues that affect our industry, you will be making the Levine and Jane Fine. REALTOR® voice even more effective. Thank you for taking a moment to sign up. Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS®

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The Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Massachusetts and the Worcester Regional Association of REALTORS速 present

Legislative Breakfast Friday, September 20, 2013 8:00 am Registration; 8:30 am Program The College of the Holy Cross Hogan Center One College Street, Worcester, MA Members: $25 if registered by 9/9; $30 after 9/9 Non-Members: $35

Keynote Speaker: Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. ,

nationally acclaimed economist and public speaker specializing in making the arcana and minutia of economics fun, relevant and educational!

Please join us for this important event! The health of the Home Building Industry is directly related to YOUR participation!

Thank you to our sponsors: Legislative Breakfast Registration - Fax form to 508-832-6620 Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________ Company:_______________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________ State:________________ Zip:__________________________ email:____________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________ ___Check

___Amex

___Discover ___Master Card

___Visa

Credit Card Number_______________________________________________________ Exp Date:_______________ * To register online visit www.WRAR.org * To register by telephone call 508-832-6600 * * To register by mail, return this form to WRAR, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501 *

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LEGAL CORNER MAR Legal Hotline Michael McDonagh, MAR General Counsel, and Ashley Stolba, MAR Associate Counsel