Connections September 2016 by REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

Connections REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

September 2016 July / August 2016 Inside this Issue: PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE President’s Message

Month at a Glance

REALTOR® Safety Month

4-5

Pathways to Professionalism

RE Board of Registration

40 Under 40 Honorees

Membership News

10-12

CREST

Classes & Events

13-23

Government Affairs

25-26

Local Market Update

Legal Hotline

Community Action

29-30

RACM Mission Statement The purpose of the REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 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.

Hello Fellow REALTORS! Well, it’s sad to say that summer has come and gone, but what outstanding weather we had this year! I had a great summer and I hope you all did too. Thank you to everyone who donated time, money, supplies and backpacks to our Backpack Drive. We were able to donate over 300 backpacks to area children. Once again our REALTORS® rallied and it was an outstanding Drive! We have a busy fall season at RACM. We have a great DR Breakfast on September 19th. Broker/Owners please sign up or send a rep from your company. There will be lots of info at this meeting. Please sign up for our Legislative Breakfast on September 23rd at the Worcester Vocational School. This is a great time to meet your legislators, and we have a great new format this year. Also, our Annual Meeting will be a luncheon format held at the Tower Hill Botanic Gardens on October 27. I’d really like to have a strong turnout for this event. We will have our budget available for viewing and Ashley Stolba from the MAR counsel will be giving a review of the year. Lastly, there have been many inquiries at the Board from REALTORS® concerned about ac tivities taking place in the market from other members. While it is a busy and competitive market, we all have taken an oath to uphold our Code of Ethics as well having to abide by licensure laws. Remember, buyers do not own their home until it goes on record. And if you are going to promote your listing before putting it in MLS, make sure you have a Deferral of Showings Notice signed by the seller. Lastly, “No showings until…” means "no showings until. I am confident we can have a friendly, professional and successful fall!

Kris

Kris Koliss 2016 RACM President

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

RACM MONTH-AT-A-GLANCE September 2016 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

5 RACM CLOSED

6 9:00 Gov't Affairs 10:00-12:00 1031 Exchange

7 9:30-3:30 MLS PIN Training

13 10:00-2:00 CEU Classes 2:00-4:00 Safety

14 15 9:30 Finance Comm 10:30 BOD

17 8:00-12:00 PreLicense Class

19 8:30 DR Breakfast 8:00-12:00 CEU Classes, Leominster 5:30-9:30 PreLicense Class

20 11:00-1:00 Lunch & Learn w/Fairway Mortgage

21 9:00-1:00 New Member Orientation

22 2:00-6:00 New Member Orientation

23 8:00 Legislative Breakfast @ Worcester Tech HS

24 8:00-12:00 PreLicense Class

26 5:30-9:30 PreLicense Class

27 NERC, Newport, RI 1:00-3:00 CEU Classes, Ware

28 NERC, Newport, RI 12:00-2:00 Lunch & Learn w/Wintrust Mortgage, Networking to follow

Save the Date!

October 5 & 6 - MAR Conference & Trade Show at Foxwoods - Book now - Hotel rooms selling quickly! October 27 - Annual Meeting at the Botanical Gardens December 1 - Installation of 2017 Officers & Directors

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

OUR VIP SPONSOR

Home Sweet Home Equity Access cash for home projects, school tuition, or whatever you like with a Home Equity Line of Credit. • 1.99% introductory rate for 12 months, 3.50% • • • •

variable APR thereafter* Can finance up to 80% of your primary residence’s value minus your first mortgage balance. Low minimum payment of interest only during the draw period with a minimum $50 monthly payment No Annual Fees No Points

Home Equity Line of Credit *Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Promotional rate of 1.99% is fixed for the first twelve months, followed by a variable rate which is adjusted monthly based on the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. Prime is currently 3.50%. Minimum APR is 3.25% with a maximum APR of 18.00%. Rate quoted is for owner occupied 1-4 family properties, owner occupied residential condominiums and second homes. Payment plans are 10 years interest only with a minimum monthly payment of $50.00 during the draw period, followed by 10 year repayment period of principal and interest payments. Minimum line amount is $10,000 with a maximum line amount of $350,000. Promotional rate has an initial minimum draw requirement of $10,000. Failure to maintain a daily balance of $10,000 for a period of ninety (90) days thereafter, a $350.00 processing fee will be charged to your line of credit, and the amount of available credit shall be reduced accordingly. There is no minimum draw requirement following the initial draw. Maximum combined loan to value (CLTV) is 80% of the appraised value for a line amount up to $250,000 and 70% CLTV for a line amount between $250,001 and $350,000, or if property has a chapter 61, 61A or 61B lien. Property insurance is required. Borrower is responsible for paying all closing costs with lines over $250,000. A termination fee of $500 will be assessed at the time of payoff if the line of credit is closed within 36 months of the date of the Note. An Evaluation or Full Appraisal will be required, the fees vary from $160 to $600 depending on your loan characteristics. Evaluation fees will be refunded to you after closing, fees for full appraisal will be collected and retained. The evaluation/appraisal fee is forfeited on withdrawn or denied applications. Loan offer is subject to credit approval and other terms and conditions apply. Consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. This offer may be withdrawn at any time. Rate is effective August 12, 2016 and is subject to change. This promotional rate is not available for the refinance of an existing Southbridge Savings Bank Home Equity Line of Credit.

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

SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH

FALL INTO SAFETY SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH

Here are three personal safety tips to remember this fall: REPLACE YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERY

Keep safe this season by replacing the battery in your smoke detector. This is also a good time to invest in a carbon monoxide detector as your furnace will be used more often in cold weather, which may increase the risk of a carbon monoxide leak.

SECURE YOUR HOME BY KEEPING A LIGHT ON

This will deter potential criminals from attacking your house or vandalizing property. You don’t have to run up the electric bill; even leaving a small light on may be enough to discourage intruders.

PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE IN YOUR VEHICLE

Protect yourself from dangers like carjacking by always being aware of your surroundings. Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, and call the police if you feel threatened. Keep an emergency pack in your trunk with non-perishable food, water and a blanket. And don’t forget a phone charger!

Stay safe on the job, year-round

with tips and tools from NAR at www.REALTOR.org/Safety

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 4 www.cmarealtors.org

SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR® SAFETY MONTH FREE SAFETY WEBINAR - Get Smart About Smart Homes and Your Safety September 14, 2016, 1:00 PM CST. Register at http://www.realtor.org/topics/realtor-safety/safety-webinars Instructor: Tara Christianson Being safe starts at home, and by now we're familiar with most of the usual safety measures homeowners take - deadbolts, window locks, even basic security systems. But, in this brave new world of technology, what about smart home devices? What do you, as REALTORS®, need to know about these devices to best inform and protect your clients? What do you need to know for yourself to ensure your own safety? You may learn some things that open your eyes, and you'll definitely walk away with knowledge you can start using immediately. Tara Christianson started as a real estate agent in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area in 2006. Since then, she’s shifted her focus to technology and training real estate agents in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and is an internationally-known speaker, online strategist, trainer, and copywriter. One of her passions is keeping real estate agents safe in the real and online world through the use of technology. She is currently Century 21 Redwood Realty's Technology & Training Director and the Editor for Happy Grasshopper, while writing content and consulting for organizations such as NAR and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.

OUR VIP SPONSOR Planning some renovations? Want to refinance?

Turn to

SECURITY FIRST!

AFFORDABLE 5/3 30-YEAR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE

2.8750 % 3.6387 %

The initial rate of 2.875/3.6387% APR is based on a 30-year mortgage with a 20% downpayment. At the initial rate, there would be 60 payments of $414.90 on a 30 year $100,000 loan. Payments do not include taxes and insurance, which will affect your obligation. After the first 5 years, the interest rate may adjust every 36 months, but never Initial Rate more than one percentage point per adjustment period and no more than three points during the life of the loan. Over the life of the loan, the note rate can never exceed 5.875%.

APR

GREAT for Jumbo loans! 1 and 3 caps

Security First also offers low rates on all conventional fixed and jumbo loans, FHA, FHA 203K, VA, USDA, MASS Housing, Easy-Construction loans and more.

Call today! 508-853-3000

If after 5 years, the note rate adjusts to 3.875%, monthly payments on a 30 year, $100,000 loan would be $462.11; if after 8 years the note rate adjusts to 4.875%, monthly payments would be $507.01; if after 11 years the note rate adjusts to 5.875%, monthly payments would be $548.79 and your rate and payment will never increase further for the life of the loan! Projected interest rate based on current index plus margin and your actual interest rate and payment may be higher or lower. Initial APR is discounted and not based on the current index and margin used for later rate adjustments. The discount does not apply to future rate adjustments.

NMLS# 252771

www.securityfirstmf.com

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 5 www.cmarealtors.org

OUR VIP SPONSOR

Your Local Lender RMS is proud to be a leading lender in MA! Our numbers speak for themselves: • $3.4 Billion funded in 2015 company wide • 15,447 transactions closed company wide • 74% of which were purchase transactions • 4,501 transactions closed in MA alone!

Chad Rankin

Emily DeGray

NMLS# 490282 Branch Manager Worcester

NMLS# 719017 Branch Manager Sturbridge

Celebrating 25 Years of Service

#1 Lender for MassHousing #2 Overall Residential Purchase Trevor McFarland

Jane McGeary

NMLS# 38803 Loan Officer Worcester

NMLS# 756142 Loan Officer Worcester

Transactions in Massachusetts*

RMS Worcester 324 Grove Street 508-535-6097 RMS Sturbridge 139 Main Street 508-417-7719

Christine Johnson

Rosa Maria Salas

NMLS# 756139 Loan Officer Worcester

NMLS# 1417993 Loan Officer Worcester

NMLS# 1760; MA Mortgage Lender License No. MC1760; MA Mortgage Broker License No. MC1760; RI Licensed Lender #20092626LL; FL Mortgage Lender #MLD232; RI Licensed Loan Broker #20122931LB; CT Mortgage Correspondent Lender License #14352; Equal Housing Opportunity. *Warren Group Residential Mortgage Marketshare Report 2014 and 2015 Final-Year-End Reports

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

PATHWAYS TO PROFESSIONALISM

Pathways to Professionalism Do not prospect at other REALTORS®’ open houses or similar events.

Remember to have

RESPECT FOR PEERS Be aware that large electronic ﬁles with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a burden on recipients.

Identify your REALTOR® & professional status in all contacts with others.

Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.

Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets, security systems, and whether sellers will be present during the showing.







Show courtesy, trust, and respect to other real estate professionals.

Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.

Return keys promptly and/or carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.

To be successful in this business, mutual respect is essential.

Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.

Real estate is a reputation business. What you do today may affect your reputation — and business — for years to come.

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 7 www.cmarealtors.org

RE BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR BROKERS & SALESPERSONS Online License Renewal is Now Available All licensed real estate brokers and salespersons are eligible to renew their licenses online. You may do so by visiting "Renew Your License Online" page at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/re/renew-online-re.html. Brokers, please note that you should update the state of all salesperson affiliations using the form below.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Division of Professional Licensure Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710 Boston, MA 02118-6100 Main Number (617) 727-2373 Fax Number (617) 727-0139 www.mass.gov/dpl

AFFILIATION NOTICE A Broker of Record should utilize this form to notify the Real Estate Board of a broker’s or salesperson’s affiliation and/or a termination of an affiliation. Mail the completed form to: Real Estate Board, 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118-6100 OR fax to (617) 727-0139. Name of Real Estate Business or Name of Broker

_________________________________________________________

License No. of Real Estate Business or Broker

_________________________________________________________

Agent’s Name

Agent’s License No.

Salesperson or Broker

Affiliation or Termination

Effective Date

I, the Broker of Record, do state under the pains and penalties of perjury, that all statements contained in this form are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. __________________________________________ Name of Broker of Record

___________________ License No.

___________________ Date

CHECKLSTandFORMS/ Affiliation Notice

Real Estate Main Number (617) 727-2373

Real Estate Fax Number (617) 727-0139

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 8 www.cmarealtors.org

40 UNDER 40 HONOREES The Worcester Business Journal recently published its annual "40 Under 40" list of young professionals who have made the biggest impact in the area -- and who to watch in the future. We are so happy to learn that two of our members received the honor: Emily DeGray of Residential Mortgage Services, and Jasmine Ortiz of Keller Williams Worcester. RACM has been undertaking a tremendous overhaul with a new name and website and has hired Kham Inthirath, the Founder and President of Envision Digital Group, a digital marketing agency headquartered in Worcester. He has also been named to the "40 Under 40" list of honorees. Congratulations and much success to all of you in the future!

OUR VIP SPONSOR

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 REALTORÂŽ Association of Central Massachusetts 9 www.cmarealtors.org

MEMBERSHIP NEWS New Applicants Nancy Adams Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Northboro Sonya Atherley Exit Realty Partners Auburn Anthony Aubin Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield Alicia Bays Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield Peggy Bridges Coldwell Banker Sturbridge Edward Cabana Keller Williams Realty Worcester Andrei Calzolari RE/MAX Acclaim Oxford Catherine Chase Keller Williams Realty Worcester Rori Coakley RE/MAX Professional Assoc. Spencer Jeanne Collins Crowley Exit Realty Partners Auburn Marlene Connor Keller Williams Realty Westboro Danyel Darger Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield Louis Desruisseaux Deruseau Real Estate Inc. Uxbridge Peter DiPaoli LAER Realty Partners Northboro Patricia Drinkwater Open Door Real Estate Sterling Kimberly Ann Duszak ERA Key Realty Services Worcester Richard Fields A1 Realty of Central MA Worcester Alana Giddens Exit Beacon Pointe Realty Northboro Adriana Guerra RE/MAX Professional Assoc. Auburn Cynthia Haynes Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield Kenneth Hergert Salisbury Management, Inc. Boylston Matthew Higgins Exit Realty Partners Auburn Becky Hoffey Equine Homes, Inc. Amherst, NH Nicholas Hoffman Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield MaryAnn Jacques Innovative RE Solutions Hubbardston AJ Johnson RE/MAX Professional Assoc. Sturbridge Sabreena Kolchikambla Kelller Williams Realty Westboro Christos Kominakos Keller Williams Realty Worcester James Korman Coldwell Banker Sturbridge Stacey Langelier LAER Realty Partners Northboro Jeanne Lanni Andrew Abu REALTORS Westboro Garrett Lavallee Keller Williams Realty Worcester Julie Lavoie Emerson REALTORS Auburn Jay Macklow Keller Williams Realty Worcester Tony Ngo Keller Williams Realty Worcester Ginny Openshaw Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield Judith Ostrosky Keller Williams Realty Westboro Lisa Parella Khattar Realty Worcester Susan Patriquin Waterwheel Realty Barre Jean Pellegriti Century 21 I & V Walsh R.E Shrewsbury Nancy Perron Evergreen Realty Sterling Cassandra Peyman Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield Braden Peyman Exit Real Estate Executives Brookfield Jessica Pierce Coldwell Banker Bolton Michael Provost Exit Realty Partners Auburn Michael Quackenbush ERA Key Realty Services Worcester Michael Repetto RE/MAX Advantage 1 Worcester Patricia Revelli Collins & Demac Real Estate Shrewsbury Kristin Reynolds Evergreen Realty Sterling John Riley Real Home Services & Solutions Brooklyn NY

REALTORÂŽ Association of Central Massachusetts

Kristian Rondeau Mark Rubin Monica Rugg Norka Santos Scott Savage Linda Schiff Karen Sherlock Garnik Simonian Smita Sinha Marissa Skeates Madison Spoonire Lindsay Stewart Albert Surabian Jr. Shawn Thomaszewicz Kimberly Towey Wendy Truhanovitch Cameron Tytula Samantha Westcoat Melissa Wood

Emerson REALTORS RE/MAX Bell Park Realty Roz Real Estate Khattar Realty Century 21 Commonwealth Park Place Realty Deruseau Real Estate Inc. RE/MAX Professional Assoc. Keller Williams Realty Enerson REALTORS Keller Williams Realty Exit Realty Partners Keller Williams Realty Exit Realty Partners Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker Exit Real Estate Executives Equine Homes Real Estate Exit Real Estate Executives

Auburn Dayville, CT Worcester Worcester Milford Worcester Uxbridge Auburn Westboro Auburn Worcester Shrewsbury Worcester Auburn Worcester Worcester Brookfield Amherst, NH Brookfield

Agents Transferred to New Office Arthur Berry Judi Brink John Fikoski Jacqueline Forgeron Dan Hill Kim Hines Jonathan Lacob Michelle Lussier Michelle Lussier Jesse Ritz Devan Sousa Patrick Sullivan Michelle Wesson

Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty ERA Key Realty Services Exit Realty Partners C21 Commonwealth Exit Realty Partners Lamacchia Realty Lamacchia Realty Keller Williams Realty RE/MAX Acclaim Keller Williams Realty Lamacchia Realty

Westboro Worcester Worcester Spencer Worcester Hopkinton Auburn Waltham Worcester Worcester Auburn Worcester Worcester

New Offices Louis Desruisseaux William McCormick

Deruseau Real Estate 20 S. Main Street McCormick Properties 112 Main Street

Uxbridge Upton

New Secondary Offices Merit McIntyre Anthony Lamacchia Albert Pratte Stephen Sibiga

Coldwell Banker 626 Main Street, Suite 4 Bolton Lamacchia Realty, Inc. 255 Park Ave, Suite 507 Worcester Market Properties 166 Valley Street Suite 6M Providence RI Realhome Service & Solutions, Inc. 300 Cadman Plaza West Brooklyn NY

10 www.cmarealtors.org

Deceased

New Affiliates (continued)

Joseph Beshai

Keller Williams Realty

Leominster

Affiliates Transferred to New Office Claire Flynn

Res/Title, Inc. 175 Metro Ctr. Blvd. Suite 4

Warwick, RI

New Affiliates Mark Adams

Berlin Insurance Group, LLC 61B Milton Street Worcester

Peter Clancy

Caliber Home Loans 477 Congress Street, 5th floor Portland, ME

Dawn Marie Ferry

IC Federal Credit Union 300 Bemis Road

Fitchburg

Nikole Nolle

IC Federal Credit Union 300 Bemis Road

Fitchburg

Jen Thulin

Res/Title, Inc. 175 Metro Ctr. Blvd. Suite 4

Warwick, RI

Sandy Fitzpatrick

Servpro South Worcester 74 Grafton Street

Worcester

Catherine Benoit

Southbridge Savings Bank 253-257 Main Street

Southbridge

Congratulations! Congratulations to Matteo Gentile of Exit Realty on the birth of his grand daughter, Tenley Joan!

CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE STUDIES & TRAINING Upcoming CEU Courses for September All classes are held at the RACM CREST School, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501, unless otherwise noted. RACM 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 RACM office at 508-832-6600.

Course Code Time

Instructor

Course Title

Tuesday, September 13 - Auburn 10:00 am

Jaime Williamson

RE19RC12

Fair Housing

12:00 am

Jaime Williamson

RE41R05

Real Estate Advertising Compliance & the Law

2:00 pm

Kimberley Allard Moccia

RE36R05

Conducting Open Houses and Developing a Safety Plan

Monday, September 19 - Leominster 8:00 am

Craig Reynolds

REO5RC12

Contract Law

10:00 am

Craig Reynolds

RE44R05

Understanding Title and Title Concerns

Tuesday, September 27 - Ware 1:00 pm

Brad Roberts

RE34RC03

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

National Economic Trends and the Real Estate Professional

11 www.cmarealtors.org

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS Wishing a very happy birthday to those celebrating this month! May your year ahead be filled with health, happiness, love and friendship!

Joseph Altruda Yvonne Amagliani Sandra Annunziata Lisa Antanavica Andrea Austin Sheri Barrette John Bartosiewicz Gina Bello Peterson Serena Berube Christopher Besaw Shana Besaw Jeanne Bolivar Cheryl Bonner Nichoel Breau Janice Brigham Linda Bujnevicie Gail Carter Marilyn Chalupka Erin Chinappi Laurie Church Brian Cirelli Bridjo Cobbs Carrie Cross Jacqueline Da Rosa Michael Dagilis Kimberly Dao Bryan Davis Jennifer Davy Nancy Day Michael Deleppo Jayne Diliberto Maryellen Dion Robert Falter

David Floyd Tim Foley David Ford Jamie Fowler Jessica Fromm Rhiannon Gresty Colleen Griffin Stacey Hamel Christopher Hanson Daniel Heney Julius Hernandez Kerry-Lynn Houghton Lorene Johnson-Chausse Jane Kelleher Neeta Khaund Kenneth Kowalczyk Susan Kronlund Allen Kwasniewski Vincent Lanzillo Joan Laracy Christine Lawrence Rosalind Levine Kelly Lizotte Susan Lucey Suzanne MacKenzie Diana McGann Moira McGrath Rosemary Mensah Kristine Merriam Michael Meurant Pamela Mills Marie Mingione Jamie Mondino

REALTORÂŽ Association of Central Massachusetts

Doreen Mullaly Uyen Nguyen Deborah Nickerson M. Danny Njuguna Melody Nydam Maureen O'Connor Katherine Oftring Marti Orne Diane Pacevicz Melanie Perez Tracey Pintabona Laura Poulin-Harkins Alexandra Puzio Janeen Rabidou Jeanne Robillard Arthur Sachse Kenena Skrzypczak Jessica Smith-Lerner Gary Sobel Devan Sousa Julie Squires Sacha Stern Shiloh Therrien Robert Vaugh Christine Vigeant David Vitkus Susan Ward Michelle Wesson Margie White Clarisse Youmell Erin Zamarro

12 www.cmarealtors.org

REALTORS® COMMERCIAL ALLIANCE TRAINING

CEU RE27RC07: 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges Date: Time: Place: Price:

REALTORS®

Commercial Alliance

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 10:00 am – 12:00 pm REALTOR® Association of Central Mass. 492 Washington Street, Auburn FREE for members; $20 for non-members

* What is a 1031 Exchange? * Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 * Investors can potentially defer 100% of their capital gains taxes both state & federal * Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 - IRS Section 121 - Principal Residence * Delayed Exchange * How to set up exchange * Choosing a qualified intermediary

Presented by The Exchange Authority

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

13 www.cmarealtors.org

REALTOR® SAFETY CLASS - CEU RE36R05

Are you ready to protect your business from

real estate safety risks? Working in real estate means working with a lot of people in a variety of locations and online. While focusing on finding the best real estate opportunities for your clients, you need to keep an eye on the risks of doing business. Real Estate Safety Matters: Safe Business = Smart Business, Class Instructor, is a three-hour course brought to you by Realtor® University. Kimberly Allard-Moccia Learn how you can easily keep business risks low while JOIN US! increasing opportunities for growth by: • • • •

Developing safety protocols for client meetings, open houses, showings and online interactions Understanding responses to threats or attacks Maintaining data security Protecting personal and electronic information

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 2:00 - 4:00 pm RACM, 492 Washington Street Auburn FREE for WRAR Members $25 for Non-Members Receive 2 CEU’s - RE36R05 Register online at cmarealtors.org/events.html

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

14 www.cmarealtors.org

REALTORS® COMMERCIAL ALLIANCE TRAINING REALTORS®

Commercial Alliance

The REALTORS® Commercial Alliance of Massachusetts presents

The National Association of REALTORS®

Discovering Commercial Real Estate This course is designed to explain this important side of the business and introduce many of the concepts, tools and other resources needed to pursue a commercial transaction or a career in commercial real estate. Students should bring a financial calculator. Course will include handouts and will have group engagement activities.

Date: Time: Place:

Cost: Instructor:

Tuesday, Sept. 13, OR Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Sept 13: REALTOR® Assoc. of Pioneer Valley 221 Industry Avenue Springfield, MA Sept. 29: Former “Eastern Middlesex” Assn. of REALTORS® 70 Main Street, Reading , MA $99 for REALTOR® members; $139 for non-members Peter West

Peter West

Added Bonus for registering: All attendees will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a FREE 2017 RCAMA membership! Course Outline: Principles of Commercial Real Estate: Players and Properties Characteristics of Commercial Real Estate and Types of Commercial Transactions Commercial Contracts and Resources for Further Exploration ............................................................................. Register online at www.cmarealtors.org/events.html or fax to 508-832-6620 or email to cpappas@rcama.org

Name:______________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Firm:_________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing Address:_________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card/Expiration:___________________________________________________________________________ Amount to be charged:_________________________ phone:____________________________________________

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

15 www.cmarealtors.org

DR BREAKFAST The RACM Professional Development Committee is pleased to present:

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

Protecting Your License and Your Checkbook Date: Place: Breakfast: Program: Cost:

Monday, September 19, 2016 REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 492 Washington St., Auburn 8:30 am 9:00-11:00 am $15 each

With Attorney David Caristi, Coldwell Banker/NRT The following topics will be covered in an effort to keep your agents and you out of court. 1. “The Regulators Mount Up” Are your agents discussing their Agency Role properly?” 2. “The Not-So-Smart Use of Smartphones” The dangers of negotiating deals electronically 3. “Something Stinks” – MA Property Disclosure Form & Private Septic 4. “Lead Balloon” – Why lead paint disclosure continues to poison the practice 5. “The Thresh Does Not Hold” – A persistent, avoidable procuring cause scenario

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR:

............................................................................. Register now - $15 each - Fax to 508-832-6620 or email to lsprague@cmarealtors.org. Sept. 19_____($15)

Nov. 14_____($15)

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

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

16 www.cmarealtors.org

LUNCH & LEARN WITH FAIRWAY MORTGAGE

LUNCH & LEARN Presented by Bill Murphy CEU Course: RE47R05 Mortgage Market and Credit Today

You will learn…

 Fall mortgage and housing market outlook and what to expect with interest rates  Stress free and effective closings.  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: REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 492 Washington St. Auburn, MA 01501 When: September 20th, 11:00 am ‐ 1:00 pm Registration at 10:30am RSVP ONLINE: http://www.cmarealtors.org/events.html     

F a i rw a y I n d e p e n d e n t Mortgage Corporation 783 Southbridge St. Au b u r n , M A 0 1 5 0 1 508-407-8300 w m u r p h y @ f a i rw a y m c . c o m w w w . f a i rw ay m o r t g a g e n e . c o m

  

Three types of renovation lending Preapprovals vs. Pre‐Qualifications Change of circumstances to the Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosures can delay closings Learn about the new changes to mortgage financing, loan programs and guidelines. 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.

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

17 www.cmarealtors.org

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

2016 LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST PANEL REALTOR® Association of

Central Massachusetts

presented by the REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

Friday, September 23, 2016 8:00 am Registration 8:30 am Program Members: $30 Non-Members: $35

Worcester Technical High School One Skyline Drive Worcester, MA 01605

Join us and your legislators for an interactive panel concerning timely topics in the real estate industry.

The Law Office of Jessica Albino * Cahn & Barron, LLC * Fairway Mortgage * Movement Mortgage Norcom Mortgage * People's Home Loans * Prestige Home Mortgage * Residential Mortgage Services Southbridge Savings * Wintrust Mortgage Thank you to our Gold Sponsors: Bank of Canton * Fidelity Bank * MLS PIN * Security First Mortgage * The Law Offices of Scott Wrenn, PC

Panel Moderated by Kimberly Allard-Moccia

Support Home Ownership - Join us! 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.cmarealtors.org * To register by telephone call 508-832-6600 * Fax to 508-832-6620 * * To register by mail, return this form to RACM, 492 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501 *

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

18 www.cmarealtors.org

LUNCH & LEARN WITH WINTRUST MORTGAGE

LUNCH, LEARN AND LAUGH WINTRUST MORTGAGE IS PROUD TO PRESENT

REALTOR REALITY WITH STEVE RICHMAN! Steve Richman is a nationally sought-after speaker and trainer who will leave you thinking and laughing after this event. He delivers current and cutting edge content in a lively and engaging manner. Some points to be addressed by Steve: • Who’s buying and who isn’t • Transactional vs. Relationship Sales • The 4 things everyone wants from your company and the 3 things everyone wants from you • Apps to help you stay on top of the ever changing market, communicate with your customers and increase productivity Enjoy lunch during and networking following the presentation, thanks to our Food and Beverage Sponsors: James M. Cahn Cahn & Barron LLC

Tina Southerland G&N Insurance

Realtor Association of Central Mass | 492 Washington St., Auburn September 28th | 12-2pm, Networking to follow RSVP: http://www.cmarealtors.org/events.html FREE TO MEMBERS

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

19 www.cmarealtors.org

zipFORM® PLUS TRAINING

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

Date: Friday, September 30, 2016 Time: 2:30—4:00 pm Place: RACM, 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

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts



How to create templates



How to create a transaction



How to complete the real estate forms



How to share and sign the forms

20 www.cmarealtors.org

AMERICAN WARRIOR INITIATIVE

Join Us for 2016's

American Warrior Real Estate Professional Bootcamp

3 hour CE Certification Event for Real Estate Professionals-2 Continuing Education Credits

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016 FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION, through its

American Warrior Initiative, is bringing its

groundbreaking Realtor® Certification Boot Camp to Sturbridge, Sturbridge Host Hotel 366 Main St. Sturbridge, MA 8:00am-12:00pm

“Fantastic! Best CE class you will ever take. I know I’ve had my license for 30 years.”

THIS PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE: « 3-Hour Continuing Education Class, 2 CE Credits RE73R11 Veterans Administration (VA) Loans « American Warrior Real Estate Professional Certification « Book Signing with Sean Parnell  Breakfast Included

“Don’t miss it if you have the opportunity to attend. Most interesting CE class I have ever attended. Love Louise’s energy and passion!” “This course gave a Realtor®, interested in serving the housing needs of Military Members, an excellent outline about what she/he would need to do.”

$20 Registration Fee To Support Veteran Initiative-Register at: http://www.cmarealtors.org/events.html And in typical Fairway fashion, there may be a few life changing surprises.... You will NOT want to miss this event...

THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED TO EDUCATE AND TRAIN REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TO BE EQUIPPED TO HANDLE WITH EXCELLENCE THE HOME PURCHASE NEEDS OF ACTIVE DUTY AND FORMER MILITARY CLIENTS. SEAN PARNELL, a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger and New York Times best-selling author of Outlaw Platoon, served in the legendary 10th Mountain Division for six years, retiring as a highly decorated captain.

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts Copyright©2016 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. NMLS#2289. 4801 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. All rights reserved. MA Mortgage Broker and Lender License #MC2289

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

21 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, RACM will hold classes on the following dates. All classes are FREE for RACM members, and 2 CEU’s will be awarded. Weds., October 19 - CLASS FULL Sat., November 19 Weds., November 30 Sat., December 10 Weds., December 14 Weds., December 28

1:00 - 3:30 pm 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 MAR website at https://www.marealtor.com/members/education/online-ce-designation-courses You will receive 2 CEU’s for this online class.

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 REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts 492 Washington Street * Auburn, MA 01501 REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

22 www.cmarealtors.org

LUNCH & LEARN WITH NORCOM MORTGAGE - YOU ARE INVITED -

Lunch & Learn Sponsored and Presented by: Kristen Walther | NMLS #19396

The event will be held:

Friday, October 28th Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm Place: RACM 492 Washington Street Auburn, MA 01501 *Lunch will be provided*

Our Guest Speakers: Eli Pascon, Chief Appraiser from ValueQuest AMC. Topic will be Current State of Affairs in Appraising and the FHA guidelines

Greg Radding, Vice President, Retail Lending from Norcom. Topic will be Norcom’s 203k Dream Home Loan Product

Please RSVP by: Friday, October 21st to: Donna Grasseschi at 774.241.0770 or Donna.Grasseschi@Norcom-USA.com RSVP is a must as seating is limited.

NMLS #71655

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

Make Your Home Happen With “The Mama K Team” 23 www.cmarealtors.org

VIP SPONSOR HOME OF THE 7 DAY PROCESS Movement Mortgage believes that you deserve a simple and enjoyable home buying experience. We focus on bringing you home by closing your loan in record time. Our team aims to underwrite your loan upfront, this allows you to relax, not worry about the loan process or last minute issues. We protect your time, offer competitive interest rates, and make buying a home unbelievably pleasant and easy.

Greg E. Gentile MARKET LEADER

Sebastian Bilentschuk Junior Loan Officer

C: (508) 958-7101 F: (508)332-4363

C: (774) 266-3596

www.1mortgageguy.com

sebastian.bilentschuk@movement.com

NMLS: 11831

NMLS#1213787

179 Shrewsbury Street Worcester, MA 01604 MA-MLO11831, RI | Movement Mortgage, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by MA Banker & Lender # MC39179 and Rhode Island Licensed Lender. 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 trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 841 Seahawk Cir, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

24 www.cmarealtors.org

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

2015-2016 Legislative Session Wrap-Up Successfully Opposed Mandatory Energy Audits and Scoring The Senate’s Energy Diversity Legislation contained language from a stand-alone bill that would have required sellers to perform a Mass Save energy audit prior to listing their home for sale and would also require the seller disclose to any prospective buyer the information in the energy audit. Additionally, the bill called for the Department of Energy Resources to design and implement an energy scoring and labeling system. Mandatory energy audits at or prior to the transfer of property would disrupt sales and would have a negative impact on the Massachusetts housing economy. Specifically, requiring energy efficiency scoring on homes in Massachusetts would have stigmatized our older homes, causing a substantial decline in home value. Although the Senate included these proposals in their legislation, the House did not; therefore, they were subject to the conference committee appointed to negotiate the differences between the bills. More than 2,700 Realtors® took action and contacted their legislators to voice their strong opposition to the auditing and scoring proposals. That outreach, combined with our lobbying and marketing campaigns was successful in convincing the conference committee to leave those provisions out of the final bill, which was approved just hours before session ended. Successfully Opposed Room Occupancy Taxes The Senate’s economic development bill included provisions from stand-alone bills that would have extended the existing tax on hotels and motels to the rental of private homes. The House did not include the new tax in their economic development bill and it was therefore subject to a conference committee. Realtors® were successful in convincing the conference committee to exclude this new tax from the final bill. Successfully Opposed Anti-Production Zoning Legislation In May 2016, the Senate advanced a redrafted version of S.122 An Act promoting the planning and development of sustainable communities of by a vote of 23-15. After months of meetings, the Senate Committee on Ways & Means released a bill that was considerably improved from the original version but would still have negatively impacted housing production in Massachusetts at a time when the state is dealing with a severe housing crisis due in large part to a low rate of housing production that has not kept pace with population growth and needs. MAR successfully lobbied the House to not take the bill up before session ended and thereby defeated the proposal. Successfully Opposed Real Estate Transfer Taxes Legislators filed three different transfer tax proposals that would have created new transfer taxes on the sale of property in Provincetown, Nantucket, and one statewide effort. MAR successfully advocated against these proposals and none of them advanced before Sunday’s deadline. Successfully Opposed Wetland Disclosure Legislation This legislation would have required real estate licenses to research and disclose to prospective buyers the presence of any wetlands on a property. Such a requirement is far outside the scope of a real estate agent’s licensing and training. This proposal ultimately died in the House without a vote. REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

25 www.cmarealtors.org

COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Successfully Advocated for Passage of Starter Home Legislation MAR, along with other coalition members, advocated for the passage of legislation to encourage the production of “starter homes.” Communities will now be able to voluntarily encourage the production of homes smaller than 1,850 square feet on lots smaller than a quarter acre. This will complement the current success that Chapter 40R has had with mixed-use and multifamily housing with the single family houses that young families are currently seeking. Importantly, this proposal targeted young families and other entry level buyers who are currently priced out of the market. Single family housing production continues to be far below the level that is required to meet demand, which results in increasing housing prices. The starter home program will help communities meet the demand by encouraging the production of affordable market rate single-family homes. Work to be done: Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Legislation that would have exempted debt forgiven during a short sale from a homeowner’s taxable income did not make it to the Governor’s desk before time ran out this session. H. 3770 An Act relative to discharge of indebtedness of principal residence from gross income received a favorable report from the Joint Committee on Revenue but was not taken up by either chamber before the July 31st deadline. Scrap Metal Both the House and Senate each advanced legislation that would have regulated the sale of scrap metal. Unfortunately, the chambers were unable to reach an agreement on which proposal should pass as the final bill and the proposal died. The H.O.M.E. Bill S.119 An Act improving housing opportunities and the Massachusetts economy focused on specific areas of Massachusetts zoning law that our members identified as provisions that could be changed to aid the production of much needed workforce and middle class housing. The Joint Committee on Housing recognized the importance of many of the provisions contained in the bill when it included S.119 in a favorable report of H.1111, another housing production bill. This action, unfortunately marked the end of the progress of that specific bill.

Thomas M. Valentine Jr.* PRESIDENT/FINANCIAL ADVISOR

508-796-5950 645 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602 www.forwardfinancialsrv.com *Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. A Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Forward Financial Services and Cambridge are not affiliated.

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

26 www.cmarealtors.org

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

Central Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®

- 10.3%

+ 4.7%

- 34.2%

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

July

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

+/–

575 736 $280,000 2,708 6.0 82 96.8% 835

673 666 $294,000 1,745 3.4 81 97.4% 720

+ 17.0% - 9.5% + 5.0% - 35.6% - 44.1% - 1.5% + 0.6% - 13.8%

3,587 3,045 $263,263 --109 95.3% 5,552

4,356 3,530 $272,000 --103 95.9% 5,500

+ 21.4% + 15.9% + 3.3% --- 6.1% + 0.7% - 0.9%

July

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

+/–

136 157 $220,000 521 4.7 79 97.6% 171

149 135 $212,000 381 3.0 84 96.1% 153

+ 9.6% - 14.0% - 3.6% - 26.9% - 35.7% + 6.9% - 1.5% - 10.5%

898 766 $215,000 --95 96.2% 1,262

1,033 874 $207,000 --94 96.7% 1,269

+ 15.0% + 14.1% - 3.7% --- 1.4% + 0.4% + 0.6%

* Does not account for seller concessions. | Activity for one month can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.

Median Sales Price BASED ON A ROLLING 12-MONTH AVERAGE Single-Family Properties

Condominium Properties 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.

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

27 www.cmarealtors.org

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

Q. Overall, the changes to the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”) that went into effect October 3rd, 2015 are going well. The problem that I run into, though, is that often times the lender refuses to share the closing disclosure document (“CD”) with me. We used to always get a copy of the HUD statement before the closing and I would review it with my client. Why won’t the lender let me have a copy of the CD? A. Many lenders have chosen to withhold the CD from real estate agents, despite a longstanding tradition of sharing the HUD-1 statement with them. This issue has created frustration of real estate agents, attorneys, and homeowners throughout the country because many agents review this document with their clients before the closing.

Earlier this year, the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau announced that it was considering changes to these rules, including a clarification of the rules regarding sharing the CD, and requested comments from the industry. Advocates of the National Association of Realtors® attended listening sessions and wrote a letter to CFPB encouraging the Bureau to allow the CDs to be made available to real estate agents. That letter can be found here: http://www.narfocus. com/billdatabase/clientfiles/172/3/2669.pdf.

We are happy to report that on July 28, 2016, the CFPB listened to the industry’s concerns and changed their rules to allow the CD to be shared with real estate agents. It stated that, "the Bureau understands that it is usual, accepted and appropriate for creditors and settlement agents to provide a closing disclosure to consumers, sellers and their real estate brokers or other agents." The CFPB’s changes to the rules can be found here: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/policy-compliance/rulemaking/ rules-under-development/amendments-federalmortgage-disclosure-requirements-under-truth-lending-act-regulation-z/. For more information on TILA/ RESPA, please visit: http://www.realtor.org/topics/ trid-tila-respa-integrated-disclosure.

REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

Q: I heard that there was a proposal in the Massachusetts Legislature that would require homeowners to have Mass Save Energy Audits in order to sell their home. Did that pass? A: Thanks to the advocacy of Realtors® throughout the state, no. Included in the Senate’s Energy Diversity legislation was a proposal to require a homeowner to have their home inspected for energy and graded prior to being able to sell it. Although Realtors® value energy efficiency, this mandate would simply be unfair to most residents of the Commonwealth, especially those in low-income communities. We are happy to report that the Legislature listened to our concerns and on July 31, 2016, the last day of the legislative session, it passed the bill without the mandatory energy audit and labeling provisions. Energy efficiency is extremely important and all Realtors® should advise their clients of the benefits of voluntary energy programs included Mass Save. For more information on the program, please visit: http://www.masssave.com/. For more information on MAR’s position on the proposal, please visit: www. noenergygrade.com.

28 www.cmarealtors.org

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE The Community Action Committee wrapped up its annual Backpack Drive on Wednesday & Thursday, August 17 & 18, and over 300 backpacks made their way to area school children. We would like to thank everyone who participated by either directly helping to stuff the bags or by helping with monetary donations so that our committee members could shop for the best bargains. You have all helped to make a difference!

REALTORÂŽ Association of Central Massachusetts

29 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

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE

Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Alternate Alternate Alternate

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

RACM 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 https://www.facebook.com/RealtorAssociationofCentralMass/. By doing so you will not only get up-to-the-minute information on everything going on at RACM, but you will help us to increase our visibility while growing your own business network. REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts

30 www.cmarealtors.org