Arcadia REALTOR Magazine - January/February 2017

REALTOR®

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ARCADIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

PROUDLY SERVING THE REALTORS® OF ARCADIA, BRADBURY, DUARTE, MONROVIA & SIERRA MADRE

2017 Annual Installation of Officers & Directors

See page 12

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ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

Cooper’s Comments

REALTOR® 2017 ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Sylvia Ramos 2017 PRESIDENT Margaret Garemore PRESIDENT-ELECT Kelvin Chang TREASURER Roy Blume IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ryan Asao Julie Bencosme Roy Blume Cecil Griffin James Maceo Joe Pacilio Yvonne Rosas-Petty Irene Truong Frank Spencer

C.A.R. DIRECTORS Ryan Asao Andy Bencosme Julie Bencosme Roy Blume Kelvin Chang Margaret Garemore Joseph Pacilio Sylvia Ramos Mike Vachani Kelvin Wong

ASSOCIATION STAFF

Robin Allen Ext. 307 Director of Finance / Office Manager Robin@TheAAR.com Michael Beltran Ext. 302 IT Director / Webmaster Michael@TheAAR.com Brenda Faltes Ext. 304 Director of Membership & Professional Standards Brenda@TheAAR.com Jamie Hu Ext. 309 Director of MLS Data Integrity & Affiliate Liaison Jamie.Hu@TheAAR.com Stephanie Maertens Ext. 303 Director of Education & Commercial Real Estate Stephanie@TheAAR.com Natasha Poon Ext. 301 Membership Services Manager Natasha@TheAAR.com

Dear AAR REALTOR® Members and Affiliate Business Partners, Your Board of Directors and I would like to take a moment to extend our sincere gratitude to each of you for your ongoing commitment to our industry and for wisely renewing your membership with the Arcadia Association of REALTORS®.

2017 is shaping up to be a year of uncertainty which also includes the real estate industry. However one thing remains absolutely certain: The commitment from the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® to provide you the best membership experience has never been stronger. Our focus remains helping your business grow by providing you with access to industry leading tools, even more world-class education, innovation and outstanding member support.

We’re already on track for a record number of renewals and new REALTOR® and Affiliate memberships and 2017 will be a great year in your Association for many reasons. Here are just a few NEW things available now or coming very soon: · An affordable Lockbox Lease program · An interactive text message communication tool designed to keep you quickly up to date · A bigger, better and more robust AAR website · Continued world-class educational offerings with a renewed focus on FREE classes · Weekend and evening educational classes · Office and agent outreach program · Many more exciting items and programs On behalf of your 2017 Board of Directors, your dedicated AAR staff and the entire AAR leadership team of Committee Chairs, we all thank you once again for your renewed loyalty to the AAR. We look forward to earning your membership all over again.

Laura Thai Ext. 304 Director of Broker Compliance & Member Outreach Laura@TheAAR.com Andrew Cooper Ext. 308 Chief Executive Officer Andrew@TheAAR.com

ARCADIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 601 South First Avenue Arcadia, California 91006 626.446.2115 PHONE · 626.446.4072 FAX www.TheAAR.com 2

ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Andrew Cooper Chief Executive Officer

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 | VOLUME 21 | NUMBER 1

Contents 7

Regular Features 2

Cooper’s Comments

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Market Matters

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Attorney Comments

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Through the Lens

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Affiliate Corner

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive Officer

Market Statistics for the San Gabriel Valley

Dave Freeman, AAR Legal Counsel

A Look at What’s Happening Around the AAR

“Seven Homebuying Mistakes” Michael Encarnacion, imortgage®

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On the Cover 14 2017 Annual Installation A recap of the 93rd Annual Inaugural Celebration held on Friday, January 20th at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monrovia.

Additional Content 7

10 Budget-Friendly Home Improvements for This Winter While a lot of people use the New Year as a way to make improvements to their health or personal life...

10 Resolve to STOP Losing Listings Are you frustrated with the number of listings you win? Are you really?

11 Tips for Spotting Global Money Laundering Schemes What responsibility do you have, as a REALTOR®, for identifying and reporting fraudulent activity in a real estate transaction?

12 Introducing the 2016 Grievance Committee As REALTORS®, we agree to abide by our professional rules of conduct known as the Code of Ethics.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

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Market Matters Market Statistics for the San Gabriel Valley - November 2016 Single Family Homes

City

Arcadia Arcadia Duarte El Monte El Monte Glendora Glendora Monrovia San Gabriel San Gabriel San Marino Sierra Madre Temple City

Zip Code

91006 91007 91010 91731 91732 91740 91741 91016 91775 91776 91108 91024 91780

Condominiums

Sales of Price Price % Sales Single Family Median SFR Chg from Count Homes ($1,000) Nov. 2015 Condos

27 21 15 6 12 18 26 26 13 10 7 7 23

$1,140 $1,480 $485 $461 $490 $507 $758 $602 $840 $629 $2,288 $860 $780

1.5% -18.7% 10.7% 3.5% -10.6% 7.4% 16.3% -7.5% 13.9% 14.3% -13.7% 7.0% 16.6%

SFR Only

Price Median Price & Median Condo Chg from Home Price/ ($1,000) Nov. 2015 Sq. Ft.

10 12 8 3 6 2 3 11 1 5 0 1 4

$725 $530 $350 $430 $457 $481 $475 $555 $538 $305 n/a $665 $668

-8.8% -2.4% 6.9% 45.8% 26.9% 19.4% 37.7% 37.9% 44.2% -19.7% n/a 33.0% 48.8%

$530 $505 $376 $350 $345 $352 $398 $448 $498 $422 $814 $597 $492

Market Statistics for the San Gabriel Valley - December 2016 Single Family Homes

City

Arcadia Arcadia Duarte El Monte El Monte Glendora Glendora Monrovia San Gabriel San Gabriel San Marino Sierra Madre Temple City 4

Zip Code

91006 91007 91010 91731 91732 91740 91741 91016 91775 91776 91108 91024 91780

Condominiums

Sales of Price Price % Sales Single Family Median SFR Chg from Count Homes ($1,000) Dec. 2015 Condos

25 11 10 5 14 12 27 26 23 6 15 5 24

$1,134 $1,162 $458 $450 $435 $474 $635 $666 $868 $624 $2,280 $947 $720

ARCADIA REALTORŽ ¡ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 2016

-6.5% -7.0% 11.0% 3.5% 1.2% 6.5% 8.5% 8.2% -8.1% 14.8% 10.2% 2.9% 8.9%

4 12 4 3 6 4 4 8 3 6 0 5 8

SFR Only

Price Median Price & Median Condo Chg from Home Price/ ($1,000) Dec. 2015 Sq. Ft.

$795 $570 $478 $485 $424 $378 $515 $415 $450 $527 n/a $580 $627

-5.6% 1.7% 16.5% n/a 12.9% -10.1% 14.4% -27.8% -38.9% -5.8% n/a 7.8% 6.9%

$616 $595 $381 $330 $339 $386 $427 $459 $460 $480 $929 $432 $535

Source: CoreLogic.com

Attorney Comments

By Dave Freeman, Association Counsel

Dual Agency

Death on the Property

Renter’s Insurance

The Supreme Court of California (SC) has now ruled in the Horiike case. I have mentioned this case previously, as it wound its way through the Trial and Appellate courts. The SC ruled that the buyer and seller contract with the broker, in California, and therefore the fiduciary duty flows through whatever agent represents the buyer and seller, and ends directly on the shoulders of the broker.

Previously, the law stated that, “No cause of action could arise from the failure to disclose...” the death or the manner of death on the property, if it occurred more than three years prior to the offer to purchase.

Encourage each of your clients, who are landlords or property managers, to use a CAR lease or one similar to it, that contains the requirement that the tenant obtain renter’s insurance, to protect the tenants, landlord and manager from any damage to personal property or for personal injury to the tenants or their guests or invitees. The insurance is very inexpensive and protects from important dangers, such as:

Therefore, the rule is clear: both agents in a dual agency case owe both buyer and seller a fiduciary duty of care. (In this case the square footage on a very large mansion was off by a considerable amount). Listing and selling agents in a dual agency sale must investigate and disclose to the buyer that which a reasonably diligent search would disclose, and any pertinent information either of them is aware of.

This will put additional scrutiny on both agents in a dual agency situation to be honest, open and fair to the buyer and seller, and to put the clients’ interests ahead of their own interests.

The new law (claiming to clear the situation up) states that such an occurrence is not a material fact and therefore does not require disclosure.

No real change. You still don’t have to disclose a death on the property more than 3 years prior to the offer to purchase (or lease). But you must not lie or mislead in response to a direct question on the subject.

The law also states that you do not need to disclose if someone who lived in the property had HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), or died of AIDS-related complications.

A. Tenant’s loss of or damage to “expensive,” or “irreplaceable,” items due to water leaks, theft or other occurrences.

B. Liability as a result of visitor’s injuries from slipping and falling, attacks from the tenant’s pets and other unforeseen circumstances.

C. For condominiums, check to be sure the insurance covers replacement and repair to the interior of the condominium in the event of water or other damage (not generally covered by the Homeowners Association insurance.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

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THROUGH THE LENS A Look at What’s Happening Around the AAR

2017 Annual Installation of Officers & Directors

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ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

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Budget-Friendly Home Improvements for This Winter

While a lot of people use the New Year as a way to make improvements to their health or personal life, this is also a great time of year for you or your clients to make improvements to your homes as well. The cold months of the year are perfect for tackling several areas of your home to make it healthier, happier, and more organized.

Take on these 10 budget-friendly home improvements to find a whole new look for your home this year.

4. Remove a Popcorn Ceiling

1. Declutter

5. Have Asbestos Removed

The first step to getting organized and discovering the potential in your home is to get rid of the clutter and junk that may be hiding in your closets and shelves. Donate useable items or have a junk removal service come by to haul it away. Once you’re done, you’ll be in a better place to assess your home and what else needs to be done..

2. Deep Clean

Nothing feels quite as good as a freshly cleaned house. A clean home is also easier to maintain than one that’s accumulated dirt and disrepair over the years. Start the new year off right by hiring a cleaning service for a deep clean. You can have the whole house done, or just focus on those areas that really need it. A deep clean can help you determine if more work needs to be done, or if a good sprucing was all that was required.

3. Apply Some Paint

A fresh coat of paint can give new life to any room of your home, and the winter months are the perfect time to have this done. The low humidity in the air helps the paint dry more quickly, keeps odors down, and, therefore, helps to speed up the job. If a cleaning hasn’t saved the walls of your home, apply a few coat of paint to cover up the stains from last year.

Nothing says you’re stuck in the past more than a popcorn ceiling. While popular 30 years ago, this textured ceiling now dates any room it’s in, lowering your home’s value and its aesthetics. Removing a popcorn ceiling is easy to do and can dramatically update the rooms of your home. Just make sure to have your ceiling first tested for asbestos before you begin to make sure it is removed safely.

Many older homes have asbestos lurking in floors, pipes, ceilings, and siding. While harmless if you leave it alone, any damage to or work on these areas could release harmful asbestos fibers into the air. The best way to deal with this problem is professional abatement services. If you suspect asbestos in your home, make sure proper testing and abatement is done before you begin any home improvements.

6. Insulate Your Attic

The winter months can be brutal if your home doesn’t have enough insulation.

Many homes lack adequate insulation in crucial areas like the attic. It can help prevent the energy you’re using to heat your home from flying right out the door. Attic insulation currently gets a return on investment of 110 percent, making this a fantastic improvement for the new year to improve your home’s value as well as your comfort level this winter.

7. Clean Your Ducts

During the winter months, your air ducts get a lot of work, pushing hot air through your home to warm it.

Unfortunately, they could also be blowing dust, pollutants, and allergens through your home at the same time if

Article Submitted by Fixr.com on realtor.org

your ductwork is dirty. Dirty ducts can also mean that your furnace is working harder, which could be raising your energy bills at the same time. Your ducts should also be cleaned right after any other home construction, as the dust has a tendency to collect there.

8. Install Some Crown Molding

There’s nothing quite like crown molding to make any room in your home look polished and complete. So if you’ve been feeling as though your home needs a little style boost, consider installing some crown molding this winter. Interior projects like this are best done during the colder months when carpenters and handymen aren’t as busy outdoors, and, of course, when you’re spending more time indoors yourself where you can admire them.

9. Install an Electric Fireplace

Fireplaces can have an immediate impact on many aspects of your home from aesthetics to value to comfort.

This winter, install an electric fireplace to any of the rooms you spend the most time in. Electric fireplaces can help lower your energy bills by heating the room you’re in, rather than the whole house. They can also be placed anywhere, whether or not there is an existing fireplace in the room. You can add instant warmth and charm to any location.

10. Refinish Your Floors

Winter takes a hard toll on hardwood flooring. The sand and salt used to make roads safer can wear away the finish on your flooring as well. Give your hardwood new life by having a stain applied to cover up old scuffs and stains from the previous years. Many new finishes don’t require sanding unless your floor is in very bad shape, so you can often get a whole new look in just a few days.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

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AFFILIATE Corner “Seven Homebuying Mistakes”

By Michael Encarnacion, imortgage® Here’s how to dodge the pain of the Seven Homebuying Mistakes that trip up even the most experienced buyers. Discover smart ways to convert pain into gain.

1. NOT BEING PREPARED

Know how much home you can reasonable afford before you start looking. Nothing beats sitting down with a loan professional because you’ll certainly have questions. And while you are there, get prequalified. With imortgage, it’s no cost & no obligation. Home sellers will be more inclined to negotiate with a prequalified buyer who’s already been vetted by a lender.

2. THINKING TOO LONG

Home-value appreciation is a great long-term reward, but short-term appreciation can be a godsend. Life will intervene in the form of illness, job transfers of family problems. If you have to sell, faster is always better. If buying, buy wisely & within your current budget.

3. WAITING TOO LONG

Be a smart borrower, but don’t let caution allow opportunities to slip away. Markets change. If you find a home you love, take action.

4. FOCUSING ON A SINGLE FEATURE

Don’t get caught up in decorating features, they’re easy to change, but floor plans & loan-bearing walls are not.

5. OVERLOOKING NEW CONSTRUCTION

A newly constructed home could be a great deal. Builder incentives, energy-saving technology, safety features, wired networks & a warranty are all the features that could get you much closer to the home you really want.

6. WORKING WITHOUT AN AGENT

If you are looking for a home, time is of the essence. A seasoned real estate agent could save you much wasted time, ensure fair representation & even save you money.

7. RUSHING THE PROCESS

A newly constructed home could be a great deal. Builder incentives, energy-saving technology, safety Found a home you love TAKE ACTION. Got the home under contract - slow down. Read all documents carefully. Once the sale closes, it’s all yours.

Trust in both your imortgage Loan Consultant & Realtor® Home Consultant.

Put a real estate agent and a lender on your team when looking for a home. Call so we can explore all lending programs that fit your needs best. “We have loan for every home, simple as that...”

Michael Encarnacion, imortgage. NMLS ID 490811. For more information, contact Michael at: 909-200-9946 Mobile / 909-912-7814 Office or mencarnacion@imortgage.com Rates, terms, and availability of programs are subject to change without notice. Corporate NMLS ID 174457. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act CRMLA 4131040.

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ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

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ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

Resolve to

STOP Losing Listings

Posted on realtor.org, by Blog Contributor Lee Davenport Listing Leader - Is this title on your New Year’s resolution list? How about on your business plan for this year? I’m here to tell you, that you can make it happen.

Here are four considerations to help, but only if you’re willing to subscribe to the notion of “out with the old, in with the new.”

Out With the Old: Doing the Same Thing But Expecting Different Results Are you frustrated with the number of listings you win? Are you really? I ask again because my next question will be very telling: Have you changed or improved your presentation after each failed listing appointment? If you say “no,” or “not often enough,” you may have fallen victim to what I call the “hamster wheel chase.” You do the same things when connecting with sellers, expecting to end up with different results. The first step is to improvement your listing appointments, and really, any area of life. Then, debrief with yourself (or team) after each listing appointment, good and bad.

In With the New: Reflection Time These questions will guide you through refining your listing presentations. Feel free to add on to them.

1. What do you typically include in your listing presentations?

2. Does your presentation include strong answers for typical objections (including your rationale for your pricing strategy and commission)?

3. Have there been points where you could tell the seller was “checking out”? Think back to presentation points when you noticed the seller was fidgety, distracted by their phone or surroundings, eyes glazed over, yawning, etc.

4. What do you think is needed for a captivating presentation?

5. How much time do you think it takes 10

to make a good impression with each seller?

6. Is its current format, is the look and feel of your presentation memorable?

7. What changes can you make to be more memorable? Do you need to find help to achieve this?

Out With the Old: Not Asking for a Decision Until You Receive One You wait a few days to give the seller time to think. You call back and hear, “I thought your presentation was great, and you’re my second choice, but I have listed my home with...”

Out With the Old: Not Differentiating Your Listings’ Marketing Plan From Others Sadly, many people think all a residential real estate salesperson does is snap a few photos for online sites and put a lawn sign in the yard. Even greater is the tragedy that this is, in fact, all some salespeople do. Yikes! But this creates a great opportunity for you to stand apart.

What the what?!

You calmly respond, “No problem, feel free to call me if it doesn’t work out,” never to hear from that seller again.

In With the New: Reflection Time These questions will help you analyze your current marketing strategy and ways you can make improvements.

1. How do you promote your listings (including the resources offered by your realty firm)? How does this meet the needs of a seller?

2. Do you have a visual tool (i.e. a visual map in your listing presentation, etc.) that amplifies your marketing strategy without giving away the “secret sauce”?

The “secret sauce” is how you market (that’s your trade secret - do not share this!) rather than what you use to market.

When you give away the “secret sauce” the next logical step is you will not be needed.

3. How else can you express the intricacies of your marketing to sellers (again without giving away the “secret sauce”)?

4. Have you included glowing, five-star testimonies in your presentation that speak to your marketing prowess? If you’re a new agent, use reviews from your team or firm. What additional resources can you add that speak about who you are?

ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

When I coach agents who are superstars at all of the above, we often find they just do not ask for a decision AND followup. Two, three, four days go by without a peep from the home seller - OR from you. That allows Sally Sales-A-Lot to swoop in and win the listing instead of you. It’s time for you to change that.

In With the New! Reflection Time 1. If the seller is not ready to commit during the listing presentation, do you immediately schedule a time to followup? Hint, hint: You should! This simple step can often be the difference in winning the listing or not.

2. Do you know the seller’s timeframe to list and sell? Once you have this information, mark on your calendar D-day so that you give yourself a deadline for following up within the timeframe that they are open to entertaining salespeople.

3. Have you asked sellers how and when they prefer communication?

4. Are you using an app or software system (aka CRM) that helps you to automate follow-up?

5. If CRMs are too complicated or pricey for you, do you have someone who can help you with follow-up? This would include college interns, family, realty office staff who are allowed to work on agent projects, virtual assistants, and the like.

For more articles like this please visit realtor.org

Tips for Spotting Global Money Laundering Schemes

By Charlee Gibson, Marketing Coordinator, National Association of REALTORS® Commercial & Global Services The business of global real estate is changing every day as overseas investments continue to grow and political tides rise and fall. Savvy investors do their best to stay ahead of the game and purchase properties in economies with the most potential for appreciation, while politicians are left playing catch up to enforce rules that make these transactions legal and safe. Unfortunately, while they do the best they can to address these issues; there is still room for those who engage in illegal money-making shortcuts. Even when rules and laws seem to cover all bases, there will always be those willing to break them. What responsibility do you have, as a REALTOR®, for identifying and reporting fraudulent activity in a real estate transaction?

Although real estate regulations vary per country, it is always in your best interest to educate yourself on the warning signs of these schemes, and reporting them when necessary. Since money laundering schemes could be used to hide criminal activity, including terrorism, it’s important for REALTORS® to stay vigilant and know how to spot red flags.

Red flags include: · Is the customer and/or the source of funds located in a jurisdiction with weak anti-money laundering regimes, supports or funds terrorism, or has a high degree of political corruption? · Is there a large unexplained geographic distance between the location of the property and the buyer? · Is there unusual involvement by third parties? · Will residential title be held by a corporation that obscures the owner’s identity, without a legitimate business explanation? · Does the purchase involve high-ranking foreign political officials or their family? · Is the owner selling for significantly less than the purchase price, or seems disinterested in obtaining a better price? · Is the buyer bringing actual cash to closing? · Is the purchase without a mortgage and inconsistent with the buyer’s occupation or income? · Is the buyer interested in immediate resale, especially at a substantially higher or lower price, without reasonable explanation? · Is the buyer purchasing property without viewing it, or with no interest in its characteristics? · Are there any other activities that appear suspicious and do not make professional or commercial sense?

Keep in mind that whenever a buyer makes a purchase outside of their country, complications can arise. For instance, a possible red flag is whether or not the home is being paid for in cash. However, according to NAR’s 2016 Profile of International Buying Activity in U.S. Residential Real Estate, 50 percent of all the international transactions last year were all-cash purchases. With that said, it’s important to be aware that the presence of one, or even multiple factors, does not necessarily mean the purchaser or seller is engaging in money laundering activities. Just because something is suspicious or out of the norm does not automatically make it illegal. The questions listed above exist simply as general guidelines. U.S. real estate professionals should refer to NAR’s Anti-Money Laundering Guidelines for Real Estate Professionals and consult with their managing broker and attorney before proceeding.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

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INTRODUCING The 2017 Grievance Committee

By Margaret Garemore, Grievance Committee Chairperson MEET THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS It is my pleasure to introduce the 2017 Grievance Committee: I am your Chairperson, Margaret Garemore, and the team consists of Vice-Chairs Andy Bencosme and Sonia Santos, along with the following committee members: Ryan Asao Julie Bencosme Roy Blume Peggy Fong Chen Marie Hischier Jenny Hsieh Larry Kallis

John Lee David Milton Joe Napoli Jill Nelson Joe Pacilio James Pai Linda Szerdahelyi

Mike Vachani Camelia Vera Louis Wang Val Wong Irene YamagataBermudez

CONTACT US IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A GRIEVANCE MATTER To become more familiar with the Code of Ethics, go to the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) websites. If you have questions or concerns about a possible violation, please contact the Arcadia Association for assistance at (626) 446-2115. As always, my best wishes and let’s make it a great year in real estate.

WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE DO? The Grievance Committee is comprised of REALTOR® and Broker members of the Arcadia Association of REALTORS®. As a group, we review confidential Ethics Complaints that come into our Association from other REALTORS® and members of the public for alleged ethics violations against our REALTOR® members. It is our job to review the complaints and determine if they should be sent up to the Professional Standards Committee for a full ethics hearing.

HOW MANY COMPLAINTS IN 2016?

We received three Grievance Complaints in 2016.

WHAT ARE THE RULES? As REALTORS®, we agree to abide by our professional rules of conduct known as the Code of Ethics. In our daily business we must govern our behavior in accordance with these rules of conduct. The Code is divided into three sections with 17 Articles as follows: 1. Duties to Clients and Customers 2. Duties to the Public 3. Duties to REALTORS® 12

ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

MARK WU 626-281-6854 CA Insurance Agent #: 0720074

YOUR ARCADIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2017 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Sylvia Ramos, 2017 President Century 21 Village Realty

Margaret Garemore, 2017 President-Elect Podley Properties

Kelvin Chang, 2017 Treasurer Coldwell Banker Dynasty T.C.

Ryan Asao, Director, 2012 President Keller Williams Executive

Julie Bencosme, Director Century 21 Village Realty

Roy Blume, Director, 2016 President Century 21 Village Realty

Cecil Griffin, Director Century 21 Golden Realty

James Maceo, Director Keller Williams Realty

Joe Pacilio, Director, 2015 President Century 21 Masters

Yvonne Rosas-Petty, Director Century 21 Masters

Frank Spencer, Director Coldwell Banker Dynasty Arcadia

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

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2017 ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS jan 20, 2017 - monrovia, ca The Arcadia Association of REALTORS® recently installed the new 2017 Officers and Directors at the 93rd Annual Inaugural Celebration held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Monrovia. More than 250 REALTORS®, Affiliates and guests attended the “Building Relationships” themed event. Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon was Andy Bencosme with Century 21 Village. The Installation ceremony was conducted by Paul P. Cheng, Esq. The Officers installed were: Sylvia Ramos, President; Margaret Garemore, President-Elect and Kelvin Chang, Treasurer.

The 2017 Directors are: Ryan Asao, Julie Bencosme, Roy Blume, Cecil Griffin, James Maceo, Joe Pacilio, Yvonne RosasPetty and Frank Spencer.

The Installation ceremony of 2017 President, Sylvia Ramos and Officers and Directors was followed by the presentation of the coveted “REALTOR® of the Year” award presented to Joe Pacilio, Century 21 Masters and the “Affiliate of the Year” award presented to Diane Balsamo, Prime Lending.

Other special recognitions included presentation of the “Lifetime Achievement” award to Randall Traw, Dilbeck Real Estate; presentation of the “Community Service” award was given this year to two winners Chris Shevlin, Chicago Title and Judy Webb-Martin, Podley Properties. Presentations of the AAR’s two newest awards. The “AAR Rising Star” award was presented to Patrick Law, Keller Williams Executive and the “AAR Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Margaret Garemore, Podley Properties.

Carol Quan, LA County Tax Assessors Office with Roy Blume

April Verlato, Arcadia City Council with Roy Blume

Mike Eng, Monterey Park City Council with Roy Blume

Nanette Fish, Temple City City Council with Roy Blume

Anthony Portantino, 25th District State Senator with Roy Blume

Outgoing President, Roy Blume, received special honorariums and recognition from the Cities of Arcadia, Monrovia and Temple City. U.S. Representative for California’s 27th Congressional District Congresswoman Judy Chu; U.S. Representative for California’s 49th Congressional District Assemblyman Ed Chau; California State Assembly representing the 41st Assembly District Chris Holden and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors representing the 5th District Kathryn Barger. Acknowledgement of special guests included eight Arcadia Association Past Presidents along with Presidents and Association Executives from several neighboring Associations.

2017 Officers & Directors (Missing: Ryan Asao) 14

ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

2017 President, Sylvia Ramos with Husband Mark Ramos, AAR LGR Committee Vice-Chair

ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS REALTOR® of the Year Award, Joe

Pacilio

The “REALTOR® of the Year” award is given to someone who has had business success, who is advanced in their real estate education and designations, who participates in their local Association and protects and promotes organized real estate, among other things. We would like to congratulate Joe Pacilio, Century 21 Masters for being this year’s REALTOR® of the Year award winner!

Affiliate of the Year Award,

Diane Balsamo

The Affiliate of the Year Award was established in 1980. Selection is based on the following criteria: Organizational activities and involvement in the Affiliate Committee, MLS participant work and participation in other Association activities, positive attitude, service, business proficiency and other exemplary conduct. Our winner this year currently serves on the Events for Charity Committee and you will see her pretty much every Wednesday selling raffle tickets and is no stranger to charitable work as she is a part of the Kiwanis, Monrovia Reads, she is on the board of the volunteer center, and has served on the YMCA Board-just to name a few. Well-done and congratulations to Diane Balsamo!

Award winner Diane Balsamo.

Lifetime Achievement Award,

Randall Traw

The Lifetime Achievement Award is meant to recognize REALTORS® who have given so much of their time and effort over the course of their membership to the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® and their involvement with organized real estate as a whole. Qualifications to receive the award are as follows: 25 or more years of service as an active participant in organized real estate, Participation in Association leadership with no less than five years of that leadership at the Arcadia Association, Community Involvement and High Ethical Standards. This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Randall Traw, Dilbeck Real Estate! Congratulations Randall!

Community Service Award,

Award winner Randall Traw.

Chris Shevlin & Judy Webb-Martin

This award is not an annual AAR award. Rather it is a special award given to a very deserving AAR member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in servicing the outside community through great volunteerism, acts of kindness, selfless giving and in making a significant difference to those in need. Our winners are recognised for their outstanding volunteerism internally and are also very deserving of the AAR Community Service Award. We would like to congratulate Chris Shevlin of Chicago Title and Judy Webb-Martin, Podley Properties!

Award winner Chris Shevlin.

AAR Rising Star,

Presenter Mike Vachani with winner Joe Pacilio.

Patrick Law

The purpose of this award is to recognize an active AAR REALTOR® who has been a member of the Association for 3 years or less. Additional traits that the Rising Star honoree should have include involvement with AAR committees, be an inspiration to other REALTORS®, works well with other industry colleagues and displays strong leadership qualities. Congratulations to Patrick Law, Keller Williams Executive for receiving the Rising Star Award!

AAR Volunteer of the Year,

Presenter Dave Scarminach with winner Margaret Garemore.

Margaret Garemore

Award winner Patrick Law.

The second new award created by the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® this year is the “AAR Volunteer of the Year” Award. This award recognizes an active AAR REALTOR® who volunteers their time within the Association in some manner. Additional qualifications that the honoree should have include having the AAR as their Primary Association, 5 years of continuous membership, committee leadership experience, participation in AAR events as well as working well with other REALTORS®, Affiliates and AAR Staff. The Volunteer of the Year Award winner is Margaret Garemore of Podley Properties! Congratulations Margaret!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

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PRESIDENTS

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ear AAR Members, thank you for allowing me to serve as your Association President for the 2017 year. I feel so very blessed and am thankful for each and every one of you.

When our Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Cooper asked me what my theme would be not only for the Installation, but also for the coming year as a whole, it was very simple.

“Building Relationships”. It’s no secret that building relationships is the core foundation of any empire.

This coming year, I have set several important goals that I will be working toward, along with the help of our Board of Directors, our wonderful Association staff and our Committee Chairs, Vice-Chairs and members. I would like to share with you those goals now.

1. Transparent - Being transparent with all that we do, as a member, as leader and as your President

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- Our city council, our local and state officials are critical to our mission and vision in preserving homeownership property rights

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3. More Awareness for Local Government

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identify who is willing and able to grow so we can help out with the capability

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2. Membership Development - It is crucial that we

·O C P I N I ON S ·

4. Membership Growth - We are strong together as REALTORS®. We need to educate our real estate agents about the value of being a REALTOR® and educating our members

5. Building Broker Office Relationships - Engaging with our Brokers and building stronger relationships

Thank you to the Arcadia Association of REALTORS® and the Nominating Committee for having faith in me to lead in the direction for the greater cause, our membership. I will do my best and continue to earn your trust and respect.

I am thankful and grateful to all of my mentors… there are so many. I believe in mentors because it enhances me to become a better version of myself. Let’s make 2017 unforgettable, be good to yourselves.

Sincerly, Sylvia Ramos, 2017 AAR President 16

ARCADIA REALTOR® · JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 · ARCADIA REALTOR®

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Arcadia Association of REALTORS® 601 South First Avenue Arcadia, California 91006

NEW AAR BENEFIT!

Lockbox Lease Program!

The Arcadia Association of REALTORS® & REALTORS E4C, Inc. presents...

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Lets Play

FRIDAY MARCH 24, 2017 6-9PM | $25 SINGLE | $80 VALUE PACK | $250 TABLE OF 8

ARCADIA COMMUNITY CENTER | 356 CAMPUS DR. ARCADIA, CA 91007

SINGLE INCLUDES:

VALUE PACK INCLUDES:

- 1 Dinner Plate

- 4 Dinner Plates

- 1 Drink (non-alcohol)

- 4 Drinks (non-alcohol)

- 1 Bingo Card

- 4 Bingo Cards

- 1 Raffle Ticket

- 4 Raffle Tickets

TABLE OF 8 INCLUDES: - 8 Dinners, 8 Drinks (non-alcohol)

AAR REALTORS® are now able to lease a Lockbox for only $9.95(plus tax) a month!

- 8 Bingo Cards & 8 Raffle Tickets - 3 Bottles of either red/white wine or sparkling cider

SUNDAE BAR INCLUDED FOR EVERYONE!

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