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• Christmas Installation Luncheon
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• Why You do not ALLOW buyer Love Letters • October Luncheon with Josh Flagg
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• DAOR REALTOR Award Recipients
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• 2022 Strategic Plan
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IN THIS ISSUE:
4th Quarter 2021 Volume 8 Issue PAGE |1 4
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GREATER DOWNEY
ASSOCIATION OF 2021 LEADERSHIP OF GREATER DAOR Greater DAOR Chaplain:
Board of Directors: Michael Berdelis, President Jennifer Avellan, President-Elect Jesus Guerra, Vice President Jose Perez, Treasurer Jeanette Baumann, Executive V.P.
Directors: Edwin Acevedo Lourdes Galvez Maria Lilley Mireya Ruiz Carrie Uva Tyler Wirth Jeff Worthy Immediate Past President: Ruben Sarinana Jr.
Maria Elena Serrano
C.A.R. State Directors: Michael Berdelis, Jennifer Avellan, Jesus Guerra, Ericka Saenz and Jose Barrios
N.A.R. National Directors: Ericka Saenz
Greater DAOR Staff Jeanette Baumann, EVP - evp@DAOR.com
Customer Care Department Erica Ochoa, education@DAOR.com Giovana Guzman, communications@DAOR.com Laura Yanez, outreach@DAOR.com
Membership Department Julie Sartor, julies@DAOR.com Kayla Baumann, membership@DAOR.com
REALTORS
12073 Paramount Blvd Downey, CA 90242
Phone: (562) 861-0915 Fax: (562) 923-9995 www.DAOR.com Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday, 9am-1pm Volume 8 - Issue 4 This publication is printed quarterly, delivered March, June, September & December
Education Center 12069 Paramount Blvd Downey, CA 90242
Page 1 - Meet Your 2022 Board of Directors Page 3 - I Survived a DAOR Committee Page 4 - Jennifer Avellan Page 5 - 2022 Strategic Plan Page 7 - DAOR REALTOR Award Recipients Page 8 - Buyers Love Letter Page 9 - October Luncheon with Josh Flagg Page 11 - Message from Exec. Vice President Page 12 - Awards Night Flyer Page 13 -Christmas Installation Luncheon Page 15 -Final Message from 2021 President
COMMITEES Budget & Finance Committee Oversight Committee Jason Cierpiszewski, Dan Nevarez, Chairperson Chairperson Affiliates In Action Professional Standards Committee Committee Andy Zuloaga, Chairperson Natalie Romo, Chairperson LCRC Trustees Josue Barrios, Chairperson (19-21)
@greaterdaor facebook.com/DowneyAOR www.youtube.com/user/DowneyAssocofRealtor Membership / MLS Technology Committee: Mario Acevedo REALTORS Advocating for Political Progress Josue Barrios, Chairperson
Scholarship Committee Rewena Dominguez, Chairperson
REALTOR Community Relations Committee Vicki Spearman, Chairperson
Grievance Committee Armando Martinez, Chairperson
LGR Community Lina Salgado, Chairperson
ON THE COVER
Jennifer Avellan
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JERRY LOHMAN
GEORGETTE SOLANO
CHRISTINE WHITE
KAREN CASTILLO
I became a real estate broker because I love giving back to the community and providing a helpful path for growth. Serving on the DAOR Committee has allowed me to amplify my services back to not only your communities but also with the Realtor® Industry. It’s been a great experience as I learn something new every time our community members meet. This allows the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experiences of being involved in practicing the professional standards committee, being able to network and meet new professionals is always a plus. I want to thank the DAOR for allowing me to be a part of such a great organization for our future growth of the industry and peers for decades to come.
I always call upon my neighbors and community so having the opportunity to give back was an honor. Serving on the Grievance committee
The Scholarship committee was an inspiring experience. The passion and experiences of the young people exhibited through their essays was
and being able to expand how we can help our peers is something I will always be grateful for. I encourage anyone who has thought about serving on a committee to do so.
humbling. It deepened my appreciation of being part of a program that supports the educational advancement of young adults. Highly recommend the opportunity to others.
It’s an honor and a privilege to have served on the Grievance, Membership, and the MLS committee. It’s a reward to give back to our industry and meet new REALTORS® from different offices. I have been in customer service for over 15 years of combined professional experience as a CPA and a Realtor®. One of my goals is to go above and beyond serving all my clients. I am committed to listening and making the best decisions for a better present and future given the opportunity to remain a member of these great groups. You should try it too!
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Jennifer Avellan
I
n preparing for my presidency, I was thinking of my installation as your Board President for the Greater Downey Association of Realtors. I earnestly thank you so much for this tremendous opportunity to serve with you! I was thinking what words would I share with you at our installation? Well, I thought, what would I want to hear? You have bestowed upon me a leadership position and I humbly accept this honor! In my comments to you, I would be looking to hear from someone who is helpful in telling me how to reflect and understand what is truly going on in our world! We are in the middle of a once in a lifetime pandemic, democracy seems to be in the ICU. Climate change is causing real
threats to our very existence, homelessness seems to be an insurmountable challenge to our social fabric, gun violence seems to be its own pandemic, and 50 years of women’s rights seem under attack. Now it seems the only thing we can do is take a “deep breath” and say to ourselves… everything will be ok with the right leadership and participation of right minded, caring individuals such as yourselves. Firstly, we must realize that we are all leaders in our own right. As individuals so grounded in values of hard work and home ownership. We must collectively realize that we are all opinion makers and influencing with others! We must stand impolitically in support of our democratic principles voting and participation in our political process, unflinching respect for our diverse culture and inclusion of all members of society. Let us support science, “get vaccinated” for your good and common good. Support our scientist in their pleads against climate change and the required move to renewable energy. Each and every one of us can serve to advance and support those goals which will advance our survival and prosperity! As opinion makers we can and must speak out in support of human rights and voting rights. As individuals involved with housing, let us remember we are assisting with the
real infostructure of society which is more than roads and bridges. We are involved with our human infrastructure. Let us go forward and remember that together we will work through all our challenges. May god bless our world! It is the only one we have. It takes a village to raise a child! Thank you to Josue Barrios and Remo, for introducing and encouraging me to join the Greater Downey Association of Realtors. Mel Wilson, for being a role model and mentor. Leading by example, Truly an inspiration to myself and all those around him. My team, Mike, Moe, Shelly, Rob, Britt, and Leo for their never-ending support throughout all these years. Thank you to my Keller Williams family and leadership, Monica, Fred, Ed, Rich, Jovida, John, Andrew, and Fiddis team. My family, my Mom, and Josh. Thank you, mom for giving me life, for having a heart of gold, and for teaching me to never give up. My leading teams, Avenue Mortgage, Downey Capitol, New World Funding, etc. Thank you to the Downey Association, Jeanette, you always have our back. Thank you Julie, Kayla, Erica for running the board like no other Association out there. Rick Garcia, for helping propel my business all these years. Sam Ayoub, My mentor in commercial real estate, Thank you.
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STRATEGIC PLAN
The Leadership of the Greater Downey Association of REALTORS (DAOR) have met to update the strategic plan that guides the organization to reach its goals. The strategic plan was adjusted to guide us in giving even more products and services, and opportunities to get to know the leaders, and learn how to become a leader.
MEMBERSHIP DAOR to be the most reliable and accessible source of information to their members. Remain relevant and “Earn Their Membership”.
•Increase member benefits and service offerings •Provide speakers & events most desired and beneficial •DAOR.com to be a “one source” website •Focus on quality growth as much as quantity growth. The strategic plan is divided •Maintain a reality of relevance, into six core developments, efficiency, supportiveness, professionalism, and a place of Membership, Community, information, emphasizing on Advocacy, Education, Professional Development community and service. •Maintain productive and and Organizational lasting relationships with Excellence. member brokers, agents and affiliates.
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GREATER DAOR
2021-
•Increase communication to members in showing them areas of RAF, Education, Code of Ethics, Benefits and Services. •Maintain ways of “getting to know your peers”. •Help members in promoting their weekend open houses.
COMMUNITY DAOR to create and support a meaningful relationship between DAOR and the Community. Providing to the community market statistics and issues, and education on the importance of using a REALTOR. •Participate in the local high schools in job fairs, scholarships, education. •Positively impact our communities through campaigns and goodwill.
•Provide city staff, legislators and community with market reports. •Promote a good image of the local REALTOR •Increase the boundaries of community outreach. •Conduct six events/projects 2 showing “act”, 2 showing “vote” and 2 showing “invest”.
ADVOCACY DAOR to educate and involve their members in advocacy efforts that advance the real estate industry •Educate members on REALTOR Action Fund and raise member contribution to 50%. •Provide communication of PACs at all levels. •Teach members how to be a part of Red Alerts and Calls for Action. •Staff Outreach: Legislative Updates and RAF Participation. Directors to participate in Office Outreaches throughout •Social Media all C.A.R. & N.A.R. Red Alerts and Calls for Action. •Share with public legislation and public policies REALTORS assisted with to help homeownership.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
DEVELOPMENT - DAOR to provide benefits to its members that will strengthen their ability to be more professional in their day to day business. DAOR to strengthen the professionalism of the members.
DAOR is dedicated to provide the highest level of professionalism and honesty is safeguarding the best interest of DAOR and the welfare of its members. DAOR is dedicated to provide their members with a supreme level of services at the lowest possible membership cost, stabilizing a frugal environment. •Measure participation and effectiveness in products, services and events provided to the members to determine continuation. •Work on relationships, leaders to have a closer relationship to the membership.
•Publish ethics violation reports to show members what types of complaints, hearings and calls are being received. •Increase education with the Code of Ethics and promote the benefits of ethical practice. •Utilize the new building to emphasize growth Maintain financial stability & Seek new revenue sources. •Conduct C.A.R. & N.A.R. Information Meetings.
EDUCATION DAOR to strengthen the professionalism of their members by providing them with quality education for trade designations, MLS, real estate industry trends, and National Association of REALTORS Code of Ethics. •Create a mentoring webinar series for new members to cover association structure, RAF, Code of Ethics, top producers and more. •Provide education enhancing the members knowledge on all aspects of the real estate industry. •Staff to be trained in many areas to conduct training in office outreaches, Provide information on REALTOR Designations. •Educate new and all members on Fair Housing in Real Estate. 16 | DAOR PAGE |8 •Provide and conduct implicit bias training to all members. 4 | DAOR 8 | DAOR
Greater DAOR REALTOR
Award Recipients
2021 Affiliate of the Year
Chairperson of the Year Rowena Dominguez, C12 Peak
Andy Zuloaga, Farmers Insurance
Distinguished Service Award Mario Acevedo, Keller Williams Socal
Influencer of the Year Natalie Romo, Excellence RE
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Volunteer of the Year Anthony Amodeo, Excellence Real Estate
BUYER’S LETTERS. WHAT’S THE FUSS? The Legal Department at NAR, the Legal Department at CAR and the Association’s Legal Counsel all recommend against agents assisting buyers writing what have become known as “Buyer’s Love Letters.” The State of Oregon has even passed a questionable law banning them. Why? What is the concern? In a phrase Implied Bias. It is well known that Federal Law, State Law, and the NAR Code of Ethics provide that real estate professionals must treat all persons equally when providing services related to housing. Although there have been shocking examples of intentional discrimination most licensees are careful to avoid discriminating. Hate speech of all kinds, steering, unequal services, and advertising are generally easy to spot and punish. What is more difficult is what has become known as implied or implicit bias. Thoughts, images, and assumptions based upon experiences, training and perceptions are much more difficult to pinpoint. The State of California has now signed into law a bill that will require real estate brokers and agents to get Implied Bias training, commencing on January 1, 2023. What does any of this have to do with Buyer Love Letters? In a word perception. Although there is nothing currently unlawful about these letters they are often riddled with implied discrimination. Often, they are accompanied by a photo. Sometimes the seller will request a photo or a driver’s license. Many times, the letter will refer to the buyer’s cultural or generational belonging to a neighborhood. Veiled refences to fitting in, children, health, religion, or other language may give the impression I am white enough, healthy enough, religious enough or in some other way more suitable than those who do not “fit in.” These statements, many times made innocently, may lead to a perception that housing bias/ discrimination is being practiced. In order to avoid getting into serious difficulty an agent needs to be very upfront with clients regarding Fair Housing. The Listing Agreement has a place in it that speaks to the Letters. Have a conversation with your clients regarding why the receipt of a Buyer Letter could pose a potential Fair Housing issue. Explain to your buyers why a letter that may infer a Fair Housing issue could lead to complications and strongly suggest that anything other than financial information could become an issue. Explain your unwillingness to participate in the exchange. Review the CRMLS rules and the assistance available, including what you may want to include in Private Remarks. CAR has a Fair Housing site, Quick Guides, and a Fair Housing Advisory. The State’s Department of Fair Housing has a booklet for housing providers with a group of suggested Best Practices. ALWAYS be careful whenever dealing with these sensitive issues. This is a front burner issue. If handled correctly you should not have any problems.
John V. Giardinelli
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J O S H FLAGG
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October The Greater DAOR members got together for the 3rd quarter Top Producer Awards. The special guest speaker at this event was Josh Flagg - Celebrity REALTOR, TV Personality from hit show Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles. In his interview he taught us how to acheive great success. How we too can apply the skill sets to our businesses.
Luncheon
“Be open and honest with clients. Don’t BS them on price just to try to win the deal and share why other agents might try to hit them with a price reduction later.” - Josh Flagg
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Message from Executive Vice Presidnet
Jeanette Baumann
M
embers - The passing of the DAOR presidential gavel took place December 15th for the 75th time!! Greater DAOR will be celebrating 75 years in 2022... I would like to thank President Michael Berdelis who served as president for the second time, the timing of this was perfect for the first post year of the shutdown... he knew what to do, expect and already had the experiences of leading. In 2022 Michael will be our NAR Director, and our Regional Representative for the California Association of Realtors®. 2022 President Jennifer Avellan
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is off to a great start with updating the strategic plan and appointing the committee Chairpersons - She set the Realtor® Action Fund contribution at 50%. She’s asking 50% of our membership to contribute towards the Realtor® Action Fund…. This should be considered since there are so many legislative battles we must win over the next year and years to come…. If there is one thing you can do to protect the Realtor® profession and homeownership is to contribute at least $20 towards the RAF annually. As 2022 will be the second post year of the covid shut down, we are finally scheduling events as if it was pre covid shut down… Bowling tournaments are back, luncheons, and a full calendar of Realtor promoting activities. Staff has many new goals for the new year and we are excited to start implementing them…like an “Annual Class” of Fairhaven Graduates, and C2EX Graduates, Role Playing Workshops, Top Producer Socials, and more. The Greater Downey Association of REALTORS staff wanted to thank you, our members, for being understanding and patient with us during the pandemic. In May of 2020 when the state implemented stay at home orders, our staff
went
through many challenges. The most difficult challenge was servicing essential customers (you), when we were not labeled as essential, we had to follow the stay at home orders…we lost four staff members, and the remaining staff were working together in five different locations…which was very difficult. In August of 2020 we were able to have two staff return to the office, but everyone else still needed to work remote…not until June 15, 2021 were we all allowed to return to the office. Getting things back to “normal” is coming together nicely, but we are still short staffed. We still have, and can rely on myself, Julie, Erica, and Kayla…we are training Laura a new products specialist, and Giovana, a new communications specialist, then eventually hire someone in customer service. We are ending 2021 with an alltime high membership count of 3,608 / 3,429 being Realtors®, and hope to reach a membership count of 3,500 Realtors by the end of 2022. Please reach out to me if you have any question or problem to discuss. evp@DAOR.com.
John Sebree has been CEO of the Missouri REALTORS® since September 2014. Prior to his move to Missouri, Sebree served as Senior Vice President of Public Policy for Florida REALTORS® for 11 years. Prior to that, he worked in the Government Affairs division of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) in Washington, DC for 13 years. Sebree was a Senior Legislative Representative working with the congressional delegations of eight states. Prior to NAR, Sebree worked for two years for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs.
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2021 President & 2022 President Michael Berdelis Jennifer Avellan
Board Of Directors
Christmas PAGE | 15
Installation Thank You to our Affliate Sponsors and Realtor® Membership!
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Final Message
2021 President Michael Berdelis
A
s the year comes to a close during these historic times in all of our personal and professional lives, I want to take a moment to reflect on a wild 2021. The real estate market continued in feverish fashion. We received multiple offers on almost every listing, wrote countless offers with our buyers while trying to keep our buyers motivated and in good spirits, and then finally felt the joy and happiness both for our buyers on receiving an offer acceptance and for us as we transitioned from showing mode to closing mode. We’ve shown how adaptable we are as we went from PEADs, showing time slots, gloves & booties, to some type of a normalcy in the field. The long lines of agents and buyers alike waiting outside a listing have subsided and we are now able to do open houses again and socialize instead of social distance with one another. In the years to come, we will likely find ourselves asking each other, “Remember when we showed a house virtually to our buyers?” OR “Remember when we wiped down surfaces between each showing?” We
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have all forgotten what it’s like to write an offer with an appraisal contingency intact or even take it so far as to write an offer this year with no contingencies (hopefully Gov. Hutchinson or my broker doesn’t read this last line). I bring all of this up because it will truly be something in our professional lives that we will never forget and will reminisce about these crazy covid times in years to come. We’ll remember our clients and our deals based on whether we met them PM or AM -- pre-mask or after-mask era. We are slowly but surely getting back to normal interaction and communication with one another. At the end of the day, our successes and our failures, our highlights and our lowlights, the acceptances and the rejections don’t mean the same without each other. We especially need each other on those rough days. This is what these times have taught me. It has reaffirmed how lucky I am that we have each other, that we have our friends and colleagues at our offices, and even better, that we are able to be friends with one another because of our interactions and relations through the Greater Downey Association of Realtors. The Greater DAOR supports us in so many ways and gives us the opportunity to connect with each other through events, luncheons, webinars, committees, and more. These opportunities not only help us personally grow in our profession and stay current on issues affecting our industry, but more importantly, allow us to promote the real estate industry and all the hot button issues that affect homeownership and help us get to know one another outside the parameters of a real estate transaction. With that said, I want to take a moment to thank the staff of the Greater Downey Association of Realtors: Erica, Kayla, Julie, and last, but definitely not least, a big thank you to Jeanette Baumann who is
the true glue, the true backbone, and the true leader of this fine association. Her ability to create structure and consistency with each new board, move us all forward, and her keen ability to look into the future and think of things that will make us all stronger as a whole, has been monumental in growing us to 3,400+ members while maintaining and continuing our upward growth in quality and quantity through the past two years. I would like to take a moment to remember those that have passed: Patrick McCallum, Helen Lancaster, Zeke Penaya, and Malcom Bennett whom I knew very well, and many others in our real estate community who I didn’t personally know but who were Realtors and had a positive impact on their clients, their colleagues, and who will be deeply missed by all of us, as well as their family and friends who loved them. I am honored to have served, for the second time, as your 2021 president. It is at this point where someone in my position would typically point out the accomplishments under his/her presidency. This year and last year has been about surviving and thriving. I am thankful for both. I look forward to serve as the region 22 representative for CAR and as DAOR’s NAR director next year. I am here to promote everything associated with being a realtor. I am a real SOB — Son of a Broker. I grew up in this business watching my parents Mel and Rita serve their clients and their community. I try my best to do the same and have made it my own by serving in different capacities for DAOR in my 22 years in the business. I look forward to more normal times like today but a new normal that will hopefully be better in the end for all of us. I wish all of you a happy holiday season, continued success in your business, and wish you true prosperity in 2022.
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