Volume 1 Issue 5

2014 Leadership of the DAOR

Downey Association of REALTORS 12073 Paramount Blvd - Downey, CA 90242 562 861-0915 - Fax 562 923-9995

Executive Directors: Mireya Ruiz, President Jason Cierpiszewski, President-Elect Carrie Uva, Vice President Esther Lee, Treasurer Jeanette Baumann, Executive Vice President Directors: Mario Acevedo Michael Berdelis, Immediate Past President Maria Cibrian Sossi Gabriel Ericka Saenz Ruben Sarinana Vicki Spearman Miriam Villanueva DAOR Chaplain: Ruben Sarinana

www.DAOR.com Monday - Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-1pm 24/7 text support :

Text DAOR to 55469 Volume 1– Issue 3

T[\l_ of Cont_nts:

CAR State Directors: Mireya Ruiz, Carrie Uva & Jason Cierpiszewski

1-2 C[liforni[ Drought S[v_ Our W[t_r

Affiliates In Action Committee Tom Ramirez, Chairperson

3-4 M__t th_ R_v-It-Up Sp_[k_rs [n^ Sponsors

Awards Committee Larry Kooiman, Chairperson Budget & Finance Committee Nubia Aguirre, Chairperson DAOR YPN Laura Dominguez, Chairperson

1-2

Grievance Committee Dan Nevarez, Chairperson LCRC Trustees John Lacey, Chairperson

6 Sign Up To B_ On @ D@OR Committ__ in 2015

Local Government Relations Sandra Carnett, Chairperson Membership/MLS-Technology Committee Remoun Said, Chairperson

7 Sign Pl[]_m_nt Is Ev_rything, Don’t B_ In Viol[tion With Th_ City

Nominating Committee Russell Skersick, Chairperson Professional Standards Committee Bev Baumann, Chairperson

5

REALTOR Community Relations Committee Rowena Dominguez Scholarship Committee Diane Sanchez

DAOR Staff Customer Care Department Nelly Palma, mls@DAOR.com CeCe Robles, education@DAOR.com Hilda Inzunza, cs@DAOR.com

Susie Gonzales, cs@DAOR.com

8 Di^ You Know? @ll @\out RE@LTOR D_sign[tions 9 D@OR Top Pro^u]_rs 3r^ Qtr, 2014

Jeanette Baumann, EVP - evp@DAOR.com

Membership Department Julie Sartor, julies@DAOR.com Fausto Navarro, communications@DAOR.com

5 Th_ Story of B_v_rly C[rt_r & r_sour]_s for RE@LTOR S[f_ty

7

Pl_[s_ fin^ on p[g_ 11 links to “join” D@OR’s F[]_\ook, Twitt_r, Instigr[m, You Tu\_, [n^ Vi_w 2014 Pi]tur_s on Pi][sso.

CALIFORNIA DROUGHT California is currently facing one of the most severe droughts on record. In January 2014, Governor Jerry Brown declared a State of Emergency and successively directed all state agencies and officials to take appropriate actions to prepare for water shortages. Over a period of 119 years of recorded history, 2013 was the driest year on record. According to the Department of Water Resources, California gets approximately

one-third of its water for use in cities and farms through runoff from snowpack. On May 1, 2014, the Department of Water Resources released their final results of the Snow Survey for the year which stated that the statewide snowpack's water content is at 18% of normal conditions. As of April 1, 2014, the California Department of Water Resources measured the statewide water content of the snowpack at only 32% of the average historical April 1 snowpack measurement. This is crucial because that is when the snowpack is normally at its peak and begins to melt into

1.

streams and reservoirs. Our state is at a critical juncture resulting from the drought. As a result of the ongoing drought, snowpack levels and water reservoirs are continually falling behind in average normal yearly rates. Many critics argue that the need for further investment in water storage and water infrastructure is even more critical now more than ever.

interest, it is important for all Californian’s to know and understand that we cannot solely rely on a good El Nino year to be our salvation from this drought. As noted above, meteorologists know that El Nino is not necessarily a predictable indicator of weather or precipitation patterns, it is important for our communities to prepare for a prolonged drought for the foreseeable future.

The Department of Water Resources have recently came out with a report that states that 2014 was one of the driest years on record. According to the Department of Water Resources, “The Water Year (October 1 – September 30)

In today’s world, water is among one of the most important natural resources on our planet. With water being such an important resource, it is crucial for every California resident to take the time and understand the crisis that our state is facing. As a result of the ongoing drought, this year the California Legislature passed several pieces of legislation restricting water usage across the state. On September 16, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown signed three bills that would allow local agencies to tailor sustainable groundwater plans to their regional economic and environmental needs. The three bills signed by the Governor are - AB 1739 by Assembly Member Roger Dickinson (DSacramento) and Senate Bills 1168 and 1319 by Senator Fran Pavley (DAgoura Hills) which create a framework for sustainable, local groundwater management for the first time in California history. The legislation allows local agencies to tailor sustainable groundwater plans to their regional economic and environmental needs. This legislation is the first in the state’s history that requires local water authorities to regulate how much water is being pumped out of their reservoirs. This is the first of many laws that are designed and intended for local residents and water boards to help preserve, keep track of, manage, control and distribute water to the residents of California.

is ending with less than 60 percent of average precipitation. And on September 1, the state’s major reservoirs collectively held only 57 percent of average storage for the date, or about 36 percent of capacity.” This data should indicate that our state is still reeling from the effects of the prolonged drought. It is also predicted that the El Nino weather pattern should hit California this winter, however, “meteorologists note that the phenomenon is not a reliable indicator of weather in California, especially not in the Northern Sierra watersheds that feed some of the state’s largest reservoirs.” As meteorologists take special

On top of the several Legislative Bills signed into law this year, Governor Brown signed a $687.4 million drought relief package. This legislation (SB 103) was designed to support drought relief efforts, including money for housing and food for workers directly impacted by the drought, bond funds for projects to help local communities more efficiently cap-

ture and manage water and funding for securing emergency drinking water supplies for drought-impacted communities. This drought relief package was only a small part of what the Governor and the Legislature have in plan for California. California Assembly Members and Senators worked across party lines to work on a long-term, sustainable water plan that would not only help preserve water current property rights, but help make long-term plans for drought management. The California Legislature worked together to come up with a figure of a $7 billion water bond that will be on the ballot this November 4, 2014. This $7 billion bond (Prop. 1) will attempt to accomplish and help alleviate many of the drought problems affecting our state. Some of the major points that is included in Proposition 1 appropriating $2.7 billion for water storage projects, dams and reservoirs, $725 million for water recycling and advanced water treatment technology projects, $1.495 billion for competitive grants for multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects, $900 million for competitive grants, and loans for, projects to prevent or clean up the contamination of groundwater that serves as a source of drinking water, among other projects and programs. With the addition of an expansive water bond such as Proposition 1, critics argue that the state government is finally taking the issue of the drought seriously.

Downey, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico snowpack does not increase, residents all Rivera, Artesia and surrounding communi- over Los Angeles County may face manties. datory water restrictions on their use of fresh water. Public officials may ask Our local water district, Central Basin Mu- residents to voluntarily conserve water by nicipal Water, purchases much of its water 15 to 25% over the next few years. Some from the Metropolitan Water District or of these steps may be to water your lawn MWD here in Southern California. Most fewer times each week, possibly buying of the water that is bought comes from plumbing equipment that conserves Northern California. Once the water is water, and covering your pool to slowreceived, Central Basin then turns around down evaporation. As we move into the and sells the water wholesale to private fall and winter seasons the hope is that companies, other cities, and different California will have a rainy year to help local utilities. In addition, Central Basin ease the serious drought conditions. also supplies recycled and groundwater to the region for irrigation, commercial and For more information about the drought industrial purposes. and tips on how to conserve water, here are a few links to some websites that will We all understand that the issues of the Due to the drought, Southern California assist you. drought and water management are critical residents are now much more aware of issues affecting our state. It is, http://www.car.org/media/ however, crucial to understand pdf/212404/ the importance that the drought’s car_water_conservation_v3_final impact will have on governance. The drought could have _042914_r1.pdf the potential to impede property rights, drive up water rates, and http://water.ca.gov/ increase government control on waterconditions/index.cfm restrictions on water distribution. These issues particularly affect Los Angeles County resihttp://www.saveourh2o.org dents as we live in a semi-arid climate with the need to conserve water. As you look residential and commercial water usage around the community, we see residents http://ca.gov/drought/ coming from multiple origin sources. Wa- conserving water by watering their lawn ter districts in California are very impor- less, no longer watering down their drivetant as they provide the public with safe ways, and washing their cars less. By and reliable water that meets all state and implementing some of these simple federal regulations. The Central Basin changes, residents can save money on Water District serves a population of their water bills and help protect the envi2,000,000 people and includes the cities of, ronment. Over the next few years, if the

2.

ERIK SWANSON “Habitude Warrior Characteristics of a Top Producer”

Reza is a

As a Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Motivator, Coach, a Mentor and a Corporate Trainer, Mr. Swanson has been an influence and mentor to thousands throughout the years since his early start in the industry over 15 years ago. When Erik speaks, audiences are inspired, empowREZA FARAHAN ered, and entertained. His style combines step“Know Your Worth & Use It!” by-step tactical teachings with humor and vivid story telling. Erik's energy, warmth and Top Producing REALTOR with Keller Williams authentic nature engages each audience West Hollywood office, and star of Shahs of member and allows participants to not merely Sunset aired on the Bravo Chanel. Reza observe and listen, but rather they will enthuhas been through so many obstacles siastically participate and be driven to and challenges in his life he has beaction. He has developed his own unique and come a master in self-motivation and super rewarding system in which he calls perseverance making him the perfect "Secret Habitude Warrior" Training. Get ready person to show you how to know to rock with Mr. Swanson! your worth and use it to your maximum potential. Reza was born in Tehran, Iran and raised in Beverly Hills. After seeing news reports of the suicides of teenagers who were bullied because they were gay, Reza joined the Bravo show, to help portray a positive image of both gay people and Middle Easterners.

Reza is excited about telling you his story of challenges and success.

3

'Beverly Carter, You Left a Legacy' Heavy hearts weighed on the real estate community Tuesday as condolences from practitioners around the country poured in for the loss of Arkansas real estate agent Beverly Carter, who was found dead days after going missing following a home showing in a rural area just outside of Little Rock.

"My heart is broken for Beverly's family," reads one of dozens of comments left on a Facebook page in Carter's memory. "Just looking at her picture, her sweet eyes tell you she had a kind heart and loving spirit. I will be lifting you all up in prayer for strength, comfort, and peace."

Carter's disappearance grabbed national headlines when it sparked a massive search for her whereabouts that involved hundreds of volunteers. The 49-year-old agent had been showing a vacant bank-owned property on Thursday in Scott, Ark., before she went missing.

abouts," the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office said at the time. Police say Lewis will be charged with capital murder. Investigators said shortly after Lewis was apprehended, they were able to obtain additional information that led them to Carter's body, which was found in a shallow grave.

Carter had called her husband on Thursday to tell him the address of the home she was showing prior to the 5:30 p.m. appointment.

She was to show two other properties that day but failed to make the other appointments.

Her husband, Carl Carter, later reported his wife missing after not hearing from her for several hours. He also went to the address of the home she had provided him and found her brown Cadillac still parked outside with her purse inside. The door to the residence was left open, but she was not inside.

Lewis, who was on parole for previous offenses, had been involved in a traffic accident Sunday. Police found his car on top of a concrete culvert, and Lewis told police that a car

"As both a REALTOR® and an Arkansan, I am saddened by this morning's •Real Estate's 6 Most Dangerous Everyday Situations news of Beverly Carter's untimely •'Safety Lessons That Saved My Life...' death," NAR 2014 President-Elect •Open House Safety Tips Chris Polychron said in a statement.

•The Safety Talk You Need to Have With Clients "My heart goes out to her family, her had run him off the road, according to police friends, her co-workers, and everyone whose reports. Witnesses, however, reported that life Beverly touched in her 49 years with us.

Lewis was traveling at high speed prior to the Working in real estate involves risk, and, uncrash. Paramedics had taken Lewis to the fortunately, that risk takes many forms. As an hospital and treated him for face injuries, but industry, we collectively work very hard to he was not arrested in connection with promote safety awareness among our memCarter's disappearance at that time. An arrest bers. We are fully committed to educating warrant was issued later Sunday.

REALTORS® about potential threats and providing them with resources to protect Police say there had been activity on Carter's themselves. I urge all REALTORS® to honor cell phone after her disappearance, including Beverly Carter by keeping safe and looking text messages. CBS11 Arkansas reported that out for each other."

Carl received three mysterious texts from his Arron Lewis, 33, a suspect in Carter's disapwife's phone at about 1 a.m. Friday, which he pearance, was arrested on Monday. "Lewis says did not sound like her. admitted ... to kidnapping Beverly 5 Carter, but would not divulge her where-

"All of a sudden I received three texts in a row," he told CBS11. "One said, 'Yes.'…

Then she sent another text that said, 'My phone's low. The battery's down, and I'll call you whenever I get signal.' … And then, straight back-to-back, I received a text that said 'Oh, I'm out drinking with some friends.' … Beverly's not a drinker. … We just want our mom back, and my wife of 35 years. … I need her."

Carter's death places an unfortunate emphasis on REALTOR® Safety Month, which occurs every September, and has prompted many practitioners to call for safer practices in the real estate occupation.

"This is not a time for speculation of what she should've done, but a time of reminder for what we all need to be doing to assure safety in this industry," Brian Copeland, GRI, CIPS, of Village Real Estate Services in Nashville, Tenn., writes on Facebook. "Consumers, understand when we are cautious and ask you to provide items you think are a waste of your time. REALTORS® have a value way beyond a website or commission. REALTORS® create, study, and share safety procedures, and get to a safety class when they are offered at your association and brokerage.

While Beverly's death has no purpose, let's try to honor her by being understanding consumers and smart REALTORS®. Now, God rest our sister."

Daily Real Estate News | Tuesday, September 30, 2014 Arkansas REALTORS are developing safety measures in wake of Carter’s death in hopes to take these standards nationwide.

Please call DAOR if you would like staff to conduct a REALTOR Safety Outreach at one of your office meeting.

DAOR 2015 Committees are now Forming . Please take a look at what committees DAOR has, and get involved. There is no other profession that volunteers, and helps others like a REALTOR®.

YPN - DAOR’s Young Professional Network will schedule events to help members gain industry knowledge and networking opportunities. [Annual commitment = 3-4 committee meetings & 3-4 events to attend.]

GRIEVANCE - The Grievance Committee meets to review filed complaints from other agents or the public, and determines what violations were made. [Commitment = Training Class (online or live) and 6 -9 meetings]

LGR -The Local Governmental Relations Committee will meet to discuss problems with community in regards to sign ordinances, presale inspections, and community development. [Commitment = 3-4 meetings ] MEMBERSHIP - MLS/ TECHNOLOGY - Any discussion pertaining changes to the Membership, its services, and technology through the MLS , this committee also makes suggestions to CRMLS, and may be testers for services.

[Commitment = 3-4 meetings ] RCR - REALTOR® Community Relations Committee meets to schedule events and programs to celebrate homeownership and the community in which we work.

[Commitment = the RCR committee is the busiest committee of DAOR. There will be 4-5 meetings, small fundraisers (raffles) and events (like REALTOR® Community Week)]

SCHOLARSHIP - Scholarship Committee reads and chooses the receipts of the DAOR scholarship .

Committee will also be involved in promoting real estate as a career to high school students. Commitment = 3-4 meetings, and 1-2 events.]

The DAOR is as strong as their volunteers, leaders and staff.

Please email evp@DAOR.com With your choice of committee(s) - thank you !!

Facts about California Volunteers *25.1% of residents volunteer, ranking them 35th among the 50 states and Washington, DC. *31.9 volunteer hours per resident. *7.39 million volunteers. *938.0 million hours of service. *$20.8 billion of service contributed. *48.7% of residents donate to charity. *7.4% of residents participate in public meetings. *24.4% of residents over age 55 volunteer.

6

Do Not Adjust This Page….You are Seeing What You Think You Are!!

No matter what city you are conducting an open house in the safety of motorists is always imperative. In the photos on the left you can see that motorists would need to swerve over to avoid hitting these signs, causing an unsafe situation.

Unfortunately, these are actual photos of sign placements and not staged for the purpose of this article. Please always think of the safety of motorists and pedestrians first.

If you follow these rules, in ANY city, you should in most cases be safe from violating any sign ordinance that city may have.

To watch a video on sign ordinance—click here http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=pXXvOupjNjA&index=20&list=UUU58SFtIraO5H04nuWhw9kA

•

Signs up only for Broker Preview and Open House, signs must be taken down immediately following the open house.

•

No signs may be placed in the center medians of streets

•

No signs may be attached to utility poles, sign poles, or trees

•

No signs may be placed on sidewalks blocking pedestrian traffic

•

No signs may block motorist visibility or route

•

Avoid EXCESSIVE signage

Last June, fourth graders from Downey schools participated in the Downey Association of REALTORS’ (DAOR) REALTOR Community Relations Poster Contest—theme of the contest was “What Home & Family Means to Me” - Five winners were chosen, and four came from St Raymond School, including first place, which qualified the school to win $1000. (Each student, now in fifth grade won $20 or $50 gift cards.)

In Picture: Students Hanna Campbell, second place; Sebastian Aceves, fourth place; first Place Winner, Savannah Olmos; and Alexa Briones, fifth place.

(Third place winner, not in photo, is Isabella Cruz from Kirkwood Christian School.)

Back Row: Rowena Dominguez, Chairperson; DAOR President Mireya Ruiz; DAOR President Elect, Jason Cierpiszewski; and St. Raymond's Principal Mark Nuno.

7

Did You Know… that REALTORS can obtain educational designations to become “niche” experts. There are 26 Designations to choose from…..

California Association of REALTORS Certified Transaction Coordinator (CTC) This certification is designed to enhance a real estate transaction coordinator's knowledge to achieve the highest level of success.

Generational Housing Specialist The GHS Designation course will teach you how to fully understand the generational shifts that have occurred on a recurring basis and that offer an explanation of the effects on the current five different generations that make up the real estate market today.

Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI) The GRI designation is designed to enhance REALTORS knowledge of real estate marketing skills that will set REALTORS apart from the competition.

Green Designation Complete three courses covering the green building principles and practices as well as regulatory issues. Learn the financial advantages of eco friendly, energy efficient properties and how to market to the green consumer.

Paperless Pro Certification (PPC) The Paperless Pro Certification course teaches you why and how to established a paperless workflow for your real estate business.

Property Management Certification (PMC) A program especially designed for REALTORS looking to establish and build a property management business.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Designation By earning this designation you demonstrate the knowledge and expertise to counsel older client through major financially lifestyle transition involved in relocating, financing or selling the family home.

National Association of REALTORS Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) This designation is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer clients at every stage of the home buying process.

Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) The designation requires successful completion of a rigorous LANDU education program, a specific, high volume and experience level.

Residential Accredited Appraiser (RAA) For residential appraisers, this designation is awarded to those who education and experience exceed state appraisal certification.

Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) The Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation is the premier credential in seller representation.

Society of Industrial and Office REALTORS (SIOR) The SIOR designation is held by only the most knowledgeable, experienced, Certified Commercial Investment Member/ and successful commercial real estate brokerCCIM The Certified Commercial Investment age specialists.

Member designation is a commercial real At Home With Diversity (AHWD) estate's global standard for professional This certification teaches you how to conduct achievement, earned through an extensive your business with sensitivity to all client curriculum of 200 classroom hours and proprofiles and build a business plan to successfessional experiential requirements. fully serve them.

Certified Property Managers (CPM) The Broker Price Opinion Resource (BPOR) CPM designation demonstrates expertise and The Broker Price Opinion Resource certificaintegrity to employers, owners and investors. tion is specifically designed to help residential real estate agents and brokers enhance their Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager skills in creating BPOs, reducing risk, and (CRB) CRB designees are positioned to streamline operations, integrate new technol- applying alternative valuation techniques. ogy and apply new trends and business strate- ePro N.A.R.'s ePro Certification teaches you gies. to use the cutting-edge technologies and digiCertified Residential Specialist (CRS) This tal initiatives to link up with today's savy real designation will teach you how to earn nearly estate consumer. three times more income, transaction and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) gross sales than non-designee REALTORS. This certification focuses on education real Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) The Coun- estate professional about working with current selors of Real Estate is an international group and former service members to find housing of recognized professionals who provide sea- solutions and take advantage of the military benefits and support. soned expert, objective advice on real property and land related matters. Only 1,100 Resort & Second Home Property Specialist practitioners throughout the world carry the (RSPS) This certification is designed for CRE designation. Membership is by invitation REALTORS who facilitate the buying, sellonly. ing, or management of properties for investGeneral Accredited Appraiser (GAA) For ment, development, retirement or second general appraisers, this designation is awarded homes in a resort, recreational and/or vacation to those who education and experience exceed destination are involved in this niche market. state appraisal certification.

Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource (SFR) The SFR certification teaches real estate proGraduate, REALTOR Institute REALfessionals to work with distressed sellers and TORS with GRI designation have in-depth the finance, tax and legal professional who training in legal and regulatory issues, techcan help them, qualify sellers for short sales, nology, professional standards and the sales develop a short sale package, negotiate with process. lenders, safeguard your commission, limit Performance Management Network (PMN) risk, and protect buyers.

This designation focuses on negotiating strategies and tactics, networking and referrals and business planning and systems, personal performance management and leadership development.

CeCe Robles, Education & Member Specialist - DAOR “Please call me if you have Any questions.”

Now You Know!!!

8

The Holidays are coming, Thanksgiving is right around the corner following Christmas and New Years. It's time to get ready for those offices, family and friend parties and gatherings. We know our REALTORS速 dress to impress and to make your outfit stand out even more plus promote your business here at the store we have gorgeous stunning looking pins for everyone's style.

Prices: vary

Hilda cs@DAOR.com 562 861-0915

10