Vol 3, Issue 1

small businesses receive new options IN OBTAINING FUNDING NAWRB Responds To The INTERAGENCY POLICY STATEMENT OF THE OMWIs REQUEST FOR COMMENT

five things small businesses SHOULD WATCH FOR IN 2014

Women Entrepeneurs: THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL RELEASES ITS ANNUAL REPORT

VOL. 3 / ISSUE 1

N Magazine | 1

YOU’RE IN THE KNOW, BRING YOUR NETWORK BUILD YOUR NAWRB ACCOUNT WITH 10% ON EACH REFERRAL For more information, visit NAWRB.com or call (949) 559-9800

NOM G ECO U IN S U HO HO IN THE MEN IN THE N E M N WOME MY WO ONOMY WO Y O M N O O C EC O ON SING E OUSING EC SING ECON USING U O O H H E U H E TH HO HO HE IN TH OMEN Y WOMEN IN WOMEN IN T MEN IN THE MEN IN THE E W Y M WO MY WO OM NOM MY WO G ECO SING ECON SING ECONO G ECONOMY ECONOMY O IN N S O U ING EC USING ECON USIN HOU SING HE HO IN THE HOU S U O T E U H O H IN O T H E H N H IN O T E N HE OME WOME OMY WOMEN Y WOMEN IN WOMEN IN T OMEN IN TH MEN IN THE H EN IN THE H M|YNW Y O M N O O 2 Magazine W M N Y M N C MY WO ONOMY WO NOMYWOM NOMY G ECO USING ECO ING ECONO G ECONOM O O IN N C S E O U HO US HO G EC SING ECO USIN O G EC IN THE OUSIN THE HO E HOU HE HO USING OUSIN NG EC

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N Magazine | 3

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 1

THE ROARING TWENTY

NAWRB is proud to announce our 2014 annual award winners highlighting outstanding women in the housing economy.

This year we feature eleven extraordinary women in the featured categories, and for the first year we have co-winners as both nominee’s contributions to their community were immeasurable.

32

NAWRB Responds To The INTERAGENCY POLICY STATEMENT OF THE OMWIs REQUEST FOR COMMENT

20 sheCENTER(FOLD):

RENEE SMITH, Esq. 28

4 | N Magazine

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

16

10

18

24

NATIONAL WOMEN’S BUSINESS COUNCIL Women Entrepeneurs: The National Women’s Business Council releases its annual report.

FIVE THINGS SMALL BUSINESSES SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR IN 2014 Policy trends every business owner should follow.

By Ann Sullivan SMALL BUSINESSES RECEIVE NEW OPTIONS IN OBTAINING FUNDING Lending increases as demand skyrockets.

SHE IS CHANGING REAL ESTATE The real estate round-up: NAWRB’s newest members, renewals and certifications.

Keep your finances in shape whether in the office, out in the field, or at home with these apps dedicated to managing your expenses.

26 WOMEN OF STRENGTH EVENT The power of inner strength.

By Katie Lance

ESTATE: HOW COLOR CAN BE USED TO INCREASE SALES AND PRODUCTIVITY The study of color and its effects on consumer behavior in the world of real estate.

By Heather Stotland Boren

24

From business to fashion, ask the 23-year real estate veteran your pressing questions.

Real Estate

By The Numbers

14 APP MAPP

26

N CROWD Join the conversation: What are your financial resolutions for 2014?

43 DEAR DESIRÉE

12 INFOGRAPHIC:

40 THE COLOR OF REAL

18

42

44 WHAT WOMEN WANT Health, fashion, recipe and review: The go-to guide into a woman’s world.

48

SWAN: • SPEAK • WRITE • ATTEND • NETWORK Out of their offices and into the field, where NAWRB members can be seen and heard.

40

N Magazine | 5

nawrb STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher/CEO DesirĂŠe Patno Desiree.Patno@NAWRB.com Editor-in-Chief Lauri Howell Lauri.Howell@NAWRB.com Office and Member Relations Coordinator Olivia Frick Olivia.Frick@NAWRB.com Social Media and Member Relations Coordinator Mariam Nassery Mariam.Nassery@NAWRB.com Graphic Designer Samantha Cauguiran Samantha.Cauguiran@NAWRB.com Photographer Homeyra Hamidi Homeyra.Hamidi@NAWRB.com CONTRIBUTORS Ann Sullivan Katie Lance Heather Stotland Boren Ketmanee Grossman Melissa Jones N Magazine,the official publication of NAWRB, a monthly magazine featuring unique content for women in the housing economy, exclusive interviews with industry professionals, business development tools, book reviews, feature stories and more. N Magazine welcomes comments from all readers. All materials submitted to N Magazine are subject to editing.

The articles, content, and other information in this publication are for information purposes only. Articles, content, and other information in this publication without named authors are contributed by the publication’s staff, but do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of NAWRB. NAWRB assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

www.NAWRB.com (949) 559-9800 | NMag@NAWRB.com 34 Executive Park, Suite 260, Irvine, CA 92614

6 | N Magazine

SUBSCRIBE NOW Call (949) 559-9800 or email info@nawrb.com today!

ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNEDOF BUSINESSWOMEN OWNED BU NATIONAL ASSOCIATION ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WO N OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNE USINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINES OMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME IN REAL ESTATE BUSINESSES WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESSWOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSWOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESSWOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WO I FORMING WOMEN SPECIALIZING N OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNE IN THEBUSINESS HOUSING WOMEN ECONOMY USINESS WOMEN OWNED OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINES OMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU NAWRB is the only provider of Women-Owned ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME and Minority Women-OwnedOWNED BU WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNEDBusiness BUSINESS(WOB) WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSWOMEN Business (MWOB) certifications the ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMENspecific OWNEDtoBUSINESS WO N OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESShousing WOMENeconomy.

OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNE USINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINES OMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS BUSINESS OWNED BU 34 EXECUTIVE PARK, SUITE 260,WOMEN IRVINE,OWNED CA 92614 • (949)WOMEN 559-9800 ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BU ESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME | 7 WNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMENN Magazine OWNED BU ESSWOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS WOME

WOMEN

Are you a woman in the housing economy?

THERE’S NO TOOL MORE EFFECTIVE THAN THE EMPOWERMENT OF A WOMAN

CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS AS WOMEN-OWNED TODAY

letter from the publisher

8 | N Magazine

Dear Readers, As we set our sights to the future and lay down new foundations for where we are headed this year and beyond, there are many questions we must ask ourselves? What changes do I need to make in this current marketplace? What do I want to achieve both personally and professionally? What will I need to accomplish these goals? Does this consist of a supportive team or a professional organization? It is important to solidify the direction we are looking to take this year, so that we move with purpose in an effort to reach our end goal.

For our first issue of the New Year, we dedicate our double issue to the celebration of women who have made a positive impact within the housing economy with our Roaring Twenty Awards Program and the Finance Changes for 2014.

As for many of us, the New Year’s resolutions traditionally revolve around common themes of health, relationships and finances. As the housing economy is ever changing, it was essential to provide our readers with information for a prosperous 2014. In this issue, the National Women’s Business Council released its annual report to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration outlining pivotal policy recommendations to increase economic gains for women entrepreneurs. Within NWBC’s annual report is the groundwork

for policy makers, the private sector, and the women’s business community to act strategically towards advancing women business owners. As women-owned businesses continue to be the fastest growing sector in the small business community, innovative policies must be put in place to support women’s impact in shaping the national economy.

While the financial information will be beneficial to your bottom line, we are also evaluating our relationships with our members. Our resolution this year is to strengthen our foundation, provide affordable access to our membership, increase benefits, and expand our professional community to continue the advancement of women in a multitude of areas.

2014 is bringing exciting new changes to our organization and housing economy that will benefit our members in a myriad of ways. We are currently focused on opening NAWRB chapters, which will enable our members to locally network and learn from one another. Additionally, we are in the process of establishing an Executive Advisory Board. This will feature representatives from various industries within the housing economy to provide additional opportunities and direction for NAWRB. Finally, we are creating strategic alliances with various government and non-government agencies so we can act as a communication platform, and distribute

essential information to our readership in an effort to bring transparency to the benefits these entities provide.

Keep your eyes open for additional announcements via our She Speaks Blog and Women with Voices E-zine.

These channels, as a part of our NAWRB media, will provide updated and relevant information in regards to new organizational sponsorships, government news, and NAWRB events.

I look forward to engaging with a majority of you within this calendar year, and hear your thoughts and ideas to further expand women’s opportunities in the marketplace.

Toast to the year of the “Women in Business,”

Desirée Patno Publisher/CEO Desiree.Patno@NAWRB.com

N Magazine | 9

shePAGE CAMERON DEANGELO Broker/Owner ALL Vegas Valley Realty yourlasvegasbroker.com camerondeangelo@aol.com 702.541.8300

LUCY KERETA-BLOCK

CEO and Founder Certified Credit Reporting Inc. certifiedcredit.com lucy.kereta-block@certifiedcredit.com 949.212.3661

CHARLOTTE THOMAS

Associate Broker Kelly Williams South Valley Realty ExploreSouthValley.com ct@charlottethomaspc.com 801.676.5711

MELINDA HARRIS

Broker/President EXIT Prestige Realty exitprestigerealty.com melinda@exitprestigerealty.com 949.306.6989

KIMBERLY KOVACS

CDPE/Realtor Coldwell Banker King Thompson kimkovacs.com kimberly.kovacs@kingthompson.com 614.434.7237 Member since: 2011

DEBI JENSEN

N Magazine Magazine 10 | N

VICKI SHINN

Branch Manager Prospect Mortgage myprospectmortgage.com/vlombardi vicki.lombardishinn@prospectmtg.com 310.784.8061

KIMBERLEE MCCLELLAN Broker Majestic Realty iknowhomes@yahoo.com 614.829.6192 Member since: 2010

Broker/Owner Century 21 All Professional century21allprofessional.com debi.jensen@century21.com 772.335.1121 Member since: 2012

SHELLY WEST-CHENOWETH President Atlas Field Services, Inc. atlastfieldservices.com swchenoweth@atlasfieldservices.com 916.988.7100 Member since: 2012

Chƒnge Connection Collƒborƒtion

March 23-25, 2014

JW Marriott • Palm Desert, CA

N Magazine | 11

infoGRAPHIC REAL ESTATE LOVES SOCIAL MEDIA

84% of Real Estate Professionals are Now Using Social Media

WHAT SOCIAL NETWORKS ARE THEY USING?

FACEBOOK 79%

In 2013, the most expensive confirmed purchase in California was an 8,930-square-ft home in Woodside, CA, which sold for $117,500,000

TWITTER 48%

jobs are 9 million created or supported

LINKEDIN 29% YOUTUBE 12%

by America’s real estate

OTHER 26%

HOW COMFORTABLE ARE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS USING SOCIAL MEDIA?

MEDIAN HOME PRICE PER CITY SANTA BARBARA, CA

$749,000 $364,900

NEW YORK, NY SEATTLE, WA

$349,950 $290,000

55%

MIAMI, FL

$114,900

SPRINGFIELD, IL

AMERICA HAS CHANGED FROM A RENTAL TO AN OWNERSHIP SOCIETY U.S. HOME OWNERSHIP HAS REACHED 68% COMPARED TO 25% IN THE 1900s

1900s

Somewhat Uncomfortable Don’t use social media

45% of people

walked through a home viewed online

2000s

$13 billion was

spent on online advertising in 2013

N Magazine Magazine 12 12 | N

10% 9%

ATLANTA, GA

$286,000

26%

Comfortable

11%

of all U.S. homes are presently vacant

infoGRAPHIC TYPES OF PROPERTIES PURCHASED

DETACHED SINGLE FAMILY | 61% TOWNHOUSE | 10%

57%

CONDO / APARTMENT | 26%

of real estate agents are female

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY | 3%

WHEN SELECTING A NEIGHBORHOOD...

U.S. MEN AND WOMEN FALL IN LOVE WITH A HOME BASED ON THE FOLLOWING AMENITIES...

68% say close proximity to shops and restaurants is important

66% say close proximity to family and healthcare facilities is important

34% say close proximity to parks and recreation is important

24% say close proximity to public transportation is important

11% say close proximity to a college or university is important

76%

SOURCES: WWW.COLDWELLBANKER.COM WWW.REALTOR.ORG WWW.YOUREALTY.COM REALTOR: FIELD GUIDE TO QUICK REAL ESTATE STATISTICS WWW.FIXR.COM/INFOGRAPHICS/SOCIAL-MEDIA-KILLED-THE-BLOG-STAR.HTML HTTP://WWW.REALTOR.COM/DATA-PORTAL/REAL-ESTATE-STATISTICS.ASPX WWW.BRANDONGAILLE.COM/19-GREAT-REAL-ESTATE-STATISTICS-ON-BABY-BOOMERS/ HTTP://WWW.REALTOR.COM/DATA-PORTAL/REALESTATESTATISTICS

of millennials view homeownership as part of the American dream

N Magazine | 13

appMAPP Venmo Provides the ability to pay people fast without the worry of having your information stolen. Each transaction you make is secure with bank-grade security and data encryption. Split a business lunch with a colleague, pay your office utilities and rent, or send money to a vendor. Connect your credit card or bank account for free to your phone and you are ready to go.

This app will enable you to stay mobile and current with your finances.

Receipts Pro

Keep your finances in shape whether in the office, out in the field, or at home with these apps dedicated to managing your expenses.

This is the app to keep you organized while easily tracking your business expenses. Enter your receipts quickly with an unique interface that only takes a few seconds and can be completely customizable with nine different type of receipt fields for local taxes and payment types. Use this app to manage your mileage, track spending and translate currencies to create an overall view of your current expenditures. This app generates reports in several different formats which can easily be exported to another file or application.

Timecard Pro Continually on the go? This app will enable you to clock in and out whenever needed, as well as track multiple jobs or clients at the same time. This app is also a benefit to employers and employees working in a more traditional setting. It allows for employers to keep track of their employees time, as well as for employees to manage their work schedule and number of hours worked. In addition to providing a simple and easy method for reviewing your time, it allows for ease of submission for payment. At the end of each job, or pay period you can export the timecard and email it to your payroll department or client to expedite the payment process.

MoneyWiz Maintaining your financials across multiple devices has become a snap thanks to this app. With a unique cloud syncing service that features immediate sync capabilities, you can keep all of your accounts, transactions, budgets and bills in one place and see any updates across all of your devices within seconds. This app acts as your personal accountant, allowing you to do real account reconciliations, maintain a checkbook register, and set budgets to manage your debt. Money Wiz can also be programmed to remind you to pay bills, show you financial trends based on your spending and forecast financial outcomes.

QuickBooks Online

14 | N Magazine 14 | N Magazine

Take the ease and simplicity of QuickBooks with you everywhere.

Invoice clients, manage customers, track expenses all while out in the field. This app also allows for you to create, edit and review estimates as well as sales receipts from you smartphone or tablet. It provides the ease of managing sales tax, and records payments. Enjoy full access to all of the features on the web, and take your business to the next level without being confined to an office.

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Los Angeles - Orange - Riverside - San Bernardino

Call us today 1-800-DES-3996 Visit us online www.DesireePatno.com NAWRB-BrokerDirect-HalfAd-2013.pdf

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N Magazine | 15

Government

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

16 | N Magazine

T

he National Women’s Business Council (NWBC) recently released its FY2013 annual report on economic issues of importance to women business owners. The National Women’s Business Council serves as a non-partisan federal advisory council and independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Each year NWBC delivers its annual report along with policy recommendations to its stakeholders. The 2013 fiscal year annual report addresses four main areas to advance women entrepreneurs: Access to Capital, Access to Markets, Job Creation & Growth, and Data Collection.

For the National Women’s Business Council, 2013 was a year of commemoration and reflection. In October, NWBC commemorated the 25th anniversary of the passage of H.R. 5050, the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, which created the National Women’s Business Council and the Women’s Business Center Program while also prohibiting gender-based discriminatory lending practices. Prior to H.R. 5050, merely 25 years ago, some states required women entrepreneurs to have a male relative co-sign a business loan.As women entrepreneurs move into the next quarter of a century there’s much work to do in continuing to identify and remove barriers.

Looking ahead in 2014, the National Women’s Business Council released its annual report to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration outlining pivotal policy recommendations to increase economic gains for women entrepreneurs. Within NWBC’s annual report is the groundwork for policy makers, the private sector, and the women’s business community to act strategically towards advancing women business owners.

As women-owned businesses continue to be the fastest growing sector in the small business community, innovative policies must be put in place to support women’s impact in shaping the national economy.

U.S. women-owned businesses are growing in number at an unprecedented rate.

Between 1997 and 2012 the number of new female-owned businesses grew by 54 percent, while the nationwide average saw only 37 percent growth. As the largest growing sector in the small business community, women began making strides in the entrepreneurial sector. Although women entrepreneurs

Government are the fastest growing sector in the small business community, access to capital continues to be a significant challenge for women entrepreneurs.

Access to Capital: Numerous studies indicate women rely heavily on personal savings to start a business, a tendency that is associated with lower amounts of start-up capital. Access to capital trends could explain why male-owned businesses generally turn around higher revenues than female-owned businesses.

Women’s economic impact is important; getting more capital in the hands of women entrepreneurs will allow the economy to grow, thus increasing economic gains for women business owners. The NWBC recommends three solutions for increasing women’s access to capital: 1. Increase lending efforts by credit unions and community banks to women-owned businesses.

2. Increase resources available to women business owners on capital/ financing strategies.

3. Address creditworthiness and capital challenges for startups through exploration of new ways of credit scoring and promotion of crowdfunding.

As access to capital remains a critical focus for the women’s business community, the National Women’s Business Council will focus its 2014 research efforts on the issue of undercapitalization as an impediment to starting and growing a business.

Access to Markets: The National Women’s Business Council goal is to increase access of women-owned businesses into new markets and to increase market share in target markets. As more women supply products and services in the federal marketplace and corporate supply chains, the competition, choices, and quality within the market will increase, creating a more productive market. The NWBC has identified two ways to promote increased access to markets for women entrepreneurs: 1. Identify and promote concrete practices in government procurement.

2. Identify industries and links in supply chains that are ripe for entry of women-owned businesses.

Job Creation & Growth: In 2014 NWBC plans to work with its partners in the SBA to implement strategic initia-

tives focusing on enhancing women’s participation in federal entrepreneurship programs in an effort to increase participation among all program areas. The NWBC strives to increase opportunities for women-owned businesses in high-growth sectors.

Women are bringing great ideas to the market and show potential to impact and innovate. Increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs in programs designed to support the successful development of start-ups and established companies is key to promoting women-owned businesses. The NWBC encourages: 1. Increased participation of women-owned businesses in incubators and accelerators.

2. Developing a targeted strategy for participation of women-owned businesses in all government program areas.

Data Collection: The economic impact of women continues to grow and must be measured to understand its full impacts. The NWBC seeks to expand the amount of government data available on women-owned businesses. As the government’s only independent voice for women entrepreneurs, the NWBC’s extensive research provides key recommendations to advance women business owners. The NWBC’s 2014 research efforts will work to improve the availability and timeliness of government data on women-owned businesses, as well as identifying important and accurate data produced by the private and academic sectors. More reliable data will enable research identifying key factors to help women business owners grow their businesses, create jobs, and gain access to capital and markets.

Data collection is crucial to identifying and rectifying issues prohibiting women entrepreneurs from thriving. The NWBC recommends: 1. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) begin collection of data on demand for credit.

2. The Census Bureau to implement an annual Survey of Business Owners.

Armed with key research findings, the National Women’s Business Council continues to be a leading voice in advancing the agenda of women entrepreneurs and broadening the pathways to success for women business owners across America. For more insight on the National Women’s Business Council FY2013 annual report visit www.nwbc.gov.

N Magazine | 17 N Magazine | 17

Business More Congressional Cooperation on Funding the Government In December, both parties in Congress came together to pass – for the first time in a couple of years – a budget plan not only for FY2014, but also for FY2015. In effect, leaders in Congress hammered out a two-year compromise on what the government’s spending numbers should be, ruling out the threat of automatic across-the-board spending cuts by targeting spending reductions elsewhere.

Building off of that compromise, and after the disastrous government shutdown in October 2013, Congress decided it is a bad idea to mess with the nation’s borrowing authority. With little drama or fanfare, Congress extended the nation’s borrowing authority through March 2015, ending the incessant back-and-forth over risking the “full faith and credit” of the United States.

five things small businesses

SHOULD WATCH FOR IN 2014

A

s we settle into the new year, it is worth taking a look at the state of small business and the policies affecting small business owners.

Here is a list of five trends – opportunities and challenges – worth watching in 2014.

President More Eager to Exert Power of the Pen During his State of the Union address, President Obama articulated a key theme that likely resonated with many women in business, when he said, “When women succeed, America succeeds.” Vowing to act outside the bounds of an oft-stalled Congress, President Obama said he would increasingly act through Executive Orders to get things done.

For example, the President has since signed an Executive Order directing a review of the nation’s job training programs to identify 18 | N Magazine

BY

ANN SULLIVAN

opportunities to enhance the training available to Americans looking for work. One change that women’s business groups would like to see addressed is a shortcoming that discourages job-training centers from offering entrepreneurship training. A simple fix – to allow these centers to count self-employment as a successful employment outcome – is all that is needed to allow entrepreneurial training to be offered at no extra cost.

The President also signed an Executive Order modernizing application process to export American-made goods and streamlines reporting requirements that until now had to be submitted in different formats to different agencies.

Similarly, the President wants to increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 per hour.

Although this change requires legislation from Congress, the President went ahead and signed an Executive Order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors.

These are good things. Economic uncertainty – about government spending over the last few years and constantly teetering on the brink of the debt ceiling – forced businesses to put off making investment and hiring decisions. This is especially true for federal contractors, whose customer is the federal government. Now businesses can plan accordingly.

Access to Capital on the Upswing According to Women Impacting Public Policy’s (WIPP) 2013 Annual Membership Survey, women continue to struggle when it comes to obtaining a loan. Women make, on average, at least two attempts to secure outside capital and succeed only 60 percent of the time. Women of color face an even harder time, successfully securing capital only 32 percent of the time.

But recent data indicates that capital is becoming more readily available to women-owned businesses.

For example, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Weekly Lending Report showed an increase in lending of six percent in December over November and five percent gain over the same time the year before. One of the key factors when making long-term business decisions, such as hiring, is the owner’s ability to access capital. Good news on that front as well: according to Wells Fargo’s most recent Small Business Index, one in five employers plan to increase hiring in 2014. The number of small business owners expecting higher revenues

Business and better cash flow in the coming months also picked up, pushing Wells Fargo’s small business optimism index to its highest level in five years.

There are more ways than ever to help finance your business. Depending on the size of your business, your business credit, and the assets you have available to leverage, there are a number of ways to access capital.The SBA continues to play an important role when it comes to helping small businesses get the money they need to start and grow. The 7(a) loan program, which is the SBA’s most popular loan program, guarantees loans of up to $5 million. But with the average SBA-backed loan in FY2012 at nearly $340,000, companies seeking smaller amounts need different lending programs. The SBA took note and created the Community Advantage Program, a community-based platform, that uses a simplified application for loans of up to $250,000.

There is also the SBA’s Microloan Program, which is designed to assist entrepreneurs, specifically women and underserved communities, whose best asset may be their passion.

Microloans are loans of $50,000 or less. What makes the Microloan program unique is the business assistance that is provided both prior to and after receiving a loan. According to research by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, businesses that receive business assistance have higher survival rates than those that do not (80 percent vs. 50 percent over five years) and experience median average revenues 38 percent higher than those that do not.

Another exciting development is “crowdfunding.” The driving force behind the inclusion of crowdfunding in the JOBS Act was the belief that the “crowd” would be willing to fill the capital gap that traditional lending institutions have been unable or unwilling to bridge.

Although crowd-source platforms like Kiva and Lending Club already exist, this new model of crowdfunding will allow businesses to raise up to $1 million annually through the sale of securities. People are already thinking about new ways to leverage crowdfunding models for real-estate investing and scientific research, for example.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is charged with writing the final guidelines. Some industry stakeholders warn that too many rules and regulations could cripple crowdfunding before it comes online. Nonetheless, this trend is particularly exciting

because it means more talented individuals and companies will have access to the capital not previously available.

Tax Reform Prospects Dim Although 2014 was previously touted as the year for tax reform, comprehensive reform plans came to a halt when Senator Max Baucus (head of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee) resigned from the Senate to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China this month.

The tax code was last overhauled in 1986 – although countless thousands of changes have been made since. Since 2001, Congress has made more than 5,000 changes to the tax code, which works out to a rate of more than one change per day. The tax code is now almost four million words long – or four times as many words in all of the Harry Potter books combined, according to Forbes Magazine.

The more pressing issue now is to figure out what to do with 55 tax provisions that expired at the end of 2013. Unless Congress acts, small businesses will see a reduction in the amount of equipment purchases they can expense (socalled 179 expensing), businesses lost the 50 percent bonus expensing for capital investments, and a tax credit for companies who are in the research and development business goes by the wayside. Another popular tax deduction that has expired is tuition and related expenses.

The new Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), has said that reinstating many of these provisions, known as “extenders” because they must be extended each year, is a top priority.

Encore Entrepreneurship on the Rise Out with the old and in with the new. Not so fast. In fact, individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 make up the largest percentage of new businesses in the U.S. according to Senator Susan Collins, who is the top Republican on the Senate’s Special

Committee on Aging. Senator Collins and her colleague, Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), recently convened a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship to explore senior entrepreneurship, or what the SBA calls “encore” entrepreneurs.

According to figures cited by Senator Nelson, a whopping 34 million American seniors are interested in starting their own business. The SBA’s head of Entrepreneurial Development, Tameka Montgomery, added that seniors are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs and start businesses at a higher rate than any other group.

To meet growing demand, the SBA launched a new training platform in 2012 with AARP. To date, the SBA has provided training to more than 120,000 entrepreneurs aged 50 and above. Support for senior entrepreneurs does not come at the expense of younger workers, but rather, studies show that senior entrepreneurs tend to hire younger workers in areas like marketing and technology.

There is a lot to be excited about in 2014.

With capital markets flowing more freely and Congress less willing to create man-made disasters, women business owners are in a better position today than they have been in a while to think about growing. New technologies are transforming the way people think about their businesses: from online crowdfunding platforms to virtual training for entrepreneurs eager to learn how to turn an idea into a business – no matter how young or old they are.

Although tax reform may be off the table at the moment, no one said it would be easy or quick. It took then-President Reagan five years and two different Congresses to get its’ comprehensive tax reform over the finish line.

You have to start somewhere. There is no better time than now.

Ann Sullivan WIPP Government Relations 1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005 202-626-8528

N Magazine | 19

state OF THE INDUSTRY

NAWRB Responds To The

INTERAGENCY POLICY STATEMENT OF THE OMWIs REQUEST FOR COMMENT

S

ection 342 of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 requires the Directors of the Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) to develop standards by which the diversity policies and practices of the entities regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Credit Union Administration, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, and Securities and Exchange Commission (“the Agencies”) may be assessed. To promote consistency in this area, the OMWI Directors worked together to develop proposed standards.

An assessment of diversity policies and practices of the entities regulated by the Agencies may include the factors listed below.

These standards may be tailored to take into consideration an individual entity’s size and other characteristics (for example, total assets, number of employees, governance structure, revenues, number of members and/or customers, contract volume, geographic location, and community characteristics).

To access the diversity policies and practices proposed by the Joint Standards please visit this website: http://www.federalreserve.gov/ 20 | N Magazine

newsevents/press/bcreg/bcreg20131023a1.pdf The Agencies requested comment on all aspects of this draft policy statement, including but not limited to those set forth below. The Agencies will revise the Statement as appropriate after a review of public comments.

1. Are the proposed joint standards effective and appropriate to promote diversity and inclusion? Why or why not? If not, what standards would be appropriate and why? How would such standards support or hinder the objectives of section 342? Why or why not? If not, what standards would be appropriate and why? How would such standards support or hinder the objectives of section 342?

2. Are the proposed joint standards sufficiently flexible but still effective to allow meaningful assessments of entities with a wide range of particular characteristics or circumstances (for examples, asset size, number of employees; contract volume; income stream; and number of members and/or customers)? Are there other ways to approach the standards for smaller entities, such as those with small contracting dollar volumes or those not required to file EEO - 1 reports? What other approaches or characteristics would be appropriate for any such alternative, modified or scaled approach?

How would such modification or scaling support or hinder the objectives of section 342?

3. What other factors, if any, would be useful in assessing the diversity policies and practices of the regulated entities,and why would such factors be considered? How would such factors support or hinder the objectives of section 342?

4. Is the proposed model approach to assessment effective and appropriate to promote diversity and inclusion? Why or why not?

If not, what approach would be appropriate and why? How would such an approach support or hinder the objectives of Section 342?

5. Would there be potential advantages or disadvantages of the proposed model approach to assessment? If so, what would they be?

Acting as a platform to advocate for women and women-business owners NAWRB submitted a response to this request proposing initiatives that would assist in ensuring there is accountability for government awarded contracts, pointing out the discrepancies of current certification requirements, as well as offering its communication channels to aid in the distribution of pertinent information.

Our response and comment to the specific questions asked are outlined below.

state OF THE INDUSTRY

Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI)

Re: National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses (NAWRB) Comments: “Proposed Interagency Policy Statement Establishing Joint Standards For Assessing the Diversity Policies and Practices of Entities Regulated By the Agencies and Request for Comment” Dear Ms.Cofield, Ms.Clark, Ms.Brooks, Ms. James, Mr.Ishimaru, and Ms.Gibbs, Thank you for the open forum and the opportunity to provide comments to the aforementioned interagency policy statement that has been proposed to meet the assessment requirements of Section 342(b)(2)(C) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”).

NAWRB is a certified, 100% privately held, women-owned business founded in 2009 by it’s owner, Desirée Patno. NAWRB is the most visible women’s trade association dedicated to providing certification, education, business building strategies, visibility and advocacy to the professional women working for and owning business in the housing economy. As the sole provider of Women-Owned Business (WOB) and Minority Women-Owned

Business (MWOB) certifications specific to real estate, NAWRB is committed to ensuring the access and advocacy of professional women and women business owners Specializing in the Housing Economy SHE is Changing Real Estate™. NAWRB advocates for federal initiatives to increase the utilization of women-owned businesses, and works with many regulated entities to encourage increased visibility for and utilization of certified WOB/MWOB in their supplier networks. NAWRB also provides training to enable these entities to accurately identify WOB/MWOB entities, and to better understand the independent certification process and the responsibilities of providers therein. NAWRB partners with its members to foster an interconnected professional community of women business owners and entrepreneurs.

NAWRB

commends

the

Agencies

for

taking the initiative to create transparency and cross-agency standardization in developing their standards of approach and execution of the assessment requirements promulgated by the Dodd-Frank Act. Through our extensive advocacy and education activities, NAWRB has a true understanding of the frustration experienced by our members over the lack of access to mainstream contracting and sub-contracting opportunities. We are deeply concerned that these barriers are unfortunately being created at the execution level due to a lack of in-depth understanding of the requirements of the Act and how to effectively implement them such that the business practices produce successful and real outcomes for the entities.

While we understand that it is very difficult to develop a set of standards that are actionable and measurable without being N Magazine | 21

state OF THE INDUSTRY overly prescriptive, it is unclear to see how the assessments performed against the standards, as written, can determine compliance with the requirements of the act. In this light, NAWRB provides the following comments and recommendations: Standard (1) Organizational Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Recommendation: standard to:

Further

refine

the

a) Require that the senior level official assigned to oversee and direct the entity’s diversity efforts have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the field.

Additionally, require that the dedicated resources developing and promulgating the diversity strategies throughout the entity have sufficient experience to facilitate proper understanding and embracing of diversity efforts. b) Require that self-assessments are performed by an existing area/process separate from the areas executing the regulated entity’s diversity and inclusion strategies, i.e., the regulated entity’s internal and or external auditor, such that areas of non-compliance are objectively determined and properly remediated. c) Set forth consequences for non-compliance with the Act. Standard (3) Procurement and Business Practices – Supplier Diversity Recommendation: Further refine the standard to require that the entity’s supplier diversity policy treat ALL third party certification providers equally and that standards defining what constitutes acceptable third-party certification be transparent and readily accessible, i.e., published on the regulated entities websites. Lack of certification fungibility and transparent requirements from the regulated entities creates competitive disadvantage to the certification providers AND to the entities to which these providers have issued certification. a) Third party certifying providers such as NAWRB, WBENC, and NWBOC each follow unique guidelines and criteria 22 | N Magazine

to certify a Women-Owned Business, as there is currently not a definitive standard that governs the certification provider industry. b) As the Federal Government allows a self-certifying/self-policing process, the very foundation of acknowledging a women-owned business has created gray areas. It is imperative that all minority-owned and women-owned businesses are certified by an accountable third party certifier be counted to ensure and promote the very essence put forth of recognizing their business. c) Many regulated entities require the supplier to submit independent certification supporting the supplier’s WOB/ MWOB assertions made on their vender application. d) Regardless of which certifying provider a supplier uses, the process of obtaining certification is arduous, time consuming and costly to the suppliers seeking independent WOB / MWOB certification for their business. e) Regulated entities that do not accept the certifications from ALL of the certification providers reject the WOB/MWOB status from suppliers carrying certifications from the excluded providers. If the supplier status is rejected, access to the contracting opportunities tends to be constrained.

Standard (4) Practices to Promote Transparency of Organizational Diversity and Inclusion: Recommendation: Further refine the standard to require the use of both internal/ and external mentorship and development programs for employees and contractors so as to ensure their corporate culture continues to objectively embrace diversity and inclusion on a day-to day basis.

For example, NAWRB offers initiatives that could be of value to strengthening and fostering an environment in which the entities regulated under Provision 342 of the Dodd-Frank will continue to improve their diversity and inclusion outcomes through ongoing communication and engagement.

a) Providing independent Certification Services to new and existing suppliers.

There are great advantages for Women-Owned Businesses to become certified and recognized. One such advantage includes the opportunity to obtain federal contracts that have been set aside specifically for these certified enterprises. b) Providing Certification Training to the regulated entities to ensure that the contracting officers, vendor management/ procurement personnel understand how certification is obtained, what the value it confers on the certified supplier, and the value that using certified suppliers can add to the entity’s diversity and inclusion strategies and execution. i. The published requirements for a Women-Owned Business to be certified are inconsistent. The Small Business Administration (SBA) reflects the following requirements for a Women-Owned Business to be eligible for certification: A firm must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, and primarily managed by one or more women. The women must be U.S. Citizens. The firm must be “small” in its primary industry in accordance with the SBA’s size standards for that industry. ii. However, in accordance to the Housing Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) Fannie Mae defines a Women-Owned Business as the following: Women-Owned Business means a business - and includes financial institutions, mortgage banking firms, investment banking firms, investment consultants or advisors, financial services entities, asset management entities, underwriters, accountants, brokers, brokers-dealers, and providers of legal services - in which more than 50 percent of the ownership or control is held by one or more women, more than 50 percent of the net profit or loss accrues to one or more women, and a significant percentage of senior management positions are held by women.

state OF THE INDUSTRY General Recommendation: Deploy a multi-pronged, interagency communication outreach and education platform that provides the Agency OMWIs an efficient and effective mechanism to engage with and advance the growth of Women-Owned and Minority-Owned Business access and utilization across the United States.

Typically it takes a minimum of two years of relationship building for a new entity to be understood and consumed by its target market.

While the requirement for OMWIs within the agencies has been in existence for three years, we feel that there is greater opportunity to increase their visibility and consumption within the women-owned and minority-owned business communities.

The OMWI mission, while integral to the equality of Women-Owned Businesses and Minority-Owned Businesses in the government sector, is one that is relatively unknown by entities doing business outside of these government circles, i.e. in the Midwest and West coasts of the US. There is a level of transparency that needs to be developed at the agency level in an effort to ensure diversity and inclusion is understood and thriving in these environments.

For example, organization such as NAWRB can leverage their national, multi-pronged communication and education platform to support the Agency OMWIs in creating a national network dedicated to advocating and advancing the opportunities of professional women, minority, Women-Owned and Minority-Owned Businesses. Through the development of strategic partnerships with industry specific publications, and performing ongoing outreach and education, the OMWI’s mission will be distributed through a vast network of communication channels.

ongoing progress.

Through our communication portals we strive to educate, encourage engagement, and disseminate information as it is made available. NAWRB avails its outreach, assisting in the expansion of the OMWI’s sphere of influence in the creation of a nationwide professional community support.

It is our fervent belief that this interagency initiative to pool resources, share ideas and best practices, and build strategic alliances with each OMWI, within their respective agency directives, will be able to identify their unique strengths and improvement opportunities and quickly evolve to meet the needs of an ever changing marketplace.

As the OMWIs outside of the six participating in this cross-agency standardization effort standardize the approach to and execution of the assessment requirements promulgated by the Dodd-Frank Act, observe your activities, results and evolution, they will benefit from your experience. Hopefully, this will foster faster adoption and have a greater positive impact to the WOB and MOB constituents across the United States.

Respectfully Submitted,

DesirĂŠe Patno Founder & Owner National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses 34 Executive Park, Suite #260 Irvine, CA 92614 (949) 559-9800 | info@NAWRB.com

The benefit to those in the Housing Industry to be interconnected and on the forefront of change as opportunities for diversity and inclusion continues to expand.

NAWRB offers its support and platforms as an outlet in which to share the overarching goals of the OMWIs as well as following the N Magazine | 23

businessPLANNING

S

mall businesses may finally be getting their break in this tumultuous economy. 2014 will welcome a better credit environment for small business owners. Loan demands have been increasing throughout the nation as bankers expect a good yield from the economy.

This is true outside of the U.S. as well. In the Euro-zone, banks are expecting loan demand to rise in the first quarter of 2014. After a rocky few years in which the debt crisis caused the European Central Bank (ECB) to spin out of control, improved growth and more stability in the industry are now visible. The mending economy has prompted this surge in spending, investing and loaning.

In the U.S., The Federal Reserve Board Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices announced the reasoning behind the increases in lending. During the onset of 2014, they said, “Domestic 24 24 || N Magazine

banks, on balance, reported having eased their lending standards on many types of business and consumer loans and having experienced increases in loan demand, on average, over the past three months.�

The loans are geared towards commercial and industrial firms, including real estate, with numbers reaching above a billion. The value of loans from U.S. banks has ascended 2.2 percent to total $7.39 trillion. Focusing on small businesses is a priority in order to increase economic growth in general. The Federal Reserve Board has predicted economic growth will increase from 2.8 percent to 3.2 percent this year.

As long as small business owners in the U.S. maintain good records and craft sound loan applications, their loan needs can be met this year.

Forecasters found commercial loan demand skyrocketed as loan cost structures became more suitable for business owners. This resulted as new governmental options for reduced fees on loan options were intro-

businessPLANNING duced for borrowers.

John Irwin, regional president for Huntington Bank, advises anyone starting a new business to make sure they “are 100-percent confident [they] have a niche to fill and that there is a demand for what [they’re] doing.”

The best tips for securing a loan for small businesses state to utilize your own successful track record as an established entrepreneur to build credibility with your loan provider. If you are obtaining a loan for a new business it is important to construct a sound business plan outlining your goals to assist in the approval process. In addition, hiring an experienced CPA or engaging with an experienced business owner can help prepare you for the financial queries and details the loan application process entails. By preparing for the application process and knowing where your business currently stands, will demonstrate to the loan office you are prepared as a business owner to run a financially fit company.

income and the character of its ownership.

The loan can only be utilized to develop your business operation by acquiring new acquisitions, remodeling or renovating. For those small businesses in desperate need of funding, there is the SBA Express program that can expedite the process. If finding a lender is an issue, you can search through a database on the Small Business Administration website.

The SBA offers enticing incentives for small businesses to engage with its loan option. 7(a) has begun to waive the fees on loan of $150,00 and eliminated the up-front two percent and monthly fee on such loans. These fee breaks can save a borrower an average of $3,000 during the course of a loan. The 7(a) loan option will also assist the borrower in saving out of pocket monthly expenses as loan payments are stretched for a longer amortization period (three to five years), which NC. means lower down payments.

I

CHR MATA

“All small business owners are watching their pennies, so every savings they can have is Bank of America is streamlining this process something they can apply somewhere else,” by adding 200 small business bankers to their said Eric Mills, business banking market small business lending team in California and manager in Grand Rapids for Huntington other West Coast states. This region is the Bank.Another option under the U.S. Small most noteworthy small business market Bank Business Administration is the 504 plan for of America engages with. They have reported funding. It can be used to refinance existing their small business lending increased to 26 debt with a 10 to 20 year loan through the percent in 2012. In 2013 new loans given to Economic Development Foundation. High small businesses by Bank of America through- rates of use were reported once the Federal out the U.S. hit $11 billion. As the demand for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans increase due to the favorable loan plans, from 2010 began. However, the authorizaBank of America will continue to increase tion for 504 expired September 30, 2012. The industry is hopeful that Congress will their investments in small businesses. reinstate the program for borrowers wanting upgrade to a new facility or use the money Although it mayChrimata, not be a new loan option Inc. is aforrealto estate investment and small businesses, the 7(a) is the most popular for renovations. management corporation with more than 12 years and advantageous loan option offered by the For those looking for an alternative to a traSmall Business Administration.

This isina great of experience buying, selling, rehabbing, option for small businesses because eligibility ditional business loan, there are currently andonmanaging single-family to obtain a microloan directly is based not on maintaining the owner’s merit but the opportunities frommultiple a company states. versus a bank. Grand Rapmerit of the business, allowing the business to in residential properties represent itself through its means of receiving ids Opportunities for Women and Michigan

Economic Development Corp are two organizations providing microloans. Pure Michigan Micro Lending Initiative has $5 million to provide through 2018 and will give out loans anywhere from $500 to $50,000.

Microloan borrowing has increased 17 percent annually within the past few years. Microloans will surpass the million dollar mark during the current fiscal year. Microfinance banks are looking to expand into non-agricultural divisions since the majority of the loans are being expended by that sector.

Small businesses should take advantage of the opportunity to gain access to loans of all types in order to restructure their business or expand into more lucrative avenues. 2014 is the year for lending. Watch for borrowing to reach new heights and provide the momentum the economy needs to continue its recovery and growth.

Invest and Find REAL profit with

CHRIMATA, INC. Be the investor in your real estate market

•

Forecasters have found that commercial loan demand is skyrocketing as loan cost structures have become more suitable for business owners.

• Just New incentives to get involved closed Sundance with the SBA include decreased with over profit. cost and debt21% initiatives.

• A new loan option is the 7(a) lending program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. According to SBA.gov, eligibility will be based on the business, not Before Afterthe owner’s merit.

• For those who are looking to an alternative to a traditional business loan, there are currently opportunities to obtain a microloan directly from a company versus a bank.

Inspiring Young Girls to Shine as Women

Miami Women in Real Estate & My Guru Publishing congratulates

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Chrimata, Inc. nor its employees can predict the actual profit on a future transaction. Past history does not guarantee future performance.

Renee M. Smith, Esq.

on her appointment to Honey Shine Inc. (a Mourning Family Charity) Executive Board

www.HoneyShine.org

Website: www.chrimatainc.com • Phone: (714) 396-6622 • Email: investor@chrimatainc.com N Magazine | 25 N Magazine | 25

Inspirational

I

n 2012, I wrote an article for Inman News called, “Where are all the women leaders in real estate?” It was a subject that was near and dear to my heart and a topic that really struck a chord with me as I had become more of a public figure as a national speaker. I had noticed that although there were tons of great women in real estate, as you neared the top of the food chain, there were less and less women sitting in decision-making, executive roles. I’m happy to say that I am seeing more and more women take on strong executive leadership roles at the office and franchise level.

After writing the article, Suzy Levenda had contacted me about how my piece had inspired her and she along with Todd Bookspan from Cobalt Mortgage wanted to create an event around this theme. I was thrilled my article had touched others to embrace the essence of women’s strength to grow and expand the outreach.

A few months later, the first Women of Strength event was held in Arizona. I was elated to be one of the keynote speakers and share my experiences and journey with other women. I remember walking into the room and seeing more than 200 amazing women and thinking, “wow from one article to this, how incredible.”

Todd Bookspan talked about “The Butterfly Effect” and how small movements can really make great changes, exactly what the Women of Strength event was all about. Bookspan said, “As a husband and father of three daughters it is extremely important to me to be part of such an amazing event that is dedicated to encouraging the women leaders of our industry.”

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Suzy Levenda, Katie Lance, and Todd Bookspan

As a part of this event a “Katie Lance” award was created to acknowledge women in the community who faced adversity and thrived by doing amazing things. Needless to say, I was very humbled and honored to have played such a special role.

This January, two years later, the room was packed with more than 300 attendees, a diverse mix of both professional and personal supporters. This event focused on women sharing their stories of inner strength, and how they continued their journey after a tragedy.

Susie Gasparovic shared her touching story of how her mother took her own life at a young age, the struggles she faced in the years afterwards in relationships and in finding herself. Her story showed how there was no simple answer to find the root of her deep

26 | N Magazine

Inspirational emotional bonding in relationships. After identifying the source and seeking help, she has dedicated herself to helping others find their way and inspiring them to greatness.

Desiree Patno, CEO of the National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses (NAWRB) and Desiree Patno Enterprises, Inc. spoke about her personal struggles her family endured this past year.

With both her son and husband struggling with life threatening illnesses, she was able

“I was reminded again that although we cannot control what happens to us in life, we can control how we react to it.” to keep her two companies running in a volatile real estate market. As her family continues to bounce back from the perils they faced last year, Patno shared she has found a better balance of family unity and work. Patno said, “We all have bumps in the road, it is how we react to those bumps, that defines us as a person.”

Mary Kay Beckman, a Realtor, gave an extremely poignant talk about her brutal stabbing attack she endured from someone she met on an online dating site. Not only did she have to endure the initial attack, the perpetrator attempted to attack her for a second time. While Beckman survived, another victim who met this individual in a similar fashion did not. Through her inner strength she was able to reach out to the victim’s family and build a special bond as they worked together to bring the assailant to justice. Today she is a stronger person and committed to help others find their own inner strength.

Yvonne Watterson shared her personal story on living life to the fullest. Her husband unexpectedly passed away less than two months prior to this event changed her perspective on how she lived life. She is now focused on fulfilling each day and being thankful for the blessings you have.

This event featured the power of perseverance.

Even when terrible things happen, we can persevere. We can lean on each other to be strong, to overcome and to be the best person we can become. I was reminded again that although we can’t control what happens to us in life, we can control how we react to it.

When asked about the event, Levenda said, “We started this community to bring like minded women in the real estate industry together, regardless of affiliations to initiate change. The group of women who support the ideals to inspire, encourage, mentor and lead are passionate about cultivating growth in the real estate industry and other areas in need. In addition, we hope to continue building into a larger community where we can extend our reach.”

Kudos to Suzy Levenda and Todd Bookspan for creating an amazing event.

For more information about the next event, go to: https://www.facebook.com/WomenOfStrengthCultivatingLeadershipInRealEstate

TOP RIGHT: Mary Kay Beckman BOTTOM RIGHT: Susie Gasparovic

Katie Lance CEO and Owner Katie Lance Consulting

N Magazine | 27

sheCENTER(FOLD) 28 | N Magazine

ReneeSmith, Esq. A multi-faceted entrepeneur striving to make a difference for women.

Don’t let the pretty face fool you, Renee Smith is more than a glamour girl. She has dedicated her life to running her successful businesses, as well as maintaining an active presence in several professional and charitable organizations.

promise of new adventures, there was a steep learning curve in running a day to day operation that brought a slew of unexpected issues. By hiring professionals to handle taxes, IT and payroll, she freed herself to focus on management of the business.

Smith who started originally as a lawyer, left the law firm she was working at in 2007 to start Smith & Associates Title Services, Inc. She founded this company in the midst of handling the short sale of her own property and saw an opportunity to create a niche business, assisting homeowners and realtors with short sales, and resolving distressed properties. In addition to short sales, her business handles foreclosure defense, loan modifications and HOA litigation. Bringing together developers, traditional agents and attorneys has assisted in Smith’s unique legal-based business model to succeed.

“I equate it to trying to fix your own kitchen sink, a plumber who does it 40 hours a week for years can accomplish it in 1/10 the time you can and actually save you money as your hourly rate is too high to use time to learn a new trade just for one job,” said Smith.

In 2011 Smith was able to expand her reach in educating both home owners and realtors on the short sales process when she launched My Guru Publishing, Inc. Her published My Guru Series was created to help each of her client bases understand the confusing legal and system issues in an easy to understand manner.

In addition to her success in the business arena, Smith has continually mentored upcoming talent in the Industry through her Board position at NAWRB, as well as devoted her time to Honey Shine, Inc., A Mourning Family Foundation Charity. This year Smith became their Chairman of the Board after 10 years of dedicated service to the organization.

Their main focus is to take the charity from a local level in Miami, Florida and create a national program which would assist young girls from 8 to 18 in metropolitan areas across the country.

Smith set high goals for herself from an early age.

Graduating from Case Western Reserve University with a degree in political science and economics, she went on to obtain an international law degree from the Cleveland Marshall College of Law. “I started out my career like most young lawyers with a desire to make a difference,” said Smith. “Then post-graduation and bar exam, I faced the reality of having to pay bills. So after years of being a lawyer, not from a position of passion, but a need for a paycheck, opening my own firm was liberating.”

While the opening of her own firm brought excitement and

Once she streamlined her process on running her business, Smith focused on expanding her client base by using E-Marketing and social media to build and define her brand. It was important for her to understand how her marketing dollars were working, the basics of website analytics, as well as the effectiveness of using an internet or html campaign to generate new business.

“There is always some trial and error when you are learning, so you just have to be patient,” said Smith. “However, never succeeding was never an option.”

Smith has been able to take the lessons she learned in law school and from running her business to expand her brand into a multitude of areas. As a motivational speaker, author, publisher, lawyer, business owner and philanthropist, Smith refuses to be defined by any of these roles.

“One of my counselors in law school told me I should look at my life as a pie chart. Was that chart “Renee the Lawyer” and the slices were the various sections of my life like wife, friend, daughter and so on or was the chart “Renee the Person” and being a lawyer was just a part of who I am? I choose the second option. I am more than just a lawyer and I encourage all female business women to embrace themselves as bigger than their title.”

Looking at the world in this way enabled Smith to start her own Publishing House. What initially started as a book to assist a larger audience with their short sales, turned into a My Guru Series in which each book is geared to a new audience and educates them on different aspects of the industry.

“The first book, My Short Sales Guru’s Guide to Healing and Financial Recovery for Discouraged Homeowners, I did to help homeowners, but also served as a marketing tool for real estate agents when they were working with NNMagazine Magazine | | 29 29

sheCENTERFOLD

homeowners to help them understand the legal side of a short sale,” said Smith. “The second book My Short Sale Guru’s Guide for Real Estate Professionals, is a transitional book geared towards realtors as a guide to help agent take the education of the last five years in this new market and build a career in real estate fortifying it with the tools in this book.”

The success of these books has led Smith to a new path as an educator for realtors. Her book My Short Sale Guru’s Guide for Real Estate Professionals, since its release in 2012, has been retooled and now acts as a textbook for her realtor continuing education courses in Nevada and Florida. Smith’s third book, My Business Guru’s Guide, is scheduled to be released during the first half of 2014. Yet, Smith has higher aspirations for the Guru brand.

“I am cultivating other writers to publish their work under the My Guru Brand,” said Smith. My Guru publishing strives to offer customers straightforward and easy-to-read answers to life questions. Being able to apply knowledge is just as important as having the knowledge.”

In addition to Smith’s continued growth and expansion of her businesses she is looking to bring all of her charitable engagements together while starting a new endeavor that will support women in the real estate industry on a local level.

Her work with Honey Shine, Inc., focuses on girls in depressed neighborhoods. Through this organization, these young girls receive guidance in social etiquette, how to create a professional resume, fill out a job application, receive tutoring if needed, and are exposed to components they would not otherwise receive in an effort to help these girls grow into successful young

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women. Whereas, with NAWRB Smith works with women around the country who are building their own business and are successful in their own right.

“My goal for 2014 is to combine not only what I do philanthropically with Honey Shine and what I do for women nationally with NAWRB but also do that for women locally in Miami,” said Smith. “NAWRB is a national networking education organization for women in real estate businesses, one thing I looked at and saw a need is that there is no local organization just for women in Miami.

I am trying to do what NAWRB does but on a grassroots local level.”

Smith is currently focused on introducing this new community project known as Miami Women in Real Estate. This group was created as a networking opportunity for women in the real estate industry, whether they are appraisers, real estate agents, attorneys or lenders to come together on a monthly basis at featured Happy Hours. Smith created this new entity out of concern that women in Miami were competing with one another instead of supporting one another. Her goal for this year is to feature each meeting with a different theme or focus, and have a National speaker in the Fall to help educate women on topics that would be relevant to them.

“I think we all have a place,” said Smith. “So we are going to start Happy Hours with each one focused on something different. Our upcoming Happy Hour in March will have a makeup artist from Yves St Laurent, because it’s not all about learning with women, and that is one of the things Honey Shine has really taught me. In order to grow from a young lady into a woman, you have to address all aspects of yourself. The goal is to make the networking fun and find a level we can all relate to one another.”

ARE YOU GETTING 30% ROIs? Chrimata, Inc. is a real estate investment corporation with more than 12 years of experience in buying, selling, rehabbing and maintaining single-family properties in Southern California. Its team of office and field resources specializes in niche areas to provide maximum acquisition opportunities and returns on investments.

Invest for real profit. Contact Chrimata, Inc.

I

CHR MATA NC.

CHRIMATA, INC. N Magazine | 31 Phone: (714) 396-6622 • Email: chrimatainc@gmail.com

theROARING TWENTY

NAWRB is proud to announce our 2014 annual award winners highlighting outstanding women in the housing economy.

This year we feature eleven extraordinary women in the featured categories, and for the first year we have co-winners as both nominee’s contributions to their community were immeasurable.

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theROARING TWENTY

THE LIST OF AWARDEES IS AS FOLLOWS: The TALKIE: Tami Bonnell Tami is a pioneering woman gaining ground and making her mark in the world of Marketing, while branding her business to build a successful enterprise.

The FLAPPER: Cayce Macias She is breaking ties with the traditional way of doing business and has chartered her own course for running a business.

The CHARLESTON: Vandana Chima Bhalla & Monica Vacas These ladies tirelessly give back to their community, successfully swinging between their professional and personal lives. Never sacrificing their time, they donate to charitable organizations and their local community.

The CHANEL: Donna Nazir Donna is changing the perception of the entrepreneurial women.

The SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS: Amy Brandt Her passion for business has led her to break all barriers that cross her path as she creates new roads and opportunities.

The GATSBY: Brigitte Respaut-ClĂŠment A woman on the rise, her cunning skills and business savvy has put her on the fast track to success.

The GERSHWIN: Patricia Arvielo She is writing a soundtrack for success while mentoring fellow members in an effort to foster and grow new talent.

The DISNEY: Nancy Welsh Nancy is a visionary. She can see past existing limitations and strives to build a new tomorrow.

The CHRYSLER: Debbie Oliver She has continued to show growth even in times of diversity and strife.

The WOMEN’S VOICE: Barbara Kasoff Barbara is continually advocating for the rights of women in business.

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theROARING TWENTY

TAMI BONNELL The Talkie

A 30 year veteran of the Real Estate Industry, Tami was instrumental in building three major brands prior to the start of her career with EXIT Realty. In 1999 she began building the EXIT brand across New England and focused on the growth of the franchise as a regional owner. In 2001 she was promoted to President of U.S. Operations and continued to support the growth of the company/brand throughout the country. In 2011 Tami was promoted to her current position as the CEO of EXIT Realty Corp International and is responsible for overseeing all the franchises through the United States and Canada. Tami has dedicated herself to educating and mentoring others through her national speaking engagements at REALTOR organizations and women’s groups. She also hosts a webinar on a quarterly basis to assist the general public with real estate issues. Throughout her career Tami has been recognized continually for her contributions to the Industry, and is our choice for The Talkie as she is a pioneering women who has successfully built and branded her business into a successful enterprise.

CAYCE MACIAS The Flapper

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Cayce Macias is a natural communicator which enables her to be successful in expanding New American Funding’s outreach and advocacy efforts within underserved communities. As Vice President of Lending, she works with fellow award winner Patricia Arvielo, spearheading the Latino Focus Committee, and addressing the challenges facing Hispanic consumers in their pursuit of homeownership. Cayce has spent the past decade marketing and developing services for the real estate industry. She has taken an active role in non-profits either guiding their organization in a leadership capacity, or assisting in fundraising. She is a founding member of the Mosaic Realty Network, and served as Vice President of Public Relations for the Orange County NAHREP Board. She is our choice for The Flapper, as her need to balance family, work and personal development challenged her to find new ways to do business, N Magazine and forced her to charter her own course for success.

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VANDANA CHIMA-BHALLA

The Charleston

Vandana Chima-Bhalla is the Corporate Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Platinum Group in Las Vegas, Nevada and a Local Listing Broker for HUD Homes. During the course of her career in real estate, Vandana has thrived, closing more than 100 homes in the past three years alone. Vandana is continually sharing her passion and expertise within the industry through the multitude of real estate associations she connects with and supports. Vandana’s commitment to her work life is paralleled only by her passion for her community. She truly puts her heart and soul into making a difference by volunteering and donating to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Hope for Homeowners, United Blood Services, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Further she is active in Family Promise of Las Vegas, United Blood Services, and the CCSD Community Partnership Program. Vandana tirelessly gives back to her community and her contributions hold no measure. Her ability to juggle her business and personal life, while maintaining strong ties to a number of charitable organizations made her one of our choices for The Charleston award.

MONICA VACAS The Charleston

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monica Vacas has dedicated her life to helping others through both real estate and through her endless charitable contributions. With 25 years of experience in the industry, and a member of RE/MAX for over 20, Monica works tirelessly to help families find their dream home. She strives to foster the best environment for her clients and has a talent for creating win-win situations, earning the respect of both clients and colleagues alike. While working in real estate can consist of long hours, Monica spends countless hours of her personal time volunteering. Beyond spreading and educating the importance of the Spanish culture through the art of dance, Monica has volunteered with the Homeless Registry, the Sun Valley Neighborhood Pride Day, and countless other parades, rallies and workshops. She frames her success through the work she provides to the community, and is a powerful example of what can be accomplished with a little vision and determination. Her ability to successfully balance her community engagements along with her professional and personal life made her a N Magazine | 35 natural choice to receive The Charleston.

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Donna Nazir embodies the essence of the entrepreneurial woman with her drive to run a successful business, family, and charitable foundation.

Donna is the CEO/Broker of her own successful small business, and co-founder of Rena’s Dresses. Donna and her sister started Rena’s Dresses to help under privileged girls attend the prom in true Cinderella fashion. Donna and her sister Diley Geiser started the foundation with only five dresses taken from their own closets, but soon grew to over 1000 dresses with help from women and girls nationwide. They offer high school seniors with dresses in every color and size, as well as accessories, shoes and purses.

In addition to providing the girls with their outfits for prom, Donna also brings in volunteers each year, to do their hair and makeup to give them the full princess treatment. Each girl who participates with Rena’s Dresses is allowed to keep their dress and cherish their prom experience as they enter into adulthood.

Donna requests that each girl that participates and benefits from Rena’s Dresses, “pay it forward” when they are able to later in life.

Donna’s support of her community and the lessons she teaches these girls through her generosity is helping to change the perception of the entrepreneurial woman.

AMY BRANDT The Spirit of St. Louis

Amy Brandt is Chief Operating Officer at Prospect Mortgage, the second largest FHA lender in the nation. Being an expert in her field on the primary and secondary mortgage markets has propelled Amy from one success to the next in her career. She is a fierce worker and has helped many companies build from start-ups to thriving businesses as well as assisting other companies in successful turnarounds.

Amy’s passion for the creation and growth of business began when she was a law student working on damage control cases. It was during her early work on these cases that she realized she wanted to be involved in the origination rather than the aftermath. Amy time and time again is recognized for her efforts in the Housing Economy and was recognized as one of the top twenty Women of Influence by HousingWire in 2013.

Her passion for business, reputation in the Housing Economy, and ability to forge new paths in business has earned her The Spirit of St. Louis award.

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BRIGITTE RESPAUT-CLÉMENT The Gatsby

Brigitte Respaut-ClĂŠment is a woman on the rise, as her cunning skills and business savvy have put her on the fast track to success. Brigitte is a French National who has resided in Miami, Florida for the past 15 years, and embodies the American Dream and work ethic. She earned her real estate license during the economic crisis in 2008 and through perseverance and determination has excelled in her field. Brigitte works solely with foreign national clients and uses her knowledge and experience in explaining U.S. Real Estate procedures and requirements to successfully complete each transaction.

Her knowledge, experience, and drive have resulted in over $30 million invested into the state of Florida since the start of her career. Brigitte continues to shine as she has been the top leasing agent for Sterling Equity Realty for the past two consecutive years. Her conviction for providing top of the line service to her clients and her sense of patriotism to a nation that has allowed her great success, exemplify the characteristics of The Gatsby Roaring Twenty award.

PATRICIA ARVIELO The Gershwin We chose Patricia Arvielo for The Gershwin due her trailblazing spirit as well as her passion to mentor and grow new talent. Her interest in the industry started at a young age and grew as she began to build relationships with individuals in her community. By nineteen she had ignited a life-long passion for service and the pursuit of self-made success. In 2003 Patricia and her husband, Rick Arvielo, launched their own mortgage company, New American Funding. In the last decade Patricia has transformed New American Funding into a national mortgage lender and servicer that funds more than $400 million in home loans each month, and has created its own Realtor-based Lending Division focused on helping people buy and keep their homes. In addition to her accomplishments in her career, Patricia also dedicates her free time to serving on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sister of Orange County (BBBS). She believes in the mentorship program BBBS offers and has translated that into New American Funding by starting a mentoring program offering real world experience and important life and workplace skills. This program in conjunction with BBBS is one of the many outreach efforts New American Funding encourages as a part of their company culture. Known as NAF 360, Patricia helped to develop and implement this program to inspire everyone involved in New American Funding to give back to their community.

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Nancy Welsh is a visionary who is building a new tomorrow through her company Builders of Hope.

As Founder and CEO, she focuses on building green communities from rescued or relocated homes, and holds the first U.S. Process Patent for green construction. Her corporate management experience and non-profit expertise provide her with unique insight to help build a new national housing model in the midst of one of the most challenging housing environments in history. Builders of Hope constructs not only green communities, but also provides affordable homeownership and rental opportunities for low income families, veterans, and the homeless.

Nancy has been recognized and awarded for her philanthropy, and has been heralded nationally for her innovative, paradigm-changing start up, making her our choice for The Disney.

Our choice for the Chrysler award is Debbie Oliver, as she exemplifies a woman who has continued to show growth even in times of strife. Debbie was a 25 year veteran of the title and escrow industry when in 2007 she lost her job. In the events that soon followed she lost her house, her savings, and her credit rating.

However, she refused to let this series of traumatic events define her. Through the struggle to regain her footing in the marketplace, Debbie started her own business, I Clean Ugly Credit, LLC. The research and education she received to help herself recover she now uses to help others who are struggling.

Throughout this journey, Debbie was able to realize a long held dream to return to school and obtain her Bachelor’s Degree, which she has nearly completed. While her path may have been difficult, she has truly rebuilt her career and her life, flourishing during a time when there were few opportunities available.

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Barbara Kasoff is the President and CEO and Co-founder of Women Impacting Public Policy, Inc. (WIPP), a national nonpartisan public policy organization advocating on behalf of its coalition of 4.7 million business women including 75 business organizations. WIPP identifies important trends and opportunities and provides a collaborative model for the public and private sectors to increase the economic power of women-owned businesses. Throughout her career, Barbara has been an active supporter for small businesses, and women and minorities in business in particular.

She continues this work both nationally and internationally. She has linked together thousands of small business owners with her voice messaging network, enabling them to communicate directly with one another to improve their businesses, learn of programs, opportunities and appointments in the communities, improve the climate of entrepreneurship, and play a part in public policy making. Her efforts to unite various organizations, has enabled small business owners to share information with each other, learn from one another, and become better informed in economic and political issues. Barbara speaks nationally and internationally on issues concerning leadership and advocacy for business women making her our choice for the Women’s Voice Award.

LEADING LADIES: The Talkie: Pamela Bell

Escrow Officer Portfolio Escrow Inc Pamela.bell@portfolioescrow.com

The Flapper: Gigi Santoro

President Santoro and Sons Real Estate Group gigi@santoroandsons.com

The Chanel: Meghan Medford

President and Managing Member Medford Roofing and Construction LLC meghan@medfordroofingandrepair.com

The Spirit of St. Louis: Danette Suker Realtor Home Realty Network danettes@homerealty.com

The Gatsby: Deanna Kory Licensed Associate RE Broker The Corcoran Group dek@corcoran.com

The Gershwin: Angela Powell Owner/Realtor EXIT Team Realty angela@exitteamga.com

The Disney: Wendy Knipp President Knipp Luxury Homes wknipp@knippcontracting.com

The Chrysler: Leslie Stewart

Broker Prudential Real Estate Professionals leslies@PruRep.com

The Women’s Voice: Erin Andrew Acting Executive Director National Women’s Business Council Erin.Andrew@sba.gov

N Magazine Magazine | 39 N

Profitability

the color of real estate: HOW COLOR CAN BE USED TO INCREASE SALES AND PRODUCTIVITY

The study of color and its effects on consumer behavior in the world of real estate.

A

s real estate professionals we deal with color in almost every facet of our business: business cards, attire, logo design, office environments, wall color in homes, tenant signage programs, and even how a commercial building should look.

However, how often do we really pay attention to these choices and the messages we are conveying to clients, buyers, sellers or even investors? And how often do we determine how these choices impact the bottom line?

Research indicates that consumers make decisions based on perception and 95 percent of decision-making is done at the subconscious level (Eiseman, 2006).

According to color specialist Leatrice Eiseman, colors evoke emotions which enable the sale of a product. For real estate this product can be the agent as an individual, the 40 | N Magazine

brokerage company, or even a property such as a house or retail center.

The color scheme used in an interior space has traditionally been a personal choice of the owner, or based on cultural and economic factors. Neutral colors (such as off-white, ivory, cream or beige) once seemed general or minimalistic, has now become commonplace. While purchasing single family homes for a large investment company, I noticed that Fannie Mae would use a standard neutral color base for renovating homes before placing it on the market, and these homes would attract more offers. This became important in 2011 and 2012 when there still were plenty of homes on the market. As I toured such homes, I would casually say to the agent showing me the home, “Looks like a Fannie Mae home” referencing the fresh paint and new carpet.

And it was true. Every Fannie Mae home that was renovated had the same paint color, same carpets, and overall same feeling. Several single family home investment companies, including American Homes 4 Rent and Blackstone Group, started adopting similar practices, but instead of the focus on the sale of the home, the focus was to increase people’s interest in renting the home.

Standardizing a property’s color scheme became popular as it served two specific functions. First, to sell or rent the home as quickly as possible and for the best value.

When attracting a wide audience, Sellers did not want to deter Buyers by choosing personalized paint colors. Just think about the number of homes you may have walked through when the choice of bedroom colors was unusual; maybe one bedroom was a bright green color and the next powder blue. The

Profitability However, when negotiating leases a completely different color scheme is utilized.

Lighter and more calming colors, such as light hues of green, are often used. Our company office walls are a light green which is a great color representing calmness. I personally started noticing a trend when inviting prospective new tenants and their brokers to visit our offices to sign leases. On average, it took less time to go over the final lease and have it signed when done at our offices than when done elsewhere, including via electronic e-mail signature. Green, according to Eiseman, represents trustworthiness, money and reliability. Color in combination with environmental factors (Pelet, 2008) was even more impactful, so it is understandable that prospective tenants, who were already nervous about signing a lease, starting their business, or dealing with a landlord, felt a sense of trust and reliability in our calm environment.

“The more the renter feels a connection with a space, and feels it is their home, the more likely they are to take care of the property and hopefully pay a higher rent.”

BY

HEATHER STOTLAND BOREN

Buyer’s first thought focused on the cost to repaint and not on the potential the room held. However, neutral colors appeals to the mentality of Buyers wanting a space they can move right into without making changes. The same mentality is applied to rental homes.

Secondly, neutral colors offer soft and warm sentiments which usually correspond with good taste. Single family home REITs strive to provide potential renters a feeling of warmth as though being in a permanent space instead of a temporary rental.

Although generally colorless, thoughts of beige can bring positive thoughts such as a nice sandy beach or delicious cookies (Eiseman, 2006). The more the renter feels a connection with a space, and feels it is their home, the more likely they are to take care of the property and hopefully pay a higher rent.

Other studies have also shown that colors impact productivity. Colors were found to significantly influence employees, based on research done at Creighton University (Hoicowitz, 1999). According to the study, workers in blue offices were more productive than workers in white offices. While painting every wall is not necessary, it is important to think about what type of setting to convey. For real estate brokerage offices, this could mean changing an accent wall to blue to help encourage agents to be more successful, or perhaps an inspiring color such as orange.

Although bright orange walls are probably not ideal, when used in the right shade and context, it can be an energizing and welcoming color.

Color is an important aspect of sales, rentals, as well as an agents business. Business cards, marketing flyers, bus benches, and even signs often have the agent’s picture displayed. The first impression to potential buyers, sellers or even investors can help solidify a deal or perhaps leave it unmemorable. Two colors for agents to keep in mind are black and white.

Black can represent sophistication while white represents simplicity – a very classic look. However, black and white together may get overlooked.

Studies have shown that color sells. Black and white in magazines and newspapers sell more when paired with a color than when used alone (Eisman, 2006). Red, is a color of passion and an attention grabber. Alternatively, other recommended colors for those in the real estate profession would be blue or green.

Blue is seen as one of the most reliable colors, and offers a sense of credibility and loyalty.

Therefore, it is important to determine what type of message you want to convey to in order to sell yourself.

When I have personally hired agents to help secure investment properties, their background and experience is always important, as I want to ensure I am hiring some of the best professionals in their respective fields. The ones who were most memorable used color whether in their business cards, logos or dress to provide an impact.

Although the study of color’s impact on consumer behavior has been fairly recent and with little application to real estate, there is evidence to support generalities that warm colors such as red, orange and yellow are stimulating while cool colors such as blue and green are calming. Colors are a useful tool when used properly and for the right context. What is important for real estate professionals is understanding the messages these colors can convey and how it impacts the bottom line.

Heather Stotland Boren Vice President/Director of Acquisitions American Commercial Equities, LLC.

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nCROWD

ANGELA POWELL Owner/Realtor Exit Team Realty “In 2014 I would like to increase my units to 200, team members to 8, and sponsors to 30.”

BRANDY NELSON Owner/Broker Red Top Realty “To lead with revenue and to take a close look at my expenses. It is important to pay attention to your numbers in your business and I plan to really look at my expenses to see if I can trim them down. Here’s to everyone having a successful and prosperous 2014.”

SANDRA VERDUGO Executive Vice President A Dynamic Trio “To expand the good from 2013 to 2014 and tap into the commercial real esate realm.”

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ELIZABETH GOODCHILD Broker/Owner Weichert Realtors Goodchild Homes “For my company Weichert Realtors GoodchildHomes I would like to sell 500 homes and grow my company to 60 agents.

As the Chair of the Greater Chicago Area AREAA chapter, my commitment is to build membership to 300 members. As the N Magazine chair for NAWRB my goal is to put N Magazine on the map in the housing industry.”

RENEE SMITH President Renee M. Smith Esq. PA My goal is to coordinate the books, courses, domains, websites, trademarks, copyrights and companies that I own into one, thus utilizing my products to position them for higher returns on investment in 2014 and beyond.”

dearDESIRÉE

Dear Desirée “Make sure you observe, listen and engage.

To have a lasting impression is to get them to know you, like you and to trust you!”

Questions were submitted by individuals working in the housing economy You can submit your questions to Dear.Desiree@nawrb.com I am just starting my career in the housing economy and am looking for the best way to make an effective and lasting first impression. Do you have any advice on how to make a lasting first impression?

What is your special niche from your previous career that brings value to your potential client? Research your client so you can connect with them to have a common interest.

When you see them, can you relate to things they are talking about outside of real estate?

Make sure you observe, listen and engage. To have a lasting impression is to get them to know you, like you and to trust you!

I just started working for a new company and I do not have as much guidance as I would like. How do you think I should proceed so I do my job correctly but do not interfere with my boss’ daily activities?

Several jobs in our industry are now experience related or on the job training vs. schooling. It isn’t uncommon to be required to come in and hit the ground running. To help you and the company, imagine you are writing a term paper on something you know little about. Once you have done your research, ask to have a meeting with your boss to review your daily job expectations and long term goals. This will show that you have the initiative to grow and be a team player. It will provide you over time a better understanding of your immediate supervisor needs in order for you to be successful.

I recently just started my own business and I am looking to hire some agents. I am not sure if I should hire agents newer to the industry so I can teach them or if I should hire agents with their own experience and knowledge. What advice would you give me?

I would hire both. Experienced agents will bring their own connections, knowledge and clients. In addition they can help mentor new agents and share in revenue building. Hiring new agents allows you to mold and shape new professionals without history or habits. As the owner you are responsible for the agents and their actions. With several new compliances in our industry, it is important you hire trustworthy, and knowledgeable agents that will continue to expand their education base.

How do you determine when it is appropriate to offer above or below the listing price of a property?

All agents before writing an offer need to do their homework. Run your own comparables to see what the market value is on the property. Call the listing agent to find out what activity is currently on the property. Has it been on the market a long time with no price reduction, or are there issues with the property or its location? Once all the due diligence has been done, it ultimately comes down to the buyer. Is the market going up? Is there no inventory and the buyer really wants the house? My rule of thumb is leave your best offer on the table when you are buying your own personal residence, and have your boundaries. If you are close, look at the bottom line of what you will be paying per month.

I am trying to sell a property/home that is vacant. I am wondering if I should hire someone to stage the property for me, or if I should show the house as is. What do you think is the best course of action?

Years ago I would have said, “Showing a vacant house is okay, you can personalize it your way”. Today, empty houses normally immediately bring the thought what happen? Is this property a foreclosure? Why isn’t someone living here? Just that thought can bring doubt, and the buyer wants a value. I personally believe selling a property with some staging is always good, it turns the house back into a home, and provides the buyer the emotional connection to bring you a higher return.

N Magazine | 43

three essential components

TO MAXIMIZE A WELLNESS PLAN Incorporating a wellness plan into your life can be a daunting task. However, a wellness plan is more than just exercise or eating right.

It is finding the right balance within three different components that will allow you to feel and operate at your best.

DIET: • Every 35 days your skin replaces itself and your body makes new cells from the food you eat. What you eat literally becomes you. Leaning towards a plant based diet and staying away from processed foods is a great start to healthy choices. Buying organic vegetables, grass-fed quality meats with no hormones is extremely important.

A diet rich in high alkaline foods will keep your internal ph level balanced. The 7 most alkaline foods are celery, avocado, kale, red bell pepper, spinach, broccoli and cucumber.

•

Hydration is elemental. According to Kaiser Permanente nephrologists Steven Guest, MD, “Fluid loss occurs continuously, from skin evaporation, breathing, urine, and stool, and these losses must be replaced daily for good health.” When your water intake does not equal your output, you can become dehydrated. Fluid losses are accentuated in warmer climates, during strenuous exercise, in high altitudes, and in older adults, whose sense of thirst may not be as sharp. Based on your age, weight and gender our bodies are 45-75% water.

The top 10 hydrating foods are cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, lettuce, tomato, blueberries, celery, cantaloupe, grapefruit and pears. Eat them and eat them often.

EXERCISE: It is important to keep the body moving. Bring up your heart rate. Stretch and strengthen your muscles. Whether you move a little or a lot, there are a number of benefits to staying active: • Enhanced mood – exercise stimulates and releases endorphins, our “happy” chemical, into our blood stream.

• Prevents cardiovascular disease and reduces blood pressure. Strengthens our heart and circulates more blood.

• Healthy muscles and healthy joints - Strong muscles also help prevent injuries.

• Improved sleep and increased energy.

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•

Weight management – exercise will help speed up your metabolism which means you burn more calories which results in a higher percentage of fat loss.

MENTAL HEALTH: Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. It is understated how much our mental health affects our physical bodies as well as our capacity to emotionally mature. Follow these simple rules to ensure a healthy mental state.

1. Learn to forgive. “It’s inevitable that we’ll all be hurt by others, and that it will happen often,” said clinical psychologist Ryan Howes. “People have accidents, make mistakes, behave selfishly and even intentionally try to hurt one another. We can’t escape it. Forgiveness is a vulnerable act that can feel like it opens us up to more pain. But we need to have a way to process and let go of the effects of injury, or we risk serious physical and emotional consequences.”

2. Holding onto anger puts your body in a constant state of stress. Let it go. Holding onto anger toward another person is like holding a sharp object in the palm of your hand. The harder you squeeze, the more you suffer. Find compassion in the moment and seize the opportunity to manage your feelings with careful thought.

3. Smile and be happy. It is time to let things go and truly appreciate the lessons you have learned in your life. Know that every day you are given an opportunity to be a better version of you. Every day you will be faced with challenges that will help you grow and mature. There is a gift in every moment of every lesson brought upon you. No matter what emotion you are feeling, there is always a gift within the lesson.

By integrating these three aspects into your wellness plan, you have all the tools you need to be successful and maintain a balanced life for 2014.

By Ketmanee Grossman Arbonne Independent Consultant www.ketmanee.myarbonne.com

what WOMEN WANT

During the Winter season our fashion choices tend to turn to pieces that are warm, soft and neutral in color. While gravitating to old standards may be a source of comfort, spice up your seasonal wardrobe with one neutral which is both classic and can be styled easily by adding simple accessories. White is a versatile color that can be worn year round, while providing a different aesthetic with each season. While white signifies a vitality and freshness during Summer, this hue is showcased as a reflection of the cooler climates and the innocence of freshly fallen snow throughout Winter.

A monochromatic ensemble is a powerful statement that feels sophisticated and elegant. An overall look of white is easy to manage, and will always look balanced and visually appealing. To change up your styling of this essential color, mix different shades of cream to create a unique overall scheme. Incorporating gold or other metallic pieces such as a shimmering gold vest or a gilded pair of shoes will elevate your style and add an element of luxury. Want to create a feeling of edge to your look?

Pairing a white outfit with black heels or gloves will give you the perfect balance of innocence and moxie.

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Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. With a hand mixer or a Kitchen Aid fitted with a paddle attachment cream the cheeses and sugar together until well incorporated and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and continue to beat until egg and vanilla are fully absorbed. Place phyllo cups on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Fill each phyllo cup 2/3 of the way full with the cheese mixture.

Bake in oven for about 12 minutes and begin checking for doneness. Cheese mixture should be set (slightly under baked in the middle is okay), but should not be browned.

Ingredients • 20 phyllo shells (from the freezer section of your grocery store) • 4 oz mascarpone cheese, softened (you can use low fat cream cheese if you can’t find it) • 4oz goat cheese, softened • 2 tbsp sugar • 1 tsp of vanilla • 1 egg and 1 egg white

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Top with a sugared pecan or your favorite flavored preserves.

Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

For a twist on the recipe you can try one of these additions: • •

To infuse some citrus add 1/2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest to cheese mixture.

For chocolate lovers place 1 chocolate chip in the center of each cup before baking.

Provided by Melissa Jones Owner of Gettin’ Saucy in the Kitchen. www.Gettinsaucyoc.com

what WOMEN WANT Have you read or watched something lately that impacted you? Share your thoughts with N Magazine’s editorial staff and readers.

Send reviews to info@nawrb.com

BOOKS DIVERGENT

By Veronica Roth Set in a dystopian Chicago society, “Divergent” thrills from start to finish. The story follows Beatrice Prior as she is tasked with choosing which Faction, out of the five making up society, she will spend the rest of her life in.

An aptitude test is used to determine which faction Beatrice is meant for, but for unexplained reasons the test is inconclusive, leaving her to make a life altering decision without guidance. This book thrills with rich plot twists, and themes of courage, bravery, love, and betrayal. This book is a must read for those looking for an enthralling page turner.

YOUR LIFE CALLING

By Jane Pauley

2014 marks the year all Baby Boomers will reach the age of 50, and in Jane Pauley’s book she shows that 50 is the beginning of something new. Pauly showcases how individuals in their fifties are experiencing more vitality in this decade of life, than they did previously. “Your Life Calling” gives voice to the prospects awaiting this generation.

With humor and insight, Pauley offers a fresh perspective of the joys of being in this stage of life. There is more to come Pauley insists, maybe the best yet.

THE POWER OF HABIT

By Charles Duhigg

“The Power of Habit” is a riveting book on how habits form and the impact they have on our lives. This books delves into the habits we develop as individuals, how to diagnose habits that may be disruptive, and how we can change them. “The Power of Habit” also explores the concept that our willpower is essentially a muscle that can be easily fatigued and worn down. Therefore explaining why we are susceptible to suggestion at the end of a difficult day. In conjunction to this theory, Duhigg presents studies showing how willpower can be strengthened over time. This book is essential if you are looking to transition from negative behaviors that impact your life, and transform into the person you desire to be.

FILMS THE WOLF OF WALLSTREET Starring Leonardo DiCaprio The latest collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio depicts the life of stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his untraditional ascent into fortune during the 1980s and 1990s. This three hour movie is sure to keep you entertained with its shameless, exciting, exhausting, and illuminating look into the mentality of the Wall Street life.

DiCaprio encapsulates the essence of Belfort and the culture of Wall Street in this cinematic success.

AMERICAN HUSTLE

Starring Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jeremy Renner This film tells the story of brilliant con man Irving Rosenfeld, played by Bale, and his entourage as they are forced to work with an out of control FBI agent. “American Hustle” is set in New Jersey and highlights the dangerous underbelly of corruption and mafia that plagued the area during the 1970’s. This film is a complex but well told story featuring corruption, theft, and duplicity with a strong emotional undercurrent highlighting the struggle of life and death for this cast of characters. With its starstudded cast, superb acting and enticing plot, this movie is sure to catch the attention of audiences everywhere.

SAVING MR. BANKS

Starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson The untold back story to the beloved Disney classic, “Mary Poppins” comes to life in this emotional and inspiring movie.

P.L. Travers, played by Emma Thompson struggles with the plans for her novel and beloved characters to be adapted for the big screen. Her tendency to be uncompromising and stubborn, causes Walt Disney, portrayed by Tom Hanks, to pull out all the stops in an effort to gain the movie rights, and fulfill a promise he made to his daughters to make this film. “Saving Mr. Banks” is a heart-felt movie worth a trip to the cinema.

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speak Business Her Way JAN. 18, 2014

On January 18 NAWRB Founder and CEO Desirée Patno was the featured speaker on Aprille Trupiano’s radio show “Business Her Way” where she discussed how she has been able to run a successful business, publish a magazine, and still have a life.

Successfully Selling HUD Homes JAN. 22, 2014 Riverside, CA

NAWRB member Joyce Essex poses alongside a member of IVAR who attended a HUD class she taught on January 22, 2014 at the Inland Valley Association of Realtors offices.

Ask The Experts Mortgage & Real Estate JAN. 28, 2014 Las Vegas, NV

NAWRB member Laura Harbison was the featured “expert” on Ask the Experts, a Nevada radio show dealing with mortgage and real estate topics.

How to Sell and Market HUD Homes JAN. 30, 2014 Mesa, AZ

Marlene Cerreta the Designated Broker for Cerreta Realty Group is shown teaching a class on “How to Sell and Market HUD Homes.” Marlene has been a Local Listing Broker for HUD Homes since October 2011 and presents HUD Outreach Classes to her peers once a month. These classes enable all Realtors to complete a HUD Bid and Contract correctly and to market HUD Homes to build their own businesses.

NAREB Conference FEB. 20, 2014 Las Vegas, NV

Zoritha Thompson, a NAWRB certified womenowned business, paneled along side Tom Rose from HUD, Ray Massey of Equator, Moren Adenubi of Crown Realty, and David Geiger of California Real Estate Network on February 20, 2014 at the NAREB Conference in Las Vegas.

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write “MARKETING BRAND YOU [ON THE CHEAP]” LYNN BURLEY FLORIDA REALTOR MAGAZINE (JAN/FEB 2014 ISSUE) Broker owner and NAWRB member Lynn Burley was featured alongside Bubba Mills in the January/February issue of Florida Realtor Magazine.

This article discusses the ways to market yourself “on the cheap.”

“BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH HOMEOWNERSHIP” D’ADREA DAVIE THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE (JAN 2014 ISSUE) D’Adrea Davie, agent at Central Valley Living and Real Estate in Stockton featured in The Power Is Now Magazine, empowers homebuyers with sound advice to build their wealth through homeownership responsibly by properly planning and setting goals.

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attend

TOP LEFT: NAWRB Board Member Dianne Langston, attended the Mid Winter Conference for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers in Las Vegas, Nevada where she had the honor of meeting the distinguished public speaker Les Brown.

TOP MIDDLE: National Association of Real Estate Brokers Mid Winter Conference Las Vegas NAREB in February Donnell Spivey President of NAREB with Terrylynn Harrell Region President and Tami Bonnell CEO. TOP RIGHT: Yuri Blanco at The White House-NAHREP Business Leaders meeting in February with Senior Administration officials discussing topics such as: Healthcare reform, Immigration reform, lending and economic policy.

MIDDLE LEFT: NAWRB member Laura Harbinson taught a class on how to create and implement an effective personalized marketing plan for residential sales agents at Realty Executives’ corporate office in Henderson, Nevada on February 20, 2014.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Desirée Patno attended the 2014 Northern Trust Open visiting the City of Hope Hospitality Suite located on the 17th hole.

BOTTOM LEFT: Joo Kang, Elizabeth Goodchild, Sunny Kim, Ivan Choi, Joanne Hyun, James Park at the AREAA Induction in Lake, Chicago BOTTOM RIGHT: Desirée Patno with son Aristotle Jones at January’s Women of Strength Event in Arizona.

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network

upcomingEVENTS March 23-25 // REOMAC Annual

March 3 // CMBA 5th Annual Sales & Marketing Conference

March 18-20 // WBENC Summit & Salute

Newport Beach, CA

New Orleans, LA

Palm Desert, CA

Get ready to shift gears with this conference discussing the changes in the mortgage industry.

Learn from the top leaders and experts how the market is transitioning and how the industry is poised for growth in 2014.

Network with procurement professionals for Fortune 500 companies and Government entities. This event will feature workshops on women’s business growth, removing barriers to success, and the latest trends in supplier diversity programs.

The REOMAC 2014 Annual Education Summit & Expo isn’t just talk, it’s actionable ideas for today’s business changes. Plan to collaborate and connect with fellow Summit attendees to learn the latest strategies and ideas to enhance your career.

March 10-11 // Residential Mortgage Servicing Rights Forum New York, NY In a climate of increased regulatory burdens and continuing low interest rates, mortgage servicing transfers have become an increasingly important strategy for investors and servicers. This conference will bring together owners and administrators to create the opportunity to discuss the trading of mortgage servicing rights with key professionals involved in MSR.

March 13 // The U.S. Treasury Present: “All About Short Sales” Jacksonville, FL The US Treasury is hosting their 2nd “All About Short Sales” workshop in Jacksonville, FL. Created to reach both industry professionals as well as homeowners, this event will feature the nation’s top mortgage companies and investors. This event is hosted both in-person and online.

March 21-22 // Center for American Women and Politics: Ready to Run Campaign Training for Women 2014 New Jersey Ready to Run is an annual bi-partisan program convened by the Center for American Women and Politics for women who want to run for office, work on a campaign, get appointed to office, become community leaders, or learn more about the political system.

Education Summit & Expo

March 25 // 5th Annual Five Star Government Forum Washington, D.C. Join these industry shaping, policy making leaders and more at the most influential event in servicing.

This event promises to bring together executives in mortgage servicing and government to provide groundbreaking platforms for open dialogue and progressive solutions.

April 12-15 // 2014 AREAA Global and Luxury Summit New York, NY

March 23 // NAWRB Spa Day J Russell Salon! | Palm Desert, CA Sunday 10:30am - 12:30pm NAWRB is hosting their 3rd annual Salon Day at the J Russell Salon during the REOMAC Conference.

Join us for hair washes and styles, appetizers , and great networking.

At AREAA’s 2014 Global & Luxury Summit, you’ll hear best practices for working with international buyers, build your understanding of global investment strategies, and learn from experts whose experience will help you market your business to investors in Asia and around the world.

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index ADVERTISERS

Federal Deposit Insurance Weichert Realtors Goodchild Corporation…............................21 Homes…....................................42 Federal Reserve System…..21, 24 Wells Fargo….......................18, 19 C Women Council of Realtors…....29 Chrimata, Inc.........................….31 Women Impacting Public G City of Hope...............................56 Grand Rapids Opportunities for Policy (WIPP).............................18 Women…...................................25 D Desirée Patno Enterprises…......15 PEOPLE H Honey Shine…...........................25 A H Harmony Escrow……..................3 Huntington Bank….....................25 Adenubi, Moren…......................48 Honey Shine…...........................25 Andrew, Erin.............................39 I Arvielo, Patricia…..................33, 37 Inman News…...........................26 N National Association of B Women in Real Estate Businesses K Baucus, Max (Senator).............19 (NAWRB)..............................2, 6, 7 Kaiser Permanente….................44 Beckman, Mary Kay…...............27 Keller Williams Realty….............49 Bell, Pamela................................39 R Blanco, Yuri…............................50 REOMAC…................................11 M Bonnell, Tami..............…33, 34, 50 Michigan Economic Development Bookspan, Todd….....................26 Corp….......................................25 Brandt, Amy….....................33, 36 S Safeguard Properties…..............15 Brooks, Melodee.........................21 N Burley, Lynn…............................49 National Association of Real COMPANIES Estate Brokers…........................50 C National Credit Union Cerreta, Marlene….....................48 A Administration…........................21 Chima-Bhalla, Vandana…....33, 35 AARP…......................................19 NAHREP….................................50 Clark, Sheila…...........................21 A Dynamic Trio….......................42 National Association of Cofield, Joyce….........................21 American Commercial Women in Real Estate Equities…...................................41 Businesses….....21, 22, 27, 29, 50 Collins, Susan (Senator)….........19 American Homes 4 Rent…........40 National REO Brokers AREAA…....................................29 Association….............................50 D Davie, D’Adrea…........................49 National Women’s Business DeAngelo, Cameron…...............10 B Council…...................................16 Bank of America….....................25 NWBOC…..................................22 E Blackstone Group…...................40 Eiseman, Leatrice….............40, 41 O Essex, Joyce…..........................48 C Office of Minority and Women Case Western Reserve Inclusion….............................4, 21 G University…................................29 Gasparovic, Susie…..................27 Cleveland Marshall College of R Law….........................................29 Red Top Realty….......................42 Gibbs, Pamela…........................21 Goodchild, Elizabeth…..............42 Census Bureau….......................17 Grossman, Ketmanee.................44 Consumer Financial Protection S Guest, Steven….........................44 Bureau (CFPB)................17, 20, 21 Securities and Exchange Commission…............................21 H E Small Business Equator…...................................48 Administration....17, 18, 19, 23, 25 Harbison, Laura…......................48 Harrell, Terrylynn….....................50 EXIT Team Realty…...................42 Smith & Associates Title Harris, Melinda….......................10 Services…............................30, 42 Held, Elyse…..............................30 F W Fannie Mae….......................23, 40 WBENC…..................................22 Howes, Ryan..........................…44 52 | N Magazine

index I Irwin, John…..............................25 Ishimaru, Stuart…......................21 J James, Tawana….......................21 Jensen, Debi…..........................10 Jones, Aristotle….......................50 Jones, Melissa…........................46 K Kasoff, Barbara…................33, 39 Kereta-Block, Lucy….................10 Kovacs, Kimberly…...................10 Knipp , Wendy..............................39 Kory, Deanna..............................39

Stewart, Leslie............................39 Stotland Boren, Heather….........41 Suker, Danette............................39 Sullivan, Ann….....................18, 19 T Thomas, Charlotte.................….10 Thompson, Zoritha….................48 Trupiano, Aprille..........................48 V Verdugo, Sandra….....................42 Vacas, Monica…..................33, 35

W Watterson, Yvonne….................27 Welsh, Nancy…...................33, 38 West-Chenoweth, Shelly.......….10 L Lance, Katie…............................26 Wyden, Ron (Senator)…............19 Langston, Dianne…...................50 Levenda, Suzy…........................26 M Macias, Cayce…..................33, 34 Massey, Ray…...........................48 McClellan, Kimberlee….............10 Medford, Meghan.......................39 Mills, Bubba…............................49 Mills, Eric…................................25 N Nazir, Donna….....................33, 36 Nelson, Bill (Senator)…..............19 Nelson, Brandy….......................42 O Oliver, Debbie…...................33, 38 P Patno, Desirée........9, 22, 23, 27, 48, 50 Powell, Angela…..................39, 42 R Respaut-Clément, Brigitte…33, 37 Rose, Tom..................................48 S Santoro, Gigi..............................39 Shinn, Vicki….............................10 Smith, Esq., Renee....................4, 28, 29, 30, 42 Spivey, Donnell….......................50 N Magazine | 53

Advance your company to the next plateau, and take advantage of the benefits of being certified as a Women-Owned Business

These four fundamental facts will help get you on the path to certification today.

Benefits of being certified: • •

first fact

• •

Access to contracting opportunities specifically for Women-Owned businesses Connection to professional community of women and women business owners Highlights your technical expertise and experience while providing exposure to the Industry and validating your business Certified businesses can tap into a multitude of public and private sector contracts and support client initiatives

Requirements for certification:

NAWRB Women-Owned Business Certification requires applicants to provide the following documentation: •

second fact

• •

The business must be 51 percent or more women-owned, managed and operated.

The women business owner must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien Technical expertise in the Housing Economy

Process of certification:

third fact

1. Request NAWRB application by phone: 949.559.9800 or email certification@nawrb.com 2. Submit completed application with supporting documentation, sworn affidavit and application processing fee 3. Review of packet by certification staff 4. Follow up with applicant to obtain any additional materials necessary 5. Committee and Board Review 6. Upon final approval, certification is traditionally granted within four to six weeks

Why Certify with NAWRB:

fourth fact

NAWRB is the most visible women’s trade association specializing in the housing economy. As the only provider of Women-Owned Business (WOB) and Minority Women-Owned Business (MWOB) certifications specific to the housing economy NAWRB is dedicated to the access and advocacy of professional women and women business owners Specializing in the Housing Economy, SHE is Changing Real EstateTM.

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To obtain your application: visit www.NAWRB.com | (949) 559-9800 | certification@NAWRB.com

N C O N C L U S I O N

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.�

Eleanor Roosevelt

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