OC REALTOR®: November/December 2021

THANK YOU FOR A MEANINGFUL AND MEMORABLE YEAR ON PAGE 8 WELCOMEHOMEOC OFFERS A WIN-WIN ON PAGE 28 ’TIS THE SEASON TO STAY IN TOUCH ON PAGE 30

HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL FEMALE BROKER-OWNER ON PAGE 20

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC HOUSING UPDATE: AN UNHEALTHY MARKET ON PAGE 32 REMINDER: IT’S TIME TO PAY YOUR PROPERTY TAX ON PAGE 34

A Tribute to Our Veterans Freedom is never free. In this month of Thanksgiving and Veterans Day, Orange County REALTORS® expresses gratitude to those brave men and women whose military service has purchased the freedom we enjoy.

In this issue of OC REALTOR®, we salute and pay special tribute to our REALTOR® and Affiliate members who answered our country’s call by serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, at home or abroad, either to win a war or to preserve the peace. on pages 24–27

CONTENTS Veterans, Thank you for your Service!

Freedom is never free. In this month of Veterans Day, Orange County REALTORS® joins a grateful nation in pausing to honor all who have served and to reflect on the selflessness of those whose courage, devotion, and sacrifice have purchased the freedom that we enjoy.

8

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

20

30

18 32

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

WORDS OF GRATITUDE

8

18

Lori Namazi describes the process by which Orange County REALTORS® “took the best of both worlds from yesterday and today to create a new tomorrow.”

Amid record heat, worsening drought, devastating wildfires, and a persisting pandemic, readers express their gratitude for a happy, healthy, and hardworking family: for pets; for home, hugs, job, travel, and new connections; and for flowers!

Thank You for a Meaningful and Memorable Year

Count Your Blessings!

FEATURES

COVER STORY

20

24

Thank You to Our Veterans In words and pictures, we pay tribute to REALTOR® and Affiliate members who have served in uniform, at home or abroad, either to win a war or to keep the peace.

STATE UPDATE

16

4

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

“Never Say Never”: How to Become a Successful Female Broker-Owner

Inman Staff Writer Marian McPherson recreates the presentation that Lori Namazi gave during C.A.R.’s WomanUP!

28

Bills That Will Encourage Fair Housing and Increase Housing Supply C.A.R. President Dave Walsh summarizes some of the C.A.R.supported bills that Governor Newsom recently signed into law.

36

OC Rental Property Owners Get a Win-Win When They Help End Homelessness for Veterans Through WelcomeHomeOC Seventy-five property owners are currently a part of this landlord incentive program and are United to End Homelessness.

OC REALTOR®

30

‘Tis The Season to Stay in Touch

Michelle McCann reminds readers that the holiday season is an ideal time to post holiday-themed marketing collateral, spread the word about festive events, and send a little cheer.

32

The Orange County Housing Update: An Unhealthy Market

Steven Thomas says that the jetpropelled housing market does not show any signs of slowing down and that the current pace will persist for the remainder of this year.

34

Reminder: It’s Time to Pay Your Property Taxes

OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich describes the ways in which her office has made this annual chore a bit easier.

36

REXPO 2021

This one-day educational experience boasted a wide variety of speakers whose topics included use of social media, a market forecast, recent changes in real estate law, and fair housing practices.

38

On the Cover: Thank You to Our Veterans As a reminder that November 11 is Veterans Day, Ivan Salmeron has used stars and stripes against a background of camouflage to convey a simple but sincere message of thank you to our veterans!

YPN Mini Masters

Includes photos of the winners.

40

2021 OCAR Cares Golf Tournament

Photo coverage of this annual event with a special thank you to its sponsors.

DEPARTMENTS

11

Names in the News

22

Education Central: Upcoming Classes by Track

Follow us on social media

Online Magazine

ORANGE COUNTY

REALTOR® MAGAZINE

Love OC REALTOR®? Did you know that you can read it online, anytime? Read past issues at www.ocrealtors.org/magazine.

25552 La Paz Road Laguna Hills, CA 92653

10540 Talbert Avenue, Ste. 225 West Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Mission Statement

949-586-6800

714-375-9313

2021 OFFICERS

Notice to All Members

Lori Namazi President Adam Rodell President-Elect Joyce Endo Treasurer Danielle Corliss Immediate Past President Dave Stefanides Chief Executive Officer

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mary Jane Cambria Matt Cortez Sandra Deering Dorinda Francois Michele Harrington Julie Hile Jeff Jackson Joyce Leonard Liz Lewis Yami Martinez Chip McAllister

Ed Molina Charleen Nagata-Newhouse Pamela Pedego Joe Pierce Vinil Ramchandran Lacy Robertson Lisa Schulz Jessica Siguenza Lynne Suzanski Scott White

MAGAZINE STAFF Sabrina Blair

Breanna Reed

Sherri Butterfield

Ivan Salmeron

Director of Communications sabrina@ocrealtors.org Communications Specialist sherri@ocrealtors.org

6

Accounting Administrator breanna@ocrealtors.org Print & Marketing Specialist ivan@ocrealtors.org

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

The mission of Orange County REALTORS® is to promote the REALTOR® Code of Ethics; to provide education, services, and resources to our members; and to advocate the protection of real property rights.

It is the long-established policy of this Association, California Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS® to adhere to both the letter and spirit of the federal and state antitrust laws. For their own protection, members should be aware of the antitrust laws as they affect their specific business activities. Any illegal activity under the state and federal antitrust laws is not in compliance with Association policy, nor is it in the interests of the Association or its members. Participation in Association activities must occur only in harmony with these very important laws. Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate, in advertising the sale or rental of housing, in the financing of housing, and in the provision of real estate brokerage services. The OC REALTOR® editor reserves the right to review and edit all submissions. Orange County REALTORS® makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of Orange County REALTORS®. Orange County REALTORS® does not necessarily endorse the companies, products, or services advertised in this magazine unless specifically stated.

OC REALTOR® (USPS 025-445, ISSN 1945-2179) Volume 12, Issue 6, is published by Orange County REALTORS®, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Periodicals postage paid at Laguna Beach, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orange County REALTORS®, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653-5127. Annual membership dues include $6.09 for a one-year (6 issues) subscription to OC REALTOR® magazine. OC REALTOR® cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials.

Publisher: Orange County REALTORS® Printer: The Monaco Group

OC REALTOR®

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

During 2021, we have worked together to adapt to change and to make important and lasting differences in how we deliver information, service, and education.

8

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

By Lori Namazi

2021 PRESIDENT, ORANGE COUNTY REALTORS

®

F

all is here! Each year when the leaves begin to change and the weather starts to get a little cooler, I switch out the sundresses and sandals in the closet and begin to prepare for the season ahead. As I remove the summer clothes and replace them with sweaters and boots, I reflect on the past year and look ahead to what is next. This “out with the old and in with the new” feeling goes beyond the physical items in my closet.

At this time of year, I like to reflect on where I’ve been so I can map out where I want to go. As President of Orange County REALTORS in 2021, I can say with certainty that this was a year of transition. We opened up the state, and with that, we opened up ourselves to the opportunities to spend time with our family and our friends, to reconnect with business colleagues, and to meet new clients. We respected the different rules at our local businesses, and we ventured back into some of our former routines. We focused on the foundational aspects of our business, which are the relationships we’ve created, and we embraced the efficiencies of some of the new tools that expanded our reach during the pandemic. We took the best of both worlds from yesterday and today to create a new tomorrow.

®

It was my job during the year to help the Board of Directors navigate many decisions for our organization. We had deep conversations and examined new options from every angle. We understood the importance of making decisions that would protect our members while, at the same time, providing them with the opportunities they deserved to further their businesses successfully. We had some ups and downs, and we adapted as necessary to ensure that we were doing what needed to be done.

We expanded our robust educational offerings by adding courses through partnerships with instructors across the country in both real estate and other industries. We reopened our physical offices while still providing resources online for those who wanted greater convenience. We also restarted our in-person marketing meetings while offering a virtual option. We learned that our members have different needs and that we must continue to meet them where they are by being flexible in how we deliver information, service, and education.

This year we also updated our Strategic Plan for the next three years. We took the foundation we had and made it even more focused on delivering a member experience that is second to none. We included multiple components of Fair Housing and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion so that we are an organization that meets the needs of every member and every client.

Real estate is constantly evolving. There are many challenges and changes on the horizon. I encourage you to read the magazine and the emails that come your way so that you can stay informed about what is changing and how and why. At times, change is hard, but we can do hard things. And change keeps things interesting! Never forget that every day we are making a difference to the people we serve. We are helping them achieve the American Dream of homeownership, and we are helping people build successful, professional careers. In both instances, we are changing their lives for the better.

“

We took the best of both worlds from yesterday and today to create a new tomorrow.

”

As I end my year as your President, I am thankful to the many people who have shared their experiences and concerns with me, those who supported the changes and those who inspired me to look at things from a different point of view. We have so much to be thankful for each day. We live in a country where we are free to express ourselves honestly, to agree or disagree openly, and to ask hard questions. That freedom is granted to us because of the men and women who have served this country in uniform. As we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, take time to remember the sacrifices they have made to preserve these freedoms we experience and enjoy.

In closing, I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to serve the Orange County REALTORS . Thank you to the amazing 2021 Board of Directors, committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, committee Members, Affiliate partners, and, of course, to our terrific staff for making this year truly meaningful and memorable!

®

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

9

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Orange County REALTORS® Appreciates Its CEO!

San Juan Capistrano Chamber Honors Emerging Leaders On August 26, when the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce held its 65th Annual Installation Awards Banquet at the Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mary Visconte, Dirissy Doan, and Kathryn Morrison were honored with the Coalition of California Chambers Orange County Emerging Leaders Award.

Among Orange County REALTORS® who were on hand to congratulate Mary and Dirissy were (from left to right) Ed Molina, Mary Rampone, OC REALTORS® President Lori Namazi, Tony Faulkner, and Lisa Dunn.

September 28 was the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Association Executive (AE) Appreciation Day. Orange County REALTORS® showed its appreciation for Chief Executive Officer Dave Stefanides by presenting him with a greeting card, assorted baked goods, a Maestro’s gift card, and a flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in celebration of Dave’s seventeen years of service to the Association. Dave joined the Orange County REALTORS® Management Team on June 7, 2004.

Mission Viejo Named Among the Top 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. According to Money, Mission Viejo is one of the “Top 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2021.” The monthly magazine’s 35th annual list highlights cities and towns where job growth is rising, home prices are affordable, and the quality of life is good. Mission Viejo is the only location in California to be featured on the list and was recognized specifically for “gorgeous beaches, top-tier schools, and lush parks.”

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

11

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Lake Forest Showcases Its New Civic Center at a State of the City Event On display during a late-September State of the City and Meet the Mayor event co-hosted by the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lake Forest was that city’s new Civic Center.

Located at 100 Civic Center Drive in Lake Forest, the Center was funded entirely with builder fees from new housing construction. As a result, Lake Forest proudly reports that it has no municipal or pension debt!

Among those attending the Lake Forest event were (from left to right in the top right) Joonsoo Yi (representing Congresswoman Katie Porter), Dirissy Doan, Assemblyman Steven Choi, Lake Forest Mayor Pro Tem Robert Pequeno, former State Board of Equalization Member and Chair Diane Harkey, former OC REALTORS® President Paula Cosenza, and Senior Vice President of Local Public Affairs for the Southern California Apartment Association Victor Cao.

Dirissy Doan, Mary Visconte, and Kathryn Morrison, greet Lake Forest Mayor Scott Voigts following his State of the City address.

Donald Bren Invests in Caltech Solar Project Since 2014, Orange County real estate developer Donald Bren has donated at least $100 million to the Space Solar Project at Caltech in Pasadena.

The purpose of this project is to generate solar power in space and beam it back to earth. Bren, who is owner of the Irvine Company and a lifetime trustee at Caltech, explains that his interest in supporting this Caltech effort was driven by his belief in “harnessing the natural power of the sun for the benefit of everyone.” Bren also donated $20 million to UC Santa Barbara to fund the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science and Management.

Begun in 1997, this program was the first in a U.S. university to focus graduate studies on issues such as sustainability and conservation.

12

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

NAMES IN THE NEWS

Five Point Founder Emile Haddad Steps Down Five Point Holdings Founder Emile Haddad has transitioned from day-to-day management of the company to senior advisor. Haddad still maintains an office at Five Point’s headquarters, where he is working to fulfill the company’s dream for the Great Park, promote health care projects, and attack the state’s housing crisis. Five Point’s new management team includes Stuart Miller, executive chairman of Five Point’s long-time partner and home builder Lennar, and Lynn Jochim, Five Point’s chief operating officer, who has been promoted to president.

BIASC Announces Leadership Changes OC REALTORS® Global Business Alliance Committee Hosts Fall Forum On October 14, the OC REALTORS® Global Alliance Committee, under the leadership of Chair Yami Martinez and Vice Chair Bob Hartman, hosted its Fall Forum focused on international real estate, infrastructure, and the culture in Portugal and Spain. This virtual event featured presentations about Spain by Francis Fernández Arizas, chief executive officer for Spanish International Realty Alliance (SIRA-CRSSPAIN) and Raisa Venermo, lawyer, landing strategist, and co-founder of AvaLanding. Representing Portugal were Luis Felipe Janeira, board director for Western Europe, Global Business and Alliances Committee Member, and Antonio Barbosa, Certified Residential Specialist and Accredited Buyer Representative, along with Alex Escudero, manager of Global Alliances and Business Development for the National Association of REALTORS®, who lent his expertise regarding real estate in general.

The Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) has announced that Steve La Motte, who had been serving as chapter executive officer and recently served as director of government affairs, has taken a government relations job with the Irvine Company.

Adam Wood, who previously served as director of government affairs, is now BIASC vice president for the Orange County Chapter and will continue to manage the Building Industry Legal Defense Foundation (BILD).

In addition, Karissa DiStefano is being promoted to director of public affairs and will be assisting Adam with Orange County government affairs.

ALERTWildfire Program Receives $15-Million Grant The ALERTWildfire program, a project started by three universities to help detect fires, has received $15 million in state funding. Currently, ALERTWildfire has more than two hundred cameras deployed throughout California to provide early detection of fires. The additional money will allow the program to create an infrared map of fuel concentrations in fire-prone areas, develop fuel reduction strategies, and aid deployment of first responders.

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

13

NAMES IN THE NEWS

State Auditor Places Anaheim on High-Risk Watchlist Anaheim is among the cities that the California State Auditor’s Office has placed on its high-risk watchlist.

Other Southland cities on the list include Compton, Montebello, San Gabriel, Torrance, and West Covina. Among the 215 cities rated as “low risk” are Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, and Temecula.

OCTax Names Lucy Dunn Winner of the 2021 Royalty Award When the Orange County Taxpayers Association (OCTax) Roses and Radishes returned as an in-person event on October 7 after a two-year pandemic-imposed hiatus, the roses were sweet, the radishes were bitter, and the coveted Royalty Award went to Lucy Dunn (center), president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Business Council (OCBC), who is shown here with OCTax President and Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Cavecche and Chairman Trevor O’Neil.

In making the award, Carolyn mentioned that, among other accomplishments, Lucy had led the OCBC for sixteen years, helping to keep Orange County’s tax base stable, and had assisted with the development of Orange County’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Rose Awards went to Supervisor Don Wagner and to then-Supervisor Michelle Steel for their extraordinary efforts to cut red tape and distribute CARES Act dollars directly to the cities in their supervisorial districts rather than burdening the distribution process with additional bureaucracy.

Santa Ana Approves Rent Control and Eviction Protection In late September, the Santa Ana City Council voted 4-3 to cap rent increases at 3 percent annually or 80 percent of inflation, whichever is less, for buildings constructed in 1995 or earlier and for mobile home parks established in 1990 or earlier and to limit the circumstances under which landlords can evict tenants who have lived in a home for at least thirty days. Santa Ana Mayor Vincente Sarmiento explained that the measures were needed because Santa Ana is a “renter community” in which “more than 50 percent of our residents are tenants.”

14

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

To arrive at these ratings, the auditor collects and analyzes key financial data from the cities to measure their financial stability over time. Among the questions considered are the following: Does the city have enough cash on hand to covered unexpected expenses or revenue shortfalls, such as those that were seen during the pandemic? How heavy is the city’s long-term debt burden—including pension obligations, retiree benefits, and bond repayments?

Are city revenues increasing or decreasing over time?

In general, older cities that have their own police and fire departments face the greatest financial struggles because public safety pensions are the most expensive retirement benefits. In many instances, these cities sweetened their retirement formulas twenty years ago, when stock values were going up and elected officials were assured that the returns on municipal investment over time would keep pace with increasing pension costs.

The League of California Cities, which represents the cities in Sacramento, takes issue with the Auditor’s method of assessing the financial risk and points out that, because it relies heavily on the cities’ audited financial statements, which usually lag a year behind, the watchlist does not accurately reflect present-day conditions.

Names in the News is intended to be primarily a place where REALTOR® and Affiliate members of Orange County REALTORS® can share both personal and professional news—about births (of children or grandchildren), graduations, weddings, anniversaries, accomplishments, awards, and other milestones—with one another.

If you have news to share, email it to Orange County REALTORS® Writer and Editor Sherri Butterfield at Sherri@ocrealtors.org.

Governor Signs

C.A.R.-SUPPORTED BILLS THAT WILL

Encourage Fair Housing and Increase Housing Supply SB 8, SB 9, and SB 10 will help the state reach its housing goals and create greater homeownership opportunities for working Californians.

By Dave Walsh

C.A.R. 2021 PRESIDENT I have great news about C.A.R.’s legislative agenda! In late September, C.A.R.-sponsored and C.A.R.-supported bills in the areas of fair housing and housing supply were signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.

A considerable number of fair housing bills in which C.A.R. played an integral part moved forward this year, including C.A.R.-sponsored bills AB 491 (Ward and Gonzalez), which prohibits discrimination against affordable housing residents living in mixed-income multifamily developments, and SB 263 (S. Rubio), which requires California real estate professionals and applicants for a real estate license to take implicit bias training and more robust fair housing training.

In addition, Governor Newsom signed C.A.R.-supported AB 1466 (McCarty), which creates a proactive means for the removal of illegal restrictive covenants from property records and AB 948 (Holden), which addresses the issue of discrimination in appraisals.

C.A.R. worked with the authors of both bills to ensure that these important issues were addressed but, at the same time, would not have adverse effects on the homeowners and buyers of homes whom the laws are intended to benefit.

Also, Governor Newsom signed C.A.R.-sponsored AB 633 (Calderon) into law, which enacts the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act in California to help protect those persons who inherit property where there are multiple heirs, but no will or trust exists.

16

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

Also during September, Governor Newsom signed three other important housing bills—SB 8 (Skinner), SB 9 (Atkins), and SB 10 (Weiner)—that will have a meaningful impact on the state’s housing crisis. SB 8, SB 9, and SB 10 are prudent, reasonable actions in the path forward to helping the state reach its housing goals and create greater homeownership opportunities for working Californians. In late September, he also signed C.A.R-sponsored AB 571 (Mayes), which prohibits local governments from assessing affordable housing fees on the “affordable” units contained within a density bonus application and thereby helps reduce the cost of affordable units.

Speaking of SB 9, C.A.R.’s latest episode of Unlocking California Politics podcast, featuring C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle and C.A.R. Legislative Advocates Karim Drissi and Jennifer Svec, gives an inside look at SB 9 (Atkins), the expiration of the state eviction moratorium, and other topics. You can listen to “Unlocking the CA Legislature: An Inside Look at How Housing Policy is Built” on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, or you can watch it on YouTube.

As a reminder, California’s eviction moratorium under the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act ended on September 30.

However, the law will not simply return to its pre-pandemic form. Instead, a new law, the COVID-19 Rental Housing Recovery Act (the “Recovery Act”), will take its place.

Graphic by: www.istockphoto.com/ma_rish

STATE UPDATE

STATE UPDATE

Graphic by: www.istockphoto.com/Kudryavtsev Pavel

Did you know that more than 353,000 Hispanic and Latinx renters are ready to buy a home? Unfortunately, misconceptions about down-payment requirements, credit scores, and the homebuying process are holding them back. To combat this, C.A.R. launched an educational consumer ad campaign focused on this group of renters. Through radio ads on popular Spanish radio stations, streaming audio with Pandora, paid social media, partnerships with Hispanic and Latinx social media influencers, digital display, and paid search, we are letting these mortgage-ready consumers know that owning a home is possible and that California REALTORS® are ready to help them achieve their dreams.

“More than 353,000 Hispanic and Latinx renters are ready to buy a home. . . . We are letting these mortgageready consumers know that owning a home is possible and that California REALTORS® are ready to help them achieve their dreams.”

We’ve also launched two websites—one for English speakers and another for Spanish speakers—to help educate them regarding the home-buying process and let them know how a REALTOR® can help. Over the next few months, additional information, resources, and tools will be added to both sites. I encourage you to share the websites with your clients and help break down the barriers to homeownership.

This column is based on and has been excerpted from the Monthly Message by C.A.R. President Dave Walsh that was distributed via email on September 30, 2021.

It is being reprinted here with permission.

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

17

WORDS OF GRATITUDE

Amid the anxiety caused by record heat, worsening drought, devastating wildfires, an occasional earthquake, a gubernatorial recall election, and a pandemic that has upended the ways in which we earn and learn, work, shop, worship, and play, we asked our readers to count their blessings and tell us in a few words for possible publication in this Thanksgiving issue of OC REALTOR® what they are grateful for. Their responses in words and pictures appear below.

Family

Pets

Aubrey Antis Owner, Antis Media

Dave Stefanides Chief Executive Officer Orange County REALTORS®

I am grateful for a Happy, Hardworking, and Healthy Family.

The Antis Family

18

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

I am grateful for our dog Finn and, in a few weeks, his new brother Kai.

Finn OC REALTOR®

Kai

WORDS OF GRATITUDE

Home, Hugs, Job, Travel, and New Connections This year, I am grateful for

» Frontline workers » New connections with my neighbors and community » My home—“There’s no place like home” » My job and co-workers at First Team Dana Point » Hugs and encouragement. One of the best feelings is when you hug someone you love and they hug you back even tighter. » Travel—This year, I was able to celebrate my twentieth wedding anniversary in the Virgin Islands.

Michelle Mayer REALTOR® First Team Dana Point

Michelle Mayer

Flowers

Photo by Marion Butterfield

Eighteen years ago, when I replanted my patio flowerbeds, I relied on daylilies. I selected Lemon Yellow to go inside the beds and Bitsy for the borders. This year, on almost every morning, the first thing I see when I look out my kitchen window is at least one exquisite yellow blossom—a daily reminder that God smiles in flowers.

Sherri M. Butterfield Writer and Editor

Lemon Yellow Daylily

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

19

GUEST COLUMN

“Never Say Never”: How to Become a Successful Female Broker-Owner

Real estate leader Lori Namazi shares how women can establish and expand a robust real estate brand.

Becoming a broker-owner is tough, no matter who you are. However, women face added barriers in their journey to the corner office—such as sexism, a lack of resources and leadership training, and finally, self-doubt—that keep them on the sidelines of the industry.

“I cannot tell you how many times in my career I have talked myself out of an opportunity because of imposter syndrome,” Namazi Real Estate Resources broker-owner Lori Namazi told the California Association of REALTORS® WomanUP! crowd. “I realized early on in my career that I was terrified of people figuring out that I wasn’t as good as they thought I was, having mostly male bosses my entire career.”

Namazi said becoming a broker-owner wasn’t on her radar, although she’d climbed her way from being an agent to a c-suite executive at First Team Real Estate, all while raising a son and earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“My family asked me if I planned on opening my own brokerage since I was getting my broker’s license. My response was ‘No way,’” she added. “Well, I’m here to tell you never say never. You never know what your future self will decide to do.”

Namazi, who opened NRER in 2018, said the process of opening an independent brokerage is daunting, but not impossible with the correct training and mentorship, business and financial planning, and the chutzpah to follow through. “What most people realize is that it isn’t too difficult to go out on their own if they already have a broker’s license, but the biggest thing is the fear of the unknown,” she said.

20

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

Namazi said the first step to a successful launch is making sure you have the correct licensure to legally own and operate a brokerage. Even if you’re not sure about becoming a broker-owner, she said it’s worth gaining a broker’s license the next time your licensure as an agent is up for renewal.

“Having your broker’s license gives you options.

It’s like having the proverbial dime in your pocket in case you need to make an emergency phone call,” she explained while noting that a broker’s license allows you to go solo, which is a valuable option if your current brokerage closes or is acquired by a company you don’t want to be part of.

The process takes up to nine months—six months of courses, two months for application processing, and a month to schedule a test date.

“You don’t have to do this tomorrow,” she said.

From there, Namazi said it’s important to do some soul searching, establish a “why,” and build a support system that can help guide you through the process. “In no way am I suggesting that everyone should eventually open their own brokerage,” she noted. “That’s a very personal decision.”

The soul-searching process, she said, should include thinking about the rewards and challenges of running a brokerage. Do you want to supervise other agents? Does the idea of recruiting make you cringe? Can you handle being held liable for an agent or staff member who makes a major transaction error? If the answer is no, Namazi said going solo may be a better option.

Graphic by: www.istockphoto.com/Tetiana Lazunova

By Marian McPherson INMAN STAFF WRITER

GUEST COLUMN However, if you’re ready for the challenge of building and leading a team, Namazi said it’s important to have a support system of experienced professionals to help you through the not-so-glamourous part of founding a brokerage, such as creating a system that works, building a reliable tech stack, writing a business and financial plan, filing the correct paperwork with the state and federal government, and one of the most important parts—knowing how you’ll pay for it all.

“When you run your own brokerage, you set the rules. You use your systems, your policies and your procedures, you create the culture, you make the decisions,” she said. “You are the accounting department and the marketing department, you are the responsible broker when there’s a legal issue or a daily inquiry.”

“The buck stops with you and no one else,” she added.

“This is both liberating and intimidating. I want you to understand that with anything, growth presents new opportunities and new challenges.”

Once the nuts and bolts are in place, Namazi said it’s important to be patient during the hiring process and resist the temptation to hire the first people who come your way. “You may want to have fifty agents in twelve months, but it might take you twelve months to hire your first agent,” she said. “You don’t know what you don’t know at this point. So take it slowly. It’s smart to plan and feel prepared.”

Namazi also said broker-owners must learn to expect the unexpected and have the correct systems and assistance—such as a legal advisor and compliance officer—to weather legal complaints from consumers or competitors. “If you do find yourself on the receiving end of an inquiry or investigation, I want you to have confidence that you are equipped with policies, procedures, and systems that demonstrate you run a solid office,” she said.

“What does [the name] say about who you are and who your company is? Imagine the name on the sign in the homeowner’s yard. Does it resonate with the public?” she said. “Ask your friends and family to weigh in on your thoughts, get their input, and ask for some constructive feedback and their ideas too.”

Namazi said the launch process includes at least twenty different steps, all with varying levels of difficulty. Staying organized with productivity apps or choosing an old-school method, such as sticky notes, will help you balance your professional and personal life, and make time to dedicate to your development as a future leader.

“Each year, my sister and I create a plan, and we coincide it with the number of the year,” she said.

“So in 2020, it was 20 things to do in 2020. And for 2021, it’s 21 things to do in 2021. Within that, I have a layer of fun development.”

“I’ll take a class that’s more of a hobby versus something that’s professional development. It keeps life interesting,” she said.

Lastly, Namazi said aspiring broker-owners should consider adding an advisor to their launch team who can offer dedicated troubleshooting and support. “[Opening a brokerage] it’s a very personal choice and there’s no right or wrong answer, and there’s no perfect time—the right time to do it is when you feel ready,” she said. “[It’s an advisor's] job to dispel some of your fears, some of the myths, and get you on a path to achieving your dreams.”

“There are amazing women in our WomanUP! community who have done it,” she added.

“They’ve gone out on their own and they have been successful.”

Although launching a brokerage is nerve-wracking, Namazi said it can be a lot of fun to bring your wildest dreams either as a solo broker or company leader to life. She said creating a company name and brand should be a team effort that helps you capture the essence of who you are and what you want to bring to your market. © 2021 Inman Group. This article, which is based on a presentation Orange County REALTORS® President Lori Namazi gave on Wednesday, September 1, during the California Association of REALTORS® WomanUP!, was posted on the Internet by Inman on September 1, 2021, and is being reprinted here with the permission of both Inman Group and the author.

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

21

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

23

VETERANS

VETERANS DAY

A TIME TO TAKE PRIDE IN HEROISM AND TO GIVE THANKS FOR FREEDOM, FOR VICTORY, AND FOR ALL WHO HAVE SERVED

By Sherri Butterfield World War I began in 1914. Triggered by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria on June 28 of that year, it eventually involved all the world’s great economic powers in what was called simply the “Great War.” On one side were France, Italy, Japan, the Russian Empire, the United Kingdom, and the United States. On the other side were Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, and the Ottoman Empire. Ultimately, more than 70 million military personnel were mobilized for—and more than 9 million combatants were killed in—what became the fifth-deadliest war in history.

This global conflict officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France; however, major hostilities had ceased seven months earlier, when an armistice went into effect at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For this reason, November 11, 1918, is generally recognized as the date on which the “war to end all wars” came to an end.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show 24

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations . . . .”

Armistice Day was set aside to honor veterans of World War I with parades and public gatherings and with a brief suspension of all business activities at the “eleventh hour.” But in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in U.S. history and after American forces had repelled communist aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress passed H.R. 7786, which President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all who have served the United States of America in uniform.

Coming as it does in the month of Thanksgiving, Veterans Day is an ideal time to take pride in heroism and to give thanks for freedom, for victory, and for all who have served.

VETERANS

RON ABIERA U.S. Army 9 Years of Service

MIKE AMEEL U.S. Army 1969–1972

HERBERT BECKER U.S. Army 1961-1963

TAYLOR-ANN BERGERON U.S. Navy 2001-2005

STEVE BOWERS

MARK CESTARIC U.S. Marine Corps 1971–1974

BRAD COLEMAN U.S. Marine Corps 1992–1999

RAYMOND DENTON U.S. Navy 1976

U.S. Air Force

1967–1971

BOB DICKIE U.S. Air Force 1967–1998

DAVE BERMAN U.S. Navy 1967–1973

HERB DITTRICK U.S. Army 1963–1969

DAVIN EMMONS

U.S. Army Military Police Corps 1985–1988

TOM BRABECK U.S. Navy 1966–1970

TIM FAHL

U.S. Marine Corps 1976–1979

DON COOK U.S. Marine Corps 1980–1986

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

25

VETERANS

ROY FUSSELL

EDWIN FAHLEN

TONY FAULKNER

LARRY FELS U.S. Navy 1966–1970

Captain, USMC (Ret.) U.S. Marine Corps 1961–1983

PETER GIAMMARINARO

DUANE GOMER

MICHELE HARRINGTON

ROBERT G. “JERRY” HAY

TOM HRIBAR

U.S. Navy 1970–1973

U.S. Air Force 1956–1962

U.S. Marine Corps 1979–1994

U.S. Navy 1955–1958

U.S. Marine Corps 1993–1997

U.S. Marine Corps 1966–1970

FELIX HUNG

U.S. Army 4 Years of Service

CHRISTOPHER LARDIE

LEN MALENA

FRANK HILL

PETER MCCORMICK

U.S. Marine Corps 1976–1980

26

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

U.S. Army 1955–1975

OC REALTOR®

U.S. Navy 1988–2013

U.S. Marine Corps 1991–Present

U.S. Navy 1971

DAVE LEWIS

U.S. Marine Corps 1969–1971

ED MIXON

U.S. Navy Airborne 1956–1959

VETERANS

AJA MCGOWN

RON MILLER U.S. Navy 1966–1969

U.S. Air Force 1984–1991

JAY MILLS

MARK PETRICK

MARK RAIDY

TERRY REAY

MELVYN D. RICHARDSON

LARRY WEBB

STEVE WIDNER

WILL WOODS

JAMES J. ZAKHAR, JR.

U.S. Marine Corps 2000–2004

U.S. Army 1971–1973

KEVIN WHITNEY U.S. Navy 2009–2013

U.S. Army 1965–1969

U.S. Marine Corps 1968

U.S. Army 1988–1993

U.S. Army 1964–1966

U.S. Navy 1968–1974

U.S. Navy 1985–1996

U.S. Army 1970–1972

Not Pictured

RICH STEINHOFF (1936–2021)

U.S. Marine Corps 1958–1964

Austin C. Chiles, Jr. U.S. Air Force, 1965–1968

Jim Dwyer U.S. Air Force 22 Years of Service

Don Readinger U.S. Navy, 1965–1974

Jim Chiuminatta U.S. Army, 1967–1968

Dan Hoppy U.S. Army, 1969–1972

Bill Sundin U.S. Air Force, 1969–1971

Mike DeLeon U.S. Army, ARNG, 1971–1994

Melissa Lino U.S. Navy

Robert DiGruccio U.S. Army, 1966–1969

Cas Pinkowski U.S. Air Force, 1960–1964 OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

27

HOUSING

By Becks Heyhoe EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UNITED TO END HOMELESSNESS Each year as we enter November and Veteran’s Day approaches, we are reminded of how important it is to demonstrate our gratitude to the men and women who protect and preserve freedom across our nation and around the world. While veterans may welcome expressions of gratitude, often these expressions are not enough. Thousands of homeless veterans are living on the streets or in cars in Orange County and nationwide.

United to End Homelessness, an initiative from Orange County United Way, is committed to ending homelessness in Orange County so that everyone has a place to call home. Through WelcomeHomeOC, a program launched in 2018, United to End Homelessness has helped more than 500 formerly homeless individuals, including 100 veterans, find safe and stable places to live.

WelcomeHomeOC works closely with rental property owners and managers to identify available rental units. The program then streamlines leasing those rentals to prescreened voucher holders—including veterans with VASH vouchers—with guaranteed monthly rent direct deposits from the Housing Authority, low turnover, high retention rates, and other incentives. In addition, WelcomeHomeOC protects against potential losses by paying daily holding fees and security deposits of two month’s rent and purchasing furniture for program residents.

28

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

“After serving in the Middle East, the gratitude I have for a home comes from the deepest portion of my heart,” remarked Chase, a veteran who benefited from the WelcomeHomeOC program.

Photo by: www.gettyimages.com

One of these veterans is Chase. After experiencing a series of misfortunes, Chase found himself homeless and living in his car when he could not make rent payments consistently. Fortunately, Chase was put in touch with WelcomeHomeOC, which helped him find an apartment that would accept his HUD Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher. “After serving in the Middle East, the gratitude I have for a home comes from the deepest portion of my heart,” said Chase.

For Orange County rental property owners, this program is truly a win-win.

It is designed to turn market-rate rentals into affordable housing by subsidizing what the voucher holder can pay. Voucher holders pay 30 percent of their income toward housing expenses, and the Housing Authority deposits the rest of the rent into the property owner’s account via direct deposit. Property owners reap favorable business benefits while playing an important role in ending homelessness.

Since the program’s inception, WelcomeHomeOC property partners have received 100 percent of rents due. The program also has a 95 percent retention rate for those who have been in the program twelve months or more, and no tenants have been evicted.

Property owners do not subsidize rent.

Instead, they collect the rental assistance subsidy directly from the Housing Authority. They can charge market rates for apartments and adjust the amount as the market changes. WelcomeHomeOC also offers housing stabilization services to the tenants to help them develop the life skills they need to become more responsible, desirable tenants.

More property providers are needed to increase the number of rental units available to house veterans and other homeless neighbors. One compelling reason to join WelcomeHomeOC is that property owners and managers have dedicated support for leasing vacant units, which reduces the time and labor needed to identify and screen prospective tenants and expedites the approval process with the Housing Authority.

If you own rental properties, please consider joining the seventy-five property owners who are currently a part of the WelcomeHomeOC network and help spread the word about this opportunity to your clients and contacts.

For more information about the WelcomeHomeOC property owner network, visit welcomehomeoc.org or contact the Property Engagement Team at WelcomeHomeOC@unitedwayoc.org.

MARKETING

By Michelle McCann MARKETING AND PROGRAMS MANAGER

T

he holiday season is full of party invitations, promotional emails, social media advertisements, and more. It is hard not to feel like your marketing efforts will get lost in the holiday shuffle and blend into the background—especially when the holidays are seen as a slow time in real estate. But that does not mean you should kick back by the fireplace and do nothing! You are missing out if you are not gathering leads during the slower winter months. Here are a few ideas about how to turn the merry season into a time to stay in touch.

Spread the Holiday Spirit Online There are many ways to keep in touch virtually with your social media followers and sphere of influence while you spread holiday cheer. You can post holiday messages and seasonal tips to your social media feeds and stories that will compel your followers to like, comment, and share. Festive video messages can be posted to social media as well or even emailed to your potential client list. Orange County REALTORS® has assembled seasonal collateral for you to use on social media during the holidays. Access this free, holiday-themed marketing collateral at www.ocrealtors.org/holiday-toolbox.

30

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

Send a Little Cheer Many REALTORS® send closing gifts as a gesture of appreciation and as a way of maintaining long-lasting relationships with clients. Don’t overlook holiday gifts as another way to build your sphere of influence and get more referrals. You can make past and potential clients feel appreciated without breaking the bank during the chilly months. It’s the thought and gesture that count, not the price. You want your clients to think of you when they need a REALTOR®—or know someone who does—exactly like you thought of them during the gift-giving season.

Take advantage of your OC REALTORS® member discount at the Harry & David family of brands and use promo code OCRMD0089 when you shop online at www.harryanddavid.com.

MARKETING

Give Back and Volunteer

Be the Guide for Festive Events

People are often more willing to give their time during the holidays. Another idea to stay in touch with clients during slower buying and selling periods is to support a local charity or organization. Carve out time to volunteer for a charitable cause that is important to you and encourage your clients to join you. This is an opportunity to create meaningful interactions with your followers and turn them into repeat clients down the road. Ask them to recommend charities on social media, invite them to join you, follow up with them, and thank them for their input, time, and support. Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities listed in OCR’s biweekly What’s Up e-newsletter.

Post information about festive happenings in the neighborhoods and cities you farm or create a list of links and venues for local holiday festivals, parades, photos with Santa, light shows, and other holiday happenings.

Planning can be cumbersome for people, especially while hosting family members and friends, and delivering relevant information reestablishes a connection with previous clients. Knowing what is going on locally also emphasizes your expertise as a local REALTOR® and improves your chances of being found by prospective clients. Visit your local chamber of commerce’s website to learn about upcoming holiday events and share this information in your emails or on social media.

You want your clients to think of you when they need a REALTOR®—or know someone who does—exactly like you thought of them during the gift-giving season.

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

31

THE ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING UPDATE

Although home values have been skyrocketing for many months, the housing market does not show any signs of slowing down.

By Steven Thomas

REPORTSONHOUSING.COM Steven Thomas has a degree in quantitative economics and decision sciences from the University of California, San Diego, and more than twenty years of experience in real estate. His bimonthly Orange County Housing Report is available by subscription and provides housing market analysis that is easy to understand and useful in setting the expectations of both buyers and sellers. His website is www.ReportsOnHousing.com.

E

veryone looks forward to the Super Bowl.

Their enthusiasm is not only about the excitement surrounding championship football, or the over-the-top television commercials, or getting together with family and friends to enjoy the game. It is also about the bountiful feast with its plethora of food options: hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, several varieties of chips, nachos, chili-cheese dip, spinach-artichoke dip, cheese, crackers, nuts, pretzels, beer, soda, brownies, cookies, candy, and so much more. During the second half of the game, it becomes harder and harder to plunge one more corn chip into the chilicheese dip. It is an unhealthy eating pace for one afternoon a year.

It is important to clear the air and explain that the fact that housing is appreciating at an unhealthy rate does not mean that a bubble is inflating or that housing will inevitably crash. There is absolutely nothing in the charts and data which statistically supports that conclusion.

Instead, housing is becoming unattainable for more and more first-time homebuyers and renters.

Similarly, with market time at unprecedented low levels, home values are shooting skyward, eroding home affordability at an unhealthy pace. Yet, the housing market has been going strong since July of 2020 and will not slow for the rest of 2021 and into 2022. It is great to be a homeowner; however, for those aspiring to buy a home, the goal is becoming harder and harder to reach.

In fact, according to the California Association of REALTORS®, more than two-thirds of the homes sold in the months of May through August sold above their asking prices. For eleven consecutive months, more than 50 percent of closed sales sold above their asking price. The fourth quarter of 2022 is starting with an Expected Market Time of 26 days, far below that 40-day threshold; the lower the market time, the hotter the market.

32

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

Expected Market Time (the amount of time between hammering in the For Sale sign and opening escrow; see figure) has remained below 40 days since the end of August 2020. Anything below 40 days indicates an insane, scorching-hot housing market, where buyers are tripping over themselves to be the first to see a home that just hit the market, multiple offers are the norm, and homes are selling above their list prices.

THE ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING UPDATE

The demand side of the equation is not going to change much at all. It will continue to be elevated because of persistent, record-low interest rates. The only way the market will slow would be with rising rates, which would further erode home affordability and slow demand. Payments would rise, and many buyers would stop their search. However, rates are no longer forecast to rise much through the end of the year and into 2022; thus, demand (the number of new escrows in the prior month) will remain strong.

The Expected Market Time has remained below 40 days since the end of August 2020. Anything below 40 days indicates a scorching-hot seller’s market, where buyers are tripping over themselves to be the first to see a home, multiple offers are the norm, and homes are selling above their list prices.

Housing will remain hot because the supply crisis will continue into 2022, and the historically low mortgage rate environment is not going to fade away anytime soon. It is all boils down to good oldfashioned supply and demand.

So, how did the supply crisis materialize? It started in January 2020.

The 3,901-home level was the third lowest start to a year behind 2013 and 2018. Then, when the economy shut down in March 2020 with the beginning of the pandemic and a national stay-at-home order, fewer homeowners opted to sell their homes. In 2020, 7 percent fewer homes came on the market in Orange County compared to the three-year average between 2017 and 2019, which equated to 2,611 missing for sale signs.

After the housing inventory reached a peak of 5,044 homes in May 2020 (peaks typically occur between July and August), its lowest peak since tracking began in 2004 by a landslide, the inventory shed an additional 2,369 homes, or 47 percent, by year’s end. That paved the way to a record low start to 2021 with 2,522 homes, 20 percent below the prior 3,161 home record low start in 2013.

From January through September, there were 2,121 fewer new for sale signs in Orange County, 7 percent less than the three-year average from 2017 to 2019. While it may not seem like much of a difference, it is still increasing the scarcity of available homes and exacerbating the inventory crisis. There were only 2,179 homes available for buyers to start the fourth quarter of 2022, the lowest level for this time of the year since tracking began in 2004, and 48 percent below last year’s record low level of 4,153 homes. The three-year average for homes available for this time of the year (2017 to 2019) was 6,520, or 199 percent more, triple today’s anemic level.

Orange County is one of three Southern California counties where the current demand reading is higher than the current active inventory, meaning that the past 30 days of pending sales activity is higher than the number of available homes to purchase today. That phenomenon occurred for the first time since tracking began in February of this year. The ultra-low supply matched up against record-low-mortgagerate-induced demand has led to the skyrocketing home values. The persisting imbalance will continue to drive appreciation.

Soaring home values are not healthy and ultimately will limit the number of buyers able to purchase.

While affordability is not yet an issue because of record low rates (affordability factors are prices, rates, and incomes), eventually, values in Orange County will climb to a point where the housing market will slow as more and more buyers stop their search because monthly payments are simply out of reach. When that will occur depends on how high values climb, any eventual rise in rates, and the limits to rising incomes. For now, it is not an issue, and the current pace will not change for the rest of 2021.

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

33

PROPERTY TAXES

R E M I N D E R :

IT’S TIME TO PAY YOUR PROPERTY TAXES!

YOU CAN PAY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR ONLINE. The first installment of the FY 2021–22 property tax bill is due on November 1, 2021, and is delinquent if not postmarked by December 10. The second installment is due by February 1, 2022.

BY SHARI L. FREIDENRICH ORANGE COUNTY TREASURER-TAX COLLECTOR

W

e have made one of the necessary chores associated with owning property—that is, ensuring that annual property tax payments are made on time—easier by improving the “touchless” ways in which Orange County residents can interact with the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office.

All property tax bills for FY 2021–22 are available online and were mailed starting September 28. If you have not received yours, go online to octreasurer.com/octaxbill and input your assessor parcel number (APN) or property address to view or print this tax bill.

In Fiscal Year 2020–21, taxpayers used safe “touchless” options and paid over 67 percent of property tax payments electronically.

More than 34 percent of the taxpayers used our no-cost eCheck payment option. This option allows for online payment at octreasurer.com/octaxbill using your bank account, once you get to our secure payment site, and eliminates the need either to mail a paper check or to make the payment in person. And with the eCheck payment option, there is no service fee.

If you live in your home or are a small business and failed to deliver your 2019–20 or your 2020–21 secured property tax bill because of COVID-19 but paid the base taxes and penalty by June 30, 2021, you can have your penalties cancelled. Go to octreasurer.com, click on property taxes then on penalty cancellations, complete the Penalty Cancellation form noting the impact from COVID-19 that delayed your payment, and indicate if you live in your home or qualify as a small business in the comments section.

Payment by eCheck allows for timely payment until midnight on the last timely payment date, and a payment receipt is immediately emailed to the email address provided. Mobile users can scan the QR code that comes on their property tax bill for access to information about their specific parcel and view an online statement that shows any delinquent property taxes or overpayments. All taxpayers can email ttcinfo@ttc.ocgov.com or call 714-834-3411 to request a refund of an overpayment.

34

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

If you wish to appeal your FY 2021–22 property value assessments, the deadline for filing an appeal is November 30. To avoid a nonrefundable 10 percent penalty, you must pay your property tax bill on or before the last timely payment date. If the assessment is adjusted, you will receive an overpayment refund that may include interest.

PROPERTY TAXES

Our office offers a variety of “touchless” online property tax information and interactive options. To become better acquainted with these options, visit our website at octreasurer.com/octaxbill or input some of the links listed below.

Eleven years of property tax bill copies and two years of payment detail octreasurer.com/octaxbill Mello-Roos/PACE and tax bill information mello.ocgov.com (GIS map) or octreasurer.com/melloroos Property Tax eGuides for New Homeowners and Businesses

Are you a business or do you own a boat?

If so and if the assessed value of your unsecured property is less than $7,500, you will no longer receive an unsecured property tax bill. The low value exemption was increased from $3,000 to $7,500 in 2021, eliminating any property taxes. Also, if you are a business, you can view your unsecured property tax bill by searching by business name at octreasurer.com/octaxbill.

octreasurer.com/propertytaxeguides Secured property tax information text or email subscription octreasurer.com/securedreminders Weekly Financial Tips/Top 20 Taxpayers octreasurer.com/ocfinancialinfo Unsecured property tax information text or email subscription octreasurer.com/unsecuredreminder Properties with delinquent property taxes octreasurer.com/taxdefaultedproperty Postmark information for mailing property tax payments octreasurer.com/postmarks Change of Address, Exemptions, and Change of Ownership forms ocgov.com/gov/assessor Assessment appeals process information cob.ocgov.com View unclaimed funds held by the Treasurer

Shari Freidenrich was first elected Orange County Treasurer in 2010 and was reelected in 2014 and 2018.

She has more than fifteen years of experience as a certified public accountant in private industry, specializing in real estate and banking, and more than twenty-four years of experience serving as an elected official in local government. Shari’s email address is ShariforOCTreas@aol.com. You can sign up for her property tax tips eNewsletter at www.ShariFreidenrich.com.

The Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector has moved.

The new physical address is 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, California 92701 For your convenience, you can place your payment in the 24/7 drop box at that location.

Questions can be emailed to Treasurer@ttc.ocgov.com.

octreasurer.com/unclaimedfunds

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

35

EVENTS

This virtual one-day educational experience for real estate professionals featured a variety of speakers whose topics included use of social media, a market forecast, recent changes in real estate law, and fair housing practices.

By Sherri Butterfield

T

he unqualified success of the first-ever REXPO staged by Orange County REALTORS® in September 2019 strongly suggested the need for a sequel; however, the pandemic forced what previously had been an in-person event to go virtual in 2020 and that virtual format was repeated in 2021. REXPO 2021, took place on Wednesday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and featured a series of presentations by distinguished speakers.

California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) 2021 President-Elect Otto Catrina welcomed viewers, thanked the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS®, the North San Diego County REALTORS®, and the Greater Los Angeles REALTORS® for co-hosting the event with Orange County REALTORS®, and introduced Steve Smith, president of Greater Los Angeles REALTORS®.

Social Media: Post Positive Content to Your Target Audience on a Consistent Basis In turn, Smith, introduced the first speaker, Steve Black, founder of Social Media Success Theories.

Black told viewers to use Facebook to “connect with people in your community and stay top of mind.” He advised them to “keep it personal. If you do five posts a week, make four personal and one about business.” He added, “By doing so, you can turn content into conversations and conversations into commissions.” Black said that the formula for success on social media is “to post positive content to your target audience on a consistent basis.”

36

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

New Laws and New Forms Ditas Yamane, president of the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS®, introduced California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) Vice President and Assistant General Counsel Gov Hutchinson, who described new laws and new forms. Hutchinson said, “The eviction moratorium is over. Starting October 1, the just cause rules are back to where they were before the pandemic. You can go to court and sue for all the back rent you are owed. And you can still apply for rental assistance until that money runs out.” Hutchinson also summarized provisions of many of the news laws, including those having to do with appraisal bias and the elimination of restrictive covenants, and he announced that a new purchase contract is coming out at the end of the year.

EVENTS

Bill Dedman

Photos by Marion Butterfield

Brad Inman and Nancy Layne

Real Estate: Hustle with Integrity and Emphasize Customer Service Nancy Layne, president of North San Diego REALTORS®, introduced Brad Inman, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, whose knowledge of the real estate industry dates to his days as a syndicated real estate columnist with the San Francisco Examiner and who founded Inman News in 1996 as an online news source for the real estate industry.

During their conversation, Inman said that the most bankable asset REALTORS® have is integrity, which he termed a lifelong effort, adding, “You either have it or you don’t.” He described his approach to hiring as, “Hire slow.

Fire fast. Don’t run ads. Go find people and recruit them.

Follow the winners, not the whiners.” Then, he added, “None of us is coming out of this alive. Use this time wisely. Stay present. Make it less about blaming others and more about changing yourself—your attitude, your approach, your results. Hustle with integrity. Emphasize customer service.”

Fair Housing Practices: The Problems with Profiling and Steering Otto Catrina introduced the keynote speaker, Bill Dedman, one of the four lead investigative reporters on the Newsday series “Long Island Divided” and author of The Color of Money (1989), for which he received the Pulitzer Prize.

Dedman spoke about the practices of profiling and steering, defining the latter as “inappropriate comments or guidance that violates the law.” He went on to say that, for some agents, “it seemed that steering was part of the service they were providing.” After offering several examples of seemingly well-intentioned but illegal steering, Dedman said, “The best way to stop illegal steering may be to stop steering altogether, to stop picking your clients’ neighborhoods. Instead, provide them with listings based on their own objective criteria.”

Steven Thomas

Housing: No Crash Coming, but the Market Is “Unhealthy” Lori Namazi, president of Orange County REALTORS®, introduced Steven Thomas, whom she termed her “go-to So-Cal economist.”

Thomas has a degree in quantitative economics and decision sciences, more than twenty years of experience in real estate, and publishes the bimonthly Orange County Housing Report. He said, “Because of the imbalance between supply and demand, this year the housing market was even hotter than it was in 2013.”

Thomas assured REALTORS® that “there will be no wave of foreclosures” as there was in 2008, and that there is no crash coming. Instead, he said, “What we have is an unhealthy market. We are dealing with an inventory crisis. Even though people are aware they can make a super profit, they are not selling because they do not know where they will go.” Thomas predicted that 2022 will start with a record-low inventory, buyers will pull back as interest rates rise, demand will slowly go down, but luxury will continue to soar.

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

37

EVENTS

Thursday, August 26 | Boomer's Irvine

Winners Aaron Rosen

Bryn Hutchinson

Jared Price

George Delgado

In late August, members of the Young Professionals Network (YPN) enjoyed the annual Mini Masters at Boomer’s in Irvine. Held as a part of the California Association of REALTORS® YPN Month of Giving, this miniature-golf event provided an ideal opportunity to have some fun in the sun while raising funds for OCAR Cares, the Orange County REALTORS® member relief fund.

38

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

EVENT

2021 OCAR Cares Golf Tournament

40

Closest to the Pin - Men: Guy DeBeauviere

Longest Drive - Ladies: Monica Salazar

Closest to the Pin - Ladies: Teresa Mihelic

Mixed Foursome - Lowest Score: Gary Bridge,

Longest Drive - Men: Greg Lloyd

Chris Bridge, Teresa Mihelic, and John Veytia

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

OC REALTOR®

EVENT

Photos Provided by OC REALTORS®

For more photos of this event, visit www.ocrealtors.org/golf21.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

41

USPS NOTICE

USPS Form 3526-R Reporting Requirement for Periodical Postage Permit The information below is being published as a requirement to maintain our Periodical Postage Privileges.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation: Publication Title: OC REALTOR®; Publication Number: 1945-2179; Filing date: 09/30/2021; Issue Frequency: Bimonthly; Number of Issues Published Annually: 6; Annual Subscription Price: $6.09; Complete Mailing Address of Office of Publication, Office of Publisher, Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor, Owner: Orange County REALTORS®, 25552 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills, Orange County, CA 92653-5127; Tax Status: Has not changed during the preceding twelve months; Issue Date for Circulation Data: September 2021; The period includes twelve months.

Average Number of Copies Each Issue During Preceding Twelve Months: Total Number of Copies: 14,711; Paid Subscriptions, Outside-County: 2,180, In-County: 12,026; Total Paid Circulation 14,206; Nonrequested Distribution: 58, Total Nonrequested Distribution: 58; Total Distribution: 14,264; Copies not Distributed: 447; Total 14,711; Percent Paid: 99.59% Number of Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: Total Number of Copies: 15,336; Paid Subscriptions, Outside-County: 2,389, In-County: 12,447; Total Paid Circulation 14,836; Nonrequested Distribution: 200, Total Nonrequested Distribution: 200; Total Distribution: 15,036; Copies not Distributed: 300; Total 15,336; Percent Paid: 96.74%

OC REALTOR®

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021

43