VPAR November 2013 REALTOR Update by Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS

REALTOR® Update October 2013

Published by the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Americans on the Move Again, Census Says After staying in place for years, bogged down by the financial effects of the recession, Americans are finally back on the move, according to the latest U.S. Census data. In 2012, nearly 16.9 million people moved between counties, and 7 million made long-distance moves from one state to another. For long-distance moves, that figure was nearly 5 percent higher than 2010. The recession had the effect of “freezing people in place” as they waited out a housing and economic slump, and now there’s “at least a thawing,” Kenneth Johnson, a demographer with the University of New Hampshire, told USA Today. The median price of an existing-home rose to $212,100 this year compared to $166,200 in 2011, the National Association of REALTORS® reports. Many home owners “didn’t want to sell a house that they viewed as a low price,” says Jed Smith, an NAR economist. “Now that the prices are up, away we go.” Where are they going? Many people are heading to the Sun Belt states: Florida, Arizona, and Nevada, Johnson says. They’re moving from Northeastern and Midwestern cities, such as Baltimore, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and New York. For example, the state of New York lost about 136,000 residents in 2012. On the other hand, metro areas such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale, which lost residents during the recession, regained population in 2012 — particularly as housing and the economy recovers there. Las Vegas; Jacksonville, Fla.; and San Jose, Calif., are other metros gaining residents after a loss, USA Today reports. Source: “Census: Americans are moving again,” USA Today (Oct. 26, 2013) No

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Support your Affiliate Partners Today!

A very special thank you to the following Partners Diamond Sponsors Atlantic Bay Mortgage - (757) 874-6040 Platinum Sponsors Monarch Mortgage - 757-291-4004 Real Estate Information Network (REIN) - 757-531-7900 Gold Sponsors Fidelity Bank Mortgage - 757-597-0431 National Exterminating - 757-599-3621Â PNC Mortgage - 757-599-6882 PrimeLending - 757-344-3366 SunTrust of Hampton - 757-896-4982 Towne Bank Mortgage - 757-687-5005 Silver Sponsors C&F Mortgage - 757-873-8200 Commonwealth Exterminating Co. - 757-873-2030 Cox Communications - 757-222-8394 Fulton Mortgage Company - 757-873-0435 Movement Mortgage - 757-585-4941 Pillar To Post - 757-564-4454 Bronze Sponsors Daily Press - 757-247-4891 NARPM - 757-876-0284 Old Point Mortgage - 757-876-5681 Peninsula Title - 757-595-2536 ServPro of Hampton - 757-560-0757 Shaheen Law - 7567-369-2831 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage- 757-873-3308

Your Member Service with FEET! Check Out Our Tech Department. VPAR offers our members fantastic tech support via our tech guru, Rich Benet. Along with giving general advice, we provide computer repair services at 30 to 50% less than what most tech stores charge. So, why not try us? Contact Rich Benet at 757-599-5222 or rbenet@vpar.org.

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REALTOR® Update The Official Publication of the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® Officers President Pamela McKinney Lewis, ABR, SFR President-Elect Kimi Dornan, ABR, GRI, SFR Treasurer Chandra Patterson Immediate Past President Sheila Dann, ABR, GRI, SFR Directors Carl Burt • Carol Davanay, ABR, GREEN Theresa Embler • Dewey Hutchins, Jr. Chris Pray • Diana Rondinelli Regina Scott

Advertising Policy While this magazine makes reasonable effort to establish the integrity of its advertisers, it does not endorse advertised products or services unless specifically stated. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement at anytime. Advertisements refused may include, but are not limited to, those that are legally questionable, that may support products or services of questionable standards, or that are inconsistent with the high professional standard of the Code of Ethics of the Association. Advertising is open to REALTOR® members, member firms, affiliate members and non-members. Product advertising is limited to residential subdivisions, commercial, or industrial units and real estate related products and services, excluding personal listings. Equal Opportunity Policy VPAR is pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity. The Association encourages and supports an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, elderliness, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Notice VPAR does not fix, control, recommend, suggest, or maintain commission rates or fees for services rendered by cooperating members or non-members. Editor Dana R. Holben, RCE, e-PRO REALTOR® Update is published monthly by the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® as a service to its membership. Correspondence and requests for advertising packets should be mailed to REALTOR® Update, Attention: Dana R. Holben, Editor, 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666 or call VPAR at (757) 599-5222 or e-mail at dana@vpar.org.

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Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®

Thursday, November 14, 2013 James River Country Club, Newport News $35.00 per person 4:30 PM TILL 8PM

Enjoy heavy Hors d’oeuvres, music by ‘2 for FUN’, dancing, networking and cash bar. INSTALLATION & AWARDS 6pm—7pm

SHRIMP COCKTAIL TEA SANDWICHES MEATBALLS HAM BISQUITS SCALLOPS W/BACON VEGETABLE TRAY CHEESE TRAY

CHICKEN SKEWERS BAKED BRIE WHEEL CRAB & ARTICHOKE TOP ROUND CHEESE CAKE CHOCOLATE ECLAIR LEMON SQUARES

COFFEE, TEA AND WATER STATION

Remit to: VPAR 1001 North Campus Parkway, Hampton, VA 23666 Register online at members.vpar.org Registration Deadline is on Friday, November 8th, 2013 Name(s):

I/We will be attending the Reception on Thursday, November 14, 2013

_______ __

Firm: Credit Card # Signature:

Exp. Date:

_____ Name on Card: __________________

Check Enclosed □ Please call Jo McNamara Daly at 757-599-5222 or email at jo@vpar.org for more information. Cancellations within 48 hours will receive full refund. Please notify two weeks in advance if you require special services.

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President’s Message

by Pamela McKinney-Lewis, 2013 VPAR President

Where did the time go? . It brought me great pleasure to be your 2013 VPAR President, but my term has come to a close. I want to take the time to thank my Executive Committee, Board of Directors, staff, committee chairs and vice chairs and our Governmental Affairs Director for being great support during my term. One thing is for sure about your Association, we have great support that aides in the success of our organization. Lastly, I am delighted to know that I was able to witness up front and center the love our members have for the Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS®. Your 2013 President (The youngest in the history of VPAR), Pamela McKinney Lewis

Agencies Issue Private Flood Insurance Proposal By Russell W. Riggs Five federal regulatory agencies are issuing a joint notice of proposed rulemaking to amend regulations pertaining to loans secured by property located in special flood hazard areas. The proposed rule would implement certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (Biggert-Waters) with respect to private flood insurance, the escrow of flood insurance payments, and the forced-placement of flood insurance. The agencies are seeking public comment by December 10. NAR will be submitting comments on this proposal to ensure that flood insurance remains available and affordable for property owners.

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President’s Message by Kimi Dornan, 2014 VPAR President

When I traveled to Chicago for the NAR Leadership Conference for incoming presidents this August, the theme was “The Time is Now.” This is a great theme to launch my presidency and to help us build enthusiasm for 2014. “The Time is Now” to get involved with VPAR and take advantage of the many events and services offered to you, our members. First, I encourage you to sign up for a committee for 2014. You can find the Committee Sign Up Form on our website at www.vpar.org. I would like to recognize the 2014 Committee Chairs: Dale Chandler (Awards), Karen Pennington (Broker Manager Enhancement), Chandra Patterson (Budget and Finance), Dee Karlsson (Banquet), Lindsay Pennington (Realtor Fest), Dan Matter (Member Relations), Pam Strahorn-Roe (New Homes), Brooke Scutt (Professional Development), Stephen Abbitt (Property Management), Sandra Hood (Public Policy), Peggy Todd (RPAC), Dana Holben (Public Relations), Donna Moyer (Risk Management), and Dorothy Burch (Grievance and Professional Standards). Thank you to our Chairs for offering your service and leadership for the coming year. All sign up forms need to be returned to VPAR by Monday, November 11th. Serving on a committee is a rewarding experience. There are many other ways to utilize your VPAR membership. I encourage you to attend our training and education offerings. We offer a wide range of continuing education and classes on various topics affecting the real estate industry, risk management, and technology. You can also take continuing education classes online through the VPAR website. Your participation in our Association will allow you to meet new people and build relationships with your fellow REALTORS® and Affiliates that will help your business grow. VPAR also keeps you informed about current political issues and policies impacting the real estate industry and our local area. I truly believe that there is something for everyone at VPAR, and “The Time is Now” to make the most of your VPAR membership. Find your niche today at VPAR, and help me make 2014 an exciting and successful year for all of us! In closing, I want to invite you to join me for our annual Installation Banquet which will take place on Thursday, November 14th at James River Country Club from 4:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M . The cost is $35 per person, and the attire is business. There will be entertainment by 2 For Fun featuring Brian Bleakley and Steve Ambrose of “The Original Rhondels”. Bring your dancing shoes! I am grateful to the Events Committee for all their efforts planning this event. Come honor our award winners and celebrate the installation of our new VPAR Board of Directors and VPAR Charitable Foundation Board. See you there!

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Off my Desk…. CEO Report Dana R. Holben, RCE, e-PRO Transition is a word that means change, changeover, or evolution. Each year during this time, VPAR is in transition. We are evolving to a new President, new Board of Directors, New Committee Chairs and New Committees. The involvement in this evolution is you the members. You will continue to hear that this is your Association. The strength of the Association depends on you. Why will you continue to hear this, because, both of these statements are very true. Think of the Association as a bus. Who is driving – President and the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors creates policy to ensure the Association continues to move forward and to ensure that we are on the road. Who is Navigating – The committees. The Committees recommend to the Board policies that will enhance the Association as it moves forward. Who is the engine – The MEMBERS! They are the driving force of why everything is done here at the Association. Who are the tires – the staff. We are here to ensure that while everything is happening, we continue rolling down the highway to better education, better speakers at meetings, better programs, and better communications. By working together, we are the Association. We are better when we have more member participation on our committees. VPAR has such a diverse committee selection, there is one for everyone! Sign up today… www.vpar.org.

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Risk Management Corner Sixth Sense Is a contract enforceable if the seller dies post-ratification but before closing? In 1835 the Virginia Supreme Court answered this question, in the case of Moore’s Adm’rs v. Fitz Randolph, 33 Va. 175 (1835), as follows: For myself, I must say, that I can come to no such doctrine; for the cases clearly shew, that if a man owning land contract for the sale of it, and die before a conveyance executed, his heir at law will be decreed to perform the agreement in specie, even though not named in the covenant. Now, if you were ever wondering why lawyers get paid so much to do research then all you need do is read this case – I didn’t know what “specie” was either. (It means in a similar kind, such that the judge was saying the heirs will have to perform under the contract in a fashion similar to the original seller.) This result is true not only in Virginia, but to my knowledge in all fifty states. In many jurisdictions the answer will turn on whether the contract contains language stating that it is “binding on the heirs.” Curiously, The REIN Standard Purchase Agreement no longer contains that language (the VAR contract still does), but the law presumes that it is meant to be binding on the seller’s estate (that is the language from the case quote above means when the judge says “even though not named in the covenant”) anyway. Sometimes the seller dies before the deed is executed and so the question becomes: who will sign the deed? Again, Virginia law provides a pretty clear answer, at VA. CODE § 64.1-148: When any deceased person shall have executed and delivered a bona fide written contract of sale, purchase option, or other agreement binding such deceased person, his heirs, personal representatives, or assigns, to convey any real property or interest therein, his personal representatives may, upon full compliance by the purchaser with the terms and conditions of such contract, option or agreement execute a deed and do all things necessary to effect the transfer of title to such real property or interest therein to the purchaser and such transfer shall be as effective as if it had been made by the deceased obligor. It may well be that closing will be delayed somewhat when a seller dies, but as you can see it is clear that the buyer can insist and require the estate to conclude the transaction. Is the reverse true? Can a seller require a deceased buyer’s estate to perform under a contract? While in theory it is true (the judge above refused to answer that converse question), bear in mind the practical nature of our modern contracts and transactions – financing based on the buyer’s income, owner occupancy, etc. would almost certainly dictate a different result. Perhaps if the contract were a straightforward, non-personal, cash deal one could bind a buyer’s estate. Otherwise, I would say no. Please email any questions, comments or suggestions to me at bdlytle@lytlelaw.com, where, to the best of my knowledge (but perhaps like Bruce Willis’s character Dr. Malcolm Crowe), I am still alive.

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August PPC BRIEFS

by Susan Gaston, Governmental Affairs Consultant Hampton The Hampton Rental Inspection Ordinance was approved October 23rd on a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Donnie Tuck voting against the ordinance. Most of the changes requested by VPAR, which played a leading role in the stakeholders group, were incorporated into the final language, including having only four neighborhoods (Sussex, Old Wythe, North Phoebus and South Phoebus) initially be in the program until May 1, 2014. During this six-month timeframe, VPAR will be heavily involved in working with the City to develop performance measures to assess the program’s effectiveness and provide suggested changes to the program if warranted at the conclusion of the six months. The other provision that was included was to outline the exterior and interior disqualifying factors that the inspectors will use in their inspections; this adds certainty for owners, landlords and property managers, and removes any subjectivity of the inspector. The fee structure also was mitigated favorably, with no fee charged for the initial inspection or re-inspection UNLESS there is a disqualifying factor found. Members of Council publicly acknowledged VPAR’s work and leadership role in this endeavor. Visit http://hampton.gov/documentcenter/view/3488 for a brief overview of the program. On October 24th, the Ft. Monroe Master Plan was approved. VPAR has been involved in this issue for nearly two years, participating in a majority of the public forums that were held to develop the Plan, which includes allowing the sale of homes in some areas of the Fort (you remember VPAR worked on that legislation a couple of years ago with Sen. Mamie Locke), development guidelines and other land use and zoning issues that will allow the Fort to become self-sufficient. Check out the highlights of the Plan B: http://www.fmauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Board_Master_Plan_Presentation_Final_2013-10-23.pdf.

VPAR wishes to acknowledge new leadership positions in the City. With the departure of former Mayor Molly Ward came the appointment of George Wallace as Mayor, As of October 23rd, the Vice Mayor is Linda Curtis. We look forward to working with both Mayor Wallace and Vice Mayor Curtis as well as with all members of Council.

Newport News VPAR was honored to have been a Silver Sponsor of the STATE OF THE CITY event on October 22nd. Along with a veritable “Who’s Who” of city business leaders and elected officials, VPAR members participated in this inaugural event where Mayor McKinley Price, DDS, delivered his review of the City for 2013. Watch the video at http://www. nngov.com/council/state-of-city. Thanks to VPAR members Kimi Dornan, Keith Canty, Chandra Patterson, Sandra Hood, Regina Scott and Russell Skidmore, who, along with CEO Dana Holben and Legislative Consultant Susan Gaston, represented the Association at this event!

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JUNE PPC BRIEFS, continued by Susan Gaston, Governmental Affairs Consultant

VPAR’s Legislative Consultant, Susan Gaston, has been appointed by the Planning Commission to serve on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC). Planning Commissioner and REALTOR® Michael Carpenter also will serve on the CPAC. The City will initiate a review of its fiveyear Plan, which is an important guideline for future development and land us in the City. Mayor McKinley Price, DDS, has been appointed the Chairman of the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization, the leading regional voice of local governments and our state delegation on Hampton Roads transportation issues. Mayor Price’s leadership will prove beneficial to the Peninsula. Congratulations. STATE At the VAR Convention last month, the list of legislative priorities for the 2014 General Assembly Session continued to be pared down to a manageable number of bills likely to include professionalism, criminal immunity for mistaken advertising of false information, amendments to the landlord-tenant statute and vested rights clarification. After the upcoming elections, we will begin to tap patrons for our bills and start to disseminate details to the membership. Speaking of elections, remember to vote the REALTOR® PARTY on Tuesday, November 5th! Be sure to check out the VAR REALTOR® Choose website for the most current election information on the candidates endorsed by VAR and VPAR. http://www.realtorschoose.com/ Keep in mind that RPAC of Virginia endorsements are based solely on the candidates’ proven record, if applicable, or anticipated support for REALTOR® and business issues party affiliation is NOT taken into consideration as part of the endorsement decision. FEDERAL NAR is asking REALTOR® members to provide details regarding flood insurance premium quotes. If you have received a quote that you feel is exaggerated and excessive, please provide details of that information, protecting the names and privacy of your clients and customers, of course, to Susan Gaston, VPAR’s Legislative Consultant at susan@gastongroup.com. NAR will provide the information to Members of Congress who are asking for more than just anecdotal evidence that premiums are increasing. False Facebook Post on Health Care Reform A false Facebook post is making the rounds claiming that if you don’t pay the penalty for not buying health insurance, the IRS can file a lien against your home. The health care reform law requires individuals who don’t meet one of the law’s exemptions to buy an insurance plan that meets minimum requirements or face a penalty. For those who choose to have no insurance at all by the open-enrollment deadline, they will be penalized $95 or 1 percent of their income (whichever is greater). That penalty will go up to $695 or 2.5 percent of income in 2016. However, it is not true that the IRS can file a lien against your home for failing to pay the penalty. Though the IRS does have authority to garnish wages and file liens to collect unpaid taxes, the Affordable Care Act explicitly prohibits it from using such measures to collect health-insurance penalties, according to Kaiser Health News, an independent nonprofit news organization dedicated to covering U.S. health policy. Instead, the IRS will withhold the penalty from your tax return, Read this piece from the non-partisan Kaiser News Network that addresses the claim. Michelle Andrews is one of the top health care reporters. The piece is posted at http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Features/Insuring-Your-Health/2013/102213-Michelle-Andrews-questions-on-hsas-fertility-coverage.aspx For additional details, please contact VPAR’s Legislative Consultant, Susan Gaston, at 757-871-1445 or by email at susan@gastongroup.com.

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2013 RPAC Campaign Contributors (As of June 21, 2013)

STERLING “R” ($1000 - $2500) Keith Canty Joe Carney Dale Chandler Sheila Dann Lynn Grimsley Pamela McKinney Lewis REIN PRESIDENT’S CLUB ($750 $999) GOVERNOR’S CLUB ($500 $749) Ruby Conn Carol Davanay Karen Enriquez Barry Nachman Valerie Smoot Pam Strahorn-Roe Peggy Todd CAPITOL INSIDER ($250 - $499) Carl Burt Kimi Dornan Catherine Harney Dewey Hutchins Eugenia Jackson Donna Moyer Chandra Patterson Karen Pennington Robert Sullivan Teresa Sullivan Sandra von Schilling 99 CLUB ($99 - $249) Marvin Adams, Jr Martha Anders Brad Anderson Ann Andrews Terri Ashe Bonnie Atwell Tessie Baker Jimmy Blalock Penny Boyd Butch Boykin Bill Brown Dorothy Burch Bob Burch Lou Call Lori Carlson Bob Chapman Katey Chapman Maria Christian

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Frank Cotrupi Vince Cowling Betsy Davis Donna Dellinger Angela DeLong Shelby Dillon Don Duty Gene Efird Theresa Embler Katharina Formy Duval Robbie Garnett Caye Garrett Greg Garrett Susan Gaston Joy Gibbs Milton Greene Kay Grizzard Gina Hanson Kyle Hause Ron Heim Dwain Henson Keith Hinton Momo Hlaing Dana Holben Sandra Hood Rod Huskey Dick Hyde Sancy Isham Luke Jeffery Yvonne Johnson Dee Karlsson Janine Kimble Kathy Macklin Daniel Matter Ellen McDaniel Rachel McKenney Jo McNamara Daly Mary Mills Elizabeth Moore Jim Moore Helen Nachman Cory Newell Scott Nicholas Kelly Nicol Lila Nicolls Sharon Pauls Perry Pilgrim Adrienne Pittinger Michelle Pollock Chris Pray Pat Richardson Kathy Ridley Diana Rondinelli Vic Rondinelli

Neal Rosenbaum Regina Scott Sharon Sherman Tom Smart Jodie Snyder Sharon Snyder Bartels Marion Sparks Lynn Teravainen Adam Triplett Ray Upright Angie Vidt Beth Walls Jeri Walter Sam White Sandy White David Whitley

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RPAC Update, Keith Canty, RPAC Chair Wow! This year really is going by quickly. Fall knocked with temperatures in the 30s. Getting ready for the Winter surge. We had our RPAC reception on October 22. Almost every elected official from our area was there or was represented. It was a wonderful opportunity to have a candid conversation with the people that are directly involved in establishing the rules and policies that govern our lives and the way in which we practice our profession. It was a very pleasant, enlightening and informative evening. I look forward to seeing you at our next one. I am ending my year as RPAC chairman and could not be more proud of your support and participation. Peggy Todd was incredible as vice chair. We raised over $30,000 this year as VPAR’s RPAC investment. Well done. This is an increase over our previous years – which were good as well. This year at the reception we got pledges from our 2014 President Elect, Dewey Hutchins and Pam Strahorn-Roe to become Sterling R ($1,000) RPAC investors for 2014. Excellent,. Our Sterling R investors and overall investment rates are increasing and rightfully should increase as we build and exert our influence over real estate issues at all levels - local, state and national. As we move into the close of this successful year and the beginning of a promising new year, we will be looking at ways to use some of our new found RPAC funds to increase and improve VPAR constituent services. We want to make it possible for VPAR, RPAC and the REALTOR® Party to serve you better. We want to make your organizations work better for you. To do so, we need your input and participation. RPAC is you – us, to make sure that the services and messages continue to be yours – ours. We need REALTORS® of every vintage to get personally involved with VPAR through participation at events or volunteering to serve in some capacity and with RPAC through personal investment and/or increasing your investment. I use the word investment because your funds put into RPAC are specifically used to monitor, review and influence real estate policies, programs, rules, regulations and laws at the local, state and national levels that impact our profession or the value of home ownership – focused professional self interest and well being – investment. I don’t and recommend you don’t either, use donation in reference to your RPAC investments. The reason is, a donation is not an investment. It is something that we give which may, or may no longer, have value to us but might have value to someone else. The recipient makes that determination, we walk away.

We can’t realistically walk away from RPAC. It is our voice. It is our action agent. If we don’t involve ourselves in what it does then someone else will and our voice doesn’t count. As professionals we can’t afford to have that so we invest in ourselves and give voice to our professional desires. Again, I have been privileged and pleased to serve you as your RPAC chair and wish you and your new chairwoman Peggy Todd, all the best. Sincerely, Keith Canty

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HUD watchdog sounds alarm on fraud activity Sequestration staffing cuts make oversight more difficult More fraudulent and abusive activity is surfacing within government housing programs as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) finds itself struggling with fewer staff members after sequestration and an inability to implement certain best practices, HUD Inspector General David Montoya said Tuesday. Montoya testified in front of the House Financial Services Committee, sounding the alarm on the impact HUD’s limited staffing capacity has had on the agency’s ability to comply with Inspector General recommendations. “Achieving HUD’s mission while exercising the appropriate level of oversight to prevent or mitigate fraud, waste and abuse continues to be an ambitious challenge for its limited staff,” Montoya said. He added, “This has forced HUD to continue to rely heavily on contractors to carry out many of its programs and to expect that local and state jurisdictions and recipients of HUD funds conduct their own oversight and due diligence. This only serves to magnify the importance of having robust information systems to help HUD meet its oversight responsibilities.” To put it into perspective, HUD currently has nearly 8,300 staff members compared to roughly 9,700 a decade earlier and even higher levels in the 1990s. Many field offices closed in the wake of monetary squeeze. Last year, HUD had a negative estimate in the budget for roughly $700 million. However, the agency reported a nearly $4 billion surplus for 2012 due to loan volumes.

Many congressmen agreed that a contributing factor to HUD’s obstacles in appropriately tracking the distribution of funds is sequestration cuts. “We can’t overlook the fact that HUD is understaffed and sequestration is having an impact on the agency and its programs,” said Congressman Al Green, D-TX. Sequester cuts could result in 100,000 formally homeless individuals being removed from their housing or emergency shelters, Green suggested. Additionally, cuts could also result in 7,300 fewer lowerincome households receiving rent and utility assistance, he added. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., says HUD is facing serious challenges in monitoring disaster program funds generally provided to states, cities and local governments. The challenge is pressing for HUD because of the limited resources it has to directly perform oversight, the nature of the projects, and the duration of the projects. Continued on pg 19 REALTOR ® Update

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HUD watchdog sounds alarm on fraud activity Sequestration staffing cuts make oversight more difficult However, Montoya pointed out that structural changes have occurred since the Hurricane Katrina disaster program. The most important development that could take place would be the implementation of a timeframe to spend the funds allocated to disaster programs, the inspector general said. “It requires people to manage money more quickly,” he explained, adding that faster distribution means more help early on for impacted communities. Nonetheless, when dealing with a sufficient amount of money there’s bound to be fraudulent activity. As a result, the OIG and other oversight committees are pressuring HUD to be more proactive in its responsibility of distributing funds. Another area the OIG continues to monitor is public and assisted housing programs, which provide affordable housing units for 4.5 million households. Various audits of Public Housing Agencies’ Housing Choice Voucher programs focus on whether HUD is correctly appropriating the funds and following the Inspector General’s recommendations. The challenge seems to be proper monitoring of the Housing Choice Voucher program, which is electronically monitored through self-assessments and other information collected through HUD’s information systems. “Based on recent audits and HUD’s on-site confirmatory reviews, it is clear the self-assessments are not always accurate and there remains some question as to the reliability of the information contained,” Montoya stated. Overall, improving management of the nation’s public and assisted housing program will continue to be a long-term challenge that will require HUD to put forth solutions in an appropriate timeframe. “It’s the tip of iceberg,” Montoya argued. “The appropriate funds are not going to those who really need it and it’s instead going to fraudulent activity. We’ll continue to oversee HUD and it’s activity in housing programs to better manage this.”

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RISE to NEW HEIGHTS 2013 REALTORS® Conference & Expo November 8-11, 2013 • San Francisco, CA Make your way to the bay! If you’re serious about taking your real estate business to a higher level, here’s one thing you need to do right now: Register for the 2013 REALTORS® Conference & Expo, November 8-11, in San Francisco. • Learn from the best. Attend your choice of 100 education sessions on timely topics delivered by the most motivational speakers in the business and be ready to put your new knowledge into action. • Make new connections. Join 22,000 REALTORS® and guests from around the country and world at the biggest networking event of the year. • Power up your productivity. 400 expo exhibitors will show you the newest products and services designed to make you more effective and efficient. • Experience a world-class city. From Napa to nightlife, you’ll enjoy San Francisco through tours and deals created exclusively for members and their families.

Did you know you can save BIG in San Francisco? Hotels start at just $129 a night and there are airline discounts available for attendees. Choose from several affordable registration options to fit your budget and schedule (plus, the trip is tax deductible for REALTORS®).

Don’t stop until you get to the top. Register today at www.REALTOR.org/Conference follow us! twitter.com/ narannual

like us! facebook.com/ narannual

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watch us! youtube.com/ narmeetings

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Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® proudly offers

Presented by Blake Hegeman and Amanda Arwood, VAR Staff

December 9, 2013 ~4-6 pm

Approved 1 Hour Legal Update and 1 Hour Real Estate Related CE; 2 Hours Elective PL

Risk Management for Social Media Social media is a unique animal — not only are you giving information to clients (and the public), you have to deal with them talking back. It’s a legal and ethical minefield, and this course will help you minimize your risk while letting you take advantage of what online interactions can do for your business. You’ll learn everything you need to implement or enhance your own social media strategy, and you’ll gain a full understanding of your legal obligations in this wildly popular one-stop-shop on social media for your business.

CE /PLE credit—$20 Non-Members—$25 Register at members.vpar.org or Call the Board office 757-599-5222 VPAR Office 1001 North Campus Pkwy Hampton, VA 23666

NAME: ________________________________________________________ FIRM: ________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________ CITY: _______________________ STATE: _______

ZIP:__________

PHONE:________________________________________________________ E-MAIL:________________________________________________________ Method of Payment:

Check_______ Credit Card______

Credit Card # ________________________________________________ Exp. Date ________ Signature _______________________________________________________