Mar / Apr 2007

Transcription

Mar / Apr 2007

2 | SEVRAR News Magazine Mar-Apr 2007
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Stih, RCE
Chief Executive Officer
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Samuel Aubrey, Director of Government Affairs
MARKETING
Wyndi Ballard, Director of Marketing
EDUCATION
Heather Thornton, Director of Education
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Jackie Whittaker, Professional Standards
MEMBERSHIP
Bonnie Hanson, Membership Coordinator
Sara Kovach, Membership Assistant
Jacqueline Ince, Membership Assistant
FINANCE
Lynn Mura, Controller
Patsy McManus, Accounting Manager
Lori Evans, Accounting Assistant
REAL MART STORE
Cathy Blake, Real Mart Store Manager
ADMINISTRATION / FACILITIES
Barney Thornton, Admin. Assistant /
Rental Coordinator
Ramon Torres, Facilities Manager
Melissa Graham, Reception
2007 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Liz Echeverria, President
Jim Amdahl, President-Elect
Connie Walker, Vice President
Linda Berg, Past President
Michael Broeker, Treasurer
2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Laurie Allen, Affiliate Director
Robert F. Doyle, Director
Theresa Helmick, Director
Jennifer Hurley, Director
Denise Kepp, Director
Pat Sanders, Director
Crisanna Tutera, Director
Kristine A. Vowles, Director
SEVRAR NEWS MAGAZINE is the official news and information
source of the SouthEast Valley Regional Association of REALTORS® which is published six times per year.
MEMBERS: Send change of address to wyndi@sevrar.com or
log onto the website at www.sevrar.com.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The SouthEast Valley
Regional Association of REALTORS®, 1363 South Vineyard,
Mesa, Arizona 85210-8932.
The purpose of The SouthEast Valley Regional Association of
REALTORS® is to serve its members by providing programs,
products, services, and activities which enhance members’
freedom and ability to conduct their real estate practices successfully, with integrity, and competency, and through collective
action to promote and protect private property rights.
®
The SouthEast Valley Regional Association of REALTORS
assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the articles
contained herein. The contents of information of articles are the
opinions of the authors alone and do not necessarily represent
those of officers, directors, staff, or The SouthEast Valley
Regional Association of REALTORS®.
Advertisements contained in the SEVRAR NEWS MAGAZINE
should not be construed as an endorsement by the SEVRAR
NEWS MAGAZINE staff. The SouthEast Valley Regional
Association of REALTORS® does not test advertised products or
services, and therefore, cannot ensure their quality, accuracy or
reliability. Advertisement content and placement is at the
discretion of the SEVRAR NEWS MAGAZINE editor and/or
Board of Directors.
All real estate advertising in this publication is subject to the Fair
Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference,
limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex,
handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to
make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial
status includes children under the age of eighteen living with
parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people
securing custody of children under eighteen. This publication will
not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in
violation of the law. To complain of discrimination, call HUD at
(800) 669-9777; the hearing impaired call (800) 927-9275.
REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that
identifies , and may be used ONLY by real estate professionals
who are members of the National Association of REALTORS®
and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.
Copyright © 2007 by The SouthEast Valley Regional Association
of REALTORS®, 1363 South Vineyard, Mesa, Arizona 852108932. Telephone: (480) 833-7510. Fax: (480) 835-1329. Articles
unassigned in this publication may be reproduced providing
credit is given to SEVRAR NEWS MAGAZINE with a copy
mailed to the editor. Reproduction of articles written by all others
is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
PRESIDENT’S CONNECTION
Making the Connection in 2007
By Liz Echeverria
page 04
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Paddock Pools Fabricates
Sweet Dreams
page 06
SEVRAR Habitat For Humanity
Photo Update
page 29
FEATURE CONNECTION
SEVRAR Home Showcase:
page 08
EVENT CONNECTION
REALTOR® Play Day Golf Classic
page 12
Calendar Of Events
page 34
MEMBER CONNECTION
Affiliate Spotlight:
United Mortgage Financial Group
page 14
Members In The News
page 28
2007 Leadership
Candidates Selected
page 42
CONTRIBUTOR CONNECTION
The Big Easy?
By Kriste Melcher
page 16
pg. 08
pg. 12
pg. 16
Standard Of Practice
By Todd Menard
page 10
Inquiry Leads Or Trigger Data
Causing Problems For Consumers?
By Patrick Ritchie
page 34
The Platinum Ride
By Paul Pastore
page 38
STAFF CONNECTION
Get to Know SEVRAR Staff
Jacqueline Ince
Patsy McManus
page 20
page 22
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
2006 Million & Multi-Million Dollar
Producers and Circle Awards
page 23
GOVERNMENT CONNECTION
Where Do We Go From Here
By Samuel Aubrey
page 32
NATIONAL CONNECTION
Take Your Involvement To The
National Level in ‘08
By Jim Amdahl
page 36
pg. 29
pg. 34
SEVRAR News Magazine Mar-Apr 2007 | 3
PRESIDENT’S CONNECTION
Making The Connection In 2007
n January we began the year by making a
connection with the Miller family in Tempe at
a ground breaking ceremony. A home is currently being constructed with the Valley of the
Sun Habitat for Humanity and our members in
conjunction with corporate partner, Arizona
Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS).
Funds to build this home were generated by our
membership during a golf fundraiser as well as
with a donation provided by ARMLS. The
weekly build dates are on Wednesdays and
Saturdays from 7:30am until 3:00pm. Anyone
who is interested in volunteering to help with
their time and energy should contact Chris Bastian or Anna Bowers.
income persons in need of emergency assistance.
In February our membership was given the
opportunity to make another connection—to our
state government by lobbying the Arizona legislature at the REALTOR® Day at the Capitol. In
order to continue to be successful at the legislative level, we need to make our voices heard
and, continue with contributions to the RAPAC
fund which supports candidates who support
your livelihood and the real estate industry. The
issues that are facing us include the real possibility of a Real Estate Transfer Tax, State Trust
Land Reform, Water Issues, Real Estate Disclosure, Licensing of Loan Originators, as well as
many other important issues facing REALTORS®.
SEVRAR has approved a “Homewards Program” essay contest for valley high school seniors. There would be five scholarships of $1000
each awarded to the winners of the essay contest. The essay contest titled, “What a Home
Means To Me”, will be offered to high schools in
the east valley. Essay should be one hundred
words or less and will be judged by members of
the Affordable Housing Committee. The committee has begun contacting local high schools
regarding this contest. If you know of a high
school that would like to participate, please
contact Anna Bowers at abowers777@cox.net.
Your Board of Directors approved three worthwhile charities for the SEVRAR membership to
support through the various fundraising activities in 2007. They are as follows:
Community Services of Arizona (CSA) - which is
the Community Action Program agency for both
City of Chandler and the Town of Gilbert.
Through these two offices the CSA annually
provides services to several thousand low-
The Centers For Habilitation (TCH) is located in
Tempe and has the mission of empowering
people with disabilities. TCH provides services
for over 900 men, women, and children.
Junior Achievement (JA) uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the
economics of life. In partnership with business
and educators, Junior Achievement brings the
real world to students, opening their minds to
their potential by offering free enterprise and
economic education to school children from
elementary through high school.
The Arizona Association of REALTORS® is
looking forward to presenting their Winter Conference in Prescott, March 14th-16th with the
theme “Getting Back to Basics: The Building
Blocks”. This conference promises a great program with simultaneous breakout sessions on a
variety of topics. On Thursday, 2007 NAR President, Pat Vredevoogd-Combs will be the keynote speaker giving us NAR updates. In addition, 2001 NAR President, Richard Mendenhall
will speak at the general session about current
trends and issues that are changing our industry
Arizona Department of Real
Estate (ADRE)
Commissioner,
Sam Wercinski
speaks to
SEVRAR members during a
special presentation. Wercinski
discussed the
programs and
initiatives planned
for upcoming
years.
and the way we do business. If you’ve never
attended these meetings this is the year to do
so as you won’t be disappointed and a great
way to connect to our state association.
We are still looking for members who want to
serve on a committee. In addition to getting
involved in your association, if you are serving
on a committee you may be entitled to receive
up to $100 reimbursement through the SEVRAR
Scholarship Program—a program designed to
offer an additional incentive for your active participation with continuing education, designation
courses, and sanctioned NAR and AAR meetings. For more information simply go to
SEVRAR’s website and click on Education Center for an application.
SEVRAR gives members several opportunities
to connect with each other socially and have
some fun. On March 2nd the REALTOR® Play
Day Golf Classic was hosted at Dobson Ranch
Golf Course in Mesa. If you don’t play golf—
there is still time to plan on attending the 9th
Annual SEVRAR Family Picnic on Friday, April
13th at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler. There
will be FREE food and great fun for the entire
family. If you enjoy drinking wine while you socialize, you’ll enjoy the new After Hours Networking event. Mark your calendar for May 2nd
at the D-Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Mesa.
All of these events gives us a chance to meet
new members and renew friendships with current SEVRAR members.
Your association is constantly looking for ways
to give back to you—the members—in the way
of exciting educational programs, guest speakers and benefit programs. It is our mission to
keep you connected and I hope you will not
hesitate to contact us with your ideas and suggestions to help us achieve our goal of being
the “Ultimate Support REALTOR® Organization”. I am looking forward to serving you in
making this your reality.
Sincerely,
Liz Echeverria, 2007 SEVRAR Board President
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Phoenix Children’s Hospital patient Jessyca
Lopez, 11 of Phoenix, holding her Paddock
Pools Pillowcase with David Ghiz, President
of Paddock Pools Patios & Spas, Retail
Division, and Theresa McElwee, Advertising
and Promotions Manager at Paddock Pools
Patios & Spas.
dren's Hospital, Phoenix Suns Charities, Boys &
Girls Clubs, Special Olympics, and more community organizations.
Paddock Pools Fabricates Sweet
Dreams for Phoenix Children’s Hospital
addock Pools Patios & Spas, a company
known as the Southwest’s largest pool, spa,
patio retailer in Arizona and Nevada set aside
creating the perfect backyard to team with
Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Faces on
Cases to lift the spirits of some of Arizona’s
youngest children who often miss out on the
luxuries of home due to hospitalization. Paddock Pools delivered 220 custom designed
pillowcases to patients at Phoenix Children’s
Hospital.
“We believe a tender, yet simple gift like a pillowcase will lift a child’s spirit,” said David Ghiz,
President of Paddock Pools’ Retail Division. “It
gives them something to call their own as they
put their head down to rest.”
Phoenix Children’s patients chose from four
screen-printed pillowcase designs featuring
teddy bears, trains, stars/moons, and hot air
balloons. Each pillowcase was decorated with
inspirational messages including “as you wake
up every morning and go to bed at night, a smile
is what you should try to give as you love,
laugh, and live.” Carol Wrolstad, of Faces on
Cases, dreamed up the pillowcase donation and
artwork.
Ghiz said giving back to the community is an
essential component of Paddock Pools’ business. The company supports Phoenix Chil-
Paddock Pools, Patio and Spas, is the Southwest’s largest pool, spa, patio retailer with 15
stores in Arizona and Nevada to serve all your
backyard needs. Established in 1958 by George
Ghiz, the company is managed by his sons
Buzz Ghiz, President, and David Ghiz, President of Paddock’s Retail Division. Paddock is
the only pool company that provides customers
a full service backyard experience. From new
pool construction, pool remodeling and repair
service to the area’s largest selection of pool
supplies, patio furnishings, and accessories,
custom BBQ grills and more, Paddock’s slogan
says it all … “We’re All Your Backyard Needs”.
Phoenix Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s leader
in pediatric care and is one of the 10 largest
free-standing children’s hospitals in the nation.
The most comprehensive array of pediatric
specialists in the State practice at this one organization. The outstanding clinical expertise,
as well as high patient volume, and an unwavering commitment to caring only for children, all
contribute to Children’s leadership position. For
information about Phoenix Children’s, visit the
Hospital’s award-winning website at
www.phoenixchildrens.com.
f you haven’t visited the Agritopia® community in the Town of Gilbert, you may want to put it on your list of “to-do” items soon. Nestled on a farm owned by the Johnston family, you’ll be drawn in by the
tree-lined streets, homes designed with a sense of timeless style,
quality schools, and restaurants serving top quality food. It’s quite
simply a neighborhood with character. And, that’s just the start of the
many reasons why REALTOR® Minde Pierce and her family landed in
Agritopia nearly two years ago.
“Agritopia is amazing. We’re surrounded by wonderful families and
can take advantage of all the incredible neighborhood amenities,”
stated Minde. “We loved the homes and the design layouts that included a basement—it gives the kids a retreat and they love having
their own space.”
The family was also drawn to this home for its construction (how the
space was used so wisely), and particularly the front porch—a both
typically rarities today and in Arizona. Built in 2005, the home is decorated with a “Mexican-hacienda” feel using bright colors, a mix of both
slightly modern dark and rustic furnishings. It’s functional, comfortable
and livable.
The vast space plays home to Ned and Minde, children Blake (13),
Christian (12), Reid (12), Jamie (11), and… one dog, one cat, three
turtles, one bird, one lizard, variety of fish, and one snake.
With five thousand, two hundred square feet of space, the home features four and a half bathrooms, seven bedrooms, and a den. The
extra rooms have created a variety of separate living areas including,
a complete band room, a workout room, and a spare bedroom for
visiting guests.
Ned and Minde have the luxury of working from home—in a community that encourages the model. Agritopia was designed to accommo
date the ever-evolving, work-from-home market. The Codes, Conveyances, and Restrictions (CCR) were
written to include several options. As you drive through the neighborhood you will see small business window
signage at the front doors for various businesses—from REALTORS® to accountants, lenders, investors, both
recording and photography studios, and many more.
Minde stated, “Ned and I love being at home. With their school, (Surrey Garden Christian School) right up the
street, we get to share in so many more activities with our boys. Just last week Ned met Reid at school during
his shuttle run for physical education. With his Dad’s encouragement he was able to make the required time. I
stopped into the school last Friday to encourage Blake for a test and was just in time to see him launch his
rocket for science. Those moments wouldn’t happen if we were in an office somewhere. I can’t imagine working
any other way now.”
“It’s really nice to live in such a well planned community. We’re just a few blocks from The Coffee Shop, the
Farmers Market, and Joe’s Farm Grill.”
■■■
Home Showcase Photos by: Lamar Photography Studios.
EVENT CONNECTION
REALTOR ® PLAY DAY BRINGS MEMBERS
OUT FOR A DAY OF GOLF
Over one hundred SEVRAR members came out to brave a chilly
morning for a fun-filled day of golf. The morning started out with a
slight delay of the 7:00am scheduled tee time due to frost. But, it didn’t take long for temperatures and competition to rise—kicking off a
very successful event.
Please acknowledge those who participated and sponsored the
event.
$500,000 Shoot Out
Sponsored by CLUE Express / Property ID (Linda Garrett)
Contestants:
• Mike Mendoza (Shot closest to the pin and won $200 to the Dobson Ranch Pro Shop)
• Samuel Aubrey & Tom Rizen (Shot second closet to the pin and
won $100 to the Dobson Ranch Pro Shop)
Best Ladies Foursome: Score 72
• Leslie Banes
• Gay Potter
• Pam Smith
• Billie Sleberling
Best Men's Foursome: Score 58
• Tom Bartz
• Jeremy Gardner
• Jim Hughes
• Jimmy Cosgrove
Best Mixed Foursome: Score 59
• Chris Allen
• Tava Udall
• Valleda Woodhall
• Susan Blatt
Highest Score: Score 77
• John Stih
• Samuel Aubrey
• Rob Gartner
Women's Longest Putt
Sponsored by DB Home Inspection Connection (David Brower)
Winner: Sheli Burns
Men's Longest Putt
Sponsored by Sonoran Title (Richard Griffin)
Winner: Max Berg
Women's Longest Drive
Sponsored by First American Title (Scott Goddard)
Winner: Carol Letcher
Men's Longest Drive
Sponsored by LLC Filing Services.com (Kameron Hawkins)
Winner: Nate Randleman
Women's Closest To The Pin
Sponsored by Precision Home Inspection Services (Larry Baer)
Winner: Billie Sleberling
Men's Closest To The Pin Sponsored by US Inspect (Don Steele)
Winner: Bob Shackelford
Hole Sponsors:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
LLC Filing Services.com (Kameron Hawkins)
United Mortgage Financial Group (Leah Osterhoudt)
Women's Council of Realtors (Carolyn Cronin)
First Horizon Home Loans (Jason Budinger)
ServiceOne Home Warranties (Deke McBride)
Sonoran Title (Richard Griffin / Sara Baker)
Precision Home Inspection Services (Larry Baer)
Premier Title (Tiffany Jones)
SE Valley Regional Association of REALTORS®
(Wyndi Ballard & Barney Thornton)
Equity Title Agency (Troy Puyear & Shannon Ellsworth)
Bank of America (Jiggs Le Mirnx)
US Inspect (Don Steele)
DB Home Inspection Connection, Inc. (David Brower)
Capital Title (Adrienne Wendt)
Precision Real Estate (Michael Pickett)
Relationship Mortgage, LLC (Anna Bowers)
North American Title Company (Kelly Leonard)
Security Mortgage Corp. / Paralegal Services of AZ
(Marlene Leatherwood)
First American Title (Scott Goddard)
Golfers, start your engines!
Beverage Cart Sponsors
Cart #1:
• Desert Realty Inspections (Jerry Boomsma)
• Two Men And A Truck (David Kitts)
Cart #2:
• Beadle Bug Patrol (Lisa Beadle)
• Premier Title Company (Eva Majalca)
Winners of the best mixed foursome.
Courtesy Cart Sponsor:
Old Republic Home Protection (Yvette Myer)
A Very Special Thanks
“Thank you to all the volunteers that helped on this event, I couldn't
have done it without all of your hard work and dedication. I also want
to thank all of the sponsors because if it weren't for you the golf classic wouldn't be possible. Thank you all for your time and commitment
to making the SEVRAR REALTOR® Play Day Golf Classic a success
and lots of FUN! I hope everyone enjoyed the event this year and I
look forward to seeing all of you next year out on the course!”
Kelly Leonard, North American Title
2007 Golf Committee Chairperson
Winners of the best men’s foursome.
MEMBER CONNECTION
Affiliate Spotlight
t is safe to say that nearly every REALTOR®
has been contacted by a mortgage company
asking for their business. While it is important to find a lender to work with, how do you go
about determining which lender is the right one?
Many REALTORS® may think of rates and fees
when comparing lenders. Having great rates,
fees and products is an important component,
however, every good lender SHOULD offer
these services. There are many other qualities
that should be considered when determining
which lender is right for you.
Why choose Leah Osterhoudt and United Mortgage Financial Group, Inc. as a referral partner?
Leah Osterhoudt has been a mortgage consultant with United Mortgage Financial Group, Inc.
for just over two years. She began a career in
the banking and mortgage industry in the early
1990’s. At that time she was also attending
Arizona State University, working toward a B.A.
in Psychology. The education and training received over these years was indispensable. She
was able to use her experiences as a mortgage
processor and underwriter to learn the details of
the mortgage loan process and also how to
build long-term relationships with clients. As her
immediate family grew, she was able to take a
break from her career in order to spend a few
years with her children, and to support her husband as he began a career as a firefighter. She
found that firefighters have a strong sense of
community, sense of family, and code of ethics.
These same qualities have been incorporated
into her career as a mortgage originator.
gage may be the clients single largest debt.
There is more involved than just quoting rates
and fees. It is for this reason that Leah believes
that a mortgage is a financial instrument that
needs to be woven into our clients long and
short term goals.
UPFRONT
MORTGAGE BROKER:
WHAT IS IT AND WHY?
•
Consumers are assured of fair
treatment because of pricing
transparency, and the absence
of conflict between broker and
customer.
•
Consumers get access to
wholesale interest rates posted
by lenders, which are about
3/8% below retail rates.
•
Consumers receive the benefit
of the broker’s expertise and
contacts in shopping multiple
lenders for the best deal.
•
of the broker’s counsel on the
least costly loan programs that
meet the customer’s needs.
•
of the broker’s counsel on
methods of overcoming barriers to loan qualification.
United Mortgage Financial Group, Inc. is an
UpFront mortgage broker, one of only four in
Arizona. We have many unique programs and
resources available for our REALTOR® partners. A few of these programs are; a call capture program and a workplace benefits program
that are designed to bring REALTORS® more
leads. We also offer a few marketing tools such
as advertising in The Real Estate Booklet and
strategic financing programs. In addition, our on
demand publisher prints professional marketing
materials such as listing flyers, homebuyer
handbooks, and seller handbooks. As a company we are constantly looking for new ways to
enhance our referral partners business.
Making More Money
With Commercial Real
Estate
As a REALTOR®, every referral you provide
your clients with needs to be a reliable one.
With the support of United Mortgage Financial
Group, Inc. Leah provides the highest level of
customer service and is committed to every
client referral. We are a different kind of mortgage company. We do not merely sell our clients on a loan product, we realize that a mort-
Leah Osterhoudt is also a commercial funding
specialist with Heideman Capital Advisors, the
commercial debt financing division of United
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc. Analytics and
planning are the keys to the business of commercial real estate investment. Our advisory
services assist beginning and experienced investors in the process of formulating, testing
Leah Osterhoudt, Sr. Mortgage Consultant
Ph: 480-503-3533 x 216
Cell: 480-703-6165
Fax: 480-503-1211
Email: leah.osterhoudt@umfginc.com
and executing business plans from selecting
business entities, choosing markets and property types, and analyzing value, to sourcing
funding.
In order to obtain an optimum loan quotation, a
broker must understand the key underwriting
criteria and their significance to commercial
funding sources. At Heideman Capital Advisors,
we have the experience and expertise to structure your transaction to best suit your needs.
To facilitate a smooth analysis of investment
properties, we employ cutting edge software—
software that rapidly emulates the underwriting
process and matches those results to more than
100 lending commercial capital wholesale divisions. This allows the commercial real estate
investor the opportunity to choose the financing
terms best suited to their temporal and income
goals while saving weeks of “dialing for dollars”.
With basic information about an investment
property, we can do a preliminary analysis to
determine if it is likely to meet underwriting criteria. If not, we have the expertise, the experience
and entrees to organize private money or joint
venture capital to make your project work.
Leah is a proud affiliate member of SEVRAR
and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member candidate (CCIM).
The Big Easy?
By Kriste Melcher, CRS, GRI, TRC, AHWD, Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, W.P. Carey
School of Business - ASU
ew Orleans is a destination that, by
name alone, creates a vision in one’s
mind. Bright colors, powerful jazz and blues,
enriched and plentiful culture, Mardigras,
Cajun dishes and culinary delights, and
Southern hospitality to name just a few.
Many visions had floated through my imagination about New Orleans, in the many years
before I first visited this incredible city. Many
have dreamed of a day in which they can
experience this city— which is like no other in
the world!
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina altered the fate of New Orleans in such a tragic
manner that outsiders and locals are still
wondering how the devastation that followed
could have happened. The stories of the
tremendous storm and the levee failures
have been told. But today, most people are
unaware of this city’s progress and current
condition. Apparently, it is no longer newsworthy to local stations or even stations such
as CNN.
I recently visited New Orleans for the very
first time when I chose to attend the annual
National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
Convention, otherwise known
as
“NARdiGras”. It was a huge success, with a
record breaking 25,000 REALTORS® in attendance! The tourist area of New Orleans
met these REALTORS® and their guests with
“open arms”! From the hotels, to the restaurants, to the convention center and tours…
the people showed us the true meaning of
“southern hospitality”.
If there was one word I could use to describe
the way I was treated in New Orleans, it
would be “APPRECIATED”. The locals were
so grateful to receive us, since their tourism
industry has taken such a huge hit since
Hurricane Katrina. People thanked my fellow
REALTORS® and me in such a kind, heartfelt
manner that of which I have never seen or
experienced anywhere in the world. And I
have been lucky to travel quite extensively.
New Orleans is undoubtedly working feverishly to bring back its tourism industry. I arrived several days early to New Orleans, in
hopes to get some sightseeing in prior to the
beginning of the convention. As I ventured
out the first night upon my arrival, I was
shocked to see that Bourbon Street was like
a ghost town. It was a week night, but I have
always heard this city never sleeps. I felt as if
I was walking down a Hollywood stage set. I
had to keep checking out the street signs to
make sure I was on the actual “Bourbon
Street”. If not for the music, which one could
hear up and down this famous street, I would
be certain I took a wrong turn somewhere.
However, the REALTOR® convention truly
brought the city alive! Once the other REALTORS® began to trickle in, there was an energy building throughout the city. The streets
started filling up, and the cash registers began to ring again. The spirits of the locals
seemed to lift, and the soul of the city
seemed to sing again. Then there was the
faux Mardigras, which packed the streets
during a celebratory parade with REALTORS® all wearing NARdiGras t-shirts stating “REALTOR.com has your back!” The
beads were flying, the music was playing,
and I was in New Orleans!
With all of the celebrations and seminars,
many REALTORS® did not have the time to
venture outside of these famous streets.
Since I had arrived early, my guest and I
decided to take several tours outside of the
Parrish of Orleans. Driving in the bus from
the French Quarter, we witnessed water line
stains two stories high on buildings, homes,
freeways, and other surroundings. We took in
the 17th St. Canal, which was a common
picture in the media when it flooded during
the hurricane. These sights were to be expected.
However, we truly witnessed sites that I had
never imagined—15 months after Hurricane
Katrina hit. What really surprised us was
what we saw once we were out of the tourist
area. We saw entire neighborhoods that are
still destroyed with no hope in sight. We witnessed horrifying scenes of homes, which
were in several different neighborhoods (both
poor and rich) that are currently sitting as if
the water was pumped out yesterday. Entire
areas are practically still not occupied or
habitable. Many lots now sit empty from
where homes have been demolished and
never rebuilt.
The spray paint remains on many doors reporting the dead, and location upon which
they were found within the home. Many
homes are still without electricity, water or
gas 15 months after Hurricane Katrina hit.
The New Orleans Charity Hospital sits mostly
vacant and shattered like many of the gazes I
saw in the eyes of people who remain in New
Orleans and the surrounding cities. If one
seeks emergency medical attention and cannot afford to pay while residing in New Orleans, it is necessary to travel out to Baton
Rouge or Boca Rotan, since the Charity Hospital shows no sign of life within its walls.
Many people have left the areas that have
been devastated, never to return. There was
evidence of this while traveling near a Yacht
Club, in Lakeview, with ships still stacked in a
destructive pile - as if thrown in a child's toy
box. There were ships still emerged in the
lake with nothing but masts sticking out as
evidence of their existence. Our amazing tour
guide explained that they had just removed
the ships lodged in the branches of the surrounding trees two weeks earlier. He showed
us a median (which may have served as a
greenbelt area) off the main entrance to this
once vibrant neighborhood. He explained
that trash stood up to heights of 40' tall from
the debris collected from the interiors of the
surrounding homes. This had all only been
removed two months prior to our tour.
I have stories of a tourist guide desperately
fighting to remain in New Orleans after surviving the storm, which literally tore his rental
home in half! Meanwhile, he and his sixteen
year old daughter frantically threw a couch
upside down and crawled under it for safety.
They lay there for hours as they witnessed
half of their home blowing away, and the
other half flooding with water. They didn't
even know that 80% of the city was flooded
until the next evening, since they had no TV
or radio. They waited for emergency crews
to save them, but they never arrived. Fortunately for them, some neighbors found them
and helped them find an escape route.
Now, after the storm, this tour guide struggles to keep adequate housing for himself
and his daughter. The area, which once only
brought $600/month in rent, now captures
$1700/month or more for homes that are in
need of repair from the damage ensued by
Hurricane Katrina. The rents rising are just
the start though. Since pre-Katrina, he
worked upwards of seven days a week with
the thriving tour company with which he
worked. Now that same company tends to
offer only 1 day of guaranteed work a week,
since the tourism industry has basically
screeched to a halt.
The people of the Orleans Parrish and its
surrounding Parrish’s
are still being affected by this storm
every day. Where is
the help? Where is
the money? Where
is the shelter from
the upcoming winter? Where are the
medical
services?
Have we shut our
eyes to this mess
because it is no
longer newsworthy”?
Do the people’s lives
not matter?
People are still waiting for FEMA trailers. There was a news program on the Channel 4 local
news with a woman crying that she still doesn’t have water to bathe or drink, electricity to warm
her from the cold, and her family is sleeping on cots in a gutted home. She is not used to living
this way. She is awaiting a FEMA trailer and has no idea if and when she will ever get one. It
was a heart wrenching story for those that witnessed it, but a story too often told. Entire
neighborhoods could share a story similar to that one.
While at the National Association of REALTOR® Convention, former Presidents George H.W.
Bush and Bill Clinton spoke on Saturday, November 11, 2006 regarding the Bush Clinton
Katrina Fund. Although the NAR had originally collected $18 million dollars, then an additional
$4 million, as well as building 54 homes in New Orleans through Habitat for Humanity (with the
cooperation of many state REALTOR® Associations), Bill Clinton discussed the dire need to do
more. He stated the areas in which help has been offered and received, but there is so much
more that needs to be done. I solemnly listened, and I silently agreed with his statistics and
statements.
I spoke to many REALTORS® during and after the convention, who admit they did not experience the areas that were still destroyed. It is easy to walk the French Quarter and arrive at the
Convention Center each day to be unaware of the extreme devastation that still exists outside of
those streets.
However, I urge the citizens of the United States to discover what I found which totally shocked
me. It made me feel sick that our people and our cities, in the richest country in the world, could
still be ignored in this fashion. I am not blaming the citizens for their ignorance of the facts. After
all, it's no longer really in the media. I wouldn't have known had I not seen it with my own eyes.
But something must be done!
There are still ways in which we can help! Do not let this disaster get swept under the rug. This
is our country. Our people. Our New Orleans. Comic Relief 2006 was on cable on November 18,
2006 being simultaneously broadcast on HBO and TNT. I had just returned from New Orleans,
and I was happy to see that Comic Relief was dedicated to helping rebuild New Orleans. The
website has a fact sheet I encourage everyone to read: http://
www.comicrelief.org/this_years_show/themission.htm. Read it with an
open heart. It is utterly astonishing.
Donations are helpful. Prayers are welcome. However, action is powerful!
Don’t let these people be ignored. REALTORS® nationwide have come
together to donate. We came together to support New Orleans’ businesses and tourism. REALTORS® worked with Habitat for Humanity to
build fifty-four homes. REALTOR® have a position of strength and compassion in this country. We must start at the local level and work our way
towards truly re-building New Orleans! It is time we come together to end
this disgrace.
Other sites in which to give donations or obtain more information:
http://www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org/
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/new-orleans-imagery.htm
Get To Know SEVRAR Staff
Meet Jacqueline Ince, Membership Assistant for SEVRAR.
STAFF CONNECTION
SNM: What is your
favorite city to travel to?
Jacqueline:
Paris,
France. I’ve been there
twice and can’t wait to go
back.
J a c q u e li
ne w
tw in n e p it h h e r
hews.
SNM: What is your
favorite color?
Jacqueline: Red and black.
SNM: What is your favorite sports team?
Jacqueline: Being from Illinois, it’ll have to be the Cubs and
da’Bears.
Jacqueline with her boyfriend Dan.
SNM: How long have you worked at SEVRAR?
Jacqueline: I began my job as Membership Assistant in November of 2005.
SNM: How long have you lived in Arizona?
Jacqueline: I moved to Arizona from Illinois in 2005.
SNM: What brought you to Arizona?
Jacqueline: After four years in college, I still wasn’t sure what I
wanted to do with my life. The only thing I knew for sure was that I
wanted to get out of the cold, boring winters in central Illinois. So
when I was offered a position in Arizona, I jumped at the chance to
move.
SNM: What are your main
responsibilities with the
association?
Jacqueline: I help set up
new members as they
come in to join the association. I also help with any
MLS listing issues and answer any
questions regarding both membership
and MLS.
Jacqueline enjoying a
vacation in Mexico.
SNM: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Jacqueline: I enjoy answering questions, helping out members,
and working as a team here at SEVRAR.
SNM: What was your background or professional experience
prior to SEVRAR?
Jacqueline: I’ve held several positions ranging from pulling pizza
slices in college, to drafting work for civil engineering. I’m a bit of a
jack of all trades. (pun intended)
SNM: Outside of the Real Estate industry and any other industry you’ve worked in, where would we find you working your
“dream job”?
Jacqueline: I’d love to own a successful graphic design company.
Get To Know SEVRAR Staff
STAFF CONNECTION
Meet Patsy McManus, Accounting Manager for SEVRAR.
SNM: How long have you worked at SEVRAR?
Patsy: Eighteen years.
SNM: How long have you lived in Arizona?
Patsy: Twenty-six years.
SNM: What brought you to Arizona?
Patsy: I was born and raised in Pittsburgh until I was about twelve years old. Then my
Mom decided she wanted to live in Arizona one day. So, we packed up and moved on out.
Patsy McManus
SNM: What are your main responsibilities
with the association?
Patsy: I process all the monies that come into
the association (with the help of our new accounting assistant Lori Evans), along with processing all the bills that come in. I also do the
payroll and handle the annual dues billing and
various monthly billings.
SNM: What do you enjoy most about your
position?
Patsy: I enjoy working with numbers, so I
guess that’s what led me to the accounting profession. I enjoy handling the accounting work for
the association—it’s a great work environment
,
ta l (1 5) here, which in turn makes doing my job a lot
r fa m ily , Cr ys
Pa ts y w ith he
easier.
e
n (1 2) & St ev
Patsy with her friend Beccie
Sh aw
SNM: What was your background or professional experience prior to SEVRAR?
Patsy: I actually worked for Target for two years as a Front End Cashier Supervisor. I was
in charge of scheduling cashiers, opening and closing the front end registers, daily reports
and balancing overages and shortages.
Patsy with her friend Dawn
SNM: What is your favorite city to travel to?
Patsy: I guess that would be Charlotte, NC. I have family there and it is a beautiful place to
travel to. You have the beach and the mountains only a couple of hours away. And, the
weather is absolutely gorgeous.
SNM: What is your favorite color?
Patsy: I really don’t have a particular favorite.
SNM: What is your favorite sports team?
Patsy: STEELERS ALL THE WAY!!
SNM: Outside of the Real Estate industry
and any other industry you’ve worked in,
where would we find you working your
“dream job”?
Patsy: Actually owning my own business one
day would be my dream job. I would love to
open up a little Crepe and Coffee Café.
SEVRAR News Magazine Supplement: 2006 Million and Multi-Million Dollar Producers
02
2006 SEVRAR MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCERS
Cynthia Kay Adams
Desert 2 Mountain Realty
Jim Daumke
Realty Executives Ahwatukee
Carol Havins
RE/MAX Achievers
Thomas J. Lott
RE/MAX 2000
J. Douglas Adcox
San Tan Realty
Deborah Dellis
Realty Executives
Kim Healy
West USA Realty
Jane Lucey
RE/MAX 2000
Edith Afshari
The Conway Team Real Estate
Daryl Dho
Park Place Realty
Russ Hickman
Realty Executives
Celia A. Maddox
Keller Williams South East
Mary Almaguer
Apache Gold Realty
Pieter K. Dijkstra
RE/MAX Achievers
J. Douglas Hill
Coldwell Banker Residential
Jackie Marlowe
Century 21 Club Realty
Jim Amerine
Realty Executives
Bonnie Dillon
Keller Williams East Valley
Deborah S. Hill
Mary McIntosh
RE/MAX Anasazi Realty
Jeffrey Austin
New Homes Advisory
Gina Donnelly
RE/MAX Elite Realty
Sue Hite
Mesa Verde Real Estate
Gina McKinley
RE/MAX 2000
Susan Austin
John Hall & Associates
Suzanne Dye
S.J. Fowler /GMAC Real Estate
Nikki L. Hughes
RE/MAX Power Realty
Adenia McKinnon
Assist 2 Sell
Nick Bastian
Homesource Preferred Properties
Kathy Ebiner
RE/MAX Achievers
John James III
RE/MAX Anasazi
Pamela McNearney
Brian Bell
RE/MAX Achievers
Patricia Eckerd
Century 21 Aware Realty
Magdiel Jara, GRI
DPR Realty
Peter H. Meier
George Belles
Park Place Realty
J. Randall Edgar
Cathy Joyce
Choice One Properties
Wendy Jo Meisner
Assist 2 Sell
Rosie Brandenberger
1st USA Realty Professionals
Michele M. Edison
Kelly Judy
Betsie Melter
MKR Realty, Inc.
Debra L. Brown
Trails and Paths Premier
Properties
Mark A. Engelsman
Realty Executives
John Karadsheh
Russ Lyon Realty Company
Laura Mier
Keller Williams Legacy One
Mary Fick
Realty Executives
Sam Katzenberg
Marilou Millay
West USA Realty
Mike Fillion
Christopher Keith
Janet J. Miller
Blue Ribbon Realty
James C. Fisher
Mondai Keith
Theodore A Mogol
West USA Realty
Tim Flaherty
Joyce Kelton/Smith
Katherine B. Motil
Terry Fleck
John Hall and Associates
David Khalaj
Kathleen Moum
Cindy L. Flowers
Janet Kowalek
Josephine Murphy
Century 21 Arizona Foothills
Scott Golba
Golba Group
Janie Kwiatkowski
Tom E. Myers
Realty Executives
Penny Lynn Gould
DeWitt Lang
Keller Williams Sonoran Living
William O. Nelson
Lake Realty
Julie Grahmann
Dave Larsen
Shelly Nemeth
Realty Experts, Inc.
Martin Griffin
Anne W. Law
Brian Neugebauer
RE/MAX Achievers
Kyle R. Guss
Assist 2 Sell
Linda LeBlanc
Staci Neuman
Realty Executives
Chad Hagenson
Arizona Best Real Estate
Garrett Lines
Michele Newman
Courtney Valleywide Properties
Carolyn Haith
Amy Lines
Jeff B. Newton
Clifford Hallenbeck
RE/MAX 100 REALTORS®
Janice Lisy/Anderson
Realty Executives
Nancy Niblett
Linda Kelly Halverson
RE/MAX Alliance Group
Glenn Loper
Realty Executives
Linda Nordstrom
Frank J. Hanson
Melissa M. Loper
Park Place Realty
Cont. Multi-Million Dollar Producers Brian Burns
Century 21 All Star REALTORS®
Tom Burt
Home Brokers Realty, Inc.
James Butcher
Realty Executives
Lisa Buyack
Jan Byrd
San Tan Realty
Kathy Camamo
Phoenician Properties Realty
Elsa G. Ceynar
Trails and Paths Premier
Properties
Mary Ann Chapman
Homes West Realty
Cynthia A. Claflin/Debrocke
Century 21 R.A.N. Realty
Steve Coffinger
Blue Ribbon Realty
Jackie Cole
RE/MAX Alliance Group
Mitzie Cordes-Heydt
Randy Courtney
Kevin Craig
Kitty Dahlin
02
03
Christina Ovando
Tracey D. Shaw
Desert Sand Realty, LLC
Don Palacio
Realty Executives
Michelle Shelton
Richard Park
Linda C. Sims
Marja Acevedo
DPR Realty
Philip DeVito
Craig Peck
RE/MAX Achievers
Julie Sims
Debra Allen
Prudential AZ Properties
Suzette Dumais
Valley View Properties
Carroll Peel
RE/MAX Power Realty
Daniel E. Smith
Dan Smith Realty
Donald Althouse
Century 21 Platinum
Deanna Dunn
Boulder Mountain Realty
James Perez
Windermere Copper Desert Prop.
Pam Smith
Karen
Realty Executives
Liz Echeverria
Jody Phister
Maureen Smith
Janet O. Andreasen
Help U Sell
Gerald B. Eden Jr.
Dana Plummer
Mike Tetreault
Christian Baker
Park Place Realty
Randy Eihausen
Century 21 Desert Palm
Jody L. Poling
Alyson Titcomb
RE/MAX 2000
Rob Becker
Top Rock Realty
Marcia Forester
1st Class Realty
C.J. Ponczko
RE/MAX 2000
Stacy Tsoukatos
Assist 2 Sell
Erik Bevan
Realty Executives Mtn. View
James Forester
1st Class Realty
John Prescott
PRS Property Management
Brenda S. Tuanqui
Regina Blake
Royster and Associates
Kathleen M. Fox
Us Preferred Realty
Rodolfo Ramos
Mountain Sage Realty
Robert A. "Bob" Turner
Realty Executives
Kathleen J. Bliss/Porter
Blue Ribbon Realty
Karen A. France
Charles H. Randall
Realty Executives
Mitzi Van Meter
RE/MAX Gateway Red. Mtn.
Daniel C. Boyd
R.S.V.P. Realty
Susan Gerow
Rod Randolph
Us Preferred Realty
Wendy S. Wagner
RE/MAX Achievers
Robert Burk
Tom Gregorek
Teresita Razo
Park Place Realty
Darwin Wall
Realty Executives
Gerry Bush
Lupe Hall
Maria Rebuth
Sylvia Waters
Larry Camp
Prudential AZ Properties
Diane Danielle Hamilton
Keller Williams E.V.
David Redding
James "Bill" Watson
Keller Williams Sonoran Liv
Elizabeth B. Clark
RE/MAX 2000
Becky Helsel
Realty Executives
Susan Reginato
West USA Realty
Gary Weller
Realty Executives
Kendall Clements
Patricia C. Hill
Bernardo Reyes
RE/MAX Gateway Red. Mtn.
Patricia Jane Westergard
Right Home Realty
Julie Coffinger
Blue Ribbon Realty
Paul Hyllested
Ryan Rosscup
The Conway Team Real Estate
Kelly Wight
Sundance Properties
Kimberly Cole
Us Preferred Realty
Alex Inskeep
Gerald A. Rush
The Rush Team Realty
Sherri Willman-Oman
Trisha Cole
Help U Sell Superstition Springs
Judy Johnson
RE/MAX 2000
Bill Ryan
RE/MAX Achievers
Edward E. Wockenfuss
Assist 2 Sell
Barbara Collins
Trails and Paths Premier Prop
Jay W. Jones
Art Sandell
Jesi Wolnik
Steven Connor
Mariann Jones
Sharon Sandell
Don C. Wong
RSVP Realty
Michelle Cook
Central Real Estate
Martha Kelley, ABR
HomeSmart
Elaine M. Sans Souci
William D. Wright
USA Prime Real Estate
Patricia A. Cordova
Vicki Kelly
Harry F. Sargent
Nicholas Yale
Lou Ann Creber
Mark Ketring
Reveille Schaeffer
Right Home Realty
Maureen "Mo" Yaw
Zenja Darabnia
RE/MAX Homes & Invest
Deanna Kiester
Right Home Realty
Mike Schweikardt
Realty Executives
Joan E. Zimmerman
Marcelle Das
Realty USA Southwest
Wayne Knight
Pamm Seago/Peterlin
Century 21 Seago
2006 SEVRAR MILLION
DOLLAR PRODUCERS
Mark Devine
Keller Williams Southwest Realty
Cont. Million Dollar Producers 03
Cont. Million Dollar Producers
Bob Krause
Sheryl Lage
RE/MAX Achievers
Thomas LaMendola
Realty Expert, Inc.
Amy Ledbetter
Saba Realty, Inc.
Tony Lee
Realty Executives
Mark Lindabury
Joretta Lucas
1st USA Realty
Mary Jane Madison
James McNeill
1st USA Realty
Kriste Melcher
Anastasia "Staci" Menayas
MKR Realty, Inc.
Bob More
Deborah M. Nelson
Lake Realty
Michael L. Nelson
Marie Nowicki
RE/MAX Achievers
Tamara Olaguez
Barbara A. Palmer
Rondi Palmer
"Shar" J. Parker
Gregory J. Patt
RE/MAX 2000
Betty L. Patterson
Century 21 All Star REALTORS®
Kathleen Pfeifle
Lisa Racz
Amy Reyes
Blue Ribbon Realty
Sharon Rhodes
Joy A. Ringold
S.J. Fowler GMAC R.E.
Diane Rizen
Century 21 RAN Realty
April Rose
Kevin W. Rubinstein
Shivka Realty
Lisa Ryan-Whyte
RE/MAX Achievers
David T. Saba
Saba Realty, Inc.
Michael D. Sabin
CIRCLE AWARDS
● Platinum Plus
Circle Award ●
Rob Becker
Top Rock Realty
Awarded to those that have
been a Million or Multi-Million
dollar producer for twenty-five
(25) years.
Tim Flaherty
Paul Schmidt
DPR Realty
Betty L. Patterson
C-21 All Star
Sheldon Schweidt
Bill Ryan
RE/MAX Achievers
Barbara Shadoan
RE/MAX 2000
Greg Sharpe
R.S.V.P. Realty
Steve Sharpe
R.S.V.P. Realty
Michelle Singleton
Rebecca Sowder
Mitch Tabor
RE/MAX Achievers
Denise Taylor
Frances Thompson
Century 21 Aware
Mary Thompson
Realty East, Inc.
Carlotta Thorne
Marla Ticknor
Doris Torres
RE/MAX Gateway Red Mtn.
Connie Walker
Kara Jo White
Jack L. Williams
Realty Executives
Joanni Wockenfuss
Assist 2 Sell
Audry Wolff
Kyle Wyloge
RE/MAX Achievers
04
● Platinum Circle
Award ●
dollar producer for
twenty (20) years.
Katherine Motil
Shar Parker
Art Sandell
Maureen Smith
Realty Executives
Ahwatukee
James "Bill" Watson
Keller Willima Sonoran
Mark A. Engelsman
Realty Executives
● Bronze Circle
Award ●
Glenn Loper
Realty Executives
dollar producer for
five (5) years.
Don Palacio
Realty Executives
Craig Peck
RE/MAX Achievers
John Prescott
PRS Property Mgmt
● Gold Circle Award ●
dollar producer for
fifteen (15) years.
Jeffrey Austin
New Homes Advisory
Julie Grahmann
Cathy Joyce
Kelly Judy
Mesa Verde RE
Brian Bell
RE/MAX Achievers Realty
Gerry Bush
C-21 Club Realty
John James III
RE/MAX Achievers Realty
Mariann Jones
C-21 Club Realty
Joyce Kelton/Smith
C-21 Club Realty
Jackie Marlowe
C-21 Club Realty
Bob More
C-21 Club Realty
William O. Nelson
Lake Realty
Carroll Peel
RE/MAX Power Realty
Diane Rizen
C-21 RAN Realty
Silver Circle Award
dollar producer for ten (10)
years.
Marcy Rodriguez
Realty Expert, Inc.
Barbara Shadoan
Re/Max 2000
Darwin Wall
Realty Executives
04
Members In
The News
John Prescott Named Chairman of
the Board of the Chandler Chamber
of Commerce
SEVRAR member John Prescott takes on the
task of the new chairman of the board for the
Chandler Chamber of Commerce.
Prescott said his top priority for the year is focusing on the success of the upcoming Ostrich
Festival. Last year the event suffered low attendance due to heavy rains. This event is one of
the most popular community event and a major
fund-raiser for the chamber.
In addition, Prescott said he will continue the
chamber’s current program and networking
lineup while continuing to grow membership.
Today, membership stands at 1,250 compared
to 1,026 a year ago.
SEVRAR Member Is Recuperating
After Surgery
SEVRAR member Don O' Toole of 1st USA
Realty Professionals has recently undergone
quadruple bypass surgery and is recuperating at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa.
His wife, Marge said, “he requested that I
notify his friends in real estate of his current
situation”.
Don was formerly with Re/Max Anasazi Realty and Realty Executives and is a former
Director of SEVRAR.
Visitation is limited at this time so cards can
be sent to 3210 W. Ironwood Dr., Chandler,
AZ 85226. Please notify any of Don's other
real estate friends of whom you are aware.
SEVRAR Habitat For Humanity Photo Update
Meet the Tempe Mayor, Mr. Hugh Hallman during a special
presentation for SEVRAR Members!
Development & Real Estate the Tempe Way
Tuesday, March 27
11am to 1pm
Reserve your seat today! http://ims.sevrar.com
Standard Of Practice
n the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
listing you notice it indicates there is a
variable commission, ask yourself:
• Do you have the right to call the listing
broker and ask what the commission
structure is?
• Why would you want to know this information?
• At what time can the listing broker
change the amount of compensation
offered to a co-Broker agent?
Therefore, a listing broker is obligated to
disclose the existence, and the buyer broker
is obligated to discover the terms of the
variable rate commission and disclose to
their client PRIOR to writing the offer. This
allows the buyer/tenant the opportunity to
adjust their mindset and terms of the offer in
response to the variable rate commission
terms—understanding it effects the seller/
landlords financial position. A buyer broker
should consider this a necessary ingredient
to their clients negotiating position.
• When must the buyer’s broker determine the compensation to be paid by the
listing office for their services?
Let’s begin by perusing Article 3 which sets
the ethical rules for compensation.
Standard of Practice 3-4 states
“REALTORS®, acting as listing brokers,
have an affirmative obligation to disclose the
existence of dual or variable rate commission
arrangements (i.e., listings where one
amount of commission is payable if the listing
broker’s firm is the procuring cause of sale/
lease and a different amount of commission
is payable if the sale/lease results through
the efforts of the seller/landlord or a cooperating broker). The listing broker shall, as
soon as practical, disclose the existence of
such arrangements to potential cooperating
brokers and shall, in response to inquiries
from cooperating brokers, disclose the differential that would result in a cooperation
transaction or in a sale/lease that results
through the efforts of the seller/landlord. If
the cooperating broker is a buyer/tenant representative, the buyer/tenant representative
must disclose such information to their client
before the client makes an offer to purchase
or lease. (Amended 1/02).”
“REALTORS®, when acting as exclusive
agents or brokers of seller/landlords, establish the terms and conditions of offers to cooperate. Unless expressly indicated in the
offer to cooperate, cooperating brokers may
not assume that the offer of cooperation includes an offer of compensation. Terms of
compensation, if any, shall be ascertained by
cooperating broker before beginning efforts
to accept the offer of cooperation. (Amended
01/99).”
Therefore, When acting as a buyer/tenant
representative, you must determine the
amount of compensation due before beginning the efforts to tour the properties. Usually, with members of the same MLS system
(i.e., ARMLS, NARMLS, etc.), the offer of
compensation is stipulated in the MLS listing.
When desiring to show a property listed by a
broker of another MLS system (i.e., ARMLS
vs. NARMLS, or ARMLS vs. White Mountain
MLS) you must determine (before beginning
efforts) to show these properties the offer of
compensation. How? Contact the listing
agent/broker and request an email stipulating
the amount of compensation to be paid to
you should your client purchase the property
as a result of your procuring the sale/lease.
“REALTORS® shall, with respect to offers of
compensation to another REALTOR®, timely
communicate any change of compensation
for cooperative services to the other REALTOR® prior to the time such REALTOR® produces an offer to purchase/lease the property. (Amended 01/94).”
If the listing agent has a written arrangement
with the seller/landlord to reduce the offer of
compensation to a cooperating agent but
hasn’t had the time to modify the MLS listing
the listing agent should communicate this
change to any cooperating agent during the
initial conversation requesting availability, or
as timely as possible. Listing agents that
typically prefer not to observe the efforts of
‘timely’ may find themselves on the losing
end of an arbitration proceeding.
Todd C. Menard, GRI is President and Designated Broker of Professional Real Estate Partners, a member of SEVRAR and serves as the
SEVRAR Grievance Committee Chairperson
(1997-present). Todd also sits on the SEVRAR
Education Committee and is an instructor of
Orientation and Code of Ethics courses. Todd
can be contacted by email at tmenard@cox.net.
SEVRAR reminds members to visit
the Arizona Regional Multiple
Listing Service for the most recent
monthly home sales reports.
Simply go to: www.armls.com and click
on the STATISTICS link.
GOVERNMENT CONNECTION
Where Do We Go From Here
By Samuel Aubrey, Director of Government Affairs
t is not a matter of whether or not property
rights tip the proverbial scale when it
comes to safe-guarding certain unalienable
rights. Nor is it implied that the overall health
and vibrancy of our nation’s economy or the
prosperity of its people is dependent solely
on the preservation of such rights. It comes
down to this, “Where do we go from here if
we allow for the erosion of our basic rights
through excessive taxation or over-burdening
regulations where private property is concerned?”
There are very few bureaucrats who would
embrace the notion that indeed our basic
rights are forged with great precision on the
anvil of natural law and not by the writing
implements of well-intentioned lawmakers.
And, in their vanity, many would prescribe a
scripted solution where a mere recognition of
inherent privileges would be sufficient.
The result of a preoccupation with statutory
resolutions in many ways prohibit the realization that, left to itself, our governing documents are adequately written to ensure the
rights each of us are afforded. In order for
self-restraint to be considered and applied,
one must fully understand the conundrum
that is potentially created when laws are altered in part.
As an association representing each of you
as real estate professionals, rest assured
that our objective—when interviewing and
ultimately endorsing candidates for public
office—is to select those candidates who
understand the tenets of Webster’s comment. Each of our hopes of ensuring that the
American Dream remains an attainable goal
for all is safe-guarded through our continual
support of those who support our industry
and the individual rights of property owners.
Our ability to influence the political process is
limited only by your level of commitment to
assist us in these efforts. I challenge each of
you to take a first step and raise the bar by
contributing to the political survival fund—
RAPAC. You may do so from the sevrar.com
website by clicking on the “Take the First
Step” button. Your NRDS number and IMS
password are required.
Start small. And, make a difference, today!
"No other rights are
safe where property
is not safe."
-Daniel Webster
Contact: Samuel Aubrey is Director of Government
Affairs for the SouthEast Valley Regional Association of REALTORS® (SEVRAR) for questions regarding this article and other Government Affairs
related issues. You may reach Samuel at (480)
505-6401 or E-mail at saubrey@sevrar.com.
Required Notice: Contributions are not deductible
for Federal Income tax purposes. Contributions to
RAPAC are voluntary and are used for political
purposes. You may refuse to contribute without
reprisal. 70% of each contribution is used by RAPAC to support state and local candidates. The
balance is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits
under 2 U.S.C. 441a.
GET YOUR COPY
OF THE CREDIT
ROAD MAP
AT THE SEVRAR
REALMART
STORE
‘Inquiry Leads’
or ‘Trigger Data’
Causing Problems
for Consumers
By Patrick Ritchie
Big brother is watching and profiting from your actions. The major credit
bureaus have found a new profit center for all of the information they
have on us in the vast data banks known as our credit reports. It has
been well known for years that the pre-approved credit card offers we
receive in the mail were stemming from information sold by the credit
bureaus (known as pre-screened offers). ‘Opting out’ would get us off of
these lists, reducing the amount of junk mail we receive and closing the
opening to identity theft that the pre-approved offers posed if they were
to fall into the wrong hands.
Now the latest deviation of the pre-screened offer is the ‘inquiry lead’.
When you apply for credit, within 24 hours several other banks may be
notified of your application. You will start receiving telephone calls and
mailers offering you lending products based on what you applied for.
This is most common regarding mortgages. The problem is that many of
these offers result bait-and-switch tactics. The telemarketer will make
any promise they think a consumer wants to hear to try to lure the prospect away from the original lender.
Here are some of the tactics being used:
•
Saying they were notified by the original lender of the application
and asked to call the consumer.
•
•
Making specific promises that aren’t met at closing.
•
Sending out paperwork to consumers in hopes they will
“accidentally” fill out and return the information, thus starting a file
with the other lender.
Hounding consumers about whether they are getting the best deal
from their current lender.
This information does not come cheap, purchasing 50 leads will cost
over $3,000. The standard conversion rate is 2%, so on 50 leads a
lender can expect to get one closed loan. One closed loan at a cost of
$3,000... guess who is paying the price in their closing costs? If a telemarketing firm wishes to close 20 loans they would need to buy 1,000
leads at a cost of over $60,000. Do you think there might be a motive to
say anything to get a consumer to go with their company? In the baitand-switch game participants misconstrue information to make their
offer look better. One example is to give a rate they call a 30-year rate,
but it may actually be a 2-year adjustable rate amortized for 30 years. If
a consumer leaves their recommended lender based on a slightly lower
rate they may find out at the signing table they are actually getting a
short-term rate instead of the 30-year fixed rate they wanted.
Not only are telemarketers competing with the original lender, but they
are competing among themselves. There are several companies buying
this information from the credit bureaus and reselling it to telemarketers.
Sellers of the ‘inquiry data’ market it as “like having a crystal ball telling
you when someone fits your desirable lending profile”. They do say
conversion depends on the telemarketer’s skill on the phone and ability
to demonstrate a better offer.
The good news: you can remove your name from all of this. Under Federal law you have the right to remove your name from all pre-screened
offers by calling (888) 567-8688 or going online to
www.optoutprescreen.com. If you feel that you are being harassed or
have been a victim of bait-and-switch contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint at www.ftc.gov.
Patrick Ritchie is the author of The Credit Road Map, a book designed to educate people on the world of credit and banking. The book and more information
is available at www.TheCreditRoadMap.com. He can be reached by email at:
Patrick@TheCreditRoadMap.com. Copyright © 2006 Success Road Map
Press LLC.
NATIONAL CONNECTION
Take Your Involvement to the
National Level in ‘08
By Jim Amdahl, ABR, ABRM, CRB, CRS, GRI, 2007 SEVRAR President-Elect, 2005
NAR Membership Policy & Board Jurisdiction Committee Chairman
ave you ever wondered who it is that causes the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to be effective? You may be surprised
to learn that the answer to that question could be, YOU!
4.
Then… and this is critical! Find a link to complete your Expertise
Profile. The information you provide will be the basis on which
your Committee or Work Group appointment(s) will be made. (If
you have trouble navigating the website, feel free to send me an
email at jimamdahl@earthlink.net).
5.
Finally, find the link to recommend yourself for the Committee
selections you have made. (You can select up to three Committees.)
You have the power of one, and by reading this article it’s just possible
that you will want to become an active participant in the leadership of
this awesome, membership-driven organization.
Do you have an interest in Multiple Listing Service policy, Risk Management solutions, Political Action, Governmental Affairs, Communications, Housing Needs, International Operations, Land Use, Issues Mobilization, Commercial Real Estate or any other topic critical to the practice of real estate?
As of mid-March, you can visit http://www.realtor.org and:
1.
Click on NAR Governance in the left column of the home page.
2.
Find a headline referring to the Committee Recommendation
Process.
3.
Look for a link to a list of Committees and Forums containing their
function and makeup. (This is a multiple page file – take your time!
Though you have until May 25th to make your recommendations, please
don’t wait until the last minute. Your personal qualifications as identified
in your Expertise Profile will be the driving force in the NAR selection
process. Also, if you know anyone at any leadership level within the
REALTOR® family, (NAR, AAR, SEVRAR), let them know what you’re
doing. Their personal recommendation could identify YOU as THE
CANDIDATE that should be appointed! DO IT NOW!
Meet the Newest
Blue Ribbon
Affiliates
Jason Budinger
First Horizon Home Loans
Vicki Kennedy
Guaranty Title
George Ripley
The Ripley Agency
Christine Vettore
CNN Mortgage
AZ Mortgage Bankers License #18626
2007 REALTOR ® EXPO
Wednesday, September 12th
Mesa Convention Center
The
Platinum
Ride
The moderator asked the audience how they felt. Half agreed that the
calls should be taken, while the other half felt the calls could wait. The
wonderful thing about the real estate business is that there are seldom correct answers that fit every situation.
Personally, if I were a seller, interviewing several agents to list my
property, and one agent took several calls while I waited; that agent
would not receive my listing. To be honest, I might ask that agent to
leave my house, if I was in a good mood. If I was in a bad mood, I
would ask the agent to leave, and shove the phone "where the sun
doesn't shine"!
But, I'm a baby boomer. I'm not addicted to instant or text messenging. Nor, am I tolerant of those that are, while in my presence.
I'm a 'D' in the disc profiling system. That means my time is of the
essence. That means I want the bottom line, and I want it fast, without
any interruptions.
The point I'm making is there is a big difference between the golden
rule and the platinum rule. The golden rule says, “Do unto others as
you would have them do unto you”. The platinum rule says, “Do unto
others as they desire”.
People want it their way. Whether you are making a hamburger, or a
listing call, be sensitive to the client's preferences. Realize that there
are generational & cultural differences. Be aware that different personalities have different expectations. If in doubt ask, "Mr. Seller, do
you mind if I take this call?" If the seller gives you the one finger
peace sign, that is not a buying sign!
By Paul Pastore, ABR, CRS, CRB, GRI, MRE, e-PRO, RECS
t the February Rising Stars REALTOR® Mentor program luncheon
one panelist said they answer every phone call immediately.
When they are on a listing appointment, or with a buyer, if the phone
rings, they answer the call. How do you feel about that?
And, oh by the way—I don't like people who answer their phone in
public places, such as in restaurants. So, if you are a “Rising REALTOR®”, beware that there are aging baby boomers who want it their
way. (Call them grumpy behind their backs if you want.) But, if you
want more business, don't forget the platinum rule.
SEVRAR NEWS MAGAZINE ADVERTISERS
Advisors Mortgage
American Family Insurance
American Mortgage Specialists
Bell Mortgage
Champion Home Inspections
Chef Dane’s
Commission Express
Fast Mobile Auto Repair
Floor Plans First
Golba Group Property Management
Home Loan Experts
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
bc
28
22
37
36
07
16
41
33
41
06
Home Ownership Plans of America
Homes & Land
Ideal Home Inspections
InHouse Home Warranty
J. Dewey Property Inspection
Lamar Photography Studios
Landmark Maintenance Services
Lending the Valley Group
Northeast Mortgage
Nationwide
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
37
27
18
43
17
31
41
15
02
32
33
Relationship Mortgage
San Tan Homes
ServiceOne Home Warranties
SE Valley Chapter WCR
Sterling Mortgage
Superstition Sprgs. Chapter WCR
Ward Development
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
pg
28
19
20
15
33
27
05
For advertising information including rates
and deadlines visit:
http://www.sevrar.com/pdfs/advertise.pdf
EVENT CONNECTION
Calendar Of Events
THURSDAY MAR 15
FRIDAY MAR 23
2007 SEVRAR LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM (AAR WINTER
CONFERENCE)
10:45AM SEV WCR REALTOR
EXPO
AAR WINTER REAL ESTATE
CONFERENCE & DIRECTOR
MEETING
TUESDAY MAR 27
9AM AGENCY LAW
FRIDAY APR 6
11AM DEVELOPMENT & RE
THE TEMPE WAY
8AM DEAN NAUGHTON’S
TRAINING CLASS MARKETING
MADE EASY
8:15AM AHWATUKEE
MARKETING MEETING/TOUR
WEDNESDAY MAR 28
8:15AM APACHE JUNCTION
MARKETING TOUR
8:15AM GILBERT/HIGLEY
9AM REAL ESTATE SAFETY
9AM WRITE ON!
FRIDAY MAR 16
2007 SEVRAR LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM EVENT @ (AAR
WINTER CONFERENCE)
SATURDAY MAR 17
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
MONDAY MAR 19
12PM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY MAR 20
8AM CHANDLER MARKETING
MEETING/TOUR
3PM AFFORDABLE HOUSING
COMMITTEE MEETING
9AM 2007 SEVRAR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (ASU DR. JAY
BUTLER)
1PM FINANCE COMMITTEE
MEETING
3PM AFFORDABLE HOUSING
COMMITTEE MEETING
GOOD FRIDAY
WEDNESDAY APR 18
8:30AM GOLD CANYON
MARKETING MEETING
SUNDAY APR 8
8:30AM MESA / EAST MESA
MARKETING MEETING / TOUR
ORTHODOX EASTER
EASTER SUNDAY
10AM AFFILIATE
ORIENTATION
1PM THE CODE
MONDAY APR 9
1PM GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
MEETING (PANEL 2)
THURSDAY MAR 29
10:30AM MLS COMMITTEE
MEETING
8AM SAFE REAL ESTATE
8:15AM AHWATUKEE
TUESDAY APR 10
8AM GRI 306 NEW HOMES
DEVELOPMENT SALES
9AM MOLD INVESTIGATION
LAW
9AM AGENCY PLUS
(AHWATUKEE)
9AM 2007 SEVRAR
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM @
(ADRE)
WEDNESDAY APR 11
FRIDAY MAR 30
5PM SAFE REAL ESTATE
SUNDAY APR 1
PALM SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY MAR 21
9AM HONORING THE RULES
9AM UNDERSTANDING FHA
HOME LOAN GUIDELINES &
POLICIES
1PM MOLD INVESTIGATION &
LAW
THURSDAY APR 19
8:15AM AHWATUKEE
MARKETING TOUR
10AM EDUCATION
COMMITTEE MEETING
9AM 2007 SEVRAR
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
(ADOT
1PM BUYER
REPRESENTATION
FRIDAY APR 20
8:30AM GOLD CANYON
MARKETING MEETING
MONDAY APR 2
8:30AM ORIENTATION
THURSDAY APR 12
MARKETING MEETING / TOUR
1PM CODE OF ETHICS
8AM MARICOPA MARKETING
MEETING/TOUR
9AM UNDERSTANDING
CONSUMER CREDIT
TUESDAY APR 3
MONDAY APR 23
10AM AFFILIATE
ORIENTATION
MEETING/TOUR
8:15AM AHWATUKEE
9AM AFFILIATE COMMITTEE
MEETING
9AM AT HOME WITH
DIVERSITY CERT.
9AM 2007 SEVRAR
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
(MARICOPA COUNTY
ASSESSOR)
12PM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE MEETING
FIRST DAY OF PASSOVER
1PM FAIR HOUSING
AWARENESS
WEDNESDAY APR 4
THURSDAY MAR 22
7:30AM COMMERCIAL MLS
COMMITTEE MEETING
8AM MARICOPA MARKETING
MEETING/TOUR
8:15AM AHWATUKEE
9AM RE-DISCOVERING
AGENCY
9AM 2007 SEVRAR
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM @
(ARMLS)
12PM EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE MEETING
1PM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING
MEETING (PANEL 1)
9AM BROKER MANAGEMENT
CLINIC
9AM FROM THE HOTLINE!
9AM LIKE KIND EXCHANGES
11AM RISING STARS:
PROSPECTING & MARKETING
11AM PROSPECTING &
MARKETING
1PM DISCLOSURE THE
PRACTICAL GUIDE
8AM GRI 314 TECHNOLOGY
STRATEGIES FOR THE NEW
MARKET PLACE
TUESDAY APR 24
10:30AM SEV WCR FASHION
SHOW
1PM FAIR HOUSING, WHAT’S
FAIR?
WEDNESDAY APR 25
4PM SEVRAR FAMILY PICNIC
8AM STRATEGIC EQUITY,
HOW TO OWN & FINANCE
REAL ESTATE THE RIGHT
WAY
8:15AM AHWATUKEE
MONDAY APR 16
MARKETING TOUR
1PM CODE OF ETHICS
1PM GUIDE TO REDUCING
RISK
8AM DEAN NAUGHTON’S
TRAINING CLASS MARKETING
MADE EASY
TUESDAY APR 17
THURSDAY APR 26
MEETING/TOUR
7:30AM COMMERCIAL MLS
COMMITTEE MEETING
1PM DOT YOUR I’S CROSS
YOUR T’S
THURSDAY APR 5
2PM THE SECRET
FRIDAY APR 13
8:30AM ORIENTATION
8AM MARICOPA MARKETING MEETING/
TOUR
8:15AM AHWATUKEE MARKETING
MEETING/TOUR
11AM Q&A: FRAUD, HAVE YOU DONE
IT?
12PM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
MEETING
1PM BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
1PM ETHICS IN REAL ESTATE
6PM 2007 SEVRAR LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM GRADUATION
Login to the SEVRAR Internet
Member Services (IMS) website for
the most current schedule. Don’t
forget to take advantage of online
registration!
http://ims.sevrar.com
MEMBER CONNECTION
2007 Leadership Candidates Selected
fter several interviews with applicants for
the 2007 SEVRAR Leadership Program,
the Leadership Committee made their final
selections and announced the candidates just
in time for the nine week program beginning
March 1, 2007.
One of the reasons for establishing this program was to attract “fresh volunteer faces” to
the community-at-large and SEVRAR. The
goal is to build a strong foundation to secure
the future success and prosperity of the association.
The 2007 Candidate will begin a nine week
journey designed to give each participant a
unique in-depth perspective of state and local
government agencies and the role they play in
the Real Estate industry.
Butler, the Maricopa County Assessor, and the
Arizona Department of Transportation. Closing
out the nine week program is the 2007
SEVRAR Leadership Program Graduation
ceremony.
Congratulations to the following 2007 SEVRAR
Leadership Program participants:
• Alison Baker, HomeSmart
• Patty Ballantine, Independence Realty
Professionals
• Terrance Carey, Carey Home Inspection
• Karen Kay, Realty Executives
• Paco Melendez, Brooks Byron & Associates LLC
• Cathy Pedersen, West USA Realty Revelation
• Nancy Poirier, 1st USA Realty Professionals
They have agreed to participate in a variety of
activities and an extensive schedule including,
and Orientation, Team Building, attending the
AAR Winter Conference in Prescott, visits to
the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service
(ARMLS), Arizona Department of Real Estate
(ADRE), Arizona State University with Dr. Jay
• Gary Smith, 1st USA Realty Professionals
• Dianna Van Zandt, Prudential Arizona
Properties
“Behind every
successful REALTOR ® is
a sense of community.
The more you
know about your
community and become
involved in the area that
you live and sell in, the
more successful you are
likely to be.”
1363 S. Vineyard ▪ Mesa, AZ 85210

Mar / Apr 2007

Transcription

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