High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette

The High Country Association of REALTORS®
GAZETTE
Issue 11-06 Summer 2011
FROM THE
DESK
OF
OUR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT...CHARLIE BURLESON
Inside this Issue
A LETTER FROM THE
PRESIDENT - 1
Dear Fellow REALTORS,
NAR Green Designation
Opportunity—2
I hope this finds you hard at work on your summer listings and preparation for your
clients.
Lockbox Options - 3
In my short time as your President, I have been touched by the outpouring of concern
from many of you about my health. The cards and calls are all very much appreciated as
are your prayers. I continue in my treatments, but I am feeling much better and I’m at the
office every day now. Thanks to so many of you.
As with a lot of professions today and in today’s economy there is no shortage of
challenges to the REALTORS in the High Country. In a very competitive environment I
see our relationships growing in a positive manner. We have now completed our joining
together with the Ashe County Board and it’s great to have those relationships and
opportunities to share information and programs. The volunteerism from our members
continues to grow and it is good to see new faces on our committees.
Our MLS is now governed buy a separate Board and this seems to be received well.
We would like to see more of our MLS participants attend the meetings, but someone told
me “that things must be going well, no one came to complain”. The Education Member
services and Advertising Committees all seem to be doing a great job, as are Hot Topics.
The High Country is truly a place of opportunity and in spite of the tough economy I
see REALTORS working together to make things happen. We have some local issues as
well as state and national issues to face, but together we will face them. This is where
RPAC dollars will make a difference.
This summer we will greet visitors to our area, many of these will desire to own a part
of the High Country, and I’m sure our REALTORS will reach out to them. I wish you
all a great and prosperous summer and look forward to seeing you.
Calendar Events—4
Office Certification
Map your Property—5
Upcoming Elections
Code of Ethics —6
Pathways to
Professionalism - 7-8
2012 REALTOR® Dues—9
HABITAT—10
ADVERTISING COMMITTEE
REPORT—11
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES
COMMITTEE REPORT—12
“Did you Know?” - 13
Congratulations Wade –
14
Alan’s Reality Check—15
NAR Newest Benefit
Partners—16
REAL TOWN - 17
HIGH COUNTRY ASSN of
REALTORS® OFFICE
CONTACT INFO - 118
Charlie Burleson
High Country Association President
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS ‘FREE’ OPPORTUNITY TO EARN
YOUR GREEN DESIGNATION.
SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW
ATTEND ALL THREE DAYS — June 14, 15, & 22
to get your $50.00 payment back.
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
LOCKBOX DECISION TIME
Our MLS Association’s lockbox contract with RISCO comes to an end this year. Your MLS
Board of Directors has assigned a Task Force to the job and we are currently looking at our
options.
 RISCO has been purchased by SUPRA and they have new and improved systems they
would like for us to explore.
 SentriLock, currently in use with the Yancey/Mitchell Board, is another company that offers
electronic lockboxes and we are in contact with them as well.
Our goal is to provide our members with a safe, affordable way to keep keys at their
listings. Electronic lockboxes will soon be required on all HUD homes and Errors and
Omissions insurance is exploring how to rate customers who are using combination lockboxes
vs. electronic lockboxes since the combination style box is NOT secure and keeps no record of
who accessed the key.
Electronic lockboxes are the way to go folks and your Board and the task force are committed
to finding the best possible solution for an affordable price.
Brokers-in-Charge/Participants make plans now to attend the MLS Particpant’s meeting
August 9 for our findings and a possible vote!
Hope Harvey, Lockbox Task Force Chair
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High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
Upcoming Calendar Events
JUNE
11th- Membership Services sponsored Poker Run
Contact Skip Wood 773-2073
13th—Board of Director’s Meeting
Association—8:30 // MLS—10:30
14, 15 & 22—Green Designation Courses/Broyhill
21st—General Membership Meeting/Broyhill
8:30 am — Breakfast
RSVP by Noon on Thursday, June 16th
22-24—New Member Orientation
27th—Annual Office Certification mailed to BIC’s
JULY
4th— Independence Day—Association Office Closed
NO HOT TOPICS THIS MONTH
5th— 3rd Quarter MLS Invoices sent to BIC’s—
Payment due July 20 at 5:00 pm
12th—Board of Director’s Meeting
Association—8:30 // MLS—10:30
20th— 3rd Quarter MLS Invoices due from BIC’s
31st— Office Certification due from BIC’s
Date and specifics to be Announced:
Membership Services Pick & Grin Picnic
AUGUST
2nd—Hot Topics—TBD
9th— Participant’s Meeting 9:30 am Watauga County Library
16th–Board of Directors Meeting
Association—8:30 // MLS—10:30
Date and specifics to be Announced:
Membership Services Cooking Class
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
CALLING ALL
BROKERS-IN-CHARGE !
It is time for the annual office certification!
Please look for your 2011 office certification form along with completion
instructions sometime around June 27.
All offices MUST certify annually no later than July 31st.
Please call the Association office if you require another form be sent to you.
828.262.5437
TO MAP YOUR PROPERTY!
The best time to check the mapping is at the time the
listing is input. Do it then and you don’t have to worry
about it again!
Many of our agents are now searching for listings using
the map search. Make it easy for your fellow brokers to
find the right property at the right location for their
clients!
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
IT WILL SOON BE TIME TO ELECT OUR
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
LOOK FOR THE NOMINATION FORM
THAT WILL BE SENT SOON VIA EMAIL
(MEMBER ALERT)
NOMINATE A FELLOW BROKER OR
YOURSELF
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
HAVE YOU MET THE THIRD QUADRENNIAL
ETHICS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS?
You must take the Code of Ethics one time within this current period
(January 2009 - December 2012).
If you are not sure if you have met the third cycle requirements,
please login to your NRDS account at www.realtor.org.
Never logged in? You will need to register.
Click on "Click here to register" (You will need your NRDS number)
Remember: You can take the code of ethics for FREE online at www.realtor.org.
After you have logged in search code of ethics.
Our Association will be offering Code of Ethics Courses before the deadline.
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Please don't forget showing etiquette. Review the Pathways to Professionalism below.
These are all good reminders about conducting business with one another as we approach
our selling season. You MUST call the listing office/agent to obtain permission
before showing a property. This is not only courteous but required by our
MLS Rules and Regulations. Violation is a $1,000.00 fine!
Pathways to Professionalism
While the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association establishes objective,
enforceable ethical standards governing the professional conduct of REALTORS, it does not address
issues of courtesy or etiquette. Based on input from many sources, the Professional Conduct Working
Group of the Professional Standards Committee developed the following list of professional courtesies for
use by REALTORS on a voluntary basis. This list is not all-inclusive, and may be supplemented by local
custom and practice.
Respect for the Public
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Follow the “Golden Rule” – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Respond promptly to inquiries and requests for information.
Schedule appointments and showings as far in advance as possible.
Call if you are delayed or must cancel an appointment or showing.
If a prospective buyer decides not to view an occupied home, promptly explain the situation
to the listing broker or the occupant.
6. Communicate with all parties in a timely fashion.
7. When entering a property, ensure that unexpected situations, such as pets, are handled
appropriately.
8. Leave your business card if not prohibited by local rules.
9. Never criticize property in the presence of the occupant.
10. Inform occupants that you are leaving after showings.
11. When showing an occupied home, always ring the doorbell or knock – and announce yourself loudly – before entering. Knock and announce yourself loudly before entering any
closed room.
12. Present a professional appearance at all times; dress appropriately and drive a clean car.
13. If occupants are home during showings, ask their permission before using the telephone or
bathroom.
14. Encourage the clients of other brokers to direct questions to their agent or representative.
15. Communicate clearly; don’t use jargon or slang that may not be readily understood.
16. Be aware of and respect cultural differences.
17. Show courtesy and respect to everyone.
18. Be aware of – and meet – all deadlines.
19. Promise only what you can deliver – and keep your promises.
20. Identify your REALTOR® and your professional status in contacts with the public.
21. Do not tell people what you think – tell them what you know.
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
Pathways to Professionalism Cont’d
Respect for Property
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Be responsible for everyone you allow to enter listed property.
Never allow buyers to enter listed property unaccompanied.
When showing property, keep all members of the group together.
Never allow unaccompanied access to property without permission.
Enter property only with permission even if you have a lockbox key or combination.
When the occupant is absent, leave the property as you found it (lights, heating,
cooling, drapes, etc). If you think something is amiss (e.g. vandalism) contact the
listing broker immediately.
7. Be considerate of the seller’s property. Do not allow anyone to eat, drink, smoke,
dispose of trash, use bathing or sleeping facilities, or bring pets. Leave the house as
you found it unless instructed otherwise.
8. Use sidewalks; if weather is bad, take off shoes and boots inside property.
Respect for Peers
1. Identify your REALTOR and professional status in all contacts with other
REALTORS.
2. Respond to other agents’ calls, faxes, and e-mails promptly and courteously.
3. Be aware that large electronic files with attachments or lengthy faxes may be a
burden on recipients.
4. Notify the listing broker if there appears to be inaccurate information on the listing.
5. Share important information about a property, including the presence of pets;
security systems; and whether sellers will be present during the showing.
6. Show courtesy, trust and respect to other real estate professionals.
7. Avoid the inappropriate use of endearments or other denigrating language.
8. Do not prospect at other REALTORS®’ open houses or similar events.
9. Return keys promptly.
10. Carefully replace keys in the lockbox after showings.
11. To be successful in the business, mutual respect is essential.
12. Real estate is a reputation business.
What you do today may affect your reputation – and business – for years to come.
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
2012 REALTOR® Dues
Many of you may know by now that the National Association of REALTORS®
have raised their dues to $120.00. This represents a $40.00 increase.
Statement by Ron Phipps, 2011 NAR President, on the passing of the
REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative:
“Earlier today, the NAR Board of Directors voted in favor of the REALTOR®
Party Political Survival Initiative and agreed to fund it through a dedicated
dues increase of $40 per member, beginning in 2012. The initiative will allow
NAR to provide millions of dollars in additional support to state and local
boards, which are facing a cadre of policy proposals that would restrict
private property rights and drain home owners’ pocketbooks.
As the only organization speaking on behalf of America’s home owners,
NAR must remain strong and influential at all levels of government. During
the past week, we have heard from dozens of industry and government
leaders about the broad challenges facing our markets and the growing
desire on the part of federal, state and local governments to implement
policies that would hurt home owners and the economy. In passing this
initiative, REALTORS® send a clear message that we are ready and willing to
protect the home owners and communities we serve.
On behalf of the entire organization, we thank the directors for their
feedback and guidance, as we refined this initiative, and we are grateful to all
REALTORS® who engage in an informed debate prior to this vote. "
High Country Association of REALTORS®
will bill the 2012 REALTOR® dues on September 5, 2011
and will be due in our office by November 1, 2011.
This raise in the NAR dues will bring the total due to $436.00.
The dues breakout is as follows:
NAR Dues
NAR Image Fee
$120.00
$35.00
NCAR
$130.00
Local Fees
$151.00
Total
$436.00
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
LOCAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD Habitat work days are planned to start in Mid‐April, weather permitting and will continue through June. This includes every Wednesday. Companies are encouraged to choose work days as a whole. To sign up please call Patrick Morgan at Cedar Falls Realty 828.262.0616 10
Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
Advertising Committee
Report
Traveling throughout the State of North Carolina, you will find that the High Country Association of
REALTORS® has an increased presence. This is not by accident!
Your Advertising Committee has been hard at work this year in securing high traffic locations for three
billboards. We have worked out an arrangement with Douglas Displays in Charlotte, for placement in three
prominent areas with high traffic counts. Not only is the traffic high volume, we deliberately asked to be placed
in "bottle neck" locations where the drivers must slow down and will occasionally have to stop. This presents
an opportunity for our advertising and marketing efforts to really sink in. We chose the I-40 and Charlotte I-77
corridors for this type of advertising. If you are in the area, look for our billboards in the following areas:
 I-40/85 West of Burlington Westbound From Raleigh/Durham near exit 138;
 Charlotte: I-77/Tyvola Blvd. coming North into Charlotte from Rock Hill, SC (gridlocked during AM
drive);
 Greensboro I-40 Eastbound just before the junction I-85
Two of the billboards are "static" and use a vinyl image while the other one is "digital" which is in rotation. The
artwork we chose depicts the high country lifestyle and should encourage people to come to our area to purchase property.
We have purchased as much billboard space as is financially possible at this time. Each board has a different
website address to allow us to track the progress and success of each location. As we continue to get feedback during our contract period (May 2nd through the end of October, 2011) we will know how successful this
campaign has been. We will also know which of the boards will warrant additional time and/or resources.
 Our State Magazine has a fabulous new link that places us first on any clicks that come in to articles relevant to our area.
 Remote cameras (www.highcountrywebcams.com) still record hits and are redirected to our website
on 9 camera sites throughout the Western North Carolina and High Country vicinity. Grandfather
Mountain, Banner Elk, Spruce Pine, Asheville, Blowing Rock, Chimney Rock, etc are just some of
the locations where we are located.
In addition, each of our advertising and marketing campaigns has been assigned its own unique website
address for the express reason of tracking its' success.
We realize that it is a work in progress. Our ultimate goal is to provide a tool by which interested customers will
be directed to our website where our members can then be contacted.
Carol Sommer (chair)
Debbie Clark
Patty Page
Advertising Committee Members:
cjsommerme@yahoo.com
Debbie@MountainRunProperties.com
patty@brghomesandland.com
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828.264.5111
828.733.9200
828.773.3280
Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
Membership Services Committee
Report
The mission of the Membership Services Committee, since 2005, has been to plan and organize events and activities for you to enjoy ‐ offering an opportunity to socialize, network and support each other. This year we are focusing on more community events, with a vari‐
ety of activities in different areas of the High Country. We had a fun family night with a bowling party and pizza in February. Our REALTOR®’S® team buzzed with a shining performance in the Chamber’s Spelling Bee. And most recently a large group of REALTOR®’s paddled down the New River, collecting some very interesting trash. It was a great day with discovery of a car windshield, quilt, waterbed mattress, plastic chairs, jugs, litter and trash. Our first Poker Run, June 11 will cruise from Boone, through Avery County and down the parkway to raise donations for our area Blue Star service families. The Membership Services Committee has plans for a Picking & Grinning park picnic, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class, cocktail party and casino night and a winter holiday party. Please look forward to these events, mark your calendars and make plans to join the fun. Membership Services Committee Members:
Cynthia Weathers (chair) Cynthia@ColdwellBankerBlair.com
Skip Wood
Skip@VincentProperties.com
Denise Weinkle
Denise@CedarFallsRealty.com
Erik Lanier
ErikLanier@hotmail.com
Sue Leserra
Sue@MountainscapeRealty.com
Sherry Goodman
Sherry@PeakMtn.com
Janeene Ross
Janeene13@hotmail.com
Edie Milano
emilano@brri.net
Kimberly Isler
realtymaven2005@yahoo.com
Jim Brooks
Brooks@slopeside.com
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828.262.1836
828.773.2073
828.773.5021
828.963.3798
336.977.3520
336.877.7443
828.773.4331
828.963.7370
828.260.3172
828.387.0142
Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
Did you know?
Quick Stats now has a graph to go along with the stats.
When you search for listings and have results on the screen,
click Quick Stats from the OPTIONS drop down.
Statistics
(625 listings)
Low
List Price
$300,000
Price/SqFt ($) $0.00
Days on Market 1
High
$499,900
$583.17
1787
13
Average
$394,180
$82.37
225
Median
$385,000
$92.35
123
Total
$246,362,542
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
CONGRATULATIONS WADE!
Wade was a REALTOR® with our Association from 1974 to 2009.
He was the 1986 REALTOR® of the Year
and served on our Board of Directors for many years.
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
ANNOUNCING
a new feature to our quarterly newsletter.
ALAN’S REALITY CHECK
for a bit of comedic respite.
ENJOY!
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
Introducing NAR’s Newest REALTOR
Benefits® Program Partners
OfficeMax®
OfficeMax, offers members, association staff, and their
families substantial discounts on more than 12,000
office supply products, with free shipping. Offices
with more than 25 employees also are eligible to sign up
for the Business-to-Business Program.
Shop on line, at
retail stores, and through OfficeMax’s exclusive
commercial catalog.
LINK: http://www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/
benefits_partners/officemax?cid=OM0017
Ifbyphone
Ifbyphone, offers members and association staff exclusive packages and pricing on its suite of software-as-aservice voice applications, focused on managing, measuring and automating voice communications through call
tracking (SourceTrakTM), client notifications, call
forwarding, voice automation, and interactive voice
response (IVR).
http://www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/
benefits_partners/ifbyphone?cid=IBP0009
zipLogix
introduces new online document storage tool
Members can now benefit from a cost-effective, secure
and user-friendly document storage tool in one
easily
accessible online location. zipVaultTM, the newest
product from REALTOR Benefits® Program Partner, zipLogix, is conveniently integrated within the zipForm® 6
Professional software. Call 866-627-4729 to order zipForm® 6 Professional integrated with zipVault today.
http://www.realtor.org/realtor_benefits/
benefits_partners/zipform?cid=ZV0006
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
Welcome to Our New List Serve
Please use our new system as you did before for real estate business such as
open houses, property alerts, rentals or changes along with prospecting, etc.
Solicitations of members or non-members are not allowed.
This system can now accept attachments with up to 10-mega bite of information.
To send a message you may click below, initiate an email message addressed to
HighCountry@RealTown.com OR post a message directly on the web. To access
the web portal, login to http://RealTown.com with your e-mail address and
password. If you do NOT know your password, please go to
http://RealTown.com/login and click on 'Forgot Password'. Follow the steps
(use your email address) and your login information will be emailed to you
promptly.
To Post/Send Messages: You are able to post messages by sending an e-mail
addressed to HighCountry@RealTown.com OR by using the web interface. Please
note that the use of the online features is optional.
* If you are sending an e-mail, pictures or flyers can only be attached to the
message only if they have a web presence.
* Pictures or flyers can ONLY be imbedded in messages that are created by
using the web interface. Click here for photo upload instructions.
Messages are sent out as an email AND are listed on the web as a discussion.
***Please realize when you reply to a message it will be released ONLY
to the web interface and it will appear as a “reply” to the original
message. If you want to reply directly to the individual you must use
their email address which can be found on the Navica roster.
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Summer 2011
High Country Association of REALTORS® Gazette
The High Country Association of REALTORS®
CONTACT INFORMATION
As we continue to move forward with changes (www.HighCountryRealtors.org) please feel free to
access the Members only section, where you can view minutes from recent meetings, as well as stay
up-to-date regarding the events of this association.
High Country Association of REALTORS®
Physical Address
2348 Hwy 105 S. Suite 3
Boone, NC 28607
Mailing Address
Po Box 607
Boone, NC 28607
Contact Information
Laurie A. Phillips, e-Pro Executive Officer
REALTOR@HighCountryREALTORS.org
828.262.5437
Ext 113
Debbie Etheridge
Membership Coordinator
REALTOR@HighCountryREALTORS.org
828.262.5437
Ext 112
Maria Johnston
Information Specialist
Info@HighCountryREALTORS.org
828.262.5437
Ext 111
FAX
828.262.1530
TOLL FREE
877.262.5452
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Navica can be reached at 1-800-367-8756
OR
Click on the Live Chat button to chat with tech support.
The advantage of this is that you can print a copy of the entire conversation
for your records.
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Summer 2011