The SCAOR office will be closed tomorrow, April 10 in observance of Good Friday. We re-open on Monday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m.

REALTOR^® OF THE YEAR
SCAOR is now accepting nominations for the REALTOR^® of the Year Award. This award is given to a SCAOR member who exemplifies the REALTOR^® image and goes beyond the call of duty.

Please take this opportunity to nominate someone special >>

All nominations must be received at the SCAOR office by Thursday, April 20, 2009.

 
GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD
REALTORS^® may nominate themselves or may be nominated by another DAR member, a state or local association, or the community organization they serve. The goal of the DAR Good Neighbor Award is to recognize Delaware's REALTORS^® for their efforts in community and charitable service in helping to make their communities a better place for all citizens.

Click here for entry form >>
All nominations must be received at the SCAOR office by Thursday, April 20, 2009.

Apply for recognition at the national level.
Applications for the NAR Good Neighbor Award are due May 22, 2009 >>

 

K I C K O F F   T O   S U C C E S S

To be successful in any business you have to plan for it! Are you ready to step up your game? Join us for this exciting info packed seminar and take your business to the next level! Guest Speaker: Shirley Kalvinsky REALTOR®, CRB, CRS, GRI REALTOR® of the Year 2004 Kalvinsky / Mason Team named Top Producers of the Jack Lingo Company - 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 Next Tuesday, April 14 3 - 4 p.m. FREE ~ Sponsored by the Rookie Committee NOT JUST FOR ROOKIES...AND A MIXER TOO Immediately following the seminar, the SCAOR Rookies are hosting a Mixer and a Raffle for 2 tickets to Camden Yards! Los Angeles Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles Friday, August 14, 2009 at 7:05 PM at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD Be sure to allow extra time after the presentation to join us at the Mixer. All are invited!

FREE ~ RSVP Here >>       Click here for the flyer >> Questions? Contact Lidia Smith at 539-9040 or Lidia.Smith@lnf.com

 

Quiz: History of NAR As REALTORS® we all belong to the National Association of REALTORS®. In our New Member Orientation we learn all the benefits and privileges associated with that membership, but we really don't cover an in-depth history of our National Association. I found the following quiz in REALTOR® magazine which I hope you'll find informative and fun to take >>

Volunteer opportunities abound, and what a great way to put REALTORS^®' names in the public eye!

Habitat for Humanity (HfH)
Construction on the 3rd Sussex County HfH Women Build began January 17, 2009. Women Build is a Habitat program that seeks to empower, include and encourage women by teaching them basic construction skills as they work together to construct a Habitat home built entirely by women volunteers.

The build continues on Saturdays through mid-June. Additional volunteers will be needed for Saturday, May 9. It will be a regular 6-8 hour build day, with an afternoon dedication. Good news: The build has recently been awarded a $5,000 gift card from Lowe's! For additional information on the Women Build and ways in which you can be a part, please visit the website @ sussexcountyhabitat.org Several of the local REALTORS^® are on the Leadership Team. Contact Kathy Goodman with RE/MAX by the Sea at (302) 245-4096 to discover more about the project details and how you can help!

Delaware Hospice Can Also Use Volunteers
Hundreds of volunteers bolster Delaware Hospice's activities, each contributing his or her own special gift. Volunteers might sit with patients for a few hours, provide grief support, organize fundraising events, or help out in the office.

To register as a volunteer or learn more, call:
In Sussex County, call Mary Costello, 855-2344, x4120.
In New Castle County, Jessica Whitehead, 478-5707 x1105.
In Kent County, call Judy Knutstad, 678-4448, x2117.

 

Things are Moving! A message from Ruth Briggs King, EVP

"Things are moving!" Every time I see a member I ask, "How's business?" Recently, the response has been encouraging. Members are scheduling more showings, writing contracts, and going to settlement. Last Friday, April 3, the Government Affairs Committee conveyed to local legislators the message about the value and importance of real estate to the local economy. Yes, we even explained the term "short sale" to elected officials who did not know what a short sale is in real estate! Did you know that in our state of Delaware in 2007 the real estate industry accounted for 15.5% of gross state product? When a home is sold in Delaware: Income generated for related industries is $21,024 Additional expenditures on consumer items is $5,331 The sale generates an economic multiplier impact that translates to dollars spent in local restaurants, sports games, etc. to the amount of $12,650 The sale generates new home production which translates to $29,200 for each home The total income derived from the sale of a home in Delaware is $68,205 This clearly indicates how important your contribution is to the local economy. Clearly, when you are not making money, neither do so many supported businesses. Now, this may not help your wallet but it makes your position stronger and demonstrates the significance of what you accomplish. Some members are having a difficult time as a result of the market and lack of sales. The leadership at SCAOR is sensitive to the unprecedented market conditions. The impact is felt by many members, some more than others. A special program, at no additional cost, is being offered to our members. The program will provide members the opportunity to meet with an attorney and financial professional to discuss their situation and potential options. We are fortunate that our partners have volunteered their professional services. Interested members, please contact TracyLee by calling the office, (302) 855-2300 at extension 205. Your requests will be held in strict confidentiality.

 

- SafeMLS Token FAQ -

Is your token displaying "ErASEd" ?

-If so, then you have a defective token. Simply report your token lost/broken by clicking on the link on the Innovia login screen. You will be emailed an emergency password that will be good for 7 days. Sometime within those 7 days, come to the board office and we will give you a new token free of charge.

Are you receiving a message, "Incorrect password" when you try to log onto the MLS?

-If so, then you need to verify that you are using the correct PIN. 99% of the callers who have received this message were using the wrong PIN. You can click on "I forgot my PIN" or "I want to change my PIN" on the Innovia login screen to remedy this. Your PIN is permanent unless you change it. Your SafeMLS Password changes every time you push the button to log on.

If I forgot my token at home and need to log onto the MLS, can I report my token lost to get the temporary password?

-No, you cannot. Once you report your token lost or broken, you will not be able to re-enroll it under your login ID; you will have to pay for a new token. That is why it's important that you keep your token with you at all times.

What happens after I try to log on 5 times unsuccessfully?

-After 5 unsuccessful log in attempts, you will be locked out of the system for two and a half minutes. Wait and try again after this time has elapsed. After you successfully log in, the attack lock will automatically be reset.

 

April is Fair Housing Month

To Celebrate, SCAOR is offering

A T   H O M E   W I T H   D I V E R S I T Y FREE FOR PRIMARY MEMBERS

Thursday, April 23, 1 - 4 p.m.

Take this new 3 CE class and learn how to market to ALL potential buyers and sellers in the county. Learn Diversity marketing strategies Fair housing "must knows" Ways to achieve diversity and invest in your business Skills to build diversity awareness and communication Business etiquette for specific cultures Homeownership rates among immigrants are rising at rates such that minorities will account for an estimated two-thirds of new household growth in the United States in the next ten years. Specifically, this training enhances the ability of those involved in the real estate transaction to develop clients and customers in the growing immigrant and minority population. A major component of the course is building skills that enable you to effectively reach all population groups. Register Here >> - COMPLYING WITH FAIR HOUSING - Click Here for Fair Housing Compliance Tips >>

Join the midyear bus trip to visit
YOUR elected officials on Capitol Hill.

SCAOR travels to Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 13 — departing from SCAOR at 7:30 a.m. sharp — allowing time to enjoy the NAR REALTOR^® Expo and lunch. After lunch, we head to Capitol Hill and arrive before 2 p.m. to meet with your Senators and Representative. The bus will depart at approximately 4:15 p.m. from the Capitol and return to SCAOR around 6:30 p.m.

For a $15 RPAC donation, you can share the ride, visit the Expo, and express your most pressing REALTOR^® concerns to your legislators.

 

GREEN DESIGNATION Be recognized as pro Green . . . while not spending much green

Sussex County Association of REALTORS® presents the 3 day Green Designation course. Earn this valuable NAR designation and watch your earnings increase. Accolades Grow for NAR's Green Designation Read all about it here >> Class dates: May 27, 28 and 29 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily 1 hour lunch break (must attend all 3 days in full to receive designation) Pay only $90 for the entire course, less than NAR charges at the midyear convention. This course also counts as an Elective course for the ABR Designation and 2 credits towards the RSPS Certification. Earn 9 CE for re-licensing plus learn the following: Green buildings concepts, principles and practices Marketing to the green consumer Potential cost savings of green features The significance of LEED, Energy Star, and other rating systems Regulatory issues, zoning and building codes as they relate to sustainability Support with referrals, marketing tools and consumer awareness campaigns Advising clients seeking qualified "green" professionals Sustainable communities and land planning Green living: housekeeping, energy efficiency and air quality Greening your business practices

Register to earn YOUR Green Designation here >>

2^nd Annual Renewal Energy Fair
Saturday, April 18^th
10 am - 2 pm @ the Baycenter, Dewey Beach

Learn about Renewable Energy and Ecofriendly, Cost-saving Products and Services.
Hear John Byrne, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Invite your clients to show your interest and gauge theirs in Going Green. It's FREE!

Visit www.DelawareRenewableEnergy.com for full details.
Click here for an event flyer (1.5 MB PDF).

Date:	THURSDAY, MAY 7
Time:	9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location:	Association Office 23407 Park Avenue Georgetown, DE 19947
Instructor:	Bruce Plummer
CEUs:	Approved by DREC for 6 Hours CE Mandatory for Brokers Elective for Agents
Click here to register >>

		MLS Tip - Read before you call! MLS changes are posted on the InnoVia bulletin board. Save yourself and SCAOR staff time, and read the bulletin board BEFORE calling about improvements made to the MLS entry format, etc.
		MLS fees are DUE July 1. Budget ahead in this economy, and be prepared! Bills will be sent in mid-May. Don't get caught off guard.

 

2009 CE SCHEDULE Non-resident Licensees Must Obtain CE's by April 30, 2009 Agent Licensing Renewal Requirements: 3 CE Real Estate Concepts (agent/salesperson core) 3 CE Legislative Update Plus another 9 credit hours Broker Licensing Renewal Requirements: 6 CE Broker Core Plus another 9 credit hours DATE TIME CLASS Earn back-to-back 6 Required CE on April 13! Monday, April 13 9 am - noon Landlord Tenant Code (Legislative Update) 3 CE hours - approved DREC mandatory course (Legislative Update) 9 am - noon Real Estate Concepts 3 CE hours - approved DREC mandatory course (Agent Core) 1 - 4 pm Real Estate Concepts 3 CE hours - approved DREC mandatory course (Agent Core) 1 - 4 pm Legislative Update 3 CE hours - approved DREC mandatory course (Legislative Update) Thursday, April 16 1 pm - 4 pm Financing in a Tight Market 3 CE hours - approved by DREC 5 pm - 8 pm Title Search 3 CE hours - approved by DREC Tuesday, April 21 9 am - noon Short Sales 3 CE hours - approved by DREC 1 - 4 pm Housing Economic Recovery Act 2008 (HERA) 3 CE hours - approved by DREC Thursday, April 23 1 pm - 4 pm At Home with Diversity 3 CE hours - approved by DREC Thursday, May 7 9 am - 4 pm Broker's Core Approved by DREC for 6 Hours CE Mandatory for Brokers Elective for Agents Full Class Schedule at www.scaorstore.com >>

The next Women's Council of REALTORS^® Meeting will be

HEALTH & WELLNESS WORKSHOP
Thursday, April 23^rd ~ 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

at the Big Fish Grill.

All are Welcome - Register at scaorstore.com >>
Click for flyer >>

AN EVENING OF INDULGENCE
Thursday, April 30^th ~ 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Pamper yourself and your friends at the Women's Council of REALTORS^® Evening of Indulgence. Light snacks and wine will be served. A variety of fashionable, delicious, and other fun items for sale will be set up in each room of the Breakwater Community Model Home in Lewes.

Cost is only $20 - Please register online >>

1. Does the Seller Opt Out Form and requirement apply to all listings? The Seller Opt Out Form and rules only apply if the listing is in the MLS Compilation. So, if you have an exempted listing as defined in the rules and it is not in the MLS, the requirement does not apply. For example, ABC Broker lists a property for Seller DEF and the seller does not want the listing in the MLS. The seller signs the "waiver" for exempted listings, faxes the waiver to SCAOR office, and does not need to complete the Seller Opt Out Form. ABC Broker may market as he/she usually markets a property not listed in the MLS.
2. The Board has a couple of Seller Opt Out Forms that were distributed, which must I use? Neither. We provide these forms as an example that meet NAR and the Department of Justice agreement. You may use either or create one very similar. It is essential to provide the option to the seller, maintain a record for one year of their option, and be prepared to provide the copy should you receive an inquiry.
3. This seems like "Mumbo jumbo" to me? Where can I learn more? NAR has published a list of FAQs on the VOW Policy and the Model VOW Rules. To learn more click here.

Members! The National Association is now accepting recommendations for committee service in 2010. We encourage you to nominate yourself, and encourage others whom would also make good leaders. You may recommend yourself and other suitable candidates for up to three committee positions at the national level.

For NAR committee leadership positions, please go to the NAR Governance: Committees section of REALTOR.org. There you will find details of the 2010 NAR Committees and the online nomination form.

All committee recommendations must be submitted at REALTOR.org.
Deadline for submission is May 26, 2009.

Please read the REALTOR^® Code of Ethics Article 12. How do you think the Professional Standards Panel ruled in last week's Case Study?
Below is the Hearing Panel's decision.

Case #12-9: Unethical Advertising

Full Listing of April 9, 2009 through May 13, 2009
Delaware Planning News & Meetings >>

Join us and other REALTORS^® from across Delaware for a lunch meeting with key members of the General Assembly, a legislative briefing by Senate and House Leadership, and visits to our legislators' offices at Legislative Hall, our state capitol in Dover. Afterwards, enjoy a reception for DAR members and our legislators at the DAR office.

NOW FREE! — Register at www.delawarerealtor.com.

 
GET ON THE BUS!
Don't forget to join us next month in Washington, DC. Meet YOUR Senators and Representative on Capitol Hill. Also enjoy a bit of time at the NAR Midyears REALTOR^® Expo -- without having to drive. Register here!

 

M A Y
4	Legislative Update - Legislative Update 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Real Estate Concepts - Agent Core 3 CE course	1 pm - 4 pm
	Environmental Issues & the Home Inspection - 3 CE course	5 pm - 8 pm
5	Business Planning - 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Fair Housing - 3 CE course	1 am - 4 pm
	Staging: Helping Sellers Achieve Maximum Sales Price (A Marketing Tool) - 3 CE course	6 pm - 9 pm
6	FHA Financing for the 21st Century - Legislative Update 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Contract Writing - 3 CE course	1 pm - 4 pm
7	Broker's Core - 6 CE Mandatory for Brokers, Elective for Agents	9 am - 4 pm
11-16	NAR Midyear Meetings and Trade Show in Washington, DC FREE to all REALTORS®! Schedule and registration now online.
13	Capitol Hill Visit	2 pm
	Sign up for the Bus Ride	7:30 am - 6:30 pm
19-20	GRI 201: Financial Fundamentals - Designation Class at DAR	8 am - 5 pm
20	Rental Affairs Meeting	8 am
21	Board of Directors	9 am
	Government Affairs Meeting	3 pm
25	Memorial Day - SCAOR and DAR Offices Closed
26	NAR 2010 Committee Recommendation Due
27-29	Green Designation - Earn your Green Designation at SCAOR!	9 am - 4 pm
J U N E
9	Awards Luncheon at SCAOR - "Save the date"	11:30 am
18	MLS Orientation	5 pm - 8 pm
23-24	GRI 501: Professional Development - Designation Class at DAR	8 am - 5 pm
J U L Y
1	MLS Annual Renewal Deadline