1 pm
Education Conference Call
10:30 am
DAR Board of Directors
Meeting at Dover Downs
Steve Alexander
Judy Dean
Susan Mills
Sandy Greene
Donna Neithardt
Bill Lucks
by 3-digit extension:
Reception, SentriLock, Website
Memberships, Bus Trips
MLS / IDX
Executive Vice President
Education, Ethics & Events
| April is Fair Housing Month |
| To Celebrate, SCAOR is offering 3 CEU |
| AT HOME WITH DIVERSITY FREE FOR PRIMARY MEMBERS |
| Next Thursday, April 23, 1 - 4 p.m. |
 
Learn how to market to
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. |
Understanding practical applications of the Fair Housing Act will help ensure you do not inadvertently violate the Fair Housing Act.
Remember, courts have determined that a violation may be proven even if there was no intent to discriminate, as long as there is evidence of a discriminatory effect. Plus, you never know when your fair housing practices are being tested; testers from government or private groups can pose as home seekers, and their evidence is fully admissible in court.
- Refusing to sell or rent a property or discouraging a potential buyer or tenant because of a person's protected class status.
Don't say: "This two-bedroom condominium is just too small for you and your three children. Plus, there's no playground nearby."
- Using different provisions in leases or sale contracts, such as those relating to rental charges, security deposits, lease terms, downpayment, and closing requirements because of a person's protected class status.
Don't say: "Because you only moved to this country from Japan a little while ago, the sellers may be uneasy about your ability to secure a mortgage. I suggest you make a larger earnest money deposit to help convince them of your interest and ability to close."
Click Here for 8 Serious Legal "Gotchas" to Avoid >>
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No Cost Financial Advice Available |
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. |
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Since April is Fair Housing Month, this article and next week's article will be devoted to Fair Housing. Equal opportunity in housing is still not a reality for all people. As REALTORS®, we are committed to a housing market free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. |
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REALTOR® OF THE YEAR
Submit your nomination for SCAOR REALTOR® of the Year. 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. Self-nominations welcome >>
All nominations must be received at the SCAOR office by Monday, 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 Monday, April 20, 2009.
Apply for recognition at the national level.
Applications for the NAR Good Neighbor Award are due May 22, 2009 >>
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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. |
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MLS fees are DUE July 1.
Budget ahead in this economy, and be prepared! Bills will be sent in mid-May. |
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HEALTH & WELLNESS WORKSHOP
Thursday, April 23rd ~ 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
at the Big Fish Grill.
Join us Thursday to learn tips on improving your health and wellness. . . and enjoy lunch! Register at scaorstore.com >>
Click for flyer >>
AN EVENING OF INDULGENCE
Thursday, April 30th ~ 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 >>
Things are Moving!
A message from Ruth Briggs King, EVP |
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"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. On 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:
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. |
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| When: | Thursday, April 30, 2009 |
| Time: | 8:30 A.M. |
| Where: | SCAOR 23407 Park Ave Georgetown, DE 19947 |
| Who: | You the Broker |
| Please RSVP online at scaorstore.com or email / fax attached flyer. |
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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.
| ALL ABOARD FOR WASHINGTON, DC Wednesday, May 13 Join the midyear bus trip to visit Get on the bus for a big day visiting the Trade Expo and meeting YOUR US Senators and Representative on Capitol Hill. And YOU don't have to drive! |
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| GREEN DESIGNATION Be recognized as pro Green . . . while not spending much green |
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Sussex County Association of REALTORS®
Earn 9 CE for re-licensing plus learn the following:
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| Register to earn YOUR Green Designation here >> |
2nd Annual Renewal Energy Fair
Saturday, April 18th
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 >> | |
2009 CE SCHEDULE
Non-resident Licensees Must Obtain CE's by April 30, 2009
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Case #13-1: Preparation of Instrument Unrelated to Real Estate Transaction
Client A dropped in to see his friend, REALTOR® B, who had recently provided professional services to Client A's company. Client A said that his company was sending him on business to the Far East; that the trip would involve a good deal of air travel in remote areas; and that he would like to leave a power of attorney with his wife while he was gone "just in case." He asked REALTOR® B if he would prepare a power of attorney for him and REALTOR® B said, "It's a simple document. I'll be glad to prepare one for you," and did.
This action came to the attention of the Grievance Committee of the Board of REALTORS®, which, after review, filed a complaint with the Board's Professional Standards Committee, charging REALTOR® B with a violation of Article 13 of the Code of Ethics.
REALTOR® B's defense was that he understood Client A's request to be essentially for a real estate service since from his general knowledge of Client A's personal affairs, he knew that Client A could have no reason for giving his wife a power of attorney except to put her in a position to act in a real estate transaction. He contended that because his preparation of a legal document was directly related to real estate matters, he had rendered real estate, not legal, service to Client A.
Based on your understanding of the Code of Ethics Article 13, how do you think the Professional Standards Panel ruled?
Find out in next week's At a Glance!
Date TBA, cost approximately $155.
This includes bus trip to New York City, snacks, orchestra seats.
Email your contact info and number of tickets you would purchase to Crystal@scaor.com.
Limited tickets will be available for this much sought after show.
Full Listing of April 20, 2009 through May 20, 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.
FREE! — Register at www.delawarerealtor.com.
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| 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 | ||
| 5 | Staging: Helping Sellers Achieve Maximum Sales Price (A Marketing Tool) - 3 CE course |
6 pm - 9 pm | |
| 6 | FHA Financing for the 21st Century - 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. |
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| 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 | ||
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© Copyright 2009 Sussex County Association of REALTORS® 23407 Park Ave., Georgetown, DE 19947, USA Phone (302) 855-2300 ~ Fax (302) 855-2319 ~ info@scaor.com ~ www.scaor.com |
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