fcbor dec 2012 newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Newsletter for The Four Corners Board of REALTORSTRANSCRIPT
Volume 1 • Issue 4 - December 2012From our President
F C B O R M o n t h l y N e w s l e t t e r
Gerry is the President ofThe Four Corners Board of
REALTORS® You can contact her at
970-565-8408
It’s that time of year. The time for joy, thanksgiving and holiday cheer. I would like to take this op-portunity to wish every member of our Board the best that the season has to offer, and to be safe as we make our way into the new year. I so enjoyed all of you who were at the Holiday Party. The food was good, the company was great! Looking into the new year we are going to see some changes within our Board. You may want to take a look at our November newsletter for some of those changes. One big change we will be work-ing hard to accomplish is to increase the size of our Board membership by collaborating with our Affiliates. They do a great job supporting us and in turn the community. We picked up four new Affiliates last year. I would like to see us double that in the coming year. Finally, I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but our dues are due on Jan 1. So far about half of our membership has renewed. If you have ques-tions regarding annual dues, give Howard a call at the Board Office and he will be able to help you out. Again, I wish you all a Happy Holiday and a very Happy New Year.Gerry Parker, President
Important Updates and Reminders!
Annual Holiday Party
The Four Corners Board of REALTORS® held its annual Holiday Party on De-cember 7th at the Elks lodge. Nearly 40 persons participated in the festivities including a silent auction for the benefit of the Colorado Association of RELA-TORS® Housing Opportunity Fund (CARHOF).
Items up for auction included everything from advertising to Christmas Baskets to tools to a 10lb prime rib to Bronco’s tumblers and much more.
At the end of the night $705.50 was raised for CARHOF. The funds will be made available for grants to local low income housing initiatives. Grants are submitted to CARHOF in March and August. Last year the Four Corners Board through CARHOF made a $1000 grant to the local Habitat for Humanity.
The other big fundraiser for CARHOF is the annual “Garage Sale” in May.
REALTOR Day at the Capitol scheduled
The 2013 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol will be held once again at the History Colorado Center for the luncheon and at the State Capitol for the afternoon program on February 13, 2013. This is a great opportunity to discuss legislative real estate issues with your local and state legislators. Your support with grassroots efforts like this is needed and speaks volumes as CAR continues to protect and promote favorable real estate policies in Colorado.
NAR ETHICS AUDIT
Have you met your Ethics requirement?The National Association of REALTORS® will audit accounts on January 1, 2013 and suspend any REALTOR® that has not taken the ethics class required during this 3rd Quadrennial cycle (1/1/2009 to 12/31/2012). This will affect your local membership. Please contact Howard at the FCBOR office (970) 565-0112 to make sure you have met the requirement.
OFFICE CLOSURESThe FCBOR Office will close at noon on the 24th and be closed on the 25th of December
for Christmas. The DAAR Office will also be closed.Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Howard ~ Amanda ~ Jasmyn ~ Jo Ann
COMMITTEE MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2013Committee
Board of DirectorsScholarship Meeting
Date/Time/LocationThur. 1/17/13 - 9am - Johnson Bldg.Wed. 1/23/13 - 12pm - Elks Lodge
Contact InformationHoward - [email protected]
Howard - [email protected]
The 2012-2013 Four Corners Board of REALTORS Board of Directors:
President/ Gerry Parker / 565-8408 / [email protected] President-Elect/ Robin Rice / 565-8408 / [email protected] President / Leila Hanson / 749-2789 / [email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer / Bob Toles / 946-1194 / [email protected]/ Brenda Bates-Smith / 565-2000 / [email protected]
Director/ Jo Ann Cauley / 565-8408 / [email protected]/ Preston Dillon / 560-9144 / [email protected]
Director/ Dawn Utrup / 570-3110 / [email protected] Director/ Carol Click / 565-2000 / [email protected]
Association Office StaffAssociation Executive / Howard Thomas / 565-0112/ [email protected]
FCBOR CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1 12/19/2012 4:46 PMstaff
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31
January 2013Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28
February 2013
January 2013
Dec
30
- Ja
n 5
Dec 30 31 Jan 1, 13 2 3 4 5 Happy New Year
Jan
6 -
12
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Jan
13 -
19
13 14 15 16 17 18 199:00am 11:30am Board
of Directors Meeting (Johnson Bldg. Conference Room)
Jan
20 -
26
20 21 22 23 24 25 2612:00pm 1:00pm Dean
Hanson Scholarship Meeting (Elks Lodge)
Jan
27 -
Feb
2
27 28 29 30 31 Feb 1 2
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
NAR Legislative Talking Points Frequently Asked Questions on MID Call For Action Why is NAR doing a Call for Action on the Mortgage Interest Deduction now? As Congress and the President negotiate a way to avert the “fiscal cliff” it has become evident to NAR’s lobbying team that a potential change to itemized deductions – including the mortgage interest deduction is being discussed. Most of the talk has centered on capping all itemized deductions, but there have also been discussions about eliminating the deduction for 2nd homes or lowering the overall amount of MID someone could claim. Who is proposing this? Both President Obama and Congressional Republicans have called for “closing loopholes and deductions” as a way to avoid the fiscal cliff. Is NAR supporting or opposing a specific bill or plan? There is currently no specific bill introduced. President Obama and Congressional Leaders will agree to a deal, present it to Congress, and it will be voted on. Once there is a deal it will be next to impossible to change the terms. That’s why it’s important for REALTORS® to let their Members of Congress know NOW that we oppose any change to the MID. What about Mortgage Cancellation? Didn’t we just do a CFA on that? What is the status? NAR has been assured by Congressional Leaders that an extension of mortgage cancellation tax relief and other so called “tax extenders” will be included in any final package Congress passes to avert the fiscal cliff. What do I tell REALTORS® who haven’t responded to the current CFA? Now is the time to make our voices heard. We cannot wait until a deal is in place. It will be too late. There is a very real and immediate threat of changes to the mortgage interest deduction. Take Action today. It only takes two clicks of the mouse to make your voice heard. How should I reach out to them? Through email, social media, and your association’s website What do I tell my friends and clients? Contact your Members of Congress and the President and tell them to do no harm to housing. Oppose any plan to change the mortgage interest deduction. What if I get calls from the media? NAR has been using the following statement from Gary Thomas: “Until Congress introduces specific legislation, there's nothing to say about any proposed changes to the mortgage interest deduction. However, it has always been NAR's position that the MID is vital to the stability of the American housing market and economy and we will remain vigilant in opposing any future plan that modifies or excludes the deductibility of mortgage interest.”
Quarterly Statistics NOW AVAILABLE!!!
FCBOR in partnership with 10K Research & Marketing is now offering quarterly statistics. We hope this will be a valuable resource for you. The statistics can be found on our website at www.fourcornersboardofrealtors.com under the STATISTICS tab. The layout is simple & will allow you to easily explain trends to your clients. Example of data compiled is shown below.
StrategicPlanningGoalsMission:THE PURPOSE OF THE FOUR CORNERS BOARD OF REALTORS , an innovative trade organization of real estate professionals, is to:
PROTECT the right to own, use and transfer real estate.
PROMOTE Public Awareness of the REALTORS® special skills, knowledge and commitment to community enrichment.
PROVIDE education, programs and services to enhance member’s ability to conduct their business successfully with integrity and competency.
By utilizing our broad range of assets and resources.
Vision:To innovate, collaborate and evolve in supporting our members and community as the #1 trusted resource for real estate in our area.
HerearethecurrentGoalsforthe4thquarterof2012andthefirstquarterof2013
2012Goal #3: Be fiscally responsible.
A. Eliminate unnecessary expenses Target date for completion: Q4 2012/ Ongoing
Who: BOD and AE
Goal #4: Increase public awareness of and improve the perception of the REALTOR® Brand.
A. Utilize NAR resources to promote the benefits of using a REALTOR® Target date for completion: Q4 1012/ Ongoing
Who: AE
Goal #5: Increase member benefits through collaboration
A. Enhance the membership meeting experience Target date for completion: Q4 2012/ Ongoing
BOD and AE
2013Goal #2: Create a Leadership recruitment and mentorship program
A. Incoming leadership to attend NAR Leadership Summit Target date for completion: Q1 2013/ Ongoing
Who: Leadership to budget for President Elect and AE to attend
StrategicPlanningGoalsMission:THE PURPOSE OF THE FOUR CORNERS BOARD OF REALTORS , an innovative trade organization of real estate professionals, is to:
PROTECT the right to own, use and transfer real estate.
PROMOTE Public Awareness of the REALTORS® special skills, knowledge and commitment to community enrichment.
PROVIDE education, programs and services to enhance member’s ability to conduct their business successfully with integrity and competency.
By utilizing our broad range of assets and resources.
Vision:To innovate, collaborate and evolve in supporting our members and community as the #1 trusted resource for real estate in our area.
HerearethecurrentGoalsforthe4thquarterof2012andthefirstquarterof2013
2012Goal #3: Be fiscally responsible.
A. Eliminate unnecessary expenses Target date for completion: Q4 2012/ Ongoing
Who: BOD and AE
Goal #4: Increase public awareness of and improve the perception of the REALTOR® Brand.
A. Utilize NAR resources to promote the benefits of using a REALTOR® Target date for completion: Q4 1012/ Ongoing
Who: AE
Goal #5: Increase member benefits through collaboration
A. Enhance the membership meeting experience Target date for completion: Q4 2012/ Ongoing
BOD and AE
2013Goal #2: Create a Leadership recruitment and mentorship program
A. Incoming leadership to attend NAR Leadership Summit Target date for completion: Q1 2013/ Ongoing
Who: Leadership to budget for President Elect and AE to attend
2013 Budget Approved
The Four Corners Board of REALTORS® Finance Committee met in late October to hammer out the budget for 2013. Chairman Preston Dillon asked “Have you ever heard of a Fiscal Cliff? We had one of
our own, but thanks to the hard work of our Board Finance Committee we came up with a plan that requires raising revenue and cutting expenses.”
Some changes coming for Board members include a monthly increase in fees. Two dollars in MLS Fees, $7 in Board Service fees, and $1 in lock box fees. Members will also be paying $10 per month for County Records Access. “That’s still a deal consid-ering those who are not members are charged $350 per month.” Dillon Added.
Board Luncheons will be reduced in number to four: February, May, August and September. The Board will have the annual BBQ in July and Holiday Party in De-cember. (Savings will be approximately $1,800 annually.)The square-footage footprint of the Board Office will be reduced significantly saving us nearly $400 each month.
“We have estimated high on our expenses and estimated low on revenues. This is the conservative thing to do,” says Dillon. “On the plus side we will be able to bal-ance our budget, a goal set out in our strategic plan for 2013,” Dillon added.
Chairman Dillon also emphasized, “Though we cannot guarantee it, if we end the year with a surplus, we plan on making a rebate to members at a time of the year when members can use it most.
I know what you are thinking... “here we go again! Didn’t they just come out with Windows 7?!”Technology changes at a whirlwind pace and Microsoft isn’t the exception, as a matter of fact, they are the ones that help set the precedence. From 2001 (when Window XP was launched) to the debut of Windows 8 in 2012, desktop users striving to stay current have had to learn 4 different operating systems. If that wasn’t bad enough, we have also gone through SOFTWARE changes. Since 1990, MS Office has gone through 14 versions, and the next one to come out, Office 13, will make the 15th version in 23 years. A quick math calculation will show you that roughly every 1.5 years a new software upgrade will be available on one of the most widely used programs in the world.
What does this mean to you? It means that if you want to stay current in your technology knowledge you have to be willing to learn. Flexibility is key as anyone that has jumped from Windows XP right into Win-dows 7 can attest. The operating systems don’t grow in a straight line, they change with whatever the popu-lace makes popular. Current trends show us that mobility is “in” and tablets like IPads, Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy etc. are destined to be a staple in your technology retinue. Usher in Windows 8.
This past week I updated a laptop that had a Windows Vista OS (operating system) to Windows 8. While I always suggest to our members not to run out and buy the first version of a released software until develop-ers get a chance to fix any unexpected glitches, I felt I was savvy enough to figure it out, after all... it is my job. After hours of admitted frustration my impression is that I think I will be able to work with it, I may even grow to like it.
ARE YOU READY FOR WINDOWS 8?
The issues I had with it were not just system quirks as some were self-created. For instance, my familiarity and comfort levels with XP, Vista and 7 did not prepare me for the completely different direction Window went with in 8. The START menu is built to mimic what you might find on a tablet. You can customize it with the applications you use most as well as download “apps” like Facebook, Twitter, News, Calendars etc. Gone are the days of clicking on the START button (XP) or the WINDOWS button (Vista and 7) to open all the options your computer has to offer. Things like your CONTROL PANEL or program lists are hidden in a few layers of customizing that may take a bit to figure out on your own if you are not keen on using instruc-tional resources first. A new slide out bar on the right hand side of the START screen (called a “CHARMS BAR”) hides the fine tuning options. It also hides the OFF button which is where I personally think the developers goofed. When you have to peruse through tutorials to figure out how to shut your computer off you might have made things a tad too complicated. Of course, to play the devils advocate, I would have to say that most tablets are meant to “hibernate” when you close the cover and getting around Windows 8 with a touch screen will be much simpler as it was built for that technology.
Even so, the fact that Windows XP will soon no longer be supported (what Microsoft refers to as END OF LIFE or EOL) will prompt many to either upgrade their operating systems to 8 or buy a brand new com-puter altogether with 8 already installed. I predict a huge learning curve for both options but an even greater one for those that upgrade their operating system themselves... WITHOUT having a touchscreen.
Upgrading to a new operating system can be an intimidating undertaking with the potential to massively disrupt your daily workflow before understanding kicks in. The dramatic interface changes introduced in Windows 8 needs to be considered as you may not want to invest in Microsoft’s latest OS without first giving it a thorough shakedown.
Fortunately, the solution is offered by Windows. Using a program called VirtualBox and the evaluation ver-sion of Windows 8 Enterprise, you can try out the new OS for free, without disturbing your current operat-ing system. This option is not for the technically timid. If you are still interested in a virtual test drive please go to the following site for step by step instructions: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2016057/how-to-test-drive-windows-8-for-free-in-virtualbox.html
Another option is to go to your nearest computer store and start playing with the models they have available. Either way, I strongly encourage you to do your research.
SOURCES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Microsoft_Office
Jo Ann Johnston is the MLS & Communications Coordinator for The Durango Area Association of REALTORS. Questions and comments can be directed to [email protected]
MARS and What it Means to Me
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BROKERS WORKING ON SHORT SALE TRANSACTIONS
The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has issued a final rule that may impact real estate professionals who represent clients involved in a short sale transaction. Depending on certain factors, the rules may require real estate professionals to make certain disclosures to consumers if they negotiate a short sale with a lender, advertise short sales experience, or take upfront fees from short sale sellers. In November 2010, the FTC published the final Mortgage Assistance Relief Services final rule (“MARS”). MARS is primarily directed at companies that offer loan modification services to consumers. When a company is marketing these types of services to consumers, MARS requires that the service provider make certain disclosures to consumers. In addition, MARS bars advance fees paid to a service provider, prohibit certain representations, and imposes record keeping requirements (must retain for 2 years all MARS advertisements, sales records for covered transactions, customer communications, and customer contracts). MARS providers can only receive payment if the consumer’s loan is modified by the lender.
The FTC and state attorney generals have actively prosecuted foreclosure rescue companies, based on evidence that consumers received very little benefit for these services. The prosecutions took place under unfair trade practices laws, although some states did enact laws specifically regulating this business model. The FTC itself has brought 40 cases and FTC staff told NAR that none of these cases involved real estate professionals acting in their licensed capacity.
The FTC began its rulemaking process in 2009. NAR submitted comments and testimony during the rulemaking seeking an exemption for real estate licensees. The FTC addressed NAR’s comments in the following footnote:
The Commission concludes that an exemption for real estate agents is not necessary. Real estate agents customarily assist consumers in selling or buying homes and perform functions such as listing homes for sale, showing homes, and finding desirable homes for consumers. The Commission is aware that real estate agents may perform these functions when properties are bought or sold through a short sale transaction, but does not consider these services to be MARS.
The MARS rules took full effect on January 31, 2011. While the footnote indicates the FTC does not consider these services to be MARS, the language in the rule would indicate otherwise. Thus, the confusion that’s been created by MARS. MARS defines “mortgage assistance relief service” to include: “negotiating, obtaining or arranging a short sale of a dwelling.” Unlike the Colorado Foreclosure Protection Act, there is no exception in MARS for real estate brokers. This means real estate brokers working with short sale sellers or any seller in foreclosure need to understand and comply with MARS.
Want to read the rest? Please go to:http://coloradorealtors.com/applications/CR/MARS%20Article.pdf
