December 22, 2006

We wish you and your family a peaceful, joy-filled holiday!

 

For those of you who have not picked up your SentriLock key cards, we have scheduled specific hours for pick up. Due to the increased volume of traffic at the SCAOR office, we are asking everyone to pick up their cards between 9-11 a.m., Monday through Friday.

 

Committee members play a valuable role in SCAOR. We all rely on their time and talent. As 2006 ends and we prepare for 2007, we thought it was appropriate to remind everyone of our policy regarding attendance at Committee Meetings.

1. Any Committee member who fails to attend three (3) regular or special meetings of the Committee, without an excuse acceptable to the Chairperson of the Committee, shall be deemed to have resigned from the Committee, and the vacancy shall be filled as herein provided for original appointees.

2. Any Committee Chairperson who fails to attend three (3) regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors, without an excuse acceptable to the Board of Directors, shall be deemed to have resigned from the Committee, and the vacancy shall be filled as herein provided for original appointees.

Help your Committee ensure the agenda moves forward, that a quorum is present, and that you make your valued contribution to the Committee through your attendance and participation in meetings.

 

Congratulations to Alvenia Reese for successfully completing the requirements necessary to obtain the highly coveted and respected ABR designation. Alvenia joined SCAOR in March 2000 and is an agent with Long and Foster in Rehoboth Beach. Congratulations Alvenia - keep up the good work!

 

NAR issued the following statement this week following a news conference by the Consumer Federation of America, in which it released a study on what it calls "nontraditional" real estate brokerages and called on state regulators to block anti-competitive policies and practices in the industry against new business models: "As everyone who has bought or sold a home knows, real estate brokerage is fiercely competitive. Consumers can choose from more than 1.3 million REALTORS^® today, including those who work for discount, limited service, or minimal service brokerages. In fact, about one out of every eight members of NAR works for these kinds of firms. NAR's policies foster the interests of all REALTORS^® and real estate consumers. We support all business models and favor none."

To read background on competition in real estate, Click Here.

To read CFA's press release on its study, Click Here.

 

Especially during the holidays, desk rage can overcome those who take better care of their clients than themselves. To read about managing stress in a real estate career, Click Here.

 

Think about a real estate closing from a buyer's or seller's perspective. With hundreds of thousands of dollars in the balance, someone slides document after document under your nose, offering a quick explanation of each, while you sign and sign and sign. It can be a nerve-wracking experience even for people who have gone through it several times. Giving your clients more information about the process will increase their comfort level and help diminish the possibility of a transaction that unravels at the closing table.

Explain the process to them in advance. Tell them that they will be signing a lot of documents. Let them know who will be there and what each person's role is. Give them a list of what items to bring (driver's license and a cashier's check in the correct amount for buyers; driver's license and keys/garage openers for sellers). Tell clients that most of the documents are standard, but they certainly should ask about any they don't understand. Make buyers aware that they can request the closing documents beforehand so they - and their attorney - will have a chance to read them and clarify any questions before the last minute. Encourage your clients to let you know as soon as possible if they have any questions or concerns so you can help them realize their goal of selling or buying their home.

Finally, explain that scheduling a closing at the end of the month may not be the best timing. That's when everyone involved is scrambling to meet deadlines for the crush of other end-of-the-month closings. Choosing a date earlier in the month will usually lead to a less-hectic experience, allowing all parties more time to prepare, review documents, and complete the transaction with less stress.

 

With markets across the country stabilizing after the boom years, REALTORS^® wanting to try different tools to maintain their business success have many to choose from at Realtor.org and other avenues maintained by NAR, says Pat Vredevoogd Combs in her first NAR President's Podcast. "Much of what you need to succeed is already out there; it's just a matter of finding the right dots and making the right connections," she says. "I hope I can help you connect those dots." To hear about some of the resources members can tap today, listen to the podcast, Click Here.

 

Article 2

Standard of Practice 2-5
Factors defined as "non-material" by law or regulation or which are expressly referenced in law or regulation as not being subject to disclosure are considered not "pertinent" for purposes of Article 2.

 

The Art of Negotiating

Negotiating skills are critical to your success in real estate. Often your ability to negotiate determines how many listings you obtain, how rapidly those listings are converted into offers, and how many offers become sales.

Find out more at the Rookie Corner >>

 

Remember -- The SCAOR office is closed on Christmas Day, December 25 and on December 26. May you also enjoy the holiday break! We will be open Wednesday through Friday, December 27-29.

© Copyright 2007 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