Meet at the SCAOR office this Wednesday,
no later than 6:30 a.m. to ride the bus to NYC.
This trip is sold out, and the bus will leave promptly so guests can enjoy a full day in New York.
WHO'S NEW AT THE BOARD
Please join SCAOR in welcoming Opal McAdams, our newest staff member. Opal joins the board staff as a temporary worker, as we work through a busy schedule of events. As an added benefit, Opal has previous real estate experience. Give her a friendly hello and welcome when you hear her answer the phone.
The revised Consumer Information Statements (CIS) have now been posted to the commission website. The NEWEST revision, dated November 8, 2007 is now in effect. This revision was completed in order to make sure that the pamphlet and page versions agreed in language, flow, and format.
Click here, then scroll down to bottom of page for the new forms. Offices should make sure they are using only this newest version.
After many years of preparation, the Building Committee and SCAOR are proud to present the proposed new building construction plans.
Q: What is the discussion about the proposed new building for SCAOR?
Our present office was built in 1998 when we had not quite 800 members and 2 employees. Today, we have 1400+ members and 4 employees. We hold many education courses and have maxed out our facilities. Our choices for classes and events off site are limited, costly, and inconvenient.
Q: When did we decide to move forward with a building project?
In 2003 a Building Committee examined possibilities to address our need which included: a new location and or remodeling our existing building. In 2005, the Board elected to move forward with a remodeling. As we told our members in 2006, we needed a change in zoning, traffic studies, etc. We have been sharing the news, the views (elevations) and the progress for quite a while. Earlier this year, we reduced the classroom ( new addition) size and reconfigured the existing space. This saved "paving" costs and improved daily operation efficiency.
Q: What is the scope of the project?
The proposed Building project has two parts:
- Remodel the existing administrative area.
- Construct a high tech room for education, meetings, and events.
The goal is state of the art technology. We will strive to adequately represent the real estate community and not be extravagant.
Q: What is the projected cost of the project?
Take a breath... this is considered a commercial building with many associated commercial costs. We are seeking approval for up to $850,000 for the project. This includes new roofing, siding, sidewalks, for the existing building as well as the new construction. And of course, all of the permits...site planning, etc that quickly add up.
Q: What will it look like?
Here are two architectural drawings to give you a view:
As we previously mentioned, the proposed building project has been a topic and agenda item for a few years. We have added to the SCAOR reserves to accommodate the building project.
As REALTORS®, we are investing in our future and sending a message to the public with this proposed project. The "Voice for Real Estate" in Sussex County will send a strong message that it is business as usual for Sussex County REALTORS®.
A CALL TO VOTE
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Thursday, January 10, 2008 |
Please register online at thescaorstore.com today to attend the FREE Membership meeting on Thursday, January 10.
Breakfast and coffee will be provided. This is a critical meeting to attend. We will vote on the building expansion, changes to the by-laws, and pursuing a partnership with Coastal Association of REALTORS®. Proposed changes to the by-laws have been revised as of today. Please read proposed changes in their entirety below.
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Proposed amendments November 9, 2007 and December 7, 2007
Sussex County Association of REALTORS® By-Laws |
Sussex County Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors proposes the following amendments to the By-Laws to General Membership for approval:
Article: V
Section _3_: Delete (a) which begins: "The Membership Committee shall determine whether the applicant is applying for the appropriate class of membership. . . The Membership Committee shall conduct all proceedings with strict attention to the principles of due process and compliance with the Bylaws of the Association."
Insert: "The procedure for election to membership shall be as follows:
(a) The Executive Vice President (or duly authorized designee) shall determine whether the applicant is applying for the appropriate class of membership."
Article: V
Section _3_: Delete (c) "and recommendations of the Membership Committee"
( c ) The Board of Directors may not reject an application without providing the applicant with advance notice of the findings and recommendations of the [delete Membership Committee, insert "The Executive Vice President or duly authorized designee"] an opportunity to appear before the Board of Directors, to call witnesses on his behalf, to be represented by counsel, and to make such statements as he deems relevant.
Article: VI
Section_13_: Delete "Sexual". Section will be titled Harassment.
Article: XII
Section_5_: Delete: "General membership meetings or special meetings shall require 10% of the members eligible to vote to constitute a quorum." Insert "General membership meetings or special meetings shall require 5% of the members eligible to vote to constitute a quorum."
The above proposed amendments are options provided by the National Association of REALTORS®.
SCAOR membership will vote on these proposed amendments during a General Membership meeting on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 9:00 am in the Cheer Center, Sand Hill Road, Georgetown, Delaware.
Membership Breakfast is FREE -- Please RSVP Here!
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Remember to ALWAYS identify yourself as a REALTOR® in advertising, on the phone, and in mailings. Read more in this week's Rookie Corner.
Who Are You
SCAOR has recently received some complaints saying that Agents are not identifying themselves on the telephone, in their ads, on their signs, when calling other REALTOR® offices, or in other forms of communication with consumers.
Read More >>
ETHICALLY SPEAKING...
Article 1 - Protect and Promote Your Client's Interests, But Be Honest With All Parties
Below is the Hearing Panel's decision from the case interpretation presented in last week's At A Glance.
Case #1-2: Honest Treatment of All Parties
The Hearing Panel concluded that REALTOR® B had not violated Article 1, but had acted properly under both the spirit and the letter of the Code of Ethics. The panel noted that the decision to refund Prospect C's deposit was made by the seller, Client A, even though the listing broker, REALTOR® B, had suggested that it was only fair due to the change in circumstances.
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| Welcome to the "Rental Matters" corner of the SCAOR "At A Glance". This new addition will be published on a monthly basis and will bring you all the "happenings" in the Rental World.
Did you know that SCAOR has a Rental Affairs Committee? This committee has been in existence since 1980 and was set up to provide open lines of communication in the Rental Industry so that we can all work together as a Team and by doing so, gain strength in numbers. In future articles of "Rental Matters" you will find information pertaining to what we, as licensed Rental Agents, provide for our customers and the Real Estate Industry. Oh, and don't forget the before and after season summer parties along with the nomination and selection of the Rental Service Award winner presented annually at the Installation Luncheon. The committee consists of volunteers from various Real Estate Offices and meets on the second Wednesday of each month. New members are encouraged and always welcomed.
Let me introduce myself, I am Chrissy Hitchens and I will serve as Chairperson for 2008; Diane Hasselo will assist me as Vice-Chair. As incoming Chairperson, I feel that it is appropriate to applaud and to give many thanks to Harold Marmon, of Coldwell Banker Resort Realty in Rehoboth, who faithfully and loyally served as the 2007 Chairperson. He was instrumental in bringing in many guest speakers such as the Mayor of Dewey and the head of Travel and Tourism, to educate us on the traffic situation on Route 1 and to update us on the new trends and needs of our Rental customers. Harold has been an inspiration to all of us in the Rental World and his dedication is to be admired. We thank you, Harold for your leadership.
Remember, there is always room for more volunteers to sit on this committee so bring your goals and visions to the table and let's see them blossom into fruition. Hope to see next month.
Sincerely,
Chrissy Hitchens
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Listing of December 10, 2007 through January 10, 2008
Delaware News & Meetings
Did you know there was a listing of answers and instructions for Frequently Asked Lockbox Questions?
Find them here at the SentriLock Q&A Archive >>
Congratulations to our SentriSecure Offices!
SentriSecure Brokerages as of 12.6.07 >>
Brokerages with Combo Boxes as of 12.6.07 >>
