An update from the Rookies . . .
The Rookies will host "Credit Repair Workshop" on Wednesday, April 30 at 1 pm in the SCAOR office. Brian Grammer from First Atlantic Mortgage will address credit repair, Arnie Stein from Countrywide Home Loans will discuss the latest with FHA lending; and Liz Connors, Affiliate Chair, will complete the lending program. The program starts promptly at 1 pm and concludes by 2 pm. The Rookies' sessions have grown in size and have received excellent feedback from veterans as well as new agents. All are welcome to attend the workshop.
Go to www.thescaorstore.com to register.
Have you been to www.realtor.org to utilize the resources available to you? Explore items that are online for your use. Use the slower market to hone your skills and understanding to better serve your customers. This week: Quizzes. You can test your knowledge of RESPA, Fair Housing, Short Sales and much more. Click here to get started!
CONDOLENCES: WE WILL MISS PAST NAR TREASURER BRUCE WOLF
Former NAR Treasurer and Colorado Association of REALTORS® President Bruce Wolf passed away Friday, April 18, after a seizure at his home in Littleton, Colorado. He was scheduled to have surgery for a noncancerous brain tumor this week. Bruce will be remembered by REALTORS® for spearheading the NAR Association Investment Program, which provides state and local associations and REALTOR® MLSs customizable investment options for their reserve funds. Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Bruce to the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018, or to the Littleton Fire Department, 2255 W. Berry Avenue, Littleton, CO 80165. Notes of condolences can be sent to his wife, Mary Wolf, and his family at 890 S. Southwood Drive, Littleton, CO 80121.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS - IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE INVOLVED
In this slow economy, it's vital that REALTORS® make their voices heard with elected officials. Plan to attend one or several of these upcoming events:
- April 29, 2008, 6:00 pm at the University of Delaware Carvel Research Center, is a Surface Water Task Force Workshop. For more information about the workshop, please contact Debra Absher, Sussex Conservation District, at 302-856-3990, Ext. 3.
- May 8, 2008 is DAR Legislative Day in Dover. We need you to attend the FREE 11:30 Luncheon which will be catered and served in the "House". We have received a great legislative response and we need you there to show REALTOR® strength. Later that day, we will have a reception at the "Hanson House," your DAR home. You will have the "ear" of your representatives. Please RSVP here!
- May 14, 2008 "Hill Visits" in Washington, DC. Get on the bus at SCAOR and join your Delaware Delegation for a 1:30-4 pm meeting in the Senate Building. The bus is about full — Registration closing soon!
REALTORS® TAKE NOTE:
Don't Let Improper Advertising Bring You Down
as You Work to Rev Up Your Business.
Beware:
It has come to our attention through several complaints that a number of our members are using Craig's list for the placement of real estate ads. We have also noted that a number of you are not following the Delaware Real Estate law in your advertising. We encourage you to make sure you are on solid ground.
Please follow the proper procedures so you will avoid any problems.
Some Important Comments on Advertising:
- Any licensee who advertises in newspapers, the Internet, or any other media, real property personally owned or real property in which the licensee has any ownership interest must include in the advertisment that he or she is the owner of said property, and that he or she is a real estate licensee.
- Any licensee who advertises on signs, newspapers, the Internet, or any other media, any real property for sale, lease, exchange, or transfer that is listed with a broker must include in legible print in the advertisement the complete business name that has been registered with the Commission, and office phone number registered by the broker of record with the Commission for that office location.
- Nothing contained herein shall preclude the listing of additional phone numbers. All such advertising shall also contain language or abbreviations that clearly identify each phone number listed, examples include, but are not limited to: "Office", "Home", "Res.", "Car", "Cell".
The REALTOR® Code of Ethics Article 12:
The duties imposed by the Code of Ethics encompass all real estate related activities and transactions whether conducted in person, electronically, or through any other means. Members are encouraged to revisit Article 12 with particular attention to 12-8, 12-9, 12-10, and 12-11 and Article 15 with particular attention to 15-2
RENTAL AFFAIRS KNOWS HOW TO PARTY!
Over 40 rental agents attended the Rental Affairs party at Bethany Blues on April 23. This was a great chance to network, refresh and prepare for the upcoming rush of the summer season. It was truly a grand "Opening" to the season.
The Rental Affairs committee will resume their regular meetings in the fall. Keep your eye on Looking Ahead in At a Glance.
Seats are going fast for the May 14 bus trip to NAR Midyear in Washington, D.C. SCAOR and KCAR are jointly offering this bus for interested REALTORS® to travel to Midyear.
Experience the NAR Convention and Tradeshow, lunch, and meeting your elected representatives on Capitol Hill while being chauffeured.
| 7 am |
Bus departs from ERA Harrington on Jefferic Boulevard, Dover |
| 8 am |
Bus departs SCAOR office (23407 Park Avenue) in Georgetown |
| 10 am |
Arrival in D.C. |
| 6 pm |
Bus departs D.C. (no planned dinner stops en route) |
| 8 pm |
Bus returns to Georgetown |
| 9 pm |
Bus returns to Dover |
Register online here, and please indicate at which location you will meet the bus.
Sussex County Council and the Sussex County Association of REALTORS® declared April Fair Housing Month in Sussex County.
On hand for the proclamation were Bill Lecates - Community Housing Sussex County, Ruth Briggs King - EVP SCAOR, Bill Lucks - 2008 SCAOR President, Trina Joyner - 2008 SCAOR Director, Sandy Duncan - SCAOR Diversity chair, and Juana Fuentes-Bowles - Chair of Human
Relations Commission, State of Delaware.
Who's the best REALTOR® Good Neighbor you know?
Act Quickly! Get your nomination in this month so they may be recognized for all their hard work.
Nominations are due Thursday, May 8th.
See attached nomination form >>
The Education Committee is pleased to announce a new way to show your thanks for those wonderful instructors you know and appreciate. Is there one instructor you always seek out for continuing education classes? Nominate them here for our brand new Educator of the Year award. Show your appreciation in a public way for all the hard work your instructors do to make your credits as fun and interesting as possible.
Click Here for the Nomination Form — Due Friday, May 9 >>
First Annual Statewide Disability Conference
Fair and Accessible Housing for All |
Next Wednesday, April 30, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Delaware Technical & Community College
Georgetown, Delaware
- Reasonable Accommodations/ Modifications for Persons with Disabilities
- New Design and Housing Construction
- Accessible Housing for 55+ and 62+ Communities
- NIMBYism (Not in My Back Yard)
Brought to you by Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council, Inc. (DCRAC) and
The Fair Housing Task Force.
For more information, please call DCRAC:
(877) 825-0750
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CONFERENCE
PROGRAM FLYERS
Registration Flyer >>
Promotional Flyer >>
Promotional Flyer in Spanish >>
For more information about affordable housing in Delaware, please follow this link to the Delaware State Housing Authority Website:
www.destatehousing.com
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April is Fair Housing Month and that always raises a lot of important questions about our REALTOR® roles and responsibilities in regards to Fair Housing.
The sale and purchase of a home is one of the most significant events that any person will experience in his or her lifetime. It is more than the simple purchase of housing, for it includes the hopes, dreams, aspirations, and economic destiny of those involved.
Click Here for Ways to Help Protect The Homeownership Dream >>
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ETHICALLY SPEAKING...
How do you think the Professional Standards Panel ruled in last week's Case Study? Below is the Hearing Panel's decision.
Case #10-4: Use of "Choose Your Neighbor" Marketing Letters
The Hearing Panel found REALTOR® A in violation of Article 10 of the Code of Ethics. In their decision, the panel advised REALTOR® A that no instruction from a client could absolve a REALTOR® from the obligation to market properties without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or country of national origin, as expressed in Article 10. There was no doubt, in the panel's opinion, that the exclusive use of "Choose Your Neighbor" letters to market the property was designed to circumvent the requirements of Article 10.
Listing of April 25, 2008 through May 30, 2008
Delaware News & Meetings
Read today's issue of REALTOR® News You Can Use from Delaware Association of REALTORS®.
And again, do put Thursday, May 8th on your calendar and R.S.V.P. now to join us at the Delaware General Assembly that day. At the 11:30 a.m. luncheon you will enjoy hearing from key people who are representing YOU. In the early afternoon visit with your legislators, and then join with fellow REALTORS® and your government officials at the following reception.
This event is now FREE to members. Thank you to those who have already signed up! (You will be issued a refund.)
You must still RSVP. Please Sign Up Here!
