SCAOR offers deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Chad Spicer of Georgetown, killed in the line of duty on September 1. Donations may be made to any Wilmington Trust for his three year old daughter Aubrey Spicer. Checks should be made out to: Norman Spicer - Aubrey Spicer Fund.

Corporal Shawn Brittingham, injured in the same incident, is the brother of Matt Brittingham, a REALTOR^® at Prudential Gallo. Please join us in offering prayers for a swift recovery to Shawn, and our thanks to him for his service to our community.

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It's down to the wire as office ducks jockey for top duck; small ducks vie to win prizes. Which office will have the most REALTORS® attending?..... ResortQuest is challenging Lingo for the lead. There's a tight pack chasing their tail feathers! Coldwell Banker Rehoboth, Long & Foster Bethany, Keller Williams Lewes, RE/MAX Bethany, Ocean Atlantic Sotheby's, Coldwell Banker Bethany and two affiliates: Sergovic & Carmean and Prosperity Mortgage. . . Will your office join the race? Click here to jump in.

Food, drinks and access to Jungle Jim's — the best ticket of the summer or fall is this Friday.  Buy your duckies here  for our family-friendly end of summer splash . . . all to support our industry and homeownership.

$20 for adult ducks $10 kid ducks, ages 3 - 17;   2 and under, FREE (All youth must be accompanied by adult.) Family Quack Pack: $50 = 2 adults + 2 kids Additional adults $15/duck; Additional kids $10/duck (All must register at the same time.) $100 Office ducks, or earn an office duck through 100% participation OR registering 10 or more office REALTORS®

Join more than 125 RPAC supporters and friends at Jungle Jim's ~ Just click here!

The SCAOR office will close at 2 p.m. this Friday, September 11 for the Jungle Jim duck race. See you at the race!

Online Voting is Now Open!
Exercise Your Right to Vote! Click Here to Vote! Please vote, and encourage office members to do the same! Please note: All primary REALTOR® members of SCAOR in good standing are authorized to vote. Check Out Our Candidates Below! Click on the candidates' names to read their biography.
The Board of Directors of the Sussex County Association of REALTORS® has approved the following slate of officers for the year 2010. Online voting is now open for your 2010 Officers and Directors and will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5th, 2009.
OFFICERS
President	Judy Dean	Long & Foster, Rehoboth
President-Elect	Sandy Greene	ResortQuest, Bethany
1st Vice President	Trina Joyner	Home Team Realty, Seaford
2nd Vice President	Sharon Palmer	Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, Rehoboth
DIRECTORS
One year	Sue Bramhall	Callaway, Farnell & Moore, Seaford
Three Year	Nora Martin	Remax Realty, Rehoboth
Three Year	Brad Riedle	Remax Realty, Rehoboth
NON-BALLOT POSITIONS
Past President	Steve Alexander	ResortQuest, Bethany
Treasurer	Donna Neithardt	Home Team Realty, Seaford
Director-two years	Bruce Plummer	Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, Rehoboth
Director-two years	Andrew Ratner	Prudential Gallo, Rehoboth

 
 

2010 SCAOR COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

2010 is fast approaching, and it is time to establish committees for the upcoming year. If you are interested in becoming a member of a committee next year, please return the application form, or apply online. Each committee description is detailed below. If you have questions about a specific committee please call the SCAOR office at 302-855-2300. We will try to accommodate as many requests as possible; however, some committees are limited in size. Volunteer names will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval.   Education Committee Purpose: To maintain the ongoing continuing education at the Association. Goal: Find new and innovative educational programs to better the members. Meetings: Meetings are monthly or as determined by Chair. Additional Responsibilities: Monitor classes. Chairperson: Karen Hamilton, Callaway, Farnell & Moore   Government Affairs Committee Purpose: To serve as a liaison for the membership on all political issues facing the real estate community. Goal: Continue monitoring real estate related issues in Sussex County. Meetings: Meetings are monthly or as determined by Chair. There are no meetings in April, June, September, November or December. Chairperson: Sue Bramhall, Callaway, Farnell & Moore   Grievance Committee Purpose: To review ethics complaints and requests to arbitrate, to determine if there is a possible violation in the Code of Ethics or the matter is an arbitrable matter. Goal: Enforce the Code of Ethics & promote professional conduct. Meetings: As needed when complaints are received. Special Requirements: Each member that serves on this committee must complete a mandatory Professional Standards Training Course held the first part of 2010. Two vacancies for 2010, each a 3 year commitment. Chairperson: Adriane Gallagher, Prudential Gallo   H O P (Housing Opportunities Partnership) Committee Purpose: Promote Fair Housing and Diversity awareness to our members, promote community outreach, and develop programs supporting NAR Diversity Initiatives. Goal: All SCAOR members are in compliance with Federal Fair Housing Laws and aware of special diversity initiatives. Meetings: To be determined. Chairperson: Trina Joyner, Home Team   Multiple Listing Service Committee Purpose: To monitor and recommend to the Board of Directors the ongoing services to the general membership as it relates to the computerized services of the real estate market in Sussex County. Goal: Continue to monitor issues that affect the MLS books, online computer service and forms. Meetings: Meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 9:00 am at SCAOR. Chairperson: Sandra Greene, Resort Quest   Professional Standards Committee Purpose: To provide the framework for the membership to hold itself accountable to NAR Code of Ethics and SCAOR Bylaws. To develop an ongoing program to explain the Code of Ethics to members and the public at large for the purpose of professional enlightenment. Goal: Enforcement of the Code of Ethics. Meetings: After the training session the committee will meet as hearings are scheduled. Special Requirements: Each member that serves on this committee must complete a mandatory Professional Standards Training Course held the first part of 2010. Two vacancies for 2010, each a 3 year commitment. Chairperson: Jim Kelleher, RE/MAX Realty Group   Public Awareness (Public Relations) Committee Purpose: To promote, advance and support members of SCAOR. Goal: To increase visibility and usage of SCAOR website via advertising, and educate potential buyers about the benefits of using a REALTOR®. Meetings: To be determined. Chairperson: Tim Fisher, ResortQuest   Rental Affairs Committee Purpose: REALTORS® whose primary interests are the rental of property. To promote and share the concerns of the large rental market in Sussex County Goal: Continue to monitor issues that affect the rental agents in our membership. Meetings: Meets monthly or on an as needed basis. Chairperson: Annette Marine, Wilgus Associates   Risk Reduction / Bylaws Committee Purpose: Monitor issues that will affect broker/agents on a liability basis as well as monitoring and updating SCAOR bylaws. Goal: To assure that the Association is in compliance with NAR guidelines and Bylaws. Meetings: Meets as needed to update bylaws. Chairperson: Bruce Plummer, Coldwell Banker, RRR - Rehoboth   Rookies (REALTOR® for less than 3 years) Committee Purpose: Educating and helping new agents (under 3 years) in their upcoming real estate career. Goal: To help agents get to the next level in real estate. Meetings: Monthly Chairperson: Lidia Smith, Long & Foster - Bethany   Volunteers.....the heart and soul of an active Association. Volunteer today >>

September - November 2009 CEU Class Savings We are fast approaching 2010 Delaware license renewals. Primary REALTOR® members! Don't miss out on a $5 discount per class, for September through November classes only! NEW! Another Legislative Update on DUCIOA (Condo/HOA law changes) instructed by Andy Taylor has been added on October 6. See the full schedule and register online at www.scaorstore.com Classes!
Thursday, Sept 17	Title Search - SOLD OUT! 3 CE course	5 - 8 pm
Monday, Sept 21	Rental Agents I 3 CE course	9 am - 12 noon
	Broker's Core - 2 seats left 3 CE course, MANDATORY for Brokers	9 am - 4 pm
	Rental Agents II 3 CE course	1 - 4 pm
Tuesday, Sept 22	Short Sales & Foreclosures - SOLD OUT! 3 CE course	9 am - 12 noon
	Home Inspection (includes Septic) 3 CE course	9 am - 12 noon
	How to Buy Foreclosed Properties 3 CE course	1 - 4 pm

Sussex County Association of REALTORS^® will hold its annual General Membership meeting on September 24, 2009.

The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at the SCAOR facility. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Overflow parking is in back of the SCAOR building on the grass.

Continental breakfast will be served.
Please register to attend at www.scaorstore.com.

Seating capacity is 140. If member RSVP's exceed the capacity of our facility, the meeting will be moved off site to fully accommodate all of those members that are interested in participating.

 
 

Sussex County Chapter of WCR First Annual Yard Sale Saturday, September 19th in Lewes   $15 table reservations ~ Flea Market ~ Bake Sale ~ Hot Dogs

Do YOU Know Any of These? Twitter, Active Rain, Facebook, Plaxo, Blogs, Pod Casts Please Join the Sussex and Delmarva WCR Chapters to Learn!   Date: Tuesday, September 29 Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: The Woodlands of Ocean Pines 1135 Ocean Parkway Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Phone: (410) 208-9001 Guest Speaker: Joseph G. Ferrara Lunch: 12 noon - 1 p.m. Program: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Followed By HAPPY HOUR & NETWORKING 4 pm til . . . Also Play Deal or No Deal (50-50) Click here to register >> Click here for flyer >>

 
 

Setting The Best Price The market seems to be picking up, and that may lead Sellers to change their strategy when pricing their property for sale. Many times a Seller will make some of the following mistakes: Click here to find out >>

 
Over the past year, the Delaware Real Estate Commission (DREC) has been working on re-writing the licensing act. DREC made a full presentation of recommended changes at their July 9 meeting. Many of the recommended changes are based on Sunset Committee recommendations to clean up the statute as well as to clarify provisions and make the act consist with practices today and to best protect the public interest.

Some of the major changes include:

• clarifying what Property Management Services are covered under the statute
• having three licenses: Salesperson, Associate Broker and Broker, clearly identifying Broker to mean the managing Broker
• raising penalties to $5,000 per violation
• requiring a minimum of three years experience to be the designated on-site supervisor for Brokers with multiple offices
• clarifying when a licensee may prepare a Comparative Market Analysis
• eliminating the nonresident license in favor of clarifying reciprocal licenses
• requiring an office permit for the main office as well as additional offices
• providing biennial renewal of all offices and the associated fees
• adding Presumed Statutory Agency and Presumed Dual Agency for 1-4 family residential properties which establishes that Agency relationships would be assumed and not predicated by the signing of a CIS. The CIS would need to be signed prior to entering into a Listing Agreement or Agreement of Sale. The CIS would be signed earlier if a different agency relationship was being established.

Above is just a summary of the highlights. The Delaware Real Estate Commission has completed their intensive review of the law for Delaware real estate, and released their proposed changes at www.dpr.delaware.gov.

A time-line for public comments will be produced and then the final recommendation will be included in legislation expected to be introduced in the next session of the Delaware General Assembly.

To review a current draft of the revised Real Estate license law, click here.

You may send your responses to SCAOR or directly to the Real Estate Commission (gayle.melvin@state.de.us). This is not the usual mid-summer novel, but it is important!

 
Full Listing of Delaware Planning News & Meetings >>

 

STATEWIDE FORMS UPDATE Listing Agreement (MS Word) - Modified Aug. 6, 2009 Agreement of Sale for Delaware Residential Property (fillable PDF) - Modified Aug. 6, 2009 Agreement of Sale for Delaware Unimproved Land (fillable PDF) - Modified July 22, 2009 Common Interest Community Resale Certification (fillable PDF) - Modified Aug. 5, 2009 Short Sale Addendum to Listing Agreement (fillable PDF) - Modified Aug. 6, 2009 Short Sale Addendum to Agreement of Sale (fillable PDF) - Modified Aug. 11, 2009 The new Statewide Sales Agreements are available as fillable PDF's. They are conveniently available once logged in to SCAORStore.com Members Only.

DAR has announced its slate of officers for 2010 that was approved at the July 22^nd board meeting.
Voting will be held at the General Membership Meeting during the 2009 Convention in October.

The 2010 slate of officers are:

President (automatic)	Kevin Hensley - NCCBOR		Director-at-Large	Joseph Poole - NCCBOR
President-Elect	Bill Lucks - SCAOR		NAR Director (2010-11)	Dick Brogan - KCAR
Vice President	Todd Stonesifer - KCAR		Past President (automatic)	Lauren Alberti - SCAOR
Treasurer	Geri Parisi - NCCBOR

Held at Wild Quail Golf & Country Club
Monday, October 12, 2009
Shotgun Start 10:00 a.m.
Lunch Provided
Watch your inbox for more details

Have you signed up for the 2009 DAR Convention?

RACE TO THE FUTURE comes to Dover Downs October 14 & 15.
$125 Early Bird Rate ends September 15 - Click here to sign up today.

Please share our sympathy with Cindy Spieczny and family upon the passing of her mother. Services were Friday, September 4. Memorial donations may be sent to:

Hunt's Memorial United Methodist Church
PO Box 332
Riderwood, MD 21139

Please read the REALTORS^® Code of Ethics Article 5. Based upon your understanding, how do you think the Hearing Panel ruled in last week's Case Study? Below is the Hearing Panel's decision.

Case #5-1: Contemplated Interest in Property Appraised

Rick Allamong, a former MLS Committee chairman, will instruct attendees on how to utilize the MLS to its maximum potential. This FREE class will be held on Thursday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to Noon.

Register here >>

 
 

O C T O B E R
1	PR Committee Meeting	9:30 - 10:30 am
2	Mock Hearing - 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Stress Management - 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Go Green and Earn Green - New 3 CE course	1 - 4 pm
5	Real Estate Concepts - 3 CE course, MANDATORY for Agents	9 am - noon
	Legislative Update - 3 CE course, MANDATORY for Agents	1 - 4 pm
6	Running your Real Estate Career as a Business - 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Basic Flood Insurance Training - New 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Legislative Update: DUCIOA (Condo / HOA Law Update) - 3 CE course, MANDATORY for Agents	1 - 4 pm
	Increase Sales with Government Financing - New 3 CE course	5 - 8 pm
7	Staging: Helping Sellers Achieve Maximum Sales Price (A Marketing Tool) - 3 CE course	6 - 9 pm
8	Affiliate Meeting	9 am
13	MLS Committee Meeting	9 - 11 am
	Foundation Meeting	9 - 10 am
14 - 15	Delaware Association of REALTORS® 2009 Convention
15	MLS Orientation	9 am - noon
	Government Affairs Meeting	3 - 5 pm
	Title Search - 3 CE course	5 - 8 pm
21	DAR Board of Directors Meeting	10:30 am - 12:30 pm
22	SCAOR Community Service Foundation Auction and Gala	5:30 - 10 pm
27 - 28	Thought Patterns for High Performance in Dover	8 am - 5 pm
29	Broker's Core - 3 CE course, MANDATORY for Brokers	9 am - 4 pm
N O V E M B E R
4	Legislative Update - 3 CE course, MANDATORY for Agents	9 am - noon
	Real Estate Concepts - 3 CE course, MANDATORY for Agents	1 - 4 pm
5	PR Committee Meeting	9:30 - 10:30 am
	Maximize the MLS!   Free training	10 am - noon
6	Intro to Commercial Real Estate - 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	Intro to Office Leasing - 3 CE course	1 - 4 pm
9	Septic Training - 3 CE course	9 am - noon
	At Home with Diversity - 3 CE course	1 - 4 pm
	Staging: Helping Sellers Achieve Maximum Sales Price (A Marketing Tool) - 3 CE course	6 - 9 pm
10	MLS Committee Meeting	9 - 11 am
12	Title Search - 3 CE course	5 - 8 pm
	MLS Orientation	9 - 12 noon
13 - 16	2009 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Diego, California
17	New Member Orientation	9 am - 4 pm
19	Board of Directors Meeting	9 am - 12 noon
26 - 27	Thanksgiving Holiday - SCAOR and DAR offices closed

One Can or One Dollar     Please remember to donate One Can of food or $1 to our Local Food Banks anytime you attend an event or stop by the SCAOR office.

 
Join us in the   JUNGLE this Friday! Grab your tickets today >>